Moon Water: Phases and Benefits

Lady Luna is shining brightly as you set out your mason jar of freshly filtered spring water.  Silver moonbeams dance upon the earth as we slumber. They gently caress jars of water that have been left out in the night all over world, infusing them with Luna's powerful energy.  The dew kissed jars are collected, just before dawn breaks. 

I believe that we often limit ourselves, and through that, our magick solely because we follow what others are doing. We are often taught one way to do things and never question if we can expand on that. Moon water is just one example but that is what we will be discussing today.

We witches all rush to put our jars of water out for the full moon but do we ever consider what the energy of new moon water would be? What about a waxing or waning moon?  The different phases of the moon hold different energy so it stands to reason that we could make moon water to capture those varying elements as well. When you take astrological correspondences into consideration, the possibilities for magikcal moon waters are endless!

Full Moon Water- Most of you are familiar with Full Moon Water as that is what we tend to simply call "Moon Water" and what most witches make and use. The Full Moon holds cleansing and protective energies.  This is a time when we focus on release. The water made during this time also holds the same energies. You can drink the water (as long as it is safe, filtered water) and reinforce any ritual or spell work that was done on the full moon.  You can save this water for future purposes such as crystal cleansing.  You can also cleanse your altar tools, add it to a bath for your own cleansing, or use it in your home cleaning chores. Doing a protection spell? Incorporate full moon water.  This moon also aligns with the energies of the Mother Goddess aspect of the Triple Goddess so water collected during this time makes an excellent offering for Her. Mother Goddesses include Isis, Demeter, Rhiannon, Arianrhod, Brigid, Danu, Gaia, Hestia, Mary, etc.

Waning Gibbous Water- The Waning Gibbous moon is perfect for minor banishings. Water infused with waning gibbous energy will boost any minor banishing spells you are performing during this time or in the future. Safe-to-drink water can help banish illness or addictions as well as bad habits. Add it to your mop water to get rid of any unwanted negative energies in the home or use it to wash your front door and windows to repel them from the outside. 

Last Quarter Water- Water from the Last Quarter Moon can help you to remove obstacles. Use it in spells that aim to boost you over hurdles that may tempt you to give up. Last quarter moon water can also help to ease any transitions you may be going through. Use in rituals to help things flow with more ease. 

Waning Crescent Water- The Waning Crescent Moon is the time to make water that will assist you with the bigger banishings such as spells to end toxic relationships or situations. Waning moon water can assist in closing portals (blessed water) and can also aid in protection magick.

New Moon Water- The New Moon energy is about new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting the seeds that will grow with the lunar cycle. Water infused with new moon energy is great for manifestation spells and rituals. New moon water is extremely refreshing so it works well in facial spritzers, glamour magick and if safe to drink- revitalizing. Use it in a bath for its rejuvenating energies. The new moon aligns with the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess (The Morrigan, Dame Holda, Cerridwen, Baba Yaga, Hecate, etc) and is makes for a wonderful offering for Her. Because the moon energies align with the Crone aspect and many of the Dark Goddesses, water made during this time can assist with shadow work as well. 

Waxing Crescent Water- The energies of the Waxing Crescent Moon are nurturing and water infused with its energy is perfect for spell work or rituals for self-love, compassion, courage, and a positive mindset. Because of the nurturing energy of this water, it is great for watering your house plants and if safe to drink, give to your pets.  Scrying with waxing crescent moon water can also give you direction and guidance regarding the metaphysical seeds you planted on the new moon. The Maiden (Persephone, Artemis, Aphrodite, Freya, Ishtar, etc) aspect of the Triple Goddess is felt in the waxing crescent moon. Use this water as an offering for Her.

First Quarter Water- Use First Quarter Moon Water in spells or rituals for drawing things in- new job, love interest, success, money, etc. Sprinkle first quarter moon water coins and place them in your wallet to bring more money to you. Moon water made during the first quarter is also perfect for bringing dedication and resilience. Feeling unmotivated or lethargic- drink or do spell work using this moon water.

Waxing Gibbous Water- The water infused with the energy of the Waxing Gibbous Moon is perfect for fertility magick. Water made during this time can also be stirred into drinks to help with endurance. If you're finding yourself in a mode of resistance, use this moon water in a spell or ritual to help you overcome it. 

