OPENING RITUAL
-THE CIRCLE IS RITUALLY SWEPT WITH BESOM. THE ALTAR CANDLES ARE LIT
-CAST CIRCLE WITH ATHAME, BEGINNING AND ENDING IN THE EAST.
-PLACE ATHAMES TIP IN WATER:
"I CLEANSE THEE, O CREATURE OF WATER,
AND BLESS THEE IN THE NAMES OF THE LORD AND THE LADY."
-PLACE ATHAME TIP IN SALT:
"BLESSINGS BE UPON THIS CREATURE OF SALT,
IN THE NAMES OF THE LORD AND LADY."
-THE SALT IS POURED INTO THE WATER AND STIRRED 9 TIMES.
-TAKE THE CONSECRATED WATER AROUND THE CIRCLE, SPRINKLING THE PERIMETER WITH IT.
THE WATER IS REPLACED ON THE ALTAR.
-TAKE THE INCENSE AND CENSE THE PERIMETER OF THE CIRCLE. THE INCENSE IS
REPLACED ON THE ALTAR.
- ANOINT YOUR FOREHEAD WITH OIL IN THE SIGN OF THE PENTAGRAM.
-THE ELEMENTS ARE NOW INVOKED, BEGINNING IN THE EAST. THE INVOKING PENTAGRAM OF
EARTH IS TRACED IN THE AIR WITH THE ATHAME, SAYING:
"GUARDIANS OF THE EAST,
YE CREATURES OF AIR,
I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME,
TO WITNESS THESE RITES AND TO GUARD THIS CIRCLE.
HAIL AND WELCOME!"
KISS ATHAME BLADE, THEN PLACE IT OVER THE HEART. PROCEED IN SAME MANNER WITH
EACH QUARTER, REPLACING: SOUTH- FIRE; WEST- WATER; NORTH- EARTH
-IN THE NORTH QUARTER, AFTER THE INVOCATION AND BEFORE KISSING ATHAME, ALL
SALUTE THE GODS, SAYING:
"BLESSED LADY,
POWERFUL LORD,
I INVITE YOU TO WITNESS THESE RITES
WHICH I HOLD IN YOUR HONOR.
ALL HAIL!"
KISS ATHAME BLADE, HOLD OVER HEART. PLACE ATHAME ON THE ALTAR.
ASSUMES GODDESS POSITION. DRAW DOWN THE MOON INTO YOURSELF. (OR RECITE AN
INVOCATION TO THE GODDESS.)
-FEELING THE GODDESS ENERGY DRAWN INTO YOURSELF, LOWER YOU ARMS SLOWLY.
(MESSAGES MAY BE RECEIVED)
WINE AND CAKES
*LOWER YOUR ATHAME INTO THE CHALICE, SAYING:
"LET THE SWORD JOIN THE CUP IN ENDLESS BLESSEDNESS"
*TAKE A SIP FROM THE CHALICE, THEN REPLACE IT ON THE ALTAR
*DRAW THE INVOKING PENTAGRAM OF EARTH ABOVE THE CAKES, SAYING:
"BLESSED IS THIS FOOD
WHICH CARRIES THE ENERGY OF THE LORD AND LADY."
*TAKE A BITE OF CAKE
*YOU MAY FINISH THE REST OF THE WINE AND CAKES, MAKING SURE TO SAVE SOME WINE
FOR A LIBATION
CLOSING RITUAL
*FACE EAST, SAYING:
"GUARDIANS OF THE EAST, YE CREATURES OF AIR;
I DO THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THESE RITES;
HAIL AND FAREWELL."
DRAW BANISHING PENTAGRAM OF EARTH, THEN KISS ATHAME, THEN HOLD IT OVER HEART.
*THIS IS REPEATED IN EACH DIRECTION, SUBSTITUTING:
SOUTH- FIRE
WEST- WATER
NORTH- EARTH
*AFTER DISMISSING EARTH IN THE NORTH, HOLD ATHAME IN SALUTE, SAYING: "LOVELY
LADY, POWERFUL LORD,
I THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THESE RITES.
ALL HAIL!"
IMBOLG
-NEED CORN MAIDEN, PRIAPIC WAND, LIT CANDLE IN CAULDRON IN SOUTH, TWIGS OF
EVERGREEN BESIDE CAULDRON.
-PREPARE BRIGID'S BED. THIS IS DONE BY DRESSING THE CORN DOLL IN A WHITE CLOTH
AND ANY OTHER ORNAMENTATIONS THEN PLACING IT IN A BASKET OR ON A MAT. tHEN LAY
THE PRIAPIC WAND ACROSS THE DOLL AND PLACE TWO (ALTAR) CANDLES, ONE ON EITHER
SIDE, BESIDE THE BASKET.
