Have as little light for this ritual as possible. The darkness prevails. A nice decorative touch indoors is to place glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.
Take a ritual bath in restful, contemplative herbs, then don a black robe upon which silver stars are painted. Take out your moon candle and mirror, a dark cloth, and one candle to represent the Divine.
Cover the altar with the black cloth, then sprinkle its surface with glitter. When touched by candlelight, the effect is of stars. Have the moon candle lit when you come into the sacred space.
Some people may wish to invoke the Quarters counterclockwise for decrease and banishing, depending on the focus of your personal ritual.
EAST
Quiet Winds, hushed and calm, be alert, but gentle in this eastern quarter of creature and the magic circle, protecting it from all dangers.
SOUTH
Muted Embers, warm and welcoming, be alert, but faint in this southern quarter of creation and the magic circle, protecting it from all dangers.
WEST
Soft rains, fertile and filling, be alert, but faint in this western quarter of creation and the magic circle, protecting it from all dangers.
NORTH
Rich Earth, cool and nurturing, be alert, but silent in this northern quarter of creation and the magic circle, protecting it from all dangers.
CENTER
Living Spirit, guiding and empowering, be alert, and bind the energy of creation in this magic circle, protecting it from all dangers.
From the burning moon candle, light the candle that you�ve chosen to represent the Divines presence here.
Sit where you are, or lie down. Consider the sounds of silence; the still small lights that flicker in the darkness. In the darkness of your own spirit, light always resides, just like the stars in the sky without the moon. Explore this inner dimension, and find those sparks. There are many.
Each light within your spirits sky represents a positive attribute that you�ve developed until it shines without fear through the darkness. Name them as they appear, quietly, one by one. Reclaim all attributes as your night lights-guidelines with which to traverse any darkness you come upon.
Make notes of the experience in your journal.
Stand in front of the altar, taking the dark cloth in hand, saying:
�She shines no more in the sky. The Lady rests, but in my heart, and mind, and soul, the light remains.� Cover the moon mirror. �This circle is the world between worlds, where all things are possible-Luna is missing. She hides. The Moon has been swallowed into the womb of space.�
Blow out the moon candle.
Raise your athame, wand or hand toward the sky, saying:
Dark Moon hail!
Crone Moon hail!
In this moment of darkness and quiet
Let me discover clarity, truth,
And the light of my own spirit.
If you happen to be a gardener, this is an excellent time to till and weed, as well as planting any below-ground vegetables such as radishes, potatoes, or carrots.
Anyone who follows the Egyptian god Horus would do well to honor him in some manner in the sacred space. According to legend, the dark moon and the full moon are this god�s eyes.
Finally, this is an excellent night to pursue visionary dreams. Drink a tea of rose and jasmine during your ritual, and pour the rest out to the dark moon, asking for its guidance while you sleep. After the ritual go right to bed, keeping your journal handy.
Dismissal of this rutal begins in the north, the region of darkness.
NORTH
Guardians of the North, I thank you for the gentle soils in which my spirit grows. Go from this place in peace.
WEST
Guardians of the West, I thank you for the soothing waters that enrich my soul. Go from this place in peace.
SOUTH
Guardians of the South, I thank you for the warm fires that always burn within me. Go from this place in peace.
EAST
Guardians of the East, I think you for the soft breezes of magic that motivate me. Go from this place in peace.
CENTER
Great Spirit, I thank you for the sparks of light and truth that you placed within, granting guidance even in the darkness. Go from this place in peace.
Try any dark-colored foods such as rye or pumpernickle bread, chocolate cake, potatoes with the skin on, and the like.
