LUNAR MAGIC WEEK 1: FULL MOON

Leo Full Moon: January 24th at 1:46am Universal Time (UTC, also known
as GMT)
adjust for your time zone, eg:
New York: January 23rd at 8:46pm
Portland OR:January 23rd at 5: 46pm
Melbourne Australia: January 24th at12:46pm
Its time for our journey to begin. As we travel together through a full lunar cycle - from Full
Moon, through her waning, then her waxing phases, and back to the Full - we will be
deepening our connection to our beautiful satellite, and growing together as a community.
Even those of us who are already dedicated to a life of Magic and connection with Nature have
much to learn, as each lunar cycle has its unique gifts, and being focused for a whole month
on the subtleties of the lunar energy will bring so many rewards.
We are going to begin our adventure by simply immersing ourselves in the glorious glow of the
Moon as she waxes towards her fullness, culminating in a ritual on the Full Moon. This week
we will focus on just what makes the Moon so special, introducing ourselves to her cycles and
phases, and also exploring her connection to the Divine Feminine. We will offer our gratitude to
the Moon for all of her many gifts, and also learn the basics of my approach to ritual.
THIS WEEK WE WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING TOPICS

OUR BEAUTIFUL MOON

THE CYCLES OF NATURE
THE PHASES OF THE MOON
THE CIRCLE
THE GODDESS AND THE MOON
CREATING AND MAINTAINING ALTARS
PREPARING FOR RITUAL
DEOSIL AND WIDDERSHINS

RITUAL 1: THE FULL MOON - GRATITUDE

OUR BEAUTIFUL MOON

Our beautiful Lady Moon is a constant source of wonder and Magic in my life. How many times
has my heart leapt upon viewing the slender crescent of the New Moon on the Western twilight
horizon? How many times has the Full Moon called my soul to soar, as she casts her strange
shadows in the bright night? And how many times has her very absence in our skies called me
to a place of stillness and introspection, wrapped in her Dark Moon veil? What an extraordinary
situation, as Earthlings, we have found ourselves in! As far as moons go, our solitary satellite is
particularly large . Although not quite the largest satellite in our Solar System, at just over 1/4
the size of Earth, our Moon has the largest relative size in relation to the planet that she orbits.

(You might also like to check out this youbtube animation illustrating the sizes of satellite in our Solar
System)

But it is not only the fact that our Moon is large that makes her so special, its the fact that she
is a very particular size. A magical equation occurs between Earth, Moon and Sun. Although
science has taught us that the Sun is very large, and the Moon in comparison very small, from
our point of view here on Earth, the two brightest lights in our skies appear to be almost exactly
the same size. The Sun is not only approximately 400 times bigger than the Moon, but is also
about 400 times further away from us, making them appear the same size. How extraordinary
this that! In fact, the relationship between size and distance is so perfect that our little Moon
can eclipse the light from our enormous Sun!

THE SUN AND MOON

So we have these two beautiful major lights in our sky. Somehow different, yet equal. The Sun
of the day and the Moon of the night. Nearly all cultures around the globe have regarded one
luminary as masculine, and the other as feminine. Which gender is applied to which might
change across cultures, but there is definitely a strong mythology of Sun and Moon as God
and Goddess. In modern Pagan mythology, the Sun is regarded as a symbol of the God and
the Moon as a symbol of the Goddess, and thats the alignment that I will be working with
during this short course. But we must remember that this is really a symbolic alignment. Spirit
is everywhere, in everything, and transcends the duality of God and Goddess. The Moon, for
me, is a gateway to connecting more deeply with a particular aspect of Spirit: The Divine
Feminine. Maybe you feel differently about the Moon? Maybe for you the Moon is aligned with
the Egyptian God Thoth? Maybe for you the Moon is just a rock in the sky? It doesnt matter.
You will still gain much by journeying with the Moon as Goddess over these five weeks, and
experiencing her Magic. There are no fixed rules in Living a Life of Magic. We simply
encourage you to follow your flow, and be guided by the lantern of your Self.
Before we dive fully into our focused month of Lunar Magic, lets spend a moment comparing
the energy of our two beautiful luminaries - the Sun and the Moon - equally beautiful, but in
such different ways. The Sun, which rules our daytimes, is glorious, shining, radiant,
magnificent. Sunlight creates contrast, colour, vibrancy. The Sun is an energising force, calling
plants to rise and people to action. The Sun can feel wholesome and healing, inviting us to
bask in his rays like a cat. But the Sun can also be harsh, creating drought, hunger, thirst. As a
representation of the Sky God, his energy can feel both rewarding and punitive. But one things
for sure; the Sun is always constant, rising in the East as a glowing orb, making his way across
the sky, then setting again in the West. Day in and Day out - a perfect circle. In fact, the only
time that our glorious Sun appears anything other than a perfect circle is when he is being
eclipsed by our Lady Moon.

SOLAR ECLIPSE

And thats the thing about the Moon. She carries the energy of change. Unlike the Sun, she
does not appear as a perfect circle day in and day out. Over the course of a month she
changes from a fingernail sliver, to a half circle, to a full circle, then begins to get smaller and
smaller until she disappears all together! But low and behold, a few days later she returns
again and the cycle begins over. The Moon teaches us about both constancy and change. She
is always in a state of change - growing smaller or bigger - and yet she is constant in that we
can trust her to return to us after her absence. We are reminded that the only constant in
Nature is change, and that we can trust in the natural flow of darkness and light. As the
renowned Pagan author Starhawk says:
She Changes everything she touches
And everything she touches, changes
Unlike the Suns clear bright power, Moonlight has a mystical quality. Her light is subtle,
creating soft shadows and blurred lines. Even at her brightest, on a clear nights Full Moon,
she bleaches colour from the palette, reducing all to an otherworldly monochrome. She calls
us to look deeper, beyond the surface of things. Logic takes a sidestep, and intuition holds
sway. It is only on rare occasions that we can gaze directly at the Sun, but the Moon invites us
to gaze into her, to contemplate, to reflect. Her light draws us inward, to the realms of our
emotions and our imagination.
In these modern days of electric lights and indoor lifestyles, the phases of the Moon can slip by
almost unnoticed. But if youve spent time in wilderness, away from cities and lights, it
becomes quickly apparent that the Moon has a huge impact on our experience of night. On a
Full Moon, Her light is very bright and casts clear shadows. Once your eyes adjust, it becomes
quite easy to move through field and forest on a Full Moon, clearly seeing any obstacles in
your way. Do the same on the dark Moon, and its quite a different story. The night is very dark
indeed. Imagine, then, how this would have affected earlier cultures, before flashlights and light
switches! The Moon is moody, sometimes dark, sometimes light, and she reminds us that our
own shifts in mood, in emotional texture, are a valid expression of Nature.

