The Phases of the Moon

The moon for witches is a powerful symbol. There are numerous gods and goddesses associated with the moon. The moon is a powerful tool to work with she is strong and represents the feminine, the Sun being the masculine opposite. Even those who don't practise witchcraft are aware of the moons influence, like her pull on the tides. The moon has been a vital part of myths and legends such as werewolves, man that changes into beast on nights where the moon is full. The phases of the moon symbolize immortality and eternity, enlightenment or the dark side of Nature herself. 

New Moon

The New moon is the first phase in the cycle. This represents new beginnings and people often use this time to start new projects and set new goals. It's also a great time for divination and shadow work.

Some Goddesses associated with the new moon:

• Morrigan
• Holda
• Nephtys
• Sedna
• Nyx
• Hel
• Cerridwen
• Hecate
• Lillith
• Baba
• Yaga
• Caileach
• Kali

Waxing (Crescent, First Quarter, Gibbous)

When the moon is in its waxing phases, its illumination is growing. It's a brilliant time to focus on acquiring new skills, as the moon grows in light, your skill grows with it. Confidence in yourself can also be a goal for the waxing moons, as it's a time for self discovery and personal growth. Your intentions align with your actions so long as you make clear goals and actively take steps towards them.

Full Moon

The full moon is a brilliant time for purification, saying thanks, celebrating your accomplishments and letting go of things that no longer serve you.The full moon is a sign of hope and completion as she is fully illuminated.

Some Goddesses associated with the full moon:

• Isis 
• Demeter
• Yemanja
• Rhiannon
• Selene
• Arianrhod
• Brigid
• Epona
• Gaia
• Hestia
• Danu
• Kuan
• Yin

Waning (Crescent, Third Quarter, Gibbous)

The waning moon is a time to focus on banishing, breaking negative patterns, breaking bad habits and removing debt and illness. As the illumination of the moon decreases, you begin to see what you've been manifesting. Strike a balance between your creative and pragmatic sides and unburden yourself of all negativity including judgments, thoughts, resentments and grudges.

It's a good time for destructive magic, breaking curses and hexis as well as ending unhealthy relationships and bad habits.

Some Goddesses associated with crescent moons:

• Diana
• Artemis
  
• Blodeuwedd
• Flora
• Idunn
• Persephone
• Aphrodite
• Freya
• Ishtar
• Hathor
• Oshun
• Maeve