Dark moon magic refers to the practice of performing spiritual rituals and casting spells during the phase of the moon when it is not visible in the night sky. This time is also referred to as the new moon, as it marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle. In many magical traditions, the dark moon is believed to be a powerful time for magic because it is associated with the energy of mystery, introspection, and potential. The absence of the moon's light symbolizes a time of hidden knowledge and hidden potential waiting to be discovered and harnessed. During the dark moon phase, practitioners of dark moon magic often focus on inner work, shadow work, and personal transformation. It is a time for deep introspection, self-reflection, and uncovering hidden aspects of oneself.
Because the Dark Moon isn’t for manifesting, or honestly, even thinking about the future. The Dark Moon is all about embracing the Void. Don’t worry, we’ll get more into the “how” of this in a second. But first…
It s a transitional space where we re left to dream or tap into visions, allowing them to come organically instead of insisting that the future make itself known. However, one can also travel about the physical plane and, should the travelling occur while asleep, one may travel throughout the dream world which is commonly called lucid dreaming; note that travelling to the Otherworld while asleep is very much possible and while it does happen, it is not the explanation for the weird dreams you have.
It is a time for deep introspection, self-reflection, and uncovering hidden aspects of oneself. This can involve delving into one's fears, insecurities, and past traumas in order to heal and grow. Dark moon magic rituals may involve meditation, journaling, divination, or performing spells and rituals aimed at banishing negative energies, releasing old patterns, or manifesting new intentions.
New Moon vs. Dark Moon: How to Work With Dark Moon Energy
New Moon Manifesting never felt right to me. At the beginning of my healing journey, I’d go to moon ceremonies and read up on monthly New Moon rituals, ready to bring all of my desires earthside.
I’d furiously write down everything I wanted, roll the paper into a scroll, set it on my altar, and wait. I’m going to be honest with you, this approach has never worked for me.
It wasn’t until I started taking a more holistic approach to the energy of the moon’s many phases that I started to actually see some traction in my healing, spellwork, and goals.
And that might be because one phase that almost always gets overlooked in modern moon magic and manifestation is the Dark Moon phase.
If you’ve ever felt the same way, like moon work or moon magic simply doesn’t work for you, I suggest that you start working with the Dark Moon more and see how you feel. I’ll go over the basics in this post and add a couple of simple Dark Moon practices at the end.
What is the Dark Moon?
You might already know that the New Moon represents new beginnings. Marking the first day of a new lunar cycle, the New Moon is a time to plant the seeds of your desires and ask for guidance for the weeks ahead.
Some may argue that the New Moon and the Dark Moon are the same thing. But I think you’ll agree with me in saying the two are very different after you feel out the distinct energies.
The New Moon is most often defined as the date and time that the moon is at 0% illumination. Boom: zero illumination and a new moon cycle begins, right? Well, close…
Zero percent illumination is technically the Dark Moon, and the New Moon is when the moon begins to show the very first sliver of illumination in the sky. This is exactly why I’ve never felt comfortable “manifesting” on what most people designate the New Moon.
Because the Dark Moon isn’t for manifesting, or honestly, even thinking about the future. The Dark Moon is all about embracing the Void. Don’t worry, we’ll get more into the “how” of this in a second. But first…
When Should You Observe the Dark Moon?
You don’t need to know the exact point that the moon reaches 0% illumination —you can simply look up at the sky. Is it pretty dark up there? No moon or just a ghostly outline of the moon? That’s the time to practice your Dark Moon rituals.
When in doubt, start feeling into Dark Moon energy 2-3 days before the New Moon.
Dark Moon Energy
Working with the Dark Moon is working in the unknown and with the many mysteries of the Void. It’s a transitional space where we’re left to dream or tap into visions, allowing them to come organically instead of insisting that the future make itself known.
The Dark Moon is a sacred pause, where we’re meant to absorb and integrate everything that happened in the previous moon cycle. This is NOT a time to rush into planning the next cycle, frantically coming up with a whole new set of goals and manifestations.
Instead, it’s an ideal time to let your mind wander. Pay attention to daydreams, synchronicities, and the playfulness of any messages or intuitive hits. Dark Moon energy doesn’t feel like work or forcing reflection into journal entries or lists of accomplishments.
Let the sacred Now (the present moment) make itself known, and surrender all need to know your next steps or the “whys” and “what ifs” of the past.
