The Moon has been worshiped centuries. Its powerful effect on the natural world is seen as proof of its magical powers.

The Moon is more than just a light in the night sky. It affects weather patterns, creates tides and influences earthquakes. Ancient aastronomers were quick to pick up on the phases of the Moon as an indication of the cyclic properties of nature, and many attributed magical powers to it.

MENSTRUATION AND THE MOON

Wiccans (modern witches) and Pagans worship the Moon as a goddess with three faces - Maiden, Mother and Crone - symbolizing the waxing, full and waning phases of the lunar cycle. Each phase governs a different kind of magic and influences the kind of spells that can be performed during it. Women are especially attuend to the Moon, and its phases also affect fertility. A lunar mnth is about 28 days long, the same length as the average menstrual cycle.

For thousands of years the Moon has been attributed with magical powers and the ability to cause madness.

MOON MADNESS

Traditions across the world link the Moon with madness and transformation. As the human body is 80 percent water we are also under her spell.

Many cultures share the myth of men who become werewolves during a full Moon.

*More people suffer mental illness during a full Moon. "Lunatic" - from "luna," the Latin word for Moon - describes someone who is moonstruck.

*The legend of the werewolf was reported in Italy as a recently as 50 years ago. A condition called lycanthropy, where sufferers develop inhuman strength during the full Moon, is thought to be responsible.

* The crime rate rises, more accidents happen and a higher number of people are hospitalized when teh Moon is full.

MOON MAGIC THROUGHTOUT THE YEAR

Certain spells work better at specific times of the year. The following list, based around the 13 "tree months" of the Celtic calendar, show you when your spells have the most power.

Rowan Moon (Jan 21 - Feb 17) Focus on how to go about getting your goals. Spells involving communication and psychic connections work well at this time of year.

Ash Moon (Feb 18 - Mar 17) Love spells and loved ones should be foremost in our minds in early spring. It's no conincidence that Valentine's day falls close to this month.

Alder Moon (Mar 18 - Apr 14) Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow the seeds of your success now.

Willow Moon (Apr 15 - May 12) Focus on bringing someone round to your way of thinking. Attract love or a new job, or aim to make a good first impression.

Hawthorn Moon (May 13 - Jun 9) Focus on keeping a barrier between yourself and things you don't want. Ai to push away old problems or lingering irritations.

Oak Moon (Jun 10 - Jul 7) Growth and fertility spells work best at this time of year. Focus on building and consolidating your wisdome, endurance and security.

Holly Moon ( Jul 8 - Aug 4) As the days shorten after summer solstice and the Moon grows in power focus on putting bad situations behind you.

Hazel Moon (Aug 5 - Sept 1) This is the best time of year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge. Cast spells to heighten your senses and concentration.

Vine Moon (Sept 2 -Sept 29) Never give up hope that you will succeed in your endeavors. This is a good time to reap the rewards of your hard work.

Ivy Moon (Sept 30 - Oct 27) As the winter months draw in, you'll need to improve your resilience and tenacity. Spells for good health are advised at this time of year.

Reed Moon (Oct 28 - Nov 24) In the depths of the winter, you need to recharge. As you tend to stay indoors a lot during the cold season, this is a good time to both focus on and bless your home.

Elder Moon (Nov 25 - Dec 23) The last full Moon of the year represens completeness. Cast spells dealing with closure, and take stock of what you have achieved.

Birch Moon (Dec 24 - Jan 20) At the beginning of the year, concentrate on new beginnings. Ask for general luck in whatever the coming year brings, and focus on what you want to achieve.

THE VISIBLE GODDESS

The idea that the Moon is a goddess can be traced back to the fertility cults of Neolithic Europe. The 13-month Cletic tree calendar was built around the 13 full Moons of the year.

Enchancing Your Mind, Body Spirit -by IMP

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