Pagan Portals - Moon Magic
By Rachel PattersonJohn Hunt Publishing Ltd.
Copyright © 2013 Rachel Patterson
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-78279-281-9
Contents
Who Am I?, 1,
The Moon, 2,
The Moon: Introduction, 3,
Esbats, 5,
New Moon, 7,
Waxing Moon, 14,
Full Moon, 23,
Waning Moon, 32,
Dark Moon/Balsamic, 41,
Blue Moon, Red Moon and Eclipses, 48,
Moon Diaries and Moon Time, 51,
The Seasonal Moon, 52,
The Triple Goddess, 54,
Moon Names, 57,
Celtic Tree Calendar, 60,
Moon Deities, 63,
Magic to Honour the Moon, 69,
Drawing Down the Moon, 73,
Astrological Moon Signs, 76,
Moon Symbols, 83,
The Moon at Home, 85,
Planting with the Moon, 86,
Moon Cords, 89,
Moon Charms, 91,
Moon Divination, 94,
Faeries, Angels and Werewolves, 96,
Moon Crafts, 98,
The Moon Tarot Card, 99,
And Finally ..., 102,
Bibliography, 103,
CHAPTER 1Esbats
The word 'esbat' is believed to be derived from a French words'esbattre which means to 'joyfully celebrate' and is actually quitefitting. The term esbat is usually used now to mean a comingtogether of like-minded people to celebrate the phases of theMoon with a ritual and/or spell work. It doesn't have to be on aFull Moon or New Moon, it can be for any of the phases of theMoon or planetary alignments and may involve teaching, lessonsor training of some sort as well.
The Lunar Cycle
Firstly we need to understand the basics of the lunar cycle sohere is the technical bit:
The Moon has several cycles, but the one that is the mostobvious and that concerns us principally is that of the Moon'sphases.
The light of the Moon is reflected from the Sun. Althoughfrom a more subtle perspective it is evident that moonlight hasits own special properties, the Moon herself has no luminescence.
The phases of the Moon are caused by the light of the Sunbeing reflected in a different way, owing to the changingrelationship between Earth, Moon and Sun.
The phases of the Moon are the same all over the Earth. Whenit is a Full Moon in Britain it is also a Full Moon in Australia,China and the United States.
The passage of the Moon from New Moon to New Moon takes29½ days. This phase cycle is called the synodic month, but thiscan vary by as much as 13 hours because of the eccentricity of theMoon's orbit around the Earth.
As there are 365 days in the year, most years have 13 NewMoons or 13 Full Moons, but never both. Occasionally a year willmiss out and only have 12 of each.
The lunar cycle can be divided and subdivided in a variety ofways because it's a cycle, and the different parts of the cyclenaturally blend.
The usual way of considering the lunar cycle is to divide itinto four – New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon and WaningMoon – or eight with the addition of the Waning Crescent (orBalsamic), the Waning Gibbous (or Disseminating), WaxingGibbous and Waxing Crescent Moons.
Within these parts there is continual variation, as the energiesinvolved are perpetually on the move, growing and decreasing.
Why do we try to correspond our workings to the phases ofthe Moon? It is because corresponding magical workings to thephase of the Moon will add more power to them.
New Moon
We consider it to be the New Moon up to 3½ days after theofficial New Moon. She rises around dawn, sets around sunset.Because she is between the Sun and the Earth nothing or verylittle is reflected and for a few days the Moon is lost in thebrilliance of the Sun. When we cannot see any Moon in the sky,after the Waning Moon and before we see the first glimpse of theCrescent it is often referred to as the Dark Moon (see furtherchapter for more details).
As the Sun and Moon are on the same side of the Earth, thepull on us is the strongest. Because the Sun, Moon and Earth areall in a straight line this creates a time when the high tide ishigher and the low tide is lower than usual.
This is a wonderful time to make new beginnings of all types.It is especially good for getting rid of bad habits. Habitual waysof thinking that are harmful and negative can also be abandonedat this time. It is also a good time to start something creative.New projects at work can also be launched.
The first day of the New Moon is really best devoted to theplanning stages of ventures. It is good to feel just a little excitedand filled with anticipation, although your energy may not be atits highest. A day or two into the cycle is the time to take theinitiative, apply for that job, and start house hunting or anysimilar endeavours. It is also good for attracting positiveenergies, bringing about change, good luck and growth.
New Moon Colours
Green, white, orange and red
New Moon Herbs, Oil and Incense Ingredients
Sandalwood, frankincense, copal, myrrh, rose, saffron, sweetgrass, heather, patchouli, cinnamon, lavender, verbena, witchhazel, jasmine, cardamom, cypress, ginger, nutmeg, orange,chamomile and lemon
New Moon Crystals
Garnet, petalite, sapphire, quartz, labradorite, carnelian, charoite,peridot and phenakite.
New Moon Oil Recipe
4 drops patchouli essential oil
3 drops cedar wood essential oil
4 drops sweet orange essential oil
Add to a base oil such as sweet almond or grape seed (about15mls of carrier oil should be about right).
