How to Cast Spells Using the Magical Timing of Moon Phases
Moon Phases
The image of the Witch in the moonlight may be stereotypical, but it's apt. Witches are intimately connected to the moon, and this is not just by coincidence. The moon is considered one of the most powerful forces to affect magical energy. The way the ebb and flow of the moon can affect the tides, our menstrual cycles, our moods, etc., it can also affect our magic.
Not all Witches bother with magical timing—everyone develops their own methods and techniques and it's always trial and error to find out what works best for you. But those of us who use lunar timing do so by choosing the moon phase most conducive to our working in order to lend it an extra lunar energy boost. This is akin to swimming with the tide rather than against it.
Phases of the Moon
Overview of the Moon Phases
Phase *
| Moon Looks**
| Approx. Rising Time
| Approx Setting Time
|
---|---|---|---|
Dark Moon
| Invisible
| sunrise
| sunset
|
Waxing Crescent
| Slim crescent (right side)
| mid-morning
| mid-evening
|
1st Quarter
| half full (right side)
| around noon
| around midnight
|
Waxing Gibbous
| 3/4 full (right side)
| mid-afternoon
| wee hours of morning
|
Full Moon
| full, round
| sunset
| sunrise
|
Waning Gibbous
| 3/4 full (left side)
| early evening
| mid-morning
|
3rd Quarter
| half full (left side)
| midnight
| noon
|
Waning Crescent
| Slim crescent (left side)
| wee hours of the morning
| mid-afternoon
|
Dark Moon Magic
There are some who say that it is ill-advised to work magic at this time. I don't agree with that—I think this is a potent time for your most powerful destructive magic. Note, destructive does not necessarily mean 'harmful'. You don't have to destroy a person; although if you were seeking to cast a curse, this would be the most opportune time for it.
Magical workings conducive to the dark moon include destroying or banishing very powerful things, such as unwanted entities, addictions or serious diseases. I would not use this time lightly—it's got a little too much 'umph' behind it to just get rid of a whiny ex who still calls you once in a while, to break your habit of having a second cup of coffee in the morning, or if you have the sniffles. But if you were dealing with, say, a stalker, a drug addiction, cancer, etc.—something that poses a serious threat—then this is the best timing for it.
The Dark Moon is also a good time to go within for soul-searching and to perform divination.
Waxing Cresent Moon Magic
When the moon is "waxing" it appears to be growing, the period from the dark to full moon phases. It's magnetic energy assists with bringing things to out. This entire waxing period is the best time to work with constructive magic, or magic that builds things/brings things to us.
The waxing crescent is the best time for magic on yourself (or on the subject) pertaining to new beginnings, such as starting a new project or making plans for the future. If you're looking to conjure energies into your life such as a more positive attitude, more patience, more understanding in your relationship, this is the perfect timing for such goals. When you want to cast spells for self improvement, such as if you want to improve your psychic abilities, to absorb the information in a new class, or bring out your inner beauty, this is the time to do it. Artists or anyone artistic/creative will find this the best time to cast spells or perform meditations that will bring inspiration and passion into your work.
First Quarter Moon Magic
The First Quarter, or Waxing Half Moon, is the time when energies are most conducive to attraction. Unlike the Waxing Crescent, which is best for going within and bringing things out, this is the best time for magic that attempts to draw things outside of yourself to you.
Use this time for spells and meditations meant to attract things you want in your life, such as money, protection or success. It's also an ideal time for attracting people into your life, such as friends, lovers and clients. If you're looking for an animal companion or have one that you want to bond with, this is a good time to perform the workings.
If you're looking for a lost object, or house hunting, etc., this is a good time to perform spells for success in that area to help you bring that which you most desire into manifestation.
Waxing Gibbous Moon Magic
The Waxing Gibbous is still a time for constructive magic, best used towards 'reeling in' that which you've been working for already. If you started a project and it's floundering, stalled, if you're at the point when the thing you're working for is coming into the home stretch and you need some extra energy to bring it home, the Waxing Gibbous will give it a boost.
This phase is a great energy for renewing your strength, will and determination to see your efforts through. If you are giving in to temptation on your diet, working hard toward something and feeling burnt out or are at the point where you're getting lazy and distracted from completing your tasks, give yourself a power boost during the Waxing Gibbous.
