The cycle that follows the Waxing Crescent is known as the First Quarter, which is when half of the side of the Moon facing Earth is visible to the human eye. This moon cycle is where the Moon essentially grows to be half of the size it is when the Moon is full. It is important to note that when the Moon is considered full, from the Earth, we are only able to see the front half of the moon, as that is all that is visible to us. The First Quarter phase of the Moon occurs about three and a half days after the Waxing Crescent phase and seven days after the New Moon. Following the First Quarter is the Waxing Gibbous phase.

Something worthy of note: many things on the Earth are affected by the Moon and its current phase. One of these things is the ocean tide. At both the First Quarter and the Third Quarter (also known as First and Last Quarter, or the Half Moons), there is the least amount of change between the high tide and low tide. Some believe that this is because the dark of the Moon and the light of the Moon are the same size creating a balance and equilibrium. It is for this reason that both this cycle and the Third Quarter (when the left half is visible) are prime for working on the self and balance. 

During the First Quarter, though, the half of the visible moon is in what is known as a waxing cycle. This means that work which requires both balance and growth are key points to focus on. Spells that balance the scales of justice, fairness, and equality by bringing positive aspects into the situation are best done during this phase in the Moon’s cycle. Symbols that correspond with the First Quarter in this regard might include the Justice Tarot Card, the Libra Sun Sign, and at 50% (either waxing or waning) – the yin and yang. 

Some consider this phase of the Moon to be the best for working on self healing and self growth. The energy present during this phase of the Moon, at this time, can help one to feel more self aware. This is because the moon is essentially half light and half dark. As such, this is a good time to continue to work on the shadow self, as well as on the self that is well known and shown to the world. If you are wishing to change some key perspectives in your life, this is a good time to focus on these positive personal transformations. 

During the three days and nights of the First Quarter, meditation done once in the morning and once in the evening can be helpful in obtaining and maintaining balance, while simultaneously working on growth. Many who work with manifesting using the energies of the Moon may also identify with emotions of desire in comparison to those of desperation. Using the Law of Attraction, it is important to regulate and balance one’s emotions for optimal results. 

The First Quarter is also a good time for finding things that are lost, attractions and desires. If you have lost something in your life, such as self-confidence, or the drive to continue on a project, now is the time to focus on these aspects. Likewise, attraction spells are also good to do during this time. Perhaps you are wanting to attract good fortune or even to excel in the workplace. Desires can be a good focal point at this time as well. Before one focuses on desires though, it is important to know exactly what your desires are. A good way to do this is to make a list of the goals that are currently most important in your life. Once you have your list of goals, you can determine what it is you desire most and work toward that goal specifically. 

The energy of this phase correlates with the waxing phases before and after it, which makes it a desirable time to work on spells pertaining to luck, love, and anything involving growth and healing. This healing can be at a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level. Any work begun on the New Moon can be continued through the Waxing Crescent (as discussed in the previous article), the First Quarter and the Waxing Gibbous (which will be discussed in the next article). The difference between the preceding and following phases to the First Quarter is that the Half Moon spells and rituals should include intentions of balance in addition to the intentions of growth. 

As briefly discussed in the previous article in this series, a Moon Journal is an excellent thing to keep, as it allows you to keep track and monitor what you are working on. You can continue working any spell(s) that you have started during the previous Moon cycle. And this will generally enhance the strength of the spell. The more time and energy one puts into a spell, the stronger it will likely be. Over time spells can grow in strength. Over time, the practitioner will also grow in strength and ability.  As with most things in life, one may not simply know how to do the task the first time he or she tries. As such, one must practice and gain in strength and skill as time goes on. Magick and spellwork takes years for most of us to learn, it is something that is cultivated and nurtured. So, if you are new and just starting out, give your spells time to work, and if you are not seeing the results you are hoping for, look over what you have done, research, ask questions, and try to understand and review what the problem could have been and simply try again. 

Below are two oil recipes that you may find helpful. The first is an attraction oil – it can be used for attracting something that you wish to bring into your life, such as a promotion or good fortune. The second is a desire oil, which is meant to attract and/or strengthen love. 

Attraction Oil (Created by Sara Lynn for Pagan Muses) 

Materials Required 

• 1 ounce of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lovage (fresh plant if you can, otherwise dried works)
• 1 teaspoon lemon peels (zested works best)
• 1 teaspoon of rose petals (fresh work best, otherwise dried is fine)
• ½ teaspoon lemon balm (fresh plant if you can get it, otherwise dried works)
• 1 piece of lodestone
• A small jar to use for storage and mixing (mason jars work fine)

Mix all of these materials in your jar. While you are mixing, think of the exact purpose of this oil, and state what you wish it to do out loud. Be sure to mix everything well, then set it out under the First Quarter Moon for three nights. After it has been out in the Moon light for three nights, bring it inside. Place seven drops into the bath once a week until your goal has been reached. When placing oil into the bath, be sure to reaffirm what the intentions of the oil are. You can also add a drop or two of the oil on your socks each day to help you take steps in the proper direction. 

Desire / Strengthening of Love Oil (Created by Sara Lynn for Pagan Muses)

Materials Required 

• ½ ounce of rose oil (to make – infuse your favorite oil for six weeks with fresh rose petals. Be sure to stir daily. After six weeks, strain it, and it is then ready for use)
• 10 drops cinnamon oil
• 15 drops vanilla oil
• 12 drops lavender
• 2 fresh rose petals
• One small chip of rose quartz 
• 1 ounce glass bottle with dropper lid

Use a small 1 ounce bottle with dropper to place all materials in. Adding the rose quartz first, followed by all other materials. If you know the person that you wish to enhance love with – think of this person while you are mixing the materials. If you do not have a person in mind and are just trying to find love, then simply think of love and finding it as you are mixing. If you do not have a certain person in mind, you will want to think of the qualities you want in the person you are trying to attract. It may be worth the time to take a bit and write them down beforehand so that you have a clear idea of what you actually desire.

While mixing, recite the below chant:

This romance shall blossom like a rose
This love shall grow, flourish, and be true
As I say it, so shall it be 

Continue to mix as you recite the above three times. After you are finished, it is ready for use. To use it, simply apply a few drops of oil on yourself before you have contact with the person you desire. If you have no particular person, simply use it before you leave the home (ideally before you go to any place where you have the potential of meeting the one you will desire). 

* A Note to Our Readers: You are more than welcome to use the above recipes (the Attraction and Desire Oils) as you wish, just be sure to give proper credit when sharing.

In this article, we discussed key focal points, spells, and the type of energy associated with the First Quarter Moon. However, it is important to understand that this should not be your sole resource, as there are many different ideas out there. It is ultimately up to you, as a practitioner, to further your own research and studies. 

We hope that this article provides you with a decent foundation and basic knowledge of this Moon cycle, and what you can expect when working with the energy tied to the First Quarter phase.

Stay tuned for the next article in the Moon Magick series! And as always, be blessed upon your journey. 

~ Sara Lynn & Jewel AnnaLysa

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Next post in this series:
Moon Magick: Working with the Waxing Gibbous