The moon, lunar energy, and its versatile endurance through time
discussing human fascination and magical applications of the lunar energy through the phases of the moon
The moon has been an object of fascination for people for centuries. The changing phases of the moon have provided valuable seasonal indicators and artistic inspiration and deep symbolic meaning in cultures the world over.
Each month, the moon begins and ends. Creating and completing a perfect and timely cycle between beginning to end. This process has deep spiritual roots embedded in the various phases of the moon. The associated symbology changes as the phases of the moon shift through the sky. This changeable nature inspires myths, writers, artists, and musicians alike. From classical music like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata to van Gogh’s stary night to the urban legends about werewolves under the fullmoon.
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata expresses the beauty seen on a moonlit night, serene and still. This is compared to van Gogh's Stary Night, with his deliberate and chaotic brush strokes. The colors swirl across the page in the eternal battle of darkness and light. Van Gogh's choice of colors shows the contrast between that which is known and that which is left too be known. The stark whites and yellows stand out pointedly against the dark blues and blacks. Both examples display the captivating nature of the moon and the dark night sky and the way it drives us as humans to create and honor its beauty.
In pop culture and urban legends, the moon has a darker aspect. Inspiring beastly creations such as werewolves that change under the fullmoon and howl through the night. Bloodthirsty and mindless slaves to the magnetic power of the moon’s energy. This originates from myths of lycanthropy from all corners of the world in many cultures. Humans have observed natural phenomena that are in sync with phases of the moon and in need to provide an understanding for these phenomena, legends and myths were fabricated and have stood the tests of time.
The moon is a powerful force. Proven to have a changeable effect on people, animals, and even the tides of the oceans. In symbolism, the moon is an icon for rebirth, illumination, protection, the completion of cycles, releasing of habits, urges, and that which no longer serves the greater good. The moon is also a powerful cleansing force in nature. Lunar energy is versatile and magnetic. Which means it acts as an excellent amplifier for magical workings. Lunar energy is capable of multiplying intention, pushing towards, or pulling away from intended goals or results.
The phase of the new moon is ideal for magical workings that deal with creation and rebirth. The new moon is, in a sense, a baby at this phase. Beginning it's journey in the night sky. New moons are good opportunities to adopt new habits, start projects, and release baggage. Nights of the new moon are also useful for shadow work and introspection. This makes use of the lunar energy present without illumination. This energy can be used to secret away knowledge and seek out hidden wisdom. Touching on the sacred dark force that flows through the night with each new moon.
When the moon enters its waxing phases between new and full, the lunar energy is gradually building to a climax. Projects that need daily nurturing are ideal to start at this point in the moons cycle. Starting to weave magic into projects works best with lunar energy that can build with the project. The idea with this is that the goal will manifest in a quick manner with maximum results. In warmer months, this is the ideal time to plant new seeds as well. Both physically and metaphorically. Things that need to be built up naturally are best done within the beginning phases of the lunar cycle.
At its peak, when the moon is full, the lunar energy is ideal for recharging, cleansing, and illuminating. This is when cleansing and charging tools is best. The full moon also sheds new light on situations, disputes, and large obstacles. With intent, this can help you manifest creative informed solutions. The full moon is a powerful amplifier for positive intentions and magic meant to heal and recharge the soul and mind. This is also a great opportunity for blessings and self-love rituals. Rites of claiming back power are suitable to the nights of the full moon and are useful after completing major workings.
This leads into the waning phases of the moons journey on the sky. At this point, the power and influence of lunar energy is receding. This is a great period to close chapters. This is the ending of the moons cycle and symbolizes the end of personal cycles as well. The waning energy of the moon is opportune for letting go of habits and that which no longer serves us. This is a time for completion. Symbolically, the moon is dying, which is an icon for the ending and death of all cycles in life and nature.
As a result of the moons journey through the night sky, it has been associated with various triple goddesses in mythology. The two most prominent are the Morrigan and the goddess Hecate. Both goddesses are associated with the moon and its three major phases. These goddesses embody the feminine dark creative energy. Emphasizing the womb of creation as well. They control the energies of the night. They protect the creatures that thrive in the dark, as well as being the patron goddesses of warrior women and mothers. The triple goddess marks the three major kinds of feminine energy, the maiden, the mother, and the crone. This represents the young fertile stages of new life, the maturation of life as a nurturer of others, and the finality of life in old age and death. This makes them versatile and powerful avenues to work through when using lunar energy.