"Moon Magick" Phase
Full Moon Moon Magic
When the Earth is caught between the moon and the sun, the result is the Full Moon bearing the most powerful energies of the lunar cycle. The Full Moon is often seen by people as 'all purpose'—it's energies are prismatic in that it flows into all areas and needs, be it constructive or destructive.
Even more so than the Dark Moon, the Full Moon is a time you would utilize for extra power when you're facing very difficult challenges. This is not just for minor mundane tasks, such as looking for the energy to reorganize your closet or trying to clear negativity out of the house after an argument; this is a time to reserve for those important things in your life that need major changes or major boosts.
While you can plan spells for anything, utilize this energy for your priorities that really matter in your life, like if you need to win a court case, or find a new job with better pay to prevent you from losing your home.
Magics and meditations revolving around spirituality, psychic development, dreams and divination are particularly well times for the Full Moon.
Waning Gibbous Moon Magic
After the Full Moon peaks, we enter the waning half of the lunar cycle. Waning energies repel rather than attract, so it's a good time to begin working on spells to get rid of things.
Minor banishings can begin with the Waning Gibbous. This is a good time for general cleansings to upkeep your home, office, garden or any of your personal spaces, etc., to keep things from mounting up. This is also a good time to cleanse any personal objects you may have, such as your jewelry or magical tools. Think of this more like routine dusting-- there's no major build-up, you're just trying to keep things clear to prevent problems.
If you have something for which you need closure, or if you're ready to end something in your life (such as an unfulfilling relationship or unsatisfying business venture), this is a good time for spells to bring things to their fruition.
As for meditations and divination, rather than looking to the future or on to new things, it's a good time for introspection. Where have your previous attitudes and actions brought you? What things in your life have been affecting you most? Are you happy with where you are? Do you need to make any attitude or behavior adjustments?
Third Quarter Moon Magic
The Third Quarter, or the Waning Half-Moon, is the perfect timing for dealing with obstacles or leaping over hurtles that might cause you to stumble on your way. Whenever you've been working toward something, and there's a road block in your path, the timing of this moon phase offers appropriate energies for helping you burst through it.
Temptations are the number one thing I like to deal with during the Third Quarter. If I'm finding that I often want to cheat on my diet, or lay in bed rather than get up and do my exercise, or watch TV and fool around on the internet rather than working, I banish that temptation with a spell.
Another good use of this moon phase's energy is in aiding with transitions, whether these are transitions that you have to make or simply want to make in your life. It can help smooth out any wrinkles that might cause snags as you go on your way.
Waning Crescent Moon Magic
if you need to clear your life and home of negativity, stress, strife, chaos, etc., now is the time to do it. The Waning Crescent, as it approaches the Dark Moon phase, it suitable for stronger banishing than at any other time of the waning moon phases. Get rid of whatever has been plaguing you—anything you find to be seriously annoying, frustrating or concerning (save things that are serious threats for that Dark Moon).
If you need things to end—not just to finish up and bring to a close, but things that no longer serve you that you need to just stop in their tracks-- this moon phase is a good time to do it. Dropping a hopeless project, relationship, friendship, etc. is best done at this time. This is a good time to cast a spell for anything for which you wish to bring about a swift and benign ending.
Learn About Moon Phases
How to Use Moon Phase Magic
Some would argue that your need may not always correspond with the best moon phases timing—and that we don't always have 3 weeks to wait for the 'ideal timing'. I would say to these people: use your imagination!
For example, if you want to lose weight, look at the moon phases. If it's the Waxing Crescent, cast a spell to improve your energy or will power. If it's the Waxing Gibbous, cast it to triumph over cravings and urges to eat the wrong foods. If it's the Waning Half-Moon, cast the spell to destroy the tempting effects that bad foods hold over you. No matter what the moon phase, you can use it toward your goal.
Likewise, along the same line of thinking, some will also say that certain goals are best for certain moon timings—for example, a lot of the guides will say divorce spells are best suited for the Third Quarter or Waning Crescent. I would say: consider what you are trying to accomplish.
