At any given moment, the moon shines down on half the world. Now, through the magick of Moon Spells, you can learn how to use its energies to achieve your desire, whether it's a joyful romance, a successful career, or superb physical and emotional health. Magickal practitioner Diane Ahlquist guides you on a journey to attuning your spirit with the moon. You'll be amazed at how much more you can achieve in life when you synchronize your activities with the moon's phases. With the proper use of candles, gemstones, and incense, spells can be conducted at exactly the right lunar moment to enhance the flow of power and make these wishes come true.
My favorite thing about this book is how it emphasizes how tools and spells affect the subconscious mind over anything, and how change comes from the self. This is a collection of methods to reach the subconscious in relaxing, pretty ways.
Harmful advice for beginners, useless for those with experience
I expected a lot from this book, but I really shouldn’t have. The title put me off to begin with. Using the phases of the moon to get what you want? The moon isn’t a tool, it’s an ally. It’s something you need to get to know and give and take make friends with. The title, in my opinion, is very disrespectful. There is little to no information about the moon itself except for a brief description of the phases. I thought a book about moon spells would talk more about the moon than it does, but rather than focusing on the moon, it focuses on what the moon can do for you, which doesn’t seem like the right way to go about it. Most of the information was your run of the mill basic magic stuff. Explaining how to cast a circle, what tools to use, what the elements represent, etc. I thought this book would be specialized information. It isn’t. This is written for the beginner practitioner, and in that context isn’t completely awful. But with that being said, there is harmful advice in this book that a beginner might not realize is false. It advises to smudge with white sage. Smudging is a closed practice (though smoke cleansing is not), and white sage is endangered. It also says many things as though they are set in stone facts when so much should be left up to the practitioner. Overall, this book is just bad for any level of experience. I really wanted to like it. I had a lot of hope, but I was very disappointed. DNF
I am in love with this book, it has become part of who I am. I had been partly closed up to spiritual things and this opened my heart. The heart of this book is positive and transcends barriers. It is a message of universal love for all. These positive spells are good for someone interested in being a witch or just a new age spiritual person. There is use of candles, incense, crystals, scrying tools, affirmations and spells, and various objects you may need. There are no pagan gods, or lore. This is just more of positive, self-affirmation ritual type spells. I personally like to take my time and do a spell right, and this asks for just that. The book is very simple to read and good for beginners. Some of the spells have optional items you may want to get, but I find half the fun of the spell is gathering items. This is a simply beautiful book that is just full of light. I do hope she writes a second book with more spells, but she does give you enough information you can go from to write your own.
My favorite part is how she sets up the spells. Each are set up in a similar way. She recommends knowing well before when you will perform a spell and says she doesn't do them often. She lists the items you will need, the colors of candles, the best formation(she explains how to do the white light protection spell in an earlier chapter as well as casting a circle), the direction to face, the best moon phase, the best day/days of the week and then the optional magical enhancements are specific gemstones for the spell, types of incense to use, type of music, the "Before you start your spell list," the Affirmation to be read within the formation before you start the spell, "How to perfom the spell." In earlier chapters she explains all the meanings of these things: Directions to face, formations, moon phases, candle colors, incense, days of the week, gemstones. (Not all spells require buying a special item like this one Also she puts the items you need in bold letters such as candle colors, directions to face, gemstones. That way you can easily scan through the spell to see what you need. I am going to use caps since I cannot make the words bold) Here is a sample spell for Prosperity taken from the text:
"Prosperity
You will need:
-Your wallet -a key that opens nothing(Go to a hardware store or place that sells blank keys and purchase a gold-colored key. If the clerk thinks this is strange, do not go into detail about the fact you want it for a spell. Keep your business to yourself as this strengthens any spell. And remember that it must be a new key. Do not use an old key you have lying around the house.)
Candles You will need FOUR GREEN candles set on the sides of your square formation so that one is east, west, north, and south.
