Today we’re sharing what it means to be a moon witch including lunar witchcraft and moon magic, plus the mental, psychological, and cyclical practices of the lunar witch.
Have you ever felt that undeniable pull when you gaze up at the night sky, captivated by the moon’s luminous glow? If so, you’re not alone. Throughout history, countless souls have been enchanted by the moon’s mysterious power. It’s not just about its beauty; it’s about the profound energy it radiates — an energy that, believe it or not, you can harness.
Welcome to the ultimate moon witch’s guide, where you’re about to embark on an illuminating journey into the realm of moon magic. Whether you’re a seasoned witch or someone just dipping your toes into the magical waters, this guide is your one-way ticket to understanding and tapping into the moon’s potent influence.
So, get comfy, light a candle if you wish, and let’s dive deep into the lunar world together.
What Is A Moon Witch?
When you hear the term “moon witch,” it might conjure up images of someone dancing under the moonlight or chanting incantations by moonlit shores. While those visuals aren’t entirely off-base, there’s a lot more to it.
A moon witch is someone who draws upon the energies of the moon in their magical practices. Just as the moon governs the tides of our oceans, many believe it influences the energies within and around us. This makes the moon a powerful ally in spellwork, rituals, and even in understanding ourselves better.
Key Characteristics of a Moon Witch:
Intuition: Just as the moon has its phases, a moon witch often has an innate sense of the ebb and flow of energy and emotions in themselves and others.
Cyclic Awareness: Moon witches attune themselves to the lunar cycle, understanding the distinct energies from the new moon’s promise to the full moon’s culmination.
Ritualistic: Many moon witches have specific rituals for each moon phase, harnessing the unique energy it brings.
Nature Connected: Just as the moon affects the natural world, moon witches often feel deeply connected to nature and the rhythms of the Earth.
Divination: The moon’s mysterious aura makes it a powerful tool for divinatory practices like tarot reading or scrying.
Healing: With the moon’s association with emotions and intuition, many moon witches possess healing capabilities, whether it’s emotional healing or working with moon-infused herbal remedies.
Unconscious Mind: The lunar witch is interested in the darkest parts of the self and illuminating those shadow areas, similar to how the sun illuminates the moon, and the moon lights up the night sky.
So, in essence, being a moon witch is all about that deep connection with the lunar cycle, understanding its influences, and channeling its power in various magical and everyday practices. It’s a dance of light and shadow, of introspection and manifestation, all under the watchful gaze of our beautiful moon.
Moon Witch History & Basics
The allure of the moon has captivated humans since the dawn of time. Before we dive into the details of being a moon witch, let’s take a brief journey into the past and understand some fundamental concepts.
A Brief Stroll Down Lunar Lane:
Ancient Civilizations: Whether it’s the Egyptians with their moon god Thoth, the Greeks with Artemis and Selene, or the Chinese associating the moon with Yin energy, ancient cultures have revered the moon and recognized its influence on both nature and humanity.
Moon in Mythology: Throughout history, the moon has been personified in countless myths and legends. From werewolves to moon chariots, tales of its magic and influence are abundant.
Agricultural Connection: Many ancient communities timed their planting and harvest cycles based on the moon’s phases, acknowledging its tangible effects on the Earth and its inhabitants.
Moon Magic Basics:
Energy Flow: Just like the sun provides warmth and light, the moon radiates its own form of energy. However, while the sun’s energy is direct and constant, the moon’s energy varies with its phases, each bringing a unique vibe.
Moon Phases Matter: Different moon phases correspond to different types of energies. For instance, the new moon is for beginnings and intentions, while the full moon is for manifestation and celebration.
Ebb & Flow: Moon magic acknowledges the natural rhythms of life. There’s a time to act (waxing moon), a time to reflect (waning moon), and a time for rest and rejuvenation (dark moon).
Moon Correspondences: In moon magic, certain elements, colors, crystals, and herbs resonate with specific moon phases. For instance, silver is a color often linked with the moon, and moonstone is a crystal that aligns with lunar energies.
To truly embrace the path of a moon witch, it’s essential to recognize that our ancestors revered the moon not just as a celestial body, but as a powerful force influencing life on Earth. And while the methods and understandings might evolve, the essence remains: the moon is a guide, a friend, and a source of magic for those attuned to its rhythms.