If you are starting your divorce proceedings and want to conjure up your own strength and resolve to deal with it, use the Waxing Crescent. To find a great lawyer, the First Quarter. For an overall boost to have it turn out in your favor, go for the Full Moon. If the divorce is dragging on due to negotiations, scheduling, paperwork and red tape, use the Third Quarter. If you just want it over quickly and done with, use the Waning Crescent. If you're dealing with a particularly nasty divorce with a soon-to-be ex-spouse who is playing dirty, trying to slander you or bringing false accusations against you, etc., utilize the power of the Dark Moon to destroy these efforts and make them backfire on him or her.
There are other ways to fine tune your spell timing as well; you can also go by planetary hours, days of the week, or the Moon Sign (the astrological sign through which the moon is currently passing). To fine-tune your timing even more, trying using more than one-- the right phase, in the right planetary hour, on the right day of the week in the ideal moon phases would offer a huge boost to your efforts—if it can happen. Unfortunately, all the elements don't always line up quite so neatly; but the more you can put to your advantage, the better.
One final thing to remember: magic isn't an exact science. Like cooking, there are basic techniques to learn, but you should practice, experiment, and adapt them to your own needs and uses. You might discover that certain types of spells are always more effective for you on the First Quarter—don't worry if me or some other writer recommends doing them on the Third Quarter. Do what works for you. Witchcraft involves a lot of trial and error because no matter what information you can learn about the energies around you and their influences, your own personal energies are always going to bring a new twist to it. It's not about who's wrong and who's right, but finding what works for you.
What's Your Opinion
Do you use lunar timing when planning your magical workings?
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Comments
Which moon would the best to cast a spell to get out of prison?
When is the best time for spell to return lost lover?
Ally D. Thank you.
Mike Richo,
I’m answering you, since she must be busy. Yes you can do spells anytime during the days. Full moon energy is usually a few days prior & after. The actual full moon times, can be anytime. If you look up the moon times online, many times the actual full moon point is during the day.
Same as 5 days ago. The question is if you know that the moon will be full at night for example can the spell be done at noon?
If doing a money spell that most people say should be done on Thursday around noon and you have a spell that says to do it the day of a waxing noon on Thursday, should you do the spell at noon or at night?
Hi, I am from India i am very much interested in witchcraft. i want to become a witch madam, please thought me how to become a witch.
Hi , thank you so much for sharing this
But I'm new to this and don't know any spells and don't know how to cast one, can you help me?
How about new moon?
What if the moon becomes full at 10am? Would the full moon the previous night or the day the moon becomes full.
Im just wondering if a spell requires a waxing moon, does it need to be dark out? Or is daylight acceptable
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Thank you yes the explanations arw veey clear amd to the point.
Thank you for your helpful explanations on moon phases!
Do you have any suggestions or advice on lunar eclipse?
Born with a kinda 6th sense but I call it intuition. Looking to take my awareness to the next level.Any suggestions?
This is absolutely THE most AMAZINGLY , FANTASTICALLY, WONDERFUL site I have yet to encounter!!! Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate you
Please allow me into your group of followers.
Truly grateful.
I have a couple of questions about a spell i did during the strawberry moon. Is there anyone out there willing to help me with my questions?
Bayoubeauty - I tend to agree with you. I've met many self proclaimed witches who use all sorts of gimmicks, herbs, incense, candles, you name it, and have never seen any significant results from their works. I'm quite a humble woman and will respect other true kraft-people but it does need to be earned. Having the 6th sense (as I call it) to be successful in witchery, is something you are born with. I suppose that anyone who reads extensively, from a wide variety of sources, might be able to conjure small success by hit or miss - or power of intention, but those who can use their will to INVOKE justice to be done (disease stricken, major injuries, job loss after a long-time reputable career at that company) or positive manifestations (new Mercedes $80k while unemployed, a stranger providing $65k in assets in less than 2 months, relocating across country with no means to do so and a home provided for you at arrival) are only accomplished by those who possess the spirit for doing this naturally. Just because a person is 'at one with the Universe" or a tree-hugger, or eats vegan, it will not make said person a successful krafter. Anyone can label themselves anything, but those of us who never sought it out, but were found with the gift bestowed upon us, and who work to amplify its manifestation within ourselves are the ones who are truly called witches (and warlocks.)
Hi there. Thank you for sharing your knowledge here. I am planning a full moon ritual to rid myself of a serious throat and neck illness. Can you offer any suggestions on how best to rid yourself of disease in this way? Thanks again.
