Working with the moon is an important part in the natural witch's life. The moon phase affects spellwork and ritual work, knowing what these phases mean is vitally important to working effective magick. The phases of the Moon, along with the astrological signs she moves through, create a framework by which we can time our magical workings. The major phases of the Moon are the New Moon, the Waxing Moon, the Full Moon, the Waning Moon and the Dark Moon. Right before the Waxing Moon, the powerful New Moon occurs and right before that is the Dark Moon, a very significant time, too. One mythological association is: Diana - The Maiden on Earth, the huntress rules the time of the New and Waxing Moons.
Selene - The Mother in the Sky, she rules the Full Moon.
Hecate - The Crone who resides under the Earth, the Waning and Dark Moons are her domain.

Spells: Courage, motivation, inspiration, friendship, elemental magick, healing or luck.


This is the second Full Moon which falls within in a single month, it varies each year. When the Blue Moon occurs plan to do something strange, something you have never done before. Write letters to folks you have not seen for years, plan a surprise for someone you love. Howl at the Moon!

The Celtic Zodiac is based on the cycle of the moon with the year divided into 13 lunar months, each associated with a tree sacred to the Druids. The Druids believed the human race originally desended from the trees. Each tree had particular magical qualities. They encoded these mysteries in a secret shamanic alphabet, known as the Ogham, the origin of which is ascribed to Ogma, the Celtic God of Poetry. The 13 tree - months each correspond to a tree, a letter of the Ogham alphabet, a Guardian Animal and a Celtic God.

The Rowan Tree Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan people are idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong humanitarian and spiritual principles. They thrive on change, becoming impatient with convention or restriction, artistic and original, they can appear detached and aloof. The Ruling Deity - Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry, rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination - Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome. Planetary Ruler - Uranus Ogham Word - Luis

*The Wolf Moon The first full moon is a time of silence and sitting by the home fire. As the wild winter howls, appreciate the warmth of home and family. Now is the time to go within and plan the changes you will make in the spring. Consider now what you will plant. Start a moon journal to record your lunar tides and write down your spring dreams.

*Full Moon - 3rd Waning Moon - 10th New Moon - 19th Waxing Moon - 25th

The Ash Tree The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, said to "court the flash" as it was prone to lightning strike. Its wood was thought to be enchanted and was used for Druidic wands and spears. Ash people are quick witted, spontaneous and gregarious. They have a lively curiosity and are intellgent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitve and communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects. The Ruling Deity - The Magician, storyteller and trickster. Gwydion rules the sign. The Druic Animal - The Adder symbolises wisdom and spiritual energy - Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or they can become nervous and irritable. Planetary Ruler - Neptune Ogham Word - Nion

*The Storm Moon At this Moon begin your spring cleaning. Think about what needs to be released and let go of in your life and in your home. Burn white candles and purifying incense, sweep out the cobwebs and prepare for the new growth of spring.

*Full Moon - 2nd Waning Moon - 10th New Moon - 17th Waxing Moon - 24th Imbolc - Candlemas - 2nd

The Alder Tree Alder resist rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs. It was a crime to fell an alder, as the angry tree spirit would burn down houses. Alder people are courageous, energetic, impetuous and determinded to make their own way in the world. Self-reliant and adventurous, they love taking risks and are tenacious workers. Affectionate and charming, they inspire great loyalty in others. The Ruling Deity - The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses, rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy- Alders must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy in fruitless disputes. Planetary Ruler - Mars Ogham Word - Fern

*The Chaste Moon This is the Moon of the maiden and Faery folk. Gather the seeds of inspiration and imagine what they can grow into. Build an Altar to the Moon and bless your garden in the moonlight. Prepare the earth for planting and yourself for change.

