2101 July 31, 1991 10:30 EDT This file contain a transcript of the 1991 Lammas ritual held online in the CompuServe RELIGION forum Section 8. The participants were: User User ID Name ---- ------------- ------------------- 1 72065,425 Cygnus 2 72730,2603 gaius 3 71600,621 Jehana 4 73715,1552 Larne 7 76304,3712 HAWK 8 71640,3711 SilverHawk 10 75325,1441 Shadow Hawk 12 71510,73 Peggy This evenings ritual was designed and led by Shadow Hawk. *********************************************************************- ********************************************************************* { } denotes an edit. Text in {} has been changed, moved or editied in some fashion AFTER the ritual was complete. ( ) denotes action. If you see (text) in parentheses, it indicates something you should do. " " denotes something to say verbally. If you see "text" in quotes, it is something for you to repeat. If you see text by itself, read and follow along, ok? *********************************************************************- ********************************************************************* Ok, you all will need bread, charcoal, a cauldron/braiser of some kind... that you can ignite the charcoal in. Does everyone know what Lammas is all about? Ok, Lammas is a ritual dedicated to the Sun God, or the Corn God Or a variety of other Gods that are known as sacrificial gods called because the ancients believed that the sun at it's highest point (middle of summer) died, and that the essense went into the food to sustain life during the long cold winter ahead. This is the time of the Corn King, as was said, the first of the Harvest times when the first crops were brought in. ok, then, we begin... LAMMAS 2102 * (Visualize a cloud of incense falling across the world, cleansing and purifying, and saying,) "By the Spirits of Air and Fire I cleanse thee." (Visualize a rain of water and the strength of the Earth rising up and say,) "By the Creatures of Water and Earth I cleanse thee." * (Everyone visualize and connect with the south, the element of Fire.) Ye Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Powers of Fire; Spirits of Illumination and Desire, I do summon, stir, and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle. (Connect with the West and the spirit of Water, ) Ye Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Powers of Water; Spirits of Death and Initiation, I do Summon, stir, and call upon you to Witness our Rites and to guard the Circle. (Connect with the North and the spirit of Earth,) Ye Guardians of the Watchtower of the North, ye Powers of Earth, Keepers of the Northern Portals, Spirits of Mountain and Plains, I do summon, stir, and call upon you to witness our Rites and to Guard the Circle. (Connect with the East and the spirit of Air, ) Ye Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Powers of Air; Spirits of Clear Will and Knowledge, I do summon, stir, and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle. (Visualize the Earth Herself illuminated in a Circle of silver Light. ) 2103 The Circle is cast, we are between the worlds, beyond the boundaries of time, where Night and Day Birth and Death, Joy and Sorrow, meet as one. * Listen to the words of the Great Mother, she whom of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Brid, and by many other names. Whenever you have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the Moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Her, who is Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets, to these will She teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites, and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in Her praise. For Her's is the secret door that opens upon the Land of Youth, and Her's is the cup of the wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. She is the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of Joy unto the hearts of Man. Upon Earth, She gives knowledge of the spirit eternal, and beyond death, She gives peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor does She demand sacrifice, for behold, She is the Mother of all living, and her Love is poured out upon the Earth. Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of Heaven, and whose body encircles the Universe. She who is the beauty of the green Earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the hearts of man, calls unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto Her. For She is the soul of Nature, who gives life to the universe. From Her all things proceed, and unto Her all things must return, and before Her face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let Her worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold, all act of love and pleasure are Her rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and 2104 strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for Her, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the mystery, that if what thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou shalt never find it without thee. For behold, She has been with thee from the beginning, and She is that which is attained at the end of desire. * (Light charcoal and Take piece of bread in hand. ) now is the time to light your charcoal, and take the bread in hand. This is the time of Lugh, the Shining One, the Bright One, the Golden One, the Sacrificed One. He was conceived in the depths of Winter, was Born in the Spring, Danced and Loved in the Summer, and now, He Dies in the Harvest so that we may Live through the long Winter's Night. Corn King, Sun King, Die and Be Reborn! (Feel the death in the bread, the grains that grew under the Sun, feeling the wind and the rain on their husks, the sything of the grain so that the bread may be made, the sacrifice of Life so that Life could live. ) (Feel the Life in the bread, that which has given up life, yet is filled with life, with the sustanence that it provides, contemplate hunger, and then the filling of that need. See enough bread to feed the world., for the God{dess} is not stingy, but looks after all Her Children. ) (Holding the Bread in your hand, offer it up for Blessings. ) "Oh 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 mighty. By the Rose of thy love, do thou descend upon the body of thy children." "Behold, the Holly King is dead, he who is also the Corn King. He has embraced the Great Mother, and died of his love, so has it been, year by year, since time began. But if the 2105 Holly King is dead, he who is the God of the Waning Year, all is dead; all that sleeps in Her womb of Earth would sleep forever. What shall we do therefore, that the Holly King may live again?" "We Shall eat of the bread of Life. Then shall sleep lead on to rebirth." (Tear off part of the Bread and offer it to the Flame. As it ignites and smokes, see the spark of life that will be reborne in the womb of the Earth Mother in the Winter.) As the bread smokes, see life and death in the smoke, one lives on the other... and without both, we would not be. "Come back to us, Holly King, that the land may be fruitful." I am the battle-waging spear; I am a salmon in the pool; I am a hill of poetry; I am a ruthless boar; I am a threatening noise of the sea; I am a wave of the sea; Who but I knows the secrets of the unhewn dolmen? (Feel the Essense of the God, His Birth, His Life, and His Death, Gentle tongue, endless passion, strength of His arms, the Warmth of His Touch, and know that Thou art God as well.) (Eat the Bread, and feel the essense of the God on your tongue, and filling your body with strenth for the trials of the Harvest and Winter.) * {(Connect with the East and feel the Air dying down.) Ye Powers of the East, thanks be yours for attending our Rites, and ere ye depart to your Sacred realms, we bid you Hail and farewell.} (Connect with the North and feel the Earth sinking down) Ye Powers of the North, thanks be yours for 2106 attending our Rites, and ere ye depart to your Sacred realms, we bid you Hail and farewell. (Connect with the West and feel the ocean retreating.) Ye Powers of the West, thanks be yours for attending our Rites, and ere ye depart to your Sacred realms, we bid you Hail and farewell. (Connect with the South and feel the fire subsiding.) Ye Powers of the South, thanks be yours for attending our Rites, and ere ye depart to your Sacred realms, we bid you Hail and farewell. (Visualize the Circle expanding, beyond the earth and out into space, bringing health and good harvest throughout the world.) "The Circle is Open, but never Broken, Merry Meet, and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again!" ********************************************************************* THIS IS THE END OF THE 1991 LAMMAS ONLINE RITUAL. Thanks to Shadow Hawk for leading us this evening and thank you all for attending (past or present) and I hope you will be able to join us in person for our next gathering. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact: 75325,1441 - Shadow Hawk 71600,621 - Jehana 71640,3711 - SilverHawk On the CompuServe RELIGION forum in Section 8 (NewAge/Pagan/Occult). Peace and prosperity to you and yours. SilverHawk \*/ S 2107 CompuServe On-Line Lammas Ritual, 1990 << Shadow Hawk has asked us for our locations to aid in >> << plotting the circle. >> (8-4,Jehana) Danbury Conn (8-12,NC) New York (8-1,Ladyhawk) LA county, California (8-9,SilverHawk) Elk Grove Village, IL (8-11,Larne) New Haven, CT. (8-13,Dale) Long Island New York (8-16,Shadowstar) Houston, Texas (8-3,gnat) Chicagaw, Illinoise (8-7,Rilla) Grand Rapids, Michigan (8-5,Gwynndon) Baton Rouge, La (8-17,Caitlin) LeLeesburg, VA << An explanation of the ritual has been requested >> (8-8,SH) Lammas is the time where the fields are ready for harvesting, and it is too late to worry if you have done enough for the oncoming winter. It is a Corn God, (Lugh) oriented festival. It is a celibration and rememberance for the life that dies... so that life may live. << --------------------- STARTING ------------------->> (8-8,SH) beginning.... As you sit, begin slow deep breaths... relax, center, feel the earth beneath your feet feel the life coursing in your veins feel the breath flowing in your lungs feel the feel of being alive savor that, be that, experience that aliveness, for winter is coming. (8-8,SH) We draw the Circle, beginning in the south. In your mind's eye, see the Circle of Fire as it stretches in an arc from Texas, upward, sweeping curve, to California. As the circle passes the West, the Fire becomes Water, and a line of liquid blue sweeps upward and across the country to the north, far North, into the home of Earth. The Circle of liquid Blue now becomes dark, dark as the fertile earth, and the arc proceeds to the East, to the home of Air, where the Circle becomes yellow. The Arc continues on to the South, to the home of Fire, and the Circle is Cast, We are in the place Between the Worlds, outside the Space of Time, where Life and Death have no meaning. We have come home. (8-8,SH) Shadowstar, from the South, will you please invoke the Watchtower of the South, as is your right? Ladyhawk, from the West, will you invoke the Watchtower of the West... when Shadowstar is finished? 2108 (8-16,Shadowstar) Hail, Watcher of the South, Power of Fire! Join us here this night and be welcome! (8-8,SH) Blessed BE (8-1,Ladyhawk) Hail, Watcher of the West, Lord of the oceans, rain and lakes... I bid you come, join us in this rite and lend your protection... Be welcome! Blessed Be! (8-8,SH) Blessed BE! (8-8,SH) Jehana, will you invoke the Watchtower of the North? (8-4,Jehana) Hail, Watcher of the North... Earth; the bones of the continents beneath our feet... Hail and welcome (8-8,SH) Caitlin, will you proceed? (8-17,Caitlin) Hail, great spirit and watcher of the East.... spirit of Air, which nourishes all that lives.... come now to our circle; cleanse us and help us to travel... freely in your world, aided by your force. Blessed be! (8-8,SH) Blessed Be! (8-8,SH) Hail Lady, Bright Mother, Dark Mother... We call to you, from your home in the Stars, From your home beneath our feet, your children call to you. Come, be with us, guide us tonight in your Rites. Hail Sun God, Hail Corn God, we call you you. From your Fiery Chariot, we bid you come... From the Fertile Fields, we bid you come... Be with us, guide us, in your Rite tonight. Now is the time of the death of the Sun God, as we walk into the dark of night. Breath deep of the light of the Golden One, Lugh, the Sun King, for the long nights are coming. Now is the time of the death of the Corn King, who dies as the fields are reaped. We stand in the time of waiting, for the fall of winter is upon us, and the ground shall lie lifeless under the hand of the Reaper. Look at the fields of your life. Have you sown well? Have you tended your fields with care? What do you fear? (8-8,SH) Now, take your candle, and light it. Now, take a piece of bread in your hand, a small piece, and hold it 2109 think about your fears that haunt you in the night... focus them into the bread, and chant the name of your fear into the piece of bread. when you have focused your fear into the bread, hold the charged bread to the flame, and chant your fear BEGONE! As the bread smokes and blackens, your fears are burned away all fears are burned away Take these fears and feed them to the Fire, free yourself from fear. Give your fears to the fire, and let them go, you do not need them. (8-8,SH) In this fire, may it pass from me, May it pass, May it pass, May it pass on the outflowing tide And burn with the red sun As the year dies And fade As everything fades, As everything passes, All fades away, As everything passes, All fades away. What do you hope to harvest? Think about your Harvest, what will you reap? (8-8,SH) take the rest of the bread, and hold it in your hand, Chant what you desire, what is your harvest, what are your hopes? (8-8,SH) In this night hope manifests May it come, may it come, May it come on rising tide, And grow by the red sun As the year dies And light fades As hope rises As hope soars As hope remains As hope soars As hope remains Hope is a Star, burning bright in the night (8-8,SH) Feel the hope charge the bread of Life tear the bread in half (8-8,SH) Behold the Corn King, eat of the Bread of Life, that dies to be reborn. Eat of the Bread of Life, that you might live through the long winter's Night. For it is written that Life must die so that Life can live. All is in the hands of the Mother, from Birth, until Death, and to Birth again. 2110 Farewell Golden One, Fairwell Corn King, Fairwell Sun King. You will be reborn through the Mother, Creatrix and Destructress. We shall await your return. Corn King, Life King, Death King, your death will bring us life. (8-8,SH) Hail Corn King Golden One, Waving Gently in the Sun, Brought to rest by scythe's sharp kiss Sleep in Her arms. (8-8,SH) Take of the Bread of Life, the Corn King, and eat, that you may live through the long nights ahead. Eat the Bread of Life, and remember, life dies so that Life lives. the bread that is left, offer to Her, so that Her creatures may live though the long nights ahead too. later tonight, place the bread outside with a prayer and your thanks for the gift of Life. Breath deep, feel the Life within Feel the veins throb with life Feel the bread of Life recharging your life force. Meditate on this, that Life comes from Death, and Death from Life. The cycle goes around, and we are a part of it, as surely as the Corn King himself. (8-8,SH) Caitlen, will you dismiss the Watchtower of the East please? (8-17,Caitlin) Blessed be, you spirits of the air; depart in the peace of the Lady.... thank you for attending on our call. Stay with us as we pass through this earth. Blessed be (8-8,SH) Blessed Be (8-8,SH) Jehana, will you dismiss the Watchtowers of the North, please? (8-4,Jehana) Blessed be, Creatures and Watchers of the North... Of the land beneath our feet.... Thank you for attending to our call, .... Hail, and Farewell!! (8-8,SH) Blessed Be (8-8,SH) Ladyhawk, will you dismiss the Watchtower of the West? (8-1,Ladyhawk) Hail Watchers of the West, Lords of Water... Thank you for attending our call, 2111 Hail and Farewell!! (8-8,SH) Blessed Be (8-8,SH) Shadowstar, will you dismiss the Watchtower of the South, please? (8-16,Shadowstar) Hail Watcher of the South, Power of Fire! Our thanks for attending our call. Hail and Farewell!! (8-8,SH) Blessed Be (8-8,SH) Hail Lady Faire, thank you for attending our Rite tonight... for the Blessings you have given us, the gift of Life. Hail Sun King, Corn King for the gift that you have given us... the gift of Life. Lady and Lord, we thank you for your attendance to this your Rite... And may we walk with the knowledge of you in our thoughts... and the Love of you in our hearts. Farewell Lady, Farewell Lord, and Thank you. Blessed Be (8-8,SH) Now see the Circle around us sinking down, down into the Earth... Carrying Life itself into the ground, fertilizing and charging the Earth for the coming night. Gradually, the Circle disappears from sight, slowly dissolving, starting in the East, moving back, retracing it's path to the north, and from there to the west. From the west back to the South, ending at the beginning. And we are returned to this world. The Circle is open, but never broken (8-8,SH) Merry Meet, and Merry Part And Merry Meet again! << This marks the end of tonight's Rite. The Rite is over but >> << the revelry has just begun !! >> 2112 CompuServe on-line Imbolc Ritual, 1993 (8-8,Jehana) You are sitting in your room, the computer before you... You feel your own power and energy building, growing... A pale blue light surrounds you... It expands out and away from you, forming into blue flame... Growing, growing, reaching ever outwards... Boston... Boston blue flame ... energy grid... moving outward... Connecticut... Shelton.... Brookfield... blue flame.... energy grid.. moving outward... New York City.... blue flame, speeding southwards... Jersey City.... Blue flame , spreading southwards... Baton Rouge... Westwards.... Northwards... Blue flame, energy, powergrid, connecting... Detroit.... Blue flame, racing back towards east... Connecting Boston. The Circle is Cast... The Circle is fluid; those who seek to gate in late may well expand this circle. The Circle Is Cast. (8-18,Tapestry) Guardians of the East. We welcome you. Your breath of fresh air. Your spring breezes. Your new beginnings; and their promise of infinite potential. Be here now! Guardians of the South. We welcome you. That spark of life that smolders within the slumbering seed and the pregnant ewe and the forsythia buds. Your promise of Summer's heat. The urgency of love's passion. Be here now! Guardians of the West. We welcome you. The melting ice, dripping from the eaves. The spring rain that mistily drapes us with love. The healing sound of water burbling from a spring. Be here Now! Guardians of the North. We welcome you. The rocks beneath the winter snow. The roots of trees seeking earth's warmth downward. The swell of the hills, the thrust of the great mountains, The tracks of the wolf in the new-fallen snow. Be here now! (8-8,Jehana) We call upon Brighid, patron Goddess of 2113 the Fires of the Forge; the Fires of Inspiration. We call upon Brighid, patron Goddess of the waters that give life Giving life, transforming seeds buried deep below the frost into the amazing gift of Growth and Possibility and Potential. We call upon Brighid and become like the Sword, forged by fire, and tempered by water. Hail, and Greetings! (Here, any and all are welcome to mention their own personal invocations) <ga> (8-13,Babs) Hail Lady of the Forge. (8-22,Lynne) I call white and golden light to the Earth for her healing I ask Bridget to send a blessing onto the Earth (8-13,Babs) Make it so. (8-18,Tapestry) Hold a seed in your hand. Project yourself beyond the hard seed covering. To the soft kernel inside. At one end of the kernel is a tiny, sharp point. The kernel can split in half and the sharp point becomes a tiny germinal plant. Imagine the seed planted in the soft soil of the garden. The snow covering the ground insulates the seed from the cold winter winds as it sleeps. The tiny germ feels the gentle warming of the sun and the moisture of the melting snow as it slowly wakens. This wakening of the tiny, hidden embryo of the plant is Imbolc - the first stirrings of Spring. The time when the tiny seedling thrusts roots into the soil, and prepares leaves to capture the sun's future nourishment and warmth. When the ground is soft, the snow gone, and the sun smiling upon the land it will be ready. Imbolc is the time when the pregnant mares develop bulging udders for their foals, and about two weeks before they deliver, the oozing colostrum dries into a waxy covering on the teats. When this happens, the farmer knows that her time is near. Spring will arrive soon, and both the mare and the farmer will be ready. This is Imb-olc. The name comes from the "Oim" (ewe's) - "olc" (milk). The ewe's udder, like the mare's, swells and prepares for the birth of twin lambs - usually in late February or early March. This sign was very important for herdsmen in the north because ewes usually look for a secluded place to give birth, and if her time was near with a bitter cold snap or late winter storm brewing, the results could be disastrous. This is also a day one-third through the Celtic Lunar 2114 Month of Luis; the Rowan tree. The celebration of Brighid's (Breed) Day, or Candlemas, one of the 4 Great Fire Festivals of the Celtic Year. The others are: Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. For each, a balefire, bonefire, or candle was lit to mark the spiritual beginning of the season. It was seen as the rebirth of spirit, the spiralling out again from darkness. Let us go to sleep tonight thinking about these new beginnings. These new births, and the beginning of our new selves. To concentrate on our own beginnings within the womb of the Mother. How we begin anew with the understanding, compassion, and love conceived within her fertility. Let us concentrate on maintaining a groundedness within Her. Concentrate on learning to focus ourselves to the tasks at hand and complete them with the calmness of knowing that She guides our every move and thought. In so doing, we will become more caring and competent, loving and assured. (8-8,Jehana) (Pause to reflect and meditate on this) Thank you, Brighid. We accept Your gifts and Your blessings. Hail and Farewell ! (8-8,Jehana) Guardians of the East, we thank you. For your breath of fresh air, for your spring breezes, for the new beginnings you bring us, we thank you! Hail and Farewell! Guardians of the South, we thank you. Reminding us of the spark of life that smolders within the slumbering seed, the pregnant ewe, the forsythia buds. For your promise of Summer's heat, for the urgency of love's passion, we thank you! Hail and Farewell! Guardians of the West, we thank you. The melting ice, dripping from the eaves. The spring rain that drapes us with love. For the healing sound of water burbling from a spring, we thank you! Hail and Farewell! Guardians of the North, we thank you. For the rocks beneath the winter snow. For the roots of trees seeking earth's warmth downward; the swell of the hills, the thrust of the great mountains, The tracks of the wolf in the new-fallen snow. we thank you! Hail and Farewell! 