Drawing down the Moon (ritual)

Drawing Down the Moon or Calling Down the Moon is an important magical ritual in some Wiccan traditions. As a counterpart, there is also the ritual of Drawing Down the Sun, in which a male priest evokes the sun-god, but which is otherwise performed in the same manner. The origins of the ritual are seen in the ancient world; it was said they could control the moon Thessalian witches, and there are corresponding illustrations on ancient pottery. One of the first references to the drawing down of the moon can be found in Aristophanes, the oldest Roman Quintus Horatius Flaccus at.

Drawing Down the Moon plays an important role in the full moon Esbat held celebrations and is a central part of it. The ritual is held in a circle at full moon. The High Priestess of the coven puts himself into a trance and becomes a goddess, symbolized by the moon. This transformation can be achieved through the help of a priest who evokes the spirit of the goddess in the High Priestess or pull down, and allows the Goddess to speak by the High Priestess to their followers. The High Priestess here assumes the position of the moon goddess or a pentacle (standing, with outstretched arms and legs ), which symbolizes birth and rebirth; However, there are also instructions, according to which their feet must be shoulder width apart only to each other and after the first speech of the goddess.