-SAY:
"BRIDE IS COME, BRIDE IS WELCOME!" (THREE TIMES)
-TAKE THE BESOM AND RITUALLY SWEEP THE CIRCLE DOESIL
-RETURN BESOM BESIDE ALTAR.
-KNEEL BEFORE CAULDRON. PICK UP THE TWIGS AND SETS FIRE TO EACH, IN TURN.
THEN, BLOW OUT EACH AND PLACE EACH IN THE CAULDRON, BESIDE THE CANDLE:
"NOW I BANISH WINTER, NOW I WELCOME SPRING;
SAY FAREWELL TO WHAT IS DEAD, AND GREET EACH LIVING THING,
NOW I BANISH WINTER, NOW I WELCOME SPRING."
SPRING EQUINOX
-NEED PRIAPIC WAND, SUN SYMBOL ABOVE ALTAR, , DECORATE ROOM WITH FLOWERS,
COLORED EGGS, CAULDRON WITH UNLIT CANDLE IN CENTER
-OPENING RITUAL AS USUAL
-HOLD PRIAPIC WAND ALOFT, SAYING:
"I KINDLE THIS FIRE TODAY
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ONES,
WITHOUT MALICE, WITHOUT JEALOUSY, WITHOUT ENVY,
WITHOUT FEAR OF AUGHT BENEATH THE SUN
BUT THE HIGH GODS.
THUS I INVOKE, O LIGHT OF LIFE,
BE THOU A BRIGHT FLAME BEFORE ME,
BE THOU A GUIDING STAR ABOVE ME,
BE THOU A SMOOTH PATH BENEATH ME;
REKINDLE THOU WITHIN MY HEART
A FLAME OF LOVE FOR ALL,
TO MY FOES, TO MY FRIENDS, TO MY KINDRED ALL,
TO ALL MEN ON THE BROAD EARTH
O MERCIFUL SON OF CERRIDWEN,
FROM THE LOWLIEST THING THAT LIVETH
TO THE NAME WHICH IS HIGHEST OF ALL."
"O SUN, BE THOU ARMED TO CONQUER THE DARK!"
-HOLD WAND IN SALUTE, THEN REPLACE IT ON THE ALTAR
-LIGHT THE CAULDRON CANDLE WITH AN ALTAR CANDLE (PREFERABLY, THE GOD CANDLE, IF
YOU HAVE ONE)
-CIRCLE DOESIL AROUND THE CAULDRON
-SEED BLESSING (OPTIONAL):
"LET THE WOMB OF THE EARTH BE THE CAULDRON OF REBIRTH."
PLACE SEEDS IN BOWL, ONE BY ONE
TOUCHE BOWL WITH PRIAPIC WAND, SAYING:
"BY THE POWER OF THE RAISED WAND I BLESS THESE SEEDS OF LIFE."
-MAY NOW JUMP THE CAULDRON, WHILE MAKING A WISH
BELTANE
-NEED CAULDRON WITH LIT CANDLE IN CENTER, HAWTHORN AND BLACKTHORN DECORATE THE
ALTAR, TAPER BESIDE THE CAULDRON, "CAKES" SHOULD BE A BOWL OF NUTS
-LIGHT THE TAPER FROM THE BEL-FIRE. DANCE AROUND CAULDRON, CARRYING THE TAPER,
CHANTING:
"OH, DO NOT TELL THE PRIEST OF OUR ART,
OR HE WOULD CALL IT SIN;
BUT WE SHALL BE OUT IN THE WOODS ALL NIGHT,
A-CONJURING SUMMER IN!
AND WE BRING YOU NEWS BY WORD OF MOUTH,
FOR WOMEN CATTLE AND CORN-
NOW IS THE SUN COME UP FROM THE SOUTH
WITH OAK AND ASH AND THORN!"
-BLOW OUT TAPER AND LAY IT BESIDE CAULDRON.
-JUMP THE CAULDRON.
MIDSUMMER
-NEED CAULDRON FILLED WITH WATER IN FRONT OF ALTAR, HEATHER BRANCH BESIDE ALTAR
-INVOKE:
"GREAT ONE OF HEAVEN, POWER OF THE SUN,
I INVOKE THEE IN THINE ANCIENT NAMES-MICHAEL, BALIN, ARTHUR, LUGH;
COME AGAIN AS OF OLD INTO THIS THY LAND.