2115 (8-8,Jehana) The energy that surrounds us, contains us; the blue flame... See it... Visualize the blue flames that surround this our Circle See them flame brightly. And now, widdershins, the blue flame starts to fade. Fire seal the Circle round, Let it fade beneath the ground Let all things be as they were Since the Beginning of Time. 2116 Full Moon Ritual April 1993 (1-2,High Priestess) Children of the Lady, Gather you around this night, (1-2,High Priestess) For as in days of olde, we are commanded to reverence Her, (1-2,High Priestess) She who is the Life of Life, the Love of Love and the Kiss (1-2,High Priestess) of Passion. (1-2,High Priestess) Children of the Lady, Gather you around this night, (1-2,High Priestess) For as in days of olde, we are commanded to come before (1-2,High Priestess) Her, She who is the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of Hel, (1-2,High Priestess) and she who is the Queen of Everwhen. (1-2,High Priestess) Tonight is the night, the magical night, when the Powers (1-2,High Priestess) once more walk the Land. Children of the Lady, come forth, (1-2,High Priestess) Gather you around as is your right. (1-2,High Priestess) I call upon you spirits of the Earth, spirits of Air, (1-2,High Priestess) spirits of Fire, and spirits of Water. COME, Gather you (1-2,High Priestess) around this night. For as in days of olde, We call you to (1-2,High Priestess) come and worship Her, She who is Queen of all that is, was (1-2,High Priestess) and will be. (1-2,High Priest) I walk the circle Round and Round, I (1-2,High Priest) cast the Circle on the Ground. I (1-2,High Priest) walk the Circle round and round, I (1-2,High Priest) cast the Circle on the ground. (1-2,High Priest) Willow, will you call the directions, beginning in the (1-2,High Priest) North? ---lost transmission for North, East--- (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the South, the (creatures lost) (1-3,Willow) bring your flame of life and love to your children to dance in until the Winter rules again. Be with us now. (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the West, the dolphin, the dragonfly, (1-3,Willow) bring us your peace and healing love. (1-3,Willow) Let the warm waters wash us clean and purify us in this sacred rite. (1-3,Willow) Let the waters of the mother be with us now.So mote it be. (1-2,High Priest) So mote it be! (1-2,High Priest) We are in the place that is not a Place, in a time that 2117 (1-2,High Priest) is not a Time, and in a space that is not a Space. Let (1-2,High Priest) none disturb that which the Gods have decreed. (1-2,High Priestess) This is the time of the Full Moon, the high tide of (1-2,High Priestess) power. As we are bid to assemble, at least once in the (1-2,High Priestess) month to seek Her blessings, so we are here tonight. (1-2,High Priest) Maiden, Mother, Crone as One, Triple Faced Goddess, we (1-2,High Priest) call upon you. Your Children have come as in the olde (1-2,High Priest) days, with joy in our eyes and Love in our hearts. We (1-2,High Priest) walk the old paths, we sing the old songs, we chant the (1-2,High Priest) old chants and we call the old calls. (1-2,High Priest) Goddess of the Spring, we call upon you, Queen of the (1-2,High Priest) great woods, Diana, we open our hearts to you. (1-2,High Priestess) Child of Vine and Child of field, we call upon you, (1-2,High Priestess) Dionysus, Shining One, Mother's Son, Lover in the (1-2,High Priestess) Fields, we open our hearts to you. (1-2,Diana) Children of the Night, Thrice blessed are you who walk (1-2,Diana) My Path, for Mine is the Path of New Beginnings. None (1-2,Diana) shall wither and grow stagnant who pulls on the Bow of (1-2,Diana) Life, and launches themselves into the Stars upon my (1-2,Diana) Arrow. (1-2,Dionysus) Children of the Day, Thrice blessed are you who walk My (1-2,Dionysus) Path, for Mine is the Path of New Beginnings. None (1-2,Dionysus) shall Die who knows the secret of my seed. (1-2,Diana) Listen to me, Oh my Children, and walk with me in the (1-2,Diana) Woods. (1-2,Diana) Around you I weave my spell and might. The trees grow (1-2,Diana) thicker and strong. Off in the distance you hear the (1-2,Diana) sound of a large animal crashing through the brush, and (1-2,Diana) close you hear the chirping of birds. The gentle hum (1-2,Diana) of sacred bees about their labor of collecting pollen (1-2,Diana) for Me, for I am their Queen too. (1-2,Diana) The Wind swirls around us, and the scent of life fills (1-2,Diana) the air. Tangy pine, sharp ceder, far off apple trees (1-2,Diana) all cast their call upon the air. (1-2,Diana) The sound in the brush gets closer and closer, till a (1-2,Diana) great Stag bursts forth from the brush. Head thrown (1-2,Diana) back he bellows his cry. Then with a twist he is off, (1-2,Diana) quicker than the thunder rolling down from the hills, (1-2,Diana) he speeds. But, I am faster. (1-2,Diana) Bow twangs, arrow flies, and with the muted sound of an (1-2,Diana) earthquake, he dies. (1-2,Diana) Look at me, my Children. I am the Goddess of (1-2,Diana) Swiftness, with a look I can bring death. And bending (1-2,Diana) down, I touch the Stag, and with a start he bounds 2118 (1-2,Diana) away. I am the Goddess of Swiftness, with a touch I (1-2,Diana) can bring life. I am Life Eternal, and I am Death (1-2,Diana) Eternal. (1-2,Dionysus) Her hand is the Blade, her Eye the Arrow, Her touch the (1-2,Dionysus) Kiss of Life and Death. And I love her. (1-2,Dionysus) Mine is the secret of the Cycle, the Secret of the (1-2,Dionysus) Doorway betwixt Life and Death is Mine. (1-2,Dionysus) Behold, I give you this seed. In this seed is the (1-2,Dionysus) coming Year. Charge it well with your wishes tonight, (1-2,Dionysus) that Her Blessings will grow with you through the year. (1-2,Dionysus) I am the Seed of New Beginnings, and Her's is the Water (1-2,Dionysus) of Life. (1-2,Diana) Children of the Night, bring forth your Seed, that I (1-2,Diana) may touch them and bring you the gifts that are mine to (1-2,Diana) share. (1-2,High Priestess) (everyone plant at least one desire in their Virtual (1-2,High Priestess) Seed and hold it in your hands. Visualize a white (1-2,High Priestess) light coming from the Center of the Circle and all the (1-2,High Priestess) seeds take on it's light.) (1-2,Shadow Hawk) I place within my seed the desire for finances to meet my needs. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) I placw within my seed the desire for good fortune for my children, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) both natural and stepchild. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Willow, do you have a desire? (1-10,Dave) merry meet everyone! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Merry Meet Dave, Take a seed from the hand of the God, and... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) place your desire for the coming year in it. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Many Blue Sparks, please do the same within the Circle (1-10,Dave) Aye, that I will do... (1-3,Willow) I place within my seed the desire to fill our new home with love and the promise of a marriage filled with beauty and wonder. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) So mote it be Willow! (1-3,Willow) So mote it be! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) many Blue Sparks? (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) I place within my seed the desire for a path that leads from darkness. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) So mote it be! (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) So mote it be! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Then we continue (1-2,Shadow Hawk) OP/name High Priestess (1-2,High Priestess) (everyone chant verbally with me while holding their seed) (1-2,High Priestess) (all chant with me verbally) 2119 (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) Darksome Night and shining Moon, (1-2,High Priestess) East, then South, then West, then North, (1-2,High Priestess) Hearken to the Witch's Run, (1-2,High Priestess) Here we come to call thee forth! (1-2,High Priestess) Earth and water, air and fire, (1-2,High Priestess) Wand and pentacle and sword, (1-2,High Priestess) Work ye unto our desire, (1-2,High Priestess) Hearken ye unto our work! (1-2,High Priestess) Cords and censer, scourge and knife, (1-2,High Priestess) Powers of the witch's blade, (1-2,High Priestess) Waken all ye unto life, (1-2,High Priestess) Come ye as the charm is made! (1-2,High Priestess) Queen of heaven, Queen of Hel, (1-2,High Priestess) Horned Hunter of the night, (1-2,High Priestess) Lend your power unto the spell, (1-2,High Priestess) And work our will by magic rite! (1-2,High Priestess) In the earth and air and sea, (1-2,High Priestess) By the light of Moon or Sun, (1-2,High Priestess) As we do will, so mote it be. (1-2,High Priestess) Chant the spell and be it done! (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Azarak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Zomelak, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Cernunnos, (1-2,High Priestess) Eko, Eko, Aradia! (1-2,High Priestess) so mote it be! (1-2,Diana) Now Children, Take your seed and plant it in my Forest, (1-2,Diana) that it will grow strong throughout the year. (1-2,Diana) Dionysus, Come to Me, for it is time. Take up your (1-2,Diana) lance and Fill my Grail. I, your Queen, command it. (1-2,Diana) As the Lance is to the God (1-2,Diana) So the Chalice is to the Goddess (1-2,Diana) And when the Two are One (1-2,Diana) The Greatest Magic is begun. (1-2,Dionysus) Brothers and Sisters, come, for now it is time to drink (1-2,Dionysus) and eat. 2120 (1-2,Dionysus) (passing wine and cakes) (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Drink from your chalice and eat of your bread, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) saving some for offering after the ritual to the Lady. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) This is the place where we sit and relax in the presense of the Gods.... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Welcome to the first Full Moon of Spring! (1-3,Willow) Blessed be, friends! (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) Blessed be! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be Willow, (toasting Willow's new home and honey) (1-10,Dave) Blessed Be, everyone! (1-3,Willow) I would like to, while in this sacred space, (1-3,Willow) thank the divine intervention of Aphrodite! (1-3,Willow) She introduced Craig and I (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Willow, do you know her verse in that great pagan classic, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Gimme that Old Time Religion? (1-3,Willow) and, thankfully, my life will never be the same! (toast to Aprodite!) (1-2,Shadow Hawk) (raising chalice to Aphrodite) (1-3,Willow) Can you hum a few bars? (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Hmmmmmmmmmm.... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) We will worship Aphrodite, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Tho she seems a little flighty (1-3,Willow) oh, no (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Coming naked in her Nightie, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) And that's Good enough for me! (grin) (1-3,Willow) Oh, Gods! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Yes Goddess? (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) Hee! (1-10,Dave) Tiss a nice ryme there shadow Hawk. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) (pouring more Wine for everyone) (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Dave, there are about 200 or so verses... (1-3,Willow) Hey, this may be a Spring ritual, but I'm engaged! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) my favorite is the one that goes... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) We will worship like the Druids (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Drinking strange fermented fluids (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Running Naked through the woods (1-2,Shadow Hawk) and that's good enough for me! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) (Gimme that old time religion....) (g) (1-3,Willow) MY favorite goes... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Willow, engaged in what? (1-3,Willow) Here's to the god of discord, (1-3,Willow) while this may not rhyme (1-10,Dave) Don't worry Willow, so are we (my Lady and I that is)! (1-3,Willow) or even make any sense, (1-3,Willow) it's good enough for me1 (1-2,Shadow Hawk) heh heh heh (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) :) (1-3,Willow) Right now?!? (1-10,Dave) now what? (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Of course! (g) 2121 (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Hmmm.... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) We will worship mighty Thor, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Tho he leaves the maidens sore (1-2,Shadow Hawk) They keep coming back for more, (1-3,Willow) not agin... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) and that's good enough for me! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Not again? That brings us to.... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Oh the Christians are a hummin, (1-2,Shadow Hawk) cause they say their God's a comming (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Our God Came and keeps on Commin (1-2,Shadow Hawk) And that's good enough for me! (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) <ROFL> (1-2,Shadow Hawk) (gotta love them Spring Fertility rituals! (g) (1-10,Dave) Everyone, sorry for the tardiness, but will rejoin at another time... (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be Dave (cutting a doorway out) (1-10,Dave) b.b. (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) BB, D! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Ok, guess it is time to wrap it up. (1-2,Shadow Hawk) (standing up in V.R. Circle (1-3,Willow) Before wewe're all drunk with Dionysis' wine, we should wrap. (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) Rap, nah I only chanted. (1-2,Diana) Children of the Night, it is time to return to your (1-2,Diana) world. Blessed be thy Feet that have brought you on (1-2,Diana) this path. Blessed be thy knees that have kneeled at (1-2,Diana) the Sacred Altar. Blessed be thy Belly, without which (1-2,Diana) thy kind would not be. Blessed be thy Breast, formed (1-2,Diana) in Strength and Beauty. Blessed be thy Mouth, that (1-2,Diana) shall speak the Sacred words of Love. (1-2,High Priest) Great Goddess, Huntress of the Night, we thank you for (1-2,High Priest) your works here tonight. Go if you must, Stay if you (1-2,High Priest) will, for we are your adoring Children. (1-2,High Priestess) Great Dionysus, thank you for your laughter and light (1-2,High Priestess) tonight. Blessed be thy Seed, which shall grow over (1-2,High Priestess) the coming year and clothe the face of the Mother in (1-2,High Priestess) Life. Go if you must, Stay if you will, for we are (1-2,High Priestess) your brothers and sisters. (1-2,High Priestess) Willow, will you dismiss the directions, starting in the West? (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the west, we thank you for your help (1-3,Willow) and attendence here tonight. (1-3,Willow) Return to the waters of the Mother. (1-3,Willow) Stay if you will, go if you must. We thank you. (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the South, we thank you for your help and attendence her tonight. 2122 (1-3,Willow) Return to the fires of creation. (1-3,Willow) Stay if you will, go if you must. We thank you. (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the East, we thank you for your help and attendence here tonight. (1-3,Willow) Return to the warm breezes of new beginnings. (1-3,Willow) Stay if you will, go if you must. We thank you (1-3,Willow) Spirits of the North, we thank you for your help and attendenct here tonight. (1-3,Willow) Return to the cool caves of the Earth. (1-3,Willow) Stay if you will, go if you must, We thank you. (1-3,Willow) So mote it be. (1-2,High Priestess) SO mote it be! (1-2,High Priest) I move to the North, and walking widdershins, the Circle of Fire subsides (1-2,High Priest) behind me. (1-2,High Priest) Down down into the ground, never more to be found... (1-2,High Priest) down down into the ground, out to the edge of the covenspace. (1-2,High Priest) Returning to the north, I face the Circle... (1-2,High Priest) The Circle is Open, but Unbroken, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! (1-2,High Priest) Blessed Be! (1-3,Willow) Blessed Be! (1-1,Many Blue Sparks) Blessed Be! (1-2,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be Willow and Many Blue Sparks! 2123 CompuServe Full Moon Ritual Aug 1992 HPS- Jehana HP - Shadow Hawk (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Lady Jehana, wilt thou call the sacred rite to order? (1-5,Jehana) Lord Shadow Hawk, we are ready to begin. (1-8,Shadow Hawk) All, please take a moment to draw some deep breaths... (1-5,Jehana) I assume all have their glass of beverage, and piece of bread/crackers. Take a moment to relax, using regular, patterned breaths... Feel all parts of your body, from toes to head, gradually relax... a blue glowing field surrounds you... the blue glowing field slowly grows to surround your room... the blue glowing field slowly grows to encompass the town/city you live in... the blue glowing field slowly grows to encompase the landscape... the blue glowing field slowly grows to encompass North America... and each of you connect in with the fields of all the others... the blue glowing fields of all the others here within Circle... Feel its energies spinning from East... to South... to West... to North... and re-connecting with East again. (1-8,Shadow Hawk) in your minds, please face the East.... Robin's egg blue, pure and clean Hail, oh denizens of the East! Of Air; of incense smoke Winged Ones, riding the wind Join us, if you will Sharp discernment Tool of our Mind.. Hail; and Welcome! (1-5,Jehana) In your minds, please face the South... Fire-bright red, rich with power Hail, oh denizens of the South! Of Fire; of flickering matches; of salamanders that rage and burn and sear Join us, if you will Passion and Will Tools of our hand... Hail; and Welcome! (1-8,Shadow Hawk) In your minds, please turn and face the West... 2124 Aquamarine Green, bursting with power Hail, oh denizens of the West! of Water; of Cauldron deep; Of Undines that ride the waves Join us, if you will Emotions and feelings Tools of our Heart.. Hail; and Welcome! (1-5,Jehana) In your minds, please turn and face the North... Dirt brown, rich with humus Hail, oh denizens of the North! of earth; of rock and leaf and root; of gnomes that burrow industriously below Join us, if you will Centered and firm Heart of our roots... Hail; and Welcome! (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Goddess, Queen of Heaven and Earth, You with the Stars in your eyes, and love in your heart... Descend to this our Circle on your Night of Power. (1-5,Jehana) I am the Lady of the starry heavens I am she who is the Mother of all living things I have worked the landscape into mountains lay the waters into their ocean beds, and set the winds in their course. Every snowflake, every speck of soil or sand Bears my imprint. My countenance appears in the faintest flicker, and the largest star; The Universe is My handiwork. I am She who consoles the sorrowful, and I am She who tends to the sick. I bring solace to those in life, and peace and understanding in death. I am the changing Goddess -- Maiden, Mother, and Crone -- The Hag hidden deep within... I have been to the Underworld, and I have Returned. Let there be beauty and strength, Power and compassion, Honor and humility, Mirth and reverence within you. And you who seek to know Me, To feel My spirit Come before Me with a sincere heart, burn incense upon my altar Listen and be still: Know that your seeking and your yearning will avail you not, Unless you know the Mystery: For if that which you seek, 2125 you find not within yourself, You will never find it without. For Behold: I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire. (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be! (1-8,Shadow Hawk) By the Flame that burneth bright O' Horned One! We call thy name into the night, O' Ancient One! Thee we invoke, by the moon-lit sea, by the standing stone and the twisted tree. Thee we invoke, where gather thine own, by the nameless shrine forgotten and alone. Come where the round of the dance is Trod. Horn and Hoof of the Goatfoot God! By moon-lit meadows on dusky hill, when the haunted wood is hushed and still. Come to the charm of the chanted prayer. As the moon bewitches the midnight air, evoke thy powers, that potent bide. In shining stream and the secret tide, in fiery flame by starlight pale, in Shadowy host that rides the gale, and by the fern-brakes fairy-haunted of forest wild and woods enchanted. Come! O' Come! To the heart-beat's drum! When the broad white moon is climbing slow. Through the stars to the heaven's height. We hear thy hoofs on the wind of night! As black tree-branches shake and sigh, By Joy and terror we know thee nigh, We speak the spell thy power unlocks, At Solstice, Sabbat, and Equinox. Word of Virtue the veil to rend, From Primal Dawn to the wide World's end, Since time began, the blessings of Pan Blessed be in strength and love, Blessed be, wher'ere we rove, Vision fade not from our eyes Of the Pagan Paradise. Past the gates of Death and Birth, Our inheritance of Earth. From our soul the song of Spring Fade not in our wandering, Our life is one, By blackest night or the noonday Sun. Eldest of Gods on thee we call, Blessing be on thy Creatures all. I call upon thee, O' Ancient Horned One Who art the Comforter and the Consoler of Men I call upon thee, O' Great God of the Witches. Ruler of the Sabbat, Lord of the Wild Woods, I call upon thee in the Name of your Lady, Come out of the North upon 2126 the back of the Winds. And join the Lady Cerridwin at this Holy Sabbat/Esbat. I call thee by thy most ancient name Cernunnos. (1-5,Jehana) This is Fullmoon August... This is the season of Abundance... and out of Wisdom in accessing that Abundance... Knowing the difference between what we Want... And what we Need... Bearing this in mind.. each of us will have a chance... to mention something or several somethings we need... Please feel free to speak... (1-6,Al) I ask that I learn patience, to accept others for what they are and to hear their thoughts and learn their wisdom. (1-5,Jehana) I ask for continued self-growth and self-acceptance (1-1,Helen) I ask for freedom from fear of abundance. (1-5,Jehana) I ask for a cure for AIDS, and for ongoing treatments for those who are in need. I ask for an understanding of environmental issues which face this planet. (1-5,Jehana) Hold the image of the things, concepts, ... and ideas you need; .... and that your friends in Circle need... Feel the energy grow and flow... feel the power flow and grow... feel yourselvs enveloped by a tree... by a hazel tree... Turn towards the Lord and Lady... and ask... in Perfect Love and in Perfect trust we stand before Thee... Feel the energy and Power grow... each root and trunk and limb... of that hazel tree... Raise your hands, gradually... with the energy... Prepare to send... One... Two... THREE!!!! And, note, what you send out returns to you. (1-5,Jehana) Now... Visualize before you an onion fresh from the harvest... Visualize your athame slicing it horizontally... See before you the white disc of the Full Moon... (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Visualize before you a second onion fresh from the harvest... 