Wiccan moon progression refers to the understanding and observation of the different phases of the moon within the practice of Wicca, a modern pagan witchcraft tradition. The moon holds great significance in Wiccan beliefs and rituals, as it represents the duality of existence and is associated with feminine energy, intuition, magic, and transformation. The moon progresses through eight phases in its monthly cycle, each with its own unique energy and symbolism. These phases are commonly known as the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The new moon marks the beginning of the moon's cycle and is a time of new beginnings, intention-setting, and planting seeds for future growth. It is a time for introspection, focusing on personal goals, and embracing change.
I usually honor these emotions by doing a mini-meditation just before bed during the waning phase, as the moon transitions from full to new. Find a quiet space where you can sit or lie down and start focusing on your breath, and pay attention to the rising and falling of your abdomen as you inhale and exhale. Visualize all the finer details of the moon—how bright it is, the craters, its position in the sky—and feel its calming energy wash over your body and release any tension.
Finish up by clearing any negative energies by smudging yourself and the bathroom with the smoke of palo santo or sage before stepping into the bath. Ruby Warrington is the founder of the online spiritual platform The Numinous, cofounder of Moon Club, and author of spiritual self-help guide Material Girl, Mystical World.
It is a time for introspection, focusing on personal goals, and embracing change. During the waxing crescent phase, the moon begins to grow in illumination, and it is a time for nurturing ideas, expanding creativity, and taking action towards goals. This phase is associated with abundance, new opportunities, and manifestation.
How I Finally Nailed Mindfulness, Thanks to the Moon
Giselle is a beauty and wellness writer and founder of Project Ajna, a program to help heal the skin and soul through Reiki, meditation, and more.
Updated on 08/15/22 09:17AM Medically reviewed bySanam Hafeez, PsyD is a New York State licensed psychologist and the founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.
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StocksyMy obsession with the moon is just one of the side effects I’ve had after coming out of the spiritual closet last year. All this mystical stuff is like opening one new tab online—before you know it, your entire browser is full. Blending therapeutic essential oils led me to tarot, reiki, chakra clearing, crystal healing, and casting spells. I mean, I just bought a pendulum instead of the Maria Tash earrings I wanted. And now it’s the moon I’m getting myself acquainted with.
And I’m not alone: There’s now an ever-increasing number of people who are connecting with the moon as part of their spiritual practice. Working with the phases of the moon and moon rituals is a great way to delve deeper into astrology, emotions, and intuition. For some people, it’s even a useful tool for syncing and better understanding their menstrual cycle.
Learn how to work with the moon in your mindfulness or self-care routine with advice from experts, ahead.
Meet the Expert
- Ruby Warrington is the founder of the online spiritual platform The Numinous, cofounder of Moon Club, and author of spiritual self-help guide Material Girl, Mystical World.
- Charro Benteau practices moon rituals and is trained in Reiki level 1.
It might be gaining in popularity, but using the moon to guide your spirituality can sometimes be a lonely path, especially if the people around you in the physical world are the human embodiment of the eye-rolling emoji. That’s why Warrington launched Moon Club with her cofounder, Alexandra Roxo, after recognizing this need for having a buddy.
“By creating a space online for this exploration, we wanted to make moon magic, astrology, and ritual easily accessible for people who may have been feeling isolated on their journey. The constant feedback we get is that Moon Club has helped them feel supported on their path, more confident in themselves, and has connected them to a community they feel safe to express their mystical side with,” says Warrington.
If you’ve spent numerous hours on NASA’s educational moon page (okay, maybe just me) or you’ve wanted to start working with the moon in your mindfulness or self-care routine, here are four ways to get started.
The first quarter phase is a time of strength, decision-making, and taking accountability. It is a time to overcome obstacles, make adjustments as needed, and find balance within oneself. As the moon enters the waxing gibbous phase, it is nearing its full illumination. This phase is characterized by refinement, dedication, and focus. It is a time to assess progress, fine-tune plans, and devote oneself to the task at hand. The full moon is a peak of energy and a time of heightened intuition, clarity, and spiritual connection. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and the culmination of efforts. Many Wiccans perform rituals and spells during this phase to manifest desires and harness the moon's potent energy. Following the full moon, the moon begins to wane, entering the waning gibbous phase. This phase is associated with release, letting go, and reflection. It is a time to reassess goals, release what no longer serves, and make space for new beginnings. The third quarter phase represents a turning point in the moon's cycle, and it is a time for self-evaluation, introspection, and healing. It is a time to acknowledge growth, learn from past experiences, and prepare for the next cycle. The waning crescent phase is the final phase before the new moon. It is a time for rest, rejuvenation, and tying up loose ends. It is a time to cleanse, purify, and recharge in preparation for a fresh start. In Wiccan practice, the moon's progression is often observed and honored through rituals, spellwork, and meditation. Wiccans may align their magical workings, ceremonies, and intentions with the specific energies of each moon phase to enhance their spiritual practice and manifest their desires. Overall, Wiccan moon progression is an integral part of the Wiccan belief system and serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, the power of intention, and the importance of honoring the rhythms of nature and the cosmos..
Reviews for "The symbolism of each phase in the Wiccan moon progression"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to try "Wiccan Moon Progression" as a beginner to Wiccan practices, but was ultimately disappointed. The book lacked clear instructions and explanations, making it difficult for me to grasp the concepts. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous, which made it hard to stay engaged with the content. Overall, I think this book would be better suited for individuals who already have a strong understanding of Wiccan practices.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Wiccan Moon Progression" was a huge letdown for me. The author failed to provide any practical guidance or useful information. The book was filled with vague and abstract concepts that were hard to apply in real-life situations. The lack of concrete examples made it difficult for me to connect with the material and understand how to incorporate it into my own practice. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and practical guide to Wiccan moon rituals.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Wiccan Moon Progression" to be quite disappointing. The book lacked depth and substance, providing only surface-level information on Wiccan moon rituals. The author seemed to assume that the reader already had prior knowledge of the subject, leaving beginners like myself confused and overwhelmed. Furthermore, the writing style was overly repetitive, which made reading the book a tedious task. Overall, I was unimpressed with this book and would suggest exploring other resources for a more comprehensive understanding of Wiccan moon practices.
4. David - 1 star - "Wiccan Moon Progression" did not meet my expectations at all. The book lacked proper organization and structure, which made it challenging to follow. The author jumped from topic to topic without providing sufficient background or context, leaving me confused and frustrated. Additionally, the lack of clear instructions for conducting moon rituals made it difficult for me to apply the knowledge gained from the book. I found myself constantly searching for additional resources to fill in the gaps. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others seeking a well-rounded understanding of Wiccan moon practices.