Welcome to the whimsical world of moon water, where we embrace the moon’s glow and bottle up its essence for our earthly rituals. Moon water is water that has been charged with the moon’s energy. In witchcraft and pagan practices, moon water symbolizes the moon’s power and energy. Whether drawn to its reflective qualities or seeking to integrate it into your spiritual routine, this guide unveils ways to infuse your practices with lunar energy.
As a busy pagan, I understand your spiritual practice must fit in your pocket, not take over your life. So, before we dive into the luminescent pool of moon water uses, remember this: these suggestions are just that-suggestions. Pagan practices are as varied as the stars, and how you use moon water is entirely up to you. This guide is a tapestry woven from my experiences, ready for you to dye with the colors of your own practice.
One ancient ritual that has become popular again is making Moon water, which is water charged under moonlight. Learn about this relaxing, rejuvenating practice, how to make Moon water, and its uses and benefits.
Everyone knows the Moon is powerful. After all, it controls the tides. Aligning your daily routines, such as planting or fishing, with the rhythm of lunar cycles allows life to move in a gentle groove. However, this is not the only way to work with the Moon. In fact, many folks turn to the Moon for energy work, meditation, and mental health. One of the simplest ways to harness the Moon’s energy is by making Moon water, which is water charged by the Moon’s rays.
It’s as easy as drawing a bath. You collect water in a container, then let it sit outside at night. Just as the Moon powers the tides, the water in your vessel holds its energy.
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How to make moon water 🌕💧
The History of Moon Water
I consulted with my favorite authors, including Briana Saussy, Madame Pamita, and Judika Illes, to get the inside scoop on the lunar custom of Moon water.
How long have people been making Moon water? According to Briana Saussy, “The first documented mention of Moon water comes from the 1860s, and it was interestingly in a Christian context. Most likely, water set out under a Full or New Moon has been worked within folk magic traditions much longer.”
When to Make Moon Water
Each lunar phase has different properties. Moon water is usually created during or near a Full or New Moon. Full Moons are for release and reflection. New Moons are associated with new beginnings.
However, you can make it during any phase. According to Saussy, “In ancient Greece, the waxing quarter Moon was the only time that the Oracle at Delphi divined for people, so if you want, gather water under that lunar phase. Water gathered or blessed under a dark Moon (one day before the New Moon) is wonderful to work with for banishing or getting rid of things that are no longer needed.”
Illes adds: “Even things like the weather or season can impact the final result; Moon water created during a dry, hot summer may be slightly different from that created during a bitterly cold winter’s night.”
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Some folks caution against making Moon water during an eclipse. However, some choose to ignore this advice, claiming the eclipse water can be potent. Pamita says, “I make and use eclipse water because it’s powerful. Like all powerful tools, I use it intentionally and with care.” You’ll have to decide if this works for you or not.
How to Make Moon Water
Whether you’re a Moon lover or simply want to connect more closely with nature’s rhythms, the practice of making Moon water can be an intentional ritual that helps you slow down, take care of yourself, and harness nature’s energy. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- A clear glass bowl or jar. A glass cup or a mason jar is also fine.
- Water. Preferably from a local, natural source. However, spring water or filtered tap will also work; it’s just not as potent. Of course, ensure your water is safe to drink.
According to Saussy, it’s best if your “water comes from a local, natural source. Where I live, our water comes from a huge underground lake called the Edwards Aquifer. Ideally, use a clear glass container or cup to make Moon water.
First up, pick your lunar date. Full moon? New moon? Tuesday? Whatever. The moon doesn’t keep a planner, and neither should you.
Find a jar, a bowl, or heck, a teacup - as long as it’s clean and wouldn’t make your grandma raise an eyebrow.
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Fill your chosen vessel with water.
Directions:
- Check the phase of the Moon, especially if you wish to mark a Full Moon or New Moon on your calendar.
- Pour water into your vessel and then put it out somewhere to capture the moonlight. For many folks, that is a windowsill. But you could also choose a place on your front porch, garden, or even a balcony if you live in an apartment. Don’t get too concerned if your location doesn’t have direct access to moonlight; it will still capture the lunar energy.
