what is "drawing down the moon?"

[Sequoia]

I realize I'm a mod, but. . . I'm still new too! ^_^;;


I have a question for anyone who may know: I have heard of "drawing down the moon," but what does it mean? What's it's relevance? is it a ritual or a song or an idea?

Thanks! ^_^

[slvr_phoenix]

My understanding is that it is just a general term for the various rituals/meditations/practices performed by many people to draw into themselves the energy of the moon, which many (but not all) view as a form of the Goddess. For some it's healing. For others it's empowering. For other's it's cleansing. **shrug** To each their own. There's so much variation involved with it though that it's really no one thing.

[Mairwen]

There's a DDtM thread that I started in the Magic forum somewhere ...

[Myst]

See the "Test Yourself" thread that was just started, that was also discussed there.

[Emy]

Drawing down the moon is a ritual in which the High Priestess "becomes" the goddess, you can read a bit more about it here:
http://www.spiritonline.com/files/messages/9/107.html?964902407
It describes how the ritual is done... unfortunatly not much more...

Blessings

[Sequoia]

OOOOOOOOH ok!! I got it now ^_^ thankies

wow, that sounds amazing.

[Lilu]

The thread Mari mentioned can be found here:

http://216.74.100.35/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6143

there's quite a bit of information and opinions on ddtm there.

and this is the 101 thread that willow mentioned:

http://216.74.100.35/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7609&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

BB
Lilu

[Swanspirit]

Feel free to PM me on this..........or Paltalk would be even better there is so much more to this than can be told in print.......
Love and HUGS
Swannie

[Sequoia]

hehe as soon as I get home, I'll try to log onto paltalk. I'm at school right now. . . man I hate these computers LOL

^_^

[Swanspirit]

but the main thing is that this experience is just that.... experience.... and one time may differ from another and different people may experience it differently.. Some people enjoy it... some people turn their noses up at it ......:rolleyes: but ultimately ...... it is your path ... and you are free to explore to your hearts content.....
You know it is comparable to swimming.. we may all have a "common experience" but the tides and currents and waters and cycles may differ from moment to moment....." Nothing remains constant " LOL awareness ebbs and flows...... so I stay away from judgement calls and keep to the enjoyment and ecstatic communion .....and try not to discourage anyone from seeking their bliss.
HUGS
Swannie

[Amethyst_rose]

If your into books and reading like I am you might find a book by Margot Adler interesting, its actually called "Drawing Down the Moon." I think it is a great starter book (even though it is a long book). It describes lots of different pagan paths, the history of them and where they are today. It doesn't just talk about Wicca, although that is a large part of it, but also Druids and Shamens etc. Its something you might look into.

[Jewlz]

I think one of Starhawlk's books it has a big thing on it at the start where she takes you through the ritual. I think its "to ride a silver broomstick" it sounds awesome! Hope this helps you on your knowledge guest! Jewlz

[Swanspirit]

let me repost this...... One of the purposes ........

of "Drawing Down the Moon" is to put the Priestess in a conscious
trance . What the books dont tell you is what you learn from
experience......
that the trance can be used to learn the will of the Goddess thru the
Priestess, that the Goddess thru the Priestess might have words of
wisdom to impart,that a path can be revealed to an end......that
questions can be put to the Priestess at this time..... this is not done
for play, and is not to be taken lightly, is also why the priestess should
be experienced; because the results will be insufficient to the
purpose.
Love and light
Swannie

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Jewlz
I think one of Starhawlk's books it has a big thing on it at the start where she takes you through the ritual. I think its "to ride a silver broomstick" it sounds awesome! Hope this helps you on your knowledge guest! Jewlz

Uh, sweetie. Starhawk didn't write "To Ride" .... I think you got your authors confused there.

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Swanspirit
is also why the priestess should be experienced; because the results will be insufficient to the purpose. Swannie

According to what Path or Tradition? I only ask because in our Tradition, while we don't DDtM, we have a process which is somewhat (kinda) similar, which can be done by any Initiated female. When the Goddess speaks, she takes many forms, and it is wise to listen.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Mairwen


According to what Path or Tradition? I only ask because in our Tradition, while we don't DDtM, we have a process which is somewhat (kinda) similar, which can be done by any Initiated female. When the Goddess speaks, she takes many forms, and it is wise to listen.

Also, it's not unheard of for solitaries to DDtM. Then again, I guess it's true that all Pagan women are Priestesses of the Goddess even if they have no coven to guide :)

[Mairwen]

*WHOOO HOOO!*

[Swanspirit]

So I cannot speak to any tradition...... but only offer my own individual experience........ which I am not going to disparage because I have been a pagan for a long time.......
and the goddess has spoken thru me and I hold reverence for that.........and for the individual experience of which mine is one......
and really all I am trying to communicate is that when you "draw down the moon" it helps to have some prior experience doing other things because then you can obtain the fullest appreciation and PAY ATTENTION to what is being communicated.......because from experience I learned it is WISE TO LISTEN indeed LOL
uhhh do I HAVE to go into detail about that ??? LOL
If someone is there and can help or even write down what is said ....... can be very helpful .. Although I am solitary I do circle with others from time to time ......and I dont even always remember everything ........if it is me being spoken thru......
Someone once put me there simply by brushing my hair ... and didnt know to even ask questions......I remembered some of what came through....but a lot was lost .....
Love and light
Swannie

[Mairwen]

Yeah, that's what I was always told ~ if you're doing it "right", you won't remember what happens. Though, with time, practice and effort, you can learn to remember ~ and will remember bits and pieces.

[Swanspirit]

Dont I know you from Sisters Of Avalon of the Heart??
speaking of remembering???
Love and light
Swannie

[Mairwen]

Um ... Probably. I've known the lady who started it for years. :D

[Swanspirit]

Were you there at the Old SisterHood Of Avalon board when they shut it down and we hived to form Sisters Of Avalon of the Heart????? do you remember me?? from then??? I helped a bit but she did most of the work...... and really kept it going.........
uhoh OT........ ummm and when we sometimes mentioned drawing down down the moon back then LOL
Love and light
Swannie

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Swanspirit
Were you there at the Old SisterHood Of Avalon board when they shut it down and we hived to form Sisters Of Avalon of the Heart?????

Nope ... I missed that one somehow ... I can't remember where or how Emer and I re-connected. But we'd met online somewhere and she invited me to the new board. I'm in and out. And we're way OT, aren't we? LOL! :D

[Swanspirit]

the OT POLICE should be here any SECOND ................. Runs and hides like a bunny.......
hehehe
Love and light
Swannie

[Sequoia]

hehe you asked, you begged, you posted OT. . . . ^^; let's get back to drawing down the moon? but your topic would probably be good to start another thread on! ^_^