New Moon Spells

New Moon Spells for Each Moon Phase 

Witches believe the moon contains mother energy. The moon represents our emotional landscape, our thoughts, and our feelings. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to its cycle if you want to take advantage of moon magic. You need to figure out the best time to set intentions, based on what you wish to accomplish. Here is everything you need to know about new moon spells to perform at every point in the lunar cycle:

What is the new moon or full moon?

full moon and gray clouds during nighttime
Unsplash / Ganapathy Kumar

In astronomy, the new moon is the first lunar phase. It occurs when the moon and sun have the same ecliptic longitude. To put it simply, this is when the moon is on the same side of Earth as the sun. This makes the moon invisible to the eye.

The full moon is the lunar phase when the moon appears illuminated from our perspective on earth. A full moon occurs when the Earth sits between the sun and the moon. There are several types of full moons. They include blood moons, supermoons, blue moons, and harvest moons.

Blood Moon

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. This happens when the earth lines up between the moon and the sun. It gives the moon a red glow.

Supermoon

A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and at the closest point in its orbit around Earth. This makes it appear larger than usual.

Blue Moon

A blue moon doesn’t look any different from a normal moon. It is considered special because it’s an “extra” moon in a season with four full moons. This only happens every two-and-a-half years.

Harvest Moon

This moon appears at the beginning of autumn. It is a bright, full moon that signals a time when harvests are the largest.

What the full moon is called each month:

Full moons are associated with nourishment and intuition. However, every month has a different type of full moon. Here are the names associated with each month of the year:

January: The Wolf Moon

February: The Snow Moon

March: The Worm Moon

April: The Pink Moon

May: The Flower Moon

June: The Strawberry Moon

July: The Buck Moon

August: The Sturgeon Moon

September: The Corn Moon

October: The Hunter’s Moon

November: The Beaver Moon

December: The Cold Moon

What energy does the moon bring?

People who believe in astrology use the energy of the new moon to achieve their goals. The new moon is a great time to start new projects or relationships because the new moon represents a fresh start.

The full moon rules our gut feelings. Since it represents the end of the moon cycle, this is a time of reflection. It’s when you should look back on what you’ve accomplished during the last month. You should start to think of new intentions for the next new moon.

The history of moon magic:

Moon rituals began in Egypt and Babylonia, where people worshiped the moon. Witches in Greek and Roman literature were accused of drawing down the moon with magic spells. Throughout history, many people believed the moon could guide their spirituality. They looked to the moon for assistance.

Each moon cycle lasts 29.5 days. In the past, people would examine the night sky in order to see which phase the moon was in. However, there are now moon apps on your phone to let you know the cycle the moon is currently in. This allows you to schedule your manifestation in advance, so you’re prepared for what’s to come.

What are the phases of the moon?

moon illustration
Unsplash / Sanni Sahil

We’re made of water, and the tides are impacted by the moon cycle. That means we’re also impacted by the moon cycle. There are eight phases of the moon overall. However, only four of those phases are commonly used in moon rituals. They are the new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon.

Each phase of the moon works well with different types of moon rituals and intentions. However, there is no bad time to do a moon ritual. If you want to set intentions, you don’t have to wait until later in the month. You can manifest now.

However, if you’re interested in tailoring your moon rituals to the moon phases, here are some ideas:

New Moon Spells

The new moon represents a fresh start. The moon is out of sight, which is why it’s an excellent time to work on your dark side or shadow self. Try to find innovative ways to use your negative traits in positive ways. For example, if you’re manipulative, you can use your ability to try to get ahead in your career. If you’re overly emotional, you can use your empathy to communicate with your partner.

The new moon is also a great time for intention setting. Come up with goals that you will work toward completing. After all, the new moon represents new beginnings. It’s a time to let go of your past. Move forward without worrying about what went wrong yesterday.

Waxing Moon Spells

The moon grows bigger during the waxing moon. It also becomes brighter in the night sky. You should take advantage of this growing energy. A waxing moon is the best time to try to make your career, love life, and self-esteem brighter. You should do spells for growth, initiation, and enchantment. If you want to better yourself, a waxing moon can help you. Just make sure you set the right intentions.

