Elune Worship

Elune is by far the most important God to the kaldorei, and her presence permeates every part of their life. Worship is organized by the Sisterhood of Elune, but some druids of the Cenarion Circle can also help or preform certain rituals. While the Wild Gods and Ancient Guardians are revered by the kaldorei, Elune is the only god that is truely worshiped.

Aspects of Elune

Elune is viewed as a goddess of:

The Moons and Night
The Balance of Life and Death
Light and Darkness
Peace and War
Warriors and Nurturers
The Divine Feminine and Motherhood
Love and Beauty
Harmony and Hospitality
Knowledge and Wisdom

White Lady (Isil’alara)

Aspect of the Full Moon
Isil’alara - Brilliant/Silvery/Moonlit Beauty/Lady
Healers, midwives, councilors, and public servants
White
Sacred Animal: Deer (Malo)

Cunning Crescent (Ethela’Lunya)

Aspect of the Crescent Moon
Ethela’Lunya (Watching/Scheming Crescent)
Explorers, scouts, investigators and spies
Silver
Sacred Animal: Owls (Glau)

Night Warrior (Nala’Shalloril)

Aspect of the New Moon
Nala’Shalloril - Warrior Blessed by Night/Shadows
Scholars, morticians, and dispensers of justice
Black
Sacred Animal: Cats (Saber)

All Phases

Sacred Flowers: Moonflower, Aster, Lily
Sacred Spirits: Dragons, Keepers/Dryads, Wisps
Sacred Animal: Hippogryphs (Antil), Chimaera, Moonkin (Lunanre), Spiders (Teloth), Moths (Lunepi), Ravens (Kora), Bear (Ursa), Wolves (Drinn)

Elunite Calendar

Those who follow Elune go by a Lunar Calendar with months coinciding with the lunar cycle. A week is determined by the phases of the moon, each week starting with the New, Half Waxing, Full, and Half Waning Moons. There are 12-13 moons/months in a year and 7-8 nights in a week. These calenders have existed since ancient times and have gone through a variety of changes over the millennia. In ancient times, the months were named after the ancient pantheon that predated the single worship of Elune. Following the Sundering and the Druidic Renaissance, the months were instead named after the Wild Gods who's teachings eventually formed the prominent Druid Circles.

Since ancient times the scribes of the Sisterhood of Elune have worked to studying the movement of the Goddess to divine the calendar for the oncoming years. They then work to transcribe and distribute this calendar to the people. In modern times, the Circle of the Moon aids with this duty.

Weekly Calendar

The days of the week are artistically depicted as birds flying through the night sky or around a moon, clutching the marker of the day in their talons. These birds are used for representations of the elements, and light and shadow. Occasionally depicted in art as 6-7 owls with the first night being the moon instead.

Moon Night - Lune'Shal (Night where there is a Moon) - Owl
Fire Night - Falo'Shal - Peafowl/Fowl
Water Night - Ma'Shal - Crane/Heron
Earth Night - Tel'Shal - Vulture
Heaven Night - Nor'Shal - Dove/Pigeon
Shadow Night - Shalla'Shal - Raven/Corvid
Light Night - Alla'Shal ("Last" Night of the Week) - Phoenix/Eagle/Raptor
Lost Night - Los'Shal (Extra Night of the Week) - Smaller Owl

Lunar Calendar

Aviana's Moon or the Bird Moon

Aviana's moon heralds the return of life to the world, as well as the return of the birds. While this month contains the First Full Moon of Spring, Spring instead might occur under Losna's Moon. The festival of Eranah'Astras (Raising of the Moon) occurs during this month- a time for weddings, fertility rituals, and first rites for newborns.

Prior to the Sundering, in the Kaldorei Imperial age, this month was known as Latharim's Moon but was still considered the Bird Moon. Latharim was an androgynous god of the sky, winds, and birds, with wings for their arms and ears, and said to be the child of the goddess Floraeza. They were also known as the Messenger of Elune, Herald of Spring, and Bringer of Storms. While they were mostly depicted as a harpy, they were occasionally depicted as a raven or owl.

Ashamane's Moon or the Saber Moon

The Second Moon of Spring where the flowers are in full bloom and green has fully returned to the forest.

