MOON PHASES AND SIGNS

Check the phases of the moon in any year from 1 to 2246 here. The real-time moon phase is updated every 60 seconds.

THE QUARTERS & PHASES
THE SIGNS AND THEIR MEANINGS
TIMING SPELLS BY THE MOON

THE QUARTERS & PHASES

Each month, the Moon waxes and wanes through a period of approximately 29 1/2 days. The waxing moon phase, from New Moon to Full Moon, lasts approximately two weeks. The waning phase, from Full Moon to New Moon, also lasts two weeks. The turning of the moon is further broken down into four parts, called quarters. Each of these four phases has a first half and second half, ultimately breaking the moon's cycle into eight equal parts.

The NEW MOON and FIRST QUARTER make up the WAXING PHASE

At the NEW MOON, the Sun and Moon are in the same place relative to Earth, or conjunct. The Moon is between the Sun and the Earth and thereby reflects no light visible from Earth. The Moon is not visible at first, since it rises at the same time as the Sun. The last half of this quarter is called the Crescent Moon (four days into the lunar cycle).

The FIRST QUARTER begins halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon, when the Sun and Moon are at right angles. This Half Moon rises about noon and sets around midnight. It can be seen in the western sky during the first half of the night. The last half of this quarter is called the Gibbous Moon (3 1/2 days until fullness).

The FULL MOON and LAST QUARTER make up the WANING PHASE

The FULL MOON occurs when the Sun and Moon are opposite one another and the Earth between them. From our vantage point here on Earth, we can see the full reflection of the Sun's rays on the Moon. The Moon can be seen rising in the east at sunset, rising afterwards a little later each evening. The last half of this quarter is known as the Disseminating Moon (3 1/2 days past full).

The LAST QUARTER begins about halfway between the Full Moon and the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are at 90 degrees. This decreasing moon rises at midnight, and can be seen in the east during the last half of the night, reaching the overhead position just about as the Sun rises. The last half of this cycle is called the Balsamic Moon (three or four days before total darkness).

For a list of correspondences for the eight phases of the moon, go here.

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THE SIGNS AND THEIR MEANINGS

The Moon completes a revolution around the Earth every 29 1/2 days, passing through the 12 signs of the zodiac and spending about 2 1/2 days in each sign.

A special note here: There is a difference between the actual constellation the moon appears in in the sky and the astrological constellation. For example, your almanac may say that the moon is in Taurus, when actually for astrological purposes, it is in Gemini (30 degrees difference due to the Earth's wobble over time). Therefore, consult an astrological calendar or book for this information instead instead of a common almanac.

Moon in Aries -- Cardinal fire sign, ruled by the planet Mars

Good for starting new ventures, but lacking in staying power. Particularly good for starting financial or medical ventures. This moon is about the self and the ego and anything ruled by Mars -- knives and sharp things (good time to buy or make that athame), strength, daring, courage, and lust. This moon is about quick results. Things occur rapidly, but also quickly pass. There's lots of enthusiasm during this moon, beware of headstrong or rash behavior.

Magickal workings: protection, courage, beginnings, matters of self and personality

Moon in Taurus -- Fixed earth sign, ruled by the planet Venus

The Moon is exalted in Venus, which means it is very happy here. A great time for anything concerning love or the arts. Things begun now last the longest and tend to increase in value. Taurus is about values, possessions, money, fertility, and Mother Earth. Things begun now become habitual and hard to alter. Caution and protectiveness is in the air.

Magickal workings: peace, growth, money, personal financial matters, vehicles, benefits, possessions

Moon in Gemini -- Mutable air sign, ruled by the planet Mercury

An inconsistent position for the Moon. Things begun now are easily changed by outside influences. A lot of talk. A good time to do two things at once. You may feel restless and changeable, but it's a good time to write, study, or communicate with your family.

Magickal workings: prophecy, wishes, relatives, communication, studies, writing

Moon in Cancer -- Cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon

Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints needed, supports growth and nurturance. When the Moon is here, she is at her most powerful, so use her for important magick and divination. The Moon rules the home, children, emotions, cooking, eating, and nurturing. Be careful not to hurt anyone's feelings.

Magickal workings: love, emotions, home, mothers, family, divination, psychic development or impressions

Moon in Leo -- Fixed fire sign, ruled by the Sun

Use this moon to work with your stocks and bonds, creative arts, pets, hobbies, and romance. Be generous and kind, not sulky. Showmanship, favors, being seen, drama, recreation, and happy pursuits. May be overly concerned with praise and subject to flattery.

