Craft: How to Be a Modern Witch - Gabriela Herstik 2018

The Moon as Muse: Moon Magick

Witchcraft is riddled with folklore about the Moon. During sabbats, usually when the Moon was full, witches would gather in fields and honour the Moon as the Great Mother by dancing, chanting and raising energy. The Moon was worshipped as the Roman goddess Diana, as the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui, as the Greek goddess Selene. The Moon touches us in a special way; a reminder from the heavens that no matter what happens there’s always a light.

Even today, ask nearly any witch about the Moon and she’s sure to gush. The Moon is our muse, our mother, our goddess, our creatrix. Her light illuminates the darkness and our soul. Her craters reflect our depths. Her ebb and flow reflects our own, reminding us of the cycles we go through every month. And for those of us who bleed, the Moon reminds us of the way we grow, die and transform each month, just like the Moon as she waxes and wanes.

The Moon represents our inner world. While the Sun illuminates our truth, our passions and our light, the Moon rests her gaze on the realm of the subconscious. Her whispers are more subtle; caresses on flesh, flashes of insight in our mind’s eye, the whispering of truths in our ear as we contemplate her silky surface. She is the subtle energy of the Universe personified; she is one of the greatest teachers we have, and a reminder that we’re allowed to transform as often as we like.

In the tarot, the Moon is a double truth. On the one hand, she represents our inner darkness — our subconscious mind, the dream world, our shadows and whatever hides in the darkness. She tells us of our shame, of what we keep hidden, of what we bury under layers of ink so black that we don’t have to see it anymore. But the Moon wouldn’t have light if she weren’t reflecting the Sun; and this is the other face of her duality. In this way, the Moon lights up our darkness. She invites us to explore our inner realm, to dive into the ocean of our soul. When we track our own energy next to that of the Moon, we’re tapping into the way our ancestors tracked their life and growth as well. Not only is this natural, it’s easy too.

sympathetic moon magick

I talked a little bit about sympathetic magick earlier in this book, in Chapter 1, but in my opinion one of the easiest ways to work with this practice is with the Moon. Sympathetic magick is a form of magick that imitates its desired outcome. A staged hunt with the outcome that is hoped for in the real hunt and working with the Moon’s phases are examples of this.

Each month, we enjoy a fresh energetic slate thanks to the new Moon. This is when the Moon’s in her darkest phase, when no light is reflected back at us and she’s inky black like a scrying mirror. As her light starts to wax, or grow, until it reaches its apex at the full Moon, we can perform magick concerning what we want to manifest. As the Moon’s light grows, we grow too; and we focus our magick around this during the new Moon, waxing Moon and full Moon. When the Moon is at her fullest, this is a powerful time to focus on any sort of magick we want to (although banishing spells are best saved for the waning or new Moon). As the Moon’s light wanes, or loses light, we work magick on whatever we want to release, let go of or banish from our lives. And then at the next new Moon, the cycle starts all over again.

In the West, our calendars are run by the Sun and its reign. But I would argue that our bodies are naturally more connected with the Moon. If the Moon controls the tides, and our bodies are over 70 per cent water, it makes sense that we feel her effects too. By working alongside her lunar rhythms, we have an easy and potent form of magick that will be there for us month after month. And, as we have seen, each phase of the Moon’s journey has its own specific medicine that we can use and tap into whenever we need. Having some basic background information about each phase will allow you to access and harness the Moon’s energy to enhance your spells, ritual, magick and energy work.

new moon

The new Moon is like a fresh page in a notebook, like a clean slate, like waking up after a long nap ready for what the day holds. It’s the start of a new energetic cycle, and it’s the day when we’re able to dive the deepest into our shadows and the abyss of our hearts and souls. The new Moon, also known as the dark Moon, is when we set our eyes on the month ahead. The power of the new Moon is strongest on the actual day (often marked in calendars as a black dot), and potent for two and a half days before and after this.

The new Moon is a great time to plant seeds and set goals. You can create a monthly ritual out of this lunar phase by reading your tarot cards, looking at your spiritual, physical and mental health and life, and figuring out where you need more support. Even if there’s nothing new you need to plant, there may be something that needs nurturing from previous months or seasons.

