In this beautiful and powerful rite, the practitioner invokes the Goddess directly into herself (or himself, as the case may be). In some variations, a High Priestess (HPs) may go into a trancelike state and speak the words of the Goddess, or it may be a formal monologue calling upon the Goddess in her many forms. Regardless of how you practice it, Drawing Down the Moon is best performed on the night of the full moon, or on one of the nights immediately before. While it’s more suitable to be performed outside, if the weather is inclement or your neighbors are easily startled, you can hold the ritual indoors.

1.  Stand at your altar with your arms crossed over your chest, and feet together. Face towards the full moon. Say:

     “Goddess of the Moon, You have been known by many names in
    many lands in many times. You are universal and constant. In the dark    
    of night, You shine down upon us and bathe us in Your light and love. I
    ask You, O Divine One, to honor me by joining with me, and allowing
    me to feel Your presence within my heart.”

2.  Move your feet apart to about shoulder width, and raise your arms up and out to welcome the Goddess into you. The next part is one that you can memorize and learn, or you can speak spontaneously from the heart. You will begin to feel a surge of energy, a palpable tingle – don’t worry, that’s the Goddess making Herself known to you. Feel free to change these words as you like. You are speaking for Her, in Her voice, so let Her say what She wishes. Say:

     “I am the Mother of all life, the One who watches over all. I am the
     wind in the sky, the spark in the fire, the seedling in the earth, the
     water in the river."

3.  Continue:

     "I am the vessel from which All Things spring forth.

     Honor Me from within your heart! Remember that acts of love and
     pleasure are My rituals, and that there is beauty in all things.

     Honor Me on this night of the full moon! I have been with you since the
     moment you were created, and shall remain with you always.

     Let there be beauty and strength, wisdom and honor, humility and
     courage within you. If you need Me, call upon Me and I shall come to
     you, for I am everywhere, always.

     Honor Me as you seek knowledge! I am the Maiden, the Mother and the
     Crone, and I live within you."

4.  Feel the power of the Goddess within you. When you are ready, conclude with:

     "I look down upon the sands of the desert, I crash the tides upon the
     shore, I shine on the mighty trees of the forests, and watch with joy as
     Life continues every cycle.

     Be true to Me, honoring that which I have created, and I shall be true
     to you in return.

     With harm to none, so it shall be.”

5.  Take a few moments to stand and bask in Her glow, and to meditate upon that which you have just experienced. Once the energy surge has subsided, lower your arms, and proceed with your ceremony as you normally would at the conclusion of a ritual.

Tips:

1.  Drawing Down the Moon is an altered state of consciousness, a ritual possession by the Divine. It is not uncommon to feel the energy of the Goddess for quite some time following Drawing Down the Moon, so don’t be alarmed if you feel a heightened sense of clarity over the next few days. You may also feel extremely emotional -- it's not uncommon to cry or laugh spontaneously during this rite.

2.  The above ritual is one that I created myself, but for more variations on Drawing Down the Moon, there are excellent versions in Wicca For One by Raymond Buckland (pp. 87 – 89 and The Grimoire of Lady Sheba (pp. 167- 168).