THE CYCLES OF NATURE

A vital way of encouraging Magic into our lives is to recognise and honour the sacred cycles of
Life, Death, and Rebirth that are intrinsic to the Universe. Witnessing the cycles of Nature,
such as the monthly cycle of the Moon's waxing and waning, the yearly cycle of the Sun and
the seasons, or the daily cycle of the spin of the planets and stars, gives validity and purpose
to the many cycles of life and death, growth and loss, in our own lives.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SOLAR AND LUNAR CYCLES

The Sun and the Moon both go through regular cycles, though over different lengths of time,
and in very different ways. Each month the Moon gives us a very clear visual record of her
changes: a sliver, a half moon, a full circle etc. But rather than witnessing the Suns actual form
change shape, we instead witness his cycles through his effect on the world around us. The
Sun really has two cycles - a daily and a yearly cycle. Over the course of 24 hours, the Suns
journey through the sky creates the flow of day and night. From midnight to midday, he is
waxing ( increasing in strength) , and from midday to midnight, waning ( decreasing in
strength). Over the course of a year, the Sun has just one waxing and waning cycle - (as
opposed to the Moons monthly cycle). At the Winter Solstice when the days are at their
shortest and the nights at their longest (December 21st - 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere,
June 21st -23rd in the Southern Hemisphere), the Sun begins to gain in strength. He is
waxing. Each day he is above the horizon for just a little longer. Days grow longer and longer
until we reach the Summer Solstice six months later (June in the Northern Hemisphere,
December in the Southern). At this point his energy turns and he begins to wane. Days grow
shorter and shorter until we once again reach the Winter solstice and the cycle starts over. So

shorter and shorter until we once again reach the Winter solstice and the cycle starts over. So
the Sun has just one big inhalation and one big exhalation each year - 6 months of increase, 6
months of decrease.

THE POLARIZING EFFECT OF THE SUN

This solar cycles create very distinct differences across the planet. Over the Suns daily cycle
we witness the change from day to night. Over the Suns yearly cycle, we witness the change
of the seasons. Whether this is Winter / Spring / Summer / Autumn, or the tropical shifts of
Wet and Dry seasons, wherever we are on Earth, our weather changes over the course of the
year because of our relationship with the Sun - and this in turn changes the expression of Life
on Earth. Plants follow this grand yearly cycle -sprouting, flowering, fruiting, laying down
seeds, dropping leaves, sprouting again - some completing their entire lifecycle within one
solar spin. If you spend your entire life in just one hemisphere, you can be deceived into
thinking that the cycle you are witnessing is the way things are everywhere. But this is not so at
all. The Sun has a polarizing effect on Earth. He creates a world of opposites. If it is Summer
in the Northern Hemisphere, then it is Winter in the Southern. If its Spring here, it is Winter
there. If its night at one point on the planet, its day at the opposite point. One hemisphere is
always in the waxing phase of the solar cycle, while the other is in the waning phase.

THE UNIFYING ENERGY OF THE MOON

The Moon on the other hand is a unifying energy. The moment of the Full Moon unites the
whole planet. Of course, we can only see her when its our turn for night, but nevertheless her
energy of fullness permeates the entire globe. On this coming Full Moon, some of us will be in
the Northern Hemisphere experiencing one season, while others will be in the Southern
Hemisphere experiencing the opposite. Its the Sun thats creating that difference. But we will
all be sharing the same Full Moon. She is the Divine Mother who shines protectively and
without judgment over her entire brood, wherever in the world we may be. Regardless of
where we live, we will all be united during this five week journey by the same Moon. She will
hold us together as a global community. Like all Life on Earth, we will be waxing and waning
together, following her flow.
As many of you know, I spend a huge amount of my time traveling - splitting my time between
the USA, Australia, and Europe (and occasionally Asia as well). Ive been touring
internationally since 2001 - making at least one, but usually two - trips back and forth across
the hemispheres. So it has been 15 years since I have followed a full Solar Wheel of the Year
cycle in one hemisphere. I am well aware of the polarizing effect of the solar cycle. I can board
a plane in Summer and land in Winter! I always find that such a miracle. But this can definitely
be unsettling. Just as my body and my psyche is preparing for the waning part of the solar
cycle, Ill jump back into the active waxing part - and visa versa. Because of this, for me the
Moon has taken on an even greater significance as a marker of Natures constant cyclic flow.
Wherever I am in the world, I can tap into her cycle, waxing and waning appropriately each
month. I feel that she is my anchor and my guide through an unpredictable life, and simply
honouring her cycle keeps me on track. Regardless of your lifestyle, I believe that consciously
honouring the lunar cycle brings great comfort, clarity and direction to our lives.
Over the next 5 weeks, we will consciously move through one lunar cycle. As we explore the
energy of each phase, we will come to recognise that this short cycle is a microcosm of the

energy of each phase, we will come to recognise that this short cycle is a microcosm of the
bigger cycles in our lives. We all go through periods of waxing, growing, increasing, moving out
into the world setting our intentions. And we also go through times of drawing inward, finding
stillness, letting go, resting, healing. What we learn about the Moon can be applied to all of the
cycles in our lives. These booklets and the ritual recording that go with them can be used again
and again to help us honour and direct our own personal flow.

