Many witches and pagans celebrate the feminine energy of the moon by holding a ritual every month on the night of the full moon.  These rituals are called Esbats.  In Wicca the moon is the symbol of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone).

• View the current moon phase

• Check the moon phases for 2001

• Check the moon phases for 2000

The following descriptions are taken from True Magick by Amber K:

Full moon - That phase in the lunar cycle when the Moon is at Her brightest, and perfectly round; a high point of lunar power when Witches traditionally gather to work magick for healing and abundance, and to celebrate the Goddess.  In the "Charge of the Goddess," She says "Once in every month, and better it be when the Moon is full, gather and adore Me..."

Waning moon - The period during which the visible part of the Moon shrinks from Full to Dark;  an appropriate time for spells of banishing, release or cleansing.

Waxing moon - The period during which the visible part of the Moon grows from Dark to Full; an appropriate time for spells of growth and increase.

Moon void-of-course - An astrological term for the interval when the Moon has left one sign, but not yet made Her first conjunction in the next sign; traditionally not good times in which to begin ritual work or launch any new project.