Magickal workings: sex, passions, pleasures, hobbies, love affairs, entertainment, sports, pets

Moon in Virgo -- Mutable earth sign, also ruled by Mercury

The Virgin favors abstract thought and keen and critical intellect. Pay attention to details and all matters concerning health and healing, nutrition, herbs, crafts, ethics, service to others, volunteering, and community needs. Use this Moon for coven matters, or crafting altar tools or ritual accouterments. Clean the house!

Magickal workings: healing, health, work

Moon in Libra -- Cardinal air sign, also ruled by Venus

Increases self-awareness, favors self-examination and interaction with others, but discourages spontaneous initiative. A good time for partnership matters and legal affairs. Use this Moon for balance and harmony -- especially romance.

Magickal workings: relationships, marriage, partnerships, legal matters

Moon in Scorpio -- Fixed water sign, ruled by Mars and Pluto

This Moon is about fertility, sex, death, and occult matters. Powerful magick can be done now; divinitory energy is very high strong and ritual effects are long lasting. A time for secrets and other hidden things. Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. Sensitive and intense emotions can breed obsessions. Don't overeat!

Magickal workings: exorcisms, self defense, courage, death, sex, taxes, inheritances, transformation

Moon in Sagittarius -- Mutable fire sign, ruled by Jupiter

This Moon encourages expansionary flights of imagination and confidence in the flow of life. Warmhearted friendliness is in the air. Use intuitive gifts to work divination magick.

Magickal workings: religion, metaphysics, long-distance travel, higher learning

Moon in Capricorn -- Cardinal earth sign, ruled by Saturn

This sign is a gateway to the land of magick and very powerful in obtaining what you need. Now you will find profound wisdom. Increases awareness of the need for structure, discipline, and organization. Beware of negativity and depression. Exercise humility.

Magickal workings: exile, banishment, business, career, reputation, father

Moon in Aquarius -- Fixed air sign, ruled by Saturn

Favors activities that are unique and individualistic, concern for humanitarian needs, society as a whole, and improvements that can be made. Selfish independence is a problem with this impersonal Moon, as personal magick can boomerang with scattered thinking. Express your flamboyance!

Magickal workings: mysteries, secrets, friendships, hopes, dreams, groups and organizations

Moon in Pisces -- Mutable water sign, ruled by Jupiter and Neptune

A very fertile sign. That is the Moon that rules magick itself, so it is very powerful for prophecy, dreams, and deep psychic work. Explore past lives and secrets. Find things you've lost. Mix potent elixirs, powders, and perfumes. Avoid getting lost in fantasy. Keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Magickal workings: dreams, good for magick of all kinds, inner development, karma, restrictions, secrets revealed, expanding consciousness

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TIMING SPELLS BY THE MOON

Timing spells with the moon phases can be compared to swimming with the current. Spells cast at the appropriate time will obtain added oomph, as it is easier to go with the flow than against it.

The WAXING MOON is from the moment after it is New until the moment it is Full. It is the best time to do spells for growth, beginning new projects, initiation and enhancement. "Increase" is the operative word, just as the moon is increasing. During the WANING MOON (from the moment after it is Full to the moment it is New), do spells to banish evil influences, lessen or remove obstacles and illness, neutralize enemies, and to remove harm. Here, "decrease" is the operative word, as the moon's light is decreasing.

The three days after the New Moon are the most powerful times to work spells for growth and beginnings which should manifest at the Full Moon.

The days just before the Full Moon are the most powerful times for fruition and completion.

The Black or Dark Moon is the most auspicious time for banishing and neutralizing spells.

NEW MOON:

Magickal Attributes: starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.

WAXING MOON (the New Moon is waxing until it reaches the Full phase)

Magickal Attributes: INVOKING Beginnings, new projects, ideas,inspiration, energy, vitality, freedom. ALSO constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage,friendship, luck or health.

FULL MOON

Magickal Attributes: FRUITION Manifesting goals, nurturing, passion, healing, strength, power. ALSO, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.

Prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now.

WANING MOON (the Full Moon is waning until it reaches its New phase)

Magickal Attributes: wisdom, psychic ability, scrying, reversing circumstances. BANISHING Releasing the old, removing unwanted negative energies, addiction, illness, or negativity.

DARK MOON (when the moon is not visible in the sky, just before the beginning of the next lunar cycle, also known as the Balsamic phase.)

The dark moon is a time for dealing with attackers, for exploring our darkest recesses and understanding our angers and passions. Also bringing justice to bear. Very potent for prophecy work.

For a list of magickal attributes for the eight phases of the moon, go here.

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SOURCES

Llewellyn's 1998 Moon Sign Book & Gardening Almanac
Lady of the Night, by Edain McCoy
Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 1999

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