Most people refer to the time when the moon is in total shadow from the sun as the “new moon.” This is how it is identified on most calendars and how many witches refer to this magical time. I have heard some magicians refer to this time of no visible moon as the “dark moon.” Practitioners who favor the term dark moon will instead distinguish the day(s) when the first crescent waxes as the new moon. It makes sense then that the waning moon is sometimes called the “old moon” in the day(s) just before the crescent goes dark. Whether you refer to the time the moon is in shadow as the new moon or the dark moon, rest assured it is a powerful time ripe for conducting banishing and protective spells. Many magicians also feel that the dark moon and full moon are neutral times, equally ideal for enhancing banishing spells as they are for magnetic spells.
The dark moon is a time of self-reflection, looking inward and focusing on your intuitive and psychic abilities. The darkness naturally heightens you other senses, especially your ability to mentally visualize. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night in a dark room. Whether your consciously think about it or not, you are a using your powers of visualization and intuition to get you safely to the bathroom or kitchen without needing to turn on a light. The dark moon is a good time to focus on meditating and opening your third-eye chakra. This time is also ideal for reaching out to ancestors, deceased friends and family and exploring past lives. Use this time to focus on quiet, solitude and rest.
The waning crescent is sometimes called the "old moon" | Photo by JP Stanley (Creative Commons)
Dark moon or new moon terminology are based on personal preference. How do you like to refer to this time of the lunar cycle? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
