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Esbats are the celebrations of the cycles of the moon. Esbats are done at the time of full moon, but lunar magick can be done in nearly all phases. The time of the full moon encompasses three days - the day before, the day of, and the day after the actual full moon. To find out what the phase of the moon is right now, check out the Moon Phases page. Each full moon has specific energies related to it. The full moon of each month has many traditional names. Other lists might put the name of a month as belonging to the previous or next month. I created this list using the names which I prefer. A second new moon in a month's time is a Black Moon. May 2003 has two new moons, on the 1st and 31st. If there happens to be a second full moon, it is known as a Blue Moon. There are no blue moons in 2003.
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Magick can be affected by the time of the month. The moon, representation of the Goddess, affects the earth and its inhabitants according to a monthly cycle. For the same reason, spellwork can be affected by these regular cycles of energy.
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January (Wolf Moon, Moon of Beginnings) This is a time of silence, a time to sit by the fire on the cold, winter nights. Go within and determine what changes you plan to make in your life this spring. The atmosphere is charged for inner workings and setting goals. It is also a good time to work on getting rid of actions and habits that cause more harm than good. Consider now where and what you will plant. |
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February (Chaste Moon, Moon of Vision) The energies begin to quicken at this time. As the seeds begin to stir, its a good time to begin acting on the plans you have made for spring. Think about the things that need to be released from your life. Let go of excess and old baggage in your life and in your home. |
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March (Seed Moon, Moon of Waters) Vernal Equinox is approaching. It is a time to promote new growth of both seeds and goals. This may be a good time to start indoor plants or inner plans. Visualize the things you have planted receiving the nourishment they need for success and strong, healthy growth. This is also the time of the Maiden and the faery folk. Tap into the imaginative and creative energies of this cycle. |
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April (Hare Moon, Moon of Utility) The earth has become ready to receive the seeds of the new crops you have planned and nurtured. She has blossomed with flowers, and it is a time of fertility and joy. We are reminded of the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The energies now are conducive to spellwork of love and putting your knowledge and wisdom to work. |
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May (Merry Moon, Moon of Balance) This is a time of happy energy, time to enjoy life and love with joy and abandon. This is also a time when polarities are at their strongest. Use this time to find balance in your life. Work hard in achieving your goals and realizing your dreams. During the full moon, free yourself to dance and make love, joining the earth in celebration. |
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June (Mead Moon, Moon of Restraint) The cold days of winter are forgotten as the earth is in full bloom. The birds and bees have fertilized the flowers, making it a good time to begin harvesting them for wine-making and spellwork. Get outside and enjoy the full jubilation and beauty of nature. |
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July (Wort Moon, Moon of Strength) This is a month of blessing those around you, whether that means making an amulet for one you love or sharing of yourself and your time in a relaxing atmosphere. Its a great time to go to the ocean and collect sea shells or harvest herbs. Making mead or preserving the first crop from the garden are timely activities. Bask in the sun's strong warmth and celebrate the blessings you enjoy. |
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August (Corn Moon, Moon of Polarity) The seeds have become mature plants and are ready to be shared with others. The grain is starting to be ready for gathering. Bake special breads to honor the God and Goddess and also share with those in need. You are beginning to harvest the fruits of your labor. Things are coming together, making it a traditional time for marriage. As we begin to see the end result of our labor, it bears thinking about the cycle of life and the opposition there is in all things (life and death, forward and back, up and down, etc.) |
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September (Harvest Moon, Moon of Wisdom) We have labored throughout the summer but now it is time to work harder and bring in the harvest. Once the crops are in, grab a bottle of wine. Celebrate the bounty of the earth and give thanks and honor to friends and family. Cherish the relationships in our lives that have grown. The energies also promote reflection and meditation. Contemplate the prosperity and abundance in your life and home. |
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October (Blood Moon, Moon of Celebration) We have come full circle and this is the time when we shift gears from outside to inside. The final crops are brought in and put away for the coming winter. The evenings are richer with deeper sunsets and thoughts of those who are no longer with us. During the full of the moon the veil between worlds is thinnest. Use this time to remember and honor lost loved ones and celebrate the cycle of life. Light candles and carved pumpkins to light the way for those from other worlds who wish to visit. |
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November (Snow Moon, Moon of Resilience) Earth becomes cold and plants wither and die. Dreams and goals may not have been realized this year, unwanted events may have happened, or other setbacks may bring sadness and grief. As the days become shorter and nights longer, work on things to take care of yourself. Study, learn, grieve, or do whatever else you need to do to put your life in order. The energies at this time encourage you to buckle in and survive. Make sure that you have the tools and resolve to keep going forward. |
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December (Darkest Moon, Moon of Home) In the darkest part of winter, now we wait for the return of the sun's warmth. The oak tree remains strong with its roots reaching deep beneath the ground even though it looks dead to our eyes. This reminds us to look deeper for meaning and truth, beyond what we can physically see. The energies are are perfect for strengthening relationships. We celebrate this time of renewal and the promise of the end of winter with the evergreen boughs, decorating the Yule tree and surrounding ourselves with music and the warmth of friends and loved ones. Show your love for each other by giving gifts during this time of sparcity in the earth, just as the Goddess showed her love by birthing the new God. |
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Black Moon The second New Moon in a month is known as a Black Moon. Black Moons are considered to be stronger than regular New Moons. |
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Blue Moon The second Full Moon in a month is known as a Blue Moon. The strength and power of magick is magnified at this time. Use your energy wisely and with care. This is an excellent time to review your life and update your goals. Celebrate your accomplishments and failures because each of them helps to make up who you are today. The blast of energy from this time is wonderful for surprising people and doing something unexpected. |
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Dark Moon Occurs 3 days before the New Moon. Many witches do not even write about this moon phase. It is considered a time to rest from working magick and perform personal meditation and dream questing. The moon is not visible at all. Hecate rules this time and if you desire to tap her energies, this is the ideal time. |
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New Lasts for 3 days after the New Moon. The moon is beginning the journey towards becoming full again. This is a time for personal growth, healing, blessing new projects, hunting, and new relationships. Spellwork done correctly may be obtained by the first Full Moon. |
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Waxing Moon Spans the 7th to 10th day after the New Moon. The Maiden Goddess is blossoming and energies of friendship, courage and luck swirl about. Its a time of change. Spellwork that seeks attraction works well at this time. |
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Full Moon Occurs 14 days after the New Moon. The full power of the Mother Goddess is available three days prior to the Full Moon, the night of the Full Moom and three days after. This is a good time for using magick regarding decisions, dreams, love, protection, money, self-improvement, healing, protection and divination. Spellwork may take up to one lunar cycle to complete. |
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Waning Moon Spans the 7th to 10th day after the Full Moon. This is the time of the Crone Goddess when wisdom and hidden mysteries are revealed. Use this time to wisely do spellwork regarding obstacles, justice, separation, quarrels, enemies, and stopping theft. Negative things such as bad habits, illness and toxic situations can be banished from your life. |