THE PHASES OF THE MOON

We begin our Lunar Magic journey as the Moon is increasing towards her fullness, and hold
our first ritual when she reaches the perfect roundness of the Full Moon. Then, over the next
month, we will witness her process of decreasing in size until she is invisible, then reappearing
and increasing in size until she is once again Full. The time from Full Moon to Full Moon
makes one complete cycle, and takes 29.5 days. The visual changes that the Moon goes
through during that 29.5 day period are known as phases. As we enter into deep connection
with the Moons cycle, each week of our Lunar Magic course will provide the opportunity for us
to delve into the mysteries and Magic of each unique lunar phase. Each week will therefore
have a very different feel, and a very different energetic focus as we align with the current lunar
phase. So we have plenty of time to get to know these phases intimately, and plenty of time to
study the actual astronomy of why these phases occur, but for now I would like to simply
outline an overview of the major lunar phases so that we have a map for our journey together.
I am aware that many of you will already have a good understanding of the lunar cycle, but
this information is intrinsic to the core work of this course, and it certainly doesnt hurt to revise
and refresh our knowledge. Maybe youll discover a hidden insight, a fresh awakening, or a
renewed level of appreciation for our beautiful Moon and her graceful dance through the
phases.

WAXING AND WANING

The most important energetic flow that we need to be aware of is the difference between the
WAXING cycle and the WANING cycle.
The period between the Dark Moon and the Full Moon is the waxing half of the cycle. Each
day during the 2 week waxing part of the lunar cycle, the part of the Moon that is visible to us
on Earth gets bigger and bigger. All life on planet Earth enters a period of growth and
increase, so we attune ourselves with this energy and focus on the areas of our life where we
wish for growth. As the Moon grows, so do we. This is the time for asking the Universe for

wish for growth. As the Moon grows, so do we. This is the time for asking the Universe for
more of anything, and allowing room for INCREASE and GROWTH.
The period between the Full Moon and the Dark Moon is the waning part of the cycle. During
this two week period the Moon appears to decrease in size each day, and the energy on Earth
begins to draw itself inward. We are encouraged to do the same. As the Moon wanes, we are
given the opportunity to release and let go of unwanted baggage. This is a time of LETTING
GO, and DECREASE. It is a time to prepare for the still, soft darkness of the Dark Moon. The
Dark Moon offers us a time of rest as we prepare to begin the journey of growth once again
with the waxing moon.
This is one of the most simple and powerful ways that we can increase Magic in our lives - just
to be aware of whether the Moon is waxing, or whether she is waning. Is she getting bigger, or
is she getting smaller? That simple! As we flow and connect with this pulse of increase and
decrease, it is almost like an inhalation and exhalation - a single breath over the course of a
month.

THE PHASES
Next week we will dive into a thorough exploration of the astronomy of the lunar phases and
the relationship of the Sun, Moon and Earth during each cycle, so for now lets not concern
ourselves with the science and mechanics of the phases. Instead, lets simply acknowledge the
visual changes that the Moon goes through, and the most obvious markers of those changes
within each cycle.

THE NEW MOON (Waxing Crescent)

Appearing as a thin crescent on the Western Horizon close to sunset, a day or two after the
exact moment of the Dark Moon.
THE FIRST QUARTER (waxing)
One week after the Dark Moon. A half circle lit on her Western side, rises around midday.
THE GIBBOUS MOON
Between the 1st Quarter and the Full. She is a strange bulging shape, rising in the late
afternoon.
THE FULL MOON
As round as she can get! Rising in the East at sunset
THE DISSEMINATING MOON
Once again a bulging shape, but this time growing smaller each day. Rising a couple of hours
after Sunset
THE THIRD QUARTER (waning)
A half circle, lit on her Eastern Side. Rising around midnight
THE OLD MOON (Waning Crescent)
The last crescent before she disappears. Rising a couple of hours before the Sun.

DARK MOON
The approximately 3 day period when the Moon disappears from our view.
Although for our convenience we divide the lunar journey into these distinct parts, in reality the
waxing and waning cycle is one fluid movement, endlessly flowing. We could divide it into as
many phases as we wish - one for each day of the cycle if that felt good to us But as we will
learn next week, there are four very precise moments within each cycle - governed by the
astronomical dance of the Sun, Moon and Earth - that definitely give us the four anchor points
of Dark Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Third Quarter. But thats for next week :) . Before
we go any further, lets clear up a few of the terminologies that may create confusion.
THE QUARTER MOONS
Why do we refer to the First Quarter, when clearly the Moon at this phase is not 1/4 of a
circle, but rather a half circle? Well, the quarter bit is actually referring to a point in time, rather
than to a physical state. The First Quarter is exactly 1/4 of the way through the full Lunar
Cycle. And the Third Quarter is exactly 3/4 of the way through the cycle.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DARK MOON AND NEW MOON
There can sometimes be a little confusion around the use of the terms Dark Moon and New
Moon. Many people use them interchangeably to refer to the start of the lunar cycle, when the
Moon is invisible to us. But for me the two terms have a very different energy. Some people
consider that the New Moon is the moment when the Sun and Moon are exactly aligned at the
same point in the Zodiac (known astrologically as a conjunction). At this stage of the Lunar
Cycle the Moon is invisible. I prefer to refer to this stage as The Dark Moon. She is hidden and
private, like a seed underground. I dont really feel the energy of the New Moon until her
crescent is visible in the Sky a day or two after the Dark. So , just to be clear, I will use the
term DARK MOON to refer to the entire 3 day period when the Moon cannot be seen, and the
term NEW MOON to the period of time that begins a day or two after the Dark Moon - when
the first crescent is in visible in the sky.
THE OLD MOON
Im not really sure if anyone else refers to the waning crescent as the Old Moon, but I like to. If
there is a New Moon, why not an old? Lets not be ageist here!

Lets finish this introduction to the lunar phases with a charming little poem by the Pre
Raphaelite English poet Christina Rossetti.

Lady Moon,
Your horns point towards the East
Wax, be increased
Lady Moon
Your horns point towards the West
Wane, be at rest

THE CIRCLE

For each of the five rituals in our Lunar Magic course, we will be casting circle and
consciously creating a sacred space in which to do our magical work. Why a circle? Well, as
we have seen, all of Nature moves in cycles, which are expressions of the energy of the circle
moving through time. Just as there is no real beginning nor end in each lunar cycle, but rather
an endless flow, so too a physical circle has no beginning nor end. It is both ending and
beginning. By creating a circle of energy around ourselves, we are aligning with Natures flow.
The circle is a symbol of wholeness, of equality, and of eternity.