2127 Visualize your knife slicing it vertically... See before you the East and West facing crescents of the Waxing and Waning Moon. (1-5,Jehana) Now, take your glass of chosen beverage: (for blessing of that beverage)... In balance we stand (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Night and Light (1-5,Jehana) In balance we stand (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Chalice and Blade (1-5,Jehana) In balance we stand (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Cerridwyn and Herne (1-5,Jehana) Drink ye of the Waters of Darkness (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Drink ye the Waters of LIFE! (1-5,Jehana) (pause to take a sip) (1-5,Jehana) Now, take your plate of bread: (1-8,Shadow Hawk) As the Wheel turns (1-5,Jehana) My crops appear (1-8,Shadow Hawk) As the Wheel turns (1-5,Jehana) My crops grow high (1-8,Shadow Hawk) As the Wheel turns (1-5,Jehana) My harvest comes through (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Feast ye on the grains of My Endeavors (1-5,Jehana) Feast ye on the Wheel of Life! (1-5,Jehana) (Pause to eat of the bread) (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Oh Horned One, May ever your call ring across the hills, fields and woods deep Calling again to her Children to Dance by her Light! Now we thank you for your aid, And bid thee safe journey to your Sacred Glades... Blessed Be (1-5,Jehana) Bright Lady; Maid, Mother Crone... Lady Cerridwyn... We thank thee for your aid; 2128 we thank thee for your abounding love and compassion we thank thee for your Wisdom... we bid thee safe journey to your Sacred Glades.... (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Please turn and face the East in your minds... Winged Ones... Intellect Bright.. Tool of our mind Eastern Air, we thank and acknowledge you. (1-5,Jehana) Please turn and face the South in your minds... Salamanders... Passion and Will... Tools of our hands... Southern Fire, we thank and acknowledge you. (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Please turn and face West in your Minds... Undines, Emotion and Drive.. Tools of our Hearts.. Western water, we thank and acknowledge you. (1-5,Jehana) Please turn and face North in your minds... Gnomes... Centered and Firm... Heart of our roots... Northern Earth, we thank and acknowledge you. (1-5,Jehana) Around you now, sense the blue glowing field... the blue glowing field that connects all of you together... across North America... Feel its energies spinning... from East... to North... to West... to South... to East... Feel the energies unwinding.... Sense your bodies re-absorbing the Energies of the Circle... spiralling in... into your room... The blue glowing field... a part of your body... Take it in... Let all return to as it has been. (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Fire Seal the Circle Round, Let it fade beneath the ground... let all things be as they were since the Beginning of Time. (1-5,Jehana) Merry meet... and merry part... and merry meet again! (1-8,Shadow Hawk) Merry meet! Blessed Be, Jehana. 2129 COMPUSERVE NEWAGE FORUM - ONLINE FULL MOON RITUAL - FEBRUARY 1993 (Jehana) Sit calmly, breath with relaxation.. Let the cares and stresses of the day wear off... let the cares and stresses flow away from you.. Feel yourself surrounded by a warm and gentle orb... of blue-white light... Gentle, restful, protective... Feel it expand... Feel it connect with your friends and companions within Circle... Feel it Circle around you; around all of us... East, to South, to West, to North... To East again. (visualize: face to the east): Hail, powers of Air!! We invite you to our Circle A breath of air A morning's gentle breeze -- Forethought and knowledge, Hail & Welcome! (Rilla) (Face to the South): Oh spirits of the South... Ancient ones of Fire... I call you to attend this Circle... Charge this by your powers... Hail and Welcome! (Jehana) (Face to the West): Hail, powers of Water!! We invite you to our Circle A drop of dew The evening's tidal sweep -- Hail & Welcome!! (Rilla)(face to the North): Hail, oh powers of the Earth... Ancient ones of Gaia born... I call upon you to attend this Circle... Charge this by your powers, Old Ones... Hail! and Welcome! (Jehana) Invoke into your heart and into this our Circle The bright Lady of New Beginnings. The Maiden who sings the joys of Spring to come The Mother who brings nurturance, love and guidance. Hail, bright Lady; we welcome thee!!! Invoke into your heard and into this our Circle The Oak King Growing as a sapling Growing strong. A child at heart, learning, searching, in true Discovery. Hail, bright Lord; we welcome thee!! According to Sun Bear, this Moon is the Moon of Rest and Cleansing, following upon the Moon of Earth Renewal. The animal is the Otter, and the plant, the Quaking Aspen. Its mineral is silver. In the Celtic tree calendar, as reported by Graves, this full Moon falls in the month of Luis, signified by the Rowan tree, and by the Tourmaline. Its attribute is Quickening. Those who follow astrology know this is the month of Aquarius, the Water Bearer; the fixed sign of Air. According to Z Budapest, the Full Moon aspect of February is the red and cleansing wild Moon. Life quickens now. It is 2130 a time of purification, of growth, of the stimulation of all living things. It is a healing time. It brings in the wind of the New. Its flower: the primose and the violet. Its animal: the duck and the otter. Its stone: the amethyst. It is appropriate at this time to do workings; workings for things we may wish to see in our lives, and in the world in general. It is a time for healing. It is a time for growth. I ask each of you to think of those things you wish to work on,-- you may speak or keep them silent, as you will... Speak first of new beginnings and things of growth for the world at large. Then, speak of those new beginnings and things of growth and healing for people or events closer to home. And, yes, speak of those beginnings and things of growth for you yourself. After we finish mentioning all of our workings, we will repeat a phrase -- visualize the energy, through the hand of the Goddess, flowing into the things we seek, imbuing them with constructive energy. (Please note that most Witches consider it unethical to work healings or other magic for specific people without first asking their permission). (When I start doing the chant (which begins with "We all come from the Goddess"), others may copy me, or jump ahead if they are familiar with it... I will tell you when to visualize the energy peaking.) -- mention things in your mind or in print that you wish to allow to grow/heal: (Rilla) I wish for a healing ... of the youth of this country... that they may find the peace that they need... to learn to live in harmony... and to be the "future" of this world... and for myself the patience... to wait for direction... in my life path... and a healthy mind and body.. for the coming year. (Jehana) I wish for the earth's healing... the pain in the environment to be turned around... an understanding of the nature of this planet upon which we live. I wish to know and be known by love and compassion. (Ardelia) I wish for this world..... the ability to be calm... as we learn to work with each other..... the earth..... and ourselves. (Jehana) We all come from the Goddess And to her we shall return Like a drop of rain Flowing to the ocean. (Rilla) We all come from the Goddess.. and to her we shall return... Like a drop of rain... 2131 Flowing to the ocean. (Jehana) We all come from the Goddess And to her we shall return Like a drop of rain Flowing to the ocean. (Rilla) We all come from the Goddess... and the her we shall return... Like a drop of rain... Flowing to the ocean. (Jehana) Feel the energy; rising up; rising up; rising up! Drink in the energy... Take your glass of water, know that it is energized, and drink! Take a quiet moment to pause and reflect. Oak King, Sapling growing strong... Playful lord, in the growing time of your cycle... Thank you for your presence here... Hail, and Farewell! Bright Maiden, singing your songs of Spring nearly afoot... Gracious Mother, You of love and nurturance and guidance.. We thank you for your presence here.. We thank you for your blessings... Hail, and Farewell!! Powers of Air! We thank you for your fresh breath! Hail, and Farewell! (Rilla) Powers of Fire! We thank you for you strength! Hail and Farewell! (Jehana) Powers of Water! We thank you for your healing compassion! Hail, and farewell! (Rilla) Powers of the Earth! We thank you for your sustenance and nurturance! Hail and farewell! (Jehana) The blue-white glow that surronds us all... begins to retract... slowly, slowly... Fire seal the Circle round Let it fade beneath the ground Let all things be as they were Since the beginning of time. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again! (Rilla) Blessed Be! (Jehana) (The Ritual has concluded; Bright Blessings; Blessed Be!) 2132 CompuServe Full Moon Ritual of July 13, 1992 (1-4,Shadow Hawk) We are gathered together in this Ritual of the Full Moon, where we join and pay homage to the Divine Mother, Mother of us all. From the corners of the Country, I send my Will, starting in the North I cast a line of Fire around the country, moving Eastward, then South, Then West, and Back to the North. We are encompassed in a circle of Fire that protects our Sacred Space. (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Let us gather and call the Spirits of the 4 directions to come and join us in this our Rite. (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Please face your thoughts to the West. Hail to the Lord of the West, Poseiden, Scaled God of Water, Ruler of the Deep, Master of Wave and Fin, I bid thee come to our Circle and worship at the feet of the Lady. Be Here Now! (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Now, turn your thoughts to the North... Hail to the Lord of the North, Cernunnos, Horned God of Earth, Ruler of Life, Master of Leaf and Earthbound creature, I bid thee come to our Circle and worship at the feet of the Lady. Be Here Now! (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Please turn your thoughts to the East... Hail to the Lord of the East, Quetzalcoatl, Feathered God of Air, Ruler of Wisdom, Master of Wind and Winged, I bid thee come to our circle and worship at the feet of the Lady. Be here Now! (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Now, turn your thoughts to the South... Hail to the Lord of the South, Apollo, Brilliant God of Fire, Ruler of Inspiration, Master of Light and Spirit, I bid thee come to our circle and worship at the feet of the Lady. Be Here Now! (1-4,Shadow Hawk) The Circle is cast, we are in the space between the worlds, where Time and Space cease to exist. Let none disturb the boundaries without dire cause. (1-4,Shadow Hawk) Now we turn out thoughts to the Divine Consort, the Horned God. Hail to the God as one, Consort, Father, Son. I bid thee come to the Circle of Life, and worship at the feet of Our Lady. Be Here Now! (1-4,Cernunnos) Now join me as I call my Love, she in who's light we are here... Hail to Our Lady, in whose eyes the stars do shine forth and upon whose brow the Moon doth ride. Lady, your children call to you from within your Sacred Space. We bid you come and let us Feel your touch. You who will deny your children naught. We are at your feet in Wonder and Awe. Welcome to this your Circle. 2133 (1-4,Cernunnos) We are in the Place between the Worlds, Beyond Time and Space, and in the presence of the Goddesses and Gods. Let none leave this space without grave cause. (1-4,Cernunnos) Welcome the Divine Lady, Gracious Goddess and Mother of us all. I call upon thee, Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness; by seed and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love do I invoke thee to descend upon the body of this thy Circle and thy Priestesses. (1-4,Cernunnos) Hail Aradia! From the Almathean horn Pour forth thy store of love; I lowly bend before thee, I adore thee to the end, with loving sacrifice thy shrine adorn. Thy foot is to my lip, my prayer upborne upon the rising incense smoke; then spend thine ancient love, O Mighty One, descend to Aid me, who without thee am forlorn. (1-4,Cernunnos) Thou art the Mother Darksome and Divine, Yours the scourge and yours the Kiss, the Five-point star of love and bliss, bless us with your sign. (1-4,Cernunnos) Listen to the words of the Great Mother, she whom of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Brid, and by many other names. (1-4,Cernunnos) "Whenever you have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the Moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Her, who is Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets, to these will She teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites, and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in Her praise. For Hers is the secret door that opens upon the Land of Youth, and Hers is the cup of the wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. She is the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of Joy unto the hearts of Man. Upon Earth, She gives knowledge of the spirit eternal, and beyond death, She gives peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor does She demand sacrifice, for behold, She is the Mother of all living, and her Love is poured out upon the Earth." (1-4,Cernunnos) Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of Heaven, and whose body encircles the Universe. (1-4,Cernunnos) "She who is the beauty of the green Earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the 2134 waters, and the desire of the hearts of man, calls unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto Her. For She is the soul of Nature, who gives life to the universe. From Her all things proceed, and unto Her all things must return, and before Her face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let Her worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are Her rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for Her, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the mystery, that if what thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou shalt never find it without thee. For behold, She has been with thee from the beginning, and She is that which is attained at the end of desire." Absorb Her Blessings and her words. Feel them resonate in your core. (1-4,S.H.) If there are any here that have a petition to bring before the Lady, please do so now. If there are any objects to be charged, please bring them forth now. <At this point, petitions and objects were presented to the Lady and the Circle for blessings--this section is deleted due to mention of names of non-participants> (1-3,S.H.) Now is the time for the Great Rite. Please take your knife in one hand...and your chalice in the other. Place the tip of the knife in the chalice and say, "As the chalice is to the Woman So the Athame is to the Man And when the two become one, The greatest magic is begun!" Now dip your atheme into the chalice to energize the lifeforce within it. Blessed Be, So mote it be! (1-3,S.H.) Now, take the Atheme (knife) over the bread/cake.. (1-3,S.H.) Lady, we come before you with love in our heart and awe in our eyes, asking you to give us your blessings and pour your blessings on the fruit of the vine and the field, that we may be filled with your blessings. So mote it be, Blessed be! (1-3,S.H.) Draw a pentagram on the bread with the knife. Now, eat of the bread and drink of the wine, saving some portion for offering to the creatures of the Lady later. (1-3,S.H.) Now it's time to bid farewell to the Lady and the Lord. 2135 (1-3,S.H.) Hail Mother of us all, we thank you for attending this our Rite, and for your blessings and love that you have poured forth upon us your children. Blessed be thy Name. (1-3.S.H.) Hail Lord of the Dance, we thank you for attending this our Rite, and for your presence and love that you have poured forth upon us your children. Blessed be thy Name. (1-3,S.H.) Now we turn our attention to the South Hail Lord of the South, Lord of Fire, we thank you for your presence and the Light and warmth that you shed upon us. Farewell and Blessed Be. (1-3,S.H.) Now we turn our attention to the East.... Hail Lord of the East, Lord of Air, we thank you for your presence and the Air that you bring to us that life may be sustained. Farewell and Blessed Be. (1-3,S.H.) Now we turn our attention to the North.... Hail Lord of the North, Lord of Earth, we thank you for your presence and the harvest from your fields that feed and shelter us. Farewell and Blessed Be. (1-3,S.H.) Now we turn our attention to the West.... Hail Lord of the West, Lord of Water, we thank you for your presence and the blood of your body to slake our thirst and the thirst of the fields. Farewell and Blessed Be. (1-3,S.H.) Now I send my Will to the North, and I walk the circle... Circle of Fire, I quench your thirst... Down down into the ground... Nevermore to be found... Spread your life throughout the land... That all may feel your blessing. So Mote it Be! Blessed Be! The Circle is Open, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! (1-3,S.H.) Blessed Be all! 2136 CompuServe Full Moon Ritual of Monday, June 15, 1992 (1-3,S.H.) My Lady Otterkin, wilt thou begin the Lady's Rite? (1-4,Otterkin) This is the time of fullness, the flood tide of power, when the Lady in full circle of brightness rides across the night sky. This is the time of the bearing of fruits, of changes realized. The Great Mother, Nurturer of the world which is Herself, pours out her love and her gifts in Abundance. The Hunter draws near to the Brilliant One, She who awakens yearning in the heart and is the end of desire. We who look on her Shining face are filled with love. Merry Meet. (1-3,S.H.) By the Spirits of Air and Fire I do cleanse this space. (1-6,Otterkin) By the Creatures of Water and Earth I do cleanse this space. (1-3,S.H.) (visualize a circle filled with incense smoke... (while Otter and I walk the circle with lit incense, sprinkling water and salt to purify the area) Will the Caller of the North, Call forth! (1-7,Jeff) Hail, of the mountains, of the North, far above the earth... Whose core yet reaches the center... we ask you, guardians, to attend our Circle... Lend us your steadfastness... Hail! And well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Hail and Well Met! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail and Well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Will the Caller of the East, Call Forth! (1-7,Jehana) Hail, spirits of the Air, wisps and eddies of wind... Sweeping the world with freshness... thought, contemplation, and wisdom... we ask you, guardians, to attend our Circle... Lend us your airy wisdom... Hail! And well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Hail! And well Met! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail and Well Met! 2137 (1-3,S.H.) Will the Caller of the South, Call forth! (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Hail Spirits of Fire, Noonday Sun... Lion of Summer, Heating and Lighting us against the Cold of Death We call upon you, of Fiery ones to attend our Circle... Lend us your Fiery Passion... Hail! And Well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Hail! And Well Met! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail! And Well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Will the Caller of the West, Call Forth! (1-1,Papa Tom) Spirits of the West, heed our call. Spirits of the West, Spirits of water, attend our Circle. Cleanse us, as rain upon the ocean. Give us guidance and wisdom as we go between the worlds. Guardians in the West, attend our Circle. Hail! And well Met! (1-3,S.H.) Hail! And Well Met! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail! And Well Met! (1-6,Otterkin) I conjure and cast thee, Circle of Power, that this may be a time that is not a time, in a place that is not a place, on a day that is not a day, We are safe between the worlds where Night and Day, Birth and Death, Joy and Sorrow, meet as one. (1-3,S.H.)I invoke thee and call upon thee, Lady and Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfullness. By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love do I invoke thee to descend upon the body of this thy servant and priestess. Hail Aradia! From the Amalthean Horn pour forth thy store of love. I lowly bend before thee, I adore thee to the End. Thy foot is to my Lip, my prayer upborne upon the rising incense smoke. Send Thine ancient love, oh Mighty One, descend to aid us, who without thee are forlorn. (1-6,Otterkin) Of the Mother Darksome and Devine, Mine the scourge, and mine the Kiss, the five-point star of Love and Bliss, so I charge you with this sign. (Visualize a pentagram drawn in cool flame before you.) 2138 (1-3,S.H.) Listen to the words of the Great Mother, She who is also called among men Astarte, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Demeter, Mary, Aradia, and by many other names. (1-4,ARADIA) Whenever you have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the Moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets, to these will I teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites, and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise. For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth, and mine is the cup of the wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of Joy unto the hearts of Man. Upon Earth, I give knowledge of the spirit eternal, and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my Love is poured out upon the Earth." (1-3,S.H.) Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess, She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of Heaven, and whose body encircles the Universe. (1-4,CERRIDWEN) I who am the beauty of the green Earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the hearts of man, call unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of Nature, who gives life to the universe. From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return, and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men. Let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth. 2139 For behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the mystery, that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou shalt never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire." (1-3,S.H.) (Take this time to meditate on the Fullness of the Mother... And also on what is said in the Charge we have just been given, for truely... You will never find it without thee, but only within thee.) (1-3,S.H.) Now we come to the time of power, for the Moon is Full and we are gathered here in Her Circle, so we shall raise the Cone of Power... Visualize a fire in the night and we are together around the fire. The Drums begin a rhythm, subtle but insistant. You begin to sway and move with the full sensual beat, dancing as only spirit can. Around and around the fire you go while the drumming grows faster and louder. You can FEEL the energies gathering, until your hair is flying wild, and your skin crawls with an energy like electricity. You are alive with power! Join hands and chant with us: "Circle 'round the fire, to raise a cone of power, to bring what we desire, So mote it be! Circle 'round the fire, to raise a cone of power, to bring what we desire, So mote it be! now SHOUT! Circle 'round the fire, to raise a cone of power, to bring what we desire, So mote it be!" (1-4,Otterkin) I take this energy and with it I consecrate this Ritual Space, that it shall always be a safe haven for Her Children! I take this energy and offer it to those that need healing. Those that have need, take from it, for I AM She that gives Life and Bounty, I AM the Mother of All! I take this energy, and I return it to the Universe, that there will be fruitfulness throughout the Worlds and all my Children shall benefit." 