“Jen Sankey has written a completely new and original take on how to connect with the moon. Practical, inspirational, and fun, this is my new go-to lunar magic book.”
—Deborah Blake, author of The Eclectic Witch’s Book of Shadows
“Filled with helpful information and an expansive list of exercises, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves lunar lore and would like to bask in the beauty of moon magic.”
—Monica Bodirsky, divination artist, author, and modern mystic
“A user-friendly workbook that makes working with lunar energy accessible and enriching. Jen Sankey guides you through each step with warmth and wisdom, blending personal insight with fascinating lunar facts.”
—Steven Bright, author of Tarot: Your Personal Guide and The Oracle Creator
“This book offers clear tools, rituals, meditations, tarot spreads, and more to align your spirit, mind, and body with each moon phase. Whether you’re new to moon magic or looking to deepen your practice, this book is a beautifully accessible companion.”
—Ethony Dawn, author of Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader
“A luminous repository of everything your moon magick practice craves: history, correspondences, spellwork, and practical wisdom woven with heart and intention. Jen Sankey has created a guide that is both enchanting and essential.”
—Danielle Deacy and Dina Rosenberg, co-owners of Amityville Apothecary
“A gentle, powerful guide for anyone seeking to personalize their lunar practice to divine real-world change through creative intentions, devoted will, and acts of magical transformation.”
—Maria Minnis, author of Tarot for the Hard Work
“Jen Sankey provides a wide array of methods and approaches to working with the Moon in all arenas of life.”
—Ivo Dominguez, Jr., lead author of the Witch’s Sun Sign series
“A beautifully accessible guide to lunar manifestation, perfect for anyone who wants to deepen their magical connection with the moon’s cycles. Jen Sankey’s practical rituals, creative spellwork, and insightful tarot techniques make working with moon energy feel as natural as the night sky.”
—Theresa Reed, author of The Cards You’re Dealt—How to Deal When Life Gets Real
“I love that this book includes both history and lore, and I especially appreciated the enchanted pen exercise. This book is a great resource for more magical understanding about the power of the moon.”
—Lilith Dorsey, author of Tarot Every Witch Way
“A must-have manual for enchanted rituals and inspired spellwork. Jen Sankey has created a sacred treasure trove that will inspire you for many moons to come!”
—Sasha Graham, author of Dark Wood Tarot
“A tool for tuning your intuition, mind, and body to the lunar current. This is how you optimize ritual work with change. Empowering and truly special.”
—Benebell Wen, author of I Ching, The Oracle and The Tao of Craft
“An incredibly insightful book. Jen has each page packed with information that is not only practical but also underpinned by a wealth of knowledge.”
—Jane Matthews, Director, World Divination Association
“A luminous, heartfelt guide that weaves the moon’s radiant energy into a transformative journey of manifestation. Brimming with practical exercises, it ignites the magic within us all, guiding beginners and seasoned seekers alike to bring dreams within reach.”
—Toni Savory, The Card Geek, Founder of World Divination Association
“Jen Sankey shares her spiritual insights and an elegant ritual for every phase of the moon cycle. Readers will learn more about setting intentions, the meanings of the lunar phases, divination, and meaningful suggestions for lunar magic.”
—Astrea Taylor, author of Intuitive Witchcraft and Inspiring Creativity Through Magick
“A wonderful array of resources for any magical practitioner, energy worker, or witch who wants to power up with our closest celestial partner. The real prize is the large collection of exercises, journaling prompts, spells, tarot spreads, and correspondences.”
—Thomas Witholt, author of the Seaborn Kipper and The Hermit’s Book of Moon Spreads
“A practical and insightful guide to harnessing lunar energy for manifestation. Perfect for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners, it offers easyto-follow rituals and guidance.”
—Amy Zerner and Monte Farber, authors of The Enchanted Tarot and The Vision Board Oracle
MANIFESTING BY THE MOON
About the Author
Jen Sankey, an author, professional witch, and tarot reader, is dedicated to teaching the mystical arts. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, and she has been a sought-after speaker at various events. Jen is a two-time gold COVR award winner, recognized both for her insightful interviews with peers in the metaphysical community and for the selfpublication of her three-time award-winning tarot deck, Stardust Wanderer Tarot. She is also the creator of Enchanted Forest Felines Tarot and Goblin Whispers Tarot, the latter in collaboration with Llewellyn Worldwide. As the director of the World Spiritual Association on social media, Jen plays the honored role of connecting spiritual practitioners from all over the world.
When she is not writing, teaching, or creating new magical projects, Jen may be exploring the Florida Keys or hiking in the mountains with the Fae, flitting through these spaces with immense gratitude for the enchantment woven into the world. Jen’s love of nature, whimsy, and the unseen realms continually inspires her craft and creations, infusing them with wonder and a deep reverence for magic. You can follow her journey and upcoming projects at www.stardustwanderertarot.com, on Instagram @ stardustwanderertarot, or at linktr.ee/stardustwanderertarot.
Llewellyn Publications is a registered trademark of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data (Pending)
ISBN: 978-0-7387-8140-2
Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business transactions between our authors and the public.
All mail addressed to the author is forwarded but the publisher cannot, unless specifically instructed by the author, give out an address or phone number.
Any internet references contained in this work are current at publication time, but the publisher cannot guarantee that a specific location will continue to be maintained. Please refer to the publisher’s website for links to authors’ websites and other sources.
UPI-2M PLUS d.o.o., Meduli eva 20, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia matt.parsons@upi2mbooks.hr
Dedication
To my forever love, Jay: Thank you for being my biggest fan and loving me through every phase of our lives. I love and appreciate you more than words can ever say.