NATURAL CIRCLES
Nature provides us with many powerful images of the circle. We can meditate upon the radial
beauty of a sunflower, a cactus, a mushroom or a sea anemone, but one of the most powerful
natural images of the circle must certainly be the beautiful Full Moon. Gazing at her perfect
form is a profound experience that instills a sense of wholeness and peace. In my many years
of Moon gazing I have become finely attuned to her changes, and can recognise the most
subtle imperfection as she waxes towards a perfect circle, or wanes away from it. Imagine,
then, how clearly these changes must have been recognised by ancient civilizations whose
lunar gazing was not interrupted by city lights and indoor lifestyles. Below is one of the many
photos that I have taken of Lady Moon. On a clear Full Moon night, I encourage you to go out
and witness the pure beauty of this perfect natural circle.

A CIRCLE OF EQUALS
God is a circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.
Empedocles (500-430 B.C., Greek Philosopher)
My approach to spirituality and to Magic is non-hierarchical, and is based on the premise of a
circle of equals. I believe that each of us are equally magical, equally sacred, and that we all
have equal access to Divine Power. This is in contrast to the majority of religions (including
some branches of modern Paganism) that are based on the model of a pyramid. In this form of
hierarchy there is one ultimate leader, who acts as a direct channel or representative of
God/Goddess. Their interaction with God is then shared with the layers of people beneath
them. An example of this is the Catholic Church. The Pope represents God on Earth. There is
then a complex system of cardinals and bishops etc, down to the local priest who shares the
word of God with his congregation.
This is a very dis-empowering way to connect with the divine, and relies upon an outside
source acting on a persons behalf in the role of intermediary. This really doesnt appeal to me.
I believe that it is our job as individuals to form a direct relationship with God and Goddess (or
whatever your personal experience of the Divine is). If we conceive of God / Goddess as the
point of centre, rather than the top of a pyramid, we can see that everyone within a circle can
share equal access to the Divine.

DIFFERENT PATHS
The symbol of the circle reminds us that there are infinite paths to the Divine. If the aim of our
spiritual journey is to reach a sense of centre, of Oneness, then we can visualise that centre as
the point in the middle of a circle. This is the point of Unity. The edge of the circle can expand

the point in the middle of a circle. This is the point of Unity. The edge of the circle can expand
forever, allowing more and more room around its circumference for different viewpoints and
pathways. The centre remains the same. Whether its Buddha, Jesus, Hecate, Pan or
Cerridwen that draws you towards centre is not the issue. The important thing is the journey.
We may even find that our path towards centre has no name at all, and is best honoured by
gardening, or bushwalking, or painting, or any of the myriad activities that give life its soul. The
centre need not have a name. It simply IS.
With this in mind, I invite you to experience our Lunar Magic course as a circle of equals.
When a group of people sit in a circle, we can see each others faces. We can share. I regard
myself as the facilitator of our Magical journey together, rather than the leader in any
hierarchical sense. I encourage each of you to develop your own personal power. I am open to
learning from you, just as much as you are from me. There is no guru in our Living a Life of
Magic community. We all have gifts to share.

THE CIRCLE IN MAGICAL PRACTICE

The circle has been part of Magical tradition and ceremony since the birth of human
civilization. Its use unites and transcends all cultural boundaries. We see its power in ancient
Neolithic stone circles, in Buddhist Mandalas, in Native American circle dances, in modern
Pagan ritual circles, and in the powerful ritual symbolism of the wedding ring. The Ritual Circle
is seen as having different properties within different cultures and Magical traditions. Even
amongst modern Pagans, there are differences in how the circle is created, and what it's uses
are. I think it's best, then, that I'm very clear about what the Magical Circle means to me, and
how I use it in my ritual practice.
Any of you who have attended my live performances will remember that I begin most of my
concerts by casting a Magical Circle and welcoming in the Four Elements. I do this for a
number of reasons. Firstly, it reminds us that we are creating a ritual together a sharing of
energy between performer and audience, where both are affected by each other. It reminds us
too that music is a powerful way of raising Magical energy, and we can direct this towards
healing and love. And on a more personal level, casting a circle makes me feel centred, safe
and strong, no matter where I'm performing. Here's a link to a youtube video of me casting
circle at a concert in Minneapolis.

(Note: if youre printing this document rather than reading it on screen, remember that any
links we post will also be available directly from our Schoolgy page .)

Wendy Rule Casting the Circle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZupoKhJig9g
When I cast circle, whether in private ritual or performance, my aim is to contain the energy
that is raised. By doing this, the energy becomes strong and focused. Just as a bowl holds
water better than a sieve, a strong circle allows us to hold and direct our Magical energy. The
Magical circle creates a boundary between the everyday world, and the world of Magic. When
we are within our circle, our everyday concerns of work, or money, or shopping lists take a
back seat. We create a sacred space for accomplishing deep and transformative work. The
circle becomes our sacred place of, and for, Magic.
In some traditions the ritual circle is cast as a protective barrier against negative energies. This
isnt my motivation, nor my focus, when casting circle. I don't tend to think in terms of negative
and positive, and I dont feel that there are malevolent forces ready to attack me if I let my
guard down. My rituals are always undertaken with a loving heart, and for the good of all.
Rather than using my energy to focus on potential dangers 'out there', I cast the circle as a
place of peace, love and growth. As we set out on our month long journey together, let's see
the planet as our Sacred Circle. Let's visualise the circle of light that holds us together, as one
powerful and loving community. Each week, when we hold our rituals, we'll be sitting in our own
individual ritual circles. But surrounding these separate circles is a circle that holds us all
together, in one unifying ritual of sacred community.
As the traditional Pagan chant goes:
We are a circle
Within a circle
With no beginning
And never ending

THE GODDESS AND THE MOON

IMMANENCE AND TRANSCENDENCE
As I mentioned in the first chapter of this booklet, I choose to recognise the Moon as a
representation and expression of the Goddess. But this doesnt mean that I view the Goddess
as something outside of me. Quite the opposite. In my Pagan worldview, Spirit exists within
Nature, not beyond it. God / Goddess / Great Spirit etc not only created the world. God/dess
IS the world! And we are part of that world, so we, too, are God /dess. Our relationship with the
Divine, then, begins with our relationship to Self. Rather than a transcendent God who is out
there, (such as the mainstream Christian understanding of God as the creator), we discover
an immanent God/ Goddess who is everything and everywhere. In Pagan traditions both
ancient and modern, every rock, every tree, every animal is an expression of Spirit.
Everything in the Universe is connected.The Moons phases do not only happen up there in
the sky, they also happen within us, within everything on Earth. As we honour the Moons
phases as expressions of the Great Goddess, we are also honouring the Goddess within us regardless of our gender. The Moon is our mirror - a visual reminder to witness and honour the
ebb and flow, the waxing and waning of our own personal energies. So lets take a journey now
through the phases of the Moon and how they correlate to different aspects of the Goddess.

