Lunar Magic

[Rik Wallin]

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:31 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [1]

I am uploading the following so that information in it can have a
wider circulation than our own country. A number of different groups
in New Zealand have found these principles for Lunar Magic useful. I
speak as Senior Guardian of the Society of Guardians, a "college of
ceremonial magicians," which has the custodianship of the lore of
several Mysteries that had their origins in the medieval and
renaissance era of Europe.
We have no links with any of the Golden Dawn based orders, nor do we
claim to be Rosicrucians, although we do observe the same magical laws
as the renaissance group that went by that name.

THE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
First of six parts.

The Moon has always played a dominant role in both Electional
and Ritual Astrology. Most folk have some knowledge of the
monthly phases of the Moon, which they can observe waxing in
size and brightness as she moves from New Moon to First Quarter
to Full Moon and then waning in size and brightness as she moves
from Full Moon to the Third Quarter until she disappears
altogether a few days before the next New Moon.

Women and the Lunar Phases
There are similarities between the solitary vigil during the Dark of
the Moon of candidates for initiation and the primitive custom of
women withdrawing to a special place during menstruation, a time when
no man was permitted to approach them. It was during such periods of
isolation from the males of the tribe that they were taught and
initiated into the sacred women's mysteries by the wise old women of
the tribe.

It was only as patriarchal ideas began to prevail that the
period of menstruation was regarded as cursed and the menses
themselves as unclean. What had been holy became accursed in
Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other male-dominated religions.
In modern times, the resurgence of the magical and wiccan ways
is restoring dignity and holiness to the female mysteries.

There are two differing ideas on the relationship of the Dark of
the Moon to the menstrual cycle. One, which has been mentioned,
regards it as linked to the menstrual flow. The other regards it
as being linked to the most fertile part of the cycle, when the
conjunction of the male and female is most likely to lead to
conception. The Vigils of Selene, discussed later in this
chapter, appear to adopt the latter point of view.

Which of these two points you adopt will depend on your own
preference, or possibly on your own personal monthly cycle.

Men and the Lunar Rituals
Although the monthly cycle of the Phases of the Moon have a special
significance for women, there is no magical reason at all why men
should not link themselves closely to the Lunar Phases or participate
in Lunar rituals. In the Tree of Life, the Moon, like the Sun, is on
the Middle pillar and thus is balanced in polarity. Not only does the
Moon receive light, she also gives that Light out again.
===

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:32 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [2]

THE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
Second of six parts.

The Beginning of the Lunar Month.
In both modern times and ancient, the beginning of each Lunation or
Lunar Month has been called the New Moon. Nowadays, the term New Moon
applies to the moment when Sun and Moon are in conjunction. But, it is
a very modern custom to call the conjunction of Sun and Moon the "New
Moon." The time of the conjunction depends on astronomical
calculation, not on personal observation.

During the Sun-Moon conjunction each month, the Moon is not
visible. In ancient times, the term New Moon referred to the
first appearance of the Moon's fine crescent in the West after
sunset. This was usually two to three days after the Sun-Moon
conjunction. This first sighting was regarded as the beginning
of the month by the ancient Mages and, in many parts of the
world. Direct observation of the Fine Crescent is still how the
beginning of each lunar month is determined by the most orthodox
sections of the Jewish and Muslim religions.

The time when the Moon is not visible at all was called "the
Dark of the Moon." In popular folklore, the Dark of the Moon has
usually been regarded as unfortunate, but those who walk the Way
of the Moon know it is the most important phase of her monthly
journey. Those who belonged to the Mysteries of the Moon
regarded the Dark of the Moon as the culmination and climax of
the Lunar cycle. The Sun/Moon conjunction takes place during the
Dark of the Moon. When there is a Solar Eclipse, it takes place
at the time of the Sun/Moon conjunction.

The decision whether to regard the astronomical New Moon or the
Fine Crescent as the beginning of the month is one which must be
made by each individual practitioner of the craft. The easiest
way is to do as most folk do, look up the date of the New Moon,
i.e., the Sun/Moon conjunction, in a calendar or ephemeris and
treat that as the beginning of each lunation.

On the other hand, those who wish to tap into the magical power
of the Moon will do well to begin their Lunar Months at the
esoteric New Moon, on the day of the Fine Crescent, when she is
newly visible after her retirement during the Dark of the Moon.
There are two ways to decide on which evening to do the New Moon
Ritual and to begin your Lunar month.

