Dedication Of The Tools

These are suggestions for dedicating the tools prior to their first use or formal consecration, if any. Perform these with proper visualization and ritual intent.

The Magick Knife or Sword

Rub the blade with fresh basil, rosemary or oak leaves, at sunrise, outdoors where you will not be disturbed or seen. Lay the sword or knife on the ground with its point to the south. Walk clockwise around it thrice, scattering bay leaves (preferably fresh) over it. Take up the sword or knife, stand facing east and, holding it upward but with arms lowered, invoke the God to infuse you knife or sword with hes strength. Point it to the sky, invoking the Goddess to charge your blade with her love and power.

Wrap your knife or sword in red cloth and take it home It may be stored in the cloth, if desired.


The White-Handled Knife

Early in the morning, go to a forest (or park, garden, or your indoor garden). Choose the most beautiful and vibrant plants. touch the point of the white-handled knife gently to these in turn, forging a connection between your knife and the plants (and, thusly, the earth).

Next, sit on the earth. Ensuring that you are quite alone, draw a pentagram with the white-handled knife's point on the ground. It is done.


The Wand

If the wand is of wood, take it outdoors at sunset and rub it with fresh lavender, eucalyptus, or mint leaves. Raise it in the air toward the east (or the moon, if it is visible) and invoke the Goddess. At sunrise, take it again outdoors, rub with the fresh, fragrant leaves, and invoke the God by raising it to the east.


The Cauldron

Take the cauldron to a stream, river, lake, or ocean, Gather the leaves of some plants growing nearby (at the sea, perhaps seaweed). Dip the cauldron into the water to fill it. Place the leaves in the cauldron, then set it on the water's edge where it is on both eater and sand. Place your hands on the cauldron and dedicate it to the Goddess in any words you like. Empty and dry the cauldron, and return home. The charge has been made.

If performed inside, place the cauldron in a large vasin of water or the bathtub, in a candle lit room. Add a bit of salt to the water, which should be cold. Proceed as above.

Salt water corrodes metal. Thoroughly wash the cauldron after immersion in sea or salt water.


The Cup 

Anoint the base with gardenia, rose or violet oil and fill with pure spring water. Then set afloat a sprig of ivy, a small rose, a fresh gardenia, or some other appropriate flower or herb. Gaze into the cup and invoke the Goddess to bless it. You might also wish to take it outside at night, filled with water, and catch the moon's reflection within it.


The Broom

It can be fashioned from an ash staff, birch twigs and a willow binding. Brush the broom with chamomile, willow, lemon balm, elder, or mallow stalks and branches,, then bury these with due solemnity. You might also wish to carve a crescent moon upon its handle.


The Crystal

On the night of a full moon, rub the sphere with fresh (or dried) mugwort, then take it outside. Hold it up so that it drinks in the light and energies of the moon. Gaze at the moon through the crystal by holding it before your eyes. Repeat at least thrice yearly for the best benefits.


The Book of Shadows

Sew into the cover of the Book of Shadows leaves of the sacred herbs vervain, rue, bay, willow, or others, if you wish. They should be well dried and secretly placed by the light of the moon. The covers of the Book of Shadows should, of course, be covered with cloth for this purpose.


The Robe

If you choose to wear one, lay it among sachets filled with lavender, vervain and cedar when not in use. Sew a bit of rosemary or frankincense into the hem while fashioning it, if desired (and if any resulting stains won't show after washing).



By: Scott Cunningham

The Full Moon Rite

Perform this at night, in view of the moon, if possible. It is appropriate for crescents, white flowers, silver, and other lunar symbols to be present on the altar for this ritual. The quartz crystal sphere can be placed on the altar as well. Or, if you prefer, use the cauldron (or a small white or silver bowl) filled with water. Place a piece of silver into the water

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the circle of stones.

Stand before the altar and invoke the Goddess and God, with the Blessing Chant and/or any other invocations.