To my boys: Tyler, Ryan, Jason Jr., and Justin: Thank you for choosing me to be your mom. It has been the most incredible honor of my life to watch you grow into the fantastic men you are today. I’m endlessly proud of each of you.
And to my younger self: Little Jen, you did it. Every step, every struggle, every dream was worth it.
Contents
List of Spells, Rituals, Exercises, and Activities xiii
Disclaimer xviii
Foreword by Lorriane Anderson xix
Introduction 1
Part One: Preparation
Chapter One: Lunar Wisdom 9
Chapter Two: Your Lunar Spirit 23
Chapter Three: Your Lunar Mind 35
Chapter Four: Your Lunar Body 49
Chapter Five: Deity 71
Chapter Six: Crystals in Moon Magic 87
Chapter Seven: Herbs, Oils, and Incenses 101
Chapter Eight: Tarot 115
Part Two: The Work
Chapter Nine: New Moon 133
Chapter Ten: Waxing Crescent Moon 149
Chapter Eleven: First Quarter Moon 163
Chapter Twelve: Waxing Gibbous Moon 177
Chapter Thirteen: Full Moon 191
Chapter Fourteen: Waning Gibbous Moon 207
Chapter Fifteen: Last Quarter Moon 221
Chapter Sixteen: Waning Crescent Moon 235
Part Three: Advanced Moon Work
Chapter Seventeen: Lunar Eclipses, the Blue Moon, and the Black Moon 251
Chapter Eighteen: Astrology and the Moon 263
Conclusion 285
Recommended Reading 287
Bibliography 291
Spells, Rituals, Exercises, and Activities
Chapter Two: Your Lunar Spirit
Exercise: Mindful Body 24
Exercise: Intentional Pauses 25
Exercise: Simple Relaxation Meditation 28
Exercise: Dance It Out Meditation 29
Exercise: Body Scan 32
Exercise: Color Intuition 33
Chapter Three: Your Lunar Mind
Exercise: Enchant Your Pen 37
Exercise: New Journal Ritual 38
Exercise: Gratitude Is My Attitude 42
Exercise: Fill the Air with Gratitude 42
Exercise: Affirmation Creation Station 44
Exercise: Is This What I Really Want? Checklist 45
Exercise: Affirmation Checklist 45
Chapter Four: Your Lunar Body
Exercise: Creating an Altar for Moon Manifestation 53
Exercise: Moon Altar Activation 54
Exercise: Creating a Travel Moon Altar 55
Exercise: Open All Possibilities Spell 58
Exercise: Spell Jar for a Lucky Energy Boost 59
Exercise: Drawing Down the Moon 64
Exercise: Blessing Your Moon Trinket Ritual 65
Exercise: Create a Sigil for Moon Work 68
Chapter Five: Deity
Exercise: Welcoming a Goddess to Your Moon Altar Ritual 74
Exercise: Create a Goddess Playlist 75
Exercise: Moon Goddess Dream Weaver 77
Chapter Six: Crystals in Moon Magic
Exercise: Moon Crystal Bracelet 91
Exercise: Meditation for Crystal Connection 92
Exercise: Conjuring Moon Water with Crystal Energy 93
Exercise: Creating a Crystal Grid 98
Chapter Seven: Herbs, Oils, and Incenses
Exercise: New Plant BFF Visualization 104
Exercise: Creating a Magical Sachet 105
Exercise: How to Make a Smoke Bundle 108
Exercise: Moon Phase Diffuser Blends 110
Chapter Eight: Tarot
Exercise: Quick Draw to Get to Know the Cards 125
Exercise: Vibe of the Day Reading 125
Exercise: New Tarot Deck Interview Spread 127
Exercise: This or That Tarot Spread 128
Chapter Nine: New Moon
Exercise: New Moon Meditation 135
Exercise: Inner Child Ritual Activation 137
Exercise: New Moon Devotional 138
Exercise: New Moon Altar 141
Exercise: New Moon Actions 141
Exercise: You are No Fool Tarot Working 143
Exercise: You Are No Fool Tarot Spread 144
Sigil Working: New Moon 145
Recipe: New Moon Tea 146
Chapter Ten: Waxing Crescent Moon
Exercise: Waxing Crescent Meditation 150
Exercise: Trust Your Intuition Ritual Activation 152
Exercise: Waxing Crescent Devotional 153
Exercise: Waxing Crescent Altar 155
Exercise: Waxing Crescent Actions 155
Exercise: Harness High Priestess Energy 157
Exercise: Lighting the Intuitive Spark Tarot Spread 158
Sigil Working: Waxing Crescent 160
Recipe: Waxing Crescent Tea 160
Chapter Eleven: First Quarter Moon
Exercise: First Quarter Meditation 164
Exercise: Speak My Truth Ritual Activation 165
Exercise: First Quarter Devotional 166
Exercise: First Quarter Altar 168
Exercise: First Quarter Actions 169
Exercise: The Magician’s First Quarter Polarity Working 171
Exercise: Gather Your Magic Tarot Spread 172
Sigil Working: First Quarter 173
Recipe: First Quarter Tea 174
Chapter Twelve: Waxing Gibbous Moon
Exercise: Waxing Gibbous Meditation 178
Exercise: Activate Your Heart Ritual 179
Exercise: Waxing Gibbous Devotional 180
Exercise: Waxing Gibbous Altar 182
Exercise: Waxing Gibbous Actions 183
Exercise: Go with the Flow Tarot Spread 185
Sigil Working: Waxing Gibbous 187
Recipe: Waxing Gibbous Tea 188
Chapter Thirteen: Full Moon
Exercise: Full Moon Meditation 192
Exercise: Balance Your Light and Dark Ritual Activation 193
Exercise: Full Moon Devotional 195
Exercise: Full Moon Altar 198
Exercise: Full Moon Actions 199
xvi Spells, Rituals, Exercises, and Activities
Exercise: The Dance of the Full Moon and Sun Tarot Working 200
Exercise: Energetic Balance: Full Moon and Sun Tarot Spread 202
Exercise: Full Body Equilibrium Reflection and Activation 238
Exercise: Waning Crescent Devotional 239
Exercise: Waning Crescent Altar 242
Exercise: Dark Moon Actions 243
Exercise: The Light Within Tarot Spread 244
Sigil Working: The Dark Moon 246
Recipe: Waning Crescent Tea 246
Chapter Seventeen: Lunar Eclipses, the Blue Moon, and the Black Moon
Exercise: To Eclipse or Not to Eclipse Tarot Spread 258
Chapter Eighteen: Astrology and the Moon
Exercise: Aries New Moon Fire Affirmations 273
Exercise: Taurus New Moon Plant Magic 274
Exercise: Gemini New Moon Clearing Clutter Spell 274
Exercise: Cancer New Moon Psychic Cleansing Scrub 275
Exercise: Leo New Moon Intuitive Drawing 276
Exercise: Virgo New Moon Letter to Your Future Self 277
Exercise: Libra New Moon Self-Love Spell Jar 277
Exercise: Scorpio New Moon Meeting Your Dark Side Ritual 279
Exercise: Sagittarius New Moon Where You Need to Be Spell 280
