The Lunar Calendar: Spells for Every Phase of the Moon

The proper phase of the moon is essential for spell craft. The waning moon is the time to wind down any personal challenges and see them to an end. The new moon is an auspicious time for a fresh start. While waxing, the moon grows steadily larger and is good for spellwork toward fruition. The full moon is a great teacher with a special message for each month. The moon moves through the wheel of the zodiac from sign to sign every two to three days.

Performing a spell at the optimal time in the lunar cycle will maximize your power. As you read the spells in this book, keep this elemental magic in mind:

Each lunar cycle begins with a "new" phase, when the moon lies between the sun and the earth so the illuminated side cannot be seen.. The moon gradually "waxes" until it has moved to the opposite side of the earth, its lit side faceing us in the "full" moon phase. It then begins to "wane" until it reaches the New Moon phase again. The entire cycle takes a month, during which the moon orbits the earth. To determine the sun sign governing the moon, you will need a celestial guide or almanac. My favorite is Llewellyn's Daily Planetary Guide.

New Moon Flower Power

This flower-infused potpourri is wonderful for clearing the way for the new in your life and planting "seeds" for new moon beginnings. You can also create a wreath with garlic bulbs for self-protection and insurance that your newly laid plans won't go awry.

Flower ingredients:

• Rose

• Snapdragon

• Marigold

• Carnation

Place the flowers in a bowl and then sprinkle them with a few drops of geranium, clove, and cinnamon oil. Place the mixture on the south point of your altar for the duration of a full lunar cycle, from new moon to new moon.

New Moon Spells

We all know about the power of full moon spells, but don't neglect the energy of the other moon phases. New moon spells can be quite powerful as long as you target the right purposes during this time of the lunar cycle.

The new moon is the time for beginnings and new projects, so this is a good time to work some magick towards a new path in your life. Needless to say, cast these spells during a new moon phase.

Seeding the Future - New Moon Ritual

What are your intentions for the coming months? What you can imagine, you can bring into being. This ritual will aid you in getting what you want and need for yourself and loved ones. Nothing says "new beginnings" like planting a seed, so use the power of a growing plant to bring success to your own new moon projects. Assemble the following:

• A flowerpot filled halfway with soil

• Enough soil to fill the pot

• Seeds (nasturtiums are oh-so-easy to grow)

• Egg shells

• A small piece of paper

Get everything together and write your intentions on the paper in as few words as possible and roll into a scroll. Place the scroll in the pot, and then crush some egg shells on top of that. Fill the rest of the pot with soil.

Repeat the following:

I plant this seed when the moon is new, Manifest my intentions, I ask it true. So mote it be.

Keep repeating this as you plant your seeds, and give them a little water. After the ritual, keep the pot somewhere sunny and you should start seeing some success in your plans when the plant begins to sprout. Keep it healthy and thriving to keep the magic going. You can perform a ritual like this anytime you feel the need and the moon is new. You can also be very specific in your intentions: new love, an interview for a new job, finding a new home you love. I find that the more specific you are in setting your intentions, the more powerful the spell.

New Job, New Moon

Another good spell purpose for the new moon is getting a new job. If you're seeking new employment, try this ritual out. Get your supplies out:

• 2 green candles

• 2 white candles

• 2 gold candles

• 2 pieces of green jade or another green stone

• Cinnamon oil

Line up the candles, alternating the colors. Anoint each one with cinnamon oil, and rub a little oil on the stones too. Start at one end and light each candle. With each one, repeat these words:

A new career is what I desire, I cast this spell to get a hire. By the light of this new moon, I need a new job soon.

After all the candles are lit, take each stone and gently pass it through the flames (careful of your fingers). Then hold the stones in your hands and visualize the type of job you want to get. After the spell, pocket the stones and carry them with you. You should have a new job by the next new moon.

The Dark Side of the Moon – Eclipse Enchantments

When the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, this is a lunar eclipse. These are rare occasions that make for a truly enchanted evening. I recommend you think ahead to what you want to accomplish in this phase, since an eclipse only lasts several hours. Think about what you want brought out of the shadow and into the light – do you need to dust off old dreams and reactivate them? Do you have old hurts and wounds you need to let go of and purge from your life? Do you feel there is a secret being kept from you? This one night is perfect for the purposes of saying goodbye to the old and ushering in the new. Simply plan your magical workings to coordinate with the passing shadow. When the moon is in full eclipse, treat those few moments as if the moon was in its Dark phase. It is also an excellent time to honor the goddess of the moon in a group or solo ritual. Think through carefully your heart's desire and what will serve you for many months to come.

White Light of Love: A Waning Moon

To light the flower of love in your heart, time this charm for the waning of a New Moon. Place a green candle beside a white lily, rose or freesia. Make sure it is a posy of personal preference. White flowers have the greatest perfume and either of these beauties will impart your home with a pleasing aura. I like to float a gardenia in a clear bowl of fresh water, truly the essence of the divine. Light the candle and hold the flower close to your heart. Pray,

Steer me to the highest light;
guide me to beauty and truth.
Much have I to give.
Much have I to live.
Bright blessings to one and all.

Waning Moon Money Magic

To attract money, fill a big pot with fresh water and place it on your altar during the waxing moon. Pour a cup of milk with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of ground clove into the pot as an offering. Toss handfuls of dried chamomile and mint into the cauldron. Say aloud:

I call upon you, gods and goddesses of old, to fill my purse with gold. I offer you mother's milk and honey sweet.

With harm to none and blessings to thee, I honor you for bringing me health and prosperity.

Place the offering bowl on your altar and leave the aromatic mixture there to instill your kitchen with the energy of abundance. After four hours and forty-four minutes, go outside your home and pour the offering into your kitchen garden or into the roots of a shrub. Then bow in appreciation of the kindness of the...