Who We Are — Temple of the Dark Moon

Marni naa pudni - Welcome

The Temple of the Dark Moon was originally formed in Adelaide, South Australia (c.1999), uniquely weaving together three main magical threads, these being contemporary witchcraft of the Alexandrian Tradition, Hermetic/ceremonial high magic, and the Qabalah. Added to these teachings is a fourth thread relating to esoteric or metaphysical teachings that have long formed the foundations of many older civilisations around the world, from ancient Egypt and even into the original yogic teachings of Asia.

This interweaving enriches the oral teachings and Sacred Mysteries of the Alexandrian Tradition, offering a deeper philosophical connection with divinity through esoteric thought that, in turn, enables the initiate to gain a greater understanding of the applications of their magical workings and how these may apply on a microcosmic as well as macrocosmic level. This is because we see our place in the cosmos as not only individuals but also as being an intimate part of the “living body” of the Earth and the cosmos itself.

The Hermetic principles state: “As above so below, as within so without”. When we fully understand our place in the greater scheme of things, we cease becoming “victims” to circumstances and embrace the empowerment (and responsibility) of “co-creating”.

“A magico-religious initiatory spiritual priesthood where the Sacred Mysteries are explored through the understanding and usage of sacred lore, liturgy and continual revealing of divinity experienced through the application of same and the alignment with the natural cycles.”

The Temple offers training in esoteric philosophy, ritual practice, and the religion of the Craft. In alignment with the words of Dion Fortune (author of The Sea Priestess):

“All Gods are one God - and all Goddesses are one Goddess. And there is one initiator.”

Entry into the Temple is open to all, regardless of sexuality, gender persuasion, race or physical ability. The only requirement are an understanding and acceptance of the Craft as Mystery “cult” that is based on the belief and worship of a dual deity, the being a God and Goddess.

Seekers are required to undergo at least to six months of dedicated study training prior to seeking Initiation, as outlined in the Our Structure page. They are also encouraged to make use of the essays made available in the Resources section, as well as some of the works contained on the Recommended Reading list, especially under the Contemporary Witchcraft section.

Since its inception, the Temple has undergone various transformations, performed much magic as it has expanded and contracted, yet two things have remained constant – the threads interwoven together to create its tapestry and the undeniable connection with the Southern Hemispheric energetics.

Contemporary Witchcraft

The definition of contemporary witchcraft that the Temple aligns with is:

Our Founder

The founder and High Priestess of the Temple is Frances Billinghurst, who has been interested in the magical and mystical for most of her life, and who stepped into her first magical circle in the early 1990s.

After undergoing training in both Australia and the United Kingdom, it was c.2000 when she underwent her initial initiation into the Craft with her original Australian coven. Although being led to believe this was an authentic initiation into the Alexandrian tradition, relevant connections have never come to light, forever casting a degree of doubt (by some external parties, despite being embraced by reputed Craft elders) upon this connection.

In more recent times, Frances has undertaken re-initiation, and in doing so, the Temple of the Dark Moon is of a direct Alexandrian lineage to the original London Coven (England) through the Coven of the Sacred Ibis (New Zealand). As such, 2024 will see a return to these contemporary witchcraft foundations, enabling the Temple to offer a pathway into this tradition for serious seekers who are interested in initiation and training within the Alexandrian traditional lineage.

Outside the Temple, Frances is an accomplished author of over eight books, the founder of the Mystical Soul Academy, and the creatrix and host of the Re-Awakening the Sacred Self online global conferences. She is also the designer and crafter behind LunaNoire Creations, enjoys travelling when she is able to, or merely pondering the eternal Mysteries.