Moon water is one of the simplest tools a witch can make: a jar of water, left out under the moon, then used in your spells, rituals and everyday magick.
It costs almost nothing, it takes about five minutes of your time, and once you have a bottle on your shelf you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again. It's also a lovely way to start paying closer attention to the moon's cycle, which is at the heart of so much witchcraft.
In this article, we'll cover what moon water is, how to make it step by step, which moon phase to choose for your intention, the many ways to use it, and how to store it safely.
What Is Moon Water?
Moon water is water that has been charged by the light and energy of the moon. Most witches make it on the night of the full moon, when the moon is at its brightest, but you can make it under any phase. The water soaks up the moon's energy and holds it, a little like a battery, so you can bring that energy into your magick later.
Water has always been linked with the moon. The moon pulls the tides, and in many traditions it rules emotions, dreams, intuition and the flow of life. In Wicca, the moon is closely tied to the Goddess (you can read more in Who Are the Moon Goddess and the Horned God?), and many of our rituals are timed by her phases. Moon water is a way of keeping a little of that connection with you all month.
There's nothing complicated or secret about it. Ask ten witches how they make moon water and you'll get ten slightly different answers. What matters most is your intention and your attention.
What You'll Need
- A clean glass jar or bottle. Glass is best. A mason jar with a lid is perfect. Avoid plastic if you can.
- Water. Tap water is fine for cleansing and spellwork. Use filtered or bottled water if you might drink it or use it on your skin. Rainwater and spring water are lovely too, but don't drink them.
- A lid or a piece of cloth. To keep out bugs, leaves and dust.
- Optional extras. A clear quartz or moonstone to sit beside the jar, a sprig of rosemary, a few petals, or a slip of paper with your intention written on it.
That's really all. You don't need any special tools to make moon water, which is part of why it's such a good first project for new witches.
How to Make Moon Water, Step by Step
- Choose your night. Check the moon phase on our Moon and Magick Calendar. The full moon is the classic choice, but see the next section for other phases.
- Cleanse your jar. Wash it with warm soapy water, rinse it well, and if you like, pass it through incense smoke or sprinkle it with a little salt water. Our guide to spiritual cleansing has more ideas.
- Fill it with water and hold it. Take a few slow breaths. Think about what you want this water to help with: healing, clarity, peace, protection, or simply the moon's energy in general.
- Speak your intention. Say it out loud or in your head. Something as simple as "Moon above, bless this water with your light. May it bring me clarity and calm." is plenty.
- Set it out. Place the jar outside, on a balcony, or on a windowsill where the moonlight can reach it. Put the lid on loosely or cover it with a cloth.
- Leave it overnight. Let it sit through the night. Bring it inside first thing in the morning, before the sun has been on it for long. Many witches feel strong sunlight changes the water's energy.
- Thank the moon. A quiet "thank you" as you bring the jar in closes the little ritual nicely. Label the jar with the date and the moon phase.
What if it's cloudy? Don't worry. The moon is still there and still in the same phase, even if you can't see her. Most witches find their moon water works just as well on a cloudy night. If you live in a busy apartment with no outdoor space, a windowsill is perfectly fine.
Choosing the Right Moon Phase
Each phase of the moon carries its own energy, so you can match your moon water to your intention. Our Moon Phases and Simple Rituals article goes deeper, but here's a quick guide:
- New moon: fresh starts, setting intentions, new projects, quiet planning.
- Waxing moon: growth and attraction. Good for money, courage, new friendships and anything you want more of.
- Full moon: the most powerful and all-purpose. Healing, clarity, psychic work, charging tools and celebrations.
- Waning moon: release and cleansing. Breaking habits, banishing, letting go of what no longer serves you.
Some witches also make special batches for eclipses, blue moons or a supermoon. You can even match your water to the moon's zodiac sign. Water made under a Taurus moon, for example, is lovely for money and comfort. You can see which sign the moon is in each day on the Moon Calendar.
