In this a poem defining the drawing down of the moon is written and this has been used as the basis for the drawing down of the moon by various Wiccan groups. The drawing down of the moon derives from the Vangelo. In classical times, the Greek astronomer Aglaonice of Thessaly and ancient Thessalian witches were believed to control the moon, according to the tract: 'If I command the moon, it will come down and if I wish to withhold the day, night will linger over my head and again, if I wish to embark on the sea, I need no ship, and if I wish to fly through the air, I am free from my weight.' I have learned the incantations wherewith Thessalian witches pull down the bright moon, I know the meaning of the wise Egyptians’ runes, the art whereby the Chaldeans impose their will upon the subject gods, the various saps that flow within trees and the power of deadly herbs all those that grow on Caucasus rich in poisonous plants, or, to man’s bane, clothe the crags of Scythia herbs such as cruel Medea gathered and curious Circe. Megaera, one of the Erinyes, in the guise of an old man, speaks to Rufinus:ĭespise not an old man’s feeble limbs: I have the gift of magic and the fire of prophecy is within me. It could also come from line 145 of Claudian’s First Book Against Rufinus. The name most likely comes from a depiction of two women and the moon on an ancient Greek vase, believed to date from the second century BCE.

During her trance, the Goddess is supposed to speak through the High Priestess. The High Priestess may be aided by the High Priest, who invokes the spirit of the Goddess. During the ritual, a coven's High Priestess enters a trance and requests that the Goddess or Triple Goddess, symbolized by the Moon, enter her body and speak through her. Drawing down the Moon (also known as drawing down the Goddess) is a central ritual in many contemporary Wiccan traditions.

Drawing down the moon by margot adler