Exercise: Capricorn New Moon Mini Vision Board 281
Exercise: Aquarius New Moon the Flow of Change Ritual 282
Exercise: Pisces New Moon Higher Self Ritual 283
Disclaimer
This book is intended to provide information and guidance related to metaphysical practices involving the moon. The content of this book is not intended to replace professional, medical, psychological, or legal advice. Consult a professional before practicing anything in this book if you have medical conditions, mental health concerns, or legal questions. If you plan on trying any herbs, oils, or practices you may not be familiar with, consult with the appropriate professional beforehand. The author and publisher of this book have no liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information or practices described herein, including but not limited to any adverse effects, outcomes, or consequences.
FOrewOrd
There are very few things in life one can truly rely upon in a world that consistently finds new ways to surprise us. The moon, however, is one of those things which offer us a sense of grounding and stability. She may grace the night sky in a different way, waxing and waning in her dance through light and shadow, but she’s always there—listening, offering her quiet magic to those who respect her wisdom.
She teaches us to follow her journey: that the full moon is never far behind the darkness. Yes, the night might seem bleak at times; Luna needs her days to rest too. And in honoring her own shifts and cycles, she shows us how to do the same. We watch her be her full self and learn that authenticity doesn’t mean sameness. It means understanding there are different parts of us that will appear at different times, each one worthy. Not only are your phases of self valuable but when embraced fully, can teach us how to be successful in a way that is uniquely our own.
I, like so many others, have gazed affectionately at the moon since childhood. I didn’t know anything about moon phases or moon manifestations back then, only that when I looked out my window at night, the moon was right there, staring back at me. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered Luna had so much more to give than simply being a night light for a shy little girl.
I stumbled into spirituality the way I’ve stumbled into most meaningful things in my life—clumsily, curiously, and without a clear plan. One of
the first spiritual practices that truly felt like home was working with the moon phases. Flowing with the moon became a ritual that nourished me, comforted me and helped me grow in ways I never knew were possible.
But then life happened. I found myself in a spiritual place that wasn’t very spiritual at all—at least not in the ways that truly matter. It shattered my confidence in healers and spiritual teachers. It showed me an ugly side that truly broke my heart and I found myself turning away from spirituality completely. I wanted nothing more to do with crystals or herbs or the moon or sabbats or goddesses. I didn’t feel safe or supported, even though the moon had always been something sacred for me.
This continued for a year, until one day I felt so hollow it brought me to tears. I felt lost and confused, afraid, and deeply depressed. I couldn’t tell you why but that tearful day inspired me to take out my watercolors and paint. I didn’t have a plan, just an ache to create something. The first thing that came to mind was the moon phases. So, I painted. And suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to work with the moon again. In fact so much so, that I went from having no spiritual practice to speak of to diving back in head first. I even got the idea to start a moon-based apothecary, where every creation was inspired by her. I have not looked back since.
At some point, I paused the time to reflect upon this journey and I realized that yes, life did indeed become dark and bleak. That I couldn’t connect with the moon in an obvious way, and yet—she was still there, waiting for me. The light returned, and I felt whole again.
In truth, I didn’t know how to trust in the moon back then. I wish I’d had a guide like the one you’re holding in your hands now. One that taught me how to understand myself by understanding the moon. One that offered me a framework to revisit when I experienced those dark nights as well as bright ones. Jen’s approach is structured in a way that feels practical and easy to follow, yet leaves ample room for you to embody the moon’s lessons in the most authentic way possible.
What I love most is that she doesn’t paint this work as fluffy or easy; she lets you know that this is work that will bring up nerves and challenges. It will require you to be clear and confident—and to remember that mani-
festation is, at its heart, an inside job. This book will force you to ebb and flow, but it will also reward you for your efforts.
The world would have you believe life moves in a straight line—that the only way forward is, well, forward. But as you work with the moon, you’ll discover that life so rarely—if at all—moves in just one direction or that you go through a cycle and when it ends, that phase is gone forever. When the reality is that, you’ll return to the same places again and again, finding new ways to harness the energy Luna has to offer.
Let Manifesting by the Moon be your trusted companion as you revisit each cycle. This book isn’t just a book; it’s a guide to your homecoming. It’s a treasured tool that will help you experience manifestation, yes—but more importantly, to deepen your understanding of yourself using the moon phases as your framework. This guide will help you to incorporate all of the phases of self into your life in a way that feels honest and supportive.