LIFT UP THY SHINING SPEAR OF LIGHT TO PROTECT ME.
PUT TO FLIGHT THE POWERS OF DARKNESS.
GIVE US FAIR WOODLANDS AND GREEN FIELDS, BLOSSOMING ORCHARDS
AND RIPENING CORN. BRING ME TO STAND UPON THY HILL OF VISION
AND SHOW ME THE PATH TO THE LOVELY REALMS OF THE GODS."
-MAKE INVOKING PENTAGRAM ABOVE ALTAR WITH THE WAND
-RAISE BOTH HANDS UP HIGH, THEN PLUNGE THE WAND INTO THE CAULDRON. HOLD THE
WAND UP AND SAY:
"THE SPEAR TO THE CAULDRON,
THE LANCE TO THE GRAIL,
SPIRIT TO FLESH,
MAN TO WOMAN,
SUN TO EARTH."
-PLACE WAND ON ALTAR AND PICK UP HEATHER BRANCH
-SPRINKLE SELF WITH WATER FROM THE CAULDRON, USING THE BRANCH, SAYING:
"THUS DO I DANCE BEFORE THE CAULDRON OF CERRIDWEN, THE GODDESS,
BEING BLESSED WITH THE TOUCH OF THIS CONSECRATED WATER;
EVEN AS THE SUN, THE LORD OF LIFE, ARISES IN HIS STRENGTH IN THE SIGN
OF THE WATERS OF LIFE!"
-THEN SAY:
"LET THE MIDSUMMER FIRES SHINE FORTH!"
-PLACE THE ALTAR CANDLES IN THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE, ABOUT FOUR FEET APART,
ALONG THE EAST-WEST LINE
-THEN PASS BETWEEN THE TWO CANDLES. REPLACE THE CANDLES ON THE ALTAR.
LUGHNASADH
-NEED SMALL LOAF OF BREAD ON ALTAR, CAULDRON DECORATED WITH GRAINS BY THE EAST
CANDLE
-DRAWING DOWN THE MOON IS OMITTED FROM THE OPENING RITUAL.
-HOLD UP A DISH OF FRUITS AND BREADS SAYING:
"NOW DO I GIVE THANKS FOR AN ABUNDANT HARVEST
THE SEED WHICH WAS PLANTED IN THE SPRING HAS BROUGHT LIFE."
-PLACE DISH ON OR BEFORE ALTAR
-DANCE AROUND THE CIRCLE IN CELEBRATION, PLAYING INSTRUMENTS AND SINGING.
-HOLD A LOAF OF BREAD ALOFT. DRAW DOWN THE GODDESS ENERGY, INVOKING:
"O MIGHTY MOTHER OF US ALL, BRINGER OF ALL FRUITFULNESS,
GIVE US FRUIT AND GRAIN, FLOCKS AND HERDS, AND CHILDREN TO THE TRIBE,
THAT WE MAY BE MIGHTY. BY THE ROSE OF THY LOVE, DO THOU DESCEND
UPON THE BODY OF THY SERVANT AND PRIESTESS HERE."
-BEGIN THE CORN DANCE, ALL THE WHILE HOLDING THE LOAF AS A SACRED OBJECT
-HOLDING THE LOAF IN BOTH HANDS, SAY:
"THUS DO I STRENGTHEN MY LORD
HIS ENERGY RESIDES IN THIS BREAD
A RECORD OF ALL LIFE THAT EVER WAS
AND ALL THAT IS YET TO COME.
I EAT OF THIS BREAD,
THAT MY LORD MAY LIVE ON,
AND THE WHEEL MAY TURN.
-TAKE SOME OF THE BREAD TO EAT
-SAY:
"THE LIGHT DOES NOT DIE, IT MERELY CHANGES TO ANOTHER FORM."
AUTUMN EQUINOX
-NEED A DISH ON THE ALTAR CONTAINING A SINGLE SHEAF OF WHEAT OR AN EAR OF CORN
OR WHEAT AND COVERED WITH A CLOTH, ALTAR AND CIRCLE DECORATED WITH PINE CONES,
GRAINS, ACORNS, RED POPPIES, AUTUMNAL FLOWERS, FRUITS AND LEAVES
-SAY:
"NOW IS THE TIME OF BALANCE, WHEN NIGHT AND DAY FACE EACH OTHER
AS EQUALS. YET AT THIS SEASON THE NIGHT IS WAXING AND THE DAY
IS WANING; FOR NOTHING EVER REMAINS WITHOUT CHANGE, IN THE TIDES
OF EARTH AND SKY. WHATSOEVER RISES
MUST ALSO SET, AND WHATSOEVER SETS MUST ALSO RISE. IN TOKEN OF WHICH,
I WILL DANCE THE DANCE OF GOING AND RETURNING!"
