The Moon is our closest star. Its various phases and its connection with the night give it a special magic, which not only sorcerers or witches have had in mind in their rituals. Celebrating small rituals to connect with the energy of the different lunar cycles can be a good way to also connect with what happens inside you and give it an outlet: to connect with what worries us, with our desires or aspirations, with our motivations…
A lot of energy is usually put into celebrating full moon rituals or meditating during the full moon, but we can also do rituals during the new moon. In this case, the spiritual tradition invites set the intention to move forward with new objectives. Rituals like the ones we propose here help to specify that intention and take action.
What does the new moon symbolize?
The new Moon is the one that begins to grow after having been hidden (dark Moon). It is the moment in which this star gradually begins to become visible and, energetically speaking, it is the ideal time to promote the impulse of the new (projects or intentions).
According to Mónica Fernándes, founder and director of the Ecos del Norte School of Witchcraft (Basque Country), from a spiritual point of view this lunar phase It connects us with the beginnings. For something to begin, something else has to end or die. This Moon transports us to a quiet contemplation for the new to flow. Therefore, any ceremony, ritual, meditation or visualization that takes place during this phase can be connected to making new plans or thinking about what dreams you want to fulfill.
A lunar phase that promotes self-knowledge
The Earth satellite offers us different facets in the night sky. Perhaps this peculiarity is one of those that most fascinates those who contemplate it. In the case of the full Moon, it is one of the most popular times to carry out magical practices.
Since ancient times, witches held their meetings in secret at nightsince they were persecuted for their practices, and the light of the full moon discreetly illuminated their rituals. But each lunar phase has its symbolism, which can be used to promote and accompany the objectives of the ceremony.
The dark moon or new moon It is one of the most unknown, perhaps because its own energy connects with the recollection of the cave and it is the moment when the star disappears from the night sky because it is hidden by the Earth. However, it is an important phase, because, according to Mónica Fernándes, helps connect with our interior and self-exploration.
The Moon and feminine energy
The earth satellite is associated with the feminine archetypebecause it is connected with natural cycles: with the female body and with menstruation. Mónica Fernándes explains that each phase of the star has to do with a woman’s life stage: the growing phase with the girl and the adolescent; the mother and the young woman are united to the full Moon; The mature female is associated with the waning one, and the old woman with the dark Moon. But it wasn’t always like this.
Throughout history, In different cultures, the Moon was masculine. For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, around 2,100 years before Christ, the star was associated with the God Nanna, patron of the city Ur. However, this star has two aspects: the masculine when it is in its waxing and full phases, and the feminine when it is waning and dark.
How to plan a ritual with the Moon according to its phase
If you want to do a ritual that revolves around lunar energy, it is advisable to connect with the phase in which the star is located to promote the proposed purpose. In fact, the type of ritual is not so importantwhich can be of any type: from floral offerings, white candles or visualizations. What is truly important is the intention that is placed in parallel to the energy that the Moon offersdepending on the cycle you are in.
On new moon:
Mónica Fernándes explains the symbolism in this regard: The new moon is a favorable time to cultivate. The star has a gentle and soft energy, which invites you to explore the person’s inner world. It is a time when you can be calmer and more reflective than usual. Intuition and emotions intensify, but internally. It is a time to connect with intuition and disconnect from hopes, desires or dreams.
On crescent moon:
The next lunar phase is crescent moon; Your key word is activate, because you are in tune with the action. It is a good time to put the intention of any ritual into making plans and take practical steps towards the objectives to be achieved.
On a full moon:
As to the full moon is a phase to illuminate, because the night star shines brightly and can be seen what is hidden in the darkness. With this Moon you can clearly see the progress to feel proud of your achievements and be grateful for life. Additionally, in this phase the full Moon acts as a spotlight that illuminates what requires attention and what is ready to let go. “Sometimes, it shines in the shadows of the inner world and brings up episodes from the past that hold back, which helps to change course if necessary,” Fernándes continues.
On the waning moon:
The last lunar phase is waning phase; the one that culminates. This Moon favors the understanding of conclusions; to let go to reflect and reorient yourself for the next cycle. It is the phase that most invites you to work on detachment and connect with the courage to be aware of everything that prevents you from moving forward.
The meaning of rituals and what not to do
Rituals are performed for various reasons, such as to celebrate, say goodbye or prepare for changes. There are everyday and ancestral ones, like a birthday party. Others are magical and sacred; They are made by people who know their meaning and symbolism. The rest are simple spells that can be carried out without specific preparation or knowledge about it.
However, several considerations must be taken when performing a ritual, such as not practicing any that are unknown or not understood. Likewise, it is advisable to obtain information from those who have experience in this type of ceremonies and, when magic is practiced, do so with experts on the subject, who perform it «from the light.» Finally, a golden rule is to never intend to harm anyone.
Woman in her house performing a ritual that consists of burning plants and spreading the smoke.
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3 New Moon rituals
Taking advantage of the fact that the energy of this lunar phase is that of growth, it is a good time to put your intention into the newhow to start projects, focus on desires to fulfill or work on self-confidence.
Mónica Fernándes recommends in New Moon to spend some time lighting a candle and asking yourself several questions, such as: How am I? Am I happy? What can I do to be better? How do I want my life to be? It also suggests taking time to meditate or consciously walk through nature in order to connect with the energy of this Moon and reflect on the beauty and wisdom that darkness brings.
Along with this more general ritual, Fernándes proposes three «magical» rituals to promote this energy:
1. Ritual with magic words
You need: notebook, pen, glass of water, a white candle and matches.
The ritual begins by asking yourself what your goals are for the next 29 days, what do you want to release or what is no longer welcome in life? And what do you want to attract?
Then you have to write that intention, light the candle and recite the following words:
- May my hands create beautiful things.
- May my feet take me to where I need to be.
- May my heart hear clearly.
- May you pronounce the correct and necessary words.
- May my eyes see the beauty.
- May this candle illuminate my words in the heavens, so that they return to me and become matter.
The ritual concludes by saying out loud the intentions noted three times, drinking water and silently imagining what has been projected (detaching from the result).
2. Mist to attract success
To make the mist you need:
- 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil
- 2 drops of atlas cedar essential oil
- 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
Pour the mixture into a container with a diffuser and fill it with water up to 10ml. The ritual consists of spraying yourself with the mist in the morning before leaving the house. You can also, if you wish, put some bay leaves, previously applying this preparation on them, in your purse or wallet.
3. Incense to activate energy
Prepare this mixture to burn with an incense burner:
- 5 drops bergamot essential oil
- 8 white peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon cedar
- 1 tablespoon copal
Burn the mixture in the incense during the new moon to impregnate the air of the home with this incense.