The image depicts a Balinese creation myth in which spinning serves as a metaphor for the phases of the moon, and ultimately, the cyclicity of life with its important rituals and ceremonies. The central figure with a spinning wheel is the goddess Dewi Ratih, also known as Dewi Bulan or Wulan who is believed to have given the knowledge of weaving to humanity. The demon head chewing on the moon is Kala Rau, and the disembodied heads and limbs are demonic forces.

According to Balinese mythology, described in the Adiparwa (a book in the Mahabarata), various deities lined up to drink the elixir of life. Dewi Ratih recognized that the demon Kala Rau was among them and warned Wisnu, who cut off Kala Rau’s head as he was drinking the elixir. But Wisnu’s shot was a little late, and the demon’s head, with the elixir still in his mouth, was given eternal life. Hence it is believed that the lunar cycle coincides with the enraged Kala Rau’s attempts to chase and swallow Dewi Ratih. Every full moon marks her escape and the day when the Balinese offer prayer and thanksgiving to the goddess.