In ancient times, this was considered the best season for sabers to be mated and have their cubs. As the Kaldorei were always aware of Ashamane and considered her as one of their gods, the name of this month has been the same even before the Sundering. There is an old tale told by the kaldorei, still told today, of a huntress seeking out Ashamane to train her become the greatest warrior the kaldorei had ever known. Ashamane gave this huntress three trials, having the kaldorei woman accompanied by one of her cubs. The trials vary from telling to telling, but regardless the huntress was only able to pass each test with the help of the cub. The huntress, dejected, returned to Ashamane explaining she had failed. Ashamane argued that she had successfully passed the trials, revealing that the way to become the greatest warrior one must learn that they cannot fight alone.

Ysera's Moon, or the Green Moon

The Final Moon of Spring.

Prior to the Sundering, this was Floraeza's Moon. Floraeza was called the Green Lady and the Goddess of Love, Agriculture, and Nature Magic. She was considered the patron of farmers, rangers and huntresses, and those that worked with beasts. She was sister and rival to Junera, the Goddess of Arcane magic who's moon fell in the Waning Autumn. By the time of the War of the Ancients, this goddess had been combined with Elune.

Cenarius's Moon, or the Druid Moon

The moon of the shortest nights of the year. The kaldorei acknowledge that while they prefer the night, most creatures of the wild are reliant on the sun's light. This is the time of year where the Summer Festivals occur, the Hunting Night on the shortest New Moon of the year and the Wild Nights on the nights following the shortest Full Moon. Both occasions are a chance to let loose, for the austere kaldorei to relax themselves.

Before the Sundering, this was called Sylvanus's Moon, or the Wild Moon. Sylvanus was the God of Summer, the Wilds, and Festivals, as well as one of the twin gods of Fertility. He was a Divine Father and a lover of Elune. Alongside his brother Oneirus, Sylvanus traveled to this world to woo Elune. They were either depicted as fauns or stags, Sylvanus with brown fur and Oneirus with white fur. To win Elune's favor, both bestowed gifts onto Her and her world. Sylvanus gifted wine and festivities, while his brother gifted rest and dreams. While Elune loved them both, it was Oneirus's gift that earned her blessing. However, Sylvanus's festival earned the interest and blessing of Elune's brother Belore. The Hunting and Wild Nights were derived from festivals to Sylvanus, said to be the god continuing his attempts to win Elune's favor or simply spending time with Belore.

G'hanir's Moon, or the Tree Moon

The Second Moon of Summer when the bounty of the forest is in full bloom. Now is a time of plenty, and thus the Mother Tree is remembered and celebrated.

The ancient kaldorei told stories of Mirdrassil, The Crown of the Expanse, the first tree to be born from the world. She is said to have sprouted from the leylines, her roots interlocking and protecting them. Mirdrassil was tended by Elune, and the goddess loved her dearly. The goddesses Floraeza and Junera emerged from flowers that blossomed from her branches. Unfortunately, Mirdrassil was killed by great giants who also chased Elune's kaldorei into caves to hide away from Her light. Elune's sorrow at the loss of the tree and her people was so immense that her tears caused a great flood that created the goddess Mazu. It was said that the dream Oneirus gave Elune was gazing upon Mir’Drassil once again. Later stories have Elune take the place of Mazu, and that Elune's sorrow caused Her to take the form of the Night Warrior to caused the great flood to punish those who killed her friend. After realizing what she had done, Elune used the waters she had made to create the Well of Eternity. She lead Her children out of hiding, and to the well, that they would become strong enough to protect themselves from those that wished to harm them. She also took in Mirdrassil's daughters as her own, helping them to tend to both nature and the leylines in her place.

Tortolla's Moon, or the Turtle Moon

The Final Moon of Summer and the season when sturgeon and salmon spawn.

This moon has always been strongly associated with the water. Before the Sundering, this was Mazu's Moon or the Fish Moon. Mazu was the goddess of the seas born of Elune’s sorrows, and while teaming with life is fickle and cruel. This was said to be the one time of year Mazu was willing to share her bounty by sending fish into the rivers to the people. By the time of the War of the Ancients, the Goddess Mazu had been completely subsumed by the Night Warrior aspect of Elune. It was common doctrine at the time that Elune was a goddess that could not bare her own children, and thus early stories of Mazu that contradicted that were rewritten and forgotten- the only remnant of her being this moon and tales told by fishermen.