1. The First Sighting of the New Moon
The first method is suitable only for those with great personal
dedication to the Goddess of the Moon. It presumes that you already
offer worship to the Goddess, looking up to her symbol in the heavens,
the Moon, every day. It involves making a vigil for an hour or two at
sunset on each evening during the Dark of the Moon. and finding the
time of the Fine Crescent of the New Moon by direct observation. The
Dark of the Moon usually lasts five nights. It is not always easy to
judge the time of the Fine Crescent correctly, for it depends largely
on your personal ability to observe it. In wintertime, it is very
likely that clouds will prevent you seeing the heavens at all. In many
cities, the level of pollution is now so high that you might not be
able to see the Fine Crescent of the New Moon until a night or so
later than it would be visible in places with purer air.

2. Consulting a Moon Calendar
The second method is simpler. Use it if there are likely to be poor
viewing conditions. Consult any calendar which shows the Phases of the
Moon. Take the time shown for the Synod (in this context, this is the
best term to use for the Sun/Moon conjunction) and add to it two and a
half days [=60 hours]. The next sunset and early evening after that
time can safely be used for your esoteric New Moon or Fine Crescent
rites, as it will be right nearly every month over many years.

For ritual purposes, it is usually convenient to regard the Dark
of the Moon as comprising five nights, i.e., beginning five
nights before the Fine Crescent . If you are going to observe
Dark of the Moon and Fine Crescent rites regularly, draw up a
calendar for yourself.

The Fine Crescent
For all practical purposes, the Fine Crescent of the New Moon can
always be assumed to occur shortly after sunset on the first evening
which begins not less than 60 hours after the Sun/Moon
conjunction. This is the beginning of the magical lunar month. It is a
good time for the beginning of new projects and enterprises.

The Rites of the Fine Crescent of the New Moon.
Lodges linked with the Mysteries of the Moon initiate neophytes into
their Outer Order on the night of the Fine Crescent. The candidates
will have spent the five nights of the Dark of the Moon in solitary
vigil, meditating and preparing themselves for initiation. Initiations
into the Inner Order are also held at the Fine Crescent. The days
after the Fine Crescent are excellent for healing rituals or spells.

Correspondences of the Fine Crescent.
The Fine Crescent, in the language of magic is SaHaR DaQ, and its
magic number is therefore, by gematria, 369. Its degree is 81,
referred to Yesodh, 9th Sefirah of the Tree of Life, which corresponds
to the Moon. The magic numbers of the Moon, independently of gematria
or of any one of the Lunar phases, are also 9, 81 and 369.

The Fine Crescent corresponds to the element of Air or Potential
Energy. It is referred to the letters 'Alef and Final Tsaddi of
the Hebrew alphabet and to Alpha and Tsampi of the Greek
Alphabet. Among the Tarocchi, the New Moon corresponds to the
Kings and Wands; to The Fool; and to The Naked Goddess, more
commonly known as The Stars, or Prudence. The Fine Crescent also
corresponds to Kether, whose energies are channelled by Neptune,
thus it is a time for seership and working with crystals.

The Fine Crescent is ruled by Rafa'El, the Mighty Archangel of
healing and initiation. Rafa'El is strongest when Moon or Sun
are in Aquarius, and is also strong when the Moon is in Gemini
or Libra. The authors are accustomed to use God-names of the
Qabalah. If you prefer other God-names , use the following
correspondences as a guide.

Rafa'El Air Light-bearing and initiator divinities
Mika'El Water Protecting and caring divinities
Gavri'El Fire Teaching and dynamic divinities
'Uri'El Earth Earth divinities
Yahu'El Spirit Above Supreme divinities
Sundalfon ['Adonai Heylel] Spirit Below Underworld divinities
Metatron ['El "Elyon] Spirit Centred The One Most High

Planting Herbs at the Fine Crescent
The time from the Synod to the First Quarter is a time of rapid
growth, when the sap rises powerfully. It is a good time to plant
herbs whose leaves and flowers you will wish to harvest, and those
which you are growing for seed to plant in future seasons. This is a
good time to apply fertiliser. This is not a good time to pick herbs
or harvest fruit or grains.
===

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:33 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [3]

THE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
Third of six parts.