New Moon Incense Recipe
2 parts copal resin
2 parts sandalwood
1 part dried rose petals
A few drops of myrrh essential oil
New Moon Meditation
Relax and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and focus on yourbreathing, deep breaths in ... and out ... Visualise the real world disappearing.
As your world dissipates you find yourself on a high cliff, behindyou is a huge eyrie, the nest of an eagle. There is a light breeze, clearblue sky above you and the sun is shining.
You turn to face the eagle and connect mentally with its subconscious ...Ask it to show you the pathways and opportunities availableto you.
The eagle stands and stretches its huge wings, you realise it is aninvitation for you to fly with him. Take some time and gradually shapeshift into an eagle. Start with your feet, by morphing them into claws ...then stretch your arms out and feel the feathers forming ... your fingerschanging ... then your head slowly changing to form a beak ... graduallyyou start to feel comfortable in your eagle shape.
A light breeze ruffles your feathers and your eagle companion makesready to fly. You both perch on the edge of the cliff. The eagle suddenlytakes flight ... soaring across the sky ... you take a deep breath ... thenleap ...
Feel the air beneath you, feel it whisk around your feathers, glide onthe current ...
Follow the eagle as it soars across the skies ...
As you fly take a moment to look down, take in the landscape andthe scenery as it rushes past. What you see while flying will give youinsight into your options and pathways that are available to you.
Gradually the eagle leads you back to his eyrie.
You land safely on the cliff, exhilarated and full of ideas and plans.
At this point the eagle may give you a message ...
When you are ready, slowly change yourself back from an eagle formto your own shape.
Then gradually come back to this reality, stamp your feet andwriggle your fingers.
New Moon Ritual
You will need:
A small plain white candle dressed with sage oil (or dressed withalmond/olive oil and rolled in crushed sage leaves)
A goal you wish to achieve, it doesn't have to be grand
Cast the circle by saying:
Maiden cast this circle white
Free from shadow, pure and light
Mother cast this circle red
Cast any negativity from our head
Crone cast this circle black
Grant us the knowledge that we lack
This circle is now cast unbroken.
Call the quarters by saying:
I call to the East and the Element of Air, you who are mist and cloud,you who are fresh breeze and wild hurricane, Spirit of the Hawk, Spiritof the Sylph, hear me, bring into these rites purification and clarity,sweep through and remove stagnation. Blessings and welcome!
I call to the South and the Element of Fire, you who are the crackleof bonfires, you who are the golden Sun and glowing lava, Spirit of thePhoenix, Spirit of the Flame Dancers, hear me, bring into these ritesyour spirit of creativity and passion. Blessings and welcome!
I call to the West and the Element of Water, you who are the Undinesof the rivers, and the sirens of the crashing ocean waves, you who arethe Naiads of the Grottos, come to me. Spirit of the Shark, hear me,bring into these rites your deepest intuition and truest emotions, teachme to be flexible, to adapt and flow, like your waters. Blessings andwelcome!
I call to the North and the Element of Earth, you who are bone andcrystal, you who are tree and root and branch, Spirit of the Wolf, Spiritof the Gnome, I call upon you. Bring into these rites your spirit ofprosperity, of stability and manifestation. Blessings and welcome!
Invocation to Deity. Say:
I call upon Vesta, Goddess of the home and the sacred hearth flame, jointhis rite today and bring with you inspiration and passion. Blessingsand welcome!
It is the New Moon, everything is still, but there is a feeling in theair, a sense of something exciting, a building of energy andgrowth, new potential, new ideas and opportunities. The energyof the New Moon will guide you towards your goals; all you needdo is put the ideas forward and into motion. The possibilities areout there and they are endless.
Look inward and find the beginnings of ideas, be prepared toset them in motion.
Now take your white candle and while you light it, repeatquietly to yourself what it is you want to achieve. It doesn't haveto be a long-term plan; it can be something quite simple andbasic.
Once your candle is burning brightly sit quietly and watch theflame. See how it fires and dances around, so much life, and somuch potential. Ask out loud for Vesta to bring you ideas andnew opportunities. Spend some time in quiet meditation nowand let the ideas come to you ...
If possible, allow the candle to burn out (safely).
Thank the quarters by saying:
Guardians to the Element of Earth, I thank you for your presence inthis rite, I bid you blessings and farewell.
Guardians to the Element of Water, I thank you for your presence inthis rite, I bid you blessings and farewell.
Guardians to the Element of Fire, I thank you for your presence inthis rite, I bid you blessings and farewell.
Guardians to the Element of Air, I thank you for your presence inthis rite, I bid you blessings and farewell.
Thank Deity by saying:
Vesta, Goddess of the home and sacred hearth flame, I thank you foryour presence in this rite, may your flame of inspiration stay with me.Blessings and farewell.
Uncast the circle, walking widdershins, and say:
This circle is open but never broken.
New Moon Spells
I like to write a cheque to myself on the New Moon. I make it outto myself and write 'paid in full' in the amount box, then sign itfrom 'the law of abundance'. I fold the cheque into three and addthree drops of peppermint essential oil on top after laying it inthe bottom of a dish I keep on my altar, and then I sprinkle overit dried mint and lay three sticks of cinnamon on top. This worksreally well to keep enough money coming in.
