Return and Release: Waning Gibbous and Last Quarter as the Descent into Wisdom

Exploring Moon Phases Series – Part 8: Waning Gibbous + Last Quarter

The spell has landed. The fruit has ripened. The work you’ve done has bloomed into clarity, for better or worse. Now, the Moon begins to wane—and with her, we begin the descent.

This is not decay—it’s distillation. And the wise Witch knows: just as important as creation is the sacred act of release.

Astronomical Overview

The Waning Gibbous follows the Full Moon and lasts until the Last Quarter. This is when the Moon is between 130 and 170 degrees away from the Sun, following the Full Moon phase. During this time, light diminishes. The Moon is still more than half-lit, but that light shrinks each night.

So during this phase the Moon begins to move back towards the New Moon, marking the start of the decreasing, or waning part of the lunar cycle. Each night, a slightly smaller portion of the Moon’s visible surface is illuminated. This provides us with great information regarding how we start to apply this phase metaphysically.

This phase is the first in the lunar cycle where the Moon starts to give back the light it accumulated. Again, very fascinating, like here take your light back, I’ve used it, I need to start to rest now. Hmm, what does this make you think of? How does it make you feel?

Then we reach the Last Quarter, where exactly half the Moon’s face is illuminated again—opposite from the First Quarter. It’s a mirror, but reversed. A challenge, but from the other side. The illumination decreases each night as the Moon progresses towards the New Moon.

The Last Quarter or Third Quarter Moon phase occurs when the Moon reaches a 90-degree angle, or square, with the Sun in its orbit. This is the halfway point between the Full and New Moon. This marks the transition from the waning gibbous phase to the waning crescent phase. It is characterized by a decrease in the visible light and a shift towards the completion of the lunar cycle.

The Waning Gibbous: Reflection and Gratitude

This phase is ripe with harvest energy—but not the outward bounty of the Full Moon. This is the internalized harvest, where you:

• Reflect on what worked

• Sit with the lessons of what didn’t

• Express gratitude for revelations

• Offer thanks to allies, spirits, and your past self

This is a time to learn from what has been made manifest.

Perfect for:

• Journaling, retrospection, integration

• Divination focused on wisdom, learning, or closure

• Offerings and gratitude rituals

You’re not crafting new spells—you’re understanding the ones that already bore fruit.

You can see how this moon phase is quite multifaceted, encompassing gratitude, sharing, reflection, as well as assertive action and even maledictive practices, depending on individual beliefs and needs.

The Waning Gibbous moon phase, while often seen as a time for giving back and sharing wisdom, can also manifest as a period for more assertive or even aggressive magical practices. This is rooted in the understanding that as the Moon’s light starts to diminish, it reveals truths and insights that were previously hidden or obscured.

The gradual decrease in moonlight symbolizes not only a time to release what no longer serves us but also an opportunity to assert our power, especially in situations where we seek to diminish another’s undue influence or control over us.

Witches might find this phase suitable for rituals that involve reclaiming personal power, creating boundaries, or diminishing the impact of negative forces in their lives. It can be a time for spells that gradually erode an adversary’s influence or deplete resources that are being used against one’s well-being.

The visual symbolism of the Moon at this time – still illuminated but increasingly shrouded – can be interpreted as a period of clarity where the veil of illusion starts to lift. This clarity brings a deeper understanding of situations, empowering practitioners to make informed decisions and, where deemed necessary, to take actions that may cause harm in the service of protection or justice.

As the Moon wanes, it can be seen as symbolically eating away at issues or obstacles. In this light, some may use the Waning Gibbous phase for spellwork aimed at slowly removing obstacles or draining the power from a situation or individual that is perceived as harmful or unjust.

The Last Quarter: Decision and Detachment

Now we stand at the true crossroads—not of beginning, but of review. The Last Quarter Moon asks:

• What no longer fits?

• What will not come with you into the next cycle?

• What was excess, distraction, or distortion?

The pressure here is not to act boldly—but to act clearly.

Spellwork here is powerful for:

• Reversals

• Unbinding

• Cutting cords (spiritual and emotional)

• Closing lingering doors

• Initiating endings

This is where you unbind the spell. Where you let it go. Where you burn the name, clear the altar, pour out the water.

In witchcraft, the Last Quarter Moon is a time of reflection, release, and letting go. It represents the final stages of the lunar cycle, where the emphasis shifts from releasing to preparing for renewal.

This lunar phase is often associated with deep introspection and the evaluation of what has transpired during the cycle. It’s a period for considering the changes one needs to make and preparing to let go of old habits or influences.

Rituals during the Last Quarter Moon may focus on closure, forgiveness, and the final release of anything that hinders growth or well-being. It’s an opportune moment for banishing spells, ending negative cycles, and clearing away old energy.

The energy of the Last Quarter Moon supports deep spiritual cleansing and making peace with the past. This can involve meditative practices, purifying rituals, or the creation of closure in personal or magical work.

This phase is also an ideal time for divination aimed at understanding past lessons and seeking guidance for the future. It can help illuminate what needs to be released to make room for new beginnings in the upcoming lunar cycle.

Practical Witchcraft

• Burn the remains of your spell materials

• Disassemble altar setups that have served their purpose

• Write and destroy letters of closure

• Offer final words to spirits or guides

This is not sad work. This is sacred composting. This is the phase where you become the Witch who knows that all power cycles—and release is part of the cycle.

Integrating the Last Quarter Moon into Practice:

Work with this phase to reflect on your journey since the New Moon. What has been accomplished? What lessons have been learned? What needs to be released? Who do you need to fuck up? Oh… I mean. Moving on.

Engage in rituals that help release the old and clear the path for the new. Consider practices that involve cleansing your space, meditating for clarity, and parting with outdated thoughts, habits, or systems.

Focus on forgiveness, both of yourself and others (if that’s your thing), to release any lingering negativity and to prepare for the renewal that starts to usher in with the New Moon.

Take time for divination or introspective practices to seek guidance for the next cycle and to understand what to leave behind.

The Last Quarter Moon phase in the lunar cycle is a period of winding down and preparation for renewal. It encourages reflection, release, and closure, setting the stage for the new beginnings that the next lunar cycle will bring. This phase is a time to clear away the old, learn from the past, and make peace with what has been, in readiness for what is yet to come.

Waning GIBBOUS | A Balanced Approach in Practice:

It’s important to recognize that every Witch’s approach to witchcraft is unique, and their actions during each lunar phase will reflect their personal ethics, goals, and traditions. The Waning Gibbous Moon, with its mix of light and encroaching darkness, offers a range of energies to work with, from the gentle release and gratitude to more assertive, even confrontational magical practices.

As always, the Witch is encouraged to consider their actions carefully, respecting their own boundaries and the ethical frameworks of their individual paths.

The Waning Gibbous Moon in witchcraft is a complex and potent phase. It offers opportunities for introspection, gratitude, and release, but also for assertive action and, in some traditions, maledictive practices aimed at diminishing adverse influences. This phase encourages practitioners to engage with a broad spectrum of energies, aligning their actions with the Moon’s waning light and the clarity it brings.

The Descent Is Divine

In a culture obsessed with accumulation, the Waning phases remind us: you don’t need to hold everything. Wisdom is in the letting go. Power is in the paring down.

This is when your magic becomes lean. Focused. Wise. It strips down to what is real, necessary, and aligned.

You are not unraveling. You are refining.