It’s only when we know how to truly be ourselves—no matter what version of us appears—that we find a success that’s not just meaningful, but deeply, soulfully our own.
~ Lorriane Anderson
I N troducti ON
Who would not want to confidently curate their best life and embody their magic? You can accomplish this and more by harnessing and working with the moon. When you become fully present in your spirit, mind, and body, you open a new door to your magical potential and awaken a power within that has been waiting for this moment.
The moon presents herself as a manifesting mystical advisor as you take this journey of self-discovery and unlimited potential. She lights the way for your manifestations and creates a cosmic roadmap for you to move forward with grace and conviction.
My Journey with the Moon
As a teenager suddenly thrust out alone with no resources, I experienced a life-changing epiphany. I had always loved to be outside late at night, sitting in the moon’s company. Although I wasn’t sure why at the time, I soon realized that the calm, direct power the moon shared with me always kept me moving in the right direction.
Things were looking a bit dire for me as a homeless teen, so I turned to the moon. After trying a few different ways to work with the phases to manifest what I needed, I discovered that incorporating and dedicating my whole self—spirit, mind, and body—yielded the most consistent results. Being fully present in my intuition and magical practice brought
me a sense of power and control when everything else in my young life was unstable.
I did not fully understand the magic the moon held for me until I started actively incorporating her energy into my developing magical work, eventually creating a practice of which I am proud. The moon was my companion in a confusing and difficult part of my life, and I am forever grateful. When I realized that I could use the moon’s phases to manifest and develop my innate power, I began to hone the practice to guide others so that they wouldn’t have to go through the hardships I did.
As I became more experienced in my practice, I started to include these moon manifesting strategies in tarot readings for clients. I taught the people I read for to become more mindful of their magical capacity as well as how to change their lives on their terms. Returning clients were often excited to share their experiences with moon manifesting. At that point, I could smooth the edges of this magical moon-manifesting practice to share with others.
After teaching clients one-on-one using this method, I then began to teach it to larger groups, and it has been the subject of many conferences I have attended. Through all these situations, I have led people to recognize and step into their magic while learning to incorporate the magic of the moon for success. Nothing makes me happier than speaking to clients or students and hearing about their excitement for successfully manifesting and creating their fulfilling practice.
The Beginning of Your Journey
This book is for those who want to understand themselves fully, step into their magic, discover their inner and outer worlds, define their paths, and be fully present in their lives by creating a powerful practice of moon work to bring clarity, peace, and change.
Using the techniques in this book, you can reframe your thinking and mindfully combine your spirit, mind, and body magic to manifest successfully. Just as the moon phases change, so do the seasons of our lives. By working with this powerful lunar energy, you can confidently align
your practice to these ebbs and flows of life while effortlessly adjusting to changes. Whether you are just starting on your journey or well-established in your practice, there is something in this book for all skill levels.
With the moon’s guidance and the energy she freely gives, you can more concisely amplify your wants and needs to the universe. Focused action and knowing how to use your magic and the moon’s energy will help you create successful manifestations and a feeling of power you may not have experienced before.
As you begin this exciting and life-enhancing journey, first imagine yourself as a magnet of magical manifestation; whatever you practice and focus on, you will attract. When you harness this flow and synchronize your manifestation process to this lunar rhythm, you will open your magical self to expand and heighten all your abilities. And if you practice mindfulness, you will feel the dynamic cycle of expansion. Set forth as if your intention has become a reality. When manifesting with the moon’s phases, you’ll be guided to keep your intention, energy, and manifestations focused.
Building a Practice
Under the guidance of the moon phases, you will build your own unique magical practice. As you get to know yourself better throughout the cycles, you will also be able to build a strong and satisfying spiritual base to enhance your abilities and deepen your knowledge of the world around you. Building a strong spiritual base will help you understand others’ emotions and actions in a more empathetic way. Incorporating all facets of yourself and your energy into your magical practice will help you decide who to cultivate relationships with and identify exactly what kinds of energy you want from others.
You’ll incorporate your inner and outer worlds and bring in the energy of the moon phases to reveal a clear path to success. This moon energy will give you the guidance and focus you need to produce a successful outcome.
I will introduce you to each moon phase and teach you many ways to incorporate them into your manifestations. You will use techniques such as meditation, journaling, and affirmations to create a successful mindset for your magical practice, divination, and spell work. As you become more comfortable with moon work, utilize the additional techniques and suggestions I have included to build on your new practice. By working on the incorporation of your spiritual, mental, and physical self and threading it through your moon manifestation practice, you will create your mystical tapestry of manifesting success.
While you can skip around and use the information however it suits you, this book has a structured framework for your moon manifesting practice. I encourage you to work through it in order. As you become more comfortable, you can use it as a reference guide. At the end of each chapter, I include correspondences that you can change up depending on what you plan to manifest during each moon cycle.
In part one, you will learn the foundations of magical practice and start building your own. Here is where you will discover your innate abilities and how to use them with the moon phases. In part two, you will start to use the moon manifestation method, set your intention for the lunar cycle, and create your new reality. We will begin at the new moon. Each chapter introduces you to the next moon phase and provides examples of how you can incorporate it into your lunar spirit, mind, and body. This structured practice creates a fully encompassing experience for successful manifestations. You will first be prompted to do activities for your lunar spirit, followed by your lunar mind, and finally to bring your moon phase practice together with your lunar body.
When you have mastered magical practice and feel comfortable trying something different, see the chapter on advanced moon work to further your moon manifesting. It also covers lunar eclipses and the zodiac.
