Waxing

The waxing moon appears larger each day until it reaches its fullest at the Full Moon. Perform all constructive works, new beginnings, gain or increase during the waxing phase.

Full

The earth, moon and sun are in a straight line now. All works of power and transformation benefit from ritual at this time. Work your magic during the day before, day of or day after the full moon for greatest benefits.

Waning

A Waning Moon decreases until it becomes "dark" at the New Moon. Excellent for all works of dissolving or banishing, breaking of negative bonds, and psychic stresses

The Moon is now between the Sun and the Earth, and all that is seen is the "dark" side. This means that the Sun, Earth, and Moon are almost in a straight line, with the Moon in between the Sun and the Earth. The Moon that we see looks very dark.

Moon conjunct the Sun: This begins a new cycle. A seed is born, and whatever intention, focus or ritual, i.e., the magic you do at this time, will grow until the Full Moon.

This is known as a Waxing Crescent Moon. This Moon is seen after the New Moon, but before the First Quarter Moon. It grows larger every day, until the Moon looks like the First Quarter Moon.

As the light of the moon increases, this is a time to plant seed for new beginnings. Patterns set during this quarter will continue to develop throughout the lunar cycle.

The right half of the Moon appears lighted and the left side of the Moon appears dark. The First Quarter Moon, the part of the Moon that appears lighted gets larger every day, and will continue to grow until the Full Moon.

Perform magic on waxing moons to attract a new quality or behavior, to increase the light within, to attain personal and spiritual growth and greater awareness. The quarter moon suggests a period of overcoming obstacles and continuing on the path to growth.

This Moon is known as a Waxing Gibbous Moon. This Moon can be seen after the First Quarter Moon, but before the Full Moon. The amount of the Moon that we can see will grow larger and larger every day. ("Waxing" means increasing, or growing larger.)

Continuation of the waxing quarter moon....

During the Full Moon the lighted side of the Moon faces the Earth. The Earth, Sun, and Moon are nearly in a straight line, with the Earth in the middle. The Moon that we see is bright due to the sunlight reflecting off it.

The full moon is a time of fruition and culmination. The energy of a full moon runs high, allowing for enormous procucitivity and completion of current projects. This phase illuminates the seed planted at the New Moon and brings it to its full potential.

This Moon is called a Waning Gibbous Moon. A Gibbous Moon can be seen after the Full Moon, but before the Last Quarter Moon.

The waning moon emphasizes subconscious creative urges, and helps to clarify one's inner values through reflection and contemplation. Waning moons are best suited for magic performed for the decrease of negativity in one's life, breaking addictive patterns, eliminating unproductive behaviors and attitudes and the like.

last quarter

During the Last Quarter the left half of the Moon appears lighted, and the right side of the Moon appears dark. The waning moon continues to shrink until the New Moon, when the cycle starts all over again.

Moon square Sun. The waning moon (after the high and frenzied energy of a full moon) is one of release and rest, a time to review what has worked and not in the last moon cycle, and gather energy and focus forthe next new Moon.

waning crescent

The Waning Crescent Moon can be seen after the Last Quarter Moon and before the New Moon. The crescent grows smaller every day, until the Moon seems to disappear - turning "dark" at the New Moon.

More reflection, quiet, and meditation.

balsamic moon

This phase is sometimes referred to as the Balsamic* Moon. This sliver of a crescent grows smaller and smaller every day, until the Moon appears dark at the New Moon..

The last few degrees of a waning crescent moon before it turns dark; represents healing and soothing stillness of soul and mind; a phase of deepening wisdom and transcendence. Time better spent in meditation and contemplation, rather than magic.

*balsamic - having the quality of balsam; soothing, unctuous, soft, mitigating and mild.