Sylvan Wicca: The Moon

As Witches we work by the phases of the moon, differing phases bringing in differing energies. the moon represents the mysteries of the Goddess. She has been associated to the female energies for thousand of years because of the obvious likeness to monthly cycles and because of the mysterious energies it controls. We all know the moon effects the tides , and we as humans are a huge percentage of water. Other evidence of the energies the moon emits are obvious to any who work in industries such as law enforcement or with the insane( hence the word lunatick). Plants grow, fish spawn , earth quakes can happen with the full moon. Full moon is also worshipped for such mundane reasons such as they could see their way to their place of worship with the extra light provided. Although being a woman I tend to carry on about the Goddess alot, the full moon provides a balanced energy because remember that the moon shines from energies provided from the sun, therefore masculine energies are inherent also .Also some cultures considered the moon masculine such as the Egyptions.
To find out when the moon phases are just ring the observatory, or look them up on the internet, and they will tell you. If your going by a store bought calendar , check to see if its correct, sometimes its for another part of the world.
There are approximately 12.38 moons per solar year, one cycle of the moon last 29.5 days. A blue moon is when there are two full moons per calender month , these occur every three, six and eight years.

At this level you really only need to know the four basic phases. At a deeper level, the day , hour , month and astrological sign will affect your spell workings. As long as your working the right phase of the moon and with good intent, you should be right. As you all probably know we relate the phases of the moon with the phases of of a woman's life.

New moon. This is the phase to start spells , that can culminate on the full moon, or to do spells that are to do with growth. New moon is the Maiden phase of the moon. I could worship Phersephone here

Full Moon. This is when the moon is at her most powerful. cast spell that need power. The moon is at her mother aspect, strong and able could worship a Goddess such as Demeter here.

Waning moon. Cast sells that are riding of negativity's at this phase, or wisdom spells. The moon is in crone phase and is wise. I could relate this phase to Heceta or any crone Goddess.

Dark of the moon. It is not advisable to work in this phase of the moon for a beginner, well not just beginners, I have very rarely worked this phase. The moons strength is diminished for positive working's. it is more a time for facing inwards and learning to love yourself, even though you can acknowledge your own faults.

To find out the sign the moon is in, its probably easiest to buy a moon calendar from a new age shop, or sometimes they are published for gardeners to plant by .Moon signs are different to the normal astrological, but this is all a study in itself at which i'm not qualified to talk about.This next piece of info was given to me, im not sure where they pinched it.The new moon occurs in the same Zodiacl sign as the sun and the full moon in the opposite Zodiacl sign. If the sun is in cancer at new moon, the moon will also be in cancer, but the following full moon will be in capricorn if the sun is still in cancer.

I have unashamedly pinched the next moon phase advice straight out of the magazine Witchcraft, issue number eight.

Moon in Capricorn; When the moon is in Capricorn you will see the need for structure, discipline, and all those other mundanities which help our lives run more smoothly.(i'm writing this so I get to put mine first!!!!)

Moon in Aquarius; A time when unique and individual activities are favoured, but ones that favour all, rather than selfish, pursuits are best undertaken during this time.

Moon in Pisces; Reorganise yourself, move within and start making plans for the future.

Moon in Aries; Start things during this period which need last a short period. Anything undertaken while the moon is in Aries will be strong , but brief. (this makes sense to me Mars, or Aries used to be God of spring, but this coincided with the time of year that due to good weather they went to war, hence he became the god of war, as people appealed to him for good fortune in battle because he was the god current at this time of year. War couldn't be fought when the weather was too bad, so boughs of it would be fought in the good weather, I can see why casting here would be so)

Moon in Taurus; If you cast a spell while the moon is in Taurus it will outlast any other cast at any other time. So be cautious, once on this path things are very difficult to alter.

Moon in Gemini; A very inconsistent period. Projects during this time are not stable, and can be too easily influenced by exterior forces.

Moon in Cancer; This is very nurturing time where anything which concerns emotional ties between people is highly favoured.

Moon in Leo; This is a period of drama and overt exhibitionism. While the moon is in Leo , recreation and drama are highly favoured.(lol, yep i'm married to a Leo, I can see that one!!)

Moon in Virgo; Details are strengthened, so long as there is advice from superiors. This is not a great time for independent though.

Moon in Libra; Self -awareness, self examination, and interaction with others are all favourable during this period, but this is not a good time for spontaneity, so plan ahead.

Moon in Scorpio; A time of great psychic power, or at least it makes you more aware of these attributes. A time to finalise any inauspicious connections.

Moon in Sagittarius; A time when your imagination will soar, as will your creativity. A very positive time.

We worship and cast spell by the moon. We cast spell because we worship nature and believe that casting spells is using the natural elements of nature, therefore casting by the right phase is merely adding to this