The Wiccan moon cycle is a fundamental aspect of Wiccan beliefs and practices. As a nature-based spirituality, Wiccans believe in the undeniable influence of the moon on various aspects of life. The moon cycle, also known as the lunar cycle, involves the waxing and waning of the moon, which is believed to have a significant impact on magical workings, rituals, and spellcasting. The lunar cycle is divided into eight distinct phases, each with its own unique energy and symbolism. These phases include the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. Each phase is associated with different intentions, magical workings, and rituals.
I actually (shamefully) have a dream catcher that I’m only holding onto because I like the look of it (and because it was a gift from my older sister, who I love dearly).
an added bonus is the fact you can add things you associate with a goods nights sleep, or gems that offer magical properties of sleeping well, good dreams, nightmare reflection ect. I appreciate what you are trying to do here, but it s probably better to let actual natives speak instead of talking over them about what is and isn t appropriation to them.
Each phase is associated with different intentions, magical workings, and rituals. The new moon marks the beginning of the moon cycle and is a time for setting intentions and starting new projects. This phase is linked with themes of growth, new beginnings, and fresh starts.
On Dreamcatchers//
First of all, for those of you who are reading this and don’t know me, hi hello my name is Violet, I am a Muscogee Creek Native American.
Second, I have been asked about dream catchers by many friends and strangers, so I am writing this post with my personal findings and opinions on the subject.
Origin//
•The dreamcatcher comes from the Ojibwe and Chippewa people. Traditionally, it is made from bent wood, sinew and one or two feathers. The sinew is weaved to mimick a spider’s web. In many native religions, including my own, Grandmother Spider played a huge role in the placement of the sun in the sky. Dreamcatchers were traditionally hung over children’s beds to trap their nightmares.Expansion//
•During the 60s and 70s, the making of dreamcatchers became popular with other Native tribes, such as the Pueblo, Navajo, Lakota and Cherokee peoples. But as far as I’ve seen, the Ojibwe are the only traditional creators before the ‘pan-indian’ movement.Symbolism//
•Dreamcatchers are a very popular gift among native peoples. They symbolize peace, the unity of all Natives and are often considered sweet gifts given out of love.Modernization//
•Nowadays you’ll often find them with beads, colored leather, and multiple feathers hanging from the frame. Every Native Reservation produces and sells dreamcatchers, it seems. You can buy them at almost every powwow.
•While traditionally hung above a bed frame, now they can be found as home decor and even on rear view mirror of cars. Some Natives view the dreamcatcher as the Christian equivalent of cheap plastic crosses sold at malls.
•Sadly, outside of certified Native-made stores and powwows, dreamcatchers are often made and mass produced by underpaid workers who are not Native and do not practice Medicine in Asian sweatshops. These are cheap imitations and are insulting to our history and beliefs.How it works//
•Every Native has the Medicine. It lives and comes from our Puyvfekcv, the fire within. There are specific people in each tribe, clan, and village who devote their lives to the practice and preservation of the Medicine. In my tribe, they are called the Heleshayv, the healers.
•When a Native weaves a dreamcatcher, they are honoring Grandmother Spider and requesting her aid in the banishment of unpleasant dreams. I guess one could say that it is a form of prayer, and a request for blessing. The Native uses Medicine when they create, and so too is true with the dream catcher.
•Plastic, cheap, non-native made reproductions of dreamcatchers, in my extensive experience, do not work.
•A dreamcatcher should, in my experience, be cleansed in smoke and prayer every once in a while, because the dreamcatchers duty is to trap nightmares. So when too many accumulate, where are they supposed to go? They will often escape through the center and return from whence they came.Appropriation//
•I do not recommend non-Natives owning a dreamcatcher, do to the religious and ceremonial ties to Native history that they carry. Much like frybread and spirit animals/totems, they have become a universally Native entity, carrying the spirit of Union amongst our people, and peace.
•Also, if you are not Native, regularly cleansing a dreamcatcher can be difficult, as Grandmother Spider is part of our closed traditions, as is the sacred practice of Smudging, which is often used to cleanse it.
