The Moon Phases The phases of the Moon, along with the astrological signs she moves through, create a framework by which we can time our magical workings. The major phases of the Moon are the New Moon, the Waxing Moon, the Full Moon, the Waning Moon and the Dark Moon. Right before the Waxing Moon, the powerful New Moon occurs and right before that is the Dark Moon, a very significant time, too. One mythological association is: Diana - The Maiden on Earth, the huntress rules the time of the New and Waxing Moons. Selene - The Mother in the Sky, she rules the Full Moon. Hecate - The Crone who resides under the Earth, the Waning and Dark Moons are her domain.
The New Moon	This is the period when the light of the Moon disappears, when there is no Moon in the sky. It is usually thought of as the period from three days before the New Moon until three days after it, and is generally regarded as a time of minimum energy, linked to the Maiden Aspect of the Goddess, and a time for reflection and contemplation. The Spells chosen for the New Moon can be performed up to three days before and after the actual New Moon. These should be spells to symbolise change (or Major Change) within your life. This is also a great time to do banishing and removal type spells, eg loosing weight, getting rid of a bad habit.
The Waxing Moon	This is the period when the Moon is growing  larger in the sky, but hasn't yet reached the Full Moon Phase. It starts from about 4 days after the New Moon, and lasts until three days before the Full Moon, and is generally regarded as a time of growing energy, usually linked to the Maiden Aspect of the Goddess. Spells to be performed during this time include positive change, luck, love and growth.
The Full Moon	This is the period when the Moon has reached its Fullest capacity within the sky. It starts from about three days before the actual Full Moon, and lasts until about three days afterwards. Energy is considered to be at it's maximum,  and is linked to the Mother Aspect of the Goddess. This is the perfect time for spells that increase psychic abilities and fertility.
The Waning Moon	This is the period when the Moon is decreasing in it's size. It starts about four days after the Full Moon, and lasts until about Four days before the New Moon. Energy is considered to be parting, waning alongside the Moon herself, and is linked with the Crone Aspect of the Goddess. Now is the time to perform spells that involve reversing spells, banishing and releases (though not if they are against the teachings in the Rede 'An it Harme none, Do as Ye Will!').
The Dark Moon	It is a great time for closure and for bringing things full circle before the New Moon. This is the time to rid your life of whatever it is that is holding you back, causing you to worry, or is generally outdated and useless in your life. Use the energies of the waning cycle to banish disease and negativity, and to dissolve anger, guilt, separation, and any other destructive energies within or around you. The Dark Moon is a powerful time for reflection and meditation. It is a time to become better acquainted with the Shadow side of yourself, and to learn how to channel that shadow energy in a positive manner. Don't try to banish your shadow side; instead, draw on its inherent strength to aid you in the hard times. Remember, your Shadow Self is neither good nor evil. It's simply one half of who you are; how it find expression is totally up to you.

Visible Moon	Phase	Timing	Energy Levels	Magical Work During This Phase
	New Moon / Balsamic Moon	Spans from the day of the New Moon until three days after.	Minimum	Health, gardening and farming, job hunting, love, romance.
	Crescent Moon	Spans from three days after the New Moon until the seventh day.	Starting to grow	Change, emotions, animals, business.
	Waxing Moon	Spans from the seventh day until the tenth day after the New Moon.	Growing stronger	Motivation, luck, courage, friends.
	Gibbous Moon	Spans from the tenth day until the thirteenth day after the New Moon.	Growing towards its peak	Patience.
	Full Moon	Fourteen days after the New Moon.	Maximum	Change, decisions, children, competition, dreams, love, protection, money, self-improvement, healing.
	Disseminating Moon	Spans from the third day after the Full Moon until the seventh	Beginning to decline	Addictions, health, divorce, stress, protection.
	Waning Moon	Spans from the seventh day until the tenth day after the Full Moon	Growing weaker	Change, obstacles, enemies, justice, quarrels, removal, separation, stopping theft.
	Waning Crescent Moon	Spans from the tenth day after the Full Moon until the eve of the New Moon.	Steadily declining towards its minimum	Contemplation, reflection, understanding.
	Dark Moon	The eve before the Moon is new. This is when the Moon cannot be seen in the sky.	Declining towards its minimum	Relaxing, self-reflection

Medieval Names For The Full Moon There is a long historical tradition of naming the year's Full Moons. It appears to have begun during the early centuries of Christian times in rural England. The majority of the names relate to farm activity though Greek and Roman mythological associations can also be found.
Month	Constellation	Name	Description
April	Aries	Seed	This is the sowing season and the symbol of the beginning of the new year
May	Taurus	Hare	The sacred hare was associated with springtime and fertility in Roman legends.
June	Gemini	Dyad	Dyad means pair and in this sense refers to the twin stars of the constellation Castor and Pollux, also the 'Heavenly Twins' born of Leda and Zeus in Greek Mythology.
July	Cancer	Mead	In June and July the meadows , or meads, were mowed for hay.
August	Leo	Wort	From the end of July until the end of August, the worts were gathered to be dried and stored. (Wort is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'wyrt' meaning plant.)
September	Virgo	Barley	Persephone, the Greek virgin goddess of rebirth bears a sheaf of barley as a representation of the harvest.
October	Libra	Blood	This moon marks the season when domestic animals were sacrificed for winter provisions. Sometimes the Libra Full Moon was called the Wine Moon when a grape harvest was expected to yield a superb vintage.
November	Scorpio	Snow	Scorpio signifies the dark season when the Sun is at it's lowest and the first snow falls.
December	Sagitarrius	Oak	The Oak was sacred to the Druids and was the tree associated with the Roman god Jupiter. This tree is most grand as it weathers the harshness of winter.
January	Capricorn	Wolf	The nocturnal wolf represents the 'night' of the year.
February	Pisces	Storm	It is said that a storm is most fierce just before it ends and so the year usually follows suit.
March	Aquarius	Chaste	This dated word for pure reflects the tradition of welcoming the new year with a clear soul.