2140 (1-6,Otterkin) (Place your knife in front of you and take your chalice in hand) As I raise the chalice, you do likewise. I raise this chalice, symbol of my Eternal Womb, source of All That was and All That will be. (Take your knife, and hold it over the chalice, point down) (1-3,S.H.) I take this Athame, symbol of my Quickening essense, Life Fire that lights the Chalice within, and with it I Quicken thy fertile womb, O Mother of us all. (1-6,Otterkin) As the Chalice is to the Goddess, Awaiting the Spark (1-3,S.H.) And the Athame is to the God, so I enter into your hidden Dark. (1-6,Otterkin) And when Two becomes one (Dip the tip into the chalice) (1-3,S.H.) The Greatest magic is begun! (1-6,Otterkin) Drink from my depths and meditate on them, oh ye who would know of the full Circle of Birth and Death. (Accept our kiss, and taste the wine, saving a small portion for offering later.) I take these cakes, fruit of my fields, and I Bless them and give them to you. Eat, that you may never hunger and think upon my Bounty. (Kiss, and eat the cake, saving a small portion for offering later.) I charge you to remember that some part of this bounty be returned to the Earth, that the cycle will continue. When you return to the World, give of the Bread and Water of Life to my Earth. (1-3,S.H.) Lady, thank you for attending this your Rite, Blessed Be your Name. (1-6,Otterkin) Will the caller of the West please thank and dismiss the Guardians? (1-1,Papa Tom) Spirit of the West, Spirit of Water. We thank you for your guidance. Your love. Your patience. We thank you for attending our circle. We part in love, until we meet again. (1-6,Otterkin) Will the caller of the South please thank and dismiss the Guardians? (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Guardians of the South, Spirits of Fire, we thank you for the Illumination that you have brought to this the Lady's 2141 Circle. As we part, we bid you to hold us safe throughout the day, that we may have light to guide our feet. We bid you farewell until the next time we meet, Hail and Farewell! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail and Farewell! (1-6,Otterkin) Will the caller of the East please thank and dismiss the Guardians? (1-7,Jehana) Guardians of the East; Spirits of the Air We thank you for your contemplation We thank you for your gentle cleansing breezes We bring thanks to you for attending our Circle. We part in love, until we meet again. (1-6,Otterkin) Hail and Farewell! (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Hail and Farewell (1-6,Otterkin) Will the caller of the North please thank and dismiss the Guardians? (1-7,Jeff) To you who are of the mountains Deep roots; and clear vision we thank you for attending our Circle and lending us your steadfastness we part in love; until we meet again Hail & farewell!! (1-6,Otterkin) Hail and Farewell! (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Hail and Farewell! (1-6,Otterkin) Now I drive the Circle down, down, down (through the wiring) into the ground, and Out to the boundaries of the Universe. The Circle is Open, but never broken. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again! (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Merry meet again! (1-7,Jeff) Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!!! (1-3,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be all! 2142 Compuserve on-line Full Moon Mar. '93 (Shadow Hawk) Ok, we begin.... (Shadow Hawk) see the darkness of the night settling in around you.... (Shadow Hawk) and gradually as your eyes adjust you find yourself in (Shadow Hawk) the woods, and the sound of the night creatures begin to (Shadow Hawk) be heard. (Shadow Hawk) Ahead you see the glow of a fire deep in the woods. it is (Shadow Hawk) a small fire, that you might easily miss, but it pulls you (Shadow Hawk) to it like a compass to the magnet. (Shadow Hawk) As you enter a small clearing, you see around you shadowy figures (Shadow Hawk) robed and moving in the flickering candle light. You feel the (Shadow Hawk) powers of the night begin to stir. (Shadow Hawk) On the horizon, you see the full moon breaking in through the trees... (Shadow Hawk) and you hear the sounds of a small bell. You stand within the circle.. (Shadow Hawk) and one figure breaks away and begins to call to the four directions... (Marc Tripp) Walking to the East of the cirlce and raising my athame. (Marc Tripp) I summon the Guardian of the Gate of Air! (Marc Tripp) King of the Poweres of the East (Marc Tripp) The Sacred Space is thine for this Night! (Marc Tripp) Open for me the Way-Without-Time. (Marc Tripp) Air of Earth, We are One with Thee! (Marc Tripp) Then turning and walking to the south of the circle (Marc Tripp) I raise my Athame. (Marc Tripp) I summon the Guardian of the Gate of Earth! (Marc Tripp) King of the Powers of the South! (Marc Tripp) The Sacred Space is thine for this Night! (Marc Tripp) Open for us the Way-Without-Time (Marc Tripp) Earth of Earth, We are one with thee! (Marc Tripp) Walking to the West..I raise my athame. (Marc Tripp) I Summon the Guardian of the Gate of Water! (Marc Tripp) King of the Powers of the West! (Marc Tripp) The Sacred space is thine for this Night! (Marc Tripp) Open for us the Way-Without-Time. (Marc Tripp) Water of Earch, We are One with Thee! (Marc Tripp) Walking to the North. I raise my athame. (Marc Tripp) I Summon the Guardian of the Gate of fire! (Marc Tripp) King of the Powers of the North! (Marc Tripp) The Sacred Space is thine for this Night! (Marc Tripp) Open For me the Way-Without-Time. (Marc Tripp) Fire of Earth, I we are One with Thee! (Marc Tripp) I then return to my place in the circle. (Shadow Hawk) Two figures break forth and gather the earth/water and fire/air (Shadow Hawk) from the altar where they rest.... (Shadow Hawk) I cleanse and purify this place with the spirits of Earth and Water... 2143 (Shadow Hawk) I cleanse and purify this place with the creatures of Air and Fire! (Shadow Hawk) I take the Sword of Knowledge and walking to the North, I point (Shadow Hawk) it down do the ground. Cascading rivers of fire flow from it (Shadow Hawk) and I walk the circle in a clockwise fashion... (Shadow Hawk) and as I walk a curtain of fire flairs up behind me, around the (Shadow Hawk) circle I walk. (Shadow Hawk) The Circle is cast, we are in the space between the worlds (Shadow Hawk) in a place that is not a place, in a time that is not a time, (Shadow Hawk) in a space that is not a space. We are in the Sacred Circle. (Shadow Hawk) So Mote it be! (Shadow Hawk) Two figures walk to the altar, and the power surrounds them. (Shadow Hawk) with wure hands they take up the tools of Power, and begin to speak... (Priestess) This is the time of the fulness of the symbol of our Lady , (Priestess) the Moon. All things wax and wane, and on this evening the (Priestess) powers of life, of magic, and of creation are at their (Priestess) highest. This is the time of building, of doing. it is a (Priestess) time when the veil between the mundane world and the strange (Priestess) and beautiful realms of elfhame becomes thin indeed. On (Priestess) this night may one transcend the boundaries of the worlds (Priestess) with ease, and know beauty and enchantment. (Priest) There is a magnificence to this time. The ancients knew well (Priest) of the mysteries of this night, and used them well to build (Priest) and to strengthen themselves.. and to partake of elvish (Priest) adventures of which we can have but little inkling. (Priest) Sensuous , mysterious, magical...beauty in human form, in (Priest) dramatic costume, in solid, soaring architecture, the lithe (Priest) suppleness of our animal brethren, the arrogant magnificence (Priest) of a spectacular landscape. And more.....much more. (Priest) This is a time for weaving of the inchoate into being, of (Priest) spinning the strands of space and of time to bring forth (Priest) Creation. For all does rotate, and turn about upon itself; (Priest) this is a fundamental principle of the universe, and a (Priest) mystery of the greatest magnitude. The Gods know of it and (Priest) we shall also. Weave a spell of Moonlight and fashion with (Priest) it a fabric of pure magical substance. (Priest) There is a challenge and a joy to building, and creating. (Priest) The joyous strife of a just battle, of the cascading passion (Priest) of lovemaking, and even to the birth-pangs in creating a new (Priest) life. there is the peace of Aphrodite that follows such as (Priest) these, a thoroughly fulfilling quietude. And it is easy, (Priest) really. very easy and the most natural of things. (Priestess) This is a time of travelling unseen in the full moonlight, a 2144 (Priestess) time for hearing of elfin music not made by humankind. It is (Priestess) a time for oneness with the forest, with the mountains, with (Priestess) the eternal and life-giving sea, with the warm rains and the (Priestess) bolt of lightning that creates the very spark of life. It (Priestess) is a time for pilgrimage to the holy of holies, to stand at (Priestess) last before the cauldron of our Lady and to see form, and (Priestess) substance, and being created anew once more. (Priestess) Hear the sound of the Circle Bell... (Priestess) (Repeat after Priestess) (Priestess) All hail, O goddess of the silver-rimmed cauldron. (Rilla) All hail, o goddess of the silver-rimmed cauldron. (Marc Tripp) All hail, O goddess of the silver-rimmed cauldron. (Jim Stay) All hail O Goddess of the silver-rimmed cauldron (Priestess) All hail, thou from whom all does come. (Kammy) all hail, o goddess of the silver-rimmed cauldron. (Many Blue Sparks) All hail, o goddess of the silver rimmed cauldron (Rilla) All hail, thou from whom all does come. (Kammy) all hail, thou from whom all does come. (Jim Stay) All Hail thou from whom all does come (Marc Tripp) All Hail, Thou from whom all does come. (Priestess) On this night do we give salutation to the magic of creation (Priestess) And to the ecstasy of the Gods. (Many Blue Sparks) All hail, thou from whom all does come. (Kammy) on this night doe we give salutation to the magic of creation (I.D.) All hail thou from whom all do3s come (Kammy) and to the ecstasy of the Gods. (Rilla) On this night do we give salutation to the magic of creation (Marc Tripp) On this night do we give salutation to the magic of creation and to the (Marc Tripp) ecstasy of the Gods (Rilla) and to the ecstasy of the Gods! (Priestess) (Smell the rising incense smoke and hear the circle bell) (Many Blue Sparks) On this night doe we give salutation to the magick of creation (Many Blue Sparks) and to the ecstasy of the Gods. (Priestess) O gracious and beautiful goddess, Teach us to weave magic, (Priestess) Show us thy ancient art to bring forth from chaos and from (Priestess) nothingness that which is Being itself teach us to draw from (Priestess) the Moon, to spin and to fashion fabric magical and pure; (Priestess) Insubstantial as dew, yet with the strength of iron. (Priest) O most excellent Lady, teach us of love, and of beauty, and (Priest) of sensuousness. (Priest) Teach us of daring, and of adventure. Show us of the (Priest) building of spells of the spinning and shaping of moonlight. (Priest) Lead our feet in the magical dances of power. Show to us the (Priest) paths between the worlds, To realms strange, and beautiful. (Priest) Lead us through mist and moonlight to places of crystalline (Priest) rainbow light. Groves of enchantment, thy hollow hills of (Priest) magic, and pools and lakes of mystery. 2145 (Priest) (hear the sounds of the bell) (Priestess) Teach us, O Lady of radiance To speak the language of the (Priestess) wilds, To fly with the freedom of the bird, To live with the (Priestess) power and grace of the feline, To know the ease, the (Priestess) beautiful ease of creating. And to know ecstasy and joy. To (Priestess) stir t he very heights of our being. (Priestess) BLESSED BE ! (Priestess) Prepare for Meditation. (Priestess) We are all seated comfortably on cushions near a large (Priestess) mirror. It is night, and the moon is full. We stand up (Priestess) where we are, and stepping out of our bodies, leave them (Priestess) resting comfortably behind. We go to the mirror and look (Priestess) through; we can see through to the other side and make out a (Priestess) moonlit grassy hill beyond, rising before us, We step (Priestess) through and fins ourselves in a warm moonlit night. a path (Priestess) stretches off to the right across a broad grassy meadow. We (Priestess) look back briefly and see the portal of our mirror, with the (Priestess) candle lights on the other side; it will be here open and (Priestess) waiting for us on our return. We start up the path in the (Priestess) bright, full moonlight... (Priestess) In the distance ahead of us we see forest covered hills, the (Priestess) sky is bright with many stars. the wind moans softly in the (Priestess) tall grasses, there is the smell of pine on the air, on (Priestess) either side the mist lies low upon the ground, we continue (Priestess) across the meadow turning until the forest lies off to one (Priestess) side, ahead of us now we see scattered fruit trees, through (Priestess) which we walk. the grass underfoot is wet with dew, our (Priestess) robes drift in the gentle breeze, the ground begins to rise (Priestess) before us and the air is full of the sounds of night birds (Priestess) and crickets. we move tirelessly up the slight incline, (Priestess) seeming to barely touch the ground, fireflies flicker (Priestess) briefly in the distance as we move through the shadows (Priestess) beneath the trees, our movements almost soundless, patches (Priestess) of moonlight cast our shadows, rainbow rimmed on the wet (Priestess) grass. (Priestess) We glance back and, far behind we can see the rolling hills (Priestess) and on the horizon, what seem to be the flickering of a (Priestess) distant thunderstorm, the clouds far away, above us the sky (Priestess) is clear, the moonlight bright. Mist drifts in patches over (Priestess) the meadow, w e pass on through it. there is the heady (Priestess) perfume of flowers, the smell of grass and trees, small (Priestess) animals rustle near us. we move quickly and silently on, (Priestess) passing through the trees like moonbeams, haloes about our 2146 (Priestess) shadows. almost as if there were others with us.. but we (Priestess) cannot make them out. The forest closes in as we progress, (Priestess) ahead we make out the what seems to be the entrance to a (Priestess) cave, with a soft multicoloured glow within. (Priestess) As we approach we see what appear to be glistening miner- als (Priestess) encrusting the rock about the entrance to the cave. We hear (Priestess) sounds of soft music from within, rainbow colours flash (Priestess) colouring the wisps of mist which drift before it. We step (Priestess) inside... (Priestess) We seem to be wrapped in soft misty light. We notice the (Priestess) aroma of sweet flowers. Ahead is a pool of crystal clear (Priestess) water, catching all the colours, shimmering rainbow mists (Priestess) rise from it. next to the pool a path leads to the right and (Priestess) we follow it. There are other pools in small chambers about (Priestess) the cave, they appear as mirrors to other worlds and other (Priestess) times, the sound of soft music fills the air. Jewel-like (Priestess) minerals are everywhere, the path leads upwards through the (Priestess) rock, to a chamber where we see a great cauldron, mist rises (Priestess) from it encrusting the rim with glistening beads, soft (Priestess) whispering can now be heard. We stop and hold up our hands (Priestess) before the cauldron, fine sparkles of light fly from our (Priestess) fingers, and as we weave patterns with our hands we see, for (Priestess) a moment, a pattern of light of our creation take form, then (Priestess) dissolve to be reality elsewhere. the mist rises thickly (Priestess) from the cauldron and we step forward and peer into it, as (Priestess) through gazing into a mirror we see images of ourselves, an (Priestess) d as we gaze these images appear to change, we become better (Priestess) healthier, more perfect, with fiery glowing auras, our- selves (Priestess) improving within and without. (Priestess) We step back and throw a kiss toward the cauldron, spar- kles (Priestess) of light explode in the air, we look and listen for a while, (Priestess) then turn and begin to retrace our steps.... (Priestess) Once again we pass through the chamber of the pools, with (Priestess) its glistening jewels an d soft music, out into the bright (Priestess) moonlight the forested hillside about us, behind us the (Priestess) cave entrance, down through the trees we pass across the (Priestess) meadow, with its whispering grasses and gleaming fire- flies, (Priestess) our robes floating gossamer upon the air, silently we move. (Priestess) Ahead on the horizon the storm flashes, small creatures 2147 (Priestess) rustle in the grasses, our shadows move with us haloed in (Priestess) moonlight, we move rapidly through the trees and across the (Priestess) meadow, ahead we see the faint glimmer of our own portal, (Priestess) growing larger, brighter as we approach. we stop before it (Priestess) and look around, one last look at the moonlit meadow, the (Priestess) forest, the hills , the fireflies, the mist. Then we step (Priestess) through. We are in the circle again. We go to our bodies (Priestess) and settle comfortably down within them. We have retur- ned. (Priestess) I call Rilla (Priestess) Rilla, enter into the Center of the Circle! (Rilla) I enter into the center of the circle (Priestess) Children of the night, send forth your power to this our (Priestess) Sister, that she feel the relief of our touch. (Priestess) (visualize healing fire flowing from your hands to Rilla) (Priestess) (and that any aches and pains are melted away and flow (Priestess) into the ground for transmutation) (Priestess) Rilla, when you feel full of power, earth the extra part... (Rilla) <I send the spiral of the breath into the earth.....> (Priestess) and return to your place in the Circle. (Rilla) <and with it flows all pain and burden>... (Rilla) <and breathe the spirit of the earth back to my heart> (Rilla) <and out again to my brothers and sisters>.... (Rilla) I thank you... (Rilla) Blessed Be... (Rilla) <returning to place in the circle> (Priestess) Blessed Be! (Priestess) Is there any others that have a boon to ask tonight in this (Priestess) Night of Power? (Rilla) I ask a boon. (Rilla) To send the healing power we have gathered here... (Rilla) to our brother, Otter... (Rilla) so that he may feel our love and healing touch. (Priestess) We concentrate on the center of the Circle... (Priestess) and a shadowy figure forms. The shape of Otter (Priestess) takes form, and once again, the Healing Fire reaches (Priestess) out to touch and caress. (Priest) The figure waves it's thanks, and gradually fades away, leaving (Priest) behind the echoes of it's Blessed Be! (Priest) Are there any other boons or wishes? (Rilla) Healing for those not with us? (Rilla) Berrywine, our sister... (Rilla) and Alexandra too. (Priest) Heh, We are deep enough for that too. (Priest) We spread the circle, and many shapes and forms (Priest) begin to appear. Brothers and Sisters that cannot (Priest) be here in the Now, but that are always with us. (Priest) And once more, with a rumbling from deep in the earth... (Priest) the Healing Fire once more flows forth, and lightning (Priest) cracks across the sky in response, power to power... (Priest) and the shadowy figures straighten up, lose their pain, 2148 (Priest) and smiling, slowly fade away. Blessed Be. (Priestess) Any others? (Priestess) Any items to be charged? We accept Goddess Charge and Lady Visa (grin) (I.D.) for Brad... (Shadow Hawk) I have a request, I have a wand that I picked up in the Isle of Man (Shadow Hawk) a wand of Ash from a mountain that our brothers and sisters died on (Shadow Hawk) during the Burning Times. I would like to charge it with the energy (Shadow Hawk) of the night. I place it on the altar in the center of the Circle... (Priest) Visualize the Fire flowing once more, not healing, but bonding (Priest) with power, sealing the Wand to do the Lady's Will. (Priest) So mote it be! (Priestess) Any others? (Rilla) Ingrid mentioned Brad.... (Rick B) Charge his monitor! <g> (Priestess) Then we continue, please take your chalice and bread. (Rilla) who is not with us except in his heart <g>...and would be if he could! (Priestess) (lift your chalice) (I.D.) Who needs peace!! (Priestess) O Goddess of beauty, and of Magnificence, O God of laugh- ter (Priestess) and joyous strength. (Priestess) Cast now thy blessings on this feast of sacrament. That we (Priestess) may honour thee, and learn of thy mysteries of life, of (Priestess) magic of creating. Blessed Be ! (Priest) Eat now of the gifts of the earth. ever new, ever fresh, (Priest) ever excellent, know well that the power of life to come (Priest) forth is beyond bounds in time and space. (Priest) Eat now of the bread before you. of the grain that forms a (Priest) link with the most ancient of living things And with the (Priest) grain that shall sprout and grow for countless eons to come. (Priest) Know well that to abide, life must draw vitality and power (Priest) from the earth. (Priest) Eat, and know of creation enduring. (Priest) Drink now of the sweet wine before you, symbol of the light (Priest) and beautiful magic, which opens the portals to the realms (Priest) of enchantment. Know that music, and the lure of the (Priest) mysterious is the sweetness and most intoxicating of all (Priest) human experience. (Priest) Drink, and know of elvish magic. (Priestess) I bid you now, finish that which ye have, and meditate upon (Priestess) the significance of that which has been said. (Shadow Hawk) Gracious Goddess, thank you for being here tonight... (Shadow Hawk) thank you for your Love and your touch and the light (Shadow Hawk) you send to show us the Path in the Dark. Blessed Be! (Shadow Hawk) Mighty God, thank you for being here tonight... (Shadow Hawk) Thank you for you Love and your strength and the power 2149 (Shadow Hawk) to find the strength to walk this Path in the Dark. Blessed Be! (Marc Tripp) <Standing and moving to the East> (Marc Tripp) Powers of Air, (Marc Tripp) Place of Dawn, (Marc Tripp) Guardian of the Gate I pledge my Air to Thine! (Marc Tripp) Depart in peace to whence ye came (Marc Tripp) Until we meet Again (Marc Tripp) <Moving to the South> (Marc Tripp) Powers of Earth (Marc Tripp) Place of deepest Night, (Marc Tripp) Guardian of the Gate, I pledge my Earth to thine! (Marc Tripp) Depart in peace to whence ye came. (Marc Tripp) Until We meet again. (Marc Tripp) <Moving to the West> (Marc Tripp) Powers of Water (Marc Tripp) Place of the Setting Sun, (Marc Tripp) Guardian of the Gate, I pledge my Water to thine. (Marc Tripp) Depart in peace to whence ye came. (Marc Tripp) Until we meet again! (Marc Tripp) <Moving to the North> (Marc Tripp) Powers of Fire, (Marc Tripp) Place of the Highest