As pecific forms of energy are attributed to each of the lunar phases, so they are also used for different kinds of magic. In order to effectively use this energy, it is wise to learn the associations between the individual lunar phases and the types of energy they represent.
New Moon (night of): The night of the New or dark moon is the one night during the lunar month when there is not a sliver of the moon's presence in the night time sky. This is an extremely magical time and is considered to be "between the worlds," or deeply connected to the spirit realm. New Moon magic (see below) that is worked on this night is especially potent.
New Moon (waxing to full): The new moon is the perfect time for spellwork that will aid in a new venture or undertaking, whether it is in our mundane lives or our magical practice. Some Covens perform most spellwork during this time as the rising energy of the moon (as it shifts from new to full) charges and expands upon the energy that is placed in the spell.
Full Moon (night of): The full moon is a time of blessing and abundence. This is the perfect time to charge and bless magical tools, to work spellwork that will bring abundence into our lives, and to simply celebrate the fact that we are witches.
Many Wiccans choose to celebrate and hold ritual on the full moon. This celebration is known as an Esbat and can be held on any phase of the moon, but is most commonly held during the full moon and less widely on the new moon.
Full Moon (waning to new): The waxing moon is used to cleanse tools, as the lunar energy draws the old energy accumulated on the tool with it as the moon fades into darkness before cycling to new once again.