Our lovely Moon holds so much magick in every phase, not just when She is full.  Utilize the energies and let them work for you. Set your water out to capture the power that will help you boost your rituals and spell work. The moon is a wonderful reminder that no matter which phase we are in, we are always whole. 

Blessed Be. 

Celebrating Beltane

Beltane, also known as May Day is celebrated May 1st, which is about halfway between Ostara (Spring Equinox) and Litha, (Summer Solstice). Festivities typically begin the evening before, on the last night of April. It's a time to welcome the abundance of the fertile earth. There are many different ways you can celebrate Beltane, but the focus is nearly always on fertility. It's the time when Mother Earth opens up to the fertility god, and their union brings about healthy livestock, strong crops, and new life all around.

 "Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and is associated with important events in Irish mythology. Also known as Cétshamhain ("first of summer"), it marked the beginning of summer and it was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle

would walk around or between bonfires, and sometimes leap over the flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. These gatherings would be accompanied by a feast, and some of the food and drink would be offered to the aos sí (the fae). Doors, windows, byres and livestock would be decorated with white or yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush: typically a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbons, bright shells and rushlights. Holy wells were also visited, while

 Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness."  from Wikipedia  

Today, we still honor the tradition of the Beltane fire.  Fire festivals are held throughout much of the UK and Ireland to celebrate as well as in the United States.  Dancing, singing, feasting, jumping the fire, and drumming are all festival activities. May Poles are erected to symbolize the phallus of the fertility god and prayers are sent for abundance and prosperity as dancers weave the ribbons around in joyful merriment.

You will see maidens wearing flower crowns and others with their wrists and ankles adorned in colorful blooms.  Cooking over the open flame is common and encouraged, especially roasted meats. Mead flows
freely and handfasting ceremonies and "jumping the broom" rituals are prevalent. 

 

Many early Beltane practices were designed to appease the fae and prevent them from stealing dairy products. For example, three black coals were placed under a butter churn to ensure the fairies did not steal one's butter.  May poles were hung or erected in or near the barns to ensure the cattle's milk was not stolen. Flowers were also used to decorate the horns of cattle, which was believed to bring good fortune. Food was left or milk poured at the doorstep or places associated with the aos sí, such as 'fairy trees', as an offering. People made the sign of the cross with milk for good luck on Beltane. To protect farm produce and encourage fertility, farmers would lead a procession around the boundaries of their farm. They would "carry with them seeds of grain, implements of husbandry, the first well water, and the herb vervain (or rowan as a substitute). The procession generally stopped at the four cardinal points of the compass, beginning in the east, and rituals were performed in each of the four directions".- Wikipedia 

Keeping our good relations with the fae is another lasting Beltane tradition. Food and milk offerings are left for them.  Honey is a favorite. Some create fairy gardens or altars in their home where offerings can be

given. These offerings might also include shiny objects such as jewelry or stones. Colorful ribbons are tied into "fairy trees".  

If there isn't a Beltane celebration happening near you, don't fret.  There are plenty of ways that you can celebrate the Sabbat in your home or backyard. 

1. Have your own Beltane fire.  If you have a fire pit in your backyard, then fire it up (if there are no fire bans or restrictions, of course).  Dance around the fire and sing songs of Mother Earth.  If you do not have a fire pit, you can use your fireplace inside just as easily.  No fireplace?  Create one in a cauldron or fireproof dish.  Add sand to the bottom and then a clear alcohol (Everclear works best as it burns clean). Light and let the alcohol burn itself out.  *Please never leave a fire or flame unattended.*

2. Cook over an open flame and FEAST!  Fire up the grill and roast meats and spring veggies. Add some wine or mead for the adults. 

3. Make and wear a flower crown.  Daisies and dandelions are common flowers to use but if there is something else that calls to you, then go with that.

4. Fae offerings.  Leave offerings of milk and honey outside for the fair folk. Create a fairy garden in your yard.

5. Make your own May Pole.  This doesn't have to be large. You can simply submerge a stick in a flower pot of dirt, tie on some ribbons and decorate the top with flowers.  Dance around the May Pole and send your prayers for abundance and prosperity.