•If you absolutely MUST have a piece of our culture, you must buy Native, or receive it from a Native as a gift. It will have no Medicine and will not work if you buy that cheap mass produced reproduction you see in gift shops. Don’t do it.
•Respect the Spirit of the Dreamcatcher. •Respect Native culture.
•Respect our wishes.
•Respect us.Thank you for reading! Mvto!
Is making your own dreamcatcher disrespectful too? I’d never but a mass made, and if I were to I’d do it at a craft shop, although I never did cos I never felt I needed or wanted one, but lately I’ve been thinking about making one with my own hands.
(I still plan to retire this particular dream catcher to storage because I’m almost positive it’s one of the cheapo Chinese sweatshop ones…)
The waxing crescent phase follows the new moon and is a period of increased energy and manifestation. It is a time to focus on goals, dreams, and desires, and actively work towards their realization. The first quarter phase is associated with strength and determination. It is a time to assess progress, make adjustments if necessary, and take decisive action towards goals. The waxing gibbous phase represents abundance and expansion. It is a time to take stock of achievements, acknowledge blessings, and express gratitude. The full moon is perhaps the most powerful and widely recognized phase. It represents wholeness, presence, and the culmination of energies. Full moons are ideal for divination, healing, and spellcasting. The waning gibbous phase follows the full moon and is a period of reflection and release. It is a time to let go of what no longer serves you, heal old wounds, and make space for new beginnings. The third quarter phase is associated with introspection, self-reflection, and evaluation. It is a time to review intentions, assess progress, and make any necessary adjustments. The waning crescent phase, the final phase of the moon cycle, is a time for rest, rejuvenation, and preparation. It is an opportunity to recharge and reflect on the previous cycle before the start of a new one. Wiccans believe that harnessing the energy of each moon phase can enhance their magical workings and rituals. By aligning their intentions and actions with the specific energies of each phase, Wiccans seek to manifest their desires and create positive change in their lives. In conclusion, the Wiccan moon cycle is deeply intertwined with Wiccan beliefs and practices. It offers Wiccans the opportunity to connect with the natural rhythms of the universe and harness the unique energies of each moon phase. By working with the lunar cycle, Wiccans aim to manifest their intentions, enhance their magic, and bring about positive transformation in their lives..
Reviews for "How to Create a Wiccan Moon Altar for Rituals and Spellcasting"
1. Lisa - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan moon cycle". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to Wiccan practices and rituals during each moon phase, but instead, I found vague and generalized information. The book lacked depth and didn't provide enough guidance for practicing Wicca. It felt like a surface-level overview without providing any real practical advice or tips. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking to delve deeper into Wiccan practices.
2. John - 1 star - This book was a complete letdown. It promised to provide insights into the Wiccan moon cycle but failed to deliver any useful information. The content was extremely repetitive, and it seemed like the author was just rehashing the same ideas and concepts over and over again. There were no fresh perspectives or unique insights that I hadn't already encountered in other Wiccan books. Save your money and look for a more informative and engaging book on the topic.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Wiccan moon cycle" to be quite lacking in substance. The information presented was very basic and didn't delve deeply into the various moon phases and their significance in Wicca. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the spiritual and magical connections to the moon, but instead, I found myself reading a book that felt more like a watered-down introduction to Wicca. The lack of depth and lack of practical advice left me feeling unsatisfied with my purchase. I would recommend looking for more comprehensive resources on Wicca.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Wiccan moon cycle" was a major disappointment for me. The book was poorly organized and poorly written. It felt like the author was just rambling on without a clear direction or purpose. The lack of coherence made it difficult to extract valuable information from the text. Additionally, the book lacked proper references and sources, which made it hard to trust the author's claims. Overall, it was a frustrating read, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the Wiccan moon cycle.
5. Emily - 2 stars - While "Wiccan moon cycle" covered the basics of the topic, it fell short in providing any meaningful insights or practical applications. The information presented felt superficial, and I didn't come away with a deeper understanding of the Wiccan moon cycle. The book lacked depth and failed to explore the historical and cultural significance of different moon phases within Wicca. It left me wanting more and searching for alternative resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.