The Moon is a strong and powerful help to any magick and spell I cast. and I choose certain times during the Moon phases that will increase the power of the Spell. In very simplified terms:
When the Moon is least illuminating, and is starting its travel across the sky (New Moon), it is time to cast spells for healing and forgiveness.
When the Moon is progressing towards the time when it shall be brightest (a Waxing Moon), cast spells to help attract something to you.
When the Moon is travelling across the sky towards becoming least illuminating (Waning Moon), spells can be cast for repelling something away from you.
When the Moon is at full illumination, and brightest (Full Moon), it is the most powerful time to work a spell.
Moon Phases and Magick
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon goes from New to Full Moon. As the Moon appears to grow as it traverses the sky, so its magnetic force draws the oceans ~ and now is the time to use your Magick to draw things to you. During this phase of the Moon, weave spells for starting new projects, healing, growth, and blessings for new ventures.When working magick under the Waxing Moon, it is said that you should begin 4 days after the New Moon, though you may start on the day after the New Moon.
Full Moon
As the Moon shines at its brightest in our night sky, it exerts the greatest influence upon our magickal workings. Spells for divination and protection are well cast at this time, as is magick on giving thanks, and decisions on changes. though I find that all types of spellcraft may be worked during this time of greatest power and energy. Spellworking may begin three days before the Full Moon, the night itself, and three days after ~ 7 days in total; though some Witches feel that the greatest power is to be drawn from the very night of the Full Moon.
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon travels the sky from the time of the Full Moon until the New Moon.  As it receeds, and appears to diminish, it is the time we may cast spells to aid in the end of unwanted situations, remove unwanted influences and energies, Finish harmful relationships and associations, and break bad habits.  It is also a time when we may weave our magick to encourage reconciliations. Begin magickal workings the 4th day after the Full Moon ~ this will once again give 7 days/nights on which to spellcraft.
Dark or Black Moon
For three days before the New Moon, the Moon is not visible, and there few Witches who will perform Magick during this time as it is often seen as a time when chaos will charge your spellcraft It is often called 'Dark' or 'Black' moon. Personally, I think it is alright to weave magick at these times- but note that there is no Moon visible to encourage the strength of your spells. Be respectful of the Moon, and realise that this may be a time for you to rest and recharge yourself. Sometimes it is impossible to wait for these days to pass, and spells must be performed ~ such as healing or forgiveness magick. It is a time when you may prepare yourself for future endeavours and magick.
Some may have noticed that this is a very simplified list of the Moon phases ~ and that there are others I could have added (Gibbous  Moon...etc) ~ But therein lies my view of the Craft: don't do anything that doesn't feel right for you. Most Magick that I weave is spontanious, and is usually for when people need or want my help ~ therefore I don't always follow the basic rules of when and where. If someone needs me to weave my magick, I'll do so gladly for them ~ even if it isn't 3:21am on a specific Wednesday morning ! I live this Way simply, and with whatever elements combined that feels right for me ~ I suggest you all do the same too. Don't stick with someone elses rules if they don't work for you, or you don't feel comfortable doing so.
"To Thine Own Self Be True"
Or, as my good friend Jade would say...
New Moon
It is the time between the end of the Waning Moon and the beginning of the Waxing Moon. Now is a good time to cast Spells intended for harmony, regeneration, self-improvement and health. This phase is also useful for weaving magick concerned with love, career, and is considered the best time for planting and nurturing seeds and plants.
I HAVE FOUND MYSELF GOING TO LLEWELLYN MANY TIMES AS A RESOURCE FOR CURRENT MOON PHASES. IT ALSO HAS A TIME CONVERTER LINK, ENABLING YOU TO DISCOVER THE CURRENT MOON PHASE AS IT IS IN YOUR PART OF THE WORLD.
~ MORE MOON ~
~ MAGICK ~
IN-SITE LINKS
~ HOME ~
~ SITE-MAP ~
It has come to my attention that there is some confusion over what each moonphase is actually called. Many different traditions will name the phases of 'Dark Moon' and 'New Moon' differently. For my own purposes, the New Moon is (very basically) is days 1-3 (see above picture), and the Dark Moon is the three days preceding the New moon (days 27-0).
One e-mail I recieved noted that :
"...the Black Moon is when there are two Dark Moons in one single month, and the Dark Moon is also known as the New Moon."

I do not dispute any facts that others hold true, and so have modified this page to include an explaination of my own views, as well as others, on the moonphases.
Many, many thanks for the e-mails concerning this matter ~ all are greatly appreciated, and hold true my opinion that the diversities within the Pagan Path are truly wondrous...

Black Moon
Some traditions note that the Black Moon is a time when there are TWO Dark Moons falling in one month ~ much the same as when two Full Moons are apparent in one month, the second is called a Blue Moon.
Each Path is different, and should a Witch choose to use this terminology, then I believe that their preference is right for them.

Added to this, there seems to be some confusion as to whether the Dark Moon and New Moon are in fact the same phase. To simplify matters:
The Dark Moon is the three days PRECEDING the new face of the moon, and the New Moon phase is the three days AFTER the new face of the moon and also including the day of the new face of the moon.