Full Moon Spells

Emotions run high during full moons. This is an excellent time to charge your crystals by exposing them to the moonlight. Simply place them outside or near a window where light will hit them. You can also create full moon water by placing a glass of water under the light of the full moon.

Make sure you place this cup of water on top of a letter of intention. After the night ends, you should chug the glass of water. This will help grant you the energy to accomplish your goals over the next month. Overall, psychic abilities are heightened during the full moon, which is why this is the best time to practice magic.

Waning Moon Spells

The waning moon is when the moon appears to decrease in size. It looks like it’s becoming smaller from our point on earth. The waning moon is the best time to cut ties with toxic people. You can also rid yourself of negative feelings like self-doubt and insecurity. You should also do spells for decreasing obstacles in your life, just like the moon’s light is decreasing.

Spell ideas for each of the moon phases:

total lunar eclipse
Unsplash / Mark Tegethoff

Manifesting will give you power to achieve your dreams. It will give you the energy to accomplish your goals. However, you should schedule a slightly different moon manifestation during each moon phase. Here are a few ideas on what you should do:

New Moon Ritual

New moon rituals don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all they involve is meditation and visualization. During the new moon, you can simply run a bath with sea salt or bath salts.

However, make sure you set the mood with candles and bath bombs. You can consider adding in dried flowers and essential oils as well. Then cleanse yourself under the light of the new moon. This is a simple new moon ritual that will help bring you positive energy.

Waxing Moon Ritual

The waxing moon is an excellent time to focus on your dreams. Write a letter where you set intentions for your career. Make sure you write details about exactly what you want, whether it’s a raise in your salary or a higher position. Then light a green candle to represent your finances and journal all of your thoughts.

However, before you light your candle, you can use a toothpick to carve your name into the wax. Also provide a drawing, such as a dollar sign, or whatever else represents your desires. Read your letter out loud while you meditate and visualize achieving your goals. When the candle is done burning, your desires will be placed out in the universe.

Full Moon Ritual

During the full moon, you should take time to think about what you really want. Open a window, so the moonlight shines through while you’re enjoying me-time in a sacred space. Close your eyes and imagine your intention. Picture what you want, whether it’s a fun fling or true love. This is an easy moon ritual that you can practice every single month.

Waning Moon Ritual

The waning moon is the best time to think about what you don’t want out of life. This is why you should write down your fears and insecurities. Then burn the page to get rid of your negative thoughts. You could also get rid of it by burying it. Just make sure that it is destroyed in one way or another.

Herbs for new moon rituals:

round moon over snow capped mountain ranges
Unsplash / 邱 严

You can always use herbs to cleanse your space. However, make sure you open windows and tie back your hair before performing a smudging ritual. Once you’re ready, burn Palo Santo or white sage and allow the smoke to envelop your body. Start at your feet and end at your head.

You can also include herbs in your tea or in your bathwater. Just make sure you choose the right type for what you’re trying to accomplish. Here is the meaning of a few common herbs:

Aloe

Aloe is for protection and luck.

Apple

Apple is for love, friendship, and healing.

Basil

Basil is for wealth, sympathy, and protection.

Bay

Bay is for protection, love, and good fortune.

Cedar

Cedar is for confidence, strength, and power.

Chamomile

Chamomile is for love, healing, and reducing stress.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is for love and lust.

Lavender

Lavender is for attraction, beauty, and purification.

Lilac

Lilac is for wisdom and memory.

Mint

Mint is for clear sight, energy, and cleansing.

Orange

Orange is for harmony and happiness.

Rose

Rose is for love, passion, and friendship.

Vanilla

Vanilla is for purity, affection, and attraction.

Violet

Violet is for visions and creativity.

New moon tarot spread:

If you’re not sure which intentions to set, check in with your tarot cards. Spread out four cards, with two on top and three on the bottom. This is what each card will represent:

Card one – What’s been the lesson of this past cycle?

Card two – What’s falling away?

Card three – What’s ready to begin?

Card four – How can I work with this energy?

Card five – How can I support myself in my intentions?

January Nelson is a writer, editor, and dreamer. She writes about astrology, games, love, relationships, and entertainment. January graduated with an English and Literature degree from Columbia University.