MOON MYTH
For thousands of years the Moon has been worshipped as the One from whose womb all life springs.
She has been known as the Great Mother, the Great Goddess, Mother Nature, Gaia and a myriad of other titles, for in Her can be seen the shining representation of the cycle of life.
The phases of the Moon are still revered by many cultures of today, giving rise to the modern concept of the Triple Goddess, Mother full moon, Maiden waxing (growing) moon, and Crone waning (decreasing) moon.
This cycle of death and re-generation has been described in countless myths and legends, from the story of Ancient Egyptian God and Goddess, Osiris and Isis, to the birth, death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ.
MOON FACT
The Moon is only 27% the size of our planet Earth. Her average distance from us is 238,657 miles, which sounds a lot but considering the vastness of the universe is not a great distance at all.
Not surprising then that the gravitational pull of the Moon's orbit has already been attributed as the primary cause of our changing tides. Bearing in mind the human body is made up of mostly water, it only follows that this gravitational pull should affect our emotional and physical well being also.
Most cultures recognise the influence the movement of the Moon has on our behaviour. For example; epilepsy has long been thought of as being affected by the progress of our night time visitor, flaring up when the Moon is full.
The power of the full Moon has also been linked to crime, suicide, mental illness, disasters, accidents, birth rates and fertility.
Some people even buy and sell shares according to the position of the Moon. Farmers to this day still follow a Luna calendar, planting and harvesting their crops to correspond with the Moon's yearly cycle.
MOON MAGIC
If you keep a diary, you will no doubt discover upon flicking back through the last few months entries, and checking them against a Moon calendar, that your moods, to a certain extent, have been following a similar sort of pattern to our Mystical Orb.
Perhaps you tend to feel a little sluggish near the end of the Moon's cycle, or maybe you have experienced an unexplainable, intense rush of emotion of some sort near the full Moon?
What follows is a spell for each Moon phase to help you tune into Her energy and hopefully help you release some of your own personal power.
THE FIRST PHASE: New to Waxing Moon.
The first sight of the New Moon and her steady progress through our night time sky signifies new beginnings, a time for development and new opportunities. This is a perfect time to cast spells for health, personal growth, wealth, luck, prosperity, fertility and to put plans into action for the month ahead.
The following spell is for luck granting wishes. Perhaps you have a job interview coming up or are looking to get a pay rise at work? Whatever your situation this spell should help you achieve your goal.
You will need:
2 red and 2 green candles
A glass of wine or apple juice
4 large nuts, such as walnuts or brazil nuts
A small smooth round pebble
Food has been used in magic for centuries. A wish can be written on or mentally projected into a piece of food before being eaten to transfer them to the eater. In this instance we are using nuts to represent the seeds of life. The colour red is for luck, and green is for prosperity.
Arrange the candles in a square aligning them to the compass directions: north, east, south, and west. The square needs to be big enough for you to sit in comfortably. Place the bowl of nuts in the centre.
Keep the pebble in your left hand throughout the spell as it represents the circle of life.
Light the north candle first then take a nut and visualise your desire before dipping it in the wine or juice and eating it.
Break your wish down into four smaller wishes concentrating on one as you light each candle. Remember to keep hold of your pebble, giving it a gentle rub as you make each wish.
Continue in a clockwise motion until all the candles are lit.
When you have finished, sit in the middle of your square and contemplate your desires. Drink the rest of the wine or juice as a toast to the miracle of nature, and keep the pebble with you as a lucky charm.
THE SECOND PHASE: Full Moon
The full moon is an emotional time. Feelings are more intense and powerful therefore this is a perfect time to cast spells for matters of the heart, creativity, increase and expansion, personal power and magnetism, healing of physical, emotional and mental states, protection, and psychic awareness.
The following is a spell for protection. Its purpose is to protect not just your belongings but your physical and emotional wellbeing from the negative energy of others, enemies, burglars or anyone else who wishes you ill
You will need:
A clear jar or bottle
Urine
A number of sharp objects (broken glass, rusty nails, pins, needles, etc.)
The purpose of the urine in this spell is not intended as desecration rather it is more like marking your territory. Urine has long been believed in magic to help create a dominating effect. The sharp objects help to reinforce the dominating theme, thereby allowing you to take control and create a barrier no evil can pass.
Fill the jar or bottle with the sharp objects and then urinate in it. Seal it tight and bury the whole at least 12 inches in the ground in a protected spot where it will not be disturbed, outside your front door or in your front garden
THE THIRD PHASE: Waning Moon
The power of the Moon is decreasing at this time as it is moving away from the earth, so it is an ideal time for spells to help you release and let go of old habits, feelings and the past. The healing power of this phase of the Moon will help you come to terms with loss of all kinds, and to gain insight through knowledge and understanding.
The following spell will help you combat any old habit or problem.
You will need:
1 ripe apple, any variety but with no bruises or marks
2 mint leaves
Wooden kebab skewer
Black ribbon
A small piece of paper and a pen for writing
Apples have always been held sacred to witches, because the witch's pentacle is secretly hidden inside. Mint is also a powerful herb used for among other things banishing negative energy, healing and protection.
Cut the apple in half horizontally so that the star in the centre is exposed. Write your problem or habit you wish to be rid of clearly on the paper and place between the mint leaves
Place all this between the two halves of the apple and skewer together so they remain joined. Tie the apple securely together with the black ribbon. Bury the apple in a place you will never have to visit again.
As the apple rots, so your problem or old habit will fade and disappear.
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By following the Moon's monthly journey and tapping into Her energy, you can learn to fully appreciate the world in which we live, and gain insight into your psyche.
Keep a Moon Diary and see for yourself how our night time visitor affects your day-to-day life.