Mar 23 2009
What Does the Moon Have to do With Paganism?
It is indeed a fact that the police stations tend to be busier during the times of the full moon. That does not mean that the full moon makes criminals, but it does however, reinforce the notion that the moons gravitational pull does have an affect on life on earth. It has been proven that the moon’s pull has an affect on the tides, and seeing how humans are 90% water…well, there ya go! Of course, the moon would affect us!
In the Wiccan/Pagan world, the New Moon and the Full Moon are called Esbats. During these two times of the moon phases, performing magick creates the most powerful results. The new moon, also called the dark moon, is a time to focus on dreams and wishes and to start new projects. Some do not perform magick on the actual day of the New Moon as it is said to be a time of rest for some trads; they will, however, perform ritual on the day before or the day after.
The time between the New Moon and Full Moon is called the Waxing moon. The waxing moon is the time when the moon gets a little brighter every day, “growing” so to speak. This is a time to focus on growth; personal, spiritual, financial, whatever the case may be. The most powerful time of the waxing moon is the first day that a little sliver of the light of the moon is visible. This is called Diana’s Bow. Diana is the Roman Goddess of the moon and of the hunt!
The full moon is the most powerful time for magickal workings, as the moon has reached it’s full potential. This is the perfect time for any magick that celebrates abundance and strength. This is another phase of the moon that is celebrated during the day before the moon is full, the day that the moon is full and the day after.
The final phase of the moon is the time when the moon begins to fade from full to new, the waning moon. During this time as the moon fades again, magickal workings include ridding yourself of unwanted things and breaking bad habits.
Each phase of the moon provides benefits for those that follow the Pagan/Wiccan path. It is always advantageous to know where the moon is in the sky at all times, the power of the moon can be incredulous.
p.s. I went ahead and installed a moon phase widget on my sidebar, to help ya’ out!