Moon Phases & Their Significance To The Lunar Witch
The moon, ever-changing and cyclical, goes through a series of distinct phases. Each phase carries its own energy, offering unique opportunities for reflection, action, and ritual. As a budding moon witch, understanding these phases is fundamental. Let’s break them down:
1. New Moon:
Significance: The moon is between the Earth and the sun, and the side of the moon facing us receives no direct sunlight. It’s a time of new beginnings.
What You Can Do: Set intentions for the month ahead, initiate new projects, and sow the seeds for future endeavors.
2. Waxing Crescent:
Significance: As the moon moves further from the sun in our sky, a thin crescent slowly becomes visible. It’s a phase of building energy and taking initial steps.
What You Can Do: Take action towards your new moon intentions, gather resources, and build momentum.
3. First Quarter:
Significance: Half the moon is illuminated and half in shadow. It’s a time of challenges and pushing forward.
What You Can Do: Stay resilient, confront obstacles, and stay committed to your goals.
4. Waxing Gibbous:
Significance: More than half of the moon is illuminated now. It’s a phase of refinement and adjustment.
What You Can Do: Tweak plans, refine goals, and make necessary changes to your approach.
5. Full Moon:
Significance: The moon is fully illuminated, bathing the night in its glow. A time of culmination, celebration, and harnessing peak energy.
What You Can Do: Celebrate achievements, perform gratitude rituals, and assess the growth since the new moon.
6. Waning Gibbous:
Significance: The initial phase after the full moon, where the illumination starts decreasing. It’s a phase of giving back and introspection.
What You Can Do: Share your accomplishments, begin introspective practices, and assist others in their journey.
7. Last Quarter:
Significance: Again, half the moon is visible, but this time it’s the other half. It’s a period of release and letting go.
What You Can Do: Evaluate what hasn’t served you during the cycle and start releasing it, whether it’s an old habit, thought pattern, or material possession.
8. Waning Crescent:
Significance: As the new moon approaches, only a slender crescent remains visible. It’s a phase of rest, recuperation, and preparation.
What You Can Do: Rest up, meditate, and prepare yourself for the new cycle about to begin.
The moon’s journey is a dance of light and dark, waxing and waning. By aligning with its rhythms, you can amplify your intentions, actions, and rituals, making the most of the energies available to you.
Lunar Witchcraft Rituals and Spells
Tapping into the moon’s energy can be transformative. Rituals and spells are a fantastic way to channel this cosmic force, aligning your intentions with the moon’s phases for amplified effects. Here’s a snapshot of some rituals and spells tailored to each moon phase:
1. New Moon Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Set intentions and embark on new beginnings.
Sample Spell: Light a white candle and write down your goals for the upcoming lunar month. Visualize them manifesting as you burn the paper safely in the candle’s flame.
2. Waxing Crescent Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: To take action and build momentum.
Sample Spell: Anoint a green candle with a growth or success oil. Light it while focusing on the steps you’ll take to achieve your new moon intentions.
3. First Quarter Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: To overcome obstacles and challenges.
Sample Spell: Create a sachet filled with herbs like rosemary and basil. Hold it and visualize overcoming the challenges in your path, then keep it with you as a talisman.
4. Waxing Gibbous Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Refinement and re-alignment.
Sample Spell: Meditate with a piece of clear quartz, focusing on refining your plans and adjusting your path. Charge the crystal in the moonlight afterward.
5. Full Moon Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Celebration, gratitude, and manifestation.
Sample Spell: Hold a moonlit water ceremony. Fill a bowl with water, and under the moon, express your gratitude. Use this charged water for cleansing and blessing.
6. Waning Gibbous Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Share knowledge and wisdom.
Sample Spell: Write down things you’ve learned this lunar cycle and bury the paper, returning your insights to the Earth.
7. Last Quarter Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Release and let go of what no longer serves.
Sample Spell: Burn dried sage or another cleansing herb, wafting the smoke around yourself and your space, envisioning unwanted energies and habits dispersing.
8. Waning Crescent Rituals and Spells:
Purpose: Rest and rejuvenate.
Sample Spell: Draw a moonlit bath with lavender oil and Epsom salts. Soak, releasing tensions and preparing for the new cycle.
The moon witch will always work with the moon phase, but you can tailor a spell however you’d like. You can also work with moon deities in this spells, which we’ll get to later!
Crystals & Lunar Witchcraft
Harnessing the vibrant energies of crystals while aligning them with the moon’s cycles is a harmonious blend of earth and cosmic magic. Crystals, with their inherent vibrations, resonate beautifully with the changing phases of the moon. Here’s how you can combine these two powerful forces:
Charging Crystals with Moonlight:
Every crystal aficionado knows the importance of regularly cleansing and charging their gems. Using the moon’s gentle luminescence is a popular method.