Formation (All spells should begin with casting a circle, which is your shield of protection. If you are using a triangle or a square, cast your circle first and then cast your formation within it.) The best formation for this spell is the SQUARE. Cast your formation using methods described in Chapter 5 of the book using a wand, knife, or extended arm with fingers pointed, salt or other material items you have chosen.
Direction to face This spell is most effective if you are facing EAST. Arrange your candles as stated above and any tools or enhancements that will be in your formation so that they will be in front of you when you are facing east.
Moon Phase This spell works best if cast during the FULL, NEW, or WAXING PHASE, of the moon because you are trying to increase something as the moon grows in fullness.
Days of the Week The most favorable days of the week to cast this spell would be on SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY.
Optional Magickal Enhancements The following items will add a deeper dimension to your spell and help you to focus more fully, but they are not necessary and the spell can be cast even if you don't have these items available.
Gemstones The best gemstones to use for this spell are PYRITE, GREEN TOURMALINE, and CLEAR QUARTZ CRYSTAL. If using additional gemstones other than those recommended in your formation, place them in front of you.
Incense Incense that will enhance this spell would be VANILLA, MINT, and ALLSPICE. Place incense in a safe place within your formation if you like; however start the incense outside of your formation.
Music If you like music and will not find it distracting, you might want to play something instrumental that is UPLIFTING. Whatever you are comfortable with will be best.
Before you start the spell Make sure you have no distractions. Turn phones off if possible. Play soothing music. Keep the lights dim. Wash your hands or shower before you begin. Light incense if you are using it. Gather everything you need and have it close at hand. Draw your formation. Ask your higher power to allow the information to flow through you. Light the three candles that are not in front of you.
Affirmation (Affirmation to be read within your formation before you actually begin your spell.) I give myself permission to allow for financial security. I let go of any obstacles that block my path. I know you need not live a life of poverty to find spiritual fulfillment. I release any thoughts that make me feel unworthy of a prosperous lifestyle. May abundance resonate to me starting this moment. AND SO IT IS.
How to perform the spell Take your key and use it as a tool to carve on the side of the green candle in front of you the word "Prosperity." Light the candle. Take the key and place it in your wallet. Now recite the following incantation:
(The earth, the wind, the Sun, the sea, Put magick in this special key. My money growing with the moon, Prosperity cometh and be here soon.)
Conclude with any statement that signifies closure of the ceremony in your mind such as "And so it is," "Blessed be," or "Amen." Now extinguish your candles and release your formation."
Do not use white sage. It is going extinct. Also, do not copy the rituals that you see native Americans do, you're not doing them correctly, it's disrespectful and makes you a shitty human being. These rituals are sacred and not yours to take.
This book offers “instructions” on how to cast specific spells in relation to the moon (but the moon part sort of loses significance after the beginning?). It also offers information like what the phases represent, what crystals, colors, numbers, scents represent, visualization tips, etc. Nothing new and nothing you can’t find elsewhere.
Books like this have to be taken with a grain of salt, and I will do way more research before buying them in the future; they can often be fluffy bullshit. Like this one. After reading the beginning, I mostly skimmed the rest. This stuff is all about creativity and personal preference and really ANY of the "rules" can be omitted or changed or whatever.
I wasn't big on the tone of this book, it's hard to explain. I get bothered by the gendering of the moon, like is that necessary? There are also chapters titled "Just for Women" and "Just for Men", and that sat completely wrong with me.
Also, the title. "Use the Phases of the Moon to Get What You Want", idk, that sounds pretty disrespectful to the moon?
This book delivers on exactly what it promises. It's clear and concise about describing the phases of the moon. During the spell breakdowns, it offers the best moon phase to perform under as well as additional magickal enchantments (gemstones, incense, music,etc.). It also offers basics about numerology and astrology. It's a good guide for new and experienced practitioners.
This is not a book about Wicca or astrology and that is a huge part of what made me like it so much. Don't let the word "spells" scare you off, this is a book about the power of intention. Moon spells=setting intentions aligned with the different phases of the moon.
