meaning of the new moon

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

SharonElizabeth	04 Sep 2002
I have a question about the magickal significance of the new moon. Since it's coming up this Friday it made me curious about what types of effects the new moon would have? I've seen the effects of the full moon in hieghtened energy and awareness levels. But how does the new moon affect us?

Starfish	04 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by SharonElizabeth I have a question about the magickal significance of the new moon. Since it's coming up this Friday it made me curious about what types of effects the new moon would have? I've seen the effects of the full moon in hieghtened energy and awareness levels. But how does the new moon affect us? This is a time I use for spells for banishment, release, reversals. It's a great time to break bad habits or bad addictions, to end unhealthy relationships. I find it to be a time of deep intuition and the perfect time for divination. At this time the moon represents the Goddess in her Crone Aspect, and is the time that I give praise to Hecate (Morrigan, or one of the other Crone Goddesses). :TSUN Starfish

the hermit	04 Sep 2002
The new moon is a new beginning of the cycle. It's magickal significance comes from the "new beginning". From the new moon to the full moon, it is said to be a "waxing" (growing) moon. The waxing moon is a time of beginnings, charging, cleansing, growth, bringing, seeking, and other positive activities. This month's moon is also called the "Harvest Moon". There are many books about the moon and magick. One that I found useful and interesting is "Moon Magick" by D.J. Conway. It contains lunar magick for the whole year based on the "Lunar" calendar. As well as information on the moon and it's historical connections with magick. Starfish-- Isn't the Crone normally associated with the dark of the moon? And the Maiden with the crescent and Mother with full?

WhiteDrag0n	04 Sep 2002
I agree with hermit....Moon Magick is an excellent book. Check it out

Rhiannon	04 Sep 2002
Have to add my praise for the book Moon Magick by Conway. It not only has rituals and explanations about each phase of the moon (for the whole year) it also has crafts... things you can do alone or with your kids, if you have them. It's really wonderful! Quote: and is the time that I give praise to ... other Crone Goddesses). Thanks, Starfish! LOL }) R :)

Strega	05 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by SharonElizabeth I have a question about the magickal significance of the new moon. Since it's coming up this Friday it made me curious about what types of effects the new moon would have? I've seen the effects of the full moon in hieghtened energy and awareness levels. But how does the new moon affect us? The New Moon is a time for new beginnings, abundance, and starting new ventures. During this time, you may work with constructive magick such as spells for love, romance, wealth, health, beauty, success, luck, and self-improvement. :) Quote: Originally posted by Starfish This is a time I use for spells for banishment, release, reversals. It's a great time to break bad habits or bad addictions, to end unhealthy relationships. I find it to be a time of deep intuition and the perfect time for divination. At this time the moon represents the Goddess in her Crone Aspect, and is the time that I give praise to Hecate (Morrigan, or one of the other Crone Goddesses). Hmmm... Isn't the Balsamic or Dark Moon the best time for that? :)

