How to Make and Use Moon Water: Benefits, Rituals, & More

Moon water is any water that is charged under direct moonlight to take on magical and energetic properties, and it’s often used by witches and spiritual guides to heal energy, perform rituals, and cleanse crystals. For this article, we interviewed spiritual director Jennifer McVey to teach you everything you need to know about how and when to make and use moon water. Plus, learn how different zodiac signs affect the moon’s properties and how to do a moon manifestation ritual.

When to Make & Use Moon Water

Make moon water during the full moon and leave it under direct moonlight all night to absorb the most lunar energy. Use moon water to cleanse yourself, your crystals and other magickal tools, and your home or sacred space. Moon water can also be used in various rituals to add energy and intent.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Make Moon Water

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1
Cleanse a clear container and fill it with water. For the best results, choose a glass container with a lid, like a Mason jar, and spiritually cleanse it according to your preference (smoke cleansing, filling it with crystals, etc.). Then, fill it with the water of your choice. Many prefer distilled or spring water, though tap works just as well.^{[1]
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- Colored or tinted containers could prevent energy from seeping into the water, but the type of container you use is up to you. Don’t stress if you don’t have a clear one available.
- If you don’t have a container with a lid, a bowl will work, as well. Just be sure to place it somewhere it won’t get knocked over.
- Make sure to use clean, safe water if you’re planning on consuming your moon water.
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Add crystals, flowers, or herbs to the water (optional). If you want to give your moon water an extra energy boost, consider adding other ingredients. When it charges, the ingredients in the water will release their energy into the water, giving it additional properties. Check out these additions and their benefits:^{[2]
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- Basil adds prosperity.
- Rose petals add beauty.
- Dried lavender adds relaxation.
- Citrus peels add happiness.
- Amethyst adds intention.
- McVey also suggests placing crystals and other ingredients around the container rather than in the water: “If you put [some crystals] in water, [they’ll] soak it up and get gross. So, you can always put [them] around your container, and [they’ll] still soak up the energy.”
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Set your intention for the moon water. Hold the container in your hands, close your eyes, and ask yourself what you want and need from the moon water. Imagine a specific goal or desire coming true, and picture the lunar energy moving down your body and into the container. Your intention will give the water purpose and a reason to absorb the moon’s energy.^{[3]
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- Repeating a mantra or prayer is also a great way to set an intention.
- For example, your intention could be “I wish to release __” or “I invite __ into my life.”
- Consider writing down your intention and taping it to or placing it underneath the container.
- McVey recommends that you “set an intention with everything you do.” If you don’t set an intention or something is unintentional, “You’re still in charge of it and you’re still responsible for it, but you’re unaware of it.” By setting an intention, you know exactly what you’re doing.
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Place the water in direct moonlight to charge overnight. Place your moon water somewhere the moon’s light will directly touch it. Preferably, this is somewhere outside, though a windowsill will also work. Leave the water to absorb the moon’s energy overnight, then bring it inside in the morning—ideally before the sun rises. If your charged moon water stays in the sunlight too long, its properties will quickly change. ^{[4]
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- When you choose to charge your water is totally up to you, but many witches recommend doing so during a full moon.
- If it’s cloudy out, don’t worry! Moon water can still charge in indirect light, but its energetic properties may fade faster.
- Label your moon water’s container with the moon phase and time it was charged. For example, your label may say something like, “Full Moon in Scorpio, May 2022.”
- Either use your moon water right away or store it for later. If you choose to store it, McVey says, “Put it in a cooler, darker type of place so no other light gets to it. Be careful if you have other stuff in the bottle or what you store it with so it doesn't [grow mold] or get rancid.”