THE GREAT GODDESS

With the close correlation between the Moons cycles and the cycles of womens fertility, it is
little wonder that the Moon has been acknowledged as a Goddess in many regions since the
earliest days of human culture. Her crescent horns, which in turn became associated with the
sacred cow and fertility, can be seen in this ancient sculpture from the caves of Lascaux,
France, with an estimated date of 18,000 BC!

And here are the Lunar horns again on this ancient Egyptian painting of Isis. Not only are they
the horns of the cow, but also the horns of the waxing and waning crescents.

Just as the lunar cycles lead us on a monthly journey from darkness to light, and back to
darkness, so too the energy of the Goddess encompasses all aspects of the Life / Death / Life
cycle. Within her great wholeness, life and death co - exist. She is beginning, completion, and
ending. Some cultural representations of the Goddess align with a particular phase of the
cycle. Others - such as the Greek Moon Goddess Selene - hold the energy of waxing, full and
waning Moon. In modern Paganism the Goddess is most often depicted as having three
distinct aspects - The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone - which align with the New Moon,
the Full Moon and the Dark Moon (or waning crescent) . These three aspects are represented
by the symbol below, and together form The Triple Goddess

Lets take a quick look at the Goddess energy as it relates to the lunar cycles. Of course we
will have an opportunity to go into much more depth over the coming weeks as we move
through each phase.

NEW MOON - THE MAIDEN

The Maiden aspect correlates to the New Moon. When the waxing crescent first appears in the
twilight sky, she offers a sign of rebirth. She has broken out of the darkness, and embodies the
energy of direction, determination and autonomy. The Maiden energy is the power of the arrow
flying from the bow. There can be an innocence to her, but there is also a great strength. She
is playful, and connected with Nature, and she is also the warrior and hunter. Her arrow flies
every New Moon, in the direction of what she wants, and as the Moon waxes, it carries her
intention with it. The Goddess that I associate and work with most readily in this Moon phase is
definitely Artemis (known as Diana to the Romans). I love her strength and vitality. She
reminds me to stay connected to Nature, to spend time in Wilderness, and to maintain a fit and
healthy body.
Below is a 2nd century Roman statue of Diana:

FULL MOON - THE MOTHER (AND LOVER)

In her perfect roundness, the Full Moon is like a beautiful pregnant woman - ripe, fertile, sexual
and luscious. The Goddess that corresponds to this phase is the Mother /Lover. Her energy is
caring, protective, abundant, and generous. We see Her in mythology as the Earth Mother
(Demeter, Ceres etc) , and also as loving mother Goddesses such as the Egyptian Hathor,

(Demeter, Ceres etc) , and also as loving mother Goddesses such as the Egyptian Hathor,
mother of Horus.
The sexual aspects of this phase of the Moon are honoured in Goddesses such as Aphrodite
and Venus. Its interesting that in Christian mythology, the Mother and Lover are split into two
separate roles. Both are called Mary, a name which derives from the Latin root for sea (maris,
which gives us words such as marine and maritime). So we have Mother Mary, the beautiful
nurturing Madonna, and also Mary Magdalene, who many regard not as a whore, which the
bible suggests, but rather as the lover and partner of Jesus.

In popular culture, this archetype is celebrated by screen Goddesses such as Marilyn Monroe,
Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and more recently Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie.

DARK MOON - THE CRONE

This aspect of the Goddess is the most undervalued in our culture. She is the Grandmother,
the wise old woman. She is kind and nurturing, but also challenging. She encourages us to
walk our true path with integrity and honour, letting go of those aspects of Self that no longer
serve us. She corresponds to the last crescent of the Waning Moon, and also to the Dark
Moon. Since medieval times she has been maligned and treated with contempt. She turns up
in Fairy Tales as the Wicked Witch, The Hag, and the Evil Stepmother. But there is a deeper
and more loving aspect to the Crone. She is the one who guides us over the threshold into
death - and not only physical death, but every ending and beginning in our lives. In mythology,
I relate to her most strongly as Hecate. She guards the crossroads, where each choice marks
both a death and a life, as we leave one path and choose another. In popular culture, we see
her positive attributes in Dorothys Aunt Em in the Wizard of Oz, , and in Professor
McGonagall in Harry Potter. I especially love her in the 1971 movie Harold and Maude.

BLURRED LINES AND CROSS OVERS

Although there are these three distinct phases of the Goddess, we find in mythology that every
representation of the Goddess will have some level of blurred line, incorporating aspects of the
other phases into her character and story. For example, the Greek Mother Goddess Demeter
connects with the hag when she is grieving for Her lost daughter. Persephone is both the
Maiden, and also the Queen of the Underworld. Complex Goddesses such as the Celtic Brigit
certainly incorporate all three aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Just like these
mythological characters, men and women move through phases of being connected to a
particular aspect of the Goddess or God. We may find that we have a certain alignment with a
particular aspect, and then shift over time to another. The Triple Goddess model is just that: a
model. It provides a handy way to begin to get to know the many mythological deities, and also
to accept our own changing and evolving emotions and focuses.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE LUNAR GODDESS

There is no fixed or right way to connect with the Goddess or with the Moon. Sure, there are
strong traditions such as Drawing Down the Moon by reciting a particular script, but I take a
much more free form and improvised approach. I believe that the most powerful way to
connect with the Moon is to create a personal connection with her. Speak to her, dance with
her, bathe in her light. I often curtsy and wave to her, and say hi when I see her. She is a living
and potent energy that we can access from here on Earth.
Here is a song that I wrote in celebration of this personal connection with Our Lady Moon

MY SISTER THE MOON

I feel you now, youre moving through me
Life and death and life and death over and over
I feel you now, your raven hair
And then you change, youre fair and blue eyed
Darling you are everywhere!