The First Quarter or White Crescent
The First Quarter falls halfway through the waxing phase of the Moon
from New to Full. It is a period of expansion and growth, and thus a
good time to expand activities and to make any changes needed in your
group's structure. This phase , like the Dark of the Moon, is an
excellent time to conceive a child.

Rites of the First Quarter
Rituals of the First Quarter include all initiations into grades other
than the First of both Outer and Inner Orders. This is also a good
time to work rituals and spells of healing; or of building
self-confidence in times of trouble.

Correspondences of the First Quarter
The ancient name of the First Quarter is Sahar Lavan or the White
Crescent. Its magic number is 347, which is of the 23rd degree and
corresponds to the letter Nun, and Scorpio, a Water Sign. The First
Quarter corresponds to the element of Water, or fluid, changing
Form. It is anciently linked to the letters Meyim and Final Nun in the
Hebrew alphabet; and to Mu and Psi in the Greek alphabet. Among the
Tarocchi, it corresponds to the Queens and Cups; to Triumph XII, The
Hanging Man, also called the Heavenly Dancer; and to Triumph XIII, the
Triumph which has no name.

This is the lunar phase of the Mighty Archangel Mika'El, whose
magical work is to guard and preserve. Mika'El is strongest when
the Moon or Sun is in Scorpio; and is also strong when the Moon
is in Cancer and Pisces. The cosmic principle which is flowing
in this phase is Pluto, [regeneration and transformation]. There
is power for seership during this phase. The Greek letter Psi is
universally used as a symbol for all forms of psychic abilities.

Planting Herbs at the First Quarter
This phase continues to be a time of growth, when the sap is rising.
Anything you can do in the previous Crescent Phase you can do here. It
is an especially good time to plant herbs whose seeds or fruit you
will wish to harvest. Plant cereals and grains. This is a good phase
in which to apply fertiliser to plants already growing. The most
powerful days of this phase are those just before the Full Moon.
===

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:34 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [4]

[Rik Wallin]

THE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
Fourth of six parts.

The Full Moon or Throne
This is probably the most difficult of all the phases of the Moon to
handle. As is well known, the couple of days on either side of the
full Moon are very disturbing to many people of unbalanced or criminal
mind. The word 'lunatic' derived from Luna, the Latin word for Moon is
testimony to long human knowledge of the disturbing effect of the Full
Moon.

The reason for this is not hard to find. Firstly, at this time,
the solar and lunar forces are opposed to each other, pulling
each one of us in opposite directions. Secondly, the Full Moon
phase of the lunar cycle is referred to the Element of Fire.
There is an inherent contradiction between the fiery nature of
this phase and the watery nature of the Moon. The Tower struck
by Lightning is referred to the Full Moon, which is a good
symbol of the turbulent, stormy nature of this phase. Some
people love being on a Full Moon high !

The Rites of the Full Moon
The rites at the Full Moon are those dedicated to the Moon herself as
Diana, the Virgin Huntress. Although they can be very quiet in tone,
there is usually a most powerful influx of lunar energies at this
time. If these energies are contained and stored rather than being
released in ecstatic or orgiastic rites, the stored energy can be
released in its most effective and fully matured form at the Synod
rites, if the leaders of the lodge or coven know what they re doing.

The Goodwill organisation, which derives its methods from Alice
Bailey, a former Theosophist strongly influenced by Eastern
teachings, promotes group meditation on the day of the Full
Moon. Magically, this is good counsel. This is a day for quiet
rites and contemplation, a time to await the influx of power
from the Virgin Goddess of the Moon, Diana, rather than a time
for any kind of busy or active magical rites, even though the
nature of the phase tends to make us excited rather than calm.

The Meditation for World Peace movement, on the other hand,
holds its Ritual Meditations for World Peace at the astronomical
New Moon, when Sun and Moon energies are conjoined and work
together. There are good magical reasons for this practice too,
which are based on Western traditions.

The Full Moon phase is the monthly equivalent of the afternoon
Fire phase of the daily elemental cycle, when we often feel very
lively, but are better advised to take things quietly. It is a
good idea to wait for a couple of days after the Full Moon
before you undertake magical or any other activities of a
dynamic kind.