Now gaze at the moon, if possible. Feel its energies sinking into your body. Feel its cool Goddess energy wash you with power and love.

Now say these or similar words:

Wonderous lady of the moon
You who greets the dust with silvered kisses;
mistress of the night and of all magicks,
who rides the clouds in blackened skies
and spills light upon the cold earth;
O lunar Goddess,
Crescented-one,
shadow maker and shadow breaker;
revealer of mysteries past and present;
puller of seas and ruler of women;
all-wise lunar Mother,
I greet your celestial jewel
at the waxing of its powers
with a rite in your honor.
I pray by the moon,
I pray by the moon,
I pray by the moon.

Continue chanting "I pray by the moon" for as long as you will. Visualize the Goddess if you so desire, perhaps as a tall, robust woman wearing silver jewelry and white, rippling, draped clothing.

A crescent moon may rest upon her brow, or she may toss a glowing, silvery white orb in her hands. She trods the starfield of eternal night in an eternal round with her lover, the sun God, spreading moon rays wherever she goes. Her eyes laugh, her skin is white and translucent. She glows.

Now is the time for magick of all types, for the full of the moon marks the height of its powers, and all positive spells cast then are powerful.

Full moons are also excellent times for meditation, mirror magick, and psychic workings, for such are often more successful within the circle. Crystal scrying is particularly recommended; flood the crystal with moonlight prior to the ritual. If you have no crystal sphere, use the cauldron filled with water and the piece of silver. Gaze at the water (or at the moon glinting on the silver) to awaken your psychic awareness.

Lunar liquids such as lemonade, milk, or white wine can be consumed during The Simple Feast that follows. Crescent cakes are traditional as well. Thank the Goddess and God and release the circle.

It is done.

Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice ritual is performed to fulfill the external physical & emotional manifestations
of your internal desires; such as love & wealth.

In ancient times it was considered a time of fullness of life, worldly blessings and celebration.
Not much has changed today in how we look at summer. We see it as a time of vacations, play,
celebration, fun, joviality, parties, and barbecues with family and friends at the beach or park.
Days are longer which gives us more time to enjoy the sun and soak in it's warmth

For couples: it is also a time for renewing the bonds of love that brought the two of you together
in the first place.
With renewed energy of the Summer Solstice all things are possible.

For those of you who are single, it is a time to renew you commitment to find your true love.

Since the summer is a time for external physical manifestations then why not include manifesting
the 'right' person to love? Then your summertime celebration will have even more meaning and someone
to share it with.

Litha Ritual

( Summer Solstice, June 21st )

Tools: In addition to your usual m'jyk-l tools, you will need:

• A Golden Yellow Alter Cloth, 
• Small Cloth Pouch of Summertime Herbs, 
• Cauldron, 
• 1c Fresh Spring Water, 
• Red Sun God Candle, 
• Green Earth Goddess Candle, 
• Summer Blend Incense (Jasmine, Rose, Lotus, Wysteria, or combination).
• People to read.

Preparation: Sweep area moving in deosil manor. Set up Quarter Candles and any accessories
symbolizing the Elements of the Quarters.

Decorate the alter with seasonal flowers, especially Sunflowers.

Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles,
pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it.

Place the Cauldron in the center of your alter,
the Red Sun candle to the right of it , the Green Goddess Candle to the left of it.

Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle. Take a shower or bath for purification.

Sit quietly and meditate for a while, then ground and center. When ready, play some peaceful music
for the ritual.

Cast the circle....Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:


"I celebrate the Mid-of-Summer, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun.
The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger
And the light has kept growing longer, until today
The middle of the time of light, Litha, MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice.
From here, the light begins to fade, again,
Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice.
Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm.
As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of my rite flame below."


Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle to the left of your cauldron, saying:


"Oh, Mother of Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom,
Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth.
Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon,
Fruitful Womb of which I honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings.
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:

"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life.
God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge.
Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun,
Potent Consort of which I honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."

Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:

"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun
Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful,
Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."


Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame. While it is burning, drop it in the cauldron, saying:

"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth.
The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is,
By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars,
I banish these negatives from my life."


Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, douse the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, feel as if the water were being poured over you and your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair. When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:

"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new.
Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me.
Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me.
Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."


Pass your cupped hands over the cauldron, pausing briefly each time to "pour" in wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to be part of your life. Dip the forefinger of your right hand into the cauldron water, and trace a pentagram on your forehead, saying:


"Let my mind be open to the truth."
Anoint your lips saying:
"Let my lips always speak the truth."
Anoint your heart area, saying:
"Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always."
Anoint the centers of your palms, saying:
"Let my hands be gifted to work in m'jyk-l ways."
Anoint the soles of your feet, saying:
"Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!"

Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings.

MidSummer spellworkings include:

• prosperity, fertility, and plentiful harvests. 
• Finish by having the Cakes and Ale Ceremony and releasing the circle. 
• Clean up. 
• You are done.

By: The Wiccan Realm

Beltane Ritual - Page 4

Beltane Ritual    Pg 1   |   Pg 2   |   Pg 3   |   Pg 4

Dancing around the Maypole:  Turn up the music, King and Queen lead us to the Maypole going around the circle first, then to the pole and wait for dance instructions. After the dance, King & Queen lead the group back to the circle.  

Opening the Circle: (person whom cast the circle says this)

Thus I release the East and West, Thanks to them from Host to Guest.

Thus I release the South and North, with "Blessed Be" I send them fourth!

The Circle's open, dance we so, Out and homeward we shall go.

Earth and Water, Air and Fire, Celebrated our desire.

Winter's cold is gone away, Now it is the Day of May.

By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, Our circle's done, and Blessed Be!

(now draw an imaginary pentagram in the air)

All: Blessed Be! (all stand for the calls)

Spirit: (same person whom read it before)

We are changed, now we are green and blooming. We thank you for empowering our rite, Blessed Be.

North: (same person whom read it before)

We are nourished and strengthened, thank you for supporting our rite. Blessed Be.

West: (same person whom read it before)

We are encouraged and inspired. Thank you for flowing through our rite. Blessed Be.

East: (same person whom read it before)

We are enlightened and uplifted. Thank you for soaring through our rite. Blessed Be.

HPriest: We are grateful for our holy circle and the joy of our celebration. Blessed Be!

Closing:  (everybody join hands)

HPriestess: Our circle is now undone, but never broken. May life thrive, now and always!

ALL: Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again! Blessed Be!

Shared Feasting, Poems and Stories - celebrate

Shared from: Liquid Moon CUUPS

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Beltane Ritual - Page 3

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(Need one person to read "Charge of the goddess & one person to read Charge of the God").   

Charge of the Goddess: (preferably middle aged woman plays this part) (holding his hand of -charge of the God)

I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars,

The mystery of the deep waters, the desire of the human heart.

I call upon your soul to arise and come to me,

For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.

Know the Mystery, therefore;

If you find not what you seek within, you shall never find it without.

For I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which you will find at the end

of your desire.

Charge of the God: (preferably middle aged man plays this part)(still holding her hand)

I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the power of light: sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame

I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me.

For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings.

You are my children and I am your Father

On swift night wings it is I who lay you at the Mother's feet to be reborn

These are part of the mysteries found within yourself.

Within me, alll beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings.

(now take charge of the Goddess and God sit down on the thrones)

Crowning the King and Queen of the May: ( The stang (large branch) with two wreaths (crowns) is between the thrones)

 High Priestess: (takes female's crown and holds it and says)

"At this time of the year it is customary to crown the Queen and King of the May".

High Priest: (takes male's crown and holds it and says)

"To celebrate the union of the Goddess and Her Consort, the joining of earth and sun and the endowment of summer".

