Traditionally, witches and pagans have always worked closely with the moon’s energy.
Although any time is perfectly fine for casting spells, certain phases of the moon will boost the power and success of a spell, so it is incredibly useful to work with the moon to achieve optimal results.
If you’re new to working with lunar energy, a good way to start is by focusing on the full and new moons of the year. Make note of the dates these occur throughout the year so you can plan ahead.
The 2023 Lunar & Seasonal Diary by Stacey Demarco is the perfect reference for keeping track of the cycles of the moon so you can plan accordingly to make the most of its energies! Below is an overview taken from a chapter of her book on what each moon phase means and includes some suggestions on what spells to cast:
Full Moon
- The moon is full in the sky.
- Full energy! Big energy! Kapow!
- This moon gives you high-impact results and is perfect for attraction spells of any type.
- It’s a great time to explore and find your true path and purpose in life.
- Witches formally celebrate their relationship with the divine once every 28 days during full moon. This is called an esbat, literally a meeting with others in a coven or simply with the divine.
Waning Moon
- The moon is growing smaller in the sky, which occurs between the full moon and the new moon.
- Energy is reduced.
- It’s a good time to perform spells with a purpose and intention of getting rid of something that no longer serves you or to reduce an obstacle.
- It’s a great time to give up a bad habit such as an addiction or a limiting or negative belief.
Dark Moon
- No moon is visible in the sky.
- This is traditionally a time of introversion and rest.
- It’s a good time for spells that ask for peace and creative flow.
- Experienced witches can use this moon for powerful healing through positive hexing.
New Moon
- This occurs the day after the dark moon and is good for fresh starts and renewal.
- This is traditionally the time to make seven wishes.
- It is a great time for spells of health and for the beginning of projects or businesses.
- It’s a powerful time to cast spells for better mental health.
Waxing Moon
- The moon is growing larger in the sky, which happens between the new moon and the full moon.
- Energy is growing and expanding.
- It’s a good time to perform spells with a purpose and intention of growth and moving towards something you desire.
- It’s a powerful time to ask for more money, more positive relationships and better health.
- Wonderful for prosperity spells.
- Perfect for asking for bodily vitality, a pay rise, a new job or more recognition.
On top of working with the phases of the moon, you can also utilise the energy of the astrological signs the moon is transiting through. Each zodiac sign has corresponding themes which is effective for magickal workings. Below is another overview taken from the 2023 Lunar & Seasonal Diary with each zodiac signs correspondence and spellwork suggestions:
Capricorn
When the moon is in Capricorn it is an excellent time for magic concerning planning, clarity, strategy, career and purpose, status and obstacle busting.
Aquarius
When the moon is in Aquarius it is an excellent time for magical workings concerning popularity, strengthening friendships, change, creativity, science and deepening spirituality and for the greater good.
Pisces
When the moon is in Pisces it is a beneficial time for magical workings concerning dreams, completion, increasing psychic ability and intuition and flow. It is also a good time to do healing work around women’s cycles.
Aries
When the moon is in Aries it is a beneficial time for magical workings concerning stamina, leadership, dealing with authority figures, strength and study.
Taurus
When the moon is in Taurus it is an excellent time for magical workings concerning family and children, love, home matters, the purchase of real estate and creating sacred space in the home.
Gemini
When the moon is in Gemini it is a great time for magical workings concerning expansion, communication of all kinds, travel, writing and invocations.
Cancer
When the moon is in Cancer it is a great time for magical workings concerning all kinds of emotional healing and cutting cords of old relationships. It is also an optimum time for healing the body and promoting health, particularly through diet.
Leo
When the moon is in Leo it is an excellent time for magical workings concerning self-esteem, personal power, status, authority of all kinds and improving your relationship with your boss.
Virgo
When the moon is in Virgo it is a beneficial time for magical workings concerning getting or keeping a job, exams, purification, clearing and detoxing of all kinds.
Libra
When the moon is in Libra it is an excellent time for magical workings concerning balance, justice, all legal matters, better health and weight balance.
Scorpio
When the moon is in Scorpio it is a great time for magical workings concerning all sexual matters, healing trauma, reducing gossip and increasing fun.
Sagittarius
When the moon is in Sagittarius it is an excellent time for magical workings concerning truth, exposing dishonesty and clarity and asking for increased travel or protection during travel.
Other Recommended Witchcraft Books
Written by Melissa Belle, Tragic's Witchy Consultant.