Correspondences of the Full Moon
The ancient magical name for the Full Moon is the Throne or Kise,
pronounced keessay. Its magical numbers are 81 and 9, which are the
numbers of the Moon. The Full Moon corresponds to the element of Fire
or Dynamic Force. It is referred to the letters Shin and Final Peh of
the Hebrew alphabet and to Tau and Omega in the Greek alphabet. Among
the Triumphs, it corresponds to Triumph XX, The Judgement and Triumph
XVI, The Lightning-struck Tower; among the Tarocchi, to Swords and
Knights. The cosmic principle most active at the Full Moon is Uranus,
which is the one of the most explosive and difficult to handle of all
the cosmic principles.

This lunar phase is ruled by the Mighty Archangel Gavri'El. The
magical work of this Mighty Being is to lead us to victory over the
forces of destruction. Although this Archangel is assertive, it is not
aggressive. The Mighty Archangel Gavri'El has had many equivalents on
earth, among them the doughty warrior-knight Lancelot, but Lancelot,
like Gavri'El, was also a Great Lover. Gavri'El is the leader of the
War-Lords, and also of the Dance- Weavers among the heavenly hosts and
is strongest during Aries and Leo.

There seems to be a contradiction between Gavriel's dynamic nature and
the recommendations to do quiet, meditative rites at the Full Moon.
You can balance these apparent opposites by considering the Zen
principle: "Doing by not doing"; and the 27th of the 31 Final
Statements on Magic: "The strong are strong; but the silent are
stronger."

After the Full Moon
Some of the power induced by your own or your group's meditative rites
at the Full Moon should be used for revision and reconstruction during
this phase. This is the Autumn of the lunar cycle. In the garden, it
is the time for raking and burning the rubbish. In this phase, it is
good to clear out your files and burn or get rid of all the rubbish
you have accumulated. If you feel that you should resign from a
magical group, or if you feel you should ask someone to withdraw from
your group, this is the most appropriate time to do it.

Gardening during the Full Moon phase
Once the Full Moon is past, the flux of energies begins to wane. This
is the phase during which to plant herbs whose roots you expect to
use. It is an especially good time for pruning and for any kind of
harvesting, especially herbs for healing potions. Sprouts for eating
should be planted now. Sprouts for seed should have been planted
during the Fine Crescent phase.
===

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:35 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [5]

HE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
Fifth of Six Parts

The Last Quarter or Departing Crescent
This is the middle of the Waning half of the lunation cycle phase,
when the Crescent of the Moon becomes smaller each day. The activities
appropriate to the Last Quarter are ones of consolidation and careful
use of those principles which you have tried and found true. This is
not a time for experimentation or innovation. Leave that for the First
Quarter.

The Third Quarter is the one most closely connected to the Past
while the First Quarter is most closely connected to the Future,
by both its emphasis on Initiation and on its potential for
seership. If you are reviewing past history, through such things
as Recovering Past-Life memories or by researching ancient
traditions, the Third Quarter of the cycle is the time to do it.

Correspondences of the Last Quarter
The magical name for the Last Quarter is Sahar Yereach [pronounced
ye-rey-ark], the Departing or Going Crescent. Its magical number is
483, which is of the 51st and 15th degrees, referred to Taurus, the
Fixed Earth Sign, in which the Moon is exalted. Just as one of the two
Hebrew names for the Moon, Levanah [the White One], formed part of the
name of the First Quarter, so the other Hebrew name for the Moon,
Yere'ach [= going], forms part of the name of the Last Quarter. The
Departing Crescent corresponds to the element of Earth. In the Hebrew
alphabet, it is referred to the letters Tav and Final Meyim and to
Upsilon and Chi in Greek.

The Departing Crescent corresponds to Triumph XXI, The World and
Triumph XII, The Hanging Man or The Miner, among the Triumphs;
and to the Coins and Maids or Knaves among the Tarocchi. The
cosmic principle most active during this phase is symbolised by
the planet Saturn, which is conservative and cautious in nature.
This lunar phase ruled by the Mighty Archangel 'Uri'El
[pronounced oo-ri-el]. As the Crescent wanes and becomes more
and more like a sickle or scythe in appearance, the power of
'Uri'El increases. The particular work of the Archangel 'Uri'El
is the reaping of the harvest and the ploughing of the earth.
This is the phase in which to reap the benefits of the magical
work you have done through the earlier phases.

