4/27/2007 - Invoking the Goddess

Here is an old ritual which comes from my current fascination, Stregheria (Italian Witchcraft)

Invocation of the Goddess

Place a bowl, (traditionally a shell was used, about the size of a common bowl, that could be used to carry water) upon a stone alter, or a fallen tree. Pour seawater into the bowl and place a small white shell in the center of the bowl. In this manner the worhip of the Moon could be carried out, even when the Moon was not visable in the night sky, (or indoors if nescessary)

The shell (bowl) symboolized the womb of the Great Goddess, and the shell within symbolied the "Child of Promise." The Child was the promise of prophecy, and the mediator betwen humans and the gods. With the shell in place you can be assured of the divinatory powers of the Moon bowl.  A series of small white shells should also be placed around the bowl, forming a cresent shape just below the bowl. As the shells are placed left to right the name of the Goddess being invoked is changed. At the conclusion of the rite, the shells should be removed from right to left.