The Dark Moon is often the time during the Moon’s cycle that is left out and not spoken of, it is the time when the Moon is completely dark. Often the second day of the New Moon phase is considered the Dark Moon, as well as the New Moon, because it is the midway point between the Waxing and Waning phases of the Moon’s cycle. That being said, the Dark Moon and the Full Moon are each other’s yin and yang. Balance is an important concept when attempting to reach one’s full potential; therefore, it may be wise for a practitioner to practice during both the Full Moon and the Dark Moon. 

The Dark Moon and the New Moon are generally interchangeable terms, but some in the Pagan Community feel that it is important to call upon the Dark Moon as a separate phase. Those who choose to do this often celebrate the Dark Moon on the actual New Moon. This is due to the nature of the energy the Dark Moon possesses with it being the midway point between phases, which is also the first day of the new Moon cycle. This day, the Moon is neither waxing nor waning, and therefore, some in the community believe it possesses heightened power. 

During the Dark Moon, is a great time to think of oneself and to perhaps focus on working with one’s shadow. In the preceding Waning Crescent article, we briefly touched on shadow work. Delving deeper into the shadow work one has completed during the prior phase(s) is beneficial during the Dark Moon. When the Moon is dark, it is void of everything, there is nothing that we can see. This makes it a good time to focus on what you want to be there in the coming days, and as the moon grows you will be able to fill the void with those goals and desires. Likewise, the Dark Moon is always a great time to focus on the release of tension or the negative energies that seemed to have anchored to you. 

Below is a Dark Moon Oil and Exercise continuing shadow work. 

Dark Moon Oil

Materials Required

• Small Glass Bottle 
• 6 drops Jasmine Oil
• 2 drops Chamomile Oil
• 2 drops Patchouli Oil
• 1 drop Sandalwood
• Small piece of High John the Conqueror Root, also called High John’s Root

First, you will take a very small piece of High John’s Root, and place in the bottom of the glass bottle to serve as the base of the mixture. After you’ve done this, you will then add the remaining materials. Be sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients so that they are properly blended. 

You may be wondering why we recommend High John the Conqueror Root, this is because it is a root from bindweed, which is a type of plant in the morning glory family. This particular plant can be used in rituals and spellwork focusing on: luck, strength, personal power, prosperity, protection, and more. This is precisely why it is an ideal root to use in various rituals and spellwork. 

Something worthy of note: High John’s Root may not be a widely used herb even though it can be used for many different purposes. However, that should not impede one’s ability to acquire it. 

Shadow Work
Part 2 – Controlling One’s Emotions in Times of Need

We have all been in situations where emotions have caught us off guard and we have acted in a rash manner. This exercise will assist with the ability to control your emotions during times of need.

You may be wondering why this is so important. Well, this serves to ensure that you are able to make necessary decisions and take appropriate action(s) without emotions clouding your thoughts and judgement. To control emotions, you have to be able to understand them and be able to work through them. In this exercise, you will focus on and work with one emotion you have difficulty with. 

Materials Required

• White Candle
• Black Candle
• Dark Moon Oil
• Marker or Pen
• Bay Leaf
• 1 Bowl filled with Water
• 1 Fire proof bowl

Prior to beginning this exercise, it is always a good idea to start out with a purification bath as discussed in the prior article.

Note: It is recommended to perform this ritual outside under the Dark Moon.

First, you can cast a circle as you normally would. Prior to doing so, ensure that all of the materials required are within your projected circle. After casting your circle, anoint the candles with your oil. After each candle has been anointed, you will then light the candles. The white and black candles represent the two sides of yourself (the ego and the shadow respectively).

You will take the bowl filled with water and place it in front of you. You will look at the water as you use it to scry. Focus on your breathing so that you have control over it as you look into the water. Continue breathing and focusing on bringing in positive energy, and releasing the negative, in through your nose, out through your mouth.

When you are relaxed, think of the emotion you wish to work with. Think of the last time you felt that emotion. Recall everything you can about it; how you felt, what you did, how you acted. Just be sure to also think of the control this emotion had over you.

Once you have the emotion clearly in your head, go back to utilizing the breathing exercise above and release this emotion. Here is where you will think of things that you can do differently the next time you feel this emotion so that it no longer holds power over you.

The key to this exercise is not a lack of feeling emotion, but rather being in control of it. Once you have focused on breathing and are back to a calm state, write the emotion on the bay leaf with your pen. Then you will take the bay leaf and place it in the fire-proof bowl. Light the bay leaf on fire. As it burns, focus on releasing the power this emotion has over you. You may wish to say something empowering at this point, but it is not necessary.

When you have finished and you feel at peace, or perhaps even stronger, extinguish the candles and open your circle.

Note: This ritual can be repeated as needed, and with other emotions that may be troubling.

Hopefully through this ritual, you are better able to understand the emotion(s) that once troubled you, know yourself a bit better, and how to handle future situations where a troubling emotion may surface.

Hope that you’ve enjoyed the articles published in the Moon Magick series thus far, and that you have found them informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for the upcoming bonus article! And as always, brightest blessings to you while on your magickal journey.

~ Sara Lynn

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Moon Magick bonus post:
The Many Moons of the Year