Calendar terms explained

New Moon

The moon sits between the Earth and the Sun, so its lit side faces away from us and it is almost invisible. It marks the start of the lunar month.

In your magick: Set intentions, start new projects and plant the seeds of a spell.

Waxing Moon

The days after the new moon when the lit part grows larger each night: waxing crescent, first quarter (half lit) and waxing gibbous (more than half lit).

In your magick: Magick for growth, attraction and building things up.

Full Moon

The Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, so we see its whole face lit. Each full moon has a traditional name, like the Hunter’s Moon.

In your magick: The peak of lunar energy: celebrate, charge crystals and water, and give thanks. Many witches hold an esbat.

Waning Moon

The days after the full moon when the lit part shrinks: waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent.

In your magick: Magick for releasing, banishing, cleansing and breaking habits.

Dark Moon

The last day or so before the new moon, when the moon cannot be seen at all.

In your magick: A time for rest, shadow work and quiet reflection.

% lit

How much of the moon’s face is lit as seen from Earth: 0% at the new moon and 100% at the full moon.

Supermoon

A full moon that happens when the moon is near its closest point to Earth, so it looks a little bigger and brighter than usual.

In your magick: Its energy is traditionally felt more strongly, a great night for big wishes.

Micromoon

The opposite of a supermoon: a full moon near the moon’s farthest point, so it looks a little smaller.

Blue Moon

The second full moon in a single calendar month. It happens about once every two to three years. (It doesn’t actually look blue!)

In your magick: Bonus energy for long-term goals and rare wishes.

Black Moon

The second new moon in a single calendar month.

In your magick: A powerful fresh start for new beginnings.

Lunar eclipse

At a full moon, the Earth’s shadow falls across the moon. In a total lunar eclipse the moon can glow red, which is why it is sometimes called a blood moon. Partial and penumbral eclipses darken only part of the moon.

In your magick: Many witches rest and reflect rather than cast, and use the days around it to let go of old patterns.

Solar eclipse

At a new moon, the moon passes in front of the Sun and blocks some or all of its light. In an annular eclipse a bright ring of Sun stays visible. Never look at the Sun without proper eclipse glasses.

In your magick: A time for reflection and dramatic new beginnings. Many witches wait until it passes to cast.

Moon in a sign

Every two to three days the moon moves into a new zodiac sign, like “Moon in Taurus.” Each sign colors the mood of those days.

In your magick: Match your spell to the sign: Taurus for money and comfort, Cancer for home, Scorpio for transformation, and so on.

Void-of-course Moon

The stretch of time after the moon makes its last major connection (aspect) with another planet in a sign and before it enters the next sign. It can last minutes or more than a day.

In your magick: Traditionally a poor time to start new things or cast important spells. Rest, meditate or finish what you started.

The Sun enters a sign

About once a month the Sun moves into a new zodiac sign, starting that sign’s “season”, like Scorpio season.

Retrograde (Mercury retrograde)

Three or four times a year, Mercury seems to move backward through the sky for about three weeks. It doesn’t really reverse; it is an illusion caused by Earth overtaking it in orbit. “Retrograde begins” is the day it appears to stop and turn back, and “retrograde ends” (or “turns direct”) is when it moves forward again. Venus and Mars go retrograde too, less often.

In your magick: Mercury rules communication, travel and technology, so astrologers advise slowing down: back up your files, double-check plans and messages, and revisit old projects. It’s a great time for “re-” words: review, reflect, reconnect.

Station / turns direct

The moment a planet seems to pause before changing direction. “Turns direct” means a retrograde is over.

Sabbat

The eight seasonal festivals of the Wheel of the Year: Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh and Mabon.

In your magick: Celebrate the turning seasons with ritual, feasts and decorations.

Esbat

A ritual held at a full moon (sometimes the new moon) to honor the moon and the Goddess. Most years have 12 or 13.

Equinox and solstice

The solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year (Litha and Yule). The equinoxes are the two days of equal day and night (Ostara and Mabon). The calendar shows their exact times.

Cross-quarter days

Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lughnasadh fall roughly halfway between a solstice and an equinox. The calendar shows their traditional dates.

Northern and Southern Hemisphere

The seasons are reversed south of the equator, so Samhain in the north falls at the same time as Beltane in the south. Tick “Southern Hemisphere” above the calendar to switch the sabbats.

Meteor shower

Nights when Earth passes through dust left by a comet and you can see more shooting stars than usual. Best after midnight, away from city lights.

In your magick: A lovely night for wishes.