Earth By Hazel Dunlin |
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Home Introduction Hazel's Book of Shadows Frequently Asked Questions Further Reading About Hazel Email Hazel |
Earth By Hazel Dunlin |
|
Home Introduction Hazel's Book of Shadows Frequently Asked Questions Further Reading About Hazel Email Hazel |
The Esbats
To honor the Moon is to honor the Goddess. The God should also be remembered during Moon rituals, for without the Sun reflecting his light on the Moon we wouldn't be able to see her. (This again shows the balance of masculine and feminine.) The Moon is so important to Witches. It changes the tides, not only in the seas, but also in our bodies. . . our Souls. The Moon represents the Goddess in so many traditions around the world. She is revered and honored in rituals of all kinds. Her magick is ever changing, like the tides, shifting smoothly from one phase to another, unnoticed by some and anticipated by others. For those of you who revere Her, you might find the information listed here helpful. For those who would like to learn more, it's a place to start.
The Phases
The phases of the moon have
an effect on your magick. They can take away from or add to your doings,
so knowing when to do what can increase your work's outcome tremendously.
Listed below are the magickal properties of the Phases of our great Goddess.
Waxing
Phase Also known as the Maiden phase of
the Triple Goddess. This is the time between the New Moon (or no Moon) and
the Full Moon. Magick performed during this phase should be of attraction,
increasing, growth,
and new projects.
Full
Phase Also known as
the Mother phase of the Triple Goddess. Some traditions believe this Moon phase lasts three days
before, the day of and three days after the actual date of the Full Moon
with the date of the Full Moon being the strongest.
Magick performed during the Full Moon should be increasing, growth, healing and empowerment. The Full Moon is
called an Esbat. There are thirteen Esbats in a year. Below is a
listing of the Esbats for this year.
Waning Phase
Also known as the Crone phase of the Triple Goddess. This Moon phase is
the time between the Full Moon and the New Moon. Magick performed during
this phase should be of decreasing, releasing, banishing and cleansing.
With the strongest time being the night before the New Moon.
New
Phase Or no Moon,
is traditionally the time when no magick is performed.
It is a time of
rest and relaxation. Divination and meditation can be done, but usually
not for a specific reason. Some traditions believe
this phase lasts three days before,
the day of, and three days after the New Moon.
If it is absolutely necessary to perform
magick, Hecate can be called upon for help. For this is her time to
rule. (Hecate is the Crone Goddess of Greek tradition.)
" A New Moon
rises with the Sun,
Her waxing half at midday shows,
The Full Moon climbs at sunset hour,
And the waning half the midnight knows."
The Witches' Almanac Ltd. ©
2000
Further Reading
For more information on the Sabbats and Esbats; Moon phases, dates and times, and zodiac information I recommend the following books. Each book is linked to Amazon.com (on my 'Further Reading' page) where you can read write-ups, customer comments and there's purchasing info there too. It's a great place to find out what a book is about before you buy. Some of these titles are also available for purchase on the Books page at Avalon Moon, Inc. with free shipping available in the USA.
Wicca, The
Complete Craft by D.J. Conway
Herbal Rituals by Judith
Berger
Moon Magick by D.J. Conway
The Witches' Almanac
The Old Farmer's Almanac
The 'Further Reading' page within this site also lists additional books available.