This is the first-ever witchy book that I have purchased and it has definitely opened my eye to manifestation and spell techniques such as Circle casting, white-light-protection and the importance of direction when casting a moon spell. Having cast my first spell this morning (I went for the template moon-ritual and wrote my own manifestations), I can truly say I feel more clear-headed. I wished for prosperity and guidance and low-and-behold I can already see one result from my spell (Obviously it's a long term thing).
I seriously recommend for beginners! It's definitely a starting block, far from a complete guide but it has 100% taught me so much and created a hunger in my to learn more and collect more items for my lil' witchy spells :).
If you love the moon and feel connected with moon energy/magick this is a must read! Not just for those who practise or want to practise witchcraft/Wicca. It's much more about spirituality, regardless of religious beliefs, connecting with your higher power and self, and taking control of your life in a loving and empowering way. I enjoyed the author's writing style and found it very easy and enjoyable to read. This is definitely a book I will keep in my collection and recommend to like minded individuals.
Tra i vari manuali letti finora riguardanti il lavoro con le fasi lunari, questo è il più completo, o comunque quello che più si avvicina a ciò che cercavo. Purtroppo, procedendo con la lettura è risultato evidente come l'autrice si sia affidata perlopiù a indicazioni mutuate dal movimento New Age, che hanno pesantemente inficiato la validità di ciò che ha scritto: dalla scarsa importanza tributata alle ore planetarie, al tirare in ballo (in modo più o meno esplicito) la legge di attrazione, al pescare indiscriminatamente da tradizioni diverse, al suggerire che nel preparare/eseguire gli incantesimi bisogna pure divertirsi (!), al suggerire di pulire/purificare i cristalli in acqua. Non dico che il contenuto di questo libro sia tutto da buttare, ma avrebbe potuto essere cento volte meglio di com'è.
Il libro non è scritto male, ma non è nemmeno ciò che promette di essere: questa non è una guida alla magia lunare, bensì un testo per principianti che non sanno nulla di questo mondo e non hanno nemmeno la voglia di approfondire il contesto, semplicemente sfruttare questa arte.
Il voto basso però non è nemmeno solo per questo, infatti l'autrice si macchia di cultural appropriation (ruota della medicina e salvia bianca) e a mio personalissimo parere anche di una forse involontaria misoginia e omobitransfobia.
I absolutely love this book! This is a go to for me monthly when I need a little extra umph to cosmically shift my vibration but also on a daily whenever I want to enlighten the atmosphere of my home. It is very informational and above all EASY to take in. Enjoy!
I found this book informative and helpful. I also learned some new information as one, I never heard of casting a square. Definitely curious to look more into that.
I like how simple the instructions are for spells (or manifesting). It isn't too complicated or overwhelming. It gives you enough to get started and build upon.
I liked this book over all. It had good information especially correspondences. DEFINITELY for beginners. That being said, beginners be cautious. The author states that this book is not Wiccan; it is. At least, it has a lot of similarities to Wicca/Cunningham, especially in the way she sets up her rituals including casting circles and envisioning bright white light. Also in saying you “need” to do this and that for the spell to work, and saying to bring harm to none. If Wicca your thing that’s totally fine (it’s not harmful necessarily), just be wary while reading.
I read this book not for the spells but because I love learning how to work with the moon when dealing with emotions, life, and spirituality. The first part is fantastic for this and gave me so much information
"When we can learn to channel the energy of the Moon and become familiar with the power of the individual phases, we can start to transform this vitality into our own lives."
I'll be honest I skimmed the middle because I wasnt interested in the spells but for those who are she gives excellent beginner friendly steps. A great thing she does say that I love is, "The fact that I refer to these rituals as spells should not alarm or offend. It is merely a catchy word to explain the appeal to the universe or the God of your understanding for some extra help. The word “spell” can be easily replaced by: Moon ceremonies, Moon observances, or sacred Moon rites. Many religions have their version of rites using tools such as candles, incense, statues, and holy water. The use of color and representation is also significant to certain religious groups. So performing what I refer to as a spell is not much different than someone praying at a home altar to their favorite saint with candles lit and holy water nearby."
