Drawing down the moon is a very serious yet rewarding experience of having the Goddess descend unto you, and what better Goddess than Hecate the Maiden; Mother, Crone, the three and the one. However, most only see her as the darker aspect of the moon and only turning to her then, never realizing that they are only using one third of the true powers that this goddess possesses.
Most never call upon her in her full moon aspect nor her maiden aspect, only seeing her as the old Crone, the hag. Yet, She is known as "the most beautiful one." Drawing down the moon is a beautiful and very moving experience in which the Goddess descends into you, only you and Her. It is a feminine transaction between one female -you - to another -the Goddess-. The interaction between the Goddess and her consort, Earth and Sun, are through the Sabbats and not the Moon.
Each woman has the right to have the goddess descend down upon her whether she is in a Wiccan coven, Dianic coven or any other coven where there is a leader. An elevated Third Degree in the Wiccan tradition is called a High Priestess. The HPS may speak the words and do the invoking but each woman should have that right to have the Goddess descend into her and to feel Her presence and become Her at each ritual, if we so desire. After all, we all have the Goddess in us and each of us are a facet of Her personality, whether we are Isis, Astarte, Demeter, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna, Bride, Artemis, etc., maiden, mother, or crone - for that is what each one of us are.
Unfortunately, in the Wiccan tradition, they feel that it is the sole right of the High Priestess to become the Goddess. In drawing down the moon, after everyone else has been invited to attend the circle such as watchtowers and whatnot, you should proceed to do the invocation, facing the direction of the full moon. You do not have to be outside to do this nor does it have to be a clear night for you to see the moon in order to draw it down. Remember, the Moon is there whether we see it or not, just as the goddess is with us whether we see Her or not. What's important is to notice how the sky is lit up by the moon light and how you can walk around at night and see your shadow, yet there are no man made lights around. Notice how She shines brightly on you, this will help you visualize, once you start the ritual.
As I have stated throughout this website, visualization is one of the most important things for any kind of magick to work, and that includes drawing down the moon. I highly recommend you learn this important tool before starting the ritual. You also need to be sincere with the words you speak. Say the following with emotion and meaning and when She has descended upon you, speak Her wise, passionate and convictive words, for you are the goddess:
" I call upon she who unveils all mysteries! Oh mother of all creation, goddess Hecate, the Three and the One. Goddess of fertility and fullness. Oh wise one, filled with Luna's secrets whose torches of the moon light the darkened sky. Full-orbed Hecate, mistress of enchantments, Queen of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld, Protectress of all witches, come now into me your Priestess, fill me with your presence oh gracious queen of all witches, as I attend this rite "
Now stand with opened arms and imagine that you are outside in a open field as the night sky is illuminated with Her presence. It's so bright out that you see your shadow. As you stand there, hear the creatures of the night. smell the night air. Stand facing the moon with arms stretched and your head towards it, as you see this haze starting to swirl down from the full moon like a misty fog.
Slowly this fog descends from the moon and it stands at the top of your head. Feel this light slowly start descending into you slowly and steady. The top of your head starts to feel a radiance and then that feeling moves down to your throat as it finds its way all around your body. Feel this warm and tingly feeling. When it finally reaches your feet and you feel Her presence within you of love, compassion and wisdom, then you speak as She, for you and Her are one and the same. The charge follows below:
" I am Goddess of three moons. I am the mistress of night, the richness of the Earth. I am the moon and the seas, all that was, is and ever shall be. No mortal has ever seen what lays under my veil for I am indeed mistress of mysteries and the keeper of the keys. I am the queen of all living things, for I am goddess of Nature. I smile and the radiance of the moon shines.
Gather in secret if you must, but tarry not too long behind closed doors, for it is in the richness of the Earth and the boundlessness of the sky that my true temple is to be found; and the moon, and sun and stars will keep your secrets. I am all these and more. Hear my words my children, and worship and be glad. Look for me within these things, but above all, within your own soul, for it is there where I am found. I have been with you in the beginning and I shall be with you in the end. I am the womb of all new beginnings, whether unimagined or unknown. "
Remember, grounding will help dissipate that charged feeling of the ritual, so that by the time you close your circle, you'll be able to return to your natural state and will be able to go to sleep.