You can absolutely communicate with Spirit, with earth energy, with your guides, etc., but do attempt to do so without the frantic need to know the answers. Think of this more like a flow, a dance of energy; a practice in connecting to Gaia and to the nourishing, pure potential of the darkness.
The Importance of Integration
Constant movement and “doing” instead of “being” is a trauma response and addiction on par with using food, TV, sex, alcohol, or drugs to avoid the “Dark Moon” phases of our lives. As a recovering workaholic, I know how scary it can be to slow down… but it’s also critical to the integration process.
It took me years of healing and folk magic practices to understand what “integration” really felt like. Even after years of tuning into the rhythm of the earth and tapping into my own unique energy cycles, taking time off to integrate makes me antsy. But I’ve also learned that there is much wisdom in doing nothing at all.
Luckily, you don’t always have to take weeks or months, or years to integrate. A simple practice during the Dark Moon phase will offer some pretty incredible returns.
What Does Integration Look Like?
How you integrate will be unique to you, and it might require different tools or practices —especially if you have a hard time slowing down or getting out of your head.
You can use breathwork, meditation, doodling, art, dance, or sex… You can go on nature walks, pet your dog, or simply sit silently at the base of a tree. Maybe an even better approach would be to do absolutely nothing… or even watching some TV or reading a good novel. Integration work doesn’t always have to look “spiritual.”
The point is to take a breather on the “needing to move forward” vibe that our society is so addicted to.
I wish I could tell you how to integrate your life’s lessons and energetic upgrades. I wish I could tell you exactly how long it takes and a step-by-step plan to get you there faster. But I can’t. Because that’s not a thing.
I can say (from my own humble experience), that you’ll know when your integration is done. When the lessons and energetic codes are a part of your DNA. You just know.
And you can start integrating every month with the Dark Moon for a taste of what this feels like!
Dark Moon Tools
My tools are like anchors that help me focus on the work at hand. Burn the herbs in a sacred smoke or brew a cup of tea with these Dark Moon herbs. Choose one or two crystals and carry them around in your pocket, meditate with them, use them in ritual, or sleep with them under your pillow.
Herbs
Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful cleansing and purifying herb, helping to remove any energy that you’re not meant to bring with you into the next cycle. You can burn some dried rosemary, add a spring or two to your altar, or take a bath with the fresh herb and some salt.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is excellent for relaxing the mind and body, perfect for a Dark Moon pause. Bonus points for its association with prosperity and abundance and its ability to banish negativity.
Butterfly Pea Flower
This stunning flower produces a bright indigo brew that’s said to help you connect to other realms and enhance third-eye activation. It’s also a mood enhancer and may help mitigate stress and anxiety.
Crystals
Labradorite
To aid in transformation, adding strength, banishing fear, and revealing truth along the way. It also balances and protects energy, strengthens intuition, and promotes psychic abilities.
Aquamarine
To calm energy, reduce stress, and quiet an overactive mind, aquamarine supports overwhelm and helps promote self-expression. Perfect for sharpening perception and intuition, it’s also useful for closure before new beginnings.
Obsidian
A powerful cleansing and purifying stone, obsidian is known for cleansing negativity and drawing out stress and tension. It also opens you to the unknown and clears confusion. Use obsidian to dissolve emotional blocks and help heal ancestral trauma to uncover who you really are.
Black Moonstone
All moonstones help you to connect to your intuitive powers and feminine energy. Black moonstone is especially powerful when it comes to clearing the mind of clutter and enhancing your psychic gifts.
How to Work With Dark Moon Energies
The Practical and Material
Let Yourself Wander
Do you remember being a kid and what it felt like to have nothing on the agenda? Maybe you played with your toys, watched some TV, or listened to some CDs while cutting pictures out of magazines?
Well, that is the PERFECT Dark Moon vibe. Give yourself a day, or a few hours at the very least, to do whatever feels right at the moment with zero agenda or ulterior motive. This isn’t self-care, this is divine childlike wonder!
Declutter
Ok, I know I said not to do anything, but there are a few exceptions. The Dark Moon is a great time to let go of clutter, and not just the physical kind. After you’re done cleaning out your closet, you might want to consider banishing all beliefs, thoughts, and ideas that are no longer a match as well!
Simply set the intention to release anything that’s no longer an energetic match. You might be surprised how effortlessly the old falls away.
The Creative
Meditate
You saw this coming, right? I mean, the good news is that I don’t think you have to meditate for hours to get the benefits. I also don’t subscribe to the idea that you have to do it sitting up straight, in total stillness and silence.