At the very first sign of the Moon, just the slightest glimpse ofher, stand outside and look up. Turn around deosil (sunwise orclockwise) three times and make a wish on the New Moon.
New Moon New Job Spell
If you have decided you need a new job, work this spell on thefirst night of the New Moon.
What you need:
Two brown candles (to represent your job)
One green candle (for prosperity)
One other coloured candle of your choice (this represents you)Cinnamon oil
A talisman (this can be a pendant, a pebble, a shell, whatever youwish to use)
Put one of the brown candles in the centre of your altar with thegreen one to the right of it and your personal candle to the left ofit. Put a dab of cinnamon oil on each of the candles.
Light the personal candle and visualise yourself working inthe job you would love to do. Next light the green candle andvisualise you earning enough money for your needs. Light thebrown candle and visualise the company you would like to workfor.
Leave the candles to burn out completely and send up a thankyou to the Goddess/God/the Divine.
On the next six evenings light the second brown candle and letit burn for six minutes each time and visualise your goal.
When the six nights are up, if you still have some of the browncandle left, bury the remnants in the earth.
Lucky Charm
One of the easiest charms to use for luck is a hag stone (stonewith a hole in it). These are found on many beaches and riverbeds. Leave the stone out on the night of a Waxing Moon, thenthread a piece of green ribbon or cord through the hole and wearit as a pendant or hang it from your handbag, your altar or inyour car to bring you good luck.
Saving Money Spell
We could all probably do with a bit of extra cash now and thenin a savings account for emergencies. Money spells will alwayswork better if we have a real need for the money to cover ourbasic living costs or specific essential needs rather than justwanting loads of cash to go on a frivolous spending spree!
What you need:
Three gold or silver coins
A green envelope or piece of green paper
Gold or silver thread
Moon water (or rain water works well too)
Hold the coins in your hand and visualise yourself with themoney that you need to live on, or purchasing an essential itemthat you need or have to replace.
When you are ready, put the coins in the envelope or wrapthem in the piece of paper and then tie the silver or gold threadaround it seven times, visualising your goal as you do so.
Send up your wish and thanks in advance to the Divine andthen knot the thread three times. Next, you will need to bury thecoin package in the earth, somewhere in your garden (or in a poton your windowsill) where it will catch the moonlight. Sprinklethe earth where you have buried it with the water.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Crescent Moon occurs 3½ to 7 days after the NewMoon. She rises in the mid-morning and sets in the evening. TheMoon's light is quickening. As the Moon has dropped back untilshe is about 1/8th of the way behind the Sun, we see herlumination as a crescent shape.
You will see the first quarter Moon from 7 to 10½ days afterthe New Moon. She will rise around noon and set aroundmidnight.
As the Moon is at a right angle to the Sun the differencebetween high and low tide is minimized. Because light and darkare in balance, the Moon will appear to be a Half Moon, but thearea of light will continue to grow each day.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon occurs between 10½. and 14 daysafter the New Moon. She rises sometime in the mid-afternoonand sets in the early dark hours of the morning.
As the Moon has fallen back around 3/8 of the way behind theSun, one side of the Moon is seen fully and the light on the otherside bulges out, but does not yet fill all of the Moon's face.
Now your projects can get into their stride. Be aware,however, that overstrains are more likely at this time and that thebody takes things in and absorbs them more readily with aWaxing Moon.
It is also a good time to build yourself up if you have beenunwell or otherwise off-colour. Absorbing, boosting your energyand taking up supplies are crucial now. Go on an active holiday,get in touch with friends, plan a party, arrange meetings andincrease communication.
As Full Moon approaches, notice what isn't working and shedit in order to focus your energies more effectively. Remindyourself to slow down a little and conserve your strength. This isa time of regeneration and to gather information and resources.
Waxing Moon Colours
White, pastel colours, red and silver.
Waxing Moon Herbs, Oils and Incense Ingredients
Coriander, geranium, juniper, marjoram, nutmeg, St. John's wort,tansy, thyme, caraway, mace, rosemary, rue, spearmint, bay,carnation, mugwort, pennyroyal, saffron, eucalyptus, cedar,hyacinth, ginger, pine, sandalwood, cinnamon and sweet pea.
Waxing Moon Crystals
Carnelian, citrine, aragonite, green aventurine, malachite, rubyand banded agate.
Waxing Moon Oil Recipe
6 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops basil essential oil
2 drops pine essential oil
1 drop nutmeg essential oil
Add to a base oil such as sweet almond or grape seed (about15mls of carrier oil should be about right).
Waxing Moon Incense Recipe
2 parts juniper
2 parts cedar
1 part pine
1 part eucalyptus
Waxing Moon Meditation
Make yourself comfortable, close your eyes and focus on yourbreathing ... deep breaths in and out ... Visualise the real world disappearing.
As your world dissipates you find yourself at the foot of a hill, thegrass is green beneath your feet and you can feel a gentle breeze on yourface.
(Continues...)Excerpted from Pagan Portals - Moon Magic by Rachel Patterson. Copyright © 2013 Rachel Patterson. Excerpted by permission of John Hunt Publishing Ltd..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. 