On a clear night, preferably during the full moon, place your crystals outdoors or on a windowsill where they can soak up moonlight. Leave them overnight and collect them in the morning. They’ll be supercharged and ready to go!
Best Crystals for Lunar Energy:
Certain stones resonate exceptionally well with the moon’s energy. Here are some top picks:
Moonstone: As its name suggests, it’s the quintessential moon crystal. It encourages intuition, inner growth, and strength.
Selenite: Named after the Greek moon goddess Selene, this crystal brings clarity of mind and cleanses negative energies.
Labradorite: Known for its transformative properties, it helps with change and imparts strength and perseverance.
Clear Quartz: A versatile crystal, it amplifies the energy of the moon and can be programmed with lunar intentions.
Moon Phase and Crystal Pairings:
Different moon phases might call for specific crystal energies. Here’s a quick guide:
New Moon: Black Tourmaline for grounding and setting intentions.
Waxing Crescent: Citrine for motivation and taking action.
First Quarter: Red Jasper for courage and overcoming challenges.
Waxing Gibbous: Amethyst for spiritual growth and intuition.
Full Moon: Moonstone or Clear Quartz for amplification and celebration.
Waning Gibbous: Lapis Lazuli for introspection and sharing wisdom.
Last Quarter: Smoky Quartz for releasing and detoxifying.
Waning Crescent: Rose Quartz for self-love and relaxation.
Crystal Moon Elixirs:
Elixirs are waters charged with the essence of a crystal, and when made under a specific moon phase, they can pack a powerful punch.
Place a cleansed crystal (make sure it’s safe for water immersion) in a glass of water. Let it sit under the moonlight overnight. The next day, you have a lunar-charged crystal elixir ready to be consumed or used in rituals.
A little tip: Always ensure your chosen crystal is safe for elixirs by doing thorough research beforehand. Some crystals will dissolve in water.
The Lunar Witch & Divination:
The mystical allure of the moon has long been intertwined with the realms of divination and foresight. When you combine lunar energy with the practice of tarot and other divination methods, the results can be deeply revealing. To a lunar witch, divination is second nature.
You can practice virtually any kind of divination and be a lunar witch. The key is to tap into the subconscious mind and focus on feelings and vibes rather than concrete, unchangeable reality. For advanced practitioners, I talk more about this type of work on my Patreon.
Think about the moon card in the tarot deck. This tarot card embodies:
- Intuition: Trusting your inner voice and instincts.
- Unconscious: Delving into the depths of dreams and suppressed emotions.
- Illumination: Revealing hidden truths and unseen factors.
- Reflection: The moon reflects the sun’s light, just as you might reflect on past experiences and internal realities.
These are all areas that the moon witch is interested in. The unconscious mind, and shedding light on the darkness, are paramount for this work. This is why the moon witch often works at night. Metaphorically, the lunar witch is working with the darkest parts of the soul as well as the physical night around us.
You can practice any divination method as a lunar witch. Some common methods include mirror scrying, black mirror scrying, tarot readings, oracle readings, pendulum divination, and crystal ball scrying.
Creating a Moon Altar
Setting up an altar dedicated to the moon is a beautiful way to cultivate a space for your lunar rituals, meditations, and spells. This sacred space lets you connect deeply with the moon’s energy, whether it’s in full glow or hidden from sight. Begin by finding the perfect spot for your altar. It could be a serene corner of your room, beside a window that gives a clear view of the moon, or even an outdoor space if the conditions are right. Before you start placing items, it’s crucial to cleanse this chosen area. Use sage, palo santo, or a dash of salted water to rid the space of any lingering negative vibes.
Lay down an altar cloth that mirrors the hues of the moon—think silvers and whites, or any color that speaks ‘moon’ to you. This cloth delineates your altar space and can be charged with your specific intentions. Embellish your altar with symbols and representations of the moon. You could use art showcasing its different phases, a bowl of moon water (water that’s been charged under moonlight), or even a piece of moonstone, a crystal teeming with lunar energies.
To harmonize your altar with nature’s elements, incorporate symbols of the earth, air, fire, and water. Consider salt or plants for earth, incense or feathers for air, white or silver candles for fire, and a cup or bowl of water to represent the water element. Your altar should also be an extension of your personal energy, so don’t shy away from adding personal items. Talismans, heirlooms, or even photographs of dear ones can find a place here.