6. Create a Beltane altar.  This can be indoors or outside. Decorate with spring flowers, god and goddess symbols/ statues, symbols of fertility such as antlers, sticks, cauldron, acorns or seeds, eggs, and rabbits. Use gold and red candles to represent the Beltane fire. Fairy figurines can also be included. 

7. Get outside! Simply getting outside and enjoying the warmer days is a way to celebrate Beltane.  go for a nature walk/ hike. Take in the trees that are leafing out. Listen to the birds sing and watch for other wildlife in the area. Enjoy a picnic. Do some gardening or plant colorful blooms in flower pots.  

8. Jump the broom.  If you want to recommit to your spouse or partner, then jump the broom.  This was viewed as a marriage ceremony, especially to those that had little or no money for a wedding. It can symbolize sweeping away the past, or any thing that needs to go, and jumping into the new- a clean future together. 

Whether you plan to attend a grand Beltane Fire Festival or have a simple day and ritual at home, may you be blessed with abundance and prosperity in the coming months. 

Blessed Be!

Rabbit Animal Guide

Rabbit, the iconic symbol of the spring season.  

Rabbits live on every continent except Antarctica, thus appearing in the mythologies and folklore of different cultures around the world. "The Ojibwe and other Algonquin tribes associate the rabbit with their god, Nanabozho. He is a creator deity who named all of the world’s plants and animals. For the Aztecs, the rabbit symbolized fertility, drinking, and parties. The Aztecs told stories about the Centzon Totochtin, which consisted of 400 rabbit gods. Evidence of the ancient Egyptians celebrating springtime in ways that are similar to how many of us celebrate Easter today date back to at least 2300 BC.  The Egyptians depicted hares, eggs, the sunrise, and the resurrection of their god Osiris in the Book of the Dead, other hieroglyphs, and artwork. The Celts also associated rabbits with fairies, believing the two communicated when they were underground. The Celts also believed certain people could shape shift into rabbits, thus they had taboos about killing them.  In some Buddhist stories, Buddha is said to have been a hare in an earlier incarnation." *from UniGuide: Stories and Guides for Nature Lovers and Spiritual Seekers by Kristen M. Stanton 

Rabbits symbolize fertility, sensitivity, gentleness, haste, new beginnings, the moon, prosperity, and good luck. 

Many of us have heard the term "breeding like rabbits".  This is because rabbits reach sexual maturity at a very young age, sometimes as early as 2-3 months old and females can have several litters a year.  If you and your partner need a little extra help with fertility, call on Rabbit to assist you with the magick.  Rabbit can also help with other types of "fertility" such as manifestation or garden witch work to help with soil fertility.  Because of this, Rabbit is also associated with prosperity. 

Rabbits are highly sensitive creatures.  Their large ears help them perceive noises that we cannot along with their large, round eyes that take in everything.  If Rabbit has hopped into your life, they could be telling you that there is an issue you need to be more sensitive about.  If Rabbit is your life animal guide, then you are more than likely a highly sensitive person.

With their quiet, gentle nature, Rabbit reminds us to treat ourselves gently. Stay clear of behaviors that affect you negatively.  They also remind us that others are walking their own soul journey and that we should be kind, empathetic and compassionate.

Is Rabbit dashing through your dreams?  This could be telling you that there is an issue or circumstance that needs to be handled with haste or on the flip side, you might be acting in haste and should take caution.

A woman's cycle follows the moon, a 28-day cycle just as the moon circles the earth in 28 days.  Because women's menstruation is a sign of her fertility, it isn't a far stretch to see how the Rabbit (a symbol of fertility) became associated with the moon as well.  Rabbit would be a powerful ally to call upon during the new or waxing moon for intentions and manifestation magick. 

Are you looking to start over? A new home, a new career, a new relationship or getting out of one and on your own, or possibly your spiritual path?  As a symbol of spring which is all about renewal and new beginnings, call on Rabbit to help assist you with the transition. 

While Rabbit may seem like a small and shy creature, we should not take their magick for granted.  Rabbit's energy will work side by side with you for fertility, luck and prosperity, and new beginnings.