Section 2 of 6:

How to Use Moon Water

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1
Drink moon water to absorb its energy. Drinking moon water is believed to help you take in the moon’s energy and whatever intention you set. Replacing tap or bottled water with moon water in your daily routine may help you reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit. Try drinking it on its own, making a moon water tea, or cooking with it.^{[5]
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- If you plan on ingesting your moon water, do not add extra elements like crystals, flowers, or herbs that aren’t safe to consume. Do some research beforehand to make sure any elements you add are edible.
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Cleanse and charge crystals and other magickal tools. Because moon water is purified by the moon’s energy, it is believed to have cleansing and charging abilities. Drop water-safe tools and crystals (like quartz, amethyst, and citrine) directly into the moon water to infuse them with lunar energy or spritz them with a spray bottle. If your crystals can’t get wet, sometimes placing them on top of or near the moon water’s container can help charge them.^{[6]
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- Unlike sun water, which releases energy, moon water infuses energy.
Many believe watering plants with moon water can provide them with extra energy to grow. Simply water them like normal but substitute your normal water for charged moon water. This can work for all kinds of plants, including houseplants, garden beds, and trees.^{[7]
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Bathe in moon water or add it to your beauty routine. Adding moon water to your hygiene routine can help you feel rejuvenated and energized and remind yourself of the intention you set. Wash your hair or face with moon water or add some to a bubble bath.^{[8]
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Research source} Adding natural, skin-safe ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera can also be a great way to make your own skin toner.
- Add a cup or so of moon water to a bath to let all its magical properties soak into your skin.
- If you didn’t add any other ingredients to your moon water, consider bathing your pets with it, as well!
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Diffuse essential oils with moon water. Because essential oils are already believed to have physical or spiritual benefits, diffusing them with moon water may help increase these properties.^{[9]
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Research source} This is an easy way to cleanse a space and recharge your energy. Check out these essential oils you can diffuse with moon water:^{[10]
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- Lavender relieves stress.
- Frankincense improves mood.
- Peppermint supports memory.
- Eucalyptus opens sinuses.
- Lemon improves cognitive function.
- Lemongrass kills bacteria and germs.
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Cleanse your home or altar with moon water. Moon water is believed to have emotionally calming properties that can make your living space more serene. Use it to cleanse your entire home or any important or sacred spaces, like an altar. Here are some ways you can use moon water around your house:^{[11]
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- Add a cup of moon water to your laundry.
- Clean your floors by adding moon water to a mop’s water bucket.
- Add moon water to homemade cleaning products.
- Make a room or body spray with your favorite essential oils and moon water.
- Spritz moon water in the corners of your home to get rid of negative energy.
- Wipe down your yoga mat or areas used for meditation.
- Clean mirrors with moon water to repel negativity.
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Use moon water in various rituals and spells. Moon water is the perfect way to represent the element of water on your altar or during rituals, and it’s already been infused with your intention, so it may help increase the effectiveness of your spells. Here are some different ways you can use moon water in your magickal practice:^{[12]
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- Offer moon water to a deity, spirit guide, or your ancestors.
- Mix it with ink when writing spells.
- Dip your paint brushes into it to create magickal art.
- Dab it on your wrists or forehead to anoint yourself during rituals.
- Sprinkle moon water on your pillow to encourage prophetic dreams.
- Spray it around doors and windows to create a protective boundary.
- Drop moon water on chakra points to balance and cleanse your chakras.
- Dip candles in moon water to enhance candle magick.
- Seal letters and spells with moon water to enhance their energy.

Section 3 of 6:

When to Make Moon Water

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1
Make moon water during the full moon to maximize energy. Traditionally, moon water is charged during the full moon because that’s when the lunar energy is most potent. Making moon water during a Gibbous moon (when it’s almost full) typically gives the same effects. Moon water can be made during any lunar phase, however, depending on your intention. Here are some examples:^{[13]
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- New moon: setting intentions, reflecting on new beginnings
- First quarter moon: committing to moving forward, taking action
- Full moon: introspection, releasing what no longer serves you
- Last quarter moon: evaluating situations, moving forward, expressing gratitude
- The moon’s energy will also be affected by which zodiac sign it’s in, so check the lunar calendar to learn when to make moon water with certain qualities.^{[14]
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  Research source} For example, Taurus is ruled by Venus, so a full moon in Taurus encourages love and pleasure. A full moon in Gemini, ruled by Mercury, is said to help you speak up and find your voice.
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Don’t make moon water during an eclipse. Most witches and practitioners warn against making moon water during an eclipse because the eclipse’s energy will overpower the lunar energy. Some also believe the shadow of an eclipse reveals things that are toxic or in need of cleansing, which isn’t the kind of energy you want to work with.^{[15]
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- Some also believe you shouldn’t make moon water during a new moon, as they represent the beginning of a cycle and are not yet full of energy. Others believe the new moon is a great time to make moon water if your intention is for new beginnings.