-DANCE GOING SLOWLY WIDDERSHINS IN AN INWARD SPIRAL UNTIL YOU ARE IN THE CENTER
OF THE CIRCLE.
-SIT IN FRONT OF THE DISH AND REMOVE THE CLOTH:
"BEHOLD THE MYSTERY: IN SILENCE IS THE SEED OF WISDOM GAINED."
MEDITATE SILENTLY.
-WHEN READY, RISE AND GOE TO THE EAST CANDLE, FACING THE WEST, SAY:
"FAREWELL, O SUN, EVER-RETURNING LIGHT,
THE HIDDEN GOD, WHO EVER YET REMAINS.
HE NOW DEPARTS TO THE LAND OF YOUTH
THROUGH THE GATES OF DEATH
TO DWELL ENTHRONED, THE JUDGE OF GODS AND MEN,
THE HORNED LEADER OF THE HOSTS OF AIR.
YET, AS HE STANDS UNSEEN WITHOUT THE CIRCLE,
SO DWELLETH HE WITHIN THE SECRET SEED-
THE SEED OF NEW-REAPED GRAIN, THE SEED OF FLESH;
HIDDEN IN THE EARTH, THE MARVELOUS SEED OF THE STARS.
IN HIM IS LIFE, AND LIFE IS THE LIGHT OF MAN,
THAT WHICH WAS NEVER BORN, AND NEVER DIES.
THEREFORE THE WISE ONES WEEP NOT, BUT REJOICE."
-RAISE HANDS HIGH IN BLESSING.
-RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE AND DANCE SLOWLY DOESIL IN AN OUTWARD SPIRAL
-REPLACE DISH ON THE ALTAR
SAMHAIN
PREPARATION
CAULDRON IS PLACED IN CENTER OF CIRCLE WITH LIT INCENSE CHARCOAL INSIDE IT
, AND INCENSE NEARBY, ALSO HAVE A WHITE VEIL OR SCARF
CIRCLE, ALTAR AND CAULDRON DECORATED WITH SEASONAL FOLIAGE AND FRUIT (ESP.
APPLES), NUTS ON A TWIG
*SCATTER INCENSE ON THE CHARCOAL IN THE CAULDRON. WHEN SATISFIED THAT IT IS
BURNING, STAND FACING WEST AND DECLAIM:
"DREAD LORD OF SHADOWS, GOD OF LIFE, AND THE GIVER OF LIFE-
YET IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEE, THE KNOWLEDGE OF DEATH.
OPEN WIDE, I PRAY THEE, THE GATES THROUGH WHICH ALL MUST PASS.
LET MY DEAR ONES WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE
RETURN THIS NIGHT TO MAKE MERRY WITH ME.
AND WHEN MY TIME COMES, AS IT MUST,
O THOU THE COMFORTER, THE CONSOLER, THE GIVER OF PEACE AND REST,
I WILL ENTER THY REALMS GLADLY AND UNAFRAID;
FOR I KNOW THAT WHEN RESTED AND REFRESHED AMONG MY DEAR ONES,
I WILL BE REBORN AGAIN BY THY GRACE, AND THE GRACE OF THE GREAT
MOTHER.
LET IT BE IN THE SAME PLACE AND AT THE SAME TIME AS MY BELOVED ONES,
AND MAY I MEET, AND KNOW, AND REMEMBER,
AND LOVE THEM AGAIN."
*DRAW THE VEIL OVER YOUR FACE AND STAND BEFORE THE WEST CANDLE, SAYING:
"THE WEST IS THE LAND OF THE DEAD,
TO WHICH MANY OF MY LOVED ONES
HAVE GONE FOR REST AND RENEWAL.
ON THIS NIGHT, I HOLD COMMUNION WITH THEM;
AS I HOLD THE IMAGE OF THESE LOVED ONES IN MY HEART
AND MIND, I SEND WELCOME TO THOSE WHO HAVE CROSSED OVER."
*WALK SLOWLY AND WITH DIGNITY IN A WIDDERSHINS (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE) DIRECTION
AROUND THE CIRCLE, SPIRALING SLOWLY INWARDS, TAKING THREE OR FOUR CIRCUITS TO
REACH THE CENTER.
