New Moon or Dark Moon – the Moon is not illuminated by direct sunlight
Waxing Crescent — the visible Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
First Quarter — one-half of the Moon appears illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
Waxing Gibbous — the Moon is more than one-half but not fully illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
Full Moon — the visible Moon is fully illuminated by direct sunlight.
Waning Gibbous — the Moon is less than fully but more than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
Last Quarter — one-half of the Moon appears illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
Waning Crescent — the Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
WHEN TO DO YOUR WORKINGS
This is how I associate the Moons and when I do my workings…different traditions vary. I also use the GOD aspects along with the GODDESS aspects of each Moon. In my Strega (which is slightly different) there are 4 faces of the God & 4 faces of the Goddess.
Maiden – Egeria – waxing
Mother – Uni – full
Crone – Manea – waning
Enchantress – Umbrea -new/dark
Stag – Laran – waxing
Father – Tinia – full
Sage – Voltumna – waning
Sorcerer – Fufluns – new/dark
WAXING MOON
If you want to gain something (friendship, money, job, intelligence) do your magick during the WAXING MOON (when the moon is getting full). The Waxing Moon is the time of the Maiden – period between New Moon and Full Moon. The Sun and Moon are at right angles and the half Moon can be seen in the sky during the first half of the night. This is a time of new beginnings when one project ends and another begins. The Virgin aspect of the Goddess would be used for invocations, prayers and chants. This is a time for bringing positive works and energies into view.
WANING MOON
If you want to banish or lose something (bad habits, negative energy) do your magick during the WANING MOON (when the moon is getting small). The Waning Moon is the period of time between the Full Moon and the New Moon when the Sun and Moon are once again at right angles. The Crone aspect of the Goddess watches over us at this time. She gives us the wisdom to decide what should be ended. In my tradition of Stregheria, the Crone rules the Waning Moon, not the Dark Moon, so this is when I would banish.
FULL MOON
The FULL MOON is a good time for magick of all kinds, for the full moon brings great power to all magick. The Full Moon is when the Sun and Moon are opposite of one another and the full light of the Sun can shine on the full sphere of the Moon. This is when the unconscious, instinctual processes are at their peak. The Full Moon is the time we set aside for the worship of the Goddess in her Mother aspect. Projects begun at New Moon are reaffirmed or positive works are engaged in.
NEW MOON or DARK MOON
The NEW MOON or DARK MOON is the time of the Enchantress. The Dark Moon begins when the Sun and Moon are in the same place, or conjuct. At first the Moon is not visible, since it rises at the same time as the Sun. This is the time when I can explore things I do not understand. It is a spiritual opportunity to explore our sexuality.
MOON SIGNS
Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass.
Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter.
Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influences.
Cancer: Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance.
Leo: Showmanship, favors being seen, drama, recreation and happy pursuits.
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands.
Libra: Increases self-awareness, favors self-examination and interaction with others.
Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Ends connections.
Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence.
Capricorn: Increases awareness of the need for structure, discipline.
Aquarius: Favors activities that are unique and individualistic.
Pisces: Energy withdraws from the surface of life, hibernates within, secretly reorganizing and realigning.