Question

9. Explain the difference between a waxing and a waning moon?

Answer 1

Waxing is the transition from the New moon phase to the Full moon phase.

This is the time when positive energy spells and rituals are at their strongest. You would use this time to draw energy to you.
example: spells for.... finding a job, applying for a promotion,
finding love, protection and blessings,

Planning anything for new beginnings such as a date for a handfasting/wedding or a first date, or the blessing of a new baby.

Waning is the transition from the Full moon phase to the New moon phase.

This is the time you would do banishing spells or send negative energy away from you.
example: ~ banishing of negative energy or entities
~ removing negative spells/energy
~ getting rid of unwanted attention, habits, or
individuals

I hope this has helped answer your question.

Answer 2

These are archaic terms, waxing meaning growing larger and waning meaning shrinking or fading.
What is getting larger or getting smaller is the visible (illuminated) portion of the Moon that can be seen from Earth. Waxing means that with each day more is being lit (leading up to a Full Moon). Waning is the following period during which the Moon goes from Full down to a New Moon (seen as completely dark) before repeating its monthly phases.
Waxing = more of the Moon visible
Waning = less of the Moon visible