Phases of the Moon and The Goddess
The phases of the Moon are most easily separated into three main
phases: Dark, Waxing, Full and Waning. These are considered to some
as; Maiden, Mother and Crone, but there is also the fourth phase or
Dark/Hidden phase.
Each month is divided into four weeks, and each week is assigned to
a phase of the Moon. These phases are;
Dark Moon to first Quarter
First Quarter to Full Moon
Full Moon to third Quarter
Third Quarter back to the Dark Moon
Waxing Moon - The Maiden
The Maiden is the One who helps us to make our own choices which is
symbolised through Her own independence. She is beholden to no
other. She is comfortable in Her independence, yet enjoys the
occasional companionship of a lover. She oversees the chase to make
sure the hunt is fair, both for the hunter and to the hunted. She
helps to maintain the natural balance. She defends our rights to
make our own choices. Look to Her for guidance when wishing relief
from unwelcome suitors. Her nature is to assist in these
transitions. The waxing moon indicates a period of increase, so you
would preferably want to do spellcrafting for prosperity, healing,
etc.
Full Moon - The Mother Goddess
The Full Moon is considered the most powerful of the phases. It is
note-worthy to remind that although it is a great time to work with
others, people tend to be more emotional during a Full Moon. The
full moon is a very powerful time for magickal workings, and most
are appropriate on this day. Now the moon is at the height of Her
strength - it is the time of the Esbat, the time to worship and
perform ritual for the Mother Goddess. The Full Moon represents the
Mother phase of the Goddess. The word Esbat means tribe or clan and
usually is a time for covens to gather.
Waning Moon - The Crone
The Crone is the Wise Grand-mother, stoking the brands and the fire
itself. For wisdom, for rebirth, we must embrace this fire and
journey within Her cauldron. The Waning Moon is the phase of which
the power of manifestation is giving way to the power of reflection
and receptivity. You should cast spells now for resolution, or for
something to be concluded. This is the time to focus on spellcraft
related to wisdom, divination, removing negativity, releasing,
closure and cleansing. Therefore, magick worked during this time is
best suited towards a release of something holding one back, rather
than as a desire to acquire something.
Dark Moon - The Dark Mother
‘…as the moon waxes and wanes,
and walks three nights in darkness,
so as the Goddess once spent three nights
in the kingdom of Death.’
I believe that the Dark Mother is the most misunderstood of the
aspects of the Goddess. Her colour is Black as she absorbs all
things, including light and life. The dark of the Moon is Her time.
The Abyss and darkness of space is Her home. Her number is nine,
symbolising wisdom and sacred magick. Nine is also the number of
completion, and the completion of beginnings is the Crone’s place in
the cycle of birth-life-death -rebirth. The Dark Mother represents a
time of looking into the void, into the unknown, and to find the
truth that is hidden in the darkness, our darkness. We seek Her to
release those things that we have hidden in the dark recesses of our
mind, and are afraid to face. The Dark Moon represents mystery: time
for divination arts such as the tarot and scrying.