- The following day, take the water in and bottle it. That’s it. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
Put your water somewhere it can bathe in moonlight. Window sills work. So does your back porch.
While your water’s soaking up those cosmic rays, take a moment to meditate, chant, or tell your water your deepest secrets.
Once the moon’s done its thing (a night’s work should do), bring your water inside, typically before the sun rises. If it’s dawn and you forgot, no stress.
You can use your moon water immediately in spells, rituals, plant watering - you name it. Or store it for a rainy day.
Here’s the deal: there are no hard rules. Toss in some crystals, herbs, or essential oils if that’s your jam. The beauty of moon water is in its simplicity and personal touch.
“All things being equal, exposure to direct moonlight will create the most powerful Moon water. I qualify those statements (“theoretically” and “all things being equal”) because there may be other factors at play: accompanying rituals, the personal power of the person preparing it, any other materials, and so forth. Adding crystals may further empower it, thus compensating for the lack of direct moonlight.” explains Illes.
Whether you’re a seasoned witch or a curious newbie, making moon water is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
Enhance Your Moon Water
Some folks like to add a pinch of salt for cleansing properties. Others like to meditate over the water. For example, let’s say you want your Moon water to cleanse negative energy. Hold your hands over the container and state your intention as clearly as possible. It’s best to do this right after you put your water under the moonlight.
Others will add herbs to Moon water, such as lavender for relaxation or rosemary for remembrance.
Optionally, you can add crystals to enhance specific qualities, such as rose quartz for emotional healing, pyrite for abundance, black tourmaline for protection, or crystals for plant growth. Pamita recommends “placing moonstones around a jar or bowl of water (not in the water) and leaving them out in the moonlight” to amplify the energy of the Moon water.
If you want to reinforce an intention, write an affirmation on a piece of paper or tape and affix it to your container.
How to Focus Your Intention
How do you reinforce an intention? Consider each of the 12 zodiac signs, which is associated with different qualities, allowing customization. For example, let’s say you want to create Moon water to help your houseplants flourish. The new Moon in Virgo would be perfect. I did this recently, and my plants are thriving!
Saussy agrees about the gardening aspect of Moon water: “Water that is gathered during a full Moon or water that is placed under a Full Moon can be worked with to make your garden more lush, fertile, and abundant and ensure you have a great harvest. Water gathered or blessed under a New Moon is especially good for watering seeds and starter plants.”
You can find the astrological dates by consulting the Almanac or referring to our Moon Signs chart.
Here are a few astrological suggestions to power up your Moon water:
- Aries: protection, courage, originality
- Taurus: security, abundance, grounding, growth
- Gemini: communication, learning
- Cancer: protection of home and family
- Leo: creativity, romance, children
- Virgo: work, health, healing, gardening
- Libra: relationships, legal issues, beauty
- Scorpio: intuition, intimacy
- Sagittarius: optimism, travel, spiritual growth
- Capricorn: success, enhanced reputation, career
- Aquarius: friends, goals
- Pisces: peace, spirituality, meditation
It’s wise to avoid creating Moon water during Mercury retrograde. The energy may be too unpredictable, which could skew your results. If you’re making Moon water with a romantic focus, ensure Venus is direct. You’ll also want to step carefully around Mars retrograde because it can weaken the vibration.
20 Fabulous Ways to Use Your Moon Water
Beyond its allure, moon water is a potent enhancer for intentions and rituals. Moon water has many uses. You can drink it, bathe in it, or sprinkle it around your living quarters.
Here are twenty quick, no-nonsense ways to incorporate moon water into your busy pagan life:
- Spritz your crystals with moon water to cleanse and recharge them.
- Water your plants with moon water for an extra kick of growth energy.
- Add moon water to your bath for a spiritually cleansing soak.
- Mist your sacred space with moon water to clear the air and elevate the vibes.
- Wipe down your altar with moon water to keep it energetically fresh.
