Drawing Down the Moon
In the Relgion of Witchcraft, the full moon stand for the power fot he God and Goddess combined, though many see the moon istelf simply as a representation of the Goddess, Religiousl, a full moon is a celebration of the sun, the moon, and the Earth- a sacred triad of energies. In astrology, themoon and the sun are considered planets, even though astronomically they are not considered planets. The sun i a star and the moon is a satellite of the earth. Scientifically a full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun. the sun's light bounces off the surface of the moon ( which is why it seems to glow)The moon in turn reflects the light to the Earth.
If we look at this process in a spiritual sense, then the power of the sun ( the God) is given intot he arms of the m oon, who ( as the goddess) sends that power to us for our use. this is the most basic definition. What makes moon magick so interesting is the zodiac sign that the moon is visiting when the process occurs. Therefore, if you plan your esbats over the thirteen full moons through the year, each moon celebration will be different, so each esbat we get a special "flavor" of power.
Some of the European Renaiassance grimoires taught their students not to use thefull mooon. that is because they were going from an astrologyical point of view, wherein an opposition ( any planet opposite another) says that there will be a push me pull me effect, and the energies of each planet inolved in the opposition will be at wawr with one another. Only a compromise will win the day. Although witches acknowledget he opposition energy, they've learned how to work the will ( the sun) with the emotions (t he moon), thereby making the compromise within themselves (by drawing down the Moon), then turnin around and focusing that energy into a magickal project, meditation, or other WItchy endeavor. Sounds complicated, but it isn't. You'llbe a natural at it. All you have to do is look at the moon and allow your feelings to flow to that feeling of perfection. In this way, Witches harness the power of both the sun and themoon and put them to good use.
The rite of Drawing down the moon is receptively simple. A rite is portion of a ritual' therefore, if you paln to use the next esbat just for doing the DDM( Drawing Down the Moon)you'll need to follow the ritual steps.
At no other time does the moon more represent the raw material of the universe then at the new moon, which astrolgers tell us is thep rime time for working magick to begin any project. The full mon, especially when it appears golden, is the epitome of the manifestation energy of the divine, and therefore represents the harvest or completion of any magickal operation. This is a moon filled with spiritual power. When a Witch Draws Downt he Moon, He or she is mentally allowing his or her mind to be filled with the receptive, passive, reflective energy of the moon. This is the time to touch the primordial energy ( newmoon) or power ( full moon) and draw this energy into oneself for furthering our greatest desires. Wishes spoken to the Full moon in seriousness and truth are usually granted, unless your spiritual plan dictates otherwise.
But where did the idea of drawing down the mooon come from ? We find a hint from Ovid's metamorphoses, in Medea's speech, which is a great pick me up if you are feeling a little down about your magickal Abilities
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Ronald Hutton, the eminent Bristol Univiersity Historian, adds his thoughts to the pracitce of drawing down the mooon ( from private Respondence) dated 9 August 1001) ;
**(read speech)
Drawing Down the Moon should be done in private unless you are working withing a magickal group where all gathered understand the seriousness of this rite. most Witches cast a magick circle and then call the quarters, followed by a statement of intent for that nights working. Turn to the moon and allow your gaze to rest there for a few moments as you ground and center. Synchronized breathing in a group format helps to stabilize the rite and put everyone in tuen with the work to be done. if you are alone breath deeeply and slowly until you feel at one with the universe. Drawing down the Moon is a part of the alchemical Great Work. You are illuminating yoruself with the divine, spirit ont he inside to further the welfare of yourself or others ont he outisde. If you are working magick, again state your purpose then slowly raise your hands toward them oon. Your palms or fingers may tingle or grow warm that's ok, Allow the energy of themoon, as representative of the divine and sacred goddess, to fill your body with the white light. Imagine the light coming in through yoru fingertips and flowing into your body, filling every fiber of your being with divine energy. let your mind touch the primoridial matter ( new moon) or goldoen power ( full moon) and silently make your request again. Once you have a strong grip on the feeling, you can begin to chant or sing whenyou are finished, slowly lower your arms by raising your arm and then lowering them, you are physically acting out part of the alchemical process- as above so below, as your arms lower you are bringing your request into existence on Earth. The alchemical process has begun! Ground and Center. Release the quarters and the circle.
This is only one way to draw down the Moon. various Wiccan traditions or groups may practice this rite in a different way, perhaps intoning special words thatmean something to them or using particularbody or hand movements. Some Witchs Draw down the moon by pointing their wand, staff or rod at the moon. I have also used long stemmed roses, mirrors and crystals for special workings ofl ove, protection or healing. there is no end to your creativity here is a numbered review to help you Draw Down the Moon
StepOne: Take several Deep Breaths
Step Two: Ground and Center
Step Three:c ast a magick circle
Step Four: Look at the full moon. take your time. In yor mind, connect the full moon with the power of the God and the reflective energy of the Goddess
Step Five Hold your arms up and link your hands loosely together so that your palms face the moon,a nd you can see the moon in a triangle madeby your index finger linked and your thumbs touching one another.
Step six: as you watch the moon, think of your willand your emotions working together.
Step seven: in your mind, go to that perfect feeling. close your eyes. Let the feling well up inside of you . Hold on to this feelin as long as you can.
Step Eight; Open your eyes and make a wish while you look at the moon. Nothings illy smoething seriously spirtual is best.
Step Nine: Thank Deity.
Step Ten: Put your arms down and breath deeply.
Step Eleven Ground and Center.
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