the hermit	05 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Starfish This is a time I use for spells for banishment, release, reversals. It's a great time to break bad habits or bad addictions, to end unhealthy relationships. I find it to be a time of deep intuition and the perfect time for divination. At this time the moon represents the Goddess in her Crone Aspect, and is the time that I give praise to Hecate (Morrigan, or one of the other Crone Goddesses). :TSUN Starfish Quote: Originally posted by Strega Hmmm... Isn't the Balsamic or Dark Moon the best time for that? :) I do not wish to belabor a point, nor do I wish to begin a belief debate, but I think this may be a bit confusing for some, especially those new to the study of the metaphysical and the occult. First let me state that as far as I’m concerned there is nothing to stop anyone from performing any act of magick at anytime. And personal associations, whether based on the lunar, solar, religious or personal cycle are just that... personal. But at the same time, there are certain associations that are considered common by many within the world of occult studies. Second, let me state some terminology that all may not be completely familiar with... New Moon... general considered to be the time that the brand new crescent moon is first visibly illuminated to the naked eye. Waxing Crescent Moon... the first week of the new lunar cycle when the moon is crescent shaped and the crescent is growing larger. Waxing Moon... that time when the moon has reached it's “first quarter” and is no longer crescent shaped, still not a full moon but still growing more illuminated each night. This is the second week of the lunar cycle. This is also know as a “gibbous” or “waxing gibbous” moon. Full Moon... that time when the moon appears to be fully lit to the naked eye. From both the astrological AND astronomical standpoint this occurrence is the specific moment in time when the moon becomes fully illuminated by the sun. Waning Moon... time after full moon when it begins to darken but is not yet a crescent moon. This is the third week of the lunar cycle. This is also know as a “gibbous” or “waning gibbous” moon. Waning Crescent Moon... this begins the 4 week of the lunar cycle, the "last quarter", when the moon is now crescent shaped again and continues to darken until it is no longer visibly illuminated to the naked eye. Dark of the Moon... time when the moon is no longer visibly illuminated. I'm not generally a follower of the lunar cycle whether or not I’m using magick, so I went back and consulted D. J.'s book (and some online resources) to be sure of my own recollections in this area and she agrees with you Strega. At the very least one normally would use the waning moon (after full) for what Starfish is suggesting but most suggest that the dark of the moon would be the more auspicious time for such work. Finally, let me reiterate my opening statement... any act of magick may be performed at anytime. But one usually wishes for the best results and many feel that observing the proper lunar timing will bring about the most favorable results. The new and waxing moon seems most associated with “positive” magick such as prosperity, love, healing, growth, etc. The full moon seems most associated with charging and cleansing rituals as well as harvest and health, motherhood, etc. The waning moon and the dark of the moon seem most associated with the rituals mentioned by Starfish... such as banishing, release, reversals, breaking bad habits or bad addictions, to end unhealthy relationships, etc. And the dark of the moon is definitely very associated with the Crone aspect, just as winter also is her time. The dark of the moon is also considered by many to be the most auspicious time for meditation, deep intuition and divination. These associations are mentioned by many authors including D. J. Conway... but nothing is written in stone. These are just what they consider common associations. And the bottom line is whatever associations you wish to make with the lunar cycle are up to you.

tigerlily	05 Sep 2002
I don't do much magick and I haven't included the moon pahses so far ... but there's something I noticed: You know that each moon (as in "month") is named for some characteristic natural phenomenon occuring at that time ("snow moon" for December, for example, or "hay moon" for June). Now I noticed that these natural characteristics start to manifest in the waning phase of the moon. So, it will be too wet and cool for making hay in the waxing phase of the hay moon, but warm and dry weather will set in during the waning phase, so you can cut the grass. Or it will be rainy i the waxing pahse, but snowfall will set in in the waning phase of the snow moon. I have been observing this for two years now. It may be a local phenomenon, but it has deepened my understanding of the moon phases. Now the waning moon is the "outpouring" or "manifesting" moon, when things become visible. The waxing moon is the "pregnant" moon, when things grow invisibly. The full and dark ("empty") moon are the turning points: full moon is bursting with energy that it "needs" to let out; dark moon is empty and "sucking in" ambient energy. I have observed that I am usually more active, more energetic in the waning phase, I have a need to be active, do sports, go shopping ; waxing moon, I am more at home, relaxing, enjoying things or planning projects.

Strega	05 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by the hermit These are just what they consider common associations. And the bottom line is whatever associations you wish to make with the lunar cycle are up to you. And I agree... Thanks for the reminder, The Hermit. :)

the hermit	05 Sep 2002
tigerlily: in a way, your observations are a local phenomenon... and not. since the lunar year has 13 months (28 day lunar cycle x 13 = 364) as opposed to the solar calendar (12 variable month lengths = 365) we find each month with a full moon (but with the date moving) and sometimes with 2 (the second one called a “blue” moon--one at the beginning the other at the end of the month). Thus, each month’s full moon is named for the “theme” of that month and it does, indeed, often follow the pattern you’ve observed. But as the full moon date moves, this causes it to become “out-of-sync” with your observations. As the cycles move they will, of course, come back into “sync”. Never the less, you have a valid point, and in particular I find your “understanding” of the waning, waxing, full and dark phases and their relationships to you excellent metaphoric comparatives. Relating the phases with energy “effect” is perfect... Waxing = pregnant Full = bursting Waning = outpouring Dark = incoming You are not alone in your feelings. Besides many authors there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that the moon and her phases effect us all in these ways. Scientific studies have not definitively proved or disproved these effects, but agree that the moon and it’s tidal influence do, indeed, have obvious effects on various parts of our world and it’s occupants, but cannot agree on how much effect, what is effected or on whom the effect occurs. But ask any ER staffer, cop or psychiatric care provider about full moons and you’ll hear LOTS of interesting stories.

The meaning of the new moon thread was originally posted on 04 Sep 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.