A Waxing Moon Over Babylon

The Devil's Blood's song 'A Waxing Moon Over Babylon' delves into themes of mysticism, dark rituals, and a yearning for spiritual connection. The lyrics are rich with ancient and esoteric imagery, invoking symbols and secret names that suggest a deep engagement with occult practices. The opening lines, 'Ancient symbols on the walls of my bower / Through my veins I can feel the power,' set the stage for a journey into a world where the mystical and the corporeal intertwine. The singer feels a potent energy coursing through them, amplified by the light of 'a thousand flames,' a metaphor for enlightenment or spiritual awakening through ritualistic means.

The repeated invocation of a 'high mother of hysteria' and the plea to be taught 'unholy santeria' indicate a desire to connect with a powerful, perhaps forbidden, feminine force. This figure could represent a goddess or a spiritual entity associated with chaos and transformation. The lyrics question whether this entity can see the 'darkness in our hearts' and the 'lightning in our hands,' suggesting a duality within the human soul—capable of both darkness and divine power. The repeated question, 'Do you love us still? mother?' underscores a longing for acceptance and guidance from this higher power, despite the inherent darkness within.

The imagery of blood and thunder further intensifies the song's dark, ritualistic atmosphere. 'Sweet silence adorns my body / Blood red is on my skin' evokes a sacrificial or transformative experience, where the physical body is marked by the ritual. The mention of chasing 'the dragon homeward bound' could symbolize a quest for ultimate knowledge or enlightenment, often associated with the mythical dragon in various cultures. The final lines, 'Am I required to burn / As a witch, should I twist and turn / On the fires of your love? mother?' bring the theme of sacrifice to the forefront, questioning the cost of seeking such profound spiritual connection and whether it demands a metaphorical or literal burning.