What Does the Triple Moon Symbol Mean?

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Discover the magical properties of this mystical moon glyph

Co-authored by Sophie Burkholder, BA Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: January 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Description & Meaning

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Religious Use & Origins

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Harnessing the Triple Moon

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Video

Humans have always looked to the moon to find meaning. One important lunar symbol is the Triple Moon, which combines a waxing, waning, and full moon into one. The Triple Moon Goddess Symbol has changed over the centuries into what we know it as today. In this article, we’ll guide you through the meaning of the Triple Moon symbol, its religious origins, and ways to harness its lunar power.

Things You Should Know

The Triple Moon symbol combines the waxing, full, and waning moons to represent the phases of womanhood, the cycles of life, and the Triple Goddess.
The waxing moon represents birth and youth, the full moon represents life and stability, and the waning moon represents wisdom and death.
Use the power of the Triple Moon by wearing it as jewelry, using it in lunar rituals, or reflecting on its connection to your own life.

Section 1 of 3:

Triple Moon Symbol Description & Meanings

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The symbol visually shows three moons. The full moon is represented by a circle in the center, with a waxing crescent drawn on its left and a waning crescent on its right. The waxing moon symbolizes birth, the full moon life, and the waning moon represents death and possible rebirth.^{[1]
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The three parts of the Triple Goddess or Triple Moon symbol each represent a phase in a woman’s life. These three phases are the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.^{[2]
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The Maiden: Represented by the waxing moon on the symbol’s left. She symbolizes beginnings, youth, and adventure.

The Mother: Represented by the full moon in the center of the symbol. She symbolizes fertility, stability, and fulfillment.

The Crone: Represented by the waning moon on the symbol’s right. She symbolizes wisdom, maturity, and endings.

Some criticize these categories, saying they only represent a small part of women's experiences or support outdated gender roles that force women into certain tropes.^{[3]
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Research source} However, they resonate with many women who practice modern spirituality and related religions.

Section 2 of 3:

Triple Moon Symbol in Religious Traditions

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Neopaganism Also known as modern Paganism, Neopaganism is a group of religions that worship nature and multiple deities.^{[4]
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Research source} The Triple Goddess is the main deity in practices including Wicca, Heathenry, and Druidism.^{[5]
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Research source} A range of practices and beliefs exist within Neopaganism.^{[6]
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- Neopaganism was the first religion to use the “Maiden, Mother, and Crone” as part of their practice. Ancient Pagans did not recognize these categories.^{[7]
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Wicca uses spells and rituals to honor the Triple Goddess.^{[8]
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Research source} One notable ritual is “The Drawing Down of the Moon." In this ritual, the coven's High Priestess wears the Triple Moon symbol and enters a trance. It's believed that the Triple Goddess then enters the High Priestess' body and speaks through her.^{[9]
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Celtic Paganism Ancient Celtic traditions worshiped Triple Goddesses. They did not associate the Triple Goddess with phases of life, but rather their skills or qualities. The most famous Triple Goddess in Celtic Paganism is Brigit, who represents three sister goddesses: the poet, the smith, and the healer.^{[10]
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- The oldest known example of the Triple Goddess is the Morae, worshiped in Celtic regions like modern-day Ireland and France.
- Another Celtic Triple Goddess is Morrígan, a trio of sisters who protected destiny and prophecy.^{[11]
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- The modern myth of the Irish banshee has three forms—the young woman, the matron, and the hag.^{[12]
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Greek and Roman Mythology The Roman goddess Diana and the Greek Hecate are both early versions of the modern Triple Goddess.^{[13]
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- Diana was a goddess of the moon, the hunt, and the underworld.^{[14]
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  Research source} These three roles parallel the three parts of the Triple Moon symbol.^{[15]
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- Hecate was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads. She was often shown with three separate bodies facing different crossroads.

Section 3 of 3:

How to Harness the Power of the Triple Moon

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Modern believers use moon rituals to look inward, set intentions, and manifest their desires. Hold a lunar ritual yourself, or contact a local Wicca chapter and ask to attend a moon circle.

Draw a new moon ritual bath with ingredients based on your intention, like citrine and bergamot for finances, rose quartz and patchouli for self-love, or frankincense and sandalwood for intuition.

Manifest on a full moon by listing desires in a journal. Focus on one intention at a time. Light a candle, use a crystal that fits your goals, and reflect deeply on what you have or what you want to bring into your life.

Make moon water by filling a jar with water and setting it outside during a lunar eclipse. Set your intention and put the water away when the eclipse is complete. Use your eclipse water for good luck when watering plants, drinking water, baking, or drawing a foot bath.^{[16]
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Write in a Triple Goddess journal to process your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on your connections to the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, then brainstorm how you can embrace all three of these phases within yourself.^{[17]
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Try tracking your menstrual cycle if you experience one. Lunar cycles have historically been connected to menstrual cycles, given that both last about 29 days total. Each menstrual phase links to a different moon phase and energy:^{[18]
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- Waxing moon: Pre-ovulation/Follicular phase. Embrace creativity and play.
- Full moon: Ovulatory phase. Embrace courage and nourishment.
- Waning moon: Premenstrual phase. Embrace rest and renewal.
- New moon: Bleeding phase. Embrace stillness and introspection.
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Activate the divine feminine. Divine feminine energy is thought to exist in all natural things. Its power isn't exclusive to those who identify as female. All people are thought to contain divine feminine and divine masculine energy.
- Create a thoughts journal to check in with your emotions often.
- Examine and challenge any negative feelings you have about femininity through journaling or other reflection.
- Look in the mirror and say something kind to yourself daily.
- Practice breathwork or massages and move your body in ways that feel good to you.
- Spend time in nature or bring flowers and indoor plants into your home.
- Tap into your natural intuition by meditating, practicing yoga, or using tarot cards.
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Wear a Triple Moon symbol. Triple Moon jewelry is a popular way to use the power of the Triple Goddess in your everyday life. It reminds wearers of the divine feminine and the cycles of birth, maturity, and wisdom.^{[19]
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- Triple Moon jewelry is sometimes set with moonstone. Wearers believe the moonstone strengthens the symbol’s connection to the moon and magical powers.^{[20]
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