Section 4 of 6:

Using Moon Water Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Aries The fire sign Aries is known for its passion, courage, and assertiveness. Moon water made during a full moon in Aries is believed to amplify motivation, spark new beginnings, and bring a sense of bravery and confidence.^{[16]
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Research source} Aries often start projects but move on to new ideas before finishing them, so using moon water can help create closure with things they no longer want to pursue before they start their next project.
- Those born under Aries may also benefit from using moon water from a full moon in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) to help balance emotions.
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Taurus Earth sign Taurus is known for its stability, groundedness, and sensual pleasures. Making moon water during a full moon in Taurus may help create a sense of steadiness by promoting self care, abundance, and fostering a deeper connection with the earth. Incorporating crystals and herbs into moon water can be beneficial for Tauruses, as they help ignite the senses.^{[17]
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- Tauruses are stubborn, fixed signs, so making moon water under a fire moon (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) can help them connect to their passion and the power of their body. Moon water made under a water moon may promote relaxation.
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Gemini Gemini is curious, adaptable, and communicative, so water charged under a Gemini full moon may support mental agility, clear expression, and new ideas and ways of thinking. Using moon water as a Gemini can promote calmness and emotional regulation.^{[18]
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- It may benefit Geminis to make moon water under a Sagittarius or Gemini moon, as this can help them channel their creativity and expression.
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Cancer Cancer is a nurturing, intuitive, and emotional sign, and moon water made under a moon in Cancer often promotes self care, emotional healing, and enhanced intuition and empathy. Cancer is ruled by the moon, so when they use moon water it may help them manifest their desires and create boundaries that will protect them.^{[19]
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- Cancers often benefit from making moon water during a full moon in Cancer or another water sign.
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Leo Leos are confident, creative, and vibrant. Moon water made during a full moon in Leo is believed to inspire creativity, self-expression, self-confidence, and playfulness. Making moon water as a Leo allows them to embrace their inner child and engage with their imagination.^{[20]
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- Leo is ruled by the sun, so making moon water can help them balance out their energy. Using water made under a Cancer moon can help them really tap into the lunar energy.
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Virgo Virgos are attentive and organized, so moon water made during a Virgo moon is believed to support clarity, healing, and grounding while promoting precision and practicality.^{[21]
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Research source} It is often recommended that Virgos use moon water for cleansing purposes.
- Virgos can benefit from making moon water during a moon in Pisces, as Pisces is on the opposite side of the zodiac axis. This may help them create art and embrace chaos.
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Libra The air sign Libra represents balance, harmony, and diplomacy. Moon water made under a Libra moon may help foster harmonious relationships, enhance appreciation of aesthetics, and promote balance.^{[22]
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Research source} Making moon water as a Libra can help them create a sense of equilibrium and enhance their beauty routines.
- Libras may benefit from making moon water under a fire sign moon, as this can help them focus during important projects.
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Scorpio Because Scorpios are intense, transformative, and intuitive, moon water charged during a Scorpio full moon is thought to carry deeply introspective and psychic energies. It may also promote emotional healing, inner growth, and personal power. Scorpios who use moon water often experience an increased sense of intuition.^{[23]
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- Scorpios often benefit from making moon water under a Scorpio moon because of its intuitive magick.
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Sagittarius Sagittarius is an adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical zodiac sign, so water charged under a Sagittarius moon may be infused with freedom-seeking energies, inspire new perspectives, and promote spiritual exploration and optimism. When Sagittariuses use moon water, it often helps them slow down and not get overwhelmed.^{[24]
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- When Sagittariuses make moon water under an Aquarius or other air moon, it helps them get in alignment with their goals.
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Capricorn Because Capricorn is ambitious, grounded, and disciplined, moon water made under a Capricorn moon may carry practical, determined, and stable energies. It may support goal setting and long-term planning and promote structure and balance.^{[25]
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Research source} Making moon water might help Capricorns relax and enjoy themselves.
- It is often recommended that Capricorns use moon water in baths to bring peace and tranquility.
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Aquarius Aquarius represents innovation, independence, and humanitarian ideals, so moon water may absorb the energies of progressive thinking, social consciousness, and community when made during an Aquarius full moon. It is said to inspire individuality and collective endeavors. Making moon water may help Aquariuses connect with their emotions.^{[26]
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- Aquariuses may benefit from using moon water in their art, like painting with watercolors or using it to clean their paint brushes. This is said to help them feel more and think less.
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Pisces Because Pisces is an intuitive, imaginative, and spiritual sign, moon water made under a Pisces moon may enhance intuition, creativity, spiritual connection, and empathy.^{[27]
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Research source} Using moon water can be particularly meditative and mindful for Pisces.
- When Pisces use moon water made under a fire moon, it is believed to help inspire creativity and artistic vision while balancing out their watery nature.