- Use moon water as a solvent for watercolor paints in magical artwork.
- Sprinkle a bit on your pillow to encourage prophetic dreams.
- Trace your doors and windows with moon water for protection.
- Dip your fingers in moon water before meditating to deepen your focus.
- Gently pat your pet with a damp cloth of moon water for blessings.
- Drop moon water on chakra points to align and balance your energy.
- Dip your candles in moon water before lighting them for enhanced rituals.
- Cleanse your mirrors with moon water to repel negative vibes.
- Seal letters and spells with moon water for extra oomph.
- Refresh your yoga mat with moon water for a serene practice.
- Mix moon water with ink for writing spells and intentions.
- Rinse your hair with moon water for spiritual cleansing.
- Use moon water to brew tea during rituals (only if you are sure your moon water is safe to drink).
- Mist your clothes with moon water for a day of empowered dressing.
- Cleansing and Purification: Use Moon water to cleanse and purify yourself, objects, or spaces of negative energy. Sprinkle or spray it around your home or sacred space.
- Charging Crystals and Gemstones: Place crystals and gemstones in a bowl of moon water under the moonlight to cleanse and charge their energy.
- Plant Care: I love to water my plants with moon water when I am manifesting something as it helps me focus and I can see something develop from my attention to it. You can also water your plants with moon water to promote growth and vitality, especially during the full moon. Good plant parenting right there.
- Divination: This will certainly need to be a larger article but one way you can use moon water as a scrying tool is by placing it in a black bowl or mirror to enhance your divination practices.
- Magical Ink: This is something I’m exploring more at the minute so I will report on all my findings soon but you can use moon water as a base for creating magical inks or writing spells, intentions, or sigils.
- Making Moon Tea: Who doesn’t love a good cuppa? Mind you, I would say that as a Brit.
- Emotional Healing: Use moon water in emotional healing rituals or practices, as it is believed to provide emotional balance and support - maybe use in a oil burner when performing shadow work.
- Manifestation: Super charge your manifestations by choosing the perfect Moon phase for your goals. Always use moon water with respect for its symbolic and energetic properties.
Drinking: Sip on Moon water. According to folklore, “If a woman is having a hard time getting pregnant, she should drink (clean) water set out under the Full Moon,” adds Saussy. (Embarking on a new career path? Consider drinking Moon water created under an Aries New Moon.)
Brewing: Add a few drops to your morning coffee or tea for an extra boost, or add to your evening herbal tea for relaxation.
Bathing: Pour into your bath. As you bathe, imagine sitting under the Moon. Visualize negative energy pouring down the drain as you step out of the tub. “Bathing with it is my own favorite method of using Moon water, whether that means adding it to a bath or washing my hands, feet, or face with it. In this way, you can absorb the power of the water. You could also wash your hair with it,” according to Illes.
Showering: Add to a spritz bottle. Gentle mist into the steaming shower, inhale deeply, and let it work its magic. Repeat as needed.
Make a room spritz: Spritz around your bedroom. This is a great alternative to incense.
Mix into essential oils. If you buy or make essential oils, mix in Moon water.
Cleansing your home: You can also dip a sponge in the Moon water and clean special tools, a work area, and even dirty yoga or meditation mats. Add to your dishwater when washing dishes or to your washing machine.
Watering plants: Use to water your plants and regrow clippings for other plants. The best water for this purpose would be water created under the New Moon in an earth sign such as Taurus or Virgo.
Use in food: Add when cooking pasta, making homemade soups, and creating other recipes.
Make a simmer pot on the stove.
And there you have it, a galaxy of uses for your moon-charged elixir, tailored for the on-the-go pagan who still craves a sprinkle of the sacred. Whether you’ve mixed moon water into your latest spell or used it to give your houseplants a pep talk, your intention sparks the magic. So take these ideas, twist them, turn them, and let them evolve. Always use moon water with respect for its symbolic and energetic properties.
As you can see, Moon water isn’t complicated to make, and it has many purposes.