*Full Moon - 3rd Waning Moon - 12th New Moon - 19th Waxing Moon - 25th Ostara - Vernal Equinox - 20th

The Willow Tree The Willow was sacred to the Moon and in Celtic myth the universe was hatched from two eggs hidden among the boughs of the Willow. Willow people have good memories and are articulate, strong willed and resourceful, emotional and enigmatic. They have quick responses and are prone to sudden mood changes. The Ruling Deity - The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition. Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody and chronically indecisive. Planetary Ruler - Moon Ogham Word - Sail

*The Seed Moon At the Seed Moon plant your seeds of magick, whether it be in a garden, in a pot by the window or simply in your heart. Fill your home with light and flowers, create colorful eggs to decorate it and bring fertility and joy. On the full Moon plant herbs. Sing in the rain...

*Full Moon - 2nd Waning Moon - 10th New Moon - 17th Waxing Moon - 24th

The Hawthorn Tree Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. Faery spirits were thought to live in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shields around fields, houses and churchyards. Hawthorn people are mercurial, innovative, creative and confident. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenge. They are eloquent and gifted performers, exuding natural charm. The Ruling Deity - The summer flower maiden Olwen rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience - Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can sabotage their best efforts. Planetary Ruler - Vulcan Ogham Word - Uath

*The Hare Moon Now is the time to celebrate life and love. Renew and affirm your sensuality, kindle the fire of romance . Dance and make love by the light of a bon fire, the glow of red candles, or just the full moons radiance. Free your wild nature....

*Full Moon - 2nd Waning Moon - 9th New Moon - 16th Waxing Moon - 23rd Beltane - May Day - 1st

The Oak Tree The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolising truth and steadfast knowledge. Doors made of Oak were thought to keep out evil. Oak people are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. Natural leaders, they remain calm in a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Although serious minded, they are cheerful and optimistic and do not give up easily. The Ruling Deity - The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds, symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humor or they become pompus and overbearing. Planetary Ruler - Jupiter Ogham Word - Duir

*The Dyad Moon See how things are growing! The old has died away to make room for the new . Create an Altar of roses and honor the beauty of nature. Send flowers to your mother. Hike to the top of a mountain...

*Full Moon - 1st Waning Moon - 8th New Moon - 15th Waxing Moon - 22nd *Full Moon - 30th Litha (Midsummer) - Summer Solstice - 21st

The Holly Tree When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor, he was crowned with a Holly wreath. The ever-green Holly was thought to repel enemies, and warriors carried Holy wood cudgels. Holly people are practical, capable and steadfast in adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. They have good business sense but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships they are suportive, protective and possessive. The Ruling Deity - The Smith God Govannon rules this sign The Druic Animal - The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength - Hollies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss of confidence and direction. Planetary Ruler - Earth Ogham Word - Tinne

*The Mead Moon Bask in the warmth of summer and take time for yourself, relax. Perhaps a moonlit walk by the sea to gather sacred seashells. Make an ocean amulet necklace for one you love.

Waning Moon - 7th New Moon - 14th Waxing Moon - 22nd *Full Moon - 31st

The Hazel Tree It was thought magical skills and knowledge could be gained from eating Hazel nuts. Hazel people are artistic. They have lively, analytical minds and make inspiring teachers. Imaginative, they are radical and idealistic thinkers. The Ruling Deity - The Sea God Manannan Mac Lir, a master of disguise, rules this sign. The Druic Animal - To the Celts, the Salmon is the oldest and wisest animal, symbolising inspiration - Hazels need to express their creativity or they can become morbid and introspective. Planetary Ruler - Mercury Ogham Word - Coll

*The Corn Moon This is a time to harvest the gifts you have nurtured and give to those who are in need. Collect and store fresh herbs for the coming winter. Bake special breads to honor the God and Goddess of grain and growing things, share them with your family and friends but save some to offer the Earth.