The ending chapters discuss astrology and numerology which is again more of what I was reading for.
Overall I found this book easy to read and digest and will be referring to it for questions I have in the future.
I always feel weird rating nonfiction but also ESPECIALLY witchy/spell books. The last half of this book are all reference material for spells to cast, which isn’t really something I want to read extensively on as I don’t need that spell in this moment, If that makes sense.
I enjoy this book for talking about the moon and how important it is to spell crafting, and I appreciate this book not having any religious practice (ie: Wicca) tied to it like a lot of witch-y (I’m sure the author hates that I’m calling it that as she stated in the beginning of the book that’s it’s not a book on witchcraft, but it is a book of spells) book nowadays.
I will say that there are some things that irk me: the references to Native American practices (smudging, the medicine wheel), the saying that casting spells isn’t something you should just do for fun. (Spells ARE fun. Having fun and allowing yourself to feel those emotions during spellcrafting and ritual work are important because that’s when you start to feel the effects of a spell working. Being attuned with your emotions and letting yourself enjoy things is important to the craft. It doesn’t have to be all serious all the time.) I felt sometimes she talked down to us despite her giving us great information. And sometimes she felt like she had to prove a point (there was a lot of skeptic examples in this) that casting spells work. As someone who is a practicing witch, I know that spells and rituals work. I think anyone who is reading this book is certainly hopeful (at least) that something like this would work. You don’t need to prove it.
I was also hoping for a little bit more “Moon Spells” in this book of moon spells lol. She only briefly touched on the power of the moon in the book and the rest was talking about intension and preparedness on how to cast a spell. And although that is extremely important information, I guess I was just expecting something else entirely.
Overall, I’d say this is a really good, neutral book for beginners. She makes a lot of valid points and gave a lot of really useful information. I’d like to try a handful of her spells exactly as she has them and see how it works for me. I just wish I didn’t feel like I was being lectured at while reading this.
Straightforward and simple, a good starting point. This book is an easy place to begin if you are looking to utilize your magick in correspondence with moon phases. The author lays out the spell, and its requirements, simply and conveniently, which I really enjoyed. I also appreciated the level of detail to different topics, and how to plan your spell for maximum results. I will say some of the suggestion seem a little rigid for my taste of spell-casting. I do not shower before each spell, nor do I think it is required. Furthermore, I do not believe that the spirits and my patron goddesses and guardians will look down on me in judgment because it is midnight and I haven't showered before doing the spell. But that is my own personal opinion and preference. Substitute what works best for you in all areas of spell-casting. Books are great places to learn, but your intuition is in a higher place of seeing and understanding.
just a book. really just a book. i annotated this book and i highlighted the interesting things about the moon but also on the crazy claims Diane Ahlquist makes.
An engaging guide to the mon, elements, and divining through them
This book has a concise and clear approach to explaining different passes of the mon and what that means in terms of magical working.the spells ate practical for a beginner, as Ahlquist goes into almost excruciating detail about the importance of every step, even giving music ideas and reminding you to wash your hands! The bit at the back about numerology and astrology was interesting too. a fun read definitely geared towards beginners, but I found it interesting.
This Book Was Published By Simon And Schuster. This Book Goes Into So Much Of Detail About The Moon Phases And When To Cast A Spell And At Which Phase. Their Are So Many Spells Available Started From Love Spells To Spirituality And Banishing Spells. This Book Also Goes A Little Bit Through Numerology, Chinese Astrology And Western Astrology. As I Am A Kindle Unlimited Member I Read This Book For Free And I Absolutely Enjoyed Reading It. A Very Easy To Understand Book.