Harnessing Fire: First Quarter Moon in Aries
This post was written for the First Quarter Moon in Aries (January 17th, 2024 @ 9:52pm pst)
First Quarter Moon in Aries & the Witch’s Charge Forward
The First Quarter Moon forms a tense, deliberate square with the Sun—a 90° friction point between illumination and shadow. It is the moment of struggle and strength, where dreams become demands. Add Aries to the mix, and the celestial weather shifts into something hot, immediate, and undeniable.
This is not a phase for subtle spells or passive affirmations.
This is a time for starting fires.
The Moon Squares the Sun: A Witch's Crucible
The First Quarter Moon is tension incarnate. Half-lit, half-hidden. It demands choice. Pressure. Progress. This lunar phase calls the Witch to act, not just intend.
The Moon in Aries doesn’t hesitate. It moves. Ruled by Mars, Aries brings cardinal fire—pure, undiluted initiation. This isn’t the quiet flicker of a devotional candle. This is the spark that ignites the whole ritual flame.
To work with the First Quarter Moon in Aries is to pick up the torch and run forward, teeth bared and spell ready.
Aries Energy: Initiation, Not Perfection
Aries teaches us something crucial: you don’t have to be ready—just willing.
The Initiation Power: As a cardinal sign, Aries is all about initiation. It’s that first burst of energy that springs us into action, the spark that ignites the flame of our intentions. Aries loves to bulldoze through barriers and just get something started!
Considerations for the Aries Approach: While Aries is excellent at kickstarting new ventures, it’s important to remember that sometimes, this sign can struggle with what comes next. Aries is a pro at launching, but maintaining and finishing require different skills. This is a reminder for us to be mindful of not just starting our magical workings with a bang but also planning for the journey ahead.
This energy favors bold beginnings, not polished endings. It rushes through fear and starts before you have all the tools. The witchcraft of Aries is raw, imperfect, and powerful because of it.
Lean into that:
Begin the working.
Cast the spell.
Light the damn candle.
Then figure out the rest as you go.
Momentum is magic. Hesitation is the thief of it.
It's Okay to Just Start: In our magical practices, especially under the First Quarter Moon in Aries, it’s vital to understand that sometimes, just beginning is enough. Aries teaches us the power of the initial step.
Harnessing Aries for Sustainable Magic: While working with this energy, let’s also strategize on how to maintain the momentum Aries gives us. Think of it as channeling the Ram’s initial charge into a sustained path forward.
Witchcraft in Motion: Rituals for the First Quarter Moon in Aries
Aries' Fire with the Moon's Balance: The First Quarter Moon in Aries presents a unique juxtaposition of energies. Aries' fiery, cardinal nature propels us into action, encouraging bold beginnings and rapid advancements. Meanwhile, the balanced aspect of the First Quarter Moon reminds us to pace ourselves, ensuring that our initiations are sustainable.
Here are a few ways to work with this square-flame alignment:
Fire-Fueled Spell for Forward Motion
Write out an obstacle you’ve been circling. Burn it in a red candle flame. As it burns, speak aloud a single sentence: “I do not wait. I walk through.”
Protection + Power Charm
Create a charm using iron (Mars), red jasper, or a symbol of Aries (ram, horns, Mars glyph). Stitch it into a pouch with a thread soaked in cinnamon oil. Charge it under this moon.
Empowerment Meditation with Movement
Stand in warrior pose or perform a sharp, physical motion (even a stomp or clap). Visualize a flame rising from your feet to your crown. Whisper your name into the fire.
Altar for the Aries Moon
Build an altar with:
A red cloth or candle
A ram’s horn (or image)
Iron nails, knives, or arrows
Mars water or pepper oil
Something unapologetically yours
Balance the Burn: Sustain What You Start
Aries can launch but often forgets to land. Pair your fire with structure.
Follow the spark with a plan.
If you cast a spell, jot down what you’ll do to support it in the days ahead.Include symbols of balance.
Two-toned stones, scales, or altar placements that remind you to check yourself before you wreck your rituals.Anchor into intention.
Before moving on to the next flame, give your current spell time to catch and take root.
Integrating Elemental Fire into Practice
Want to deepen your Aries-aligned craft?
Burn herbal blends in a fire-safe cauldron: rosemary, cinnamon, black pepper or your favorite Mars-Aries inspired blend.
Craft a Mars oil: infuse olive oil with ginger, cayenne, and a rusted nail.
Use heat in spellwork: smoke, friction, motion—let your body be part of the magic.
Reflection Prompts for the Witch in Motion
These are journal entries, meditations, or conversation starters for witches who want to deepen—not just perform—their craft.
What am I willing to begin before I feel ready?
Where does my fear of imperfection block my magic?
What does boldness look like in my current practice?
Where have I lit fires and then walked away before they could burn?
Final Sparks
The First Quarter Moon in Aries doesn’t wait for permission. It doesn’t seek applause. It acts. It dares. It dares you to be just as unrelenting in your craft.
So take the step. Cast the spell. Name the want.
Then—walk through the fire.