I feel you now, youre low, youre in my belly

Moaning moaning, slow as creature from the hidden stone
And here you come, youre wild, youre wild
Your hair streaming, eyes gleaming
Crazed, ecstatic as a lunar child
My Love, My Love
Oh, my Love, Oh my Love, Oh my Love
My Love
My Sister the Moon
I feel you now, youre moving through me
Dressed in mist and kissed with vapours of the hidden dawn
You heal me now, in velvet night
You lay your cool hand softly on my soul
And fill me with invisible light
My Love, My Love
Oh, my Love, Oh my Love, Oh my Love
My Love
My Sister the Moon

CREATING AND MAINTAINING ALTARS AND SHRINES

Each of our rituals over the next five weeks will require you to create a simple altar. Regardless
of your spiritual beliefs, this altar will provide a powerful and focused place for you to practice
your Lunar Magic. Creating an altar each week is a wonderful way to express your creativity
and connect in with the energies of each lunar phase. Although different spiritual traditions
create altars in their own unique way, ultimately there is no right or wrong way to make an altar.
In my opinion, the most energised altars are those that express your own flow and connection
to the Universe. But that said, there are a few basic guidelines for our altars that I would like
us all to follow during this course, just so that we can all be on the same page. Firstly, I would
like us all to include on our altars an object to represent each of the 4 Elements - Air, Fire,
Water and Earth. If you already have specific ritual tools that align with the elements, then
great, use those. If not, you can easily improvise with what you have on hand, or with objects
found in Nature. Below are a few suggestions:
AIR: A feather, a ritual knife (Athame) , incense, a bell
FIRE: A candle, a quartz crystal, a wand
WATER: a chalice, a glass of water, a mirror
EARTH: A rock, a pentacle, an apple, some grain
Below is a photo of the tools that I usually use on my altar , though I often find myself
improvising with what is on hand.

We will also honour Spirit in each ritual. I usually have a candle in the centre of my altar for this
purpose. You may like to add pictures, statues, etc.
Remember that it is ok to improvise when creating Altars. We are not practicing Ceremonial
Magic or traditional Wicca, where it is appropriate to follow an exact set of rules and traditions.
Living a Life of Magic is all about finding our own personal and creative connection with the
Magical Universe. So, if you dont have one of the objects that we suggest for your ritual altar,
substitute it for something that you do have around. Add anything that will help you to connect

substitute it for something that you do have around. Add anything that will help you to connect
with the energy of the Moon that we are working with.

I have made a short video, which you will find on our Schoology page, that takes you
through the process of creating an altar for this course.

WHY MAKE ALTARS AND SHRINES?

Humans have always created shrines. If we look back through history, we see that every
culture has, in some way, dedicated certain special places to the sacred power of Spirit. Many
of these are public, and grand in appearance. These shrines may be in honour of a particular
spirit or deity - ie: below is a photo that I took on a recent trip to Greece . This shrine in Athens
is dedicated to the god Hephaestus.

In neolithic times, certain caves would become shrines and be painted with images of Gods,
Goddesses, and sacred animals. When we last visited Kakadu National Park, in the Northern
Territory of Australia, we were fortunate to be able to see some of these ancient works first
hand.

Even in our more secular modern Western age, our culture is still compelled to create grand
public shrines. Think of the Lincoln memorial, or Melbournes Shrine of Remembrance.
Although not dedicated to a Deity, they still resonate with a sacred energy, and are places of
pilgrimage.

But the shrine can also be somewhere very personal and private - an intimate place for prayer
and reflection. We find shrines such as these in quiet corners of grand Catholic churches, or in
a peaceful garden grotto, in dedication to Lady Mary. When Tim and I were in Ubud, Bali which is a deeply spiritual place - I took great pleasure in witnessing the daily ritual offerings at
each familys shrine. In every restaurant and workplace, on the dashboards of cars and the
steps of homes, beautiful offerings of colourful flowers and cooked rice are presented on
banana leaves. The offering below was left at a corner where two humble paths met in the rice
fields near our home. What a beautiful daily ritual to create connection with the Gods.

We can create our own personal shrines in our homes to honour Sacred Spirit. Maybe there is
a particular Deity that you wish to work with? Creating a collection of images and sacred
objects that align with that Deity is a powerful way to maintain connection, and gives a focal
point to our prayers, blessings, and other devotional acts. Creating shrines can become a
beautiful expression of our creativity. Choosing flowers and other offerings becomes an act of
devotion. Often these shrines can be very simple, and their sacred resonance only apparent to
yourself. This does not lessen their Magical power.
Kids naturally create shrines all the time. Youll see them arranging their bits and pieces, laying
them out in special ways that are somehow sacred for them. I remember that one of the ways I
created ritual with my son Reuben when he was little was to make a Faerie Shrine every Full
Moon. Wed find sticks and stones and shells and flowers, a feather if we were lucky, or
anything that wed found on a Nature Walk, and make a little house under a tree in the park
or backyard in honour of the wee folk. Wed then place a little treat of a biscuit, cake, or fruit
out for them. It was a lovely way of connecting us with the sacred energy of Nature. Similarly,
we can create small and sacred shrines in many areas of our homes and lives. I have a
disheveled dashboard shrine of feathers, silk flowers, and a caduceus, the symbol of my
patron God Mercury. Whenever Im in the car, Im reminded that travel is a sacred act, and that
Mercury helps and protects me.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALTARS AND SHRINES

A shrine is primarily a place of worship. We spend time with the sacred images and objects in
acts of devotion, contemplation, meditation, and prayer. Having shrines around us adds a deep
richness and Magic to our lives, and places us in constant connection with Spirit. Altars, on the
other hand, are specific places for Magical Ritual and spellwork. An altar will fluctuate and
change in order to reflect the particular focus of a ritual, or a sacred point in time. It is a
working zone, a place of focus and transformation. An altar can be any size or shape. Maybe
its a permanent table set up in your home, where you can place chosen images of Deity, and
other sacred and Natural objects. But an altar can also be a more temporary structure, put
together for a particular ritual and then packed down again.
As Tim and I are such frequent travelers, we take a traveling altar with us wherever we go. We
have a few beloved sacred objects - our chalices, our statue of Pegasus, our tarot cards, an
incense censor etc, and well add lovely things that we have picked up on our travels. One of
the first things we do when we land in a hotel room, or set up our camp at a festival, is to make
our sacred altar. The altar, then, becomes a form of shrine. It connects us to the Divine, but is
also a practical place for us to do our spellwork. It can feel unsettling to be away from the
sanctuary of home for long periods, but our little collection of sacred objects, arranged
beautifully, brings us a sense of centre and grounding. Those of you who have attended my
live concerts will have noticed that I like to set up an altar at many of my shows. This reminds
me that Im engaging in sacred work.

