Two versions of the Ritual of Manifestation can be found on this page. This ritual is carefully designed to help you manifest your goals and intentions. Each version begins on the New Moon and completes the day before the following New Moon—completing a full lunar cycle. The instructions indicate burning Full Moon incense on the night of the Full Moon. You can use another incense, room spray, or aromatherapy diffuser if you prefer, or order our handcrafted incense in the shop here. Practical Witch’s Full Moon Incense is explicitly created to aid in this ritual, and for blessing, consecrating, and celebration.
From the insert in our incense:
Practical Witch Full Moon Incense
This handcrafted incense is made from the finest, sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring it is all-natural, non-toxic, and versatile for many spiritual and aromatic purposes. Initially introduced in 1987 as our flagship creation, this incense continues to captivate with its enchanting aroma—a blend that evokes visions of witches dancing under a moonlit forest canopy.
A harmonious combination of sandalwood, amber, and frankincense is artfully enriched with a medley of herbs, spices, resins, and oils. Each stick is imbued with the intention of enhancing manifestation, blessings, and harmony. Use it for consecration, clearing, meditation, or to fill your space with its intoxicating, mystical fragrance.
Sticks can be burned in a fire-proof container such as a cauldron censer or clay flower pot filled with an inch or two of sand. Stick the incense in the sand and light the top. Allow it to burn a moment, and then blow it out so it begins to smoke. You may use the entire stick or tip it upside down to extinguish the smoking end in the sand. Cones are designed for standard and back-flow cone burners.
Understanding Moon Phases
The Moon moves through eight phases. The energy cycle of these phases is categorized as New, Waxing (growing), Full, and Waning (shrinking).
The Moon’s Phases
| Phase | Energy Cycle |
| 🌑 New Moon | New—3 days Plant: Set your goal and intention. |
| 🌒 Waxing Crescent | Waxing—11 to 12 days Grow: Plan and act on your objectives, building momentum. |
| 🌓 First Quarter | |
| 🌔 Waxing Gibbous | |
| 🌕 Full Moon | Full—3 days Manifest & Harvest: Celebrate, focus on manifestation, and express gratitude. |
| 🌖 Waning Gibbous | Waning—11 to 12 days Release & Compost: Reflect, release obstacles, and prepare for new beginnings. |
| 🌗 Last Quarter | |
| 🌘 Waning Crescent |
Working with Lunar Energy Cycles
Harnessing lunar energy can enhance your magical and spiritual practices. The most effective approach depends on your background, traditions, training, and personal experiences. One helpful method is to work with the Moon’s energy cycles, as shown in the right-hand column. Aligning your actions with these cycles allows you to flow naturally with the Moon’s rhythms.
New Moon Energy Cycle
This three-day period (the day before, day of, and day after the New Moon) is ideal for setting intentions, initiating new projects, and focusing on growth, manifestation, and protection. It’s also a good time for cleansing and banishing rituals. Keywords: Starting anew, planting, releasing, protection, banishing, new beginnings.
Waxing Moon Energy Cycle
The Waxing phase begins two days after the New Moon and ends two days before the Full Moon. This period helps attract and manifest your desires. As the Moon grows, so does the momentum of your intentions. Keywords: Growth, attraction, manifestation, planning, drawing in.
Full Moon Energy Cycle
The Full Moon’s three-day cycle (the day before, the day of, and the day after the Full Moon) is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. It’s ideal for high-energy magical practices, divination, and empowerment. Keywords: Harvesting, celebration, gratitude, meditation, protection, empowerment.
Waning Moon Energy Cycle
The Waning phase begins two days after the Full Moon, and our focus is on releasing, re-evaluating, and letting go. It’s an opportunity to clear out what no longer serves you and prepare for new strategies. Keywords: Rest, release, planning, cleansing, banishing, letting go.
Ritual of Manifestation
Begin this ritual on the New Moon and follow it through the complete lunar cycle. When the next New Moon arrives, you can begin the ritual anew to align with the Moon’s cycles once again.
This ritual uses the four energy cycles of the Moon—New, Waxing, Full, and Waning—to set and manifest a goal over a lunar month. Working with the Moon’s natural rhythms can enhance focus, intention, and success.