Ursoc and Ursol's Moon, or the Bear Moon

The First Moon of Autumn and the time of the harvest begins. The Autumn Festival Mai'Myrinan or the "Dance of the Wisps" occurs during either this or the next moon. As the bear gods have been separated by death, the kaldorei take this time to remember those who are gone, as well as reflect on their history.

Ursoc and Ursol were worshiped as one god by the kaldorei in ancient times named Ursan, thus month was called Ursan's Moon. Ursan was the God of Crafting, Flame, Harvest, and Caves. Before the kaldorei built great cities, they lived underground to keep out the harsh daylight as they slept. Some of the barrow dens used by modern druids were built long long ago. The bear god was said to have helped the ancient kaldorei to dig burrows to hide away from those that wished to harm them, as well as the best times to harvest food for it to keep over the winter. Ursan was described as a black bear who's fur flickered with flame underneath, and who could shape metal and wood alike with his claws as a craftsman. It is now understood by modern kaldorei that Ursoc and Ursol were only involved with aiding their people briefly in their early history (likely back when they were still dark trolls, though this part is not something that is known). As the stories drifted the two gods became one, showing how truly ancient these tales are. As the stories drifted the two gods became one, showing how truly ancient these tales are.

Aessina's Moon, or the Wisp Moon

Second Moon of Autumn, and the season where the wisps have their mass migration. This is also the season where the veil is the thinnest, and when it is easiest to connect with the past.

Prior to the Sundering, this was Aestella's Moon or the Star Moon. Aestella was said to be the very first Kaldorei to be plucked from the stars, and her name literally translates to the “First One”. She was the Goddess of Death, Mystery, Shepherds, and the Stars who shepherds kaldorei that have died back to the stars to be with Elune. Both the first High Priestess Haidene and the royal family that ended with Azshara were said to be both descended from Aestella.

Sathrah's Moon, or the Spider Moon

The Final Moon of Autumn where her silvery, frosty webs start to weave their way across the forest.

Prior to the Sundering, this was Junera's Moon. Junera was the Goddess of Arcane Magic, Knowledge, Medicine, and Art. This month was refereed to as the Weaver Moon, though in Darnassian Weaver and Spider are the same word- Teloth. She was sister and rival to Floraeza. Synchronized into an aspect of Elune by Late Imperial Age, and later into Belore by the High Elves following the Sundering. Spiders were very popular imagery for her, with the leylines being perceived as her web. Snakes and manawyrms were another popular symbol for her representing her cunning and association with medicine. Suramar in particular maintains the symbol of a manawyrm for medicine.

Malorne's Moon, or the Deer Moon

The First Moon of Winter. Malorne's month falls on the longest nights of the year, fitting for one who adored Elune perhaps more then anyone else ever had.

Before the Sundering, this was called Oneirus's Moon, or the Hearth Moon. Oneirus is the God of Winter, the Home, Dreams, and Sleep and the favored lover of Elune. Like his twin Sylvanus, Oneirus was depicted in the form of a faun or a stag. He competed with his brother for the favor of Elune, and won the contest with the gift of rest and dreams to Her and the people of Her world. As his prize, he was given her blessing and his fur was transformed white. Much as Elune was considered the Divine Feminine ideal, Oneirus was the Divine Masculine ideal as a level-headed homemaker. Oneirus's month was a reminder to take time to rest, reflect, and dream.

Goldrinn's Moon, or the Wolf Moon

The Second Moon of Winter when the world is at its coldest. Goldrinn's month speaks to perseverance and a path less traveled, that sometimes the status quo must be challenged for the sake of survival.

During the Imperial Age, this month was called Martyris's Moon. Martyris was the God of War, Justice, and Wisdom. He served as Advisor to Elune to ensure an incident like the flood would not happen again. His symbol was the wolf, as it was a symbol of egalitarianism, unity, and wrath. He was also said to have ridden a great dragon. Martyris was a popular god amongst outcasts or those who wished to keep the Priesthood of Elune in check when it needed to be challenged. Stories and relevance of the god Martyris were the first ones to be forgotten in the Imperial Age, his actions being often attributed to the Night Warrior instead. It is obvious now in hidesight given the role he played in the pantheon and the threat he had to those in power this was deliberate. He remained as a declawed version of his former self on the calendar, a knight that simply protected Elune.