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yoy have to be born a true witch u can not learn witch craft and have it work unless u are a witch u are just a fraud orherwise if u are not born a witch and claiming that you are
I am a beginner, still learning but want to try something today
to answer LoneWalker - hi, I'm not the owner of this website, just a solitary witch who stumbled onto this -- but to answer your question of whether you can cast one or two money spells - I would use the waxing phase of the moon to attract money (spell 1) and the waning phase of the moon to decrease poverty/bills/debt (spell 2).
Hi there M S W.
I want to know, can I cast two different money spells one at a time for my wallet to gain/attract money to my wallet ? Or should I use only one ?
I want to study magic
For myself and to enhance the lives of others... particularly my friends.
Where can i find info that wont cost me an arm and a leg?
Good day Mrs Mackenzie Sage Wright. Am Emmanuel by name and I need to know when it is best to cast a spell on anal wart
According to a spell book a read, the object used to touch the affected part is to be buried on the last quarter moon night. Can you help me to interpret the time for the last quarter moon night. Can you email to me the answer to my request?
Thank you MA for your help
Please bring my x back Thomas c McKnight he walk out two weeks ago
There's one spell I have used so many many times and every time it has worked . It's the bring you lover back spell. Is he truly my true love yes i believe so. Seriously, he comes to me every time I use that spell
First I'd like to thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight. I have dropped everything the last month and spent 14 hour days learning horary astrology in an effort to find something incredibly important which has gone missing. It is unclear if it's been stolen or lost. I've followed the signs but have not found my answer nor the envelope lost. I NEED to find this or have it come back to me. I know the moon plays a special and important role in many aspects of our lives and since there will be a supermoon on Sunday, I'm hoping to use its power to locate this item. What do you recommend as the most effective spell to help me achieve the best results?
Thank you for your time & I appreciate your help!
Deanna
okay after all that, the question is.... what exactly do i have to do so that i can receive full moon magic. do i have to do go for swimming in the middle of the night for timing the fool moon to do its magic? or should i stay awake outside of the house looking at it when its raising? or what do i have to do exactly?
When Friday is good to spell love works means it wil be fall on Thursday after 12 am or Friday after 12 am...I'm confused with this!!
What phase is Wishing Moon?
I'm just getting started and wondering during which phase of the moon is best for cleansing and consecrating my tools?
I'm researching as much as I can, and am trying to plan for my first spell to be one to end some confusion I am facing towards feelings. What would be a good way to phrase this spell and when would be an ideal time to cast it? Thank you for your articles, they've really proved useful.
Hi what is the best time in the moon faze to cast a spell to get my ex back my baby's dad, could you help my please
Hello,
This article is great and it got me thinking as I was looking for a full moon spell. I need some advice where to find concise and systematic information to help me to evolve my abilities. I think I have some gift, but I have no control over it. Some mind reading, mostly the closest people to me, and it is beyond circumstantial guess for sure. I see things in my mind sometime just before they happen. My dreams often show what is going to happen (if I can get the symbolism right), some repetitions have showed me the meaning, others I can understand only after the fact. I have noticed that I can feel people's energy (especially if I am not eating much), but again is not consistent or at will. Extremely perceptive and I sense other people feelings. Sometimes I just get information in my mind like I read a sign and I know things that by any logic I should not know. My daughter had an extra ordinary telepathic ability when she was 2-3 years old, too bad it's all lost, and I think it is a sign it runs in the family. I bought bunch of books a while ago, however, some I did not find fitting, some were too dark magic and ritual oriented. I have done number of spells successfully, however sometimes feels that I am shooting in the dark. I do not want mistakenly to cause harm. I am looking for something that will give me more solid base. I have a pressing matter at hand - a love one with cancer I need to heal. I think besides lack of any technical knowledge I might have some healing abilities, hard to explain. I do believe, in this case, I need to first start with myself and get my abilities enhanced first.
I would appreciate any references or suggestions.
Thank you in advance.
I like your work. Your articles helped me to get more info about the craft. I am only 13 and this stuff is all new aND complicated to me, is there any way you can tell me how to use enedgy for spells because I am confused on that subjuct?
I have a difficult task before me concerning health/cancer regarding a loved one.Thank you for the excellent breakdown of phases so now I can perform magic in the best way to benefit and aid at this moment in time.