The Moon Awaits—Let’s Get Started
There is a vast amount of information out in the world about manifestation and moon magic. Any subject can become overwhelming when there
is an overload of tips, tricks, and “make it work faster” promises available. This book will help you create a magical framework while allowing you room to find what resonates with you. As you learn more about yourself throughout this process, staying consistent is vital. It will take work, so read the following pages carefully—they contain all the necessary information to establish a successful moon manifestation practice.
It is expected to be a bit nervous when starting something new, but that energy also accompanies new possibilities, as you will discover in the chapter about the new moon. Taking advantage of the advice within these pages can help you move through those very real and important feelings. Let the moon be your advisor as you ebb and flow through your inner world, grounding and anchoring your magical self to reach beyond your greatest expectations, break through limiting beliefs, and become the best version of you.
Imagine having a clear, focused vision of the life you want and confidently taking steps to make it a reality. With the moon, you can do just that. Discovering yourself can make you mentally stronger and more confident. By stepping into this all-powerful energy, you will be more present in your life.
By understanding yourself and how to use the energy of your lunar spirit, mind, and body, you develop an innate knowledge of this energy, the possibilities and manifestation methods available to you. And more importantly, what resonates with you as you build your practice.
Manifesting has become a buzzword online. I want to show you what it can be—not some fluffy version involving wishes and waiting. Consider this book your moon manifesting charcuterie board; the moon manifestation method is all laid out before you in these pages, and you can choose your own path and create an abundant, easy-to-do moon manifesting life.
PART ONE Pre Parati ON
As with any new journey, learning the basics is especially important. In this section you will receive the basics of moon manifesting magic, learning about your lunar spirit, mind and body and how you will integrate these components to create a successful and fulling moon practice.
CHAPTER ONE
LuN ar wI sdOM
In this chapter, you will learn about the moon itself. A deeper understanding of la luna will create the foundation for your manifestation practice and strengthen your use of the moon’s magic during the lunar phases. You will dive into the history of moon worship, how those practices have changed throughout the centuries, how the full moon came to have so many special names, and how the people of times past honored the moon and its energy.
Even in a magical practice there is a bit of science. You will see how scientists have incorporated the history and lore of the moon into their findings, as well as how the tides are affected by the moon’s phases. Finally, you will be introduced to the phases of the moon and what the energy of each phase brings.
Moon History from Long Ago
People have been using the moon’s guidance for thousands of years. Long ago, humans looked to the moon for practical things, such as knowing when to harvest and fish and celebrate their seasonal gatherings or other holidays. Ancient people used the moon to mark the passage of time and the changing seasons.
Cave art and bone carvings from ancient peoples lead us to believe they tracked the moon, time, and seasons using the resources in the areas in which they lived such as animal bones or herbs for paint used in cave drawings. Similar cave drawings of deer, cows/oxen, stars, and the moon
were found throughout caves from western Europe to Africa. These early civilizations had no straightforward way to communicate with each other across cultures, so it seems incredible how they all represented the moon similarly in their stories.
In some ancient cultures the moon deities were male, as with the Egyptian moon god, Khonsu, or the moon god of the Babylonians, Sin. In Hindu culture, the moon god Chandra rides across the sky in a silver chariot drawn by antelope. In other cultures, the moon deity is female, one of the more famous examples being the Greek goddess Artemis. Because Greek moon goddesses are most familiar to Western audiences, you will work with a few of them throughout the moon phases later in this book. Chapter 5 provides information on creating a goddess practice for your moon manifesting magic.
In some cultures, it is said that the more names something has or how many generations a name is used, the more important it is. For example, in Lakota and Navajo tribes, someone with multiple names reflects their achievements and unique abilities.1 The great Lakota holy leader, Black Elk, was so named for his ability to bring native tribes together in peace. He was also the fourth man in his family to hold that name, considered an honor, since having this family name was said to carry special achievements from the generations down to help guide the current name holder.2
In ancient Babylon, deities often had several names representing their different traits and authorities. For example, the goddess of art of medicine went by the names Bau, Gula, and Ninisinna.3 Over time, the moon has collected so many names that it would take pages to list them all, proving how important it was to various cultures.
Many cultures also associate animals with the moon. Some examples of these animals include the eagle moon in the Cree nation, the moon
1. Vine Deloria Jr., God Is Red: A Native View of Religion (Fulcrum Publishing, 1992), 202.
2. “Black Elk,” National Park Service, last updated August 31, 2020, https://www.nps.gov /people/black-elk.htm.
3. Samuel Noah Kramer, History Begins at Sumer: Thirty-Nine Firsts in Recorded History (Doubleday, 1956), 80–82.
hare in Chinese culture, the ibis in ancient Egyptian culture, and the lizard in Hawaiian cultures. Animals with long tusks play many roles in myths about the moon, as seen in the Indus Valley civilization.
In folklore, you will find bears, bees, moths, night birds, wolves, swans, geese, frogs, silvery fish, snakes, crabs, and crayfish in ancient moon stories. One of my favorites is the Navajo tale of the moon and the coyote. In this tale, the moon is represented by a beautiful woman. The coyote, known as a trickster, falls in love with the moon and tries using his antics to impress her. But these tricks are in vain; the moon does not take notice. Soon Coyote starts to play tricks on other animals, and the moon eventually does see him trying to gain her attention. Slowly but surely, she acknowledges him and a bond forms between them. Coyote learns from this that a strong relationship takes time and patience.4
Some gods and goddesses that represent the moon also had animal companions. The Roman goddess Luna had a white horse, and Greek mythology’s Hekate had her black hounds. Cave art of lions and the moon have been found in the United Kingdom that may be among the oldest depictions of the lunar phases.5
Naming the Full Moon
Ancient cultures often used the moon to predict the weather and track their celebrations, hunting seasons, planting, and harvesting. Cultures that utilized the moon’s energy would name each full moon to differentiate between them. For example, in the northeastern United States, the Algonquin tribes considered April the month of the Pink Moon, because when that moon showed itself in the sky, a certain early blooming pink flower appeared. When they saw this flower, they knew spring was on its way
4. Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz, eds. “Navajo Stories of the Moon and Stars,” in American Indian Myths and Legends (Pantheon Books, 1984), 140.
