Luna, Lunacy, Mystic Magic and The Effects of The Moon

ca. 450 BC

Anaxagoras, a Greek philosopher and scientist, was imprisoned for his hypothesis that the sun was merely a rock rather than a god and that the moon had no internal light but rather reflected light from the sun.

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The Waxing of the Moon

The waxing of the moon starts at the beginning of a new moon and goes on until the Full Moon.  As the moon is growing larger, brighter and increasing light it believed to be a is a time for working increasing magic.  The Celts considered this a time of great psychic power and a time of magic for dealing with prosperity, growth, increasing health, love, knowledge, spirituality and fertility.

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The Full Moon

The moon is at it’s brightest when Full and this is the time of it’s greatest power.  Celtic Magic done at this time is to achieve goals. This year on 31 December 2009 there will be  a Blue Moon the 2nd full moon in a calendar month.

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The Waning Moon

This phase is when the Full Moon has passed and the moon begins decreasing in size on it’s way to the phase of the new Moon.  As the moon decreases Celtic magic is directed towards sending negativity away, banishing unwanted things such as negative, angry or hostile feelings.

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The Dark Moon

The Dark Moon occurs during the three days prior to the New Moon.  It is believed the Dark Moon energies are those without a particular goal in mind.  The aim during the Dark Moon is to attune with the greater powers at hand and to be receptive.

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Planting and Gardening

The practice of gardening by the moon centres on the gravitational effect on the flow of moisture within the soil and plants, together with the effect of moonlight on seed germination.  In prehistoric times everything was governed by the phases of the moon.  The moon not only controls the tides of the oceans but also influences ground water tables.  Timing gardening chores with the phases of the moon is the basis of moon gardening.