High Priestess: " It marks the reawakening of the Earth's fertility in its fullest to bring about new live on earth". (place Goddess crown on her head)(Goddess is the same person whom did Charge of the Goddess). "I crown you the queen of May".

All: Blessed Be!

High Priest: (place leaf crown on God's head) (God is the same person whom did the Charge of the God). "I crown you king of the May."

All: Blessed Be!

*Enactment: Inanna and Dumuzi (God & Goddess do this) (God moves to stand just outside the circle, Goddess stands in front of her throne)

(Couple plays flirtatious with each other through out enactment)

Narrator: (any body)

Inanna, Queen of Heaven impatiently awaits her bridegroom Dumuzi.

What you hear and see now, Let the singer weave into song.

Let it flow from ear to mouth, Let it pass from old to young.

Inanna speaks:

My furrow, my field, is full of eagerness like the young moon. My untilled land lies fallow.

As for me, Ianna, Who will plow my furrow? Who will plow my wet ground?

For me, the young woman, Who will station the ox there? Who will plow my furrow?

Dumuzi  (enters into circle) Replies:

Great Lady, the king will plow your furrow. I Dumuzi the king will plow your furrow. 

For your field will pour out plants, your field will pour out grain. I will plow you high field.

Narrator: 

At the king's lap stood the rising cedar. Plants grew high by their side. Gardens flourished luxuriantly.

Inanna: He has sprouted, he has burgeoned, He is lettuce planted by the water, 

He is the one my womb loves best. My well-stocked garden of the plain,

My barley growing high, my apple tree which bears fruit up to its crown. 

He is the one my womb loves best. His hand is honey, his lips are honey.

He sweetens me always. He is the choice of my heart.

Dumuzi:

Inanna, I would go with you to my garden, I would go with you to my orchard.

I would go with you to my apple tree. There I would plant the sweet, hooney covered seed.

Oh my Queen of Heaven and Earth, May I long enjoy the sweetness of your holy loins.

Blessed be my Lady

Narrator: 

He put his hand in her hand, He put his hand to her heart. 

Sweet is the sleep of hand to hand, sweeter still the sleep of heart to heart.

(Holding hands the couple takes their seats)

Beltane Chant: All:

The fires of Beltane kindle the night reflecting the Green Man's glance,

His Queen of May, Delights us with her spiral dance.

"Follow me to the source of all" said he, "I am eternal fire"

Come with me to the source of all, said she, I am your hearts desire.

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Beltane Ritual - Page 2

Beltane Ritual    Pg 1   |   Pg 2   |   Pg 3   |   Pg 4

Casting the Circle: Each direction speaks, and all respond:  

(somebody seals each direction with an invoking pentagram after each call to the East, South, West, North and Spirit)

East: (individual call)

 All: We call to East, to Powers of Air, of Mind and Intellect - we know your breath of soft breezes and wild winds, we know you are always present, please join us now. Blessed be.

South: (individual call)

 All: We call to South, to Powers of Fire, of Vision and Energy - we sense your gentle warmth, your fierce heat, and your spark of Life. We know yo always light our way, please join us now. Blessed Be.

West: (individual call)

All: We call to West, to Powers of Water, of Flow and Daring - we feel your ripples on our feet, your awesome waterfalls, your flow of creativity and abandon. We know you always flow forth, please join us now. Blessed Be.

North: (individual call)

All: We call to North, to Powers of Earth and Stability - we feel you beneath our feet, your grounding energy. We know you always sustain us, please join us now. Blessed Be.

( now the person sealing each direction) Moves to the East and says:

The circle is cast, we are between the worlds.

Spirit: (individual call)

All: We call to Center, to Powers of Spirit and Change - we seek your still center and your whirling world. We know you always help us in our changes, please join us now. Blessed Be.

Circle Blessing - All: 

Come we forth, withe the Spiral Dance

Within the Lady's radianceb

To celebrate the Year renewed

and praise the Powers with gratitude.

Earth and Water, Fire and Air

We invoke the Goddess there!