If you don’t have a regular meditation practice, consider a walking meditation or putting on a good rhythm and moving your body until you reach a trance-like state. The point is to let go of control and interrupt normal thought patterns by always returning your focus to the breath.
Freewriting
Freewriting is a meditative art form that allows the words to simply fall onto the page via a higher state of consciousness. The only real rule is not caring about grammar, quality, or comprehension. Whether you do it with pen and paper or a computer, the key is to let a different state of consciousness take the wheel. It might feel weird at first but just go with it.
Release all expectations that you’ll be able to show someone later or use it as a social media post. In fact, I always delete or burn my freewriting when I’m done.
Earth Offering
The Dark Moon is an excellent time for grounding through contact with Gaia herself. You can do this by getting outside and sitting or lying on the grass or at the base of a tree.
I like getting into nature around this time and making an offering of some herbs, stones, or water. As you make your offering, ask Gaia for guidance and assistance. See what comes through.
Another fun ritual is to prep a jar or pot of dirt during the Dark Moon by filling it with rich, loamy soil, adding a few crystals (I like using clear quartz or one of the Dark Moon crystals above), and letting it sit under the Dark Moon.
Once you begin to see a sliver of the New Moon in the sky, you can begin to plant your seeds. Like, literally! Find some flowers, herbs, or veggies that grow in your region during this time of year and plant them in your prepped soil. At the same time, write your wishes or manifestations on a piece of paper and bury them deep into the soil.
As you tend to your seeds and watch them grow, know that your wishes and goals are growing as well.
I don’t recommend this spell for people who aren’t good with plants. If your seeds don’t grow, it’s just sad… And it doesn’t mean your wishes aren’t already in motion. It just means you suck at gardening.
That’s it for this Dark Moon offering and activation! I’d love to hear about your experience with Dark Moon magic and, as always, let me know if you have any questions!
The dark moon is often seen as a time for letting go of what no longer serves us and clearing the way for new beginnings. Some practitioners also believe that the energy of the dark moon can be used to tap into the spiritual realm and communicate with spirits or ancestors. This can involve practices such as spirit work, ancestral veneration, or connecting with spirit guides. It is important to note that dark moon magic should be practiced responsibly and with the utmost respect for the energies and entities involved. Just like any other form of magic, it is essential to have a clear intention, ethical approach, and a solid understanding of the underlying principles and traditions before engaging in dark moon magic. In conclusion, dark moon magic is a powerful and transformative practice that focuses on inner work, personal growth, and the harnessing of hidden energies. It offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into one's self and uncover hidden potentials. However, it should be approached with respect and careful consideration to ensure safe and responsible practice..
Reviews for "The Dark Moon and Dream Magick: How to Harness Lucid Dreams for Spiritual Growth"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Dark Moon Magic'. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were poorly developed. I found it hard to connect with any of them, which made it difficult to care about their fates. The writing style also felt choppy and disjointed, making it hard for me to get immersed in the story. Overall, I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to others."
2. Daniel - 1/5 stars - "I have to say, 'Dark Moon Magic' was a complete letdown. The premise seemed intriguing, but the execution was a disaster. The pacing was incredibly slow, and nothing much seemed to happen in the first half of the book. Even when things started to pick up, I still found the storyline lacking depth and originality. The characters felt one-dimensional, and their actions often made no sense. I was hoping for an engaging and thrilling fantasy read, but this book fell short in every aspect."
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "I struggled to get through 'Dark Moon Magic'. The world-building was weak and unimaginative, and I had a hard time visualizing the setting. The magical system, which should have been the highlight of the story, was poorly explained and inconsistent. I also found the dialogue forced and awkward, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between the characters. Overall, this book lacked the magic and enchantment I was expecting, and I wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy lovers."
4. Jake - 3/5 stars - "I had mixed feelings about 'Dark Moon Magic'. While the concept was intriguing and the action scenes were well-written, the overall execution fell short. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The characters were also a hit-and-miss for me; some were interesting and well-developed, while others seemed flat and uninteresting. The book had potential, but it needed more polish to truly shine."
5. Lily - 2/5 stars - "Unfortunately, 'Dark Moon Magic' didn't live up to my expectations. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, with tropes that have been done to death in the fantasy genre. The romance aspect felt forced and unnecessary, distracting from the main storyline. Additionally, the writing style was inconsistent, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. All in all, this book didn't offer anything new or exciting, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged."