Challenge Extended!
For those planning their New/Dark moon magick tonight timed with the moon phase, please know you have an extra day to process and share your experience.
The new deadline for this challenge is: Wednesday, December 16th
Happy Moon Magick!
A warm welcome to all!
Congrats once again to the wondrous weavers who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge- Of Spells and String 
After spinning spells and weaving our wishes into being, it is time to turn off the lights and look into the darkness- of not just the night, but within ourselves too 
The theme for this week’s challenge is…
The New Moon- Magick in the Dark 
While most witches will agree that the full moon is when the moon is at its most powerful 
- the period of the new moon is a bit more ambiguous 
The significance of this phase varies from witch to witch, and many around the world approach their new moon practices in various ways:
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Some practitioners see the new moon as one phase equal to all the others in the cycle of the moon. They will do special spells and ritual work that draws on the magickal properties of the new moon
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There are also those who see this time as a period where the moon is absent. Under the darkness of the night sky, they may focus on shadow work or dark magic
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Others may choose not to practice at all- for some, the new moon is a period of rest. It can be a peaceful time to reflect on the events of the past month and to look ahead towards the coming weeks
With the light of a Waning Moon blessing us throughout this week, we will experience a New Moon on Monday, December 14th! 
Now is a great time to take a deeper look at this interesting period in the moon phase cycle and examine how both the waning moon and the new moon fit into your own magickal practice.
Are you ready? Because it’s… CHALLENGE TIME! 
STEP 1 : To Magick or Not to Magick without a Moon
Before you dig into working new moon magick (or choosing not to work magick during this period) it is a good idea to take a deep look at your own personal practice and find how moon magick resonates with you.
Once you determine what this phase is calling on you to do, feel free to celebrate, cast, reflect or rest to your heart’s content!
For anyone not quite sure where to get started, here are some great resources to guide you in this period of darkness:
[[ Waning Moon Magick ]]
No need to wait for the new moon! Until early next week, we will be blessed by the Waning Moon- a time when the light of the moon is slowly decreasing in the sky.
Note : To check the exact phase of the moon according to your location, visit the Spells8 Lunar Spell Page.
There are many possible ways to draw on the energy of the waning moon. Check out Waning Moon Magick Spells for more info, printable pages for your Book of Shadows, and a list of spells appropriate for this period.
[[ New Moon Magick ]]
Next Monday, December 14th will offer a dark night sky. During this time, you may choose to delve into some exciting new moon magick
The New Moon Spells and Rituals Page has more information and a list of recommended spells for this special time
[[ Shadow Work ]]
What is “shadow work”? The Shadow Spell for a Lunar Eclipse sums it us as the following:
In the context of the Craft, “Shadow work” is generally considered as any meditation/ritual/magic that forces us to confront the darker, hidden parts of ourselves.
This could be traits that you see as evil and bad, to traits at are annoying, shameful, or pathetic. But the shadow doesn’t have to be only unpleasant parts of your personality. It could be that which has been hidden, not allowed expression, pushed below the surface.
Your shadow might contain positive qualities that you’re not owning, in addition to negative ones you’re not acknowledging.
[From the Spells8 Lunar Eclipse Ritual]
Shadow work can be a very beneficial aspect of magick, but proceed with caution- it involves faces your buried fears and may unearth some dark emotions.
Helpful guides to shadow work (and how to stay safe while casting) can be found in:
For those that love journaling, there is a Printable Page for Shadow Work:
And @SilverBear has a wonderful Shadow Exercise that is a guided meditation into shadow work:
[[ Rest and Reflection ]]
After a month of hard-worked magick, the new moon offers a respite. Take some time to tidy up your altar or work space. Consider meditating or spending time to journal your thoughts.
The new moon offers a breath of fresh air and a relaxation of expectations. Make this time a special time for you!
[[ … And more! ]]
Have another way to celebrate the waning or new moon? The ideas here are merely suggestions. Feel free to let your creativity soar! 
STEP 2 : Share Your Experience 
No matter how you choose to tackle this challenge, you must share your experience!
Please write about:
- your experience with magick during the waning/new moon
OR
- your decision to rest/reflect during this time
For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new post in the forums.
If you create a new post, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post - thank you! 
This challenge has been EXTENDED
To join in, please share your experience by 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time) on the NEW DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 16th!
For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize! 
Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.
After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given.
A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that reflects their unique practice 
If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to a moderator.
For those new to challenges, know that these activities are designed to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways 
In the darkness when the moon is out of sight, have no fear- let your magick be your light!
Blessed be 
It’s always in the middle of the day (For me, the new moon will rise at 7:55 AM and set at 5:16 PM.) and it allows me to honor The Lord and The Lady at the same time. In my spells, I acknowledge I can’t see her but I know her power is still there. I will wait until Monday to do this. 
When the affirmations are genuine and repeated, it can do wonders on one’s self esteem and self image!
Seems like all the signs are pointing to shadow work- can’t wait to see what you do!
will upload pics!
It’s your special day so be sure to treat yourself! Sending big hugs and lots of love 
