Moon magic: A beginner’s guide to lunar cycles

Moon magic: whether you’re on the witchy side or just like to live cyclically, you’ll have heard of it by now. 

For the more witchy folk out there, you may already be familiar with full moon or new moon rituals, but keep in mind you can use the entire cycle—just like ancient civilizations did—to pull a point of focus into your spell or energy work.

Below, you’ll find a beginner’s guide to moon magic: what it is, its history, and how you can use it in your spell and ritual work, or just to know what to focus or work on with yourself during each phase!

What is moon magic?

Moon magic is where you use the moon’s lunar cycle and energy as a guide for your own personal spell crafting practice. As each phase of the moon is associated with a different kind of energy, each phase will be useful in its own way for different focuses, spells, or rituals. Often, moon magic is linked to setting and achieving goals, but it can also be used for transformation, release, or renewal, among other things.

It’s important to note that, while working with the moon’s phases won’t guarantee success (as there’s never a guarantee of success when doing spells or rituals!), working against them won’t cause you harm, either. 

Just remember: whether you’re performing spells or just trying to live more in sync with the moon, think of the moon’s lunar cycles as a guide, rather than a set of rules.

What is the history of moon magic?

Moon magic has gained popularity in recent years, but the use of moon magic dates back thousands of years to civilizations—such as Greeks and Romans—who believed the lunar cycle held energy which could affect the natural world. 

In more recent years, pagans, witches, and those in tune with the change of seasons and earth’s cycles have become enamoured with lunar magic, or at least tracking the moon’s cycles. Some even believe that the moon’s cycles can control our emotions.

For those of you who aren’t into magic, think of it this way: the tides and certain weather patterns are controlled by the moon’s cycles, and some sea life’s breeding cycles sync with the moon (as do menstrual cycles, to a degree). There is incredible power there, whether you feel it or not!

Why might someone want to perform moon magic?

There are any number of reasons someone may want to start using moon magic in their daily practice. It could be that they want a structure for achieving a goal, or need help releasing something that seems to stick with them, or just want to deepen and expand their own magic practice. Whatever the reason, just know it changes from person to person—and you don’t need to follow the moon’s cycles if you don’t want to.

A trick for using moon magic

When I first started using the lunar cycle to perform moon magic, I had a hard time remembering what each phase was linked to. But I figured out a trick:

Think of it as though the full moon is something you’re working up to. Everything leading to it is “powering you up” for something: the full moon’s intense energy. And then everything after the full moon, right up until the next new moon, is “powering you down” and preparing you for the next cycle. In other words, we go from intention and action to rest and release.

The moon’s phases (and how to work with each one)

As mentioned earlier, each phase of the moon brings with it unique energy, which attunes to different spells, rituals, or focuses you may want to have during the lunar cycle. Below you’ll find each phase, what it looks like, and what you may want to focus on during each.

New or dark moon

This is the beginning of the moon’s cycle, when the moon cannot be seen from earth, as it rests between the earth and the sun. This phase of the moon signifies new beginnings, manifestation, and starting fresh. 

Some things you may want to focus on are setting goals for the next cycle, journaling to connect (or reconnect) to yourself, or cleansing your space or your energy with herbs, bells, or meditation.

Waxing crescent

With a waxing crescent moon, where just a small sliver of the moon can be seen in the sky. This phase of the moon is linked to intention, expansion, and positive action. 

Some things you may want to focus on are setting intentions for the month ahead, starting a new hobby or project, or start planning for your future.

First quarter

The first quarter, when the right half of the moon is illuminated, is linked to decision making, challenge, and forward movement. 

Some things you may want to focus on are reflecting on your intentions (and how you’re working toward the goals you set), working on any projects you started during the waxing crescent phase, or do a tarot reading to receive guidance on how you should move forward.

Waxing gibbous

During the waxing gibbous phase, the right-hand three quarters of the moon is illuminated—almost full. This phase of the moon is linked to refinement, building momentum, and growth. 

Some things you may want to focus on are grounding through nature, finding ways to draw in abundance, or practising gratitude for all you have and will receive during the cycle.

Full moon

During the peak of the lunar cycle, the entire moon is illuminated in the sky. This phase is linked to sealing your intentions, outward connection, and releasing anything no longer serving you. 

Some things you may want to focus on are finding ways of releasing emotions and pent-up energy, reflecting on how you’ve spent your time recently and whether it aligns with your goals, or tying up any loose ends in your life.

Waning gibbous

During a waning gibbous moon, the left-hand three quarters of the moon are illuminated. This phase is linked to gratitude, personal reflection, and, like the full moon, release. 

Some things you may want to focus on are spending time with friends and family, doing something gentle and creative, or working on releasing (or banishing) anything that isn’t serving you.

Third quarter

With the third quarter, the left half of the moon is illuminated in the sky. This phase is linked to forgiveness, endings, and closure.

Some things you may want to focus on are completing any unfinished business, making peace with anyone (or anything) that you’ve held a grudge against in the past, or meditating on where you’re at with your goals (and what you can do to move closer to them).

Waning crescent

During a waning crescent moon, the left-hand quarter of the moon is illuminated. This phase is linked to surrender, rest, and renewal.

Some things you may want to focus on are taking time to recharge (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), removing anything from your life (or space) that no longer serves you, or tying up any final loose ends.

New or dark moon

After the waning crescent phase, the moon is once again in its new phase, beginning the cycle over again.

Closing

You now know more about moon magic, its origins, and how each phase of the lunar cycle affects spell work, personal experiences, and emotions. I hope this guide helped you gain a better understanding of where to go with your practice and how to live more in sync with the moon’s cycle. 

What will you do first when working with the moon’s cycles?

xoxo

Catherine

Free Printable Planner Page

Before you go: I created a free printable for your grimoire (or your wall, binder, etc. Wherever you want to put it) on the moon’s lunar cycle and associations. You can find it here.

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