I migrated into these practices as I felt that the Buddhist tantra prayers I do are magic, so looking for better technique. Question, is it important to do the magic while the moon is visible. I get tired at night, plus the moon comes over very high mountains where I live.
Hi thank you so much for your article I thoroughly enjoyed it in it's entirety. I am a newbie witch will be adding this page to my book of shadows!
Loved this it helped me so much thank you
Hello do you have any advice for a teleportation spell I have been having trouble casting it. do you have any better teleportation spells?
Great article. I too use the phases of the moon. It is important to keep your working space free of debris and clutter and if using candles make sure they are steady and in a safe container and not near anything flammable. To anyone just starting I'd say be very careful what you ask for and how you ask while being mindful of who it can effect. Magic should not be taken lightly. The moon is to witchcraft like what a pot of espresso is to humans....a rocket launcher. Happy casting to all and remember...Do no harm.
Great! I have found what I needed
THANK YOU :)
I have been a practicing Pagan for many years. Pagan, of course all my life. I am ever learning from other witches. I do not belong to a coven, but I do have Pagan friends with whom to share circle or Sabbots. I often have my 'lay' friends ask for help, magick, (code phrase: "Could you light a candle for me?") etc.. In the spirit of always learning, I thoroughly enjoyed this article. I especially love your use of language (namely, the correct use of language!). I have pasted this into my personal Book of Shadows and have referenced this article, as not to plagiarize! Thank you much for all the wonderful and well-written information. Blessed be!
I love the article and its highly informative totally recomendable for new ones like me.
But what inspires me to write is Brian night owl exp. I had exactly the same dream where i see the spirit watching over me and saving me to die, it was nearly a death experience and spirit also told me I am looking at you what your doing. This dream I had after my loosing everything in house fire. Thanks to God me and my baby were saved. I had a very strong intutions and literallly pick up energies from other ppl. I did some palm reading in the past which turn out to be true which I stopped doing now and have a very deepest interst in occult and astrology. I sometime feel gush of energy in me and my mood swings goes as per the Moon phase.
I see dead peoples in my dream which were known to me specially and that goes without saying i see my deceased parents quiet often its been 7 yrs now. ONE more thing when I see people I start getting to see about them. I DONT know whether I being judgmental or I see there energies.. so confused.
I think I need some guide or a guru to show me the right path as I am no good in whatever I am doing. Also I am so stuck in my present situation that had no time to meditate and no money to join any classes for that matter.
One phsycic reader told me that I have powers to heal someone and could help people as medium and she also told me that i am in wrong proffession I shud be in helping others theough medium. Still not sure but my loniest time goes into reading these kind of articles and pages.
How would I know and what are the signs which confirms that i have physcic abilities?
I highly appreciate if anyone can help me. I am not sure if I can leave my mail id here but let me know if anyone is up for help.
Thanks and regards
All planets, give off different waves and these can either be, working with or against each other...technically speaking every hour of the day is assigned a specific planet and archangel(or spirit guide) just as each month etc...everything works in cycles and waves, whether your a physicist or a witch...magick is just as much a science as any other...follow the 'experiment' to the letter and it will work.
My mother had the gift, my sister had the gift. I have the gift, I have always read palms,tea leaves, had second sight and have in the past used my powers casting some powerful elemental spells. I have seen spirits that have visited me and also had a near death experience where I had a inner body experience and a spirit told me to stay calm or I would die. Finding a site that gives very good basic information has helped me move forward and accept that I am different. Thank you.
Hi im new to this hub...its fun here.
Pls advice which moon phase best suited for moving in to ur new house. we plan this month, july. My birthday is july 4, 1966. My husband is Oct 13, 1964.
I am at a lose I need to know what phase of moon and day of week and is there a best hour this man doesn't more and jail he causing my. Xdisablty and he is not safe for my life til I perrmanentlly deal. With him please leave me a resp once I can back to you if I have questions
This is quite interesting. I'm not really into Wiccan but am willing to learn why others are into it. Wishing you well, and have a great day.
I love this article. Very interesting and so different from mainstream posts (like I write lol) Great stuff and voted up
I'm always learning something new. Very thought provoking.
Very interesting. I always learn something new and unique when reading your articles! Great job!
I relate to the full moon phase. I found this interesting and useful! Oh, and I pinned this. I need to save it. :)
This really isn't my gig; I just stopped by to say hi and wish you a great afternoon. :)
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