Sun, (Marc Tripp) Guardian of the Gate, I pledge my Fire to thine! (Marc Tripp) Depart in peace to whence ye came. (Marc Tripp) Until we meet again. (Marc Tripp) <Moving back to my place in the circle. (Shadow Hawk) I take the Sword of Opening, and I move to the North (Shadow Hawk) Moving counterclockwise, I walk the Circle one more time... (Shadow Hawk) and the fire gutters out and sinks into the Earth... (Shadow Hawk) I walk the Circle Round and Round. (Shadow Hawk) I walk the Circle into the Ground. (Shadow Hawk) I walk the Circle round and Round. (Shadow Hawk) Out to the edge of the Covenstead. (Shadow Hawk) Returning to the north, I raise the sword high... (Shadow Hawk) The Circle is Open, but unbroken... (Shadow Hawk) Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry meet again! (Shadow Hawk) So mote it be! (Rilla) So mote it be! (Marc Tripp) So Mote it be! (Jim Stay) So Mote it be (2-1,Rick B) So Mote It Be! (I.D.) So mote it be! (Kammy) So mote it be! (Many Blue Sparks) So Mote it be! 2150 COMPUSERVE ON-LINE FULL MOON RITUAL MAY 1993 *********** New Age+ Forum 04-May-93 20:17 HP | MBS, will you call the Guardians of the South? Many Blue Sparks: Spirits of Fire who live in the summer sun... | and winter fires, Guardians of the south.... | that warm this our home... we ask you to | watch this circle and join our celebration. HP | So mote it be! Otterkin| So mote it be! HP | Guardians of the watchtowers of the West... | Setting Sun, Home of Bear, Waters of the Abyss... | I do Summon you Here to this Rite... | Serpent power, flowing power, I call to you... | Come, attend this our Circle as we gather to do... | the Lady's Will! | So mote it be! Otterkin| So mote it be! HP | I pick up the old hollowed rock that lays | upon the altar... | in it was water collected from sacred streams. | Holding the Water to the West, I offer it up... | Creature of Water, be thou purified and cleansed to do | the Lady's Will. | Picking up Salt I offer it to the North for Blessings. | Creature of Earth, be thou purified and cleansed to do | the Lady's Will. | Mixing the Salt and water together, I stride the | circle in a clockwise manner, | splashing salted water around the Circle. | By the Creatures of Water and Earth do I cleanse | and purify this Circle! | and I place the salted water back on the altar. | Picking up the incense, I offer it to the East | Spirit of East and Air, be thou purified and cleansed | to do the Lady's Will! Babs | Persephone from the East receives your offering. | Xaipe!!! HP | Then, holding the Censor to the South... | Spirit of Fire, be thou purified and cleansed to do | the Lady's Will! | And I add the incense to the fire, | and walk the circle... | wafting the sweet smoke. Creatures of Air and Fire... | Cleanse and purify this Circle | that we might Do the Lady's Will! | And I place the censor back on the altar. | So mote it be! Otterkin| So mote it be! HP | Then, I take up the Staff... HP | In my Hands is the Staff of the Gods | Fire flowing from it's Tip. | From North to East to South 2151 | I Cast the Circle round the Earth | returning to the North. | At Circle's Center, | I plant the Rod Deep in the Earth. | Like a Pillar, the Staff reaches up from the | Center of the Circle. | Turning, I bow to my Lady. Otterkin| We are in the Space between the worlds, | In a place that is not a place, | In a time that is not a time, | In a space that is not a Space. | Welcome, and Blessed Be! HP | Blessed Be! HP | Oh Lady, on this most Sacred Night, | As your Face waxes Full and Bright, | I bid thee grant my Heart's Delight. | Oh Mother, Lover, Crone as One, | Gracious Goddess, Queen of All, | I call to you to Come, | Join us here as we sound the Bell, | Your Ritual has begun. | Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna | Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna | Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna Selene | Horned One, Lover, Sun and Son, | Leaper in the Corn | Join me in my Moonlit Rite, | Weave with this Spell tonight! | God of Wood and God of Field, | Dancing by my Light, | Come you now, an' as you Will, | Share with Us Delight! | God of Forest, God of Life | Come I call you here tonight. | Lover dead by Winter's hand, | Join with Me to Bless the Land! | send 6 Yours! Pan | Tonight is the Night of the Full Moon, | and tomorrow is Beltaine by the Old reckoning. | The time of Beltaine (Lady's Day) is the time | of celebrating the coming fertility of the Earth | In days past there were many ways to celebrate. | A bonfire was lit, and people would dance around | and leap over it for luck in the coming year | usualy with a specific endeavor in mind such | as finding one's true love, fertility in marriage, | or safety in traveling. Cattle were driven | through it's ashes to ensure good milk yield. | It was also a time when the High Priest and | High Priestess would share in the Great Rite, Blessing | the fields and flocks with the Power raised to ensure | fertility and bounty. Couples drifted from the Circle | to make love in the fields to add to and share in | the Blessings. | This year we are doubly blessed. We have a Full 2152 | Moon coinciding with Beltaine, so it will be | extra strong for "fertilizing" the coming | year and our work here tonight. Selene | Speaking of work, my beloved Lord, | I am eager to begin. | Tonight we raise the Cone of Power in a | different way, so please gather round. | Upon the altar there are ribbons, | Colors of all kinds, | White for gifts of the Spirit | Pink for love or romance, | Green for healing power, | Blue for for truth and wisdom, | Red the Blessings of the Fertile Field, | Gold for wealth, | Silver for security... | Choose the ribbon right for you, | the colors all run true. | All the colors in between, | shades and hues of each are seen. | Tonight's a night of Magic True | And magic follows Form. | In your Hand, catch one end and | the let other reach for | the Staff of the Gods. | The Magic draws the Ribbons, and | They fasten themselves upon the Staff. | And brightly flutter there, | Dancing in Her Light, | Wrapped around the God's Pole, Pan | Hear the sound of drumbeat slow, Selene | Straight and Hard in the Night. Pan | The Heartbeat of the Land. Selene | nd Pan | Hear the sound of drumbeat slow, Selene | [B Pan | The Heartbeat of the Land. | Dance around the Maypole fair, | Weave your ribbons bright and tight, | Wrap the Staff of God. | Wrap your ribbons bright and tight, | Weave your Heart's delight. | Drumbeat sounds louder still, | as faster it becomes, | Joyous cries from throats do leap, | Hearken to the Sound. | Faster still the beat does sound, | The Circle spins around and round, | Wrap the God's Pole with your Dreams, Babs | ) ) ) ) ) ) O ( ( ( ( ( ( Pan | That Fertile be your Life. | Wrap the Pole up nice and tight, | Sealing your desire. | Wrap the pole up nice and tight, | The Ribbons now are short. 2153 | Bind them when you reach the Base | And listen for His Call! | (hear the sound of far off hunting horns) Selene | (Lighting fire) | Tonight we charge by Fire Bright. | and Jump the Beltaine Fire. | Fire Spirit, Fire Spirit, Dancing in the Night, | Fire Spirit, Fire Spirit, Come and join our Rite! Pan | Come My Lady, and Jump the Fire with me! | (joining hands we jump the fire) | (let all who wish, visualize the fire | and jump along with us. Selene | Are you going to ask them to share their | wishes? Pan | Will you share your wishes with us here tonight? Selene | Silver and pink ribbons for me... H.P. | I wish for Contentment in the coming year! | (jumping the fire) Selene | The child that I would like to adopt should be born in | the coming year! Griffin | A wish to see the Community of the Old Religions | banding together as never before, | putting aside differences in Perfect | Love and Perfect Trust (Jumping the fire...) Many Blue Sparks: A green ribbon for me... Pan | Blessed Be! Many Blue Sparks: healing of mind and body to become the highest | I can... jumping the fire. Pan | So mote it be! Babs | Goddess & God bring me blue - letting go | & red - passion. (Jump) Selene | Blessed BE! Selene | Blessed Be! Pan | Then we continue... Pan | Lay your hands upon my Staff, feel the power within, | Take of It I will to you, Life and Heart and Soul, | Take the Power within yourself, | Centered and Empowered, | Plant it deep within your Heart, feel Desire filled. | Deeper works the Magic still, | The Greatest Rite is nigh, | Open now the Circle cast, | and slip you out by ones and twos, | into the woods, both Fair and dark, | and feel Me all about. | The Oldest Magic fills the Air, | Desire fills the loins, | Lovemaking, the Ancient Magick | brings life to Heart's desire, | And fertilizes the Earth. | (visualize you and a loved one | going out into the woods) | Blessed are the hearth and Field, | upon your love does lay. | Make your loving long and deep, 2154 | share your loving sweet. | Come back to Circle when you are done, | This Night's the Night of Love, | Come back to Circle when you are done, | While our Mother is Above. | Milady, will you help me erect the Oldest Altar? Selene | Willingly and with Love, My Lord. Pan | (in the center of the circle a mist does rise) | And I carry you within, | hidden from eyes of the World... | and only the sounds of Lovemaking fill the air. | Around the Circle, the Coveners each make their way | to the fields, with their loved ones and make love, | each in their own way, to share the joy of Love, Lust | and the regeneration of Life itself. | Drink the Wine that is the fruit of my loins... | And eat the bread that is the grain of my body... | That I will live in you and you will live in me. Selene | Now this Rite is drawn to close, | The Fire is dying down, | The pole is wrapped for the coming Year, | And Magic fills your life. | Thank you Horned One, young and Strong, | For being here tonight, | Thank you horned One, Dark and Fierce, | For Dancing in Her Light. HP | Goddess Fair and Goddess Bright, | Within you lies the Seed, | Goddess Fair and Goddess Bright, | We thank you for your Rite. H.P. | Moving to the West.... | Keepers of the Watchtowers of the West, I thank you | for attending this our Lady's Rite, | and as you depart to your Watery realm, I ask | that there always be Peace, | peace between you and the Children of the Lady! | So mote it be! Otterkin| So mote it b! H.P. | Now South please. | MBS, please thank the south for us? Many Blue Sparks: Keepers of the Tower of the East, thank you | for attending our Lady's rite | and as you return to Spheres of Fire, I ask that | you bring us Light, | Light for the Children of the Lady! Otterkin| So mote it be! H.P. | So mote it be! | Babs, Wilt thou thank the Guardian of the East? Babs | Hail wise Persephone. Thank you for your gracious | attendance. Bless our dreams. Xaipe!!! H.P. | Blessed Be! Otterkin| Blessed Be! Griffin | Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, | Lords of the Earth, | we thank you for your presence. Stay if you will, 2155 | part if you must... | and if depart you will, | then we bid you Hail and Farewell... | So mote it be! Otterkin| So mote it be! H.P. | So mote it be! HP | With my athame I walk to the north, | the point is at the ground, I walk the | Circle round and round, from North to West | to South then East, the Circle sinks into the | ground. I turn to face my Lady Fair, across | the sacred Ground. | The Circle is Open, but never broken. | Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! Shadow Hawk: Blessed be all! Otterkin| Blessed be! ID | Blessed be!! Many Blue Sparks: Blessed be! Griffin | Blessed Be! 2156 FULL MOON RITUAL October 12, 1992 Led by Baba Yaga (Grandmother Owl) with Shadow Hawk and Rilla (1-3,Baba Yaga) I also wanted to remind everyone that if you are someone who feels ... (1-3,Baba Yaga) that Columbus isn't your A#1 hero, we can put in a polite bow to the (1-3,Baba Yaga) residents of Turtle Island were here to greet him. (1-3,Baba Yaga) The strange words you'll see in the ritual are Chero- kee for the Spirit (1-3,Baba Yaga) guardians of the Quarters, the God, Goddess and Ancestors/Community/Totems. (1-1,S.H.) striking chime once (1-1,S.H.) Relax your bodies, feel the tension flow out of them.... (1-1,S.H.) send your awareness down, down, into your feet... (1-1,S.H.) and from your feet, feel the connection to the earth pulling at you (1-1,S.H.) slowly, begin to breath deep... (1-1,S.H.) and with each breath you take, fill your body with en- ergy... (1-1,S.H.) and with each exhale, push it down through your feet into the earth... (1-1,S.H.) the connection grows stronger, and the barriers break down (1-1,S.H.) breath by breath, wall by wall, and the earth becomes alive (1-1,S.H.) beneath you. (1-1,S.H.) Now, as you inhale, let the energy flow completely through you into the earth... (1-1,S.H.) and as you exhale, begin to pull energy from the earth up into your body... (1-1,S.H.) you are awash in the energies of Father Sky and Mother Earth, they (1-1,S.H.) are cleansing and balancing your body with each breath you take. (1-1,S.H.) Air and Earth, you are balancing, you are grounding, you are (1-1,S.H.) attaining peace and harmony with our Mother and our Father- ... (1-1,S.H.) Breath gently, and be at one. (1-3,Baba Yaga) (moving to the east and raising my athame high) (1-3,Baba Yaga) This athame is the symbol of Air, the element of the East. (1-3,Baba Yaga) I summon the powers of the East, the winds of thought and intelligence,... (1-3,Baba Yaga) the storms of inspiration and learning. Here arises Awahili, the 2157 Eagle,... (1-3,Baba Yaga) where the sun does ever shine. Give to us the wisdom of the east. ... (1-3,Baba Yaga) We invite these spirits to this our celebration of their powers. (1-3,Baba Yaga) (Walking around circle drawing it with the Athame) (1-3,Baba Yaga) (lighting candle) (1-1,S.H.) (moving to the South) (1-1,S.H.) (taking breath, and raising Wand high) (1-1,S.H.) This Wand is the symbol of Fire, the Element of the South. I (1-1,S.H.) summon the powers of the South, the fires of directed will, of (1-1,S.H.) energy and spirit. Here dwells Tsistu, the Rabbit, the Trickster (1-1,S.H.) in the direction we are always facing. Grant us the ability to (1-1,S.H.) attune ourselves to the energy of the South. We invite these (1-1,S.H.) Spirits to lend us their aid in our work tonight. (1-1,S.H.) (walking Circle, sending fire though the wand, outlining the circle of Fire (1-3,BYaga) (Moving to the West. Picking Up small bowl of clear water ... (1-3,BYaga) Holding water over head facing west) (1-3,BYaga) This water is the essence of Water, the Element of the West. ... (1-3,BYaga) I summon the powers of emotion and love, understanding and caring. (1-3,BYaga) Here dwells Yanu, the Bear, where the sun lies down and dies ... (1-3,BYaga) It is the home of the thunders: the source of knowledge of our inner (1-3,BYaga) beings. Grant us thy inner peace and understanding. ... (1-3,BYaga) We invite these spirits to permeate all that we do here. (1-3,BYaga) (Walking around circle sprinkling water, drawing circle with stream of water) (1-3,BYaga) (lighting candle) (1-1,S.H.) ~(I move to the North and raise a container of Salt high) (1-1,S.H.) This Salt is the symbol of Earth, the Element of the North. We (1-1,S.H.) summon the strength and protection of the rocks and the trees, the 2158 (1-1,S.H.) stability of the stones which are the bones of the People. Here (1-1,S.H.) dwells Yunsu, the Buffalo, in the home of the white giant from (1-1,S.H.) whose mouth streams the cleansing wind. Grant to us thy strength, (1-1,S.H.) ancient wisdom, cleansing and stability. We invite these Spirits (1-1,S.H.) to give reality to all that we do here. (1-1,S.H.) (walking the Circle, outlining the Circle with Salt) (1-1,S.H.) (moving towards the Altar) (1-3,BYaga) (moving towards altar) (1-8,Rilla) <standing at altar> (1-1,S.H.) (joining Rilla at the Altar) (1-8,Rilla) Great Goddess, Maiden, Mother, Crone... (1-8,Rilla) spread wide your wings of silver moonlight over us... (1-8,Rilla) Give thy blessing to us and to these rites we do... (1-8,Rilla) in your name. Grandmother Earth, Agisagua, Grant us thy... (1-8,Rilla) peace and thy blessing... (1-8,Rilla) <lighting Goddess Candle> (1-1,S.H.) Mighty God of the Golden Sun, the Winter's cold, bring your (1-1,S.H.) beaming face to our circle. Galunlati, Father Sky, Great (1-1,S.H.) Mysterious of the cosmos; give thy blessing to these rites we do in your name. (1-1,S.H.) (lights God Candle) (1-1,S.H.) (lighting Yellow Candle) (1-3,BYaga) Like the radiating cords of the spider's web... (1-3,BYaga) All paths lead to the center. and like the circling threads, ... (1-3,BYaga) each one of us is linked, one to all others. Spirits dwelling here, (1-3,BYaga) old ones, ancestors, Agayunli, Nunahe, be welcome ... (1-3,BYaga) here we are all one. We are the Stone Peoples... (1-3,BYaga) the community of the religions of the Mother Earth and the Father Sky. (1-3,BYaga) (Lighting red Candle) (1-3,BYaga) (Picking up silver cup filled with clear spring water... (1-3,BYaga) holding the cup up towards the full moon) (1-8,Rilla) Silver Lady, Mother of Dreams, Night Sister... (1-8,Rilla) Lift your sacred circle---see your reflection here. (1-8,Rilla) <looking up at the moon> (1-1,S.H.) In Shadow do we search. (1-1,S.H.) To the Darkness you bring welcome light! 2159 (1-3,BYaga) (looking at the Moon) (1-1,S.H.) (looking up at the moon) (1-3,BYaga) Lady Moon, your silver face reflects upon this water. ... (1-3,BYaga) Reach down and give your face unto this mirror here. ... (1-3,BYaga) Come to us Lady: come. We, your children ask you. ... (1-3,BYaga) Moon Web, Silver Thread.... (1-3,BYaga) Spin to us. (1-8,Rilla) Moon Web, Silver Thread, Spin to us. (1-3,BYaga) Moon Web, Silver Thread.... (1-1,S.H.) moon Web, Silver Thread, spin to Us. (1-3,BYaga) Spin to us. (1-1,S.H.) Moon Web, Silver Thread, Spin to us. (1-8,Rilla) Moon Web, Silver Thread, Spin to us. (1-3,BYaga) (bringing cup down to level with my heart) (1-3,BYaga) (staring into water there) (1-1,S.H.) Moon Web, Silver Thread, Spin to US! (1-3,BYaga) Moon I name You, Moon you be (1-8,Rilla) Moon, I name you. Moon you be. (1-1,S.H.) MOON WEB, SLIVER THREAD, SPIN TO US! (1-1,S.H.) MOON, I name you, Moon you be. (1-3,BYaga) (Drinking from cup of moonlight) (1-3,BYaga) (Passing cup to Shadow Hawk) (1-3,BYaga) Drink Deep of Moonsilver ... (1-3,BYaga) Be one with Moonlight. (1-1,S.H.) (taking draught) (1-1,S.H.) (passing chalice to Rilla) (1-8,Rilla) <drinking> (1-3,BYaga) Drink Rilla, Drink Deep of Moonsilver ... (1-3,BYaga) Be one with Moonlight. (1-1,S.H.) Rilla, Drink, drink deep of Moonsilver. Be one with the Moonlight. (1-8,Rilla) <passing chalice to Helen> (1-3,BYaga) Helen, Drink Deep of Moonsilver ... (1-5,Helen Larkin) <drinking.. passing chalice> (1-3,BYaga) Be one with Moonlight. (1-5,Helen Larkin) <to Ray> <drinking> <passing chalice> (1-3,BYaga) Ray Drink Deep of Moonsilver ... (1-3,BYaga) Be one with Moonlight. <to babayaga> 2160 (1-3,BYaga) Taking chalice and picking up sprig of lemon balm (1-3,BYaga) (Dipping lemon balm leaf in... (1-3,BYaga) the cup, shaking drops of moon water over Shadow Hawk) (1-3,BYaga) Moon Washed, Love and light... (1-3,BYaga) She brings. (1-3,BYaga) (Dipping lemon balm leaf in... (1-3,BYaga) the cup, shaking drops of moon water over Rilla ... (1-3,BYaga) and sending with it healing power from our ritual) (1-3,BYaga) Moon Washed, Love and light... (1-3,BYaga) She brings. (1-3,BYaga) (Dipping lemon balm leaf in... (1-3,BYaga) the cup, shaking drops of moon water and protection over Helen) (1-3,BYaga) Moon Washed, Love and light... (1-3,BYaga) She brings. (1-3,BYaga) (Dipping lemon balm leaf in... (1-3,BYaga) the cup, shaking moon water over Ray) (1-3,BYaga) Moon Washed, Love and light... (1-3,BYaga) She brings. (1-3,BYaga) (Dipping lemon balm leaf in... (1-3,BYaga) the cup, shaking moon water over myself, making face) (1-3,BYaga) Moon Washed, Love and light... (1-3,BYaga) She brings. (1-3,BYaga) (pouring a drop of the moon water on the ground(floor)) (1-3,BYaga) (touching floor with foot) (1-1,S.H.) ~(touching ground) (1-8,Rilla) <touching ground> <placing symbols on the earth> (1-3,BYaga) As we take power to keep, We return power to its source... (1-3,BYaga) So Mote it Be (1-8,Rilla) So Mote it Be! (1-1,S.H.) As we take Power to keep (1-1,S.H.) We return Power to its source (1-1,S.H.) So mote it be. (1-3,BYaga) So Mote it Be (1-1,S.H.) So mote it be! (1-3,BYaga) (motioning to the directions as they are named) (1-3,BYaga) Air, Fire, Water, and Earth (1-3,BYaga) (motioning above and below) (1-3,BYaga) Power of Moon and Sun. ... 2161 (1-3,BYaga) Be within us always. As we leave this place between the worlds. ... (1-3,BYaga) As we walk again upon the ordinary ground. What we did here is ever part of us ... (1-3,BYaga) We are power, we are change; our circle is opened... (1-3,BYaga) Blessed Be (1-3,BYaga) (opening arms wide to take in the whole circle) (1-8,Rilla) Blessed Be!! (1-1,S.H.) Blessed Be! Blessed be (1-3,BYaga) (hugging Rilla, Hugging Shadow Hawk, Hugging Ray, Hugging Helen) (1-1,S.H.) (hugging hug junkies) <hugging> (1-8,Rilla Hugging all....beautiful ritual, Baba! ____________________________________________ EXPLANATORY NOTES Awahili is Cherokee for Eagle, the spirit keeper of the East. This is the messenger to the powers and the bird of the chieftain. Sistu is Cherokee for Rabbit. the spirit keeper of the South for the Eastern Woodland Indians. Western Indians use the Coyote her. In any case it represents teaching through humor or by showing how NOT to do things. Think of the B'rer Rabbit stories: "Please don thro me in dat briar patch!" 2162 Yanu is Cherokee for Bear, the spirit keeper of the West. Yanu is the healer, she who gave the sweat lodge to the people and the bear is the chief of the council of the four-leggeds. The thunders are 'chancy' powers, sometimes good and sometimes evil. Yunsu is Cherokee for Buffalo, the spirit keeper of the North. Yes, buffalo once roamed a lot of the East! The buffalo provides for our mundane needs with food, clothing, shelter and, in the planes, fuel. For the Sioux (Lakota) the buffalo also gives the sacred pipe to the people, their communication with the powers. Agisegua is the Great female or Great Doe of the Cherokee. There are other female power figures which might have been used including the Corn Mother. Galunlati is 'him above' in Cherokee and is one of many possible names for deity above. Agayunli means "old" and refers to 'ancestors'; the grandmothers and grandfathers who are the wise ones. 'Grandmother' and/or 'Grandfather' were used as respectful address to persons considered wise without regard to actual kinship. Nunahi are the spirits and totems which surround us. It might be translated as the 'immortals'. 