Wiccan Lunar Practices

Question 1

Lunar Phases

Answer 1

New Moon
Waxing Phase
Full Moon
Waning Phase
Blue Moon*
Lunar Eclipse*

Question 2

Tidal Effect

Answer 2

As for the tidal effect, this is the Moon’s gravity tugging on the Earth itself. The oceans on the side of Earth nearest the Moon are rising toward the Moon, while the vast waters on the other side of the globe are bulging due to the Earth’s being pulled toward the Moon as well. Because the Earth is also rotating on its own axis, this high tide occurs twice a day, as does the low tide on the other end of the ever-shifting ocean.

Question 3

New Moon

Answer 3

occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so that the Sun’s illumination of the Moon cannot be seen.

Question 4

Waxing Phase

Answer 4

As the Moon’s movement continues, more and more of the Moon is illuminated. Represents feminine before childbearing years.

Question 5

Full Moon

Answer 5

Once the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, we can see a total illumination. Represents feminine during childbearing years.

Question 6

Waning Phase

Answer 6

Illumination is reduced again. Represents feminine after childbearing years.

Question 7

The Wiccan Moon

Answer 7

Ultimate symbol of the devine feminine (Ruach). Receptive, feminine, nourishing energy. Night, water, yin.

Question 8

Esbats

Answer 8

12-13 ceremonies/rituals at the full moon.
sometimes called the “Second Wheel of the Year”.

The details and particular focus of the Esbat rituals vary widely among covens and solitary Wiccans. Very often, the focus of the rituals will align with the time of year, and/or honoring a specific aspect of the divine feminine.

Question 9

Sabbats

Answer 9

Four solar holidays and four cross-quarter days that make up the Wheel of the Year.

Question 10

Wheel of the Year

Answer 10

Annual cycle of holidays following the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days.

Question 11

The Esbats

Answer 11

see screenshot

Question 12

Drawing Down the Moon

Answer 12

This sacred ritual creates a powerful experience for the participant, who may feel strong physical or emotional sensations after connecting with the divine feminine in this way, and it’s a unique experience for every individual.

While many follow older, more established traditions, many more approach drawing down the Moon in a more individualized manner. They may use the athame, or ritual knife, to symbolically draw the Moon’s power into their bodies, or they may simply stand silently under the Moon with their palms turned upward.

Standing outside directly under the Moon is considered to be the most powerful location for this work, but standing indoors at a window and/or with a candle dedicated to the divine feminine is also effective.