Gardening during the Last Quarter
The lunar energies are waning rapidly during this phase. This is the
phase during which to harvest crops or herbs which you expect to store
for some time. It is an especially good time for pruning, weeding or
for spreading manure and turning the earth.
===

Newsgroups: alt.magick
From: [e-mail] (Michael Freedman)
Date: 14 Dec 94 21:46:36 GMT
Subject: Lunar Magic [6]

THE LUNAR PHASES IN MAGICAL WORK

[Chapter 10 of The Tides of Time, Michael Freedman, New Zion
Inc., Box 56065, Auckland 1003, New Zealand. This chapter is
based on the teachings of Diana White, High Priestess of the
Ancient Lunar Mysteries. Its links are Magian and Qabalistic.
[C] Michael Freedman, 1994.
Sixth of Six Parts

THE VIGILS OF SELENE
The Rites held during the Dark of the Moon

First Vigil of the Departed Selene
This is held on the first evening when you can no longer see the thin
crescent of the Old Moon in the evening just before sunset. Each
evening at sunset, the initiates of the Order or Coven should meet at
whatever place you have chosen from which to watch for the return of
the Goddess who seems to die each month, but returns to life anew.

Candidates for initiation should not attend any of the rites
before the Fourth Vigil. The following is extracted from the
Lament for Selene, and should be chanted at the First and Second
Vigils.

We fear for you, Selene,
That you have left us for ever.
Once, from your immortal head,
A brightness descended from the Heavens,
And encircled the Earth.
From this brightness came great beauty,
And the air that was dark before
Glowed with your golden crown.

Now is all around us dark,
And your golden crown is gone.
We fear for you, Selene,
That you have left us for ever.

Second Vigil of the Departed Selene
The Second Vigil, like the
First, is a rite of sorrow and mourning, for the worshippers of
the Goddess fear that She has been taken by the Dragon of Death
and chant their Lament, again and again.

Third Vigil of the Departed Selene
The Third Vigil of Selene is
held on the night closest to the actual time of the Synod of the
Moon with the Sun. Astronomically, this is the day on which the
Moon and Sun are conjoined. Sun/Moon conjunctions are visible
only when there is a solar eclipse, which can be seen from the
place where you are.

The Lament for Selene is chanted at the beginning of the Third
Vigil, but it is interrupted by the High Priestess of the Moon,
who reveals that the Goddess is not dead, after all. She has
only withdrawn into a private place to be with her lover, Helios
the Sun

The Synod is celebrated by the union of the Priest and Priestess
in private, while the other initiates engage in a wedding feast,
dancing and rejoicing at the good news of the Union of Selene
and Helios.

Here is a portion of the one of the chants of the Divine Lover,
Selene, which are chanted at the Third and later Vigils of the
Dark of the Moon, as part of the rites known as Waiting for the
Return of Selene.

Swift-moving, gold-crowned, beautiful,
Selene is She whom we sing.
The wild geese winging,
Bring garments that gleam in the shadows;
And rings that coil round her fingers.

In her pierced ear-lobes,
They place flowers of silver
And pearls that shine in the night.
When they have dressed her divinely,
They lead her before the immortal,
Helios, bright-shining Helios.

He greets her as soon as he sees her.
He holds out his hands
And yearns for her;
Draws her toward him,
Till she covers his brilliance
And, Dark Light covering Light,
Selene joins Helios.

Those who use the traditional Triumphs of the Tarocchi will have
seen that Triumph XVIII, The Moon, actually depicts an Eclipse
of the Sun by the Moon, when she is at her most powerful and
most potent, as she covers the light of the Sun.

The Fourth and Fifth Vigils
These two Vigils are known as Watching for the Return of Selene. The
Rites of the Fourth Vigil continue the rejoicing, with pleas for her
swift return. The Fifth Vigil is an evening on which it is possible
that you might see the Fine Crescent of the New Moon, just after the
setting of the Sun. It is also the first of the Vigils which
candidates for initiation into lunar lodge are permitted to attend.

If due to poor weather conditions, you have not seen the Fine
Crescent of the New Moon by the fifth evening, you should still
go ahead with the Rites of the New Moon on that evening,
including any initiations you might have planned.