PREPARING FOR RITUAL

When we enter into ritual, we mark a clear line between the everyday world and the sacred.
When we are in a ritual space, our energy is focused on spiritual work and the deep and
sacred world of Self Growth and transformation. Although I firmly believe that Magic has the
capacity to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, entering into ritual space sends the Universe a
very clear message that the practical concerns of the everyday are no longer our primary
focus. This articel explores some of the ways that we can altar our consciousness in readiness
for ritual and spellwork.

CLEANSING OUR RITUAL SPACE

So what do we need to do to send the Universe this message? Firstly, I feel that it is important
to create Sacred Space. Before every ritual I like to make sure that the space that I am
performing the ritual in is clean, both in a physical and energetic sense. Its enjoyable and
appropriate to do a bit of housework before a ritual, making our home (or wherever were
performing the ritual) feel clean and tidy, and clear of any lingering chaotic or negative energy.
For many years I taught my Witchcraft classes in my little home in Melbourne. Im not a
particularly tidy person, and dont mind a bit of chaos around me. At that time I was a single
Mum with a teenage son, so housework was not exactly my priority. But every Monday and
Wednesday, before my classes, I would allocate a couple of hours to clean and tidy, and
prepare the space for ritual. The cleaning became an act of ritual in itself. I would go for a walk
and find flowers for the altar, vacuum the lounge, and do a ritual cleansing of the space.
Once your space is looking lovely and clean, Id suggest burning some nice incense. I am a
big fan of both frankincense and sage, but any natural incense is great. I often improvise
spoken word cleansing spells, such as this space is perfectly cleansed and ready for ritual.
You may also choose to ritually sweep out any negativity or lingering bad energy with a broom.
The broom need not necessarily touch the floor. It is an energetic and symbolic act.
Remember to turn off any electronic items such as phones that might interrupt the ritual.

CLEANSING OURSELVES
The day of our Ritual is a powerful and charged day. Our primary focus for the entire day
should be our sacred Ritual . Even if we are at work, in the back of our minds, and in every
interaction, we can hold an awareness of the specialness of the day. Just as we prepare the
space where we will perform our ritual, so too should we prepare our bodies. Id suggest eating
very simply and lightly on the day of our ritual. Avoid meat if possible, and focus instead on
fresh fruit and veggies. Avoid rich and processed food, and eat as lightly as feels comfortable
for you. Many people choose to fast on the day of ritual. This has never really worked for me. If
my blood sugar gets low, I get cranky and cant concentrate. But I also dont want to have a full
belly. A little bit of hunger can sharpen our senses. Experiment with what feels right for you.
Maybe fasting all day makes you feel fantastic, and psychically charged. Thats great, and go
for it. Ive learnt that its not for me. Instead, a clean and simple diet throughout the day, with

for it. Ive learnt that its not for me. Instead, a clean and simple diet throughout the day, with
minimal stimulants ( sugar, alcohol or caffeine, etc), definitely lets my body know that
something special is about to happen.

RITUAL SHOWER OR BATH

Before every ritual, we should wash our bodies. This is a way of releasing the concerns of the
everyday. If you have time, and a bath, then Id suggest soaking for a while, with some
essential oils and gentle music. If you dont have a bathtub, then a nice hot shower can wash
away the day just as well. Whats important is that we use this time to emotionally and
spiritually prepare ourselves for our ritual journey.

WHAT TO WEAR?
There is great power in dressing for Ritual. You may like to choose something in your wardrobe
that makes you feel special, or that reflects the particular energy or colour that we are working
with each month. I think its important to be comfortable, too. Often I choose something simple
and flowing. Id suggest not wearing anything with tight and restrictive waist bands, so that you
can breathe easily during the ritual. Over time, you may choose to make a special ritual robe of
natural fibre like cotton, linen or silk. Our clothing is definitely a creative expression, and we
can work with it to make each ritual have a unique and personal power. I think the most
important thing is to change out of the clothes that weve been wearing all day, and dress in
something that has been specifically chosen for the ritual. These could still be part of your
everyday wardrobe, but chosen specifically for the occasion. It might just be your favourite shirt
or skirt, freshly laundered.

SMUDGING
I would suggest purchasing or making a smudge stick, which is a bundle of tightly woven sage
(and sometimes other herbs) and using that to cleanse yourself and your space. Smudging, or
cleansing with smoke, is a Native American tradition that has been adopted by modern Magical
practice. The traditional herb for smudging is sage, but I have also had great success with
frankincense, lavender, and even eucalyptus. In fact, indigenous Australians use the green
leaves of eucalyptus in their rituals to cleanse and purify.
To start, light your smudge stick using a candle. This should be a separate candle from your
altar candles. It can often take a good while to really get the smudge stick going, and you may
need to place it in the flame a few times as it dies down.
Use a feather or fan, if you have one, to swoosh the smoke over your head and around your
body. Using your hand is also ok, though less effective at distributing the smoke. If you are
knowledgeable about the chakra system, make a point of blowing the smoke directly at each
chakra. If youre not sure about chakras, dont worry.We focus on the Chakra system in our
advanced 2nd year course. I also like to lift one foot at a time and cleanse under each foot.
Once you feel fully blessed and cleansed by the smoke, clearly state:

I am perfectly cleansed and ready for ritual

Now you are ready to begin

DEOSIL AND WIDDERSHINS

As we weave our Magic in the world, we want to make sure that we are going WITH the flow of
Nature, rather than against it. Its much easier to float gently downstream to reach your
destination, than to swim madly against the current! When we look at our sky, we see the path
of the Sun, the Moon, the planets and the stars, rising in the East and setting in the West. By
connecting in with this energy and flowing in the same direction, we are working in harmony
with Nature. The direction of this natural turning of the sky is called Deosil, which simply
means The Way of the Sun. The opposite direction, going against the turning of the sky, is
called Widdershins.
The band of the sky that the Sun, Moon and planets pass through is called The Ecliptic. For
those in the Northern Hemisphere, you will need to face South to see the path of the Ecliptic.
When facing South, East will be on your left hand side and West on your right. The sky will
circle from left to right - planets rising in the East, reaching their highest point in the sky in the
South, then setting in the west.
In the Southern Hemisphere the reverse is true. You will need to face North to see the Ecliptic.
East will be on your right hand side, and West on your Left. The sky will spin from right to left
(anticlockwise)- planets rising in the East, reaching their highest point in the sky in the North,
then setting in the West.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Deosil is clockwise. In the Southern Hemisphere it is anticlockwise.