This night we are Between the Worlds

to celebrate the year unfurled!

Earth and Water, Fire and Sky

we invoke the God on high

This night we are Between the Worlds

to celebrate the year unfurled!

Setting the Circle: (The HP says this)

So I cast and consecrate

This Circle of the small and great:

By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,

By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea,

By Fire and Water, Earth and Air,

By the Lord, and Lady Fair!

By Love and Joy and Workk and Play,

All things harmful cast away !

By llightening's flash and rains's soft fall,

By the Power that made us all:

By the Power that blesses Thee,

The Circle is cast, so

Blessed be!

Meditation (any one can read this, continue music)

"And the day came, when the risk to remain tight in the bud, was more painfull than the risk it took to blossom" by Anais Nin

(Short Pause for meditation)

High Priestess:

As this sacred holiday we each have the opportunity to reflect on what is ripe to blossom and unfurl in the rich, warm soil of our souls. We can choose to stay tight in the bud or we can choose to bravely begin exploring, pushing and opening toward the warm light of spring. The choice is really ours so there is no judgment around our own ability to blossom. It is important to recognize that most of us, all the time, are in various stages of blossoming. This compassionate approach to opening is how we might approach a delicate new wildflower in the woods. Patiently we wait, through days of sun and cold, only to go out one day and see that our favorite flower is in full bloom. We offer gratitude and appreciation, but we could not have forced this unfolding. There is a mystery to divine timing, and we can only assist things through self-inquiry, patience and faith in others and ourselves.

High Priest:

The time of the bud holds such beauty and promise, but at some point, the bud heeds and inner impluse to reveal more of what is inside. It is a marvel, that despite adverse conditions, such as a cold spell or heavy rain, they will lift their heads and bravely open. One feels this same awe and appreciation when a loved one demonstrates ofurage and takes the risk to reveal more of their authentic selves. This might come in the form of others not understanding. This can mean showing a part of themselves that is wanting to be seen, to come out into the light of day with a new hobby, passion or pursuit. What flowers teach, and as Anais Nin points out, there is inherent risk in the blossoming. The flower can't go back into the bud once it has opened. It is undefended and unprotected, yet for that short time that it is blooming, it offers as a gift, its outrageous beauty, sweetness, and intoxication. Invite the blossoms of spring to inspire you to open up to more of who you are. And, if you are anything like the courageous little flower, you might just find that it's worth the risk.... How will you choose to blossom this spring? What, for you, is worth the risk?

(A short pause for people to think about the question-no answers needed)

Beltane Ritual    Pg 1   |   Pg 2   |   Pg 3   |   Pg 4

Beltane Ritual - Page 1

Beltane Ritual    Pg 1   |   Pg 2   |   Pg 3   |   Pg 4

Needed Items:  

• Beltane Alter (don't forget a lighter for the candles)
• Sage or Purifying Spritz
• Fire Pit
• Music (for background - no vocals)
• Actor's/actress's
• Queen & King crowns. Female's make of flowers and Male's is made with leafs
• Just so you know: There are several pages to this ritual.

Purification: All gather in the entry to be smudged or spritz. (keep the 2 separate in case somebody is allergic - 2 lines.

Opening Music: Loud enough to meditate to. Turn down when people are talking.

Welcome and call to celebration: Welcome! We are here at Beltane to celebrate and nurture the fruitfulness of the Earth. We light a symbolc Needfire, just as our ancestors did. We join in the exuberance of spring.

Beltane Poem: (to be read by  anybody)(have somebody else light the Bel-Fire).

 Beltane fires burning bright as I lie with my hearts delight.
The lady smiles upon the hay as we dance, and branches sway.

See as the bird mounts the sky, into the fields with my lover and I.
Heat of the sun causes shoots to rise, the height of spring within me lies.

Raise the maypole, let me dance! Around the flowered shaft
with ribbons i will weave my chances for Imbolc's blessed child.