The Rites of the Dark of the Moon
The magical significance of the two or three days before and after the
Sun/Moon conjunction, called the Dark of the Moon, have already been
described, when discussing the Vigils of Selene. This is the most
sacred part of the lunation cycle, dedicated to the Goddess as the
lover of the God, Selene the Moon and Helios the Sun. It is from their
magical union that all the creativity and energy of the lunation cycle
proceeds. In ancient times, there was a deep, magical significance
that Artemis [ whose Roman name was Diana] was the goddess of the
Moon, and Apollo, the God of the Son, were twin sister and
brother. They were the children of Leto by Zeus. Leto was the daughter
of Phoebe by the Titan Coeus. Phoebe was the daughter of Ouranos and
Gaia.

Your most sacred Lunar rites should take place during this
period. This is the time when you not only prepare your
candidates for initiation, through Vigils and Rites of Watching
for the Goddess, but it is also the period when the most
experienced initiates of a Lunar Lodge perform the rituals of
their highest grades.

Correspondences of the Dark of the Moon
Both the magical names of this phase translate as "The Darkness":
Ha-Chashak [Ha-Hashak], which is of the 45th and 9th degrees; and
Ha-'Aphelah [ha-afeylah], of the 13th and 4th degrees.

The 9th degree corresponds to the sefirah Yesodh, referred to
the Moon; while the 13th degree corresponds to the letter
Daleth, and also to the Moon.

The Dark of the Moon is referred to the Element of Spirit or the
Quintessence. It corresponds to Final Kaf of the Hebrew alphabet
and to Phi in the Greek alphabet. Phi is the symbol of the
Divine or Golden Proportion in Sacred Geometry.

The Triumph referred to Spirit and to the Dark of the Moon is
known as the Primum Mobile or Prime Mover. It is depicted among
the 16th century Tarocchi of Mantegna. Among the traditional
Tarocchi, the Dark of the Moon is referred to the Aces.

The Dark of the Moon ideally lasts for five nights. On the first
two nights, the Archangel Sundalfon reigns. Sundalfon has
mysterious links with the darker side of the Archangel 'Uri'El,
and is powerful during Virgo and Pisces and Scorpio.

On the third night, which is the eve of the Sun/Moon
conjunction, Sundalfon is joined by the Mighty Archangel
Metatron. Metatron has links with the brighter side of the
Archangel Rafa'El, and is also powerful during Gemini and
Sagittarius. The union of Metatron-Sundalfon is the Mysterium
Coniunctis which lies at the heart of all magical workings. It
is symbolised by the conjunction of Selene and Helios in the
Darkness; and the coming together of Priestess and Priest in a
private place. The integrated Being, known in the Inner
Mysteries as Metatron-Sundalfon, is powerful during the season
of Libra. Its magic number is 600, which is the value of Final
Meyim, corresponding to the element of Earth. The Triumph here
is The Hanging Man, who dances in the heavens and also mines
deep beneath the earth for treasure.

The Mysterium Coniunctis is the Union of Spirit and Earth, who
are, among the gods, Ouranus and Gaia, the Heavens and the
Earth. As it is written: In the beginning, the Gods made the
Heavens and the Earth."

At all Lunar Rites
It is appropriate to use Juniper or Jasmine as the incense or perfume
at all Lunar rites. At the New Moon, Frankincense may be included for
Helios, or Red Sandalwood for Love. Implements used at all Moon rites
should be of silver or glass or of some white metal. If you are using
wooden implements, they should be White, with appropriate symbols and
sigils painted in silver or blue. Lunar jewels, are, of course, the
Moonstone and the Pearl. You can also take note of which Sign of the
Zodiac the Moon is during any of your lunar rites and refer to its
planetary ruler symbolically.

Because the Moon rules Cancer, which is a Water sign, any
correspondences of Cancer or Water are appropriately used in Moon
rites. You might wish to bring in other elemental symbols according to
which phase the Moon is in, as follows: Fine Crescent, Air of Water;
First Quarter, Water of Water; Full Moon, Fire of Water; Last Quarter,
Earth of Water; Dark of the Moon, Spirit of Water.

Throughout the whole lunation cycle, we serve the White Goddess,
whose name is Selene at the Dark of the Moon and Diana at the
Brightness of the Moon. These are the Lesser Mysteries of the
Moon.

No objections: Prior of the Guardians.
Let it go forth: Senior Guardian.