Waning Moon - 5th New Moon - 12th Waxing Moon - 20th *Full Moon - 28th Lughnasadh (Lammas) - 1st

The Vine Tree The Grapevine requires care to bear fruit in the cool Celtic climate and became a symbol of sacred knowledge and spiritual initiation. Vine people are discriminating, authoritative and set high personal standards. They appear cool and detached but are secret romantics and can be sensitive, vulnerable and self critical. Keenly perceptive, they have an eye for detail and refined aesthetic taste. The Ruling Deity - The Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Light rule this sign The Druic Animal - The Swan symbolises grace and beauty - Vines must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can become lost in worry and negativity. Planetary Ruler - Venus Ogham Word - Muin

The Ivy Tree The power of the Ivy to cling and bind made it a potent symbol of determination and strength. Ivy can strange trees and was a portent of death and spiritual growth. Ivy people are restless, socialble and good natured. Cheerful, expnasive and magnetic, they win friends easily and dislike offending others. Although often indecisive, they are not weak willed and tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism. The Ruling Deity - The faery bride Guinevere rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Butterfly symbolises faery faith - Ivy people must not get too caught up in others problems or they can suffer disappointment and betrayal. Planetary Ruler - Persephone Ogham Word - Gort

*The Harvest Moon Drink a toast to Dionysus, the God of wine and ecstasy - The son of the Moon! Gather with friends to celebrate the vine with a bottle of good wine and good cheer. Catch the Moons reflection in your cup and raise it up in salutation, now drink in her essence and feel the presence of the God and Goddess.

Waning Moon - 4th New Moon - 10th Waxing Moon - 19th *Full Moon - 26th Mabon - Autumnal Equinox - 23rd

The Reed Tree The Druids believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root system. Cut Reeds were used as pens and symbolised wisdon and scholarship. Reed people are complex, tenacious and fearless. Proud and independent, they have great strength of character and rarely compromise. They thirve on challenge and have an innate belief in their own destiny. The Ruling Deity - The Celtic God the Underworld, Pwyll rules this sign. The Druic Animal - Hound or Dog was a title of honour for Celtic Chieftains as the Dog symbolised enduring loyalty - Reeds must unite a sense of purpose with their strong will or they can become self destructive. Planetary Ruler - Pluto Ogham Word - Ngetal

*The Blood Moon In the past this was the time of hunting and storing. The wheel of the year turns like the cycle of life and death. At this Moon the veil is thin, make an Altar to honor your ancestors and ask them to guide and protect you. Carve pumpkins and place candles within to light their way.

Waning Moon - 1st New Moon - 9th Waxing Moon - 17th *Full Moon - 24th Samhain - 31st

The Elder Tree The Elder tree was sacred to the faeries and branches were hung above stables to protect horses from evil spirits. It was unlucky to burn Elder and an omen of death to bring it indoors. Elder people are self sufficient, lively, impetuous and outspoken. They dislike routine and refuse to be pressured by others. Restless and highly energetic, they thrive on change and need constant mental and physical challenge. The Ruling Deity - The crown Goddess and celtic tribal mother Cailleach Beara rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The Raven symbolises healing and protection - Elders must learn to use change as a positive force in their lives or they can become reckless and confused. Planetary Ruler - Saturn Ogham Word - Ruis

*The Snow Moon Winter's cold descends and outward growth slows. Make this a time for inner growth. Learn a new craft or study thwarts of divination. When the Moon is full do a reading for yourself or your friends. Develop your psychic talents.

Waning Moon - 1st New Moon - 9th Waxing Moon - 17th *Full Moon - 24th

The Birch Tree To the druids, the Birch represented renewel and rebirth as it was the first tree in leaf after winter.Birch people are determined, resilient and ambitious. Good organisers, leaders and strategists, they are not deterred by setbacks, believing hard work, patience and persistance will triumph. They are loyal but reserved in showing affection The Ruling Diety - The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of all arts and crafts, rules this sign. The Druic Animal - The white stag symbolises high ideals and aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become depressed and pessimistic. Planetary Ruler - Sun Ogham Word - Beithe

*The Oak Moon The time of the Suns return approaches and the Moon awaits her lover. Make wreaths of Holly, Pine, Oak, Cedar or Ivy. On the full Oak Moon burn them as an offering to the Sun and Moon. Create a sacred Moon ornament to hang on the boughs of your yule tree.

Waning Moon - 1st New Moon - 9th Waxing Moon - 17th *Full Moon - 24th Waning Moon - 31st Yule - Winter Solstice -22nd