The Moon has been worshiped for centuries. Its powerful effect on the natural world is seen as proof of its magical powers.

The Moon is more than just a light in the night sky. It affects weather patterns, creates tides and influences earthquakes. Ancient astronomers were quick to pick up on the phases of the Moon as an indication of the cyclic properties of nature, and many attributed magical powers to it.

Witches and Pagans worship the Moon as a goddess with three faces Maiden, Mother and Crone symbolizing the waxing, full and waning phases of the lunar cycle. Each governs a different kind of magic and influences spells that can be performed.

Women are especially attuned to the Moon. A lunar month is about 28 days long, the same length as the average menstrual cycle. In some traditions, menstruating women withdrew to focus on developing intuition and creativity in a Moon lodge', returning home as the new Moon showed its crescent for the first time.

Traditions across the world link the Moon with madness and transformation. As the human body is 80 percent water we are also under her spell.

More people suffer mental illness during a full Moon. Lunatic' from Luna', the Latin word for Moon describes someone who is moonstruck.

The legend of the werewolf was reported in Italy as recently as 50 years ago. A condition called lycanthropy, where sufferers develop inhuman strength during the full Moon, is thought to be responsible.

The crime rate rises, more accidents happen and a higher number of people are hospitalized when the Moon is full.

Moon magic throughout the year:

Certain spells are said to work better at specific times of the year. The following, based around the 13 tree months' of the Celtic calendar, show you when your spells have the most power.

BIRCH MOON (24 Dec-20 Jan): At the beginning of the year, concentrate on new beginnings. Ask for general luck in whatever the coming year brings, and focus on what you want to achieve.

ROWAN MOON (21 Jan-17 Feb): Focus on how to go about getting your goals. Spells involving communication and psychic connections work well at this time of year.

ASH MOON (18 Feb-17 Mar): Love spells and loved ones should be foremost in our minds in early spring. It's no coincidence that Valentine's Day falls close to this month.

ALDER MOON (18 Mar-14 Apr): Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow the seeds of

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