5. Bob Yirka, “Cave Paintings Show Ice Age Hunter-Gatherers Used a Lunar Calendar,” Phys. org, January 5, 2023, https://phys.org/news/2023-01-cave-ice-age-hunter-gatherers -lunar.html.
and would prepare for the new season. People from different regions used names suited to where they live.
Today many people still rely on the moon phases for their everyday plans. Farmers pay attention to the moon to decide when to plant or harvest their crops. The Farmer’s Almanac, an annual guide for a wide variety of agricultural information including weather forecasts, planting, gardening advice, moon and sun cycles, and more, is a popular resource even though we have modern technology at our fingertips. I purchase one yearly and it is an important part of my moon manifesting toolbox.
Many of us have heard the plant and animal names for the full moons throughout the year. These are also included in The Farmer’s Almanac, which I love to mention because it holds so much magical but practical information.
Even though the full moons are usually named, their energy does extend into the entire moon cycle. What I mean is the full moon energy hangs around like a shadow. For example, if you decide to manifest with the harvest moon in September, you’ll experience the energy of gathering and making space during that cycle. Refer to the following list to see moon names to incorporate their energy into your practice. Just note that since the moon cycles do not strictly follow the Gregorian calendar, there may be more than one moon energy present in your moon manifesting cycle. With this information, you can document how the energy feels for you and use that to create your moon phase action steps.
Moon Names and Energy by the Months of the Year
The following names for the full moons are taken from The Farmer’s Almanac. 6 The following names are taken from Indigenous sources— mostly Algonquin—as well as early colonial sources and other traditional North American heritage sources.
6. Catherine Boeckmann, “A Guide to Traditional Full Moon Names and Their Meanings,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac website, last updated March 12, 2025, https://www.almanac .com/full-moon-names.
JANUARY: WOLF MOON
The Wolf Moon was named for the howling of wolves in the middle of winter. Other names for this moon in the Algonquin tribes are the Ice or Old Moon. The energy of the Wolf Moon wants you to tap into your unknown potential. What is hiding under the surface that you can start to thaw and give attention to?
FEBRUARY: SNOW MOON
Due to the cold snowy weather in the northern hemisphere, the Algonquin tribes named the February full moon the Snow Moon, which they also refer to as the Hunger or Storm Moon. Here we want to adjust energy in our lives to make room for expansion. This can mean curbing limiting thoughts, unhealthy habits, and overthinking to a point of inaction.
MARCH: WORM MOON
Worm Moon refers to the worm trails seen on the ground as the snow thaws and the ground becomes visible. The Algonquin peoples also called this moon the Chaste Moon or Sap Moon due to the tapping of maple trees for syrup. It is also called the Crust Moon, which is interesting to me because the name refers to the last remnants of snow still around in March. When this moon comes around, prepare for new higher vibrations to come your way. What can you nurture to bring about new opportunities and change?
APRIL: PINK MOON
This name refers to a specific pink flower that starts blooming at this time of year, an indication that spring is on its way. Other names given by the Algonquin tribes are the Egg Moon, Fish Moon, and Sprouting Grass Moon, all names that describe the same thing—a new growing season is coming. During this month you will want to tap into your true potential and discover ways to expand it that will align you with your higher self.
MAY: FLOWER MOON
Blooming May flowers give this moon its Algonquin name. It can also be called the Milk Moon, Hare Moon, and Corn Planting Moon. This blossoming moon energy calls you to focus on what is going well for you right now and how to best stay in this energy as you change and grow through the year.
JUNE: STRAWBERRY MOON
For the Algonquin tribes, June is strawberry harvest season. This moon is also called the Rose Moon or the Hot Moon due to rising summer temperatures. This time of year is about tapping into the energy of appreciation as well as focusing on the benefits of your successes. Look to what else is around the corner and navigate through the month with higher energy and integrate your abundance.
JULY: BUCK MOON
The Algonquins called this the Buck Moon because male deer start to grow their antlers back in July after shedding them earlier in the year. Other names for this month’s moon include the Hay Moon to mark the hay harvest and the Thunder Moon for the summer storms. When this energy shows up you may be in the middle of abundance and receiving, and you need to be able to navigate this expansive new energy in a way that will benefit you best. Here learning and patience is the key to success.
AUGUST: STURGEON MOON
The Algonquin observed that sturgeons are most active during this time of year, hence the name. It also goes by the Grain Moon, Green Corn Moon, and the Red Moon for the reddish tint it takes on during the humid summer months. This moon energy wants you to step fully into your abundance and show extra gratitude not only to the universe but also to those who helped you along the way.
SEPTEMBER: HARVEST MOON
The Harvest Moon is so well-known there are even songs about it. Both Algonquin and Sioux tribes use this term for the September moon. It
marks the autumn equinox and when crops are harvested. It is also called the Barley and Corn Moon. This moon is high and bright in the sky, allowing farmers to work longer to gather their bounty for the year. The Harvest Moon asks you where you need to trim back, where you need to expand, and how you will go about taking steps to prepare for the month ahead. Wherever you shift your focus, stepping into your magic fully is important for your next level of expansion.