The Beltanes fires brightly burn as the wheel will take its turn.
Life begins, life anew, a planted seed is hope for you.
Merry mate and lusty lass, rolling in the high born, grass.
Sing and dance under the moon and gather flowers for bridal June.

(bel-fire should already be lit)

All say: 
So strike the fire and let it rise,  Beltane flames 'neath Spring-night skies!
Ancient customs we now renew, 'Tween dusky dark and evening dew!
Fire with warmth of Summer shine, invoking Gods from Older Times.
For fertile crops with Sun-fed rays, gardens of plenty and golden days!

Welcome continued:
 We cast off our winter cautions as sheep shed their wool, as foxes forgo their solitude, and as trees leaf. Now as birds make new nest, as new fields lie warming in the sun, we gather to celebrate our own new season, our new plantings in the great emerging of the Earth. We welcome you to our Beltane Ritual.

Beltane Ritual    Pg 1   |   Pg 2   |   Pg 3   |   Pg 4

Pagan Ritual for Basic Use

(by Ed Fitch)

A circle should be marked on the floor, surrounding those who will participate in the ceremony. An altar is to be set up at the center of the circle. At the center of the altar shall be placed an image of the Goddess, and an incense burner placed in front of it. Behind the image should be a wand fashioned from a willow branch. Candles should be set upon the altar ... a total of five, since on is to be set at each quarter and one will remain on the altar during the rite.

When all the people are prepared they shall assemble within the circle. The woman acting as priestess shall direct the man who acts as priest to light the candles and incense.

She shall then say:
"The presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere,
Throughout many strange, magical and beautiful worlds
To all places of wilderness, enchantment and freedom."

She then places a candle at the north and pauses to look outwards, saying:
"The Lady is awesome,
The Powers of Death bow before Her."

The person closest to the east takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
"Our Goddess is a Lady of Joy,
The winds are Her servants."

The person closest to the south takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
"Our Goddess is a Goddess of Love.
At Her blessings and desire
The sun brings forth life anew."

The person closest to the west takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
"The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady,
The mysteries of the depths are Hers alone."

The priest then takes the wand and, starting at the north, draws it along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:
"The circle is sealed, and all herein
Are totally and completely apart
From the outside world,
That we may glorify the Lady whom we adore.
Blessed Be!"

All repeat: "Blessed Be!"

The priest now holds the wand out in salute towards the north for a moment and then hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in salute. She motions to the group to repeat the following lines after her:

"As above, so below ...
As the universe, so the soul.
As without, so within.
Blessed and gracious one,
On this day do we consecrate to you
Our bodies,
Our minds
And our spirits.
Blessed Be!"

Now is the time for discussion and teaching. Wine and light refreshments may be served. When the meeting has ended, all will stand and silently meditate for a moment. The priestess will then take the wand and tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north and going clockwise around the circle, while saying:

"Our rite draws to its end.
O lovely and gracious Goddess,
Be with each of us as we depart.
The circle is broken!"

Making Contact with the Lord and Lady

(Pre Self Initiation Exercise)

 By Karnayna Lilly

 An Official Document of

The Green Man Craft Tradition

 Copyright© 1999

I. Physical Preparations

In a convenient place, preferably in the North, set up a small altar. Cover the altar with a cloth of your choosing. Upon this altar have at each rear corner a candle. Use white at this time. Between these place a censer or incense burner. For this purpose a stick burner will work very well. Use incense that gives you a sense of power and connection with the Greenwood.

Images of the God and Goddess are a bonus however they are not mandatory. Framed images in this case work quite well. If you do not have images I will e mail you some to print. If you use them always remember that the Left side is for The Goddess and the Right, the God.

You will need a small bowl of water and one of salt.

Also a glass of wine or other suitable beverage. Any fruit juice works well however a good wine of your choice is best.

Finally you will need anointing oil. For this use Patchouli.