The new Moon is also a time when we can banish whatever no longer serves us. While this work can be done during the waning Moon as well, banishing negative energy or binding negative energy (to release or tie up, respectively) is also supported in the darkest phase of the Moon. You can perform the binding spell here, or start it on the waning Moon and then finish it at the new Moon.

Journaling prompts for the new Moon: What is it that I intend to grow and feed during this Moon cycle? What do I need more of in my life to feel fulfilled? What steps can I take to cultivate new or existing passions? Try writing a list of goals of what you want to accomplish in the next month.

A SIMPLE SPELL FOR MANIFESTATION

You’ll need: a white pillar candle (or a colour that corresponds to whatever you want to manifest; see below and the section on Candle Magick 101 in Chapter 8); a piece of paper and pen; a toothpick. Optional: any oils, herbs and crystals associated with your goal.

” Money/Abundance: a green candle, cinnamon, ginger or patchouli oil.

” Love: a pink candle, rose petals, ylang-ylang or jasmine oil.

” Health: a white candle, eucalyptus, cypress or coriander oil.

” Creativity: an orange candle, peppermint, clary sage or tangerine oil.

Step 1: Ground, centre and cast your circle.

Ground your energy, finding the space at the base of your spine where the Earth supports you. Breathe into this, feeling the connection to the Earth grow stronger and stronger. Cast your circle by walking around your space clockwise while pointing your finger, a wand or athame and imagining a sphere of white protective energy forming around you.

Step 2: Write your intention and dress your candle.

Write your intention, or petition, on a piece of paper. Then write a sentence or a few words on your candle about what you want to manifest. Use a toothpick, pin or a needle to carve this into the candle, from the bottom to the top. If you’re dressing your candle with herbs and oils, now’s the time to do so. (See Chapter 8, here for more information on candle magick.) Using your oil of choice, put some in your hands and cover the candle with it, moving from the top to the middle and then from the bottom to the middle, which is the way you attract in candle magick. Then place the herbs atop the oil in the same manner, making sure to cover each side of the candle.

Step 3: Call it in.

Once you’ve dressed your candle, reconnect with your breath and then light the candle. Really feel what you want; what would it be like to receive what you’re asking for? Hold this in your heart as you read from your paper to the candle, asking the Universe, your guides, angels or deities for their support and compassion concerning what you wish to manifest. Declare your intention, then place the paper near the candle (or you can burn it if you prefer). Light this candle every day up until the full Moon if you can, repeating your intention. If you finish before the full Moon, that’s okay too, but on the full Moon, bury the wax and paper at a crossroads or dispose of them at an intersection.

Step 4: Ground and release.

Once you’ve declared what you want, take a moment to sit and connect with it. When you’re ready, use a fan, a lid or a candle snuffer to put out the candle (but don’t blow it out). Close your circle, using whatever you used before while walking round it counter clockwise. Press your forehead to the floor and release any excess energy back into the Earth.

waxing moon

The waxing Moon falls between the new and full Moon, with the first quarter Moon falling a week after the new Moon and a week before the full. This is like a stop on the train when we can get off, explore and check where we’re going. It’s when we can examine our inventory, get back on track and make sure we’re on the way to where we want to be. You can focus on manifesting magick during this phase, or you can use it to continue any spells or work that you may have started during the new Moon.

The waxing Moon is a good time to try out new things too. Unlike the full Moon, which can be intense energetically, the waxing Moon is the perfect time to go on a blind date, try a new class, learn a new skill or create something. You can use this time to perform magick, to check in or to challenge yourself. You can even do none of this and just take it as a week in which to nurture yourself with whatever it is that you need in the moment; again, there’s no wrong way to practise. Being honest about your progress and tweaking anything necessary to make this more seamless is a good way to work with this energy as well.

Journal prompts for the waxing Moon: What stage have I reached in pursuit of the goals I set at the new Moon, and what still needs work? What have I nurtured since the new Moon, and what must I continue to nurture? What’s been calling to me that I’ve been ignoring? Where do I need more passion?