Materials Needed
- Journal, notebook, or Book of Shadows (BoS)
- Candles (two black and two white, or your choice)
- Practical Witch Full Moon incense
- Optional: Crystals, herbs, spell bottle, or symbols that correspond to your goal
New Moon (Setting the Goal)
Timing: The day before, day of, or day after the New Moon
Sit in a quiet, calm space. Light your black candle to represent the spark of your intention. The black color is like the dark soil in which you are planting your seed, and it helps to banish and remove obstacles that stand in the way of achieving your goal. You may choose a candle color that corresponds to your intention. In the example below, you might use a green candle for prosperity.
Close your eyes and focus on what you want to achieve, clearly visualizing your result. Write down your goal in your BoS. Be specific, actionable, and clear. For example, I want to save $500 this month for a vacation. Write down an affirmation for this goal, such as:
On this New Moon, dark and still,
I set my intention with a focused will.
I plant the seed, the journey’s begun,
Nurtured by moonlight, my will is won.
Continue to reflect on your goal, making certain that it is your priority right now (just one at a time) and that it is clear. Allow your candle to burn down completely.
Optional Cleansing Ritual: Cleanse yourself or your space to banish and release any lingering doubts, negativity, and obstacles. The three days of the New Moon are good for smoke-cleansing, housekeeping, and purifying your space.
Waxing Moon (Taking Action)
Timing: From two days after the New Moon to two days before the Full Moon
Light a white candle (or a color corresponding to your intentions) and meditate on the goal you identified during the New Moon. Break it down into smaller objectives or steps you are taking to contribute to its growth. and write these in your BoS. Example: To save $500, I will skip dining out, stick to a budget, and deposit extra money into savings. Each small step adds energy to your goal, much like watering and nurturing a plant. Continue taking action in the mundane world to reinforce your magical work. Close your ritual with an affirmation such as:
With the Waxing Moon, my goal gains power,
Growing stronger with every hour.
Each step I take, each task I do,
Brings my intention closer and true.
You can snuff out your candle after your empowerment and
affirmation or allow it to continue to burn. If you perform a daily
reinforcement during the waxing phase, you may relight your candle,
lighting a new candle as needed throughout the phase. You might also use
this energy phase to create spell bags or bottles or imbue a charm. Take
notes in your BoS as desired.
Full Moon (Manifestation and Gratitude)
Timing: The day before, day of, and day after the Full Moon
Find a calm and comfortable space, and try to be near a window or outdoors where you can see the Moon. Light your white candle and your Full Moon incense. Celebrate the progress you have made. Reflect on the work you’ve done so far. In your BoS, write about your achievements, no matter how small. Express gratitude for the steps you’ve taken and if applicable, the energy of the Moon, Spirit, or deity(ies) supporting you.
Hold your BoS or a symbol of your goal (e.g., a coin for money).
Visualize your goal fully manifested. Imagine the feelings of success, joy, and completion. Close your ritual with an affirmation such as:
Under this Full Moon’s glow,
My intention begins to show.
With gratitude deep, my heart sings,
My goal is manifest—I claim my dreams.
Celebrate: Dance, sing, or enjoy a feast to honor the manifestation of your goal. If you still have a way to go to achieve your final goal, celebrate the smaller wins of achieving some of your objectives. Take notes in your BoS as desired.
Waning Moon (Reflection and Release)
Timing: From two days after the Full Moon to the day before the New Moon
Light your black candle and begin taking notes in your BoS about your experiences, lessons learned, what you found that worked, and what you could improve. As you reflect, identify obstacles, doubts, or habits that no longer support your goal. Summarize these obstacles and write them on a small piece of paper. Burn this paper as you say an affirmation such as:
As the Moon now wanes, I let go, Releasing all that hinders my flow.
Clear and open, I’m ready to see, The path ahead that’s meant for me.
As the paper burns, visualize the obstacles burning away. You may repeat this during the waning energy phase, but as you approach the next New Moon phase, begin to switch your focus to resting and recharging.
Rest and Recharge: As the New Moon phase approaches, use the last few days of the Waning Moon Phase for self-care, relaxation, and recharging. Prepare for the next cycle with a sense of clarity and renewal. Reflect on your journey. Did you reach your goal? Whether the outcome is as planned, honor the process and your efforts. The Moon’s cycles are ongoing, giving you endless opportunities to refine and grow. Blessed Be!
Copyright © 2025; Friday Gladheart
Only for use by WitchAcademy.org and PracticalWitch.com
Working with the Eight Moon Phases
If you prefer to work with the eight phases of the Moon, this ritual aligns with that format. Each phase can be seen as a checkpoint in your magical work, much like tending to a garden:
- New Moon (Dark Moon): Set intentions (plant seeds).
