Lunar Magic
Moon Phases 2026 · Lunar Magic & Rituals
Sync your life and your magical practice with the rhythm of the Moon.
What are the moon phases?
The moon phases are the eight stages of the 29.5-day lunar cycle, and each one shows how much of the Moon the Sun is lighting up as we see it from Earth. Four of them are exact moments: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. In practice the cycle sets a rhythm. The new moon is for starting, the waxing moon for drawing things in, the full moon for charging and releasing, and the waning moon for letting go.
New Moon
New MoonEnergy: A fresh start, planting seeds, a blank canvas.
- +Writing down your wishes for the month
- +Starting new projects or relationships
- +Rituals to attract the new
- +Charging crystals with intention
Avoid: Wrapping things up, surgery (if possible).
Full Moon
Full MoonEnergy: Culmination, power, release, illuminating the hidden.
- +Charging crystals and Tarot cards in the moonlight
- +Rituals to release the old
- +Making Moon water
- +Divination (intuition is at its strongest)
Avoid: Starting new things, impulsive arguments.
Waxing
WaxingEnergy: Growth, attraction, action, gathering momentum.
- +Attracting love, money, health and success
- +Launching new ventures
- +Magic for increase
Waning
WaningEnergy: Cleansing, decreasing, releasing, rest.
- +Breaking spells, stopping bad habits
- +Ending relationships, cleaning the home
- +Losing weight, releasing the negative
All eight phases at a glance
Illumination is the share of the Moon lit by the Sun as seen from Earth. The four exact moments are marked; the rest are periods you recognise by the shape of the crescent.
| Phase | Lit | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| New Moonexact moment | 0% | Intentions, a wish list, the first step |
| Waxing Crescent | 15% | First efforts, searching, gathering information |
| First Quarterexact moment | 50% | Decisions and getting past the first obstacle |
| Waxing Gibbous | 85% | Finishing, polishing, negotiating |
| Full Moonexact moment | 100% | Charging crystals, moon water, divination, release |
| Waning Gibbous | 85% | Gratitude, sharing, giving back |
| Last Quarterexact moment | 50% | Dropping a habit, clearing out, closing things |
| Waning Crescent | 15% | Rest, taking stock, the quiet before the new |
The cycle runs 29.5 days. To see which phase is running right now, with the exact hour, open the lunar calendar.
How to Make Moon Water?
Moon water is water charged with the energy of the full moon. A versatile magical ingredient.
Fill a clear glass vessel with clean water (spring or filtered).
Place the vessel outdoors in the moonlight or on the windowsill.
Surround the vessel with crystals (e.g. Clear Quartz) or herbs.
Speak your intention over the water.
Collect the water in the morning, before sunlight touches it.
Uses
Void of Course Moon
Void of Course MoonThe period when the Moon has made its last aspect with another planet before moving into the next zodiac sign. This time is like a “pause” in the Universe.
The rule: “Begin nothing new, do nothing important.”
Use the time for rest, meditation or routine work. Check when the Moon is void of course in our Lunar calendar.
The Moon through the zodiac
The Moon changes sign every two and a half days and colours the mood of those days. The phase says how much energy there is; the sign says what kind.
| Moon in | Mood | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Impatient, direct | Starting out, sport, a decisive talk |
| Taurus | Calm, sensual | Money, cooking, caring for the body |
| Gemini | Scattered, talkative | Studying, writing, meetings |
| Cancer | Sensitive, homebound | Family, home, lunar rituals |
| Leo | Generous, showy | Performing, creating, celebrating |
| Virgo | Picky, orderly | Cleaning, health, details |
| Libra | Conciliatory, hesitant | Partnership, beauty, agreements |
| Scorpio | Intense, deep | Divination, truths, ending something |
| Sagittarius | Optimistic, expansive | Travel, plans, learning |
| Capricorn | Reserved, businesslike | Career, discipline, the long game |
| Aquarius | Independent, offbeat | Ideas, friends, change |
| Pisces | Dreamy, blurry | Dreams, music, meditation |
What you need for lunar work
Frequently asked questions about the Moon
How many moon phases are there?
Eight. Four of them are exact moments with an hour and a minute: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. Between them sit four transitional phases, recognised by the shape of the crescent: waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous and waning crescent. The whole cycle runs 29.5 days.
How many days does a moon phase influence last?
It depends how you count. Split the cycle into quarters and each runs about 7.4 days. Count all eight phases and each comes to about 3.7 days. The influence is strongest on the day of the exact phase (new moon or full moon) and the 1-2 days around it.
Does the Moon affect our emotions?
Many people notice mood shifts around the full moon -- more intense dreams, heightened sensitivity. Scientific research is mixed, but millennia of practice show a correlation between the lunar cycles and our emotional state.
What is a Void of Course Moon?
The period when the Moon has made its last aspect before changing signs. The rule is: "Begin nothing new" -- do not sign contracts, do not start a business, do not go on a first date.
When is a good time to start a new project according to the Moon?
The new moon is the ideal time for new beginnings. The waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) supports growth and attraction. Avoid starting on a waning moon.
What is the connection between the Moon and the zodiac signs?
The Moon spends about 2.5 days in each zodiac sign, affecting emotions and energy. For example, the Moon in Cancer heightens sensitivity, while the Moon in Aries heightens action. Check our lunar calendar.
Phase, calendar and practice
The phase describes the Moon’s visible illuminated portion. A calendar shows when a phase occurs. Attributed ritual meanings are a separate layer.
As an exercise, record today’s phase and the time and place of observation. Add a personal note about the evening. Keep that impression distinct from a measured lunar effect.