A SPELL FOR SELF-CARE AND SELF-LOVE

This spell is best performed on a Friday or Monday (see the Tables of Correspondences).

You’ll need: a bath (although you can use a shower); rose quartz; a mirror (preferably full length); and a pink candle. Optional: rose petals, lavender, Epsom salts.

Step 1: Take a ritual bath.

Make sure your phone is off and that you’ll be undisturbed. If you wish, play some ambient or relaxing music. Fill your tub with warm water and, if using, add the Epsom salts. Standing at the edge of your tub, take a few deep breaths. Sprinkle the rose petals and the lavender onto the water. Step into the tub, continuing to be led by your breath, taking as much time as you need to soak, relax and centre. Use this bath as a way to ground. (See also the bath ritual for self-love and healing in Chapter 5.)

Step 2: Mirror affirmations.

Step out of the tub, dry yourself off and apply any lotions, oils or perfumes that make you feel luxurious and beautiful (rose or jasmine would be an excellent choice). Then find your way to a mirror. Start to connect with your heart, breathing into this space and holding the light there, imagining a warm ball glowing larger and larger, enveloping you. Take your rose quartz and hold it in your left hand and say:

’I am love. I am open to love. I am receptive of love. I am abundant with love.’

Step 3: Light the candle.

Once you feel ready, move to your altar. Hold the rose quartz in your left hand as you light the pink candle with your right. Repeat the affirmation. Let the candle burn all the way down if you can. If you can’t let it burn down, light it every night until the full Moon. Then dispose of the wax by burying it at a crossroads, or disposing of it in the rubbish at an intersection.

Step 4: Ground and centre.

Once the candle has been extinguished or burned down, take a deep breath and exhale noisily through your mouth. Feel the light in your heart from earlier. Hold this as you press your forehead into the ground and release any excess energy.

full moon

A favourite among the witches, the full Moon is the most energetically potent day of the month. This is when the Moon is illuminated in all her glory, reflecting back to us our hidden layers as she uncovers each one a little more. The full Moon tends to intensify everything, which means this is not an ideal time to try new things. Each full Moon carries a specific energy, depending on which astrological sign both the Moon and the Sun are in. But the power is usually the same; it’s strong, it’s juicy, it’s full, and more than anything it asks what we want and need. This is a day when we can look back at the new Moon and really see our growth and achievements since. The full Moon is also a time of increased psychic ability, so you may be sensing things extra strongly around this time. Any magick work can be performed at this time, including manifestations, love and prosperity magick, healing, divination and psychic work. After the full Moon, the light starts to wane, which means we focus on what we want to release.

An easy way to connect with the power of this phase is to sit under the Moon’s rays and gaze at her. Spend at least five minutes, if you can, gazing at her surface, breathing and connecting to her light.

A Supermoon occurs when a new or full Moon is at its perigee, or closest point to the Earth in its monthly orbit. During a Supermoon, the Moon can look 14 per cent larger and 40 per cent brighter than usual. So when we have a Supermoon full Moon, we get extra amplified energy.

Journal prompts for the full Moon: What have I cultivated since the new Moon? What brings me joy? What are my senses and intuition telling me at this time? What’s stopping me from showing up as my fullest and truest self?

A SPELL FOR ABUNDANCE AND WEALTH

You’ll need: a jar (e.g. an old salsa or pasta jar); honey, sugar, molasses or agave; herbs connected to money such as cinnamon, rosemary, bay leaf, cloves and thyme; jade, malachite or clear quartz; a piece of paper and pen; a green candle. Optional: liquor; matches; anything else you want to add to attract money (like a talisman or special coin); sage or palo santo to cleanse.

Step 1: Cleanse your space, ground and centre.

Using your herb of choice, cleanse yourself and your space with sacred smoke. Then take a seat, focus on your breath and ground your energy.

Step 2: Cast your circle.

You can either cast your circle as described here, or you can imagine a sphere of energy radiating from your heart, engulfing you and the space you’re working in. Breathe into your circle, imagining the protective sphere as impenetrable.

Step 3: Be clear about what you want.