Heres a little game for you to try to make this clearer to understand:
Take your compass and find East. Take a piece of cord or rope or string, or draw a line in chalk
that runs from east to west -maybe a metre or two long. (a yard or two for those who use
imperial measurements!). This line is your imaginary equator.
If you are in the Southern hemisphere, stand on the South side of the line. Look to the North.
Imagine watching the Sun rise in the East and set in the West, following the arc of a circle.
Youll see it go anticlockwise.
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, stand on the North side of the line. Look to the South.
Imagine watching the Sun rise in the East and set in the West. Youll see it go clockwise.
Now change position. If you started in the South, jump to the North or visa versa. The path of
the Sun will have stayed the same. In both hemispheres it travels from East to West. Its just
your position, and therefore your perception, that has changed. And Magic is all about how we
PERCEIVE the world.

RITUAL 1: THE FULL MOON

OUR AIM FOR THIS RITUAL
With the Full Moon shining in our skies, we will create sacred space, and raise our magical
energies in gratitude to our beautiful sister satellite. We will weave the thread of connection
through our Global Circle, strengthen our connection to the Moon, and simply bask in her glory.
Our ritual will also include a simple dedication of our energy and focus to this month of growth
and Magic together. We will welcome Spirit in the form of the Goddess, that She may be our
guide through this lunar journey.

PREPARATION
Moon Water
For this ritual we are going to make some Magic Moon Water. This is very simple to do. Just
put some pure drinking water (spring water or filtered water is great) in a glass jar or covered
glass outside under the Moonlight the night before you intend to do your ritual. Leave it out for
the entire night. Make sure that you place it in the path of the Moons light - even if you cant
see the Moon due to clouds. Her energy will still reach through and charge up the water with
her glorious and loving light. We will be drinking this water during our ritual, so make sure that
the water and vessel are both clean.
Compass Directions
Youll need to know your compass point directions. Its ok to just go with the approximate
direction using the Sun as your guide (sunrise in East, sunset in West etc) or you can do as I
do and use a compass. If you dont have a physical compass, some phones have compass
apps on them. Last resort? Google maps always loads with North being at the top of your
screen, so just enter in your address and find your orientation that way.
Altar
Gather all the things you need for your altar: something to represent each of the 4 Elements,
and a candle to represent Spirit.
Cleanse your space, your rituals tools, and yourself in readiness for ritual. Create your altar in
a way that feels personal, creative and natural to you. As well as the objects to represent the
Elements and Spirit, you may also like to include beautiful things such as flowers, crystals,
statues of particular Goddesses, pictures of the Moon etc. Place your Moon Water in the
direction of West, to represent the Element of Water on your altar.
Music Player
Have your music player handy so that you can listen to the ritual recording - either on speakers
or headphones. Its good if you can have the controls within easy reach so that you can pause
if you want to take a little more time with any of the activities.
Pen and Paper
Have a pen and paper handy to write your gratitude lists during ritual

Smudge
Just before we start, give yourself a nice smudge cleansing with incense or sage.
Food and drink for after ritual
Ritual can be hungry work! I always like to have some healthy food on hand for directly after
the ritual to help me ground a come back to the Earth Plane. I also like to celebrate after ritual,
so you may like to include some special treats, a glass of wine etc. This traditional ending to
Pagan rituals is known as cakes and ale .

THE RITUAL PROCESS

By the time you actually get to the stage of sitting at your altars and pressing play on the
ritual recording, you have already been engaged in the ritual flow for a good while. The power
and success of our Magic arises from our intentions, so this ritual really begins when you start
the process of preparation. As you place your jar of water out to charge under Moonlight, you
are engaging in ritual. As you choose your altar tools, go shopping for a candle, or take a bath
to cleanse yourself before we start, this is all part of the build up to the ritual. But the power
really starts to rise once we turn off our phones, disconnect from the outside world, and sit at
our altars with the intention to focus on Magic and ritual for the next hour.
Although I am very improvisational in my rituals - and I encourage you to be so too - as your
guide over the next five weeks there are a few processes that I will always include. Ill outline
these below:
MEDITATION: I will guide you through a simple relaxation and centering meditation to help us
move into an altered state of consciousness from our usual mundane reality.
THE SEVEN DIRECTIONS. We will then welcome in the Seven Directions - Below, Above,
North, South, East, West and Centre (or center if you prefer US spelling). Honouring the
directions is a powerful process, and can be a ritual in itself. It reminds us of our place in the
Universe and our interconnectedness with all things.
CASTING CIRCLE: We welcome in the 4 Elements and Spirit, and create a sacred container
to hold our magical energy and focus.
We then move on to the body of the ritual, which will of course be changing each week. During
this first ritual I will guide you through meditaitons that will open a current of connection
between ourselves and the Moon. We will consciously drink our Magic Moon Water, and we
will send positive energy to the global circle of this Lunar Magic course. We will focus on the
energy of gratitude. We will connect with the Goddess, and also chant together. And beyond
that? Who knows - well see what happens when I am in the magical zone.
ENDING THE RITUAL
We always open our circles by thanking the Elements and Spirit for joining us. And afterwards,
Cake and Ale, of course!

REFLECTION
Allow time after the ritual to reflect on the energy that we have raised together. If you wish,
write in your journal or book of shadows about your experience. What worked for you? What
didnt? Where did you feel at ease and in the flow, and where did you feel some resistance?
Keeping a journal of your ritual experiences is a great way to witness your magical process and
growth, both during this course, and beyond it.
I look forward to being in circle with you all
Blessings of Love and Magic
Wendy