Lorthalium's Moon, or the Hippogryph Moon

The Final Moon of Winter, with a new year just around the corner. This is the season where the hippogryphs began to roost and chose their mates, and serves as the sign winter is almost over.

Lorthalium had always had the admiration of ancient kaldorei, likely having been a god they once kept. The return of the hippogryphs have always served as a sign that the cold season was coming to a close and the other birds would soon return. Lorthalium appreciated the offerings she received, and grew a fondness for the kaldorei. However, as the kaldorei entered their imperial age most forgot these old rituals. The highborne started to catch hippogryphs as prizes and breaking them for their mounts, the old fondness the god had for them quickly soured. It took the druids Malfurion and Omnuron to reforge the bond that was broken long ago. Today, this bond is stronger then it's ever been, as the kaldorei and hippogryphs fight side by side. As the Hippogryph Moon welcomes the spring, Lorthalium's story brings hope for a brighter future despite the darkness of the past.

Losna's Moon, or the Lost Moon

Always referred to as the Lost Moon, or Los'Asta, as Losna's name is avoided. About every other year the calendar may contain an extra moon cycle, and this month is named after the Blue Child. This month is said to "steal" the spring, which occurs after the Full Moon of this month. Superstition says it's bad luck to plan for a child to be born on a year of a Lost Moon, as there is a good chance the child could be born during this moon cycle rather then the three spring moons. Children born under a Lost Moon are said to live interesting but harrowing lives.

Elune and Belore were said to have created the calendar together to determine who they would be spend time with. Their younger sibling Losna, however, was fickle in when they would want to spend time with Elune. When Elune first created the calendar, Losna would decide on a whim where they would be included. Eventually, after much confusion and chaos, Elune compromised with Losna to only do this in the Spring months.

Festivals

During the closest lunar cycle to a seasonal change, a festival is hosted for the time between the new and full moon (Roughly 15 days). Equinox festivals, Spring and Fall, start on the new moon. Solstice festivals, Summer and Winter, start on the full moon.

Spring - Eranah'Astras (Raising of the Moon/Cycle)

Lunar New Year
A festival season starting on the New Moon following the Spring Solstice
The forest is covered in lanterns, as each one symbolizes a star renewing the cycle of the seasons once again.
This is when first rites are performed for newborns, and new parents are celebrated. Since fertility rates of kaldorei are traditionally lower, the fertility rites often make it so that most children are conceived in the spring months, then born the next spring.
Also a festival to celebrate love of all kinds. Weddings and fertility rites are performed during this time.
It is considered good luck to start a new relationship, or a new stage in a relationship, so the festival is marked by many love confessions, proposals and marriages.
Gifts are often exchanged during this time. It is best thought to give something practical.
Calendars for the upcoming year and bottles of kalpeito (star candies) are gifted to each kaldorei at the closest temple or moonwell, which have been made over the long winter. The bottle contains the same number of candies as days the next year will have.
Bakers also make soft rice cakes shaped like spring flowers and migratory birds returning for the spring.
On the last day of the festival, the full moon cleansing is followed by a flower viewing.

Summer - Shalas'Dorenar (The Wild Nights) - Festival of the Present

Occurs on the first Full Moon following the Summer Solstice until the next new moon
On the first night the Coming of Age Ceremony is celebrated by all Night Elves that have reached the age of 100
During the festival there is much merriment and normally strict rules are relaxed in this time of plenty.
Children are excused from their lessons and can take the nights to play instead.
Sentinels set up games for both children and adults.

Shal'Mushah (The Hunting Night)

In addition to the Wild Nights is the Hunting night, which occurs on the new moon of the shortest night. It either occurs on the new moon before the Wild Nights or the last night of the festival. The festivities are more intense on the years where the Hunting Night falls on the Last Night of the Wild Nights
On this night, the Kaldorei don masks of predator and prey and chase each other through the woods
This is the night that is both the darkest and the shortest, so Elune is not watching as intensely as she usually does. She can let a few things slide, and let her beloved children run wild like beasts for just one night. As such, this is the one night of the year where female druids need not abide the transformation taboo.