You might pick a specific amount of money you want to attract, or a specific kind of abundance you want to call in (such as emotional, spiritual or physical riches, for example). Once you know what you want, write this on your piece of paper, starting with a phrase such as: ’I attract…’, ’I call in…’, or ’I receive…’.

Step 4: Construct the spell.

Fold up your paper and place it in the jar. Start adding herbs, your crystals and whatever else you have, remembering to breathe and connect with your heart. As you add things to your spell jar, know what you’re attracting as fact. Add the honey to the jar so everything else is touched by its sweetness.

Step 5: Charge the spell.

Once you’ve constructed the spell, either melt the bottom of the candle and fix it atop the jar, or place it in front of it. Light the candle and say:

’All this honey [or substitute what you’re using], sweet as can be, may you draw abundance and wealth to me.’

Then charge the spell, and raise the cone of power. You can do this by chanting, dancing, drumming or masturbating. When you feel at the peak of your energy, imagine a cone starting at the base of your circle, moving up into a point and being released into the Universe.

Step 6: Let the candle burn, close the circle and ground the energy.

Once you’re done raising the energy, close the circle either by walking around it anticlockwise, as described here, or by drawing the circle back into your heart, down the base of your spine and back into the Earth. Press your forehead into the ground, imagining all the excess energy returning to the Earth.

Let the candle burn all the way down if possible, then dispose of the spell jar by burying it at a crossroads or by putting it in a bin at an intersection. You can also perform this spell at a new Moon, in which case let the candle burn a little each day up until the full Moon, and then dispose of the jar.

waning moon

During the waning Moon, we get real about what we want to release. What is it that you’ve been clinging on to this month that you no longer need? Well, the waning Moon is asking you to let that shit go. As the Moon makes her way from full to new again, we have the perfect opportunity to think about what’s no longer serving us. Whether it’s a negative thought pattern, relationship or even a feeling, we have the opportunity to release this as the Moon’s light gets dimmer and dimmer. This is a time to banish, to cast away, to bind, to scream, to yell and to embody, so we can lighten our load once we approach the fresh energy of the new Moon. That said, there may be months when there’s nothing you feel like you need to let go of, or maybe you’re continuing to work on letting go of something from another month. The waning Moon is when we really see what’s holding us back from embodying our full power, when we recognise what’s blocking our joy or whatever else we wish to experience. It’s a time of decrease, of release, of completion when we are allowed to say ’no more’ and stand in our power.

A BINDING SPELL FOR A TOXIC OR HARMFUL PERSON

This spell can be used when someone won’t respect your boundaries, when they won’t listen to you or when you feel like they’re abusing your energy. This won’t curse them or hex them; instead, this spell works on a subtle level and binds their energy up so they won’t be able to use any of it on you.

You’ll need: a picture or one of the person’s belongings (a lock of hair, sample of handwriting or piece of clothing will also work); a black candle; a lighter or matches; red thread; a pen and paper; water; sage or palo santo, onyx or tourmaline.

Step 1: Ground, centre and cast the circle.

Ground your energy, breathing into the base of your spine as you connect to the earth. Imagine energy rising up your spine and into your heart. Then imagine the Cosmos beaming a light into the crown of your head, which moves into your heart, mingling with the energy. Breathe into this power. Using an athame, wand or your finger, walk clockwise as you cast your circle.

Step 2: Call in the Elements.

Call in the Elements, moving clockwise from North round to West, as described here.

Step 3: Focus on your intention — and then bind that shit up.

Keep breathing, finding your connection to the Earth. Be really clear about who or what it is you’re binding. Take the photo of the person and write: ’I bind [their name]’ and then what it is that you’re binding them from. This can be as simple as ’I bind X from harming anyone’, or it can be more specific. If you’re using any of this person’s belongings, place the item(s) on your altar and write the same thing on the piece of paper. Then, read your petition aloud. You can say something like the following, adapting it to your situation:

’I [your own name] bind [their name]. I bind [their name] in the name of the Universe. I bind [their name] from harming me in the name of the Elements. I bind [their name] by my name. So it is.’

