Lunar adoration
-
But every student should make a point of saluting the Sun (in the manner recommended in Liber Resh) four times daily, and he shall salute the Moon on her appearance with the Mantra Gayatri. The best way is to say the Mantra instantly one sees the Moon, to note whether the attention wavers, and to repeat the Mantra until it does not waver at all.
Eight Lectures on Yoga
How important is the practice of this Lunar adoration? How is it supposed to be performed? Does it's performance only revolve around chance sightings of the moon or is it supposed to be more regular?
Also does the fact that the Mantra Gayatri is solar in nature make it inappropriate as a Lunar adoration? Was Crowley aware of this?
-
You're not the first to raise the point that the passage in question is solar!
This is not a standard part of Thelemic practice. It was a passing remark by Crowley at one point in time. However, it is a practice a few people have taken up, and some of them speak highly of it.
-
I have been considering using this practice as part of my own daily ritual.
If you notice, the Sun is referred to as a feminine, and to my thinking at least this equates to the inner sun (ie the self).
My thinking is that this is a recognition of the Anima, (if you will excuse the Jungian terminology) and is therefore a useful tool to help balance the conscious (solar) with the unconscious (Lunar) ; at least that's the theory, only practice will tell.I'm also thinking along the lines of the mark of the beast, which is the union of sun and moon, getting these things right in you mind might be a good way of beginning to realise this union of opposites in one's self. in other words, it's pure alchemy.
You might also say that just as you can only work with the Anima when she chooses to manifest, so it is right to be opportunistic about doing the lunar adoration as and when you sight the moon, rather than trying to nail her down to certain times.
Just my two cents.