Essentially, all magick can be broken down into two types, drawing and banishing. During the waxing moon cycle, our work should be concentrated on drawing what we want towards us. During the waning moon, our work should be pivoted primarily towards banishing that which we want out of our lives.

Moon Cycles

Waxing Cycle

This cycle of the Moon refers to the period of time from the New Moon to the Full Moon. The energy from this cycle should be used in "drawing" that which you want towards you. It's a good time to begin new projects and expand any current efforts. It's also a time to craft workings that concern love, harmony, balance, and peace, as well as protection and healing.

New Moon
Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Waxing Crescent
Light crescent on right side of Moon.

First Quarter
The right half of the Moon is lit (ninety degrees from sun, end of first quarter, beginning of second quarter).

Waxing Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now lit.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit.

Waning Cycle

The waning cycle of the Moon is the period from the Full Moon to the New Moon. This is the cycle to use for banishing and rejecting baneful aspects, such as disease and negativity, as well as dissolving destructive energies of all types.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit. I usually wait until three days following the Full Moon before working with the waning cycle.

Waning Crescent
Dark crescent on right side of Moon.

Third Quarter
The right half of the Moon is now dark (ninety degrees from sun, end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter).

Waning Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now dark.

New Moon
Sun and Moon in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

 

Scott Cunningham's Full Moon Rite

Perform this ritual at night in view of the Full Moon if possible. If not, fill a cauldron with water and place a piece of silver in it.

Cast the circle and invoke the Goddess and God and anyone else you chose to invoke.

Gaze at the moon or your "moon" in your cauldron. Feel its cool Goddess energy wash you with power and love. Say these words.

Wondrous Lady of the Moon
You who greets the dark with silvered kisses
Mistress of the night and all magicks,
who rides the clouds in blackened skies
and spills light upon cold Earth.
Oh Lunar Goddess
Crescent one
Shadow maker and shadow breaker,
Revealer of mysteries past and present,
Puller of seas and ruler of women
All-wise Lunar Mother
I greet your celestial jewel
at the waxing of its powers
with a rite in Your honor
I prey by the moon
I prey by the moon
I prey by the moon

Continue chanting "I prey by the moon" while visualizing the goddess.

Now is the time to work magick or meditation. Crystal scrying is particularly recommended (you can use the silver in the cauldron for this).

Enjoy a simple feast. Thank the Goddess and God and release the circle.