Then fold up the piece of paper while imagining the person being caught in a golden lasso they can’t get out of; it’s strong enough that they can never escape (unless you decide to reverse this spell). Keep focusing on this as you wrap up the piece of paper with the red string. Repeat your petition ’I bind [their name]’ thirteen times.

Step 4: Light the candle.

Place the crystals around the black candle. Now place your petition in front of this, making sure any items belonging to the person are next to it. Light the candle and repeat what you said before, about binding them by your name and the name of the Universe and the Elements. Once this is said, take a few breaths to connect with your intention. Let the candle burn all the way down, placing it in a sink if you have to.

Step 5: Dismiss the Elements.

Now dismiss the Elements, as described here.

Step 6: Close the circle and ground.

Close the circle with whatever you used to open it. Walk in an anticlockwise direction, feeling the energy moving back into your outstretched hand, up your arm, through your body, back into the Earth. Once you get back to the front of the circle, press your forehead to the ground and imagine any excess energy returning to the Earth.

On the new Moon, bury the wax and the petition at a crossroads, or burn it and flush it down the toilet, or dispose of it at an intersection.

the moon as mother

First things first. God, Goddess, the Universe — whatever it is, it’s way bigger than we are. It’s so big, so overwhelming, so vast and so powerful that we really can’t comprehend it. It’s a feeling, a sensation, an energy. But one thing’s for sure; it’s certainly not human. When we honour a specific goddess or god, we’re honouring a slice of the entire pie. We’re honouring one aspect of divinity, but we’re also honouring a specific entity.

Gods and goddesses have their own divine agenda; they’re not all loving or compassionate or understanding, although there are some of them that are. When we start to worship a goddess, we form a relationship with her. We honour her, we serve her, we see her reflected back in us. We leave her offerings, ask for her compassion and we start to create a bond with her.

Many of us in the West grew up worshipping a god. In most major religions, there’s no room for a goddess. But the dance of the ancient Goddess, the worship of the Mother, of the Earth, of the Moon — it’s an ancient calling we have in our bones. If we’re all created in the image of the divine, why is the divine never depicted as feminine? When we work with the Goddess, we’re reclaiming our right to matriarchal worship. We’re tapping into our past lives, our karma, our history, all carried in our bones. Goddess worship isn’t for everyone, but if you feel something stir when you think of honouring the Great Mother or Moon goddess, then it’s probably for you.

The Moon is one of the most ancient symbols of our relationship with the Goddess. We personify the Goddess as the Moon, and in the craft, we honour the Moon as the Goddess. When we work with the Moon, we’re working with the subtle realm, with our divine darkness, with our power, with our cycles. By working with a goddess who’s associated with the Moon, not only are we deepening our relationship to the divine, but we’re deepening our relationship to the Moon and natural world.

moon goddesses of the world

Here are just a few Moon goddesses and goddesses associated with the Moon from different parts of the world. Why not see who catches your (third) eye and work with her?

AUCHIMALGEN — CHILEAN GODDESS AND PROTECTRIX

Auchimalgen is a South American goddess from Chile, who’s honoured as the Moon. Auchimalgen is a protectrix, keeping us safe from evil and disasters, as well as harmful spirits. She was worshipped by the Araucanian Mapuche people, and was one of their only beneficial deities. Auchimalgen is married to the Sun, who blesses the Earth with light while she shines through the darkness like a beacon of protection. The colours white and silver, including white flowers and water, are sacred to her. This goddess reminds us that we are protected and loved — and that it is important to see each day as a blessing.

To work with her: wear silver clothing and jewellery; burn lunar incense like jasmine, myrrh or coconut; sprinkle floral water at the entrance of your home to draw Auchimalgen’s protective and caring energy to you. Place white candles on your altar, and dedicate a piece of silver jewellery to her.