Autumn - Mai'Myrinan (Dance of the Wisps) - Festival of Remembrance

Occurs the New Moon of the cycle Following the Autumn Solstice, usually the Bears' or Aessina's Moon.
It is named after the time where Aessina leading mass Wisp migrations are observed before she and many of them disappear during the winter.
This is the time when the lost are remembered and celebrated. Family graves and memorials are visited and offerings left.
Memorials are set up near moonwells in remembrance of the War of the Ancients, Satyr and Shifting Sands.
The fallen Wild Gods are also remembered during this time, as are the lessons and stories they left behind.
This is also a time when families and friends gather to feast and celebrate their history and bonds as the autumnal bounty is collected.
The standard tradition is for a family to gather to visit the graves of the lost during the festival or later autumn months, to then reconvene in a home for a feast

Winter - Kalar'Bindel (The Stars Rest) - Festival of Reflection

Occurs the first Full Moon following the Winter Solstice
Elune keeps her closest watch over the harshest time of the year.
It is less a festival and more a period of rest and quiet reflection.
Kaldorei send messages to Elune, whether through writing, prayer, song, or whatever feels right.
In these messages Elune is thanked and praised for her guidance. The Kaldorei reflects upon the past year and on their hopes for the next one.

Materials for Worship

Moonwell

All Elunite ritual involves the use of a moonwell or moonwell water. The moonwell is a font of hallowed water with purifying and healing properties. They often have two pools, one for drinking at the source of the spring and one for bathing. Moonwells are always deep enough to bathe in.

Moon Jewelry

Most, if not all, Elunites carry jewelry displaying the symbol of the moon. Only priestesses wear platinum jewelry, or those who have been honored by the priesthood and/or Elune herself. Other materials often used are wood, clay, stone, antler, or bone. Metal is rarer and often are antiques from before the sundering or scraps left over from making a weapon. Metal jewelry is often avoided for cleansing clothes, as it may rust in the moonwell.

Chalice

Used in all moonwell ceremonies. Temples keep chalices made out of platinum, and priestesses may keep a chalice with some platinum or moonstone decoration. The common chalice is made out of wood, clay, or stone. Every Elunite keeps a chalice of their own.

Basin

Used in all moonwell ceremonies. Blessed basins are kept at moonwells to aid with the cleansing, and Elunites keep one in their homes. While the chalice is used for drinking, the basin is used for pouring water over one’s self.

Bottle of Moonwell Water

Upon visiting a moonwell, Elunites refill a bottle to take with them in the case that they won’t be able to make it for the next cleansing, as well as an assortment of other reasons.

Cleansing Clothes

Elunites keep specific clothing to wear to a cleansing, or other rituals and festivals. They are light, but durable, clothes, easily removable and easy to dry if it gets wet. They are made from moonsilk, like priestess robes, but are dyed various colors to differentiate them from a priestess. They are worn until they fade and tatter. It is taboo to shed blood or kill when in these clothing, though if it happens by accident the clothing can be blessed. They also serve as burial clothes, hence why everything that makes it must be biodegradable

Amulets

Wooden amulets kept at moonwells for people to take. They are carved with symbols of Elune or a Wild God along with a short prayer, and blessed by either a priestess of the moon or a druid. They are small and made of reclaimed wood and moonsilk scraps.

When they either are no longer needed, or need to be disposed of, amulets can be returned to a priestess or druid.

Example Amulet Prayers Evoking Elune

Darnassian	English	Notes
Elune-Adore	Elune be with you	Popular blessing
Ishnu-alah	Good Fortune to you	Popular blessing
Dala Asha Meniel	May the heart find peace	For someone going through heartbreak or sorrow
Dral Asha Daral	May the body find relief	For someone going through illness and injury
Adalore Duna’dora	Illuminate the Truth	In regards to truth as in information, or as in one’s principles or beliefs. Truth to oneself and their people

Amulet Prayers Evoking Wild Gods

Meditation Beads

Some amulets come with meditation beads where beads appear as phases of the moon.