*WHEN YOU REACH THE CENTER, HOLD OUT YOUR HANDS OVER THE CENTER OF THE CAULDRON,
WITH THE PALMS OUT, SAYING:
"BELOVED ONES, TRULY YOU ARE WELCOME IN THIS CIRCLE.
REMAIN IN PEACE."
*SIT BEFORE THE CAULDRON. RENEW THE INCENSE, IF NECESSARY.
*NOW IS THE TIME FOR COMMUNION WITH DEAD FRIENDS, FOR WHICH THERE IS NO SET
RITUAL. YOU MAY PREFER TO SIT QUIETLY BEFORE THE CAULDRON, GAZING INTO THE
INCENSE SMOKE, RECEIVING MESSAGES OR YOU MAY PREFER TO USE A SCRYING MIRROR OR
CRYSTAL BALL.
*WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, REMOVES YOUR VEIL AND CARRY THE CAULDRON IN A DOESIL
SPIRAL OUTWARDS AND PLACE IT BESIDE THE EAST CANDLE, THE QUARTER OF REBIRTH.
YULE
(FOR WOMEN)
*THE CAULDRON IS PLACED BY THE SOUTH CANDLE WITH AN UNLIT CANDLE IN IT AND
WREATHED WITH HOLLY, IVY AND MISTLETOE. NEED A VEIL.
SAY:
"I GROW DESIROUS OF MY LORD,
HIS SEED STIRS WITHIN ME.
THE TIME OF LIGHT IS UPON US."
*DRAWS A VEIL OVER YOUR HEAD AND CIRCLE DOESIL SEVEN TIMES, SAYING:
"RETURN, OH RETURN!
GOD OF THE SUN, GOD OF THE LIGHT RETURN!
WHEN I SEE THEE NOT,
MY HEART GRIEVES FOR THEE,
RETURN! RETURN! RETURN!"
*STAND BEFORE THE ALTAR WITH ARMS UPRAISED, SAYING:
"QUEEN OF THE MOON, QUEEN OF THE SUN,
QUEEN OF THE HEAVENS, QUEEN OF THE STARS,
QUEEN OF THE WATERS, QUEEN OF THE EARTH,
BRING TO US THE CHILD OF PROMISE!
IT IS THE GREAT MOTHER WHO GIVES BIRTH TO HIM;
IT IS THE LORD OF LIFE WHO IS BORN AGAIN;
DARKNESS AND TEARS ARE SET ASIDE WHEN THE SUN SHALL COME UP EARLY!"
*TAKE A CANDLE FROM THE ALTAR AND LIGHT THE CANDLE IN THE CAULDRON, SAYING:
"GOLDEN SUN OF HILL AND MOUNTAIN,
ILLUMINE THE LAND, ILLUMINE THE WORLD,
ILLUMINE THE SEAS, ILLUMINE THE RIVERS,
SORROWS BE LAID, JOY TO THE WORLD!
BLESSED BE THE GREAT GODDESS,
WITHOUT BEGINNING, WITHOUT ENDING,
EVERLASTING TO ETERNITY, IO EVO! HE! BLESSED BE!
IO EVO! HE! BLESSED BE!...."
YULE
(FOR MEN)
*THE CAULDRON IS PLACED BY THE SOUTH CANDLE WITH AN UNLIT CANDLE IN IT AND
WREATHED WITH HOLLY, IVY AND MISTLETOE.
*STAND BEFORE THE ALTAR WITH ARMS UPRAISED, SAYING:
"QUEEN OF THE MOON, QUEEN OF THE SUN,
QUEEN OF THE HEAVENS, QUEEN OF THE STARS,
QUEEN OF THE WATERS, QUEEN OF THE EARTH,
BRING TO US THE CHILD OF PROMISE!
IT IS THE GREAT MOTHER WHO GIVES BIRTH TO HIM;
IT IS THE LORD OF LIFE WHO IS BORN AGAIN;
DARKNESS AND TEARS ARE SET ASIDE WHEN THE SUN SHALL COME UP EARLY!"
*TAKE A CANDLE FROM THE ALTAR AND LIGHT THE CANDLE IN THE CAULDRON, SAYING:
"GOLDEN SUN OF HILL AND MOUNTAIN,
ILLUMINE THE LAND, ILLUMINE THE WORLD,
ILLUMINE THE SEAS, ILLUMINE THE RIVERS,
SORROWS BE LAID, JOY TO THE WORLD!
BLESSED BE THE GREAT GODDESS,
WITHOUT BEGINNING, WITHOUT ENDING,
EVERLASTING TO ETERNITY, IO EVO! HE! BLESSED BE!
IO EVO! HE! BLESSED BE!...."
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