2163 Full Moon Ritual Sept 10, 1992 HPS-Nanette HP -Ted (1-6,HPS) [ HPS take besom (broom) and circles the area clockwise while (1-6,HPS) sweeping and saying] (1-6,HPS) Sweep Ye Circle (1-6,HPS) Sweep it well (1-6,HPS) Sweep out evil (1-6,HPS) Sweep out ill (1-6,HPS) Sweep out ye Lady's beautiful Earth (1-6,HPS) And fill this site with Joy and Mirth! (1-6,HPS) [HPS rings a pleasant bell three times] (1-6,HPS) Ring! (1-6,HPS) Ring! (1-6,HPS) Ring! (1-6,HP) I will now light the Lords candle on the Alter... (1-6,HP) My lord, be with us in strength and love to see this circle through (1-6,HP) As the light shines through, Our love is with you! (1-6,HPS) I will now light the Lady's candle on the altar... (1-6,HPS) May the Lady's light guide us. So mote it be! (1-6,HPS) My lord, will you please summon the Elementals? (1-6,HP) By your wish, my love! (1-6,HP) [I move to the East with Athame in hand and draw a Large invoking (1-6,HP) pentagram in the air] (1-6,HP) Powers of the East, entities of air, I call and summon thee here and (1-6,HP) now. With the Love of the Lady and the Strength of the Lord I invoke (1-6,HP) Thee; Be present at our circle; Protect those within; Guide us in... (1-6,HP) our rites. (1-6,HP) Oh, great element of air, as thou flows within us all, I ask (1-6,HP) of thee to join all here together with thine invisible bonds of (1-6,HP) thought and knowledge. So Mote it Be! (1-6,HP) [I move to the South, again drawing an invoking pentagram in (1-6,HP) the air] (1-6,HP) Powers of the South, entities of fire, I call and summon thee here (1-6,HP) and now. With love of the Lady and Strength of the Lord I invoke... (1-6,HP) thee; Be present at our circle; Protect those within; and Guide us (1-6,HP) in our rites. Oh great elements of fire, warm our hearts and souls (1-6,HP) so that all within our circle tonight can WILL that perfect love 2164 (1-6,HP) away and thus receive all that which returns thrice fold. (1-6,HP) So mote it be! (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [I move to the West. I draw a large invoking pentagram in the air] (1-6,HP) Powers of the West, entities of water, I call and summon thee with (1-6,HP) the love of the Lady and strength of the Lord. I invoke Thee; Be (1-6,HP) present at our circle; Protect those within; and guide us in our... (1-6,HP) rites. (1-6,HP) Oh great element of water, help us dare to flow as easily as thou... (1-6,HP) within and without our physical selves so that all within our circle... (1-6,HP) may join on the astral. Moisten our lips so our kiss be soft; Flow... (1-6,HP) fromfrom our eyes as tears of joy; Unite us in the realms of the... (1-6,HP) Gods. So mote it be! (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [Circling to the north I draw another large invoking Pen- tagram] (1-6,HP) Lady of the North, Mother Earth, sweet beauty and gift of the Gods,... (1-6,HP) join us here in our circle of love. With the Lord and the Lady... (1-6,HP) within us all, we send for thee with Perfect Love and Perfect Trust... (1-6,HP) so that thou may be healed, renewed, and loved. Powers of the North,... (1-6,HP) entities of the Earth, be present at our circle; Protect those... (1-6,HP) within; and Guide us in our rites. With the love of the Lady and... (1-6,HP) the strength of the Lord, I call thee here now! (1-6,HP) So mote it be! (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [Back to the East again, Athame raised high] (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! The elements are here! (1-6,HP) [speaking now to the HPS] (1-6,HP) My Lady, the elements are present as per your wish. With love and... (1-6,HP) trust they have been summoned as all here now have been. (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HPS) [HPS goes to the alter and draws a pentagram in a bowl of salt] (1-6,HPS) I bless thee salt, element of Earth, in the names of the Lady &... (1-6,HPS) Lord. [HPS now draws a pentagram in a bowl of water] 2165 (1-6,HPS) I bless thee, element of water, in the names of the Lord and Lady. (1-6,HPS) [HPS Places three Athame-fulls <g> of salt in the water] (1-6,HPS) I ask that the combining of these elements purify our circle, and... (1-6,HPS) those who shall enter this sacred place of worship for the Lady and... (1-6,HPS) Lord. (1-6,HP) [HP draws a pentagram in a small dish of incense] (1-6,HP) Incense of Oil. Incense of Herb. I bless and consecrate thee to be... (1-6,HP) pure and good. With this blessing I do charge thee to keep from this... (1-6,HP) circle all ill and bring forth the security of Perfect Love and... (1-6,HP) Perfect Trust to all within our magical bounds. (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [Now I draw a pentagram in over the fire (a small charcoal)] (1-6,HP) Creature of fire, I consecrate and bless thee so that thou are... (1-6,HP) purest in form, love, and trust. Powers within, grow and strengthen... (1-6,HP) so that thou may protect and aid all within our circle, uniting us... (1-6,HP) within, even over vast distances. I charge thee to hinder us not,... (1-6,HP) protect us from that which we do not desire, and warm our hearts... (1-6,HP) with thoughts of Love and Trust. (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [I now place a bit of incense on the coal] (1-6,HP) Incense burn in the fires light and the elements shall unite. May... (1-6,HP) the sweetness upon the air aid our united thoughts and bring forth... (1-6,HP) all which is good and pure. For that which is not good and pure... (1-6,HP) shall find the sweetness sour and repugnant. Incense and fire now... (1-6,HP) seal our way on the path of the Lady and Lord! (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [HP will take censor in hand and the HPS will take the salted water,... (1-6,HP) we then sprinkle and cense the circle border as well as ourselves... (1-6,HP) within... ] (1-6,HP) <Spinkle> (1-6,HP) <Sprinkle> 2166 (1-6,HPS) [I will now conjure the circle, please visualize a bright blue... (1-6,HPS) perimeter] (1-6,HPS) I conjure thee oh circle of love and light. May our perfect love and... (1-6,HPS) trust shine bright. With this light of blue, (1-6,HPS) We ask that no harm come through. (1-6,HPS) Circle in, Circle out, (1-6,HPS) Only the pure of heart may come about. (1-6,HP & HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [With a big ole kiss I bring all the Ladies out there into our... (1-6,HP) circle] (1-6,HPS) [With a kiss I bring all the Lords into our circle] (1-6,HPS) <Kiss Kiss> (1-6,HP) Well, we're all in circle and have a ritual for the moon to boot. (1-6,HP) Anyone have any input they would like some group thought on? We (1-6,HP) have a bit of collective thought to do later, also. (1-5,Shadow Hawk) I would like to thank the Lady for the fact... (1-5,Shadow Hawk) that so little life was lost due to Hurricane Andrew. (1-6,Ted & Nanette) Blessed Be! (1-5,Shadow Hawk) Greg, Lars, Count, anything to add? (1-9,Lars) I would like to say thank you for a beautiful experience.. (1-4,Greg) I would like to ask if we coulld raise dome energy to (1-6,Ted & Nanette) OK, shall we go into our ritual? Also, what is the transmission... (1-4,Greg) send to my mother in the hospital (1-6,Ted & Nanette) delay? should I wait longer for responses? (1-5,Shadow Hawk) Yes wait about a minute longer (1-4,Greg) I can't type fast (1-6,HP) Why is your mom in the hospital? (1-4,Greg) Cancer (1-6,HP) Let's do a bit of healing with our collective thoughts, when the... (1-6,HP) magic time is ready. Is that OK? Where is she? (1-4,Greg) Dobbs Ferry, New York... that sounds fine (1-6,HP) Any one else, or shall the ritual begin? (1-6,HP) Whom might have a whit candle available, and whom is visual- izing... (1-6,HP) tonight? (1-9,Lars) I'm just 20 minutes north of where the worst of Andrew hit--Please .... a though (1-4,Greg) I have a white candle (1-5,Shadow Hawk) I have a Zen Candle (1-6,HPS) Figures! (1-6,HP) OK let us do what we came here to do! (1-6,HP) Tonight is the full moon. We are at our peak in magic, love, and... 2167 (1-6,HP) fulfillment in all matters. Tonight we celebrate the climax of our... (1-6,HP) Lady's cycle. Tonight we are all one! (1-6,HPS) The culmination of our work, our love, and the Lord, rest in the... (1-6,HPS) Lady tonight. (1-6,HP) Would anyone else like to comment on what the full moon is to them? (1-9,Lars) High Tide for me...! (1-6,HP) So be it. (1-6,HPS) The Godess is Alive and Magic is afoot! (1-5,Shadow Hawk) The Full moon is the face of my Lover. (1-6,HP) Blessed be! The Goddess is Alive and Magic is afoot! (1-6,HP) [HP now take white candle in hand, (mouth actually, hands are busy)] (1-6,HP) May this candle be as the moon, as the Goddess. Shining bright with... (1-6,HP) the warmth of love. (1-6,HP) [I hand the candle to the HPS] (1-6,HPS) [HPS carves a pentagram in the candle and says] (1-6,HPS) With love and trust I charge this candle to burn bright and long. It... (1-6,HPS) is to represent the Lady, the moon, and of course the Lord. In peace... (1-6,HPS) and harmony this candle is love. (1-6,HP) Blessed Be! (1-6,HPS) Blessed Be! (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HPS) [HPS now lights the candle and places it on the altar, saying] (1-6,HPS) Now, with all of us across the distances, if you have a candle,... (1-6,HPS) please do as I did. We shall wait... (1-5,Shadow Hawk) blessed be (1-6,HP) Shall we continue? (1-3,Count Cagliostro) yes (1-5,Shadow Hawk) aye (1-9,Lars) yes (1-4,Greg) Blessed Be! (1-6,HPS) So be it! Those that have candles please follow along; those... (1-6,HPS) without should visualize one and procede along also. The physical... (1-6,HPS) world NEVER INHIBITS the realm we are in now. (1-6,HPS) I want everyone to look into the flame of your candle. Our computer... (1-6,HPS) desk is serving as an altar tonight, to make it a bit less hectic.... (1-6,HPS) <g>. Anyhow, look into the flame and see the moon. So bright and... (1-6,HPS) full, this is the moon in your heart. (1-6,HP) Now look again into the flame of your candle, and see your- self in... 2168 (1-6,HP) that flame. See your life energy as it really is. The moon is your... (1-6,HP) heart, the flame, and you life energy. It is one! (1-6,HPS) Let us pause for a moment and let yourself be one with the flame,... (1-6,HPS) the moon, and the Goddess. Feel the warmth. Feel the love. (1-6,HPS) Know the Goddess. (1-6,HPS) As the candle burns, remember not what was said, but remem- ber what (1-6,HPS) was done and felt. You and the Goddess are one. (1-6,HP) For those with candles, let them burn till gone. For those without,... (1-6,HP) let them burn in your mind till dawn. For to snuff a flame before... (1-6,HP) it's time really pisses-off the fire faeries! (1-6,HP) Blessed Be! (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [Speaking to the HPS] (1-6,HP) My Lady. My Love. Does thou wish at this time to become one with... (1-6,HP) the Goddess? (1-6,HPS) Yes, I do. (1-6,HP) So Be It! (1-6,HP) [I raise my athame and point it towards the HPS while saying] (1-6,HP) My Lady, Tis I, once again, calling upon thee with the request for... (1-6,HP) thou to join us now in this, thy high priestess. Lady of many... (1-6,HP) names, Isis, Diana, Astarte, Aradia, Be with us! Lady of many ages, (1-6,HP) maiden, mother, crone, Be with us! With perfect love and perfect... (1-6,HP) trust I call upon thee, oh most beautiful mother of us all. Join... (1-6,HP) with us now! Our hearts are open to thee. Our circle is open to... (1-6,HP) thee. Our trust resides in thee. JOIN US NOW! (1-6,HP) [Now for the online tricky part, I'll invoke the HPS and then type... (1-6,HP) her response, maybe it'll work <g>] (1-6,HPS) [Breathing deepens] (1-6,HPS) She weeps... for the destruction and the pain, for she knows it is... (1-6,HPS) great. <sigh> But all is how it should be. Know that from death... (1-6,HPS) comes rebirth... And although much time is passing, we will be... (1-6,HPS) whole again. A large green ball... Greg... See a large green ball... (1-4,Greg) OK (1-6,HPS) in front of you... <shaking head> Greener, brighter... Not... 2169 (1-6,HPS) Put your love inside and through me it shall go to your mother...... (1-6,HPS) Your energies will double... (1-6,HPS) <Deep breath> (1-6,HPS) Good color greg... (1-6,HPS) <Long deep breathing> (1-6,HPS) It is done. It has been sent. (1-6,HPS) <We're back! Pardon us for a second while we do a good grounding... (1-6,HPS) hug> (1-6,HP) Well, ... Wow. (1-6,HP) Let's do a quick cakes and wine (or Ale), OK? (1-4,Greg) Sounds wonderful (1-9,Lars) ook... (1-5,Shadow Hawk) sounds good to me! (1-4,Greg) I have doughnuts and Ale (1-6,HPS & HP) Just got ours too! Let's do it! (1-6,HPS & HP) [HP and HPS face each other (OK Nan, get on the desk)] (1-6,HPS & HP) [HPS hold the chalace, and HP pours the (oops) already poured ale... (1-6,HPS & HP) into the chalace, and says] (1-6,HP) Let me fill your cup, as you my lady have filled my heart. (1-9,Lars) I want to thank you for this experience...A toast! (1-6,HPS) Like the cup and the wine, we are one wet seperate. (1-6,HPS) [HPS picks up the athame, dips it in the chalace] (1-6,HPS) Blessed be my lord! (1-6,HPS) [HPS sprinkles the cakes with the Ale from her Athame and says] (1-6,HPS) Blessings be upon these grains of life, sacred to the Goddess. (1-6,HPS) [She offers a piece to me (HP), and now I give her one.] (1-6,HPS) [HP now quaffs a bit of ale and passes it to the HPS] (1-6,HPS) Shadow Hawk, have some and pass it on! (1-5,Shadow Hawk) (raising chalace) (1-5,Shadow Hawk) (drinking a sip, with eyes raised to the moon (1-5,Shadow Hawk) passing it on) (1-5,Shadow Hawk) Jehana, will you chare the Chalice of Life with me? (1-7,Jehana Silverwing) Yes, I shall, shadow Hawk. <takes chalice> (1-7,Jehana Silverwing) <drinks a sip; libates a portion> (1-6,HP) Now that the celebration is almost through, (1-7,Jehana Silverwing) passes to Greg. (1-6,HP) And I would like to request of you, (1-4,Greg) <taking chalice> (1-4,Greg) Brightest Blessings to all of us and eryone who was unable to join us tonight. (1-6,HP) Oops... Sorry to butt in on the party, Pass that chalace, we are... (1-6,HP) still in celebration mode, yes? (1-4,Greg) <taking sip, and passing to Lars> (1-9,Lars) Thankful for the love shared here (dizzy)...! (1-6,HP) Pass that on to granny O. (1-9,Lars) Big Gulp!!! (1-3,Annina) Greetings all, sorry I'm late. 2170 (1-9,Lars) <passing chalice to Annina> (1-3,Annina) <taking a sip> (1-3,Annina) <smiles all around> (1-6,HP) Blessed be Annina! (1-3,Annina) Blessed be to all! (1-6,HP) OK, can we continue, still a bit to do before we close... (1-4,Greg) Has everyone had cakes and wine? (1-7,Jehana Silverwing) yes. (1-3,Annina) <taking a bite of cake> Yes, thanks. :-) (1-6,Ted & Nanette) yes. (1-4,Greg) Lets continue (1-6,HP) Now the celebration is almost through, (1-6,HP) And I would like to request of you, (1-6,HP) Work with me to make the sky blue. (1-6,HPS) The earth is our mother (1-6,HPS) From the start she has been there for us (1-6,HPS) And at the end she will remain (1-6,HP) As we care for each other in this physical world (1-6,HP) So must we care for our mother earth (1-6,HP) For now is a time with smoky air (1-6,HP) now is a time with oceans of oil (1-6,HP) now is a time with soil of garbage (1-6,HPS) Magic is in me. Magic is in you. (1-6,HPS) Let us spend just a minute and think (1-6,HPS) For collective thoughts is the magic for all (1-6,HPS) Think and create. For in our power lies enough to change (1-6,HPS) that which others deem a lost cause. (1-6,HPS) Think now, one and all, about the beautiful mother. Healthy and... (1-6,HPS) happy and free from the diseases we have previously given her.... (1-6,HPS) Let's make the magic happen. See the mountains in the crystal clear... (1-6,HPS) sky. See the clean oceans sparkling blue. See her beauty under the... (1-6,HPS) full moon light. Think... (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) Greg, it was a bit unusual to see magic for you mom appearing in the... (1-6,HP) drawing down. I've been under the belief that once magic is done is... (1-6,HP) should be left alone. For any doubt will destroy the res- ults.... (1-6,HP) Should we work more magic for her now, or should we call it done?... (1-6,HP) It's your call. (1-4,Greg) What we've worked felt pretty powerful... (1-4,Greg) I think it will do, my mother doesn't exactly know I asked for this. (1-6,HP) Well then, Thought of her will remain clear in all of us. Thoughts... (1-6,HP) of her happy and healthy. It is done. (1-4,Greg) Blessed Be! 2171 (1-6,HP) Does anyone want any other collective magic to be done, now is the... (1-6,HP) time. (1-3,Annina) I'd like you all to remember my husband's and my busin- ess. We are starting (1-3,Annina) it this week on a virtual shoestring as our venture capital deal fell through. (1-3,Annina) Your thoughts and meditations in your rituals would be very much appreciated. (1-6,HP) What is the business and where? What are your goals? I learned... (1-6,HP) long ago not to ask for vague things, they sneak up and bite you in... (1-6,HP) the butt. That's an experience Loki taught me. (1-3,Annina) The business is a point of sales computer systems com- pany. We're in (1-3,Annina) Pensacola, Florida (on the Gulf Coast near Mobile, Ala.) (1-3,Annina) Our goals are to make 8 sales per month for the first 90 days. (1-6,HP) Not too bad. (1-3,Annina) That will give us the capital to get things underway with an office and (1-3,Annina) a demo system. (1-6,HP) Everyone here please visualize Annina's company selling 30 sales by... (1-3,Annina) We're running it out of our home at the moment. It's scary, but we KNOW (1-3,Annina) the business is there and we've done our homework and made the connections. (1-6,HP) the end of 90 days. Envision happiness and of course wealth for... (1-6,HP) Annina and her husband. From this thought in your heart turn it to... (1-6,HP) a color and send it to her now. (1-6,HP) Well Annina, I hope I didn't zap you. In my vision I saw you so... (1-6,HP) busy after 60 days that you needed to hire help to handle all the... (1-3,Annina) WOW!! Green and pink and purple! Mostly green though. :-) (1-6,HP) work. You will be successful. As long as you remember that which... (1-6,HP) you want. (1-6,HPS) Great! (1-3,Annina) I definitely felt your strength!! Many thanks to all! (1-6,HP) Can we close or does anyone have naything else to add? (1-4,Greg) Best of blessings to you, Aninna, and your Husband (1-3,Annina) Thank you, Greg, and brightest blessings to you and your mother. (1-4,Greg) Many thanx! (1-6,HP) So be it! Let us close this circle! (1-5,Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be! (1-4,Greg) BB to ALL!!! (1-3,Annina) Blessed Be! (1-9,Lars) Blessed Be!! 2172 (1-6,HPS) [I will close this online circle, Starting in the East and working... (1-6,HPS) counter-clockwise with athame pointed to the circle border, I say] (1-6,HPS) Circle in, Circle out, (1-6,HPS) Bless all those who came about. (1-6,HPS) As our blue light becomes a dim hue, (1-6,HPS) We have been protected, no harm due. (1-6,HPS) I release thee oh circel of love and light, (1-6,HPS) May perfect love and trust always shine bright. (1-6,HPS) [I end in the east from whence I started] (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) [Now, I must dismiss the elements] (1-6,HP) [I move to the East, and draw a banishing pentagram high in the... (1-6,HP) air] (1-6,HP) Powers of air, thank you for attending our rites. As the sun rises,... (1-6,HP) know that we are but one. Good night my friends! (1-6,HP) So mote it be! (1-6,HP) [Moving to the north, I draw another banishing Pentagram] (1-4,Greg) God and Goddess Bless! (1-6,HP) Powers of the Earth, thank you for attending our rites. As the cool... (1-6,HP) wind blows, the silence of truth will fill our minds. Good night my... (1-6,HP) friends! So mote it be! (1-6,HP) [And to the West, another banishing pentagram] (1-4,Greg) God and Goddess Bless! (1-6,HP) Powers of water, thank you for attending our rites. As we dare to... (1-6,HP) be ourselves, we must learn to let it flow from within. Goodnight... (1-6,HP) my friends! So mote it be! (1-4,Greg) God and Goddess Bless! (1-6,HP) [To the South, banishing pentagram again] (1-6,HP) Powers of fire, thank you for attending our rites. As we will is as... (1-6,HP) we are. Good night my friends! So mote it be! (1-4,Greg) God and Goddess Bless! (1-6,HP) [Back to the East, Athame held high] (1-6,HP) And so we have come full circle. One final farewell. Powers of the... (1-6,HP) East, the North, the West, and the South, I thank thee for being... (1-6,HP) with us as one. AAnd one we always shall be. (1-6,HPS) So Mote It Be! (1-5,Shadow Hawk) So mote it be! (1-4,Greg) So Mote It Be! (1-6,HP) So mote it be! (1-6,Ted & Nanette) So mote it be! (1-9,Lars) So mote it be! (1-3,Annina) So mote it be! 2173 SAMHAIN RITUAL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 1991 On-Line Ritual Facilitators: Keymaster -- Priest Otterkin -- Priestess (8-13,Shadow Hawk) Hello all, Blessing Be among Thou. (8-3,John & Karen) Hi. (8-5,keymaster) Ok we are ready now. (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) ready here. (8-4,Tapestry) Ready. (8-3,John & Karen) ready (8-12,Frodo) I'm here, dunno for how long. (8-6,Grey Owel) ready (8-5,keymaster) Tonight we celebrate the Sabbat Samhain, the eve of the New Year. This is the time when the Goddess in her aspect as Crone veils Her face and the Horned One takes His throne. It is a time to reap the good and to banish the bad. To this end, we folded paper with that which we would banish written upon it. With the old year dying and the new year yet to be born, it is also the time when the dead may be invited to leave Caer Arianrhod and join us in the ritual and the feasting afterward. During the feast, the Lord of Misrule reigns and is free to inflict his Puckish like humor on us all. Welcome all, and let us begin. (8-5,keymaster) Take a deep breath..... and let it out slowly... Relax, and visualize the link between us... Scattered to the winds are we, but we are here together.... (8-8,Otterkin) We enter a grove amidst tall oaks, lit by a waning moon and a circle of torches. It is a warm indian summer night with little wind, and an aura of expectancy flickers like the flames. Our altar stands at the North, decorated with apples and pomegranates, nuts and corn. There is an empty plate and a hand-thrown earthenware bowl filled with fresh water. A chalice holds the wine. The cakes are slices of pumpkin bread with raisins, and oatmeal cookies. The small cauldron of cleansing is of old polished brass with a 2174 handle for carrying. A large, black iron dutch-oven stands on its three legs in the center of the circle. Wisps of smoke rise upward and tongues of flame reach beyond it's rim. Four unlit torches lay near it. Here the callers of the Guardians will light their torches, to place them in empty sconces planted in the earth at the North, East, South, and West. There are small buckets of water beside each sconce. Because we are modern pagans, the Priestess has brought a boom-box with appropriate music. Listen inside yourself and you will hear it. Focus on the water in the chalice. a symbol of cleansing and rebirth. I add a dagger-tip of salt to represent the aspects of the earth. Great Mother, bless this cup that we may be cleansed. (The chalice is passed clockwise, with each of us sprinkling ourselves.) (When this is done, I return the chalice to the altar.) (8-5,keymaster) The incense we have chosen for this night is juniper and myrrh. It burns with the charcoal in the small brass cauldron. Breathe it in, and think of fire and air together. Let the strength and joy they represent become a part of you. Great Father, bless this fire and air that we may be purified as it passes over and through us. (Cauldron is passed clockwise around the circle, by its handle) (When all have breathed it, the Priest returns it to the altar.) (8-7,Otterkin) The ground beneath us has been sprinkled with ginger and swept to remove all negativity from this space. Let us join together and in the names of Danu the Great Mother and Arianrhod the White Lady, and of Cernunnos the Hunter, I cast and consecrate this Circle. (I draw the invoking Pentagram in the air with one hand and then, with a long stick from a hazel tree, draw the circle deosil, North to North.) (8-5,keymaster) Let the caller of the Guardian of the East, step forward. (8-4,Tapestry) Lords