Prayers

Prayers of the People (Ashreth’nore)

Usually only said to fellow Elunites

Darnassian	English	Notes
Elune-Adore	Elune be with you.	A greeting/a farewell
Bel-Ethelore	Goddess watch over you.	A greeting/a farewell

Hunter’s Prayer (Mush’a Ashreth)

Evoked by a devout hunter upon taking the life of a creature

Darnassian	English
Shi’xenu ash’al, Re lendu talore	I bear no hatred to you, I only wish to survive
Shaha lor'ma rae nal’daral	Thank you and know tranquility

Mealtime Prayer (Mamato Ashreth)

Prayer said before eating

Darnassian	English
Sha Dorenar Anu’elahar	Praise the Wilds for these blessings

Rituals

Worship ceremony by night elves is mainly done through a bi-monthly cleansing at a moonwell, where prayers are also offered. One at the full moon, and one on the new moon. Purification is seen as an incredibly important rite, and keeps the Night Elf safe and healthy. Typically a night elf will travel to the nearest moonwell for these rites, and the moonwell’s priestess will perform them (though occasionally a druid of the moon or a dryad can do this). If the person is unable to travel, they can then request a priestess to travel to their residence for the night of the purification to perform the rites instead.

Elune is seen as forgiving as for the timing of such rituals, seeing as things can happen that would cause a delay in travel, such as inclement weather. So the rites can happen a few days before or after the main ritual day.

Moonlight Cleansing (Isil'Shalloral)

On the Full Moon and the New moon, kaldorei go through a cleansing ritual.
It usually occurs at a moonwell, but doesn’t have to be. Kal’dorei keep a bottle of moonwell water that can be added to a bath at home.
Night elves bathe in the water while reciting a prayer, pouring water over their head and body with a chalice.
Upon request, a priestess can recite the prayer at the same time as the person going through the ritual. Parents can also say the incantation on behalf of a young child.

Darnassian	English
Da’Elune, Lendu Nailah	Mother Moon, I wish for cleansing
Na Ash’dral, Ash’alan, Ash’dala	For this body, mind, heart
Anu’Sil’aru, Anu’thoras, Anu’Shu	Of my/our burdens, troubles, sorrows
Andu Isil’Nai-Droru	May the flow of moonlit waters
Mor Anu’anath nora Dordu Elahar	Ease my/our soul and restore it with your blessings
Elune-Adore	Elune be with me/us

Baptism (Shallorah’Estel)

Literal meaning: First Cleansing

On the first full moon of spring, all elves born in the past year (born over the autumn, summer, spring and the winter of the year before last) have their first “true” cleansing at a moonwell. Takes place on the last day of Eranah'Astras, the Spring Festival. Also can be retrofitted to bring someone into the faith. The parents take the child to a moonwell, where a priestess immerses them fully in moonwell water. (Before this point they are washed outside of the well, or just not brought to the well at all to allow both the mother and the newborn child time to recover the birth) This is a major celebration in towns, and townsfolk bring gifts to give to the families.

Darnassian	English
Ash’shal, anu’arama (name) adora Isil’Elun	This night, we bring (name) into Elune’s light
Da’Elune rae Dorenar ameth dorei	May Mother moon and the Wilds embrace this child
Ethelore ka’elarah, ka’bellah, ka’oporah	Watch over them as they sprout, bloom, and bare fruit
Dorei’Dorenore lo falorei rae dalorar	As they run alongside their sisters and brothers

Coming of Age Pilgrimage (Bellah’dorei Diel)

Literal meaning: Flowering Child’s Journey

On the first night of summer, all the elves that have reached the age of 100 over the past year arrive at Mt Hyjal for a coming of age ceremony. At twilight, young elves are bathed in the waters of the Temple of the Moon by the High Priestess, who personally welcomes into adulthood. This is followed by a celebration of revelry that lasts the whole night.

For Women - This is also the time where young women are formally inducted into the sentinels for their 100 years of mandatory service. Night elven women that have decided on their face tattoos by this point can go through the ritual to obtain them this night, but this is by no means expected. (There is a requirement that if a young woman is to get them, she must be sober for this ceremony.)
For Men - Craftsmen looking for apprentices go to this ceremony, and students looking to take on a teach bring examples of their work to prove their abilities. Those that choose to join a druid circle also begin more intensive druidic training at this time. While this is generally more for men, women are also allowed to join a circle if they show druidic promise.