As the moon transitions through its phases, let your altar evolve too. For the new moon, incorporate symbols of beginnings like seeds, while for the full moon, you might want to showcase fully blossomed flowers. After setting up, take a moment to formally dedicate your altar. This can be done through a heartfelt intention, a prayer, or a dedicated ritual. This step solidifies the altar’s purpose and welcomes the moon’s potent energy into the space.
Your moon altar, above all, should resonate with you. There are no stringent rules, and the most vital aspect is that it feels authentic and aligns with your intentions. Over time, as you sync with the moon’s rhythms, this altar will become a pivotal part of your spiritual journey, grounding and empowering you at every phase.
The Moon Witch and the Feminine Cycle
The intricate dance between the moon and the feminine cycle is as old as time itself. Throughout history, many cultures have drawn parallels between the moon’s phases and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the female menstrual cycle.
For a moon witch, this connection holds profound significance. The lunar cycle, with its consistent transition from new moon to waxing to full moon and then waning, mirrors the stages a woman goes through each month—menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Many moon witches believe that by tuning into the lunar rhythms, they can harness its energy to better understand and work with their own bodily cycles. This alignment creates a harmonious relationship between external cosmic energies and internal bodily rhythms.
Celebrating the shared cyclical nature of the moon and the feminine cycle provides moon witches with a deeper sense of empowerment, grounding, and connection to the universe. By intertwining their practices with these cycles, moon witches embrace the essence of femininity, tapping into ancient wisdom and fostering a bond that feels both mystical and profoundly natural.
Working With Lunar Deities
The moon has always been a source of enchantment and mystery, deeply intertwined with the human experience. Throughout history and across cultures, the moon’s powerful presence has given birth to numerous deities and mythological figures that symbolize its various aspects.
Working with these lunar deities can deepen your connection to the moon and offer new dimensions to your spiritual practices.
Here are some well-known lunar deities you can work with:
Artemis (Greek): The goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and the moon. She symbolizes independence, protection, and the untamed spirit.
Selene (Greek): Personification of the moon itself, Selene is seen as the bringer of night and the mother of the celestial bodies. See more about working with Selene here.
Thoth (Egyptian): Often associated with wisdom, writing, and the moon, Thoth helps with gaining knowledge and understanding.
Chang’e (Chinese): A moon goddess with a tragic love story, she’s often linked with themes of love, loss, and the quest for immortality.
Tsukuyomi (Japanese): The moon god, known for his purity and calm demeanor, representing the moon’s serene and soothing energy.
There are plenty moon lunar deities if you don’t feel a connection here!
You can work with these deities either to enhance your moon magic by calling upon them to strengthen a spell, or for inner work. In that case, the deity will help you discover new parts of yourself and “illuminate” the dark areas of your psyche that need work.
FAQs About Lunar Witchcraft & Moon Magic
Do I need to be a woman or identify as female to be a moon witch?
Not at all! Moon witchcraft is inclusive and open to anyone regardless of gender or identity. While there’s a significant connection between the lunar cycle and the feminine cycle, one doesn’t need to experience the latter to resonate with and harness the moon’s energy. Plus, we all have the sacred masculine and feminine within us, regardless of gender.
Can I practice moon witchcraft if I live in a city with light pollution?
Absolutely. While having a clear view of the moon can enhance your practices, the moon’s energy permeates everywhere, regardless of visibility. There are many ways to connect with the moon, even if you can’t see it directly. The energy of the moon is always influencing us, even when its not visible.
Do I need a lot of tools or supplies to start practicing as a moon witch?
While tools can be beneficial, the most important aspect is your intention and connection to the moon. You can start with basic items like a journal, candles, and crystals. As you grow in your practice, you can incorporate more tools if you wish.
I’m new to this. How can I learn more about being a moon witch?
Start with observation. Track the moon’s phases, notice how you feel during different stages, and maybe journal your observations. Next, try performing simple rituals to make your life better/easier. You can separately work on your divination skills to tap into the unconscious mind.
I don’t feel a connection during every moon phase. Is that normal?
Absolutely. Just as the moon has its ebb and flow, your connection might vary. It’s perfectly okay to feel more aligned with certain phases than others.
Can I combine moon witchcraft with other spiritual practices?
Definitely! Spirituality is deeply personal, and many practitioners blend different traditions, beliefs, and practices to create a path that resonates most with them. I’m not only a “moon witch” but I do incorporate a lot of moon magic and lunar witchcraft into my practice.