Section 5 of 6:

How to Do a Moon Manifestation Ritual

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Think about your intentions. Consider what you want to manifest during your ritual. What do you want and need right now? Look inside yourself to reflect on what would truly benefit you. If it helps, try meditating to find out what you really need.^{[28]
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- Note that this ritual is best done during a full moon, when the lunar energy is at its high, though it can be performed any time during the lunar cycle.
Go to a quiet location where you can focus all your energy on the manifestation ritual. Cleanse the space if needed (try using your moon water), and light a candle. Focus on the present moment and let go of anything that’s bothering you. Think about what you want to release and what you want to attract.^{[29]
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Write down your manifestations. On a piece of paper, write down everything you want to manifest over the next month. Your notes don’t have to be detailed, though it’s encouraged to be as specific as possible. Include as few or as many manifestations as you desire.^{[30]
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- Consider infusing your ink with moon water or spraying the paper with it to further embed the moon’s energy.
Place your list in a jar or container (it will be helpful if the container is clear glass or something special to you) and set it outside to soak up the moonlight. Setting it on a windowsill will also work if you can’t place it outdoors. Leave it out overnight so it fully absorbs the lunar energy, then bring it back in before the sun rises.
After it’s charged, take the list out of its container and put it somewhere you’ll remember to look at it, like on your fridge or bathroom mirror or under your pillow. Over the next month, continue to reflect and meditate on your intentions.^{[31]
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Section 6 of 6:

What is moon water?

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Moon water is water that has been charged by the moon. Moon water is intentionally left out at night to absorb the moon’s energy. It can be used as a magickal tool in various rituals and spells, like energetic and spiritual cleansing. Water is energetically receptive and has spiritual connections with the moon because of the moon’s effects on the tides, which is why moon water is believed to work.^{[32]
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- Some compare moon water to holy water in that it’s often blessed, prayed over, and used in rituals.

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Where do I put my moon water?

Jennifer McVey, Cht
Spiritual Director
Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions.

Jennifer McVey, Cht

Spiritual Director

Expert Answer

Try to store your moon water in a cooler, darker type of place so no other light gets to it. Just be careful if you have other stuff in the bottle (and be careful what you store the water with). You don't want it to grow mold or get rancid!

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If I do make moon water, does this make me a freak or a supporter of Satan? Can I make this if I don’t consider myself a witch or are extremely new to witchcraft?

Onyx

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Making moon water does not make you a freak or a Satanist or anything like that. Making moon water is a way to manifest creativity and spirituality, not diminish the self. If certain individuals are telling you that you are a freak for experimenting with moon water, calmly explain to them the benefits and spiritual meaning of moon water. If they don't agree, that's on them. Also, you don't have to be a witch to make moon water. Anyone can do it.

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Spirituality and magic are all about doing what’s best for you! Follow your heart and instincts when it comes to choosing what water you use, your intentions, and additions to your moon water.

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Always do your research before putting any crystals, herbs, flowers, or other ingredients in your moon water, especially if you intend to ingest it or use it on your body. If you’re not sure if an ingredient is safe to consume, don’t add it.

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