The New Moon is the first sliver of the moon that we can see after the Dark Moon period when the sun is not visible.  Because the moon and sun are in conjunction during the dark moon period, the new moon is visible during the day. Modern calendars often call the Dark Moon the New Moon and so the two terms are often used interchangeably. When we speak of the New Moon in a certain sign, we’re usually talking about the Dark Moon. During the dark period, the moon and sun are in the same sign but once the moon is visible, it may (or may not) have moved to a different sign.

The first sighting of the new new moon crescent marks the first day of the month for many lunar calendars including the Hebrew Calendar which names this day Rosh Hodesh, and the ancient Greek calendar which calls it Noumenia. The Muslim work Hilal marks the first crescent moon to begin their liturgical month.

Magick for the New Moon

The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar waxing period. This is a period of growth and is the best time for any activities (magickal or otherwise) that encourage growth, expansion, drawing spells. The day of the New Moon itself is a great time for starting anything.

See also Doing it by the Moon

and Gardening by the Moon

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