Your matter of dress is your choice. It is best to work in loose comfortable clothing and as you know Gardnerians work skyclad. At this point I want to make clear that my instruction will not make you an official Gardnerian because there is a strict rule that self initiation is an apostasy. You will however eventually self initiate yourself in the Green Man Craft Tradition.

II. The Ritual

Each evening approach your altar and sit before it. Use a chair if you must. Light the candles and incense and say:

“I welcome you Great Lord and Lady and invite you to attend my ceremony”

Now, to the best of your ability imagine that you are surrounded by a sphere of white light. Not just a circle. When this is accomplished take the salt and lift it as in offering and say:

“Lord and Lady (Your Choice of God Names will come later) I, a seeker of Thy mysteries do pray Thee, bless and purify this salt that it may be used for the good of all. So mote it be.”

Replace the salt and repeat the above with the water. Now place three pinches of the salt in the water. Hold up the mixture and say:

Lord and Lady Bless this union of earth and water that by Thy power all that is unclean will be cast away.”
Sprinkle the mixture in a CLOCKWISE direction three times. Replace the mixture and say:

“Blessed Be”

Take the incense and say”

“Lord and Lady Bless this union of fire and air that by Thy power all that is unclean will be cast away.”

Cense the incense in a CLOCKWISE direction three times. Replace the mixture and say:

“Blessed Be”

Now return to your place in front of the altar. Meditate for a moment on why you feel that you are being called to the Lord and Lady. Take your time. You will find that each night you will learn something different. When you feel ready begin the invocation:

“I invoke thee and call upon thee, O Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness, by seed  and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower and fruit do I invoke thee to bless me and admit me into the company of Thy hidden children, So Mote it Be!”

Make a pentagram before the altar with the words:

"Of the mother darksome and divine,
mine the scourge and mine the kiss;
here I charge you in this sign,
the five point star of love and bliss."

Anoint yourself with the oil (forehead, solar plexus and above genital area)

Now invoke the Horned Lord:

Great Horned Lord, return to earth again!
Come at my call and show thyself to men.
Shepherd of Goats, upon the wild hill's way,
Lead thy lost flock from darkness into day.
Forgotten are the ways of sleep and night -
Men seek for them whose eyes have lost the light.
Open the door, the door which hath no key,
The door of dreams, whereby men come to thee.
O Mighty Stag, O answer to me!”


III. The Proclamation

“Gentle goddess powerful god: I am your child, now and always. Your breath is my life. Your voice Great Mother and yours Great Father speak within me, as they do in all creatures, if we but only listen. Therefore here in your presence and before the Mighty Ones do I open my self to your blessing.”

Lift up the cup of wine and say:

Bless this wine with your essence Great Lady, Great Lord that by partaking of it I may also take part of you. Make a toasting gesture and drink. After consuming the wine lift up the cup and say:

“Flax Flags Fodder and Frig” (this is an old blessing )

Sit for a while in silent contemplation. Listen. You will hear the Gods within you. Speak with them and tell them why you wish to follow them. Afterwards put out the candles and thank the Lord and Lady for hearing you. Then Say So Mote it Be.


NOTE* Listen to your inner thoughts, feelings and dreams at all times while using this simple rite. The Lord and Lady will speak in many ways.

Do not underestimate the importance of this rite. It will prepare you for all further work.

Finis


Karnayna Lilly
karnayna@greenman.zzn.com

Green Man Wicca

Consecration of Chalice, Athame or Other Tool

Before these assembled spirits I bring (name type of tool) to be dedicated to the service of the Lady and Lord.

(Pass tool three times through smoke of the incense.)

By the power of air, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of thought and to harmlessness that all intentions for which thou art used may harm none and be for the good of all.

(Pass tool three times through or over the flame of the fire candle.)

By the power of fire, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of desire and to harmlessness that all goals which thou doest help achieve may harm none and be for the good of all.

(Take a few drops of water and sprinkle or dab on instrument.)

