Lunar Magic

Working Magic With The Moon
     

 The light shed from the face of the Moon is not its own but that of the Sun as
it lies hidden beyond the horizon. The Moon is a beaming beacon of borrowed light
and not the self-illuminated object it appears to be at first glance. When we see
by the reflected light of the Moon there is an ethereal quality to all we view,
though it is often driven from us by the more direct light of the Sun. We see
these mysterious things most often at night and they later flee into the shadows.
As The Sun rules the magic of the Physical World, so the Moon does rule that of
the Otherworld, the unmade and the unseen.

 The Moon and all she governs is feminine and highly mysterious. Women are
empowered and feel at home in the Moon's influence and men are intoxicated by
its subtle and enigmatic workings as they are by women themselves. Indeed
working with the Moon promotes knowledge of women and mystery.

 The nature of the power that the Moon wields is manifold and changeable as it
cycles through New Moon to full and back again. Her energy ebbs and flows like
the tides which she also rules. As the Moon waxes it grows stronger and this is
the time for any magic that relates to waxing and increase. Conversely, during the
time the Moon is waning and growing dark we work spells cleanse, remove and undo
that which we find undesirable.

 Magic can be affected any time you put your will toward your intention. Utilizing
the effects of the Moon is in no way necessary, mearly another powerful force you
can use to your advantage.

 If you wish to gain power from the Moon you may perform an Esbat. An Esbat is a
Lunar Rite which is performed at any of the three phases of the Moon's power. A
Full Moon Esbat is any rite to gain the power of the Full Moon and would be done
in the interest of spells and workings of growth and increase. The New sometimes
called "Dark" Moon Esbat and the Waxing Crescent Esbat are for clearing away the
old and broken and for starting new projects respectively.

Esbats are used to honour Lunar Deities if you wish to do so. They are of great
help with Lunar Magic to say the least.

 A simple example of an Esbat. Choose a phase of the Moon, (Full, Waxing or Dark)
from which you wish to draw power and find the next time the moon enters that
phase. Choose a candle and cloth of the appropriate colour (See below) and a proper
incense. On the night of or just before the desired phase of the Moon choose a
quiet spot in front of a window through which you have a good view of the Moon and
its light shines in upon you as you work (or shadow as with the Dark Moon). You may
choose to have a candle and a small cloth to place underneath, some incense, matches,
and a candle snuffer.

 In front of the window set the candle in a holder on top of the cloth, light
the incense and let it smoulder. Light the candle and speak some words to the
effect that you are harnessing the power of the "Full/Waxing/Dark" Moon. You
can state that the power be channeled into you at that moment or that it be
channeled into the candle. If you are just starting out you may want to choose
to have the energy stored in the candle, that way when you wish to cast a spell
and the Moon is out of the proper phase you need only light the candle to release
the stored energy. This can be added to any spell. If you are stating that the
Energy be stored in the candle, visualize it pouring into the candle until it is
fully charged then snuff the candle and store it till needed.

Magical Braiding Spells

Braids were once known as Love Knots because women would work their
intentions of love into them, sometimes severing the braid and
presenting it to their lover as a charm to keep them true as well as
a pledge of their own troth.

You can weave magic into your very hair and in doing so, carry the
spell with you in a stylish and inconspicuous way.

Choose your magical goal and set it squarely in your mind. Simplify
it until it is clear and work out a phrase that you can easily repeat
several times. Depending on your intended goal choose the number that
best serves your magical purpose. You may also decide to place a small
charm or ribbon at the end, use your creativity and intuition. Consider
the correct colour, materials and symbols that will best serve your
intention.

Set any ribbons or trinkets that you intend to use upon your altar
and section your hair to begin braiding. If you can braid with
more than 3 pieces then you can decide to use the number of pieces
that better serve your goal. 4 piece braids are for stability.
Taking the pieces in your hands and begin to braid while chanting
your goal. Try to state it a certain number of times and correspond
this number to the number of plaits in your braid. When the braid
is finished place the elastic, ribbon or charm at the end saying
"So shall it be!"

Sample Spell: For increased memory while studying.

A yellow ribbon and a small feather strung with a citrine bead lay upon
the altar, Rosemary and sage smolder on the brassier and the altar is lit
with yellow candles.
Three sections of hair are in hand and the braid is begun with the yellow
ribbon secured at the top with an elastic band. As each plait is braided
I state "As this braid is bound so to is the knowledge bound to my mind!"
Seven plaits are wrought and seven times this intention is stated. At the
end I bind the braid with the feather and the citrine bead saying "So shall
it be!" The braid is kept in until after I take the test and I shall pass
with a high grade.

One of the ways to harness the power of the Full Moon is to stand
bathing in her light with your hair down, section off some hair
to braid. Three pieces is best, for her three phases. Start to
plait your hair whilst chanting an incantation to draw the magic
of the Full Phase into your braid. If your hair is long enough
you should braid 28 plaits with a silver or white ribbon. If
your hair is shorter make a thin braid and use a white or silver
string or thread. Thank Luna, or whatever name you know The
Moon by and work with her magic in your hair.

You can alliteratively braid in some powerful magic and carry it until
needed, unleashing it by loosing the braid. Done daily you will have a
reserve of magic you can use at will.