Female Face Tattooing Ceremony (Anath’Talka)

Literal meaning: Mark of the Soul

Once a female night elf has turned 100, she is allowed to go through the ceremony to have their face tattooed by a Priestess of the Moon. This often occurs following the coming of age ceremony.
Lotus petals grown in Hyjal’s Well of Eternity are used in the ritual, as are Briarthorn needles and Bruiseweed salve Common Designs tend to have a basic shape, but can vary based on preference.

Bear- Might, strength, ferocity, power, survival, balance, wisdom, patience, teamwork, loyalty, warmth, friendship
Blades- Courage, bravery, righteousness, justice, protection, vengeance, retribution, conviction, focus, battle, purification, extension of oneself, sacrifice, life & death, truth
Claws- Meeting challenges head-on, bravery, ferocity, strength, speed, agility, stealth, hunting, cunning, tracking, pride, grace, intelligence, loyalty, feral, aggressive, predator
Crane- Patience, healing, grace, serenity, beauty, protection, water, secrets, devotion, parenthood, teaching, care, creativity
Crescent/Circle - Three Aspects of the Moon, balance, light, darkness, complexity, purification, flow, transformation, adaptability
Hawk- Companionship, observation, progressiveness, bravery, intensity, vigilance, innovation, swiftness, messenger
Leaf/Flower- The White Lady, Harmony, balance, nurturing, peace, healing, wisdom, nature, protection, the wild, dryads, resurrection, survival, cycle of life, slumber
Owl- The Cunning Crescent, Wisdom, vigilance, stealth, spying, messenger, silence, sharp senses, the night, mystery, secrets, hunting, truth
Serpent- Rebirth, wisdom, cycle of life, poison, agility, strength, speed, accuracy, trance, dreams, Ysera, observation, patience
Shadow- The Night Warrior, wrath, night, prudence, refuge, stealth, darkness, hiding, silence, mystery, balance, attachment, hidden potential
Stars- Guidance, enlightenment, dependability, beauty, light, life, healing, clarity, truth
Wings- Communication, knowledge, insight, observation, guidance, haste, messenger, sky, wind, distance, freedom.

Darnassian	English	Notes
Tor nailu anath	Let the waters cleanse the Spirit	When the face is cleaned with moonwell water
Melindil’bella, quilah dal’talka -- Sela ande’arama bellas dal’daroth	Lotus petals bloom, granting color to your mark--just as your purpose blooms within you.	When the ink is mixed from petals
Agamaxar, melah quil na helma -- Sela ande’melu dal’thoras	Briarthorn, to bear the ink to skin--just as you bear the charge you carry.	When the tattooing begins
Xar’el, retorah dure’dorinas morore silar.	Bruiseweed (Thistle), to remind us that nature gifts the means to ease pains.	Tattoos are cleaned with a bruiseweed salve
Andas Ashil	It is done.	When the ritual is complete

The tattoos do fade over time. Some kaldorei allow them to fade while others have the design reapplied. It is seen as acceptable to remove and exchange a tattoo upon a major life change, especially if a name is changed along with it, as it is believed someone has become an entirely different person.
A similar ritual is performed on Druids as they enter a circle, though they may wait until the druid has completed training before this happens. Here they are tattooed with the symbol of a wild god revered by their circle.

Marriage Ceremony (Aramah’Dalas)

Literal meaning: Joining of Hearts

Nearly all marriages take place in Eranah'Astras, or at least during the Spring- with rare exception (typically when a war suddenly starts, or if it uncertain if one of the partners involved will survive to the next Spring) The ceremony involves those getting married and a Priestess of the Moon to both facilitate and act as witness. The Priestess of the Moon when fulfilling this role is seen to act as the eyes of Elune. (This ceremony can also take place between multiple partners getting married to each other- but typically only when everyone is getting married to each other)