By the power of water, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of emotion and to harmlessness that all that thou shalt be used in a spirit of harmony, harming none and for the good of all.

(Touch instrument to the stone or salt in north quarter)

By the power of earth, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to steadfastness and purity of purpose, that my will be achieved without wavering, with harm to none and for the good of all.

(If this is a chalice, present it first to the Lady, then to the Lord, if athame, reverse order. All other instruments use personal preference, but it is courtesy to present them to Her first.)

PRESENTATION FOR CHALICE:

Lady Freya, Keeper of Femininity, bless this chalice. Let it be as Thy cauldron, a vessel of productivity that it may be worthy to dispense Thy bounty. Let it be used in Thy service and in the service of humanity. Let it be so bound that no harm may come of it to any being, but let it rather be an instrument of goodwill and understanding; of loving harmony. To Thy sacred self I dedicate this vessel, (name of vessel), that it and I may long be of service to Thee.

Lord Thor, companion to the Lady, champion of the Gods, bless this chalice and keep watch over it. Guard the works which come forth from it, that they ever be in the service of Thee and Thy Lady, that they be of service to humankind, and that they abide by the laws of harmony. To Thee I vow I shall use it for Her sacred purposes, and for no other.

So mote it be.

PRESENTATION FOR ATHAME:

Lord Thor, thunderer & hammer wielder, bless this athame. Let it be as the spring rains which fall upon the Earth to cause Her to bring forth Her bounty.

Let it quicken my hopes and dreams, yet keep them from causing harm. Let it guide them in the harmony of the seasons, bringing forth only good for all. Lord Thor, bless this athame, (name of athame), that it be used ever in the worship and honor of the Gods.

Lady Freya, companion to the Thunderer, lover of the Gods, bless this athame that it shall bring forth joy, and shall cause no pain nor disharmony to any. I dedicate this athame (name athame), symbol of the Defender and Rain Maker, to Thy service. May it ever bring Thee joy and pride.


So mote it be.

(This ritual, with suitable changes, may be used to dedicate other tools as well as these.)

Samhain Ritual for a Small Circle

[older woman to older man]:
One-eye, Wanderer, God of wisdom,
Hunt-lord, hail, who leads the hosting!
Nine nights hanging, knowledge gaining,
Cloaked at crossroads, council hidden.
Now the night, your time, is near us --
Right roads send us on, Rune-winner.

[older man to older woman]:
Every age your eye has witnessed;
Cauldron-Keeper, hail wise Crone!
Rede in riddles is your ration --
Wyrd-weaving at the World-tree's root.
Eldest ancient, all-knowing one,
Speak secrets to us, send us vision.

[younger woman to younger man]:
Lord of Life, hail Land-Master!
God of grain that grows and dies
And rises reborn, full of richness;
Fallow fields shall yet be fertile --
Spring sap runs as stirs your phallus
Bless barren earth, let it bear again!

[younger man to younger woman]:
Snow-shoes striding, hail swift Huntress!
Wild one, free and willful Goddess
Bow and blade you bear beside you,
Finding food to fend off hunger --
Winter will not leave us wanting;
Give good hunting, grant us skill.

USHERING IN THE NEW YEAR:
Welcome winter, waning season,
Now with night the new year comes;
Hail the horse's head with blessings --
Blessings be on those who bide here
And indeed on all the world!

SCRYING:
Wide are the worldgates,
Sights to be sent us;
Ready for rede-gifts,
We wait for your wisdom.

OFFERINGS/THANKSGIVING:
Grateful, we give now, gifts of our own
Heart-work and hand-work the hearth shall grace;
Happiness, harmony, health in the new year,
Send to the world and we in it, we wish you.

DISMISSAL/OPENING:
To watching winds we wish fair travelling;
To sleepless dead sweet rest we send;
Gods and Goddesses, go with praises --
See: the circle is severed thus.

[cut with sword at east]

Happy Samhain!

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice-- Coming Soon