The triple moon is a representation of the phases the moon goes through in its cycle and its symbolism is closely linked with the Goddess, in recognition of her tripartite nature. In many pagan traditions one of the two major deities is the Goddess who has many names depending upon individual beliefs. These three phases of the Goddess' nature are known as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. They mirror both a woman's life cycle and the cycles of the moon.

The Maiden

This is that time during each moon's cycle when the moon is new and waxing to full. It is the time of the Maiden, aptly represented by a young, unattached, woman full of potential. And, as the symbolism hints at, this is the time for beginning new things and a building of energy. A time for projects, endeavours, and goals. Spell casting done at this time centers around the building up of something and around fresh starts.

This is the time of the full moon. It is the time of the Mother, aptly represented by a woman pregnant both in body and in mind, the giver of life, nurturing and protective. As this symbolism hints at, this is a time of fruitfulness. A time when plans are actualized. The time when the fruits of our labors are achieved and the most powerful time during the moon cycle for all types of spell casting.

This is the time of the waning moon. It is the time of the Crone, aptly represented old woman full of wisdom, done with the struggles of learning and bringing forth, and offering guidance. The Crone is woman at the end of her life, ripe with experience, brimming with wisdom. As this symbolism hints at, this is a time for wisdom, experience, natural decline, and death. It is the winding down of things... a gradual ending. Spell casting done at this time centers around casting things off and endings.

The key to the triple moon and it's counterpart symbolism of the triple nature of the Goddess is remembering that all three aspects are important, and that each has something to teach us.

You can learn more about the Goddess and her role in the Pagan belief systems by clicking here.