(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Dark Moon Justice [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-08-15 The sight of the full moon sailing across the night sky is one that has long inspired. It has given rise to tales of werewolves and witches, mystery and magic. Animals and ocean tides respond to the force of the full moons pull and illumination. It's radiant presence hovering in the darkness every month was thought to be responsible for human madness and medical conditions. And the silver sliver of the crescent moon has long been a spiritual symbol, widely used in Islamic culture. It adorns the brow of the ancient the Roman Goddess Luna, Diana, horned queen of the stars. In her Greek counterpart Artemis, the huntress, we see her bow reflected in it's curve; poised to launch an arrow at its target. But what of the dark moon, whatever shall we say of this shadowy veil? This starry night when eternity weaves its web of constellations, and leaves for us, sparkles of dew come daybreak? Tomorrow, the moon will be in what phase we now call the new moon, although the new moon has traditionally been recognized as that first appearance of the waxing crescent and the absence of the moon in the night sky called the dark moon. At any rate, the dark moon is upon us and its a good time to take a look at what associations this phase of the moon has inspired. For those who move in some occult circles its a time for rest and rejuvenation. A time for the healing inside the safety of the cave or womb. For others its a time for working wrathful magic and firing off those hexes at those who've done you wrong. Got a poppet or doll-like representation of your foe? Now is the time to wrap that cord around its hands and legs and toss it in the freezer. Put ‘em on ice. Gossipy co-worker? Grab that form he signed in triplicate, tear off that signature, stuff it in the doll and stitch that little mouth shut. Dig a hole and bury it for good measure at midnight, down at the crossroads if you've got one handy nearby. Yes, it's that kind of night. There is one particular Goddess that is often recognized at the dark moon. The ancient Greeks knew her as the Titan Hekate, though her origins stretch back in time and reach beyond the borders of Greece further East. Her temple remains can be found in Lagina, Turkey today. She is considered a liminal goddess, one who works in the space between. Her form is often depicted in a triplicity, a maiden facing three directions, the crossroads where a choice must now be made in order to progress. Her name means "worker from afar" and has come to be realized as the idea of space itself, her presence woven through all things. The ancients left food offerings at the crossroads for her at the end of every month, the dark moon, leaving her a meal and walking away without looking back. Her epiphany is the howl of her barking black hounds that declare her arrival and presence. The cord of binding and the key of freedom she carries. Twin torches she bears, to guide her devotees, through their own internal darkness, just as she lead Persephone from the darkness of the underworld. And while it was common for homes of antiquity to have their doorways protected by her, it has been said she may have more followers today than ever before due to the rise in popularity of witchcraft and the spread of her contemporary cult. The dark moon is a special time for many who have come to know Hekate, a Goddess of many names or epithets. Her domains include the earth, the sea and the sky. It is said there is nowhere she cannot access. Her presence is inescapable if she so chooses, and is thus a Goddess well suited for the delivery of justice. Justice. Perhaps there is someone you feel strongly should face the full wrath and fury of the binding grip of justice for wicked deeds done which have thus far gone unpunished. Who knows, maybe there's a politician you'd like to see in a saffron colored jumpsuit for some reason, I don't know. So for the dark moon tomorrow, get comfy, dim the lights and take three deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Take a moment to set the mood, then contemplate the idea of justice. Maybe light a black candle and burn some incense if you've got it. Myrrh is nice. Just let those thoughts of justice flow. Enjoy this moment, knowing justice will be served. When your ready, if you feel like it, leave a little honey or wine as an offering of gratitude for the arrival of justice in this world. I'm guessing there is "someone" you can think of who deserves a little visit from this mightiest of Titans, Hekate, on this blessed dark moon. Have fun my pretties! Anyone interested in learning about Hekate can checkout "Torchlit Path: An Introduction to the Goddess Hekate" an online meeting hosted by Sorita D'Este and Emily Carding. If your one of those who have already been to the crossroads a few times and are looking for some advanced coursework, have a look into Jack Grayle's "Hail Hekate: Walking the Forked Path." psst...shhhh...it's a secret, nobody tell them they were right. It's the Witches that are doing the hunting this time. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/15/2187421/-Dark-Moon-Justice Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/