Charging Moon Water With Crystals
Crystals can add their own energy to your moon water. The safest way is to place them next to the jar, or on the lid, rather than inside it. Clear quartz amplifies, moonstone strengthens intuition, amethyst brings calm, and rose quartz adds love and gentleness.
If you do want a stone inside the water, only use hard, non-toxic stones like clear quartz, amethyst or rose quartz, and still don't drink it. Some stones dissolve, rust or release harmful minerals in water. Keep these out of your jar:
- Selenite and other soft stones, which dissolve.
- Malachite, azurite and chrysocolla, which contain copper.
- Pyrite and hematite, which can rust.
- Anything you're not sure about. Look it up in The Witch's Cabinet first.
How to Use Moon Water
This is where moon water really shines. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:
- Cleansing your space. Pour it into a spray bottle and mist the corners of a room, your doorways or your altar.
- Anointing candles. Wipe a candle with a little moon water before candle magick to charge it with your intention.
- Cleansing tools and crystals. Rinse tarot-safe stones or wipe down your tools. (Don't soak cards; a light mist on the box is enough. See how to cleanse a tarot deck.)
- In your spells. Use it as the water in jar spells, ink for sigils, or a base for floor washes.
- In your bath. Add a cup to a ritual bath (more on that below).
- For your plants. Water your houseplants or herb garden with it to share the blessing.
- Before divination. Dab a little on your forehead or wrists before reading tarot or scrying.
- On your altar. Keep a small bowl there to represent the element of water.
A Simple Moon Water Bath
Run a warm bath and add a cup of full moon water, a handful of Epsom salts and a few petals or sprigs of lavender. Light a candle, turn off the main light and soak for at least fifteen minutes. As you get out, imagine the water draining away everything you're ready to let go of. For more ideas, see our complete guide to spiritual baths.
Moon Water for Your Garden
Green witches love giving moon water back to the earth. Waxing moon water is said to encourage growth, so it's nice for seedlings and new cuttings. Full moon water is a gentle blessing for herbs you plan to use in your craft. If you're growing your own, our list of 13 best herbs for a witch's garden is a good place to start.
Can You Drink Moon Water?
You can, but only if you made it carefully. Use clean drinking water from the start, a jar that has been washed well, and a lid that keeps everything out. Don't put crystals inside it, and drink it within a day or two. Many witches add a splash to their morning tea or a glass of water as a small daily ritual.
Never drink moon water made from rainwater, stream water or anything left uncovered outdoors, and don't drink any batch that looks cloudy, smells odd or has been sitting for a while. When in doubt, use it for cleansing or watering plants instead.
How to Store Moon Water
Keep your moon water in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or the back of your altar, with a lid on. Label each jar with the date and moon phase so you know which is which. Water you plan to drink is best kept in the fridge and used within a couple of days.
For spellwork and cleansing, most witches simply make a fresh batch every month. It's a nice rhythm to get into, and it means your water always carries the energy of the most recent moon. When a jar is finished or too old, pour it onto the earth with a word of thanks.
Safety Notes
- Only drink moon water made with clean drinking water in a clean, covered jar, with no crystals inside.
- Keep toxic or soft crystals out of the water, and keep all moon water out of reach of children and pets.
- If you add herbs or oils to a bath or spray, check they're safe for your skin and for any pets in the house.
- Bring jars in from balconies and gardens in the morning so they don't tip, freeze or crack.
Final Thoughts
Moon water is proof that magick doesn't have to be complicated. A clean jar, a little water and a few quiet minutes under the moon give you a tool you can use in almost every part of your practice. Over time, you may find that making it each month becomes a ritual in itself, a small way of checking in with the moon and with yourself.
Have you made moon water before? Which phase is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Sources
Cunningham, Scott. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Llewellyn Publications, 1988.
Cunningham, Scott. Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic. Llewellyn Publications, 1991.
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin. The Green Witch. Adams Media, 2017.
Check out our other articles:
Moon Phases and Simple Rituals
A Complete Guide to Spiritual Baths
A Beginner's Guide to Crystal Cleansing
What is Retrograde?
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