LUNAR CYCLES AND ALCHEMY

The effect of the Moon and its monthly cycles on dreams, psychic sensitivity, and paranormal phenomena is well known. It is no surprise, then, that the Moon is the most important of the seven ancient planets in the creation of herbal products. Each month, the Moon goes through eight phases, each lasting approximately three and a half days. These phases start with the New Moon, growing in strength (waxing) until they reach their apogee with the Full Moon, and then descending (waning) toward the next New Moon. The first half of this cycle is considered positive for most works, while the second half is considered negative. By positive, we mean that those operations requiring additional energy are best performed during the waxing period of the moon; those requiring extraction or release are best performed during the waning of the moon. For the practical alchemist, Qabalist, or Witch, knowing which operations to perform and which to avoid during these cycles is critical to success.

The first half of the lunar cycle, or the waxing period, is beneficial for (1) starting alchemical operations; (2) imbibing salt for creating Plant Stones; (3) performing distillation for separating the sulphur from the mercury in a tincture; and (4) enriching of the life force by alchemical or Qabalistic means. The second half of the lunar cycle, or the waning period, is beneficial for (1) distillation of red wine to create alcohol, and (2) purification, such as calcination. These cycles impact additional actions, but these have not been listed because this book does not include their operations.

In this regard, Dion Fortune states:

It is the light of the Moon which is the stimulative factor in these etheric activities, and as the Earth and Moon share one etheric double, all etheric activities are at their most active when the Moon is at its full. Likewise, during the dark of the Moon, etheric energy is at its lowest, and unorganized forces have a tendency to rise up and give trouble. The Dragon of the Qliphoth [disruptive forces] raises his multiple heads. In consequence, practical occult work is best let alone during the dark by all but experienced workers. The life giving forces are relatively weak and the unbalanced forces relatively strong; the results, in inexperienced hands, is chaos.'

While Dion Fortune was a Qabalist and a ritual magician and not a laboratory alchemist, her words are still applicable. A careful study and review of experiments undertaken will demonstrate the close relationship between Qabala, astrology, and alchemy. A quick look at the Tree of Life will show that Mercury and the Moon work together in operations of magic and alchemy. The Moon (Yesod) gives power and connections, whereas Mercury (Hod) gives knowledge and skill. Together with the harmonizing and emotionally satisfying influences of Venus (Netzach), these three planets open up the inner worlds and bring the alchemist closer to inner awakening.

In addition to its eight cycles and two principal phases of waxing and waning, the Moon also experiences a "mini-year" each month as each of the signs of the zodiac pass under her influence. These zodiacal periods last about two and a quarter days each and can be used in conjunction with planetary hours, as well as the waxing and waning phases, to further increase the astral influence in the creation of an alchemical product. Utilizing these cycles to their fullest benefit is the foundation of Renaissance natural magic and should be done by every aspiring student of the art. However, the ability to maximize these two cycles does not happen every month, and some advance planning is necessary if you wish to compound these energies.

The Moon is in the same sign as the Sun during the New Moon, and it moves one sign approximately every two and a quarter days. Thus, if the Moon is in Aries and the Sun is in Aries, then nine days later the Moon will be four signs ahead, or in Cancer. This is a very rough way to estimate the position of the Moon in relation to the zodiac. Referencing an inexpensive astrological program, online source, or either Llewellyn's Moon Sign Book or Wicca Almanac is preferred.

For example, if you were to create an herbal tincture of Mercury to assist in interior work, then it would be preferable to undertake this operation on a Wednesday morning during a New Moon, with the Sun in Gemini or Virgo. If, however, it were not possible to wait until those signs came around, then an operation when the Moon is waxing and in Gemini or Virgo could substitute.