of the East, Masters of inspiration, intelligence, new beginnings, and the wind rattling my 2175 windows this night, Hail and Welcome. (Light Torch & place in sconce) (8-5,keymaster) Let the Caller of the Guardian of the South, step forward. (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) Lords of the South, may your fires burn hearty during the coming darknesses, May your Will be strong upon us; with us. Hail & Welcome (Light torch & place in sconce.) (8-5,keymaster) Let the Caller of the Guardian of the West, step forward. (8-3,John & Karen) Lords of the West, guardians of the dark ocean and the lands beyond be with us now in this time between the worlds. Hail and welcome. (light torch and place in sconce) (8-5,keymaster) Let the Caller of the Guardian of the North, step forward. (8-11,wanda) Lords of the North, Masters of the Earth, the hills, the valley, and forests -- join us now in this time of great joy (light torch and place in sconce) (8-7,Otterkin) (Facing the center) The Circle is bound. This is a time that is not a time, in a place that is not a place, on a day which is not a day, and we are safe between the worlds. So mote it be. (8-5,keymaster) So mote it be! (8-12,Frodo) So mote it be! (8-3,John & Karen) so mote it be! (8-11,wanda) So mote it be! (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) So Mote It Be (8-4,Tapestry) So mote it be! (8-5,keymaster) (Picking up a pomegranate, I pierce the skin of the fruit with my athame and remove several seeds, placing them on the plate on the altar.) On this night of Samhain, we mark your passing O Sun King, through the sunset into the land of the young. We mark also the passing of all who have gone before us, and all who will go after. O gracious Goddess, Eternal Mother, You who gives birth, and life to the fallen, teach us to know 2176 that in the time of greatest darkness there is the greatest light. (I now take one of the seeds, and burst it with my teeth, savoring the bittersweet flavor. I then take the plate to the first covener in the East, who takes a seed, places it in his mouth, and then passes the plate around the circle.) (I take the plate back to the altar. and then move to the cauldron.) Wise one of the Waning Moon, Lady of the Starry Night, let the fire within your cauldron burn up the dross of the year that is past. To free us from the burdens that are plagueing us. May the energies be reversed: From darkness, light; from bane, good; from death, birth! (I then place my piece of paper into the fire) I banish the pain of past relationships, (8-7,Otterkin) (I step to the fire in the cauldron.) (8-5,keymaster) of my bitterness, (8-7,Otterkin) I banish the pain in my childhood memories, but not the memories themselves. (I throw my paper into the flames.) (Each in turn comes to the fire to throw in their paper, saying aloud their banishment or not as they choose.) (8-12,Frodo) I banish the tensions and uncertainties that have been plaguing my life as of late. <toss> (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) (We have banished) (toss) (8-3,John & Karen) We have banished! (toss) (8-4,Tapestry) I banish depression and anger from past relationships <toss> (8-11,wanda) (stepping to the fire) I banish my insecurities..my deep sorrow from loves past...and embarrassment from words spoken too hastily. (toss) (8-6,Grey Owel) I banish the quickness of temper (toss) (8-5,keymaster) (I go to the altar, and lift my hands above the cakes and wine) All life is your own All fruits of the Earth Are fruits of your womb Your union, Your dance. 2177 Lord and Lady, We thank thee for blessings and abundance. Join with us, Feast with us, enjoy with us! Blessed be! (8-7,Otterkin) Blessed be! (8-11,wanda) Blessed be! (8-12,Frodo) Blessed be! (8-4,Tapestry) Blessed Be! (8-3,John & Karen) Blessed be! (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) Blessed be! (8-6,Grey Owel) Blessed be! (8-5,keymaster) (I now pass the wine clockwise around the circle) (Everyone takes a drink) (8-12,Frodo) ->gulp!<- (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) Good vintage. (8-4,Tapestry) (libate) (sip) (8-11,wanda) (sip) (8-3,John & Karen) (sip) (8-7,Otterkin) (small sip) (8-6,Grey Owel) (sip) (8-5,keymaster) (sip) (8-5,keymaster) (Placing the chalice back on the altar) (Taking the cakes, I pass them around the circle, clockwise) (8-5,keymaster) Everyone, take, and eat. (8-12,Frodo) >munch.< (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) Breaking off a piece; libating; (nibble) (8-4,Tapestry) (take piece, crumble a bit onto the ground and eat the rest.) (8-11,wanda) (breaking off a small piece and savoring it) (8-3,John & Karen) Breaking off a piece, sharing it, nibbling (8-7,Otterkin) My cat has cut her own door into the Circle, and I share my bit of cake with her. (8-6,Grey Owel) (consume heartily) (8-5,keymaster) (breaking off a piece, eating it, grokking its fullness) (I replace what is left of the cakes and the wine, near the altar, for the Sidhe to enjoy) Will the Caller of the Guardian of the East, step forward and release the Guardian. (8-4,Tapestry) Lords of the East, thank you for your assistance. Hail and Farewell. (take torch and plunge it into bucket of water.) (8-5,keymaster) Will the Caller of the Guardian of the South, 2178 step forward. (8-10,Jehana & Jeff) Lords of the South; of Fire and of Will, we thank you for your assistance -- Hail and farewell!! (Plunge torch into bucket of water.) (8-5,keymaster) Will the Caller of the Guardian of the West, step forward. (8-3,John & Karen) Lords of the West, we thank you for your assistance. Hail and farewell! (Plunge torch into bucket of water.) (8-5,keymaster) Will the Caller of the Guardian of the North, step forward. (8-11,wanda) Lords of the North, Masters of the Earth..we thank you for your assistance and joining us this eve -- farewell! (grasping torch and placing it into the bucket) (8-7,Otterkin) (I draw the banishing Pentagram in the air.) Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again! Let the Circle be open but never broken. (8-5,keymaster) I hereby name............ Frodo............ Lord of Misrule......... Let the Feasting Begin!! 2179 *********** The Religion Forum 10/28/92 22:50:38 HPS | Relax... Let your body and mind be at ease... Breathe | gently; regularly... | This is the time of Inward turning, of saying goodbye to | our Dead. | We have descended into the night, and the veil between the | worlds is at it's thinnest. | The Sun King has become the Lord of Shadows, sailing West: | We follow Him into the dark. | Life declines; the season of barrenness is on us, yet we | give thanks for that which we have reaped and gathered. | We meet to turn the Wheel and weave the cord of life | that will sustain us through the dark. | I take these Creatures of Earth and Water, and do Cleanse | and consecrate them to bring into this Circle, | to do the Lady's Will. | I purify this sacred space in the Lady's Name. HP | I take these creatures of Air and Fire and do Cleanse and | consecrate them to bring into this Circle to do the Lady's | Will. I do cleanse and consecrate this Circle in our | Lady's Name, to do the Lady's Will! HPS | I cast this Circle... | a glowing blue orb... | glowing, growing... | surrounding all of us... | surrounding us in protective blue-white light... | expanding to touch all of us... | connect us into the web... | a place that is not a place, a place which is all | places... | a time which is not a time, a time which is all times... | connect us into the web . | The Circle is Cast. HP | (facing the West, feeling the essense of Water rush through me) | (hearing the sound in the blood of my veins) | Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, Spirits of | Water... | I call upon you to come this night | and attend this our Lady's Rite... | Guard us and Guide us in this request | that we might tonight... | Do the work by Her great Light. | (lighting candle, passing taper to Gail) Gail: The North: Power of Earth... | Join our ritual circle | Send your protection to us as we perform this sacred | ritual tonight | You, the force from which all life springs, | Hold us in your heart through the winter 2180 | That we may be re-born with you at Beltaine | Empty us of fears so that we may be strong | Strong in the Goddess' light to do her work nise nekheba: facing the east I call upon the powers of the | air, the winds to join our | sacred circle. Come obatala, Olofi, and chango, ancient | orishas of the east | come and bless us | uplift us | caress us with your powerful, forceful breeze | and guard us through the Spring. | go ahead south Frodo: Spirits of the South Remember. | Spirits of the South, hear my call... | Spirits of the South, Remember. | Spirits of the South, you are here. | South. | Red. Fire. | The heat of summer. | The passion of adolescence. | Feel the South. HP | (turning to HPS) | Blessed Be thy feet, that walk in the Way of the Wise | Blessed Be thy knees, that kneel at the sacred altar | Blessed Be thy Womb, without which we would not be | Blessed be thy Breasts, formed in Beauty | Blessed be thy Lips that shall speak the Sacred words | Blessed be thy Eyes, that they shall see the truth | and Blessed be thy Mind, that it shall know and | understand. | Gracious Goddess, Holy Maiden, Mother, and now, Crone... | Descend upon this thy Priestess, we do humbly beg... | Join us tonight in your circle as we assemble to once | more... | Spin the Wheel of Life and Death. Great Goddess, mother | of us all, you have brought us to life, and you walk with | us to Death's Door and beyond. | Goddess of Life and Goddess of Death, Cerridwyn, I call | you Home! | (kneeling) Cerridwyn: (greets HP, looks upon him) | By the Flame that burneth bright O' Horned One! | We call thy name into the night, O' Ancient One! | Thee we invoke, by the moon-lit sea, by the standing stone | and the twisted tree. | Thee we invoke, where gather thine own, by the nameless | shrine forgotten and alone. | Come where the round of tdance is Trod. | Horn and Hoof of the Goatfoot God! | By moon-lit meadows on dusky hill, when the haunted wood | is hushed and still. 2181 | Come to the charm of the chanted prayer. | As the moon bewitches the midnight air, evoke thy powers, | that potent bide. | In shining stream and the secret tide, in fiery flame by | starlight pale, in Shadowy host that rides the gale, and | by the fern-brakes fairy-haunted of forest wild and woods | enchanted. | Come! O' Come! | To the heart-beat's drum! | When the broad white moon is climbing slow. | Through the stars to the heaven's height. | We hear thy hoofs on the wind of night! | As black tree-branches shake and sigh, | By Joy and terror we know thee nigh, | We speak the spell thy power unlocks, | At Solstice, Sabbat, and Equinox. | Word of Virtue the veil to rend, | From Primal Dawn to the wide World's end, | Since time began, the blessings of Pan | Blessed be in strength and love, | Blessed be, wher'ere we rove, | Vision fade not from our eyes | Of the Pagan Paradise. | Past the gates of Death and Birth, | Our inheritance of Earth. | From our soul the song of Spring | Fade not in our wandering, | Our life is one, | By blackest night or the noonday Sun. | Eldest of Gods on thee we call, | Blessing be on thy Creatures all. | I call upon thee, O' Ancient Horned One | Who art the Comforter and the Consoler of Men | I call upon thee, O' Great God of the Witches. | Ruler of the Sabbat, Lord of the Wild Woods, | I call upon thee, for I am thy Lady. | Come out of the North upon the back of the Winds. | And join the Lady Cerridwin at this Holy Sabbat/Esbat. | I call thee by thy most ancient name Cernunnos. | Descend upon this thy Circle NOW! | We welcome thee Home! | We welcome thee, Cernunnos! Cernunnos: I am here. | My Children call, from woods and from stream | from fields fair and snow crested mountains. | Once more the Wheel of Life has turned, the Gods of Spring | and Summer are gone. Now's the time of the long night... | and my white cloak spreads forth upon the land. | Breath shoots steaming into the night, moonlight glints | off shining horn. | Strength answers strength as I bugle my challenge... | Calling you to me I bring you nigh | Walk with me a while, 2182 | and dance the dance of Life awhile. Cerridwyn: It is Samhain... | It is the year's ending. | The crops have all been gathered in, | those few remaining on the vines and stalks allowed to | seed next year's crops. | It is Samhain. | It is the year's ending. | It is time to take new stock of ourselves | It is time to allow our roots to grow quietly, | deep and strong. | The year's ending. | The new year's beginning | signified in that ending. | Silence. | Visualize a shadowy triangle of your fellow coveners | around you, | with point facing West, and the ties of the past year | about your hands. | It is the great cold of the night, it is the dark. Cernunnos: The Woman Lives, she passes, she dies. Cerridwyn: It is the great cold of the night, it is the dark. Cernunnos: Fear Lives, it passes, Fear dies. Cerridwyn: It is the great cold of the night, it is the dark. Cernunnos: Laughter lives, Laughter passes, Laughter dies. Cerridwyn: It is the great cold of the night, it is the dark. Cernunnos: Hope Lives, Hope passes, Hope dies. Cerridwyn: It is the great cold of the night, it is the dark. Cernunnos: We Live, We pass, We die. | Look around you, see the threads of Life and Death that | connect you with the world. Cerridwyn: "Weaving the silver ship's thread | We cross the darkening night | Sailing across the Sunless sea | Enter the Dark Lord's sight. | Weaving the silver ship's thread | We cross the darkening night | Sailing across the Sunless sea | Enter the Dark Lord's sight. | Pearl-Grey warrior, ghostly quest; | Prince of Twilight, Sailing West. | Pearl-Grey warrior, ghostly quest; | Prince of Twilight, Sailing West." | Please light your fires, incenses. 2183 | Visualize your ties breaking with the flame. | Gently but firmly breaking away. Dark Lord: You are in sight of the far shore. | See the light on the waves, a shroud, | A track to follow. | Step into the surf, step ashore. | Cast off your bonds, and be free!" | For here there is no binding. | Cast off the veils that cloud your sight!" | For here all eyes are opened! | You Warriors- Here your battles are over. | You workers- Here your tasks are done! | You who have been hurt, here find healing! | You who are weary, here find rest. | You who are old, here grow young again! | For this is the land of Youth, | The Shining Land, the Isle of Apples. | Here woods never fail; | Here there is a tree, the Heart of Light, | And a well of silence. | Gaze into the Fire, my Children | Let your mind soar, | Follow me, for I am here | The Comforter, the Consoler, | Heart's Ease, and Sorrow's End | I AM the Guide: | the Gate is open. | I AM the guide: | the way is clear. | I AM the Guide: | Death is no barrier | For I AM Lord of the Dance of Shadows | King in the realm of dreams. Cerridwyn: Give to me your fears, that they may die | and be reborn... | Speak to me Fear's name. Shadow Hawk: I fear isolation Cerridwyn: Each of you, as you wish, type aloud the thing of fear | you release. Gail | I fear pain Shadow Hawk: (burning paper in incense fire) Asondrea| I fear loneliness Frodo | I fear failure nise nekheba: I fear love Cerridwyn: I fear hurt. | I fear making wrong choices. 2184 Gail | I fear the boredom of loneliness | I fear the cold that brings sickness nise nekheba: I fear pain (burning paper) Cerridwyn: Burn the paper | Release | continue on to form a Circle | around the Altar in the Center Gail: Let my fears dissipate in the fire <burning paper> HPS | HP & HPS stand in the center, by the altar. | Envision a pomegranet before you... | whole and green... | take it, and envision it as you slice it open... | spilling its red pulpy seeds before you: | Behold the Fruit of Life | Which is death. <taste the pomegranet> | Envision an apple before you... | whole and red... | take it, and envision it as you slice it open through its | equator... | see the pentacle formed in the apple before you: | Behold the fruit of Death | Bestowing Life! | Look about you and see the Circle here! Dark Lord: (kneeling) Cerridwyn: This is the circle of rebirth. | "This the circle of Rebirth. | Through you all passes out of | Life, | but through Me all may be born again. Everything passes, | changes. | Seed becomes fruit; fruit becomes seed. | In birth, we die; on death, we feed. | Know Me, and be free of all fear. For My womb | is the Cauldron of Rebirth, | in Me, the Circle is ever Turning." Dark Lord: Blessed Be! | (kissing HPS hand) | (standing up) Cerridwyn: Now go forth into the world | Death and Rebirth have transformed you | Life begins again! Dark Lord: Gracious Guardian of the West, Spirit of Water | Thank you for attending this our rite of Samhain Shadow Hawk: And as you depart to your watery realm, we bid you 2185 | fair journey | until we meet again. Blessed Be! | (blowing out candle) | (turning to SOuth) Frodo: Spirits of the South | We thank you for attending our Circle, | and for your firey gifts. | As you return to your lovely realms, we bid you Hail and | Farewell! | <to east> nise nekheba: Oh African spirits of the East | oh chango, obatala, and others | we thank you for attending our sacred Circle and for your | graceful, peaceful | breeze. We bid you farewell. (blowing out candle) Gail: Spirit of the gentle earth and fertile soil | Thank you for your blessings | Sleep deep into the night | Keep us safe within your heart | Blessed be to all that have shared your gifts | <blowing out candle> Cernunnos: (turning to My Lady) | My Lady, it's the time when we walk the land again | Our children call us, and the fields and forests grow | barren as the leaves dance their way to death. Now | it's time for us to leave this space and walk the Circle | of Life and Death again. Gracious Goddess, you who | the Stars shine for, You who I dance and Live for... | you who Bring us Life and Death and Life again... | I thank you for your presense here tonight... | so that once more we could dance together.. | As you depart this space, we will always remember | you, and the love that you have for us. Cerridwyn: Hunter, you who trod the paths of the Wild and | untamed, I thank you for your presence here tonight. | Cernunnos, ancient one, your song of the Earth itself, | In love and in change, we will always hold you dear. | Farewell. HPS | The Circle which surrounds us, glowing blue and white... | fades gently counterclockwise | spirals inward, | Gently, gently. | ... | Fire seal the circle round | Let it fade beneath the ground | let all things be as they have been | since the beginning of time. | Merry Meet, Merry Part & Merry Meet again!! 2186 CompuServe online Yule Ritual, 1990 (8-2,DragonHart) Relax....let the worries of the day dissolve into the earth under your feet. Breath deeply. This is a journey, sacred and magical. Prepare yourself for that journey. * Yule is a time of change. Death and rebirth are the themes that this holiday brings to us. We enter this sacred time anxious for the birth and growth of the Sun God. We naturally go through many changes during this time. We make resolutions to do better, to give up things that keep us from growing. * In our mind's eye we draw a circle of Power. Our blade travels at astounding speeds, dividing us from the rest of the natural world. We are set apart, between worlds. * Taking the chalice of water, we sprinkle the circle, feeling the cool liquid on our fingers. We begin to feel the cleansing power of our Mother's blood. The sprinkling finished, we return the chalice to the altar. * The smoke from the censor curls playfully around your fingers as you reach to pick it up. Breath deep of the sweet Frankincense and Myrhh as you walk the boundries of the circle with it. Let the scent drive away all negativity in you. When you have finished your sacred task, place the censor in it's place on the altar. * Pause a moment to notice the unlit altar candle. * <Facing the East> <Raising hand in salutation> "Spirits of Air, hear our call. Attend our Rite and afford us your knowledge and protection. So be it!" <GA> (8-4,DANIEL) Hail Spirits of Air (8-13,Felix & Anne) So mote It BE! (8-1,Jehana) Welcome sacred Wisps of thought and Wisdom! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Hail Sword Hallow! (8-5,Larne) Airy Spirits, Welcome! Join us, and help us to KNOW and understand! (8-3,NC) Ave Raphael (8-2,DragonHart) <Facing the South> <Raising hand in salutation> "Spirits of Fire, hear our call. Attend our Rite and afford us your love and protection. So be it!" <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) So Mote It Be! (8-4,DANIEL) Hail spirit of Fire (8-1,Jehana) Welcome Sacred coils of energy and flame! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Hail Spear Hallow! (8-5,Larne) Bright spirits of Fire, Welcome! Join us, and help 2187 us in making our wills manifest! (8-3,NC) Ave Michael! Hail Djinn, great elemental king. (8-2,DragonHart) <Facing the West> <Raising hand in salutation> "Spirits of Water, hear our call. Attend our Rite and afford us your cleansing and protection. So be it!" <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) So Mote It Be! (8-4,DANIEL) Hail Spirits of Water (8-1,Jehana) Welcome, sacred wells of healing and intuition! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Hail Grail Hallow! (8-5,Larne) Deep blue water spirits, welcome! Join us, and help us know of our own depths! (8-3,NC) Ave Gabriel. Niksa, great elemental king, hail! (8-2,DragonHart) <Facing the North> <Raising hand in salutation> "Spirits of Earth, hear our call. Attend our Rite and afford us your strength and protection. So be it!" <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) So Mote It Be! (8-4,DANIEL) Hail Oh Great Spirit of Earth (8-1,Jehana) Welcome, sacred bones of our root-mother! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Hail Stone Hallow! (8-5,Larne) Earth Spirits, welcome! Help us to find the solid core within us! (8-3,NC) Ave Uriel. Cob, great elemental king, hail. (8-2,DragonHart) <Facing Center> "Mother Goddess, we ask that you join us in our Rite and share with us the wonder of the rebirth of your son and lover. You give us much and in return we offer you perfect love. So be it!" <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) So Mote It Be! (8-4,DANIEL) Perfect Love and Perfect trust (8-1,Jehana) Bright Lady, welcome, in our Love! (8-8,Ladyhawk) So Mote It Be! (8-5,Larne) Welcome Bright Lady, let us share your joy and love on this night! (8-2,DragonHart) "Lord, God, King, Father, we ask that you join us in our Rite and share with us your death and rebirth. Come and show us the devine beauty of life, love, death and rebirth. So be it!" <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) So Mote It Be! (8-4,DANIEL) So Mote it Be (8-1,Jehana) Welcome, Hunter, we bid you among us! (8-8,Ladyhawk) So Mote It Be! (8-5,Larne) Lord, we your children who wept at your passing now rejoice in your return! Welcome! (8-2,DragonHart) Like anxious relatives, we await the birth of 2188 the Child of Light. The Mother's womb, dark like the night, has grown to encompass half of the earth. Now the birth is at hand. The water breaks and covers the land with snow. Last years Child has grown and become King. He is now old and venerable, waiting to pass his solar flame onto his own Son that he might be born anew. He lovingly holds the hand of the Lady who must endure his death and birth all in the same moment. * <lighting alter candle> <chanting> Queen of the stars, Queen of the moon, Queen of the horns and queen of fire! Lord of life, seed of light, flame that warms the coldest night! CHILD OF LIGHT COME TO US!!!!!!!! <GA with invocation of Sun God Child> (8-1,Jehana) Child of new-light, we bid ye welcome! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Welcome, Mabon... Lost one, Found again! Blessed Be! (8-13,Felix & Anne) Behold! HORUS! Child of Fire! Child of Joy, come ease the days of the Mother. Welcome and Blessed be! (8-4,DANIEL) Hail and welcome child of light. (8-5,Larne) Welcome young Lord of warmth and light! (8-13,Felix & Anne) Praise Be Unto the Crowned and Conquering CHILD! (8-2,DragonHart) Now is a time to greet the Child of Promise and give him an offering of words that will help him grow strong. * Child, Lord of Light, Hail and Welcome! I give to you an offering of peace on earth. As you shine on us empower us with compassion and wisdom. <GA> (8-13,Felix & Anne) Endow us with the Fierceness of TRUTH! (8-4,DANIEL) show us the joys of Love (8-8,Ladyhawk) Mabon, we offer you music and joy and love! (8-13,Felix & Anne) Thy Birth is a Power and Honor within us... (8-13,Felix & Anne) We Pledge to Honor and Nurture THEE! (8-5,Larne) Welcome! I give you an offering of Music! Grant light and energy to our creative endeavours! (8-2,DragonHart) Now it is time for us to go our seperate ways. As we do, let us think on the things that we must let pass away in our own lives, and those things that should live anew. * Lord and Lady, Thank you for sharing with us this time so sacred. Be ever with us. Bless us and guide us. So mote it be. 2189 * <facing east> Powers of Air, all knowing ones, thank you for attending our celebration. Hail and farewell. <facing south> Powers of Fire, inspiring ones, thank you for attending our celebration. Hail and farewell. * <facing north> Powers of Earth, Wise ones, thank you for attending our celebration. Hail and farewell. * The Circle is open, but never broken. Merry meet, merry part, and Merry meet again!!!! Blessed Be!!!! (8-9,DragonHart) *The Rite is ended* (8-1,Jehana) Merry meet again!!! (8-13,Felix & Anne) Blessed BE!!! (8-8,Ladyhawk) Merry meet again! (8-13,Felix & Anne) Hugs!!! (8-5,Larne) Blessed be! (8-4,DANIEL) Blessed Be (8-7,PEN) Merry Meet Again! (8-9,DragonHart) blessed be! 2190 SPRING EQUINOX 1992 Compuserve On-Line Ritual User User ID Nod Area Name ---- ------------- --- -------- ------------------- 1 73715,1552 NWH Rm 8 Larne 3 70401,523 NOM Rm 8 Felix Culpa 4 75166,706 LOU Rm 8 Peri 5 72740,634 BPC Rm 8 Tapestry 6 71600,621 DNC Rm 8 Jehana 8 71361,2705 LSM Rm 8 >>Nan<< 9 70007,1546 VFL Rm 8 LABHRIUNN MACIAN 13 73117,2012 GRT Rm 8 Paul P. (8-1,Larne) OK all, standard procedure, a number of places after I say <ga> you're invited to add your own thoughts, in order of user number. If you don't want to add anything just say ga or something, so the next person knows when to start. Today we meet to celebrate the spring equinox, which is also the first day of spring. The time when day are night are equal, and the day continues to grow. The weather is starting to get warmer, the days longer. The Earth is starting to awaken, buds and blooms and shoots of all sorts are starting to appear. And there's that unmistakable sense of spring in the air; not quite a smell, more like a feeling, vague and indistinct, but definitely there. ... Take a few deep breaths, in and out in and out... let all those worries and scheduals and plans that dominate most of our time turn to liquid and drip away, down into the ground. Feel yourself freed from the constraints of time and space. Become awake, alert, yet simultaneously relaxed and comfortable. ... Now, visualize a point of bright blue light to the east. Let it move in an arc towards the south, leaving a trail of cool blue fire behind it, seperating Where We Were from Where We Will Be. Continue the arc to the south, then to the west then to the north then back to to the east. ... We have now isolated ourselves from the rest of the everyday world, but in doing so we have all come together, here Between the Worlds, joined by the joyfull dance of 2191 electrons and other, subtler, forces. Take a moment to visualise us all together, and say a mental 'hi!' to everyone else. ... Turn your mind's eye to the east, and visualize incense smoke. Within that smoke are vague forms that, although they have no firm shape, give off a distinct sense of great knowledge. ... Eastern spirits of the Air! We ask you to join us in our celebration and to share with us your gifts of undertsanding and insight. Welcome! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) IHVH (Tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Welcome. ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail and welcome, refreshing breezes! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) march winds that shake the walls of my house tonight...Welcome! <ga> (8-1,Larne) Now turn to the south, and visualize dancing flames. See the indistinct forms there, and feel their strength. These are obviously entities who can accomplish anything they strive for! ... Southern spirits of Fire! We ask you to join our celebration, to help us manifest our own Wills into the world. Welcome! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) ADONAI (tracing pentagram) (8-5,Tapestry) Welcome, spirits of passion. ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail & welcome, passionate spirits of fiery will! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) welcome to our celebration dear warriors of the heart. <ga> (8-1,Larne) Turn now to the west, and think of a large body of water. Within its depths move other forms, beings whose emotions and capacity for empathy are as deep as the waters they move in. ... Western spirits of Water! We ask you to join us in our celebration, and to help us touch our own deep emotional cores. Welcome! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) EHEIEH (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Welcome, spirits (sprites) of LOVE! ga 2192 (8-6,Jehana) Hail & Welcome, waters of Intuition! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) welcome wisdom of the deeps, join our celebration and cleanse and heal us. <ga> (8-1,Larne) Concentrate now on the north, and think of a patch of ground. Under it other entities move, entities that, though they are as without absolute shape as the others, are somehow extremely solid at the same time. ... Northern spirits of Earth! We ask you to join in our celebration, and to remind us by your presence that each of us, also has a solid center that is as firm and real as the Earth Herself. <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) AGLA (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Wee, spirits of the earth, bring us your strength. ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail & welcome, bones of the land herself! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) sweet earth ones welcome to our celebration. <ga> (8-1,Larne) Finally, turn back to the east, and complete the circle. Bright Mother, Goddess of the grass and trees, beautifull Lady of the gentle rains that nurish the soil, please join us! We meet today to honor You, and to share Your joy in the life springing up around us. Welcome! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) Before me:RAPHAEL Behind me: GABRIEL At my right hand: MICHAEL At my left hand: AURIEL. ga (8-5,Tapestry) Welcome, Great Lady! ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail, gentle Lady, whose touch brings life's nurturance to the land! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) hi mom <grin> ga (8-1,Larne) Green Man, Herne, Radiant Sun that warms and lights us, God of the woods where once again bright spring colors are beginning to appear, we ask you to join us as well! Come, wake us from the long winter sleep, into the bright, green world! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) Come forth, O HORUS Ye Crowned and Conquering Child Come Ye forth and partake of our celebration. ga (8-5,Tapestry) Welcome, my Great Horned Lord! ga 2193 (8-6,Jehana) Hail & welcome, Hunter Herne! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) a thousand welcomes oh laughing one. <ga> (8-1,Larne) The Lord and Lady take hands, and slowly begin to dance across fields that have lain cold and hard all winter. Grains, grasses, flowers, young animals, all come out of their dark homes to see them and be nurished by their love. We too need this nurishment as we come out into the daylight. Both on a physical level, as well as to feed those hopes and desires we keep within us. For myself, I will gladly take some of this energy to help me as I continue my efforts at musical composition. May the music spring out of me as beutiful and vibrant as the flowers from the ground! ... Everyone, now take this energy within to feed those seeds within you. Feel free to tell us what you are growing, or don't if it is something special and private you wish to keep to yourself. <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) Come unto me, O MUSES! ga (8-5,Tapestry) I ask for self-confidence to grow and flourish. (8-6,Jehana) May growth and creativity flourish within me. May it spread to all those who wish to share with it. ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) i breathe in the joy of spring to feed my creativity in my art work and in my writing. and may i inhale the fertility of this season so that i may breathe out and share it with ohters. ga (8-1,Larne) Finally, as we rejoice in the lengthening days let us take a moment to think of Kuwait and the surrounding areas, where the thick foul smoke often prevents the sun from getting through at all, and chokes both plants and people. Let us direct some of this nurishment to an area which has already suffered so much, and let us send our best wishes to the people who undertake the difficult and dangerous task of putting out all the burning oil wells. May a day soon come when we no longer need such dangerous and disgusting substances to provide our energy! Bright Lady and Lord, we thank you for joining us in our circle and sharing your love and joy with us. We shall continue togrow in your presence! Although you leave us now, you are always with us. Hail and farewell! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) Hail and Farewell, O Ye Four Furies! ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail & farewell, Gentle Lady and Hunter Herne! ga 2194 (8-5,Tapestry) Thank you for your love and sustenance. ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) mahalo and aloha gentle dancers of the light. ga (8-1,Larne) Focus yourselves again to the east. Spirits of Air, we thank you for attending our rite and stirring our minds. Hail and farewell! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) IHVH (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Hail and farewell on the winds. ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail & farewell! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) thank you and farewell sweet sping winds. ga (8-1,Larne) Now to the south. Spirits of Fire, we thank you for attending our rite and charging our wills. Hail and farewell! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) ADONAI (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Hail & farewell on the smoke. ga (8-6,Jehana) hail & farewell! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) dear friends thanks you once again for joining our rite. ga (8-1,Larne) To the west... Spirits of Water, we thank you for attending our rite and touching our hearts. Hail and farewell! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) EHEIEH (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Hail & farewell on the water. ga (8-6,Jehana) Hail & Farewell! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) for your healing and your laughter we thank you watery ones. ga (8-1,Larne) To the north... Spirits of Earth, we thank you for attending our rite and helping us feel our centers. Hail and farewell! <ga> (8-3, Felix Culpa) AGLA (tracing pentagram) ga (8-5,Tapestry) Hail and farewell in the earth. ga 2195 (8-6,Jehana) hail & farewell! ga (8-8,>>Nan<<) hail and farewell. ga (8-1,Larne) Now unwind the circle, letting the arc collapse back into a point taking it back from east to north to west to south, and back to the east, where it again become a bright point, which goes back into the Earth. The circle is open, but never broken merry meet, merry part, and... MERRY MEET AGAIN! (8-3, Felix Culpa) SO MOTE IT BE! (8-6,Jehana) MERRY MEET AGAIN!!! B*B!! (8-5,Tapestry) Hugs! (8-8,>>Nan<<) B*B hugrz too all (8-1,Larne) Blessed be, all! (8-6,Jehana) Hugs! (8-3, Felix Culpa) (gang-hug) 2196 LAMMAS 1991 SUMMONER: "HASTE! HASTE! NO TIME TO WAIT, WE'RE OFF TO SABBAT, DON'T BE LATE!" WELCOME TO THE CELEBRATION OF LAMMAS! HP: "Lammas has come to be the Festival of First Harvest. In older times, it was known variously as LUGHNASADH, LUGHNASANDH, LUGHANSADH, or LUGHANSANDH, which have been translated to mean: LUGH'S FEST, LUGH'S FEAST, LUGH'S MARRIAGE, or even LUGH'S WAKE. ALL JOIN HANDS: "IN PERFECT LOVE AND PERFECT TRUST WE DO THIS RITE." HPS: :In the name of the GOD and GODDESS and under their protection is this rite now begun." STANDARD OPENING FOR MOON HP: "It has become a very nice touch at Festivals lately - holding hands and going Sun-wise for 1/8th of a circle commemorating the turning of the Wheel of the Year. To mark the passage of the 1/8th of a year from Midsummer to Lammas, we'll hold hands, take tiny steps and chant:" "AIR BLOW, SUN SHINE. WATER FLOW, EARTH DIVINE." HPS: "We have put motion into the FESTIVAL WHEEL, the WHEEL OF LIFE. We have now moved into the season of First Harvest." HP + HPS: "Let us now go back to those thrilling days of yesteryear when our ancestors were still hunting and gathering; right before the time of the first harvest." CAST OF CHARACTERS: BRIGID, MOTHER GODDESS LUGH, SUN GOD AIR FIRE WATER EARTH WOMAN MAN MAN + WOMAN step out. MAN: "My Dear One, have you heard the news? LUGH and BRIGID are to have a Fest." WOMAN: "Yes My Dear Husband, we shall go to the Fest, but what can we bring as a present that would be worthy of the GOD and GODDESS?" MAN: "Between my hunting and your gathering we should just have enough to make it through the coming winter, but we surely have nothing worthy of the LORD and LADY." WOMAN: "I know what we can do, let's go and ask the ELEMENTS if they can give us a gift that we could give." 2197 2 MAN + WOMAN go to the East. MAN + WOMAN: "MIGHTY ELEMENT, we poor humans beseech you for a present that we could give to the GOD and GODDESS at their Fest." AIR: "I AM AIR, THE EAST AND FUTURE IS MY DOMAIN. I TEMPER THE HEAT, I BRING THE RAIN." AIR hands her gift to the couple. MAN + WOMAN go to the South. MAN + WOMAN: "MIGHTY ELEMENT, we poor humans beseech you for a present that we could give to the GOD and GODDESS at their Fest." FIRE: "I AM THE SUN. I SHINE AND GLOW. I BRING THE ENERGY, SO THAT ALL MAY GROW." FIRE hands his gift to the couple. MAN + WOMAN go to the West. MAN + WOMAN: "MIGHTY ELEMENT, we poor humans beseech you for a present that we could give to the GOD and GODDESS at their Fest." WATER: "I AM WATER, THE WEST AND PAST. I AM THE RAIN FOR WHICH YOU'VE ASKED." WATER hands her gift to the couple. MAN + WOMAN go to the North. MAN + WOMAN: "MIGHTY ELEMENT, we poor humans beseech you for a present that we could give to the GOD and GODDESS at their Fest." EARTH: "I AM THE NORTH, THE GRASS AND GRAIN. WITHIN ME IS THE POWER FOR ALL THAT DIE TO GET BORN AGAIN." EARTH hands his gift to the couple. ALL join hands and dance to the tune HASTE TO THE WEDDING until the reprise and then stop, inside the circle the MAN + WOMAN now dance until the end of the music carrying their gifts. When the music stops, the couple approach the GOD and GODDESS, who have now stepped forward. MAN + WOMAN: "LORD and LADY, we poor humans come before you to honor you at your Fest. Since we have nothing of our own worthy of giving to you, we beseeched a boon of the ELEMENTS for a gift for you." 2198 3 As they present the gifts they say: (With the gift of AIR)" AIR from which we capture the essence of blossoms, Fall's cut wood in a blaze. Grandmother's vegetable soup, puppy breath, a lover's familiar scent. Birds and clouds suspended as if by magic." (With the gift of FIRE)" FIRE, combustion that rends wood into its elements to dry wool socks, explodes corn into puffs of deliciousness, brings new meaning to a marshmallow feast, lights our way home. The dance of colors warms the soul of our primitive self." (With the gift of WATER)" WATER, we are caressed, cradled, restored in our element. Waves covered in moonlight icing. Aqua stillness. Tidepools of edible treasures." (With the gift of EARTH) "EARTH, fragrant, rich, bountiful. Filled with promises of wildflowers, carrots, lilacs and heavy headed grains. Home to bugs and beasts in great variety." LORD + LADY: "Children, We demand aught for sacrifice, for behold We are the Mother and Father of all things and Our love is poured out upon the Earth. We who are the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars, the mystery of the waters, We call upon your soul to arise and come to us. For We are the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Us all things proceed and unto Us they must return. Let Our worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold all acts of love and pleasure are Our rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. Because of your love and devotion We give you each of the ELEMENTS you so lovingly brought to Us and We also give to you the gift of the mysteries of husbandry and the growing and harvesting of grain. LET THIS TIME HENCEFORTH BE KNOWN AS THE FIRST HARVEST." GOD + GODDESS, MAN + WOMAN: (Joining hands together) "MAY WINDS BLOW COOL, THE SUN SHINE WARM, THE WATER"S BRIGHT AND PURE, THE EARTH REGAIN HER FORMER GLORY, THE RACE OF MAN ENDURE." HP + HPS: "In memory of that 1st FIRST HARVEST let us all partake in CAKES and WINE." CAKES AND WINE ELEMENTS CIRCLE RAISING (Gods and Forces remain) This Rite was written and presented on Lammas 1991 by R. Kane (73370,205) at Celtic Temple of the Wiccan Way in a southern suburb of Chicago. 2199 HANDFASTING RITUAL FROM LADY ARDANE, ON PRODIGY Our tradition (Fam. Trad.) uses a lovely ceremony I will post here. You may use any or all of it that pleases you. Our bride wears white with red Witches cord at waist, groom wears red with white Witches cord.There is a procession led by the High Priestess bearing the wand,and the High Priest carrying the bells.The bride and groom are escorted by two pages. At altar the Hps.lights candles (red & white) and Incense (Rose & Frankincense). After charging the circle the Highpriestess who officiates says: We gather here this Night (day) to bind together this man and woman in a ritual of love. Let all who stand within this circle be here of their own free will and accord in peace and love.We charge this Circle to be filled with love. May this sacred space be consecrated before the Gods and Goddesses and may it be a Guardian and Protection for the work we do this night (day). Let (name)and(name) stand here before us and in the Presence of the Ancient Ones. Hps goes to the East: Be with us here oh Spirits of the Air With your breath of life, join the bonds between these two and tie them tightly. South: Be with us here oh Beings of Fire. Give their love and passion your own all consuming ardor. West: Be with us here of Beings of Water. Grant these two the deepest of love richness of body, soul and spirit. North: Be with us here, oh Spirits of Earth, Let your strength and constancy be theirs for as long as they desire to be together. Blessed Godddess and Laughing God, look with joy on this Union of this man and this woman. Grant them harmony and beauty in their lives and let them be always mindful of their committment, one to the other. Let them so live together that their joy of each other will be a shining beacon for all to see. Give to these two your love and protection. SMIB. The Priest and Priestess each hold an end of the wand and place the rings on it. The B&G each place their right hand over the rings on the wand. The Hps says:Above you the Stars Below you the stones,As time passes remember this; Like a stone your love should be firm, Be close, yet not so close that you restrict one another. Possess one another yet grant each other freedom to grow. Be understanding and compassionate. Have patience with each other, for storms may come, but they will quickly go.Be free in giving warmth and affection, make love often and be sensuous to one another. Fear not lest the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease, for the God and Goddess are with you now and always. To the bride: Is it you wish to become one with this man? To the groom, Is it your wish to become one with this woman? Take 2200 the charged rings from the wand and hand them to each in turn. As they place the rings on each other they say: Let this circle of Gold reflect the circle in which we stand to be a constant reminder of the pledges exchanged. Let it remind us daily of the wheel of life and the unbroken cycles of eternity. The B & G drink out of the Chalice as the HPS says...As you share this cup this night(day) so may you share your lives and fortunes. The B&G remove their Witches cords and hand them to the HPs who asks the B&G to face each other and hold hands. She then binds their hands with the cords and says...As we bind together this man and this woman with these cords let their fates and future be so bound. May they hold fast to each other, even as they are now held fast. Hps removes cords and hands them to the pages. Hps says: As the God and Goddess and the Ancient Ones are witness to these rites I now proclaim you to be wed, one to the other. SMIB. (Here the B & G kiss). The HPS goes to each of the four corners dismissing the elements in turn by saying: We dismiss you now, Oh spirits of air (earth,fire,water,) and ask you to return to your elemental home harming none as you go and taking with you our thanks for your attendance. And then at altar,: Dear Lady, Mother of us all,Blessed Lord of the Woodland.. We thank you for your Attendance in our Sacred Circle and ask your blessings on this couple and on the work we have performed here this night (day). We dismiss you now to your areas of governance, harming none as you go and taking with you our thanks and love. As we unwind our circle we place before this newly bound couple our offerings of flowers to bring beauty to their lives and as they represent the God and Goddess this night (day) we ask their blessings on each of us. Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again. The circle unwinds from the North with each guest (circle member) kneeling before the B & G and placing fresh flowers before them.As they kneel the B & G touches each person on the forehead. The guests leave the altar area after this followed by the B & G, then the pages and finally the Hp & Hps. I thought long and hard about posting this as a public message. But since I wrote it, (and plagarized some of it from various Pagan sources) and we have used it in our hand-fastings and have found it to be appropriate and moving, I think it may be something to be shared and enjoyed by others. Like all Pagan rituals, use only what seems appropriate to you. Rearrange it, re-write it or toss it out. It is, as I said, a Fam. Trad ritual. Lady Ardane.