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UNDERSTANDING THE MOON: FROM A PAGAN PERSPECTIVE

UNDERSTANDING THE MOON: FROM A PAGAN PERSPECTIVE

Scarlett Jones

 The moon always fascinated me as a child, unlike the ever constant Sun, the moon had mystery. As a child with limited knowledge and understanding, I never knew where or when or what the moon was going to be viewed as when I went outside. It was always a hide and seek game surprise.  Sometimes it was bright and round, other times it was dark and hidden from view. Sometimes the moon was even seen during the day and this really fascinated me. I would stare at it for hours and try to figure it out. Even to this day, I will moon gaze and imagine all the other people across all the time and geographical locations that spent the nights moon gazing and it fills me with awe. The moon is so much bigger than me. Over time, I began to understand the moon had a cyclical nature and personality. When I identified as Pagan in 1980 in a feminist women's circle, I began to feel into the moon more deeply. Moon cycles reflect the natural rhythms of the ebb and flow of human lives and how the moon cycles were reflected in my own life cycles.  Later, during my initiatory Alexandrian training I began a deeper study and understanding of aligning and understanding these cycles in a magickal way. I began to lean into my connection further with the natural cyclical nature of the earth and how to harness the energies to surrender to and manifest within my personal life. 

The Eight Phases of the Moon

  1. New Moon: The Beginning The New Moon marks the start of the lunar cycle, a time for new beginnings and setting intentions. Pagans often use this phrase to initiate projects, sow seeds of change, and embark on new ventures.
  2. Waxing Crescent: The Seedling As the moon grows, so does our action towards our goals. The Waxing Crescent is a time for building foundations, gathering resources, and nurturing the seeds planted during the New Moon.
  3. First Quarter: The Decision Point The First Quarter Moon represents a time of decision-making and commitment. It’s a period to overcome challenges, make choices, and solidify our intentions.
  4. Waxing Gibbous: The Refinement During the Waxing Gibbous, we refine and adjust our plans. It’s a phase for perfecting our strategies and ensuring that everything is aligned for the culmination that the Full Moon brings.
  5. Full Moon: The Culmination The Full Moon is a time of fruition and completion. Pagans believe it’s a powerful moment for rituals, divination, and harnessing the moon’s energy for manifestation.
  6. Waning Gibbous: The Sharing After the peak of the Full Moon, the Waning Gibbous invites us to share our experiences and wisdom. It’s a time for gratitude, giving back, and teaching others.
  7. Last Quarter: The Release The Last Quarter Moon is a period of release and letting go. Pagans use this time to rid themselves of what no longer serves them, making way for the new cycle to come.
  8. Waning Crescent: The Rest As the moon’s light diminishes, so should our outward activity. The Waning Crescent is a time for rest, reflection, and preparation for the cycle to begin anew.
  9. New Moon: The Beginning The New Moon marks the start of the lunar cycle, a time for new beginnings and setting intentions. Pagans often use this phase to initiate projects, sow seeds of change, and embark on new ventures.
  10. Waxing Crescent: The Seedling As the moon grows, so does our action towards our goals. The Waxing Crescent is a time for building foundations, gathering resources, and nurturing the seeds planted during the New Moon.
  11. First Quarter: The Decision Point The First Quarter Moon represents a time of decision-making and commitment. It’s a period to overcome challenges, make choices, and solidify our intentions.
  12. Waxing Gibbous: The Refinement During the Waxing Gibbous, we refine and adjust our plans. It’s a phase for perfecting our strategies and ensuring that everything is aligned for the culmination that the Full Moon brings.
  13. Full Moon: The Culmination The Full Moon is a time of fruition and completion. Pagans believe it’s a powerful moment for rituals, divination, and harnessing the moon’s energy for manifestation.
  14. Waning Gibbous: The Sharing After the peak of the Full Moon, the Waning Gibbous invites us to share our experiences and wisdom. It’s a time for gratitude, giving back, and teaching others.
  15. Last Quarter: The Release The Last Quarter Moon is a period of release and letting go. Pagans use this time to rid themselves of what no longer serves them, making way for the new cycle to come.
  16. Waning Crescent: The Rest As the moon’s light diminishes, so should our outward activity. The Waning Crescent is a time for rest, reflection, and preparation for the cycle to begin anew.  

 Other times we have special moons that are hyped up moons which are great for blasting through obstacles and creating manifestations. Supermoons are when the moon is closest to the Earth. Blue moons are two full moons within the same month. A lunar eclipse happens about every 2.5 years and is when the moon passes in front of the sun blocking the light.  

Moon Magick

Magick is nothing but your intent to use nature to manifest your will. You can use the magic of the moon based on the current moon cycle, so please review the information above as a guideline for your magick. Sometimes you have to tweak your intent to conform to the specific moon cycle to accomplish what you desire.  If your will is to leave a crappy job and get a better one, which is perfect New Moon magick. But it's not a New moon and you don’t want to wait 14 days, you want it now. You can accomplish your goal/will by tweaking your action to align with Full Moon energy by concentrating on ending connections/releasing work and preparing for the new energy to fill your void. Be creative, where there is a will there is a way. Some basic guidelines and preparation before any magick undertaking should be

  • Cleansing and purification of you and your magick workspace, such as a bath ritual and saging your work area
  • Setting your intent by making a list, visualization of what you want, journaling, meditation, or any activity that puts you in contact with your higher self.

 Moon Magick rituals are a unique time to foster a deep connection with the cycles of the Earth.  When I look at the next New Moon, I am looking at the same moon that millions of my ancestors looked at hundreds of years before modern civilization and honor them and revel in that knowledge. It gives me so much comfort in the fast and changing modern times.   Scarlett Jones, LMT is a passionate Holistic Body and Energy worker based in Summerville, South Carolina. With a background as a licensed massage therapist, Reiki Master/Teacher, and Quantum Healer, she combines ancient wisdom with modern practices to promote well-being and balance. As a holistic body and energy worker, Scarlett believes in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. They offer personalized sessions that integrate massage therapy, energy healing, and quantum techniques. Whether it’s relieving physical tension, addressing emotional blockages, or enhancing spiritual awareness, she is dedicated to supporting their clients on their healing journey. When Scarlett isn’t working with clients, you’ll find her immersed in nature, drawing inspiration from the elements and the cycles of the seasons. Their deep connection to the natural world informs their practice, allowing them to create sacred spaces for transformation and healing. 

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