Understanding the Phases of the Moon

Moon cycles have been honored by many different civilizations throughout the world for centuries.

The Moon holds tremendous power for manifestation in every area of life.

Here is your guide to understanding the meaning of the new moon and full moon, which will help strengthen your connection to the cosmos — and bring your dreams to life.

New Moon
The new moon occurs when the moon is physically positioned between Earth and the sun. The three are in approximate alignment, and the entire illuminated portion of the moon is on its back side. Think of this phase as a clean slate, or a new beginning.

How to Harness the New Moon
This is a great time to begin new projects and bring ideas to life. Acknowledge your intentions and draw out new plans and ideas. Breathe new life into any area you may feel stuck. Cleanse your home with sage, take an epsom salt bath, let go of the past.

Watch for opportunities and signs over the next moon cycle. Get excited, because your world is about to expand.

Full Moon
At a full moon, Earth, the moon and the sun are in approximate alignment — just like the new moon — but in this phase, the moon is on the opposite side of Earth, so the sunlit part of the moon is facing us. The shadowed portion is hidden from view.

Think of the full moon as a sealing of your intentions and plans. With every ending comes a giant release, which is exactly what the energy of the full moon is about.

How to Harness the Full Moon
When the moon is full, its strong gravitational pull on Earth makes for a time of high creative energy and incredibly powerful intuitive breakthroughs.

Now is the time to write all the things you wish to release. Burn the piece of paper, and move into gratitude. Give thanks for all you have and all that is the come.

Here’s where you get to actually trust this is happening. Burn some herbs and let your fears evaporate with the smoke. Now is also the optimal time to cleanse your crystals by placing them in the moonlight.

The full moon also brings heightened energy and emotions. Get grounded – feet in the dirt. Pay attention to your body and nourish it.

Get outside at night and let the light of the moon shine on you.

What intentions will you set?
When you get in tune with the moon, you ultimately live more in sync with nature. And that’s when magic happens.

Channel the moon’s energy. Get under that glow and set intentions. Align your life with a higher power.

The New Moon arrives on April 11 and brings motivation and high energy.

Now is the time to focus on conquering goals.

I’ll be performing a ritual to help you to increase confidence when it comes to love, money and communication.

You’re welcome to add your name to the altar here.

Enter a donation amount and add your name to the notes.

You will be included in the ritual and you will receive photos of the spell as well as a tarot card reading.

How to Invite Positive Energy

Smudging is a way to energetically cleanse a space and invite positive energy. When smudging a space (or yourself), you burn plant material. The smoke fills and purifies the environment.

You can use many different plans for smudging. Some of the most common are white sage, mugwort (also known as black sage), cedar, sweet grass (often braided) and palo santo (holy wood).

White sage is the most popular because it is associated with purity and has a pleasant smell. You can find it many places with various types of flowers wrapped around it as well.

If you’re not a fan of smoke, but still want to cleanse your space, there are even special blends of smudge spray.

Where to begin

Step one is to gather your smudge herbs and a fire-safe dish or bowl for ashes. (We use and recommend Abalone shells for their correspondence and versatility. Native Americans also used those to add the water element to the ceremony.) Take your time with this process. In many cultures, it is sacred ceremony and should be treated as such.

If you have a candle nearby, it’s helpful to set the mood, but also to relight the smudge stick. Some people also like to use a feather to spread the smoke.

Allow yourself enough time for the ritual so you don’t feel rushed. If possible, meditate for at least five minutes before lighting the smudge.

Remember that intention is key in smudge ceremony. Take some time to think about what you want for your home and family, or whichever space you are clearing.

When you clear a space with smudge, you are creating a vacuum – an open space for something new. You want to be clear that you are welcoming positive intentions.

Smudging

If the weather cooperates, open your doors and windows first.

Start at your front door and light your smudge stick. Begin to move around the home clockwise. Go around the entire perimeter of the home and into each room, always in a clockwise direction. Use the feather to spread the smoke as you move slowly and meditatively.

Allow the smoke to drift into even out of the way spaces, like closets, basements and corners. If there are stairs, just go up or down when you encounter them. Keep moving clockwise until you meet the stairs again. Then continue to go down or up the stairs and resume the main floor.

This is called circumambulation – a practice centuries’ old to make a space more sacred.

How to Wrap It Up

When you arrive back at the front door, visualize your entire home filled with bright, white light. Then speak your intention one last time.

Smudging is amazing to clear a space energetically. They can be done annually or monthly, or more often. It’s especially powerful to perform a space clearing when you first move into a home.

Do you smudge? What’s your favorite herb? Or do you prefer the sprays?

If you haven’t checked out the Witchy Women Magic Shoppe yet, what are you waiting for? Whether you are just beginning your journey into witchery or are already a seasoned pro, we’re sure you’ll love what we have to offer.

In addition, you can also work with Becky directly for spell candles and tarot readings.