OCTOBER: HUNTER’S MOON
After the harvest is collected, fox and deer are unable to hide in the tall grass, so they are easily hunted. This moon is high and bright in the sky, giving hunters an advantage over their prey. It is also referred to as the Dying Grass Moon and Travel Moon. This moon is the last push as the year winds down. Here you should focus on how you can best support and prepare for your next endeavors. You are sowing seeds for the next year or starting to harvest what you have been working on already.
NOVEMBER: BEAVER MOON
The Algonquin named this moon for the beavers observed building and securing their winter dams at this time. Another name is the Frost Moon. This moon’s energy is all about preparation and building the base of what you desire. Planning and setting energetic intentions now will benefit you later.
DECEMBER: COLD MOON
This moon’s name relates to the long cold nights and winter settling in. The Algonquin also called this moon the Oak Moon as well as the Long Night Moon. The full moon in December is about your internal self. Now is the time to dig into the stories you tell yourself and how they affect what you want to manifest. Maybe it’s important to use this time to build a more stable magical practice, or you could explore what your magical practice means for you. Use this quieter time to reflect and clear anything that will not serve your moon manifestations. Releasing thoughts, feelings, and old
ideas are especially important right now as you prepare ahead for a whole new year with its experiences, learning, and opportunities.
Tip: One way to effortlessly incorporate the full moon’s energy into your own magical workings is to add an item related to the moon you are working with on your altar. For example, incorporate strawberries if it is the Strawberry Moon. (You can use artificial berries or even a picture.) If you want to use real strawberries, try using dried ones as they keep longer without spoiling and will not attract pests. We certainly don’t want you waving away fruit flies during your moon practice!
Moon Science
In Charles Darwin’s classic work, Descent of Man, he wrote, “Man is subject, like other mammals, birds, and even insects, to that mysterious law, which causes certain processes, such as gestation, as well as the maturation and duration of various diseases, to follow lunar periods.”7 Darwin observed that the moon influences us even more than was previously believed, a notion that gives us further encouragement to harness the moon’s energy to create the life we desire. In a recent publication from the scientific journal Frontiers in Neurology, scientists studied the effects of the moon on humans as it relates to time. While the moon may not physically influence people and their behavior, the human psyche has been conditioned to believe it does, something we can certainly consider when working with moon energy and tapping into the innate belief that the moon guides us.8 In fact, we can condition ourselves to believe anything is possible. Because we are made up of about 60 percent water, it may not be surprising that the gravitational pull of the moon affects us just as it affects the
7. Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. 1st ed. (John Murray, 1871). Last updated October 2022, https://darwin-online.org.uk/converted /published/1871_Descent_F937/1871_Descent_F937.1.html.
8. Florian Raible, Hiroki Takekata, Kristin Tessmar-Raible, “An Overview of Monthly Clocks and Rhythms,” Frontiers in Neurology 11, no. 8 (2017): 189. doi.org/10.3389/fneur .2017.00189.
tides. Sleep studies have been done specifically in relation to moon phases to see if the new and full moon cycles affected sleep patterns. In these studies, it was proven that volunteers fell asleep faster during new moons but during full moons, deep sleep decreased; it took participants on average five minutes longer to fall asleep.9
Outside of formal studies, many people do believe the phases of the moon affect us physically and mentally. In 1995, a survey was sent to 325 people in New Orleans, asking if they believed the lunar cycle affected humans. Nearly half believed it did, and what is interesting about this study is that out of that 50 percent, a sizable number were nurses, doctors, and service people.10
One myth that has been debunked by science is that the menstruation cycle synchronizes with the moon phases. The theory was that a woman’s cycle was correlated to the gravitational pulls during the moon’s phases. Some studies showed that when women calculated their cycle by the synodic month (the lunar cycle rather than the regular Gregorian calendar), especially those aged thirty-five and under, it aligned with the new and full moons. This was not always consistent but seemed to align often in the women who participated in this 2001 study.11
Research psychiatrist Robert Ornstein believed different sides of the brain were affected by the electromagnetic forces of the sun and the moon and posited that we are these days taught to ignore the lunar side that focuses more on everyday tasks and survival, things that ancient peoples relied on. Ornstein states, “There can be no further biological evolution
9. Leandro Casiraghi et al. “Moonstruck sleep: Synchronization of human sleep with the moon cycle under field conditions,” Science Advances 7, vol. 5 (2021): 1–8. doi:10.1126 /sciadv.abe0465.
10. Martin Röösli et al. “Sleepless night, the moon is bright: longitudinal study of lunar phase and sleep,” Journal of Sleep Research 15 (2006): 149–53. https://blog.surf-prevention.com /wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Sleepless-night-the-moon-is-bright-longitudinal-study-of -lunar-phase-and-sleep.pdf
11. Charlotte Helfrich-Förster et al, “Women Temporarily Synchronize Their Menstrual Cycles with the Luminance and Gravimetric Cycles of the Moon,” Science Advances 7, no. 5 (2021): eabe1358. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abe1358.
without conscious evolution.”12 We as a society need to start tapping into our conscious selves; practicing magic and working with the moon facilitate learning and growth—something that everyone needs to engage in, regardless of how they choose to do it. We are at a standstill because we may be too “busy” to give magic our time. Working with the moon to manifest and harness your unique magic adds to the collective energies as well, and that benefits not only you but everyone around you.
As you move through this book and the included prompts, you will activate the lunar side of your brain and incorporate your whole self, combining spirit, mind, and body just as those before us did. You will be guided to fully embrace aspects of yourself and tap into your magical manifesting abilities.
The Moon’s Phases
The moon phases are a scientific phenomenon caused by the moon orbiting around Earth. As it does, the moon is slowly rotating and always keeps the same side facing our planet. The moon and sun orbit around the same center of gravity, called the barycenter, which is in constant motion because both the sun and moon are in constant motion. Because Earth is bigger than the moon, it “pulls” the barycenter closer to itself than to the moon. The barycenter is located below Earth’s surface about three thousand miles from the center of the planet.13
What do moon phases look like in the sky? Read the following here to learn what each phase looks like. And as you move through the chapters, you’ll find more in-depth information on each one.
