Drawing Down the Moon is a respected ritual in many goddess-centered spiritual paths, especially in modern witchcraft. The main goal is to welcome lunar energy and divine wisdom, which can support spiritual growth, healing, and insight. This ritual may be used for specific intentions—such as seeking guidance, healing, or inspiration—or simply to strengthen spiritual awareness and one’s connection to lunar mysteries. It is open to all practitioners, regardless of gender, and can be adapted for both solitary and group settings.
Understanding the ritual’s background can be helpful. The Moon is often linked to archetypes and deities. In Wicca, the full moon is commonly associated with the goddess Diana, the Roman deity of the Moon, hunting, and fertility. Diana, and her Greek counterpart Artemis, are seen as the maiden aspect of the Moon, but over time, they have come to represent the full lunar cycle. The Triple Lunar Goddess—central in many neopagan traditions—may be represented as Diana or Artemis (the Maiden), Selene (the Mother), and Hecate (the Crone), each reflecting a phase of the Moon and a stage of feminine wisdom. Some traditions may also invoke Isis, the Egyptian goddess who embodies both lunar and solar qualities.
Preparation is important for this ritual. If you wish to work with a specific goddess, it can be helpful to spend a few days before the ritual learning about her symbols, stories, and qualities. This might include meditating on her imagery, reading her myths, or keeping a statue or image of her nearby, especially before sleep. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on the Moon’s light itself as your source of inspiration and power.
The ritual can be performed alone or with others. In group settings, the High Priestess often channels the Moon’s energy for the group, but everyone is encouraged to connect with the lunar power in their own way. The following steps outline a version of the ritual that can be adapted for solitary or group practice. If the Moon is not visible, mirrors and candles can be used to represent its power.
Step 1: Setting the Sacred Space. Begin by marking out your ritual circle. Place silver candles around the area to symbolize the Moon’s light. In the center, set a mirror flat on a table or altar so it can reflect the Moon. If the Moon is not visible, arrange extra silver or white candles to create a luminous effect in the mirror. Adjust the candles as needed to achieve the desired reflection.
Step 2: Arranging Participants. In a group, each person stands in front of their own candle, keeping a safe distance from the flame. This forms a unified circle of light and helps focus the ritual’s energy.
Step 3: Lighting the Circle. Light the central candle first. Then, use a taper lit from the central candle to light the northernmost candle, saying: “Thus do we light the circle of the Moon.” In a group, the taper can be passed to each person, who lights their candle and repeats the phrase. Continue until all candles are lit.
Step 4: Invocation. Focus on the mirror and the light of the Moon or the candles reflected in it. Recite the following, aloud or silently: “Goddess of the Moon, [name one or more], Silver Mother, come to full increase, enter now those who seek your inspiration and healing light.” You may name specific lunar goddesses, such as Diana, Selene, Hecate, or Isis, according to your preference or tradition.
Step 5: Chanting and Movement. Begin chanting: “Come down, O Mother, fill the sky with thy orb, come now, come, come within.” Let the chant develop naturally. It may become a song or a slow, rhythmic circle dance around the mirror, with participants whispering the words. The chant is meant to raise energy and focus intention, drawing the lunar presence into the circle.
Step 6: Visualization. Visualize moonlight—real or imagined—filling the mirror and expanding outward to form a sphere of light that surrounds the circle. See this sphere extending above and beyond the candles, enveloping you or the group in the Moon’s protective and empowering energy.
Step 7: Building Power and Silence. As the energy builds, continue to circle and chant: “Within the Moon, within the power, within the Moon, now at this hour, we are the Moon.” When the energy feels strongest, let the chant fade into silence. Remain still and open to any insights or feelings that arise. In a group, participants may share words of wisdom or inspiration received from the lunar light.
Step 8: Closing the Ritual. After sharing, sit quietly in the Moon’s or the central candle’s light, allowing the energy to settle. To close the circle, extinguish the candles in reverse order—counterclockwise from the last candle lit. At each candle, say: “May the light remain within as the circle is uncast without.” Leave the central candle burning a little longer.
Step 9: Releasing Intentions. Write wishes or intentions on dark paper with a silver pen. Burn these in the central candle’s flame, symbolically sending them to the Moon for blessing and manifestation.
Step 10: Celebratory Conclusion. Light a small silver candle on a cake. In a group, wish everyone a happy Moonday. This tradition recalls the ancient practice of lighting birthday candles on moon-shaped cakes during the festival of Artemis. As the candles are blown out, wishes are sent to the goddess, with the hope they will be fulfilled.
By following these steps with care and respect, it is possible to experience the transformative power of Drawing Down the Moon, and to deepen your connection to lunar energies and the divine feminine in all her forms.