- Waxing Crescent: Take action (water and fertilize).
- First Quarter: Overcome obstacles (remove rocks and weeds).
- Waxing Gibbous: Focus and build momentum (grow and tend).
- Full Moon: Unleash and manifest (ripen and harvest).
- Waning Gibbous (Disseminating): Reflect on progress (harvest and learn).
- Last Quarter: Release what no longer serves (clear the garden).
- Waning Crescent (Balsamic): Rest and renew (compost and prepare).
Understanding and working with these phases can deepen your connection with the Moon’s energy and enhance your spiritual practice.
Eight Lunar Cycle Ritual of Manifestation
This ritual is designed to help you align with the Moon’s natural rhythms and fully embody the process of setting, pursuing, and manifesting your goal.
Materials Needed:
- A journal, notebook, or Book of Shadows (BoS)
- A candle (preferably white or silver for lunar energy)
- Your Full Moon incense
- Any other tools that resonate with your practice (e.g., crystals, herbs, symbols of your goal)
Phase-by-Phase Ritual Breakdown
New Moon (Dark Moon): Setting Your Goal
- Sit in a quiet space where you can focus and feel comfortable. Light your candle.
- Meditate on your desires. What do you want to achieve this lunar cycle?
- Write your goal in your journal, keeping it clear, specific, and actionable.
- Visualize planting this goal like a seed. Picture its roots growing as you nurture it throughout the cycle.
- End with a mantra or affirmation: “Under this New Moon, I set my intention. I plant the seeds of my desire and trust in its growth.”
Optional: Perform a cleansing ritual to clear stagnant energy and make space for your goal.
Waxing Crescent: Planning Your Path
- Reflect on your goal and break it into smaller, achievable objectives. Write these down.
- Create a plan of action for how you’ll meet each objective.
- Perform a ritual to “water” your seed of intention. This could include lighting a small candle, holding a crystal associated with growth (e.g., green aventurine), or affirming:
“With each step I take, I nurture my goal. I move forward with clarity and purpose.”
First Quarter: Overcoming Obstacles
- Review your objectives and consider any challenges that may arise. Write down potential solutions.
- Perform a symbolic act of clearing obstacles. For example, visualize breaking through barriers, or physically clear clutter from your space.
- Affirm your strength: “I have the courage and ability to overcome any challenges. I clear the path for my success.”
Waxing Gibbous: Focusing and Building Momentum
- Reflect on the progress you’ve made so far. Refine your plan if needed.
- Focus deeply on your goal. Meditate or journal on what success will feel like.
- Perform a ritual to “feed” your goal. This could involve charging a crystal, making a charm bag, or saying:
“My goal grows stronger with each passing day. I remain focused, confident, and aligned with my purpose.”
Full Moon: Manifestation and Celebration
- On the night of the Full Moon, create a sacred space outdoors or near a window.
- Light your Full Moon incense.
- Hold your journal and review your goal, objectives, and progress. Reflect on the steps you’ve taken and express gratitude for what you’ve achieved.
- Meditate with the incense, visualizing your goal fully manifested. Picture the energy of the Full Moon empowering your intention.
- Say aloud:
“Under the light of the Full Moon, I release my intention to the Universe. My goal is manifest, and I am grateful for its unfolding.” - Acknowledge your efforts and the progress you have made. Spend time celebrating—dance, sing, or enjoy a simple feast. Honor the energy of the Full Moon, explore your gratitude, and let joy fill your heart.
Waning Gibbous: Reflect and Learn
- Journal about what’s working and what you’ve learned from the process.
- Release any doubts or unnecessary efforts. Thank yourself for your progress.
- Say: “I reflect on my journey with gratitude. I release what no longer serves me and carry forward what I’ve learned.”
Last Quarter: Releasing What Doesn’t Serve
- Perform a ritual of release. Write down anything holding you back, then safely burn or tear the paper.
- Cleanse your sacred space or tools to prepare for the next cycle.
- Say: “I release all that hinders my success. I am ready to move forward with clarity and strength.”
Waning Crescent: Rest and Renewal
- Take time to rest, recharge, and practice self-care.
- Meditate on the new space you’ve created for the next cycle of growth.
- Thank Spirit and yourself for the journey: “I rest and prepare for new beginnings. I am ready for the next chapter.”