Moon Phases Visual Explanations
New Moon: It is not visible to the naked eye. Waxing Crescent: Those in the Northern Hemisphere will see a sliver of light on the right. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, it will appear on the left.
12. Robert Ornstein, The Evolution of Consciousness: The Origins of the Way We Think (Simon & Schuster, 1991), 2.
13. Kim Long, The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent, Mysterious Moon. Johnson Books, 1998, 1.
First Quarter: Half the moon is illuminated; right side in the Northern Hemisphere, left side in Southern Hemisphere.
Waxing Gibbous: Three quarters of the moon is lit.
Full Moon: The whole moon is illuminated.
Waning Gibbous: The moon is three-quarters of the way darker now.
Third Quarter: In the northern hemisphere the left half of the moon is illuminated, and the right side is lit for the southern hemisphere.
Waning Crescent: Now just a sliver of light is visible on the left side of the moon in the Northern Hemisphere and the sliver of light is on the right for the Southern Hemisphere.
Full Moon Fr uition/Letting Go
Waxing Gibbous Nur ture
First Quar ter Focus
Waxing Crescent Growth
Waning Gibbous Re ection
Third Quar ter Release/Forgive
Waning Crescent End/Inward Re ection
New Moon Creation/New Beginnings
Moon Phase Graph
These are the phases you will be working with. Take some time to look at the phases closely and notice how each one makes you feel. Visualizing the moon phase you are currently working with helps establish a deeper connection and understanding of these emotions.
Moon Wisdom Meets Moon Magic
When you understand the science behind the moon phases and how your body reacts to them, you can use this information during your moon manifestations. Bringing your awareness to the present moment at every moon
phase—especially when feeling a new physical sensation—is a good way to work on the body exercises included in each chapter. Being aware of how you feel will help you to incorporate the spirit and mind practices as well. Following your own rhythm and learning how to work with this powerful internal flow will lead you to become a masterful manifester and create a confident practice. In doing the work you are joining a long legacy of moon magic practice and communing with the moon. You will also be learning to incorporate your lunar anima—your lunar spirit, lunar mind, and lunar body—for a fully encompassing moon manifesting experience.
When I started manifesting with the moon, most of what I read was focused on the intuitive practice of manifesting. After trying that for a couple of moon cycles, I realized I wanted my practice to incorporate all aspects of self, not just the spiritual aspects. Performing my moon magic in a way that allowed me to tap into all the energy my whole self had to offer was important and, as I came to discover, extraordinarily successful. Playing off the concept of the Celtic cauldrons within the body, I applied this to my moon manifesting and was excited to see how it turned what can be a stale, monotonous practice into a lucrative, full-spectrum moon manifesting blueprint.
The concept of the three cauldrons is based on “The Cauldron of Poesy,” a medieval Irish bardic poem that speaks of the three metaphysical “cauldrons” contained in the physical body.14 In the article “Tending to Your Spiritual Cauldrons,” author Laura Zakroff, explains these metaphysical cauldrons and how they work in your magical practice. The first cauldron is the Cauldron of Warming, located in our pelvic region, the area of basic needs and the energy we need to live. The second cauldron is the Cauldron of Motion. This cauldron sits near your heart center and connects you to inspiration. The last cauldron is the Cauldron of Wisdom, located near/above your head and is related to the spiritual self.15
14. John-Paul Patton, Lightning Bolts and Dew Drops: A Cauldron of Poesy (Independently published, 2015), 72.
15. Laura Tempest Zakroff, “Tending to Your Spiritual Cauldrons,” Llewellyn website, May 22, 2017, https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/print.php?id=2629.
I applied the cauldrons to each moon phase as follows:
Lunar Spirit
Igniting your higher self through meditation, activations, and moon devotionals.
Lunar Mind
Bringing your intention to the forefront of your mind by journaling, practicing gratitude, and practicing affirmations. This will bring your awareness and intuition into your manifestation practice for added energy.
Lunar Body
Incorporating your physical self as well as having space to focus on and create a daily physical practice. Use other divinatory tools for extra guidance and support.
In doing this work, you will be cultivating a practice that encourages personal transformation. Each phase you go through will create a better individual understanding of self. You are more like the moon than you realize; just like it, you move through phases—light and dark—but both of you will always cycle through these times and have the chance to start anew.
“Jen Sankey has written a completely new and original take on how to connect with the moon. … Practical, inspirational, and fun, this is my new go-to lunar magic book.”
—Deborah Blake, author of The Eclectic Witch’s Book of Shadows
The moon: a mystical advisor for manifestation who lights your way and creates a cosmic roadmap for you to get what you want with grace and conviction. This book illuminates how to work with the moon on your journey of self-discovery and unlimited potential.
Jen Sankey teaches you how to reframe your thinking and incorporate your spiritual, mental, and physical self to create a tapestry of manifesting success. She first provides the foundations for building your own practice, and then she guides you, chapter by chapter, through each moon phase and the activities that help you connect to its power. With this book, you can step into your magic, define your path, and be fully present in your life.
“A beautifully accessible guide to lunar manifestation. … Jen Sankey’s practical rituals, creative spellwork, and insightful tarot techniques make working with moon energy feel as natural as the night sky.”
—Theresa Reed, author
of The Cards You’re Dealt
Jen Sankey is an author, professional witch, teacher, and speaker. She has over thirty years of experience reading tarot and being an energetic healer. Visit her at StardustWandererTarot.com and Instagram.com/StardustWandererTarot.
