new moon / dark moon magic 🌑
the new moon and dark moon are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to slightly different lunar phases.
the dark moon is said to be the last visible crescent before the new moon. with the new moon, its lunar disc is not visible at all. this is very much an "out with the old and in with the new" type situation so let's get into it!
my associations for each phase:
new moon - renewal, cleansing, new beginnings, healing, inner peace, harmony
dark moon - cursing, banishing, justice, binding, reflection, peace, introspection, stillness
craft charged moon water during this time for cleansing or banishing
take a relaxing ritual bath or shower with new moon water or incorporate it into your skincare routine if you have one
you can simply rinse your hands with new moon water before washing with soap and water if you want
anoint objects you wish to consecrate or cleanse
charge drinking water with new moon energy to consume later
if drinkable, use for cooking or as a base for tea or coffee
add a small amount to your washing machine or mop bucket
hell, charge an entire bucket of water under the new moon and mop your floors with it the next day because why not? lol
what do you want your life to look like moving forward? this can be as easy as writing your intentions/petitions down on paper and meditating on such, but feel free to get creative! how about a moodboard, perhaps?
or you can just quietly mull it over in your head like i do
what you do with it afterwards is up to you - burn it, bury it, throw it away, keep it forever, whatever!
reflect on past decisions and situations over the past month - how did they serve you? how did you handle them?
set new intentions for this upcoming lunar cycle
finish projects to leave room for new ones
craft spell jars and sachets and potions galore
do a tarot reading for yourself (or whatever other method of divination you prefer) for a forecast of the new lunar cycle
refresh and renew your altar
cleanse yourself of negativity or undesired energy - invite peaceful, calming energy in its place
banish bad habits or toxic people from your life
throw a lil return to sender their way if they won't back off or their energy still lingers
consecrate new tools to give them a purpose
cleanse used tools to make them like new - this includes crystals and other witchy stuff you use on the regular
declutter and clean your room, your house, your car, your space
tend to the plants you already have and then maybe get some new ones
pay attention to your health
why banish or curse during the dark moon?
i like to view the transition from dark moon to new moon as a door closing. when you banish during a dark moon, you're essentially sweeping out all the bad vibes before the door closes "for good." cursing itself can leave some nasty energy behind - that being said, do your cursework before banishing, that way "everything" gets thrown out at once. now you have a clean slate upon which to set your new moon intentions.
long story short? reevaluate, reset, and renew. ✧
as always, be safe and use common sense when practicing magic or doing literally anything else!
lunar phase correspondences
lunar phases - explained
moon, sun, & tides - spell timing