The couple wears their cleansing clothes, covered in long robes (Ones often borrowed specifically for this ceremony), and each carries a chalice. These cups were either made by themselves, or they had helped in creating them in some way.
As the ritual begins, the Priestess of the Moon recites a prayer, that from now to the end of the ceremony, she will act as Elune’s stand-in as the couple are bonded together.
The Priestess of the Moon guides the partners to a Moonwell, a ritual platinum chalice in one hand, and an alighted staff in the other.
- This is usually a smaller one located a bit into the woods, thus allowing more privacy for the ritual.
Arriving at the moonwell, the robes are removed and the Priestess brings the couple into the waters.
Once in the Moonwell, the priestess fills her platinum chalice with water. As she says prayers, she fills the couple’s own cups with the water. This will occur repeatedly through the ceremony.
The Priestess then begins the usual cleansing ritual, though guides the couple to cleanse each other. As this occurs, she asks the couple to state why they are here and why they have chosen to be bonded.
As the cleansing is complete, the Priestess fills their cup one final time.
The couple drinks from their own cup, then holds up the cup to the other to have their partner drink from it.
Once the cups are empty the couple kiss, and the marriage is sealed.

This ritual was adapted from the more ostentatious Imperial Age ceremony. These occurred in Temples of Elune, and were performed with Holy Water. They were also used by the Highborne as ways to display their status and wealth, and were massive public spectacles- thus when the ceremony was adapted after the war the ceremony was made more private, with more focus put on those getting married.

However, depending on the wishes of the betrothed, family and friends can hold a flower blessing (Elah'bella) before the ceremony. Family and friends host a party beforehand where those getting married are covered in flowers by their guests. Once it's time to begin the ceremony proper, the guests see them off to begin the next stage of their life.

Fertility Rituals

As elven birthrates are incredibly low, Priestesses of Elune have several rituals for aiding in fertility and health in pregnancy.

Fertility rites often require the aid of a Druid, usually of Circle of the Moon or Antler. Priestess and druid weave together their magics, channeling the bond between Elune and Malorne.

Through these rites, jewelry with a large, spherical, moonstone is charged. This jewelry is then borrowed to a couple who are trying to conceive.

During the last night of the spring festival, special soft rice cakes are also blessed by priestesses and druids to aid in fertility. They are either shaped like birds, rabbits, or flowers.

Often couples will avoid going through a fertility rite if the next year has a Lost Moon, as it is considered that a child born under the Lost Moon will lead a tumultuous life.

Funeral Ceremony (Shallorah’Finel)

Literal Meaning: Final Cleansing

The body of the deceased is cleansed in moonwell waters by a Priestess of the Moon, who evokes the cleansing ritual one final time on the deceased person’s behalf. The body is then interred underneath a tree sapling with the help a druid, while a priestess of the moon invokes the incantation as the body is laid to rest.

A paper lantern is constructed for the deceased before the ceremony. A druid or priestess then magically imbues the lantern to float, and it is set adrift to the winds. This part of the ritual is meant to symbolize the kaldorei returning to the stars with their ancestors.

Darnassian	English
Da’Elune, Dorinu Ash Kal’dorei Bindelore	Mother moon, grant this child of the stars rest
Elore Meniel Lor’ma	Bless them with peace eternal
Andu Dral Retetour Doras rae Tel,	May the body be retaken by the nature and soil,
Andu Drorah’sin Elarore dure,	May the blood’s flow sprout new life,
Andu Anath Arama Kalo’Ameth’Elun	May the soul join in Elune’s starry embrace
Anu Ovelore, ano La’Eranure Ana’surfu	We will mourn, but we will not forget our love
Anore’Dalas Shanore Elor	Our hearts will honor them evermore
Kalar-Melore, (name is said)	Stars Guide you (name is said)
Elune-Adore	Elune be with us

Executioner’s Prayer (Tyra Ashreth)

Literal Meaning - Prayer of Justice

When able, a Priestess of the Moon will invoke Elune's name when executing a criminal

Darnassian	English
Vor’anath,	Wretched soul,
Elune ethelah dal	Elune's gaze is upon you
Tharore ande’shindas rae ande’senantas	She sees your sins and your scars
Re andas Elun’drisil	I am Her eyes
Re andas Elun’Nemeiore	I am Her judgment
Anar’o, tor ande’nal Elun’shasil dordil	Through me, may you know Her mercy once more.