To many, the powerful rite of Drawing Down the Moon belongs exclusively to a Wiccan ritual and it is also rebuffed as some shoddy rite inserted with a favour to reflect the practices of Thessalian witches who ‘called down the moon’. The context of the ‘drawing of the moon’ in the ancient past and today is different, yet, I should say Drawing down the Moon is one of the most inspiring and evocative ritual, and it is a universal rite.
For men, it is usually known as Drawing Down the Sun. And I’ve a few times done solitary rites based on such intention and have been transformed entirely. The Horned Hunter took over me, giving me strength, teaching me of unspoken wisdom, made me acknowledge my roots, my ground, my earth and the fire within me. It was those experiences that convinced me to write about the beneficial ends of this rite known as Drawing Down the Moon or more commonly in other religions as ritual possession.
Ritual possession has an important part to play in modern Pagans’ life because it unlocks our rigid mind and thrust us beyond what is to us, sensible. We’re often so confined in our daily routine, lack courage to suspend disbelief as well as lack of faith and hope to do so. We often forget that magic and science complement each other and are no opposing schools. For this the more important ritual possession should enter our lives.
It’s difficult to reason, actually, how ritual possession works. I have once thought hard about it, whether the Divine actually takes control of the person’s body or is it an internal awakening as it is well expressed in ‘Thou art God/dess’. I thought about it for quite sometime and said to myself, why the heck, give it a try… being as brave as Aidan Kelly in his first ‘witch sabbat’s experimental ritual’ I ventured forth and ask for the Gods to bless this rite. The experiences were enriching and no doubt has changed me.
To draw down the moon, you don’t necessarily need to assemble in a group or memorize Doreen Valiente’s ‘Charge of the Goddess’, nor do you need a priest to invoke with a phallic wand. Drawing down the moon, comes from within. It comes from the intention of surrendering yourselves to the arms of the Goddess. Giving yourself with humility, with love and reverence, it is the ultimate surrender of your being to the Divine, a sacrifice indeed to attain such blessings from the Gods.
There are other cultures and religions that use ritual possession as a form of inspiration. The Vodou uses drums and beats to invoke Lwas (Ancestral Spirits/Demi-Gods), the Taoist uses gong and chant. Many other cultures has similiar ritual but different ways to carry it out. Even the Pentacostalians encourage speaking in tongues!
Ritual possession not only gives us insight and wisdom, it connects us with the Divine. It unites us, giving us a chance to know the power in the Divine as well as the ability latent in us. It gives us the comfort and security that we’re part of the Gods, well expressed in the old Egyptian adage ‘There is no part of us which is not of the Gods’. Besides, ritual possession affirms our communication and relationship with the Divine. And if there are more of us going through such joyous rite, I’m sure we’ll have less wars and conflicts around.
Here I do introduce a short ritual for those intending to seek inspiration and communication with the Gods.
The most important factor of all is the intent. If the intent is good, then be not afraid for no evil spirits may do harm towards you. I would also like to affirm that this is not a joke ritual, it’s a sacred rite to receive knowledge from the Gods as well as establishing a relationship with Them. Please note that the ritual is entirely improvised for those who intend to experience ritual possession.
Take your athame and circumambulate three times deosil while saying,
“The star is bright,
oh feeble ancient light,
shine on us tonight,
by the Shining one’s Might!”
You may then sit down or remain standing, asperge yourself with the consecrated water and then say,
“Great Mother, Great star of life,
Cosmic Might, ancient provider,
descend apace, unto me… I ask you…
perfect your love, perfect your trust,
your daughter call unto thee.
Descend into the body, blest holy
since the beginning of time!”
You may either dance a frenzy dance, calling the Great names of the Goddess or sit down and reflect. Soon, there may be a shift of consciousness. Let the Goddess take hold of you, surrender and She shall impart wisdom unto you.
It is not difficult to perform the rite. Often, I believe sincerity is the key component of an effective communication with the Gods. Another crucial factor is also the willingness to surrender oneself to the Gods.
It all boils down to the intent of the practitioner.
I sure hope to see that there will be positive results generated by the readers who read this article. Lastly, I would love to hear your stories about your journey to affirm your relationship with the Divine.
Blessed be.
Witch's Well 