when exercising and enchanting new gear what moon phase do you work under?

[Lu_CiD]

I've come across conflicting info regarding this. some ppl use waxing some waning, what do you use any ehat is that? sources much appreciated!

 

[glaive]

Really depends on what you are intending to use the tools for!

Cf. the key of solomon:

That is why the time from the New unto the Full Moon is proper for performing any of the experiments of which we have spoken above. But in her decrease or wane it is good for war, disturbance, and discord. Likewise the period when she is almost deprived of light, is proper for experiments of invisibility, and of death.

I've used both depending on what system I'm following or what spirits recommend when I ask. For example, a lot of Hekatean work requires a waning moon, whereas ceremonial and hermetic stuff often recommends waxing.

 

[nunaphael]

I've come across conflicting info regarding this. some ppl use waxing some waning, what do you use any ehat is that? sources much appreciated!

I go by each phase individually. This is kind of my general rhythm of my life actually, lol. I try to line up my activities with these general themes on certain days:

New Moon = Inaction, rest.
Waxing Crescent = Planning
Opening the Square = Initiation
Waxing Gibbous = Work
Full Moon = Harvest
Waning Gibbous = Dissemination/Distribution
Closing the Square = Maintenance
Waning Crescent = Reflection/Review
New Moon = Inaction, rest.

 

[Lu_CiD]

Really depends on what you are intending to use the tools for!

Cf. the key of solomon:


I've used both depending on what system I'm following or what spirits recommend when I ask. For example, a lot of Hekatean work requires a waning moon, whereas ceremonial and hermetic stuff often recommends waxing.allot of work with Lilith and some with hekate soon as well primarily Lilith though.

Post automatically merged: Jul 6, 2026

I go by each phase individually. This is kind of my general rhythm of my life actually, lol. I try to line up my activities with these general themes on certain days:

New Moon = Inaction, rest.
Waxing Crescent = Planning
Opening the Square = Initiation
Waxing Gibbous = Work
Full Moon = Harvest
Waning Gibbous = Dissemination/Distribution
Closing the Square = Maintenance
Waning Crescent = Reflection/Review
New Moon = Inaction, rest.

oh nice do you have a source for this by chance? Just either way I'll def write this down for future reference. thank you

 

[nunaphael]

Post automatically merged: Jul 6, 2026

oh nice do you have a source for this by chance? Just either way I'll def write this down for future reference. thank you

It's my own phrasing of Dane Rudhyar's description of the 8-fold lunation cycle in the process personal development. I gave each phase my own keywords to remember it by, but it's best to look up Dane's work yourself to make up your own mind of course. I kind of adopted it as a general framework for outlining the phases of any long-term creative process. For short-term stuff I just wing it, but if I have something big in my life that I want to "make sure" is going to work out for the best, I try to see if I can align it with the correct phase of the lunar cycle. So for example, if I have to give a really big presentation and I want it to go smoothly, I might try to plan it on a day/night when the moon is waning gibbous. Or if I wanted to plan a trip to vegas and go gambling, I might try to make it coincide with a full moon.

But moon phases are just for the broad strokes of my life. Going back to the vegas trip example, for something really special like that where I have more fine control over the timing of it and I can plan way in advance, I would actually rely on the Picatrix for that, and use electional astrology to select a particularly auspicious time for that if I can. I just use the lunar phases as a kind of ballpark when I feel like a general vibe is close enough to nudge my creative process in the right direction and I don't need to get nitty gritty and bring elections into every single thing. I'd quickly lose my mind if I had to do that I think.

 

[Lu_CiD]

It's my own phrasing of Dane Rudhyar's description of the 8-fold lunation cycle in the process personal development. I gave each phase my own keywords to remember it by, but it's best to look up Dane's work yourself to make up your own mind of course. I kind of adopted it as a general framework for outlining the phases of any long-term creative process. For short-term stuff I just wing it, but if I have something big in my life that I want to "make sure" is going to work out for the best, I try to see if I can align it with the correct phase of the lunar cycle. So for example, if I have to give a really big presentation and I want it to go smoothly, I might try to plan it on a day/night when the moon is waning gibbous. Or if I wanted to plan a trip to vegas and go gambling, I might try to make it coincide with a full moon.

But moon phases are just for the broad strokes of my life. Going back to the vegas trip example, for something really special like that where I have more fine control over the timing of it and I can plan way in advance, I would actually rely on the Picatrix for that, and use electional astrology to select a particularly auspicious time for that if I can. I just use the lunar phases as a kind of ballpark when I feel like a general vibe is close enough to nudge my creative process in the right direction and I don't need to get nitty gritty and bring elections into every single thing. I'd quickly lose my mind if I had to do that I think.

I'll definitely have to read his work. you've given my allot to think about and I appreciate the examples very much.

im not super familiar with the picatrix nor am I well versed in astrology.

I picked up a book from Mat Hatfield called "The Hours" that explains astrology based of the hygromanteia. its a great book. I will have to devote more time to research on the subject and those in its orbit.

 

[BlackRose97]

What a fun and unique question! I love the idea of bringing magic into physical training and gym gear.

For enchanting physical gear, the Waxing Moon (growing phase) is absolutely beautiful if your goal is building up like gaining strength, physical endurance, or muscle mass. It aligns perfectly with that energy of growth and drawing vitality into your body.

On the other hand, if your training is focused on cutting, shedding weight, or breaking through physical blockages, the Waning Moon is great for releasing those limits.

A fun tip: if you just want overall protection, stamina, and that raw, fiery drive to push through heavy workouts, try doing your enchantment on a Tuesday (Mars' day) or Sunday (Sun's day) during a Waxing Moon. Let us know how the energized gear feels during your next session!