Many forms of witchcraft use the phases of the Moon as a guide for practice. The Moon completes a cycle in about 29.5 days, moving through eight main phases. For most practical purposes, three phases are especially important: the waxing moon, the full moon, and the waning moon. Learning about these phases and their energies can help you plan your intentions and rituals in harmony with natural cycles.
The waxing moon starts just after the new moon, when the Moon first becomes visible and continues until it is fully lit. During this phase, the Moon appears to grow larger each night. In witchcraft, the waxing moon is linked to growth, increase, and attraction. This is a good time to focus on new beginnings, abundance, prosperity, or personal growth. For example, you might choose this phase for spells to attract love, success, or new opportunities, or to begin new projects. The energy of the waxing moon builds gradually, so spells for increase may feel stronger as the full moon approaches.
The full moon is when the Moon is completely visible in the sky, and its energy is at its strongest. This phase lasts about 24 hours, but many people also include the day before and after as significant. The full moon is often chosen for rituals that need extra power, clarity, or insight. It is a common time for manifestation, divination, healing, and spiritual work. Many practitioners also use the full moon to charge tools, crystals, or water, believing that the Moon’s energy can cleanse and empower these items.
After the full moon, the waning moon phase begins. The Moon’s light slowly decreases until it disappears at the new moon. The waning phase is connected to release, banishing, and letting go. This is a suitable time for magick that removes obstacles, breaks bad habits, clears negativity, or ends unhealthy relationships. As the Moon wanes, its energy supports cleansing and making space for new growth in the next cycle. Some people imagine the waning moon as pouring out what is no longer needed, allowing for renewal.
If you are new to this practice, keeping a lunar calendar or journal can help you track the Moon’s phases and your experiences. Over time, you may notice patterns in your energy, emotions, or the results of your spells that match the lunar cycle. Working with the Moon is about tuning in to natural rhythms and discovering what works best for you. By aligning your practice with the Moon’s phases, you can strengthen your connection to nature and your own inner cycles.