YEMAYA — YORUBAN GODDESS OF THE LIVING OCEAN

Yemaya is a Yoruban orisha, or spirit, and the goddess of the living ocean. She is a source of all the waters, including the rivers in Western Africa. She is where all life begins, and all life is said to be held by her. A motherly and protective goddess, she cares deeply for her children and helps cure our sorrows. In Haitian Voodoo, she is a goddess of the Moon, said to protect mothers and their children. She rules over the state of the ocean, and although she doesn’t lose her temper easily, when she does you can expect a violent and destructive storm. Yemaya also rules over the affairs of womanhood, and her soothing and nourishing energy is perfect for rituals surrounding fertility and women’s issues. She is said to be the guardian of the collective subconscious and ancient wisdom, since these secrets are held in the ocean. Her reign is over the living ocean, where fish swim and light dances, whereas the orisha Olokin rules over the depths of the ocean. Together, Yemaya and Olokin create balance.

To work with her: spend time near the ocean or other bodies of water; sit under the Moon; and wear her colours of blue and white. Decorate your altar with blue and white and sea shells, blessing it with ocean water in her name.

ISIS — EGYPTIAN GODDESS OF HEALTH, MARRIAGE AND WISDOM

The goddess with a thousand names, Isis was an ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, motherhood, magick and the Moon, whose name can be interpreted as ’Goddess of the Throne’. The wife of Osiris and mother of the Sun god Horus, Isis was revered for her ability to help people solve problems through magick. Her cult worshipped her as the ’ideal fertile mother’ and she is depicted as a woman wearing a vulture-shaped headdress or a crown. Although associated with the goddess Hathor, Isis’s popularity meant she was the only Egyptian goddess to be worshipped by everyone in the country. While Egyptians worshipped male Moon deities, since Isis is associated with love, fertility and romance, she is also associated with lunar energy. She allows us to feel deeply in relationships, and protects and sustains us. She reminds us of our personal gifts and emotional depths — and that we’re always invited to explore this space.

To work with her: wear her colours of silver and white; work with bloodstone or carnelian; wear a tyet (knot of Isis) amulet for protection against evil; meditate with her; gaze at the Moon; and ask for her blessing and assistance during magickal work.

KUAN YIN — EAST ASIAN GODDESS OF PRAYERS, WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Technically, Kuan Yin (also spelled Kwan Yin, Quan Yin and Guanyin) is not a goddess. She’s actually a bodhisattva. She was destined to become a Buddha, or an ’enlightened one’, but chose to stay on Earth to answer the prayers of mothers and children, and to save all beings from suffering. She is known for her compassion and mercy, and can be called upon for these qualities and healing and guidance. Kuan Yin is associated with the Moon, serving as a reminder that she’s always listening and watching us, ready to offer us compassion, insight and love. A motherly goddess, Kuan Yin is protective, nurturing and loving, much like the energy of the Moon.

To work with her: pray to her; gaze at the Moon; drink black tea in her name and leave it as an offering; decorate your altar with lotus flowers and rainbows; leave sweet cakes and fresh fruit as an offering; and pray to her for blessings, protection and love.

SELENE — GREEK GODDESS OF THE MOON

The sister of the Sun god Helios and of Eos, the goddess of the dawn, Selene is only the Greek deity to be regarded as a personification of the Moon herself. Although she’s associated with the goddess Artemis, Selene has a separate identity and is depicted as a woman riding side-saddle on a horse or in a chariot drawn by winged steers. Worshipped at the new and full Moon, and said to derive power from her Moon chariot, Selene was an important deity for agriculture and played a part in daily rituals. She has control over time, and the power to give sleep as well as to light the night.

To work with her: decorate your altar with images of the Moon; work with moonstone; Moon gaze; wear her colours of silver and white; decorate your altar with white roses and white candles; call upon her at the full Moon and the new Moon.

creating a goddess-based practice

Working with goddesses, or any deity really, is a consistent (and hopefully daily) practice. It’s a song that plays in the background as you go about your day. Goddess worship doesn’t mean meditating for hours on end and holding yourself back from living. Instead, it’s an invitation to form your own deep connection with divinity in a tangible way. Your practice, like your work with witchcraft, isn’t going to look like someone else’s — and that’s totally okay! What matters is your intention and dedication, not to mention love.

