new moon

But why does that phase have that effect?

As my books don't explain this, I can only guess. The waning moon is decreasing, and so, in hexing somebody, you are trying to take something from them. So, symmetry. I just can't find the words to explain it better than that.

If you are into Dark Moon spirits like Lilith, then the dark of the moon is considered very powerful.

http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=267458

This post by me explains why. ;)

You could be right, but if you think you had the answer, why ask?

Symbolism has power.

Because I was curious as to if your books had a better answer. Thus far, no one I have ever seen has had an answer as to why the moon phase really matters when the moon is there 24/7.

Also, symbols have power because we give them power. In and of itself a squiggle means nothing, but if you attach to it this or that, then it gets meaning, and through that meaning we use it as a base of power.

Doesn't make the squiggle powerful in and of itself. ;)

OK. Just had another thought though. The moon effects the tides. We are mainly water, so I wonder if the moon has a physical effect on us, which can be tied into the metaphysical.

Could be...but that being said, is it the phases that effect us or the movement of the moon that does it then?

And did the people of old know about the tides when they came up with this stuff? Or did they honestly believe that the moon disappeared every 28 days? ;)

The movement of the moon may be in relation to it's phase.

Good point about people of the past. The 'disappearing phase' is called 'The Dark of the Moon'. My books say many traditions won't cast spells during this period.

Maybe they knew about the phases by instinct, or somebody had a vision about it.