Everyone knows the power behind the full moon. But it’s not just the full moon that has power. Although it is the lunar phase that has the strongest power, the other lunar phases carry their own level of power and can help enhance your spell workings. Making them stronger and more effective. So, what are the lunar phase meanings?
Primary Lunar Phases
- New Moon
- Waxing Moon (First Quarter)
- Full Moon
- Waning Moon (Last Quarter)
“Lesser Known” Lunar Phases
- Waxing Crescent
- Waning Crescent
- Waxing Gibbous
- Waning Gibbous
What are the lunar phases and their meanings?
New Moon
Not to be confused with the Dark Moon, the new moon is when you can see just a sliver of light. This stage is considered the first stage of the lunar cycle.
This phase is the time for new beginnings. Set new goals, start a new project or hobby.
Waxing Crescent Moon
The Waxing Moon is when the moon’s light is more than a sliver but less than half. Slowly working its way to the Full Moon.
Just like how the Waxing Moon is growing towards becoming the Full Moon, this phase is the time to grow and expand. This could be personal goals, relationships, or your career goals.
Now would be a good time to promote healing. Whether that be personal healing or sending healing magic to a loved one (with their permission).
First Quarter Moon
The First Quarter Moon Is when the moon is lit halfway. Not to be confused with the Last Quarter Moon. First Quarter Moon is leading up to the Full Moon.
During this lunar stage, now is the time to take action on your goals you set during the New Moon. Time to put your nose to the grindstone and push yourself through to succeeding your goals. Overcome the obstacles you may face and use the moon’s strength and wisdom to help guide you.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
Waxing Gibbous is the lunar phase that is 3/4 of the moon lit up in the sky. We are now so close to the Full Moon.
Your goals are now set in motion This is the time to refine and make any needed adjustments to help you in accomplishing your goals. Take a minute and look at what you have accomplished and what else you need to do.
Full Moon
We made it! The moon is now fully lit in the sky. The moon’s peak of power is waiting!
During this lunar phase there may be an increase in your intuition and psychic abilities. A powerful time for divination, manifestations and meditations. The Full Moon is also about fulfillment and completion.
Many witches perform their rituals on the full moon, Harnessing the energy of the moon to enhance the power of their to their rituals.
Waning Gibbous Moon
Now the moon is beginning to decrease in size. The Waning Gibbous looks just like the Waxing Gibbous just opposite by decreasing in size towards the Dark Moon.
This lunar phase is a time for gratitude. Looking back at your goals and what you have accomplished. Even if you didn’t fully make your goal, being able to look back and being grateful for what you have accomplished. Every little bit counts, and every step is a win.
Last Quarter Moon
We have made it to the halfway mark again, but this time working our way to the Dark Moon.
Time to let go and move on from what is holding you back. This could be toxic people, a bad job, a bad habit, or anything that you find toxic in your life. Now is the time for forgiveness and release the negativity from your life.
If you haven’t done any protection spells lately, this phase is a good time for that. Shield your home as well as yourself.
Take the time to cleanse your mind and body. Cleanse your home and ritual space.
A new moon cycle awaits. It is best to start fresh when you have shed away the toxic and negative energy that was within you and your space.
Waning Crescent Moon
Not much moon light is left before the Dark Moon, however there is still a small sliver of light still shining through the darkness.
The Waning Crescent Moon is a time for rest. After a long month of reaching our goals and getting rid of the negative energies in our lives, a nice rest is needed. Take this time to regain your energy so you can put that energy into your new set of goals during the new cycle.
Dark Moon
Often confused with the New Moon, the Dark Moon is when the sky is completely dark, and the moon is no longer visible. This phase can last up to 1-3 days.
If there was ever a time to take some time to yourself, this is the lunar phase to do it. We all need alone time once in a while. A chance to regroup with ourselves. Find our center. During your alone time, rid yourself of anything in your life that you no longer want there. The new cycle is about to begin.
Lunar phases and the days of the week
Now that you know the lunar phase meanings, if you wish to take your moon magic a step further, matching your spell workings not just to the moon phases but to the days of the week as well may give you that little extra power you need to make your manifestations come to fruition.
Sunday
- Associated with the Sun
- Goal Focused
- Wellness and Health
- Strength
Monday
- Associated with the moon
- Feminine Energy
- Intuition
- Divination
- Spiritual Growth
- Home and Family
Tuesday
- Associated with Mars
- Masculine Energy
- Physical Fitness
- Dealing with legal issues
- Passion
- New Beginnings
- Protection
- Sexual Energy
Wednesday
- Associated with Mercury
- Creativity
- Friends
- Reflection
- Communication
Thursday
- Associated with Jupiter
- Education
- Travel
- Luck
- Self-Improvement
- Mental Energy
- Spiritual Energy
- Socializing
Friday
- Associated with Venus
- Creativity
- Healing of the mind and body
- Love
- Fertility
- Social Activities
Saturday
- Associated with Saturn
- Transformation
- Banishing
- Endings
- Cleansings
You can take this a step further if you wish and match your spell workings up with the astrological parts. But if you find that to be too much, that is ok! Learning the lunar phase meanings can be quite a challenge in itself.
When doing your spell workings, do not feel obligated to do your workings by a specific lunar phase. Sometimes we need to do a spell or ritual that does not line up with the current lunar phase. That is ok as well. You do not have to have everything perfectly aligned for your spell or ritual to work.
I hope learning about the lunar phase meanings helps you along in your journey!
Thank you so much for the info!
You’re Welcome! I hope you found it helpful. Blessed Be