An easy way to establish a connection with Goddess energy is to create an altar. This can be dedicated to the Moon or to a specific goddess. Clean and honour this space regularly, and let it serve as the altar of your temple. Meditating with the energy of a goddess, or simply calling out to her before you meditate, is another way to work with her. You can dress in her colours or in her favourite metals or fabrics, burn incense she loves and create your own special connection with her. Go outside every night and try to find the Moon. Talk to her, ask for her compassion and allow yourself to feel connected with her. Leaving offerings is another way to show devotion. Personally, my favourite way to connect with the Goddess is to create in her honour. Make art, write poetry, take photos, create a meal in her honour, dance, sing and worship her. Find a connection between you and your chosen goddess, and whatever she rules over. Cast a spell in her honour, invite her energy and compassion in during rituals and carve out a few minutes each day, or as often as you can, to talk to, connect with and worship her.

CHARGING OBJECTS AND TALISMANS BY THE MOON

You can invite in the energy of the Moon by charging your objects with her light. On the night of a full Moon, bring out your crystals, talismans, icons, tarot cards and whatever else you want to charge. The Moon’s own energy will help clear and charge these sacred objects, as will the Sun’s energy. If you wish, leave your talismans and stones in natural light for twenty-four hours to strengthen their charge (although some stones such as amethyst, citrine, fluorite, rose quartz and smoky quartz shouldn’t be left in direct sunlight as they can fade).

Another potent way to work with the energy of the Moon is by charging water with her rays. Fresh or spring water is preferable, but any type will do. You can also put crystals in the water for extra energy; moonstone or any kind of quartz works great. You can use this water to make holy water (see here), as well as in spell and ritual work and to call in the Elements.

When you’re charging these objects, you can also call upon the Goddess or a specific goddess like Selene or Yemaya for their compassion, blessings and energy.

rhythms of the moon

Those of us who bleed go through an intense cycle each month. Our bodies get ready to support life, and if they don’t have to do this, they shed their layers. As the Moon’s light grows and then wanes, so do aspects of our bodies. And we can learn about our bodies depending on when we bleed.

WHITE MOON

Those who bleed when the Moon is new or waning follow what’s called a ’white Moon cycle’. The Earth is said to be at its most fertile during the full Moon, which is when those with a white Moon cycle ovulate. If you bleed at this time, you’ll probably have a stronger sense of intuition now and an urge to recharge, renew and withdraw so you can find nourishment. Since the new Moon represents a fresh start, like your period, you have the advantage of charting your monthly cycle the same way you chart your goals for the month. Pay attention to your gut feelings and needs during this time. The new or dark Moon can be very intense medicine and, when paired with a period, can feel like a lot. Take care of yourself however you need to: take a ritual bath, make art, cry, punch or scream into a pillow, lie on the floor and breathe and scream and cry. Give yourself permission to retreat into your body.

RED MOON

Those who bleed during the waxing and full Moon follow a ’red Moon cycle’. This means that you’re the most fertile during the new or waning moon. This cycle was associated with shamanism, high priestesses and healers in ancient times, since people who menstruate during this phase are said to use their darker energies in a more outward way. Instead of turning inwards like those with a white cycle, those who bleed during the full Moon may be called to do work around embodiment, creativity and self-growth. The full Moon’s potent energy may amplify your feelings during this time, so make sure that you’re grounded and supported in your endeavours. Red Moon bleeders tend to use their wisdom to teach others, so channel this and use your passion to help share your love. Lead a Moon ritual, take a ritual bath, create art, go dancing or simply connect with the full Moon to enjoy her energy.

Whether you have a white Moon or a red Moon cycle, there are many other ways to sync yourself to the Moon. Keeping a diary or using an app like Period Tracker can help you get to know your own cycle. By making sure to keep lights on during daylight and off during night, you will help your body get back into the rhythm naturally. Spending time under the Moon and taking a Moon bath — like sunbathing, only by the light of the Moon, à la Morticia Addams — is another way to get back in sync with Mama Moon.

Treating your period as a time of sacred renewal and connection can be life changing. Most of us hold a lot of shame around bleeding, thanks to societal stigma. But periods are natural, they’re beautiful and they allow us to forge a deeper connection between our bodies and the Moon and natural world. And I think that’s pretty special.