Merry Meet

[Wiccan warrior]

So, what does it mean to be a wiccan...

Wicca, sometimes called "The Craft" or "The Craft of the Wise" is one of many earth-based religions. The religion which is closest to America's Native American spirituality, but Traditionaly Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner, a British civil servant, who wrote a series of books on the religion in the 1940's. It contains references to Celtic deities, symbols, seasonal days of celebration, etc. Added to this were components of ceremonial magic and practices of the Masonic Order. A more recent form is eclectic Wicca which involves a combination of Wiccan beliefs and practices, combined with other Pagan and non-Pagan elements. The various traditions of Wicca are part of the Pagan or Neopagan group of earth-based religions.
The modern Western witchcraft movement. Some practitioners consider Wicca the religion of pre-Christian Europe, forced underground by the Christian church. That thesis is not accepted by historians, and modern Wicca is usually dated to the work of Gerald B. Gardner (1884 – 1964) and Doreen Valiente (1922 – 1999), who, after the repeal of the last Witchcraft Act in England (1951), went public with their cult of witchcraft, which centered on a horned god of fertility and a great earth goddess. Gardner is credited with introducing the term Wicca. So-called "Dianic" Wicca focuses on the Goddess as the supreme being and usually excludes men. Wiccans share a belief in the importance of the feminine principle, a deep respect for nature, and a pantheistic and polytheistic worldview. They practice some form of ritual magic, almost always considered good or constructive. Some are solitary practitioners; others belong to covens.

Wicca has no sacred texts as such to guide belief and practice. Most Wiccans view the Divine as dual (male/female) or plural, accept the idea of reincarnation, and see the natural world as a manifestation of divine force rather than as something created by a transcendent god. Attunement of the self to natural cycles through seasonal rituals is Wicca's central public religious practice.

Wicca as a religion has no central authority nor organization, although various umbrella groups such as the Covenant of the Goddess in North America and the Pagan Federation in the United Kingdom include many individuals and groups.

The primary organization remains the coven, ideally numbering thirteen persons but in actuality often comprised of fewer. Because of Wicca's rapid growth, however, some adherents now seek more formal organizational plans and credentialing of leaders (priests and priestesses), a trend resisted by those Witches who hold individual and small-group practice and experience to be primary.

Wiccans often identify with a particular "tradition"—a school of teaching or an initiatory lineage—but the boundaries between traditions are loosely drawn, and new traditions are constantly being created.

We have no Bible, no scripture's no commandments but one....

The wiccan Rede

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"


WW

---

[Wiccan warrior]

Rituals are at the heart of Wicca for some and are pleasant adjuncts to Wicca's philosophy and a way of life. In Wicca, as in most religions, ritual is a way to contact the Divine. Effective rituals unite the participant with the Divine.

Rituals are observances, somewhat parallel to a church service or mass and can be performed alone, in a coven or as part of an Open Circle. Some prefer a formal or traditional ritual, while others prefer spontaneity. Either way, there is usually structure that is followed for efficiency.

Wicca teaches that nature includes a broad spectrum of mental and spiritual states of which most of us are ignorant. Effective Wiccan ritual enables us to slip into such states, allowing communication and communion with the Goddess and God.

Just like everything else Wiccan, each Witch may perform his or her ritual differently. Below is a very basic ritual outline. Some Witches do much more, some less. Once again, the choice is yours.

Here is the basic of ritual that wiccans should do.

Preparing Sacred Space

Wiccans don't practice their magick or hold rituals in just any old space. They first designate a special area called Sacred Space.

Any spot in nature, be it forest, park, beach, desert or back yard, is sacred. Sacred Space can also be created anywhere -- you can even designate yourself sacred space (see below).

One thought to keep in mind. A ritual doesn't begin when you cast a circle, it starts when you first think about doing a ritual. The ritual has already begun as you bath and set up.

Sacred Space is usually created in three steps: 1. Physical cleaning; 2. Astral cleaning and 3. Erecting a Sacred Circle.

Physical cleaning is just that. It gives you a chance to allow your body and mind to transition from the mundane to spiritual. Sweeping away the dust and dirt from the mundane world of your working space so that it doesn't interfere with your magickal workings. It also includes taking a ritual bath (or shower) or letting a breeze wash away negativity. Add some salt and the appropriate oil or herbs to your bath, not only to purify you but to also start setting "the mood" for the work you are about to do. Also take this time to purify your thoughts as well.

Astral cleaning is done to rid the space of negative energy and psychic "dirt." It is done with a special broom or besom, the Witch's broom used only for this purpose. It is traditionally made from birch and willow, but any broom will do (remember to bless and consecrate it first). You don't actually have to touch the floor with the bristles; this cleansing is for energy, not dust bunnies.

If you don't own a besom or you feel like you need extra cleaning, bless and consecrate the space by walking deosil around the circle, sprinkling salt water and/or burning a purifying incense or a smudge stick (representing all four elements). Others still who are musically inclined cast a circle while playing an instrument and walking deosil.

Creating a Sacred Circle is very important. I don't know of any Witch who practices magick or holds rituals outside of one. The purpose of the circle is two fold: mainly to keep the energy you are rising in until you choose to release it and to keep all the bad (or just impish) energy out.

There are about as many ways to cast a circle as there are Witches. Each Witch develops his or her own way to erect a circle. For some examples of circle casting, please see our Rituals section.

Here is one way to designate yourself as sacred space. I repeat this once a month, usually during the new moon ritual, so that in emergencies, I feel confident working magick where ever it is necessary or where I might need to be inconspicuous.

Close your eyes and imagine a bright light (the same color you choose to use with your circles) emanating from deep inside you. When you feel the light shining from every part of your body, chant:

Sacred space within myself
Earth and sky, light and health
Blessings of the goddess shine
Bring to me the light divine
As above, it is below
Now peace and love around me grow
Be I witch, faery or elf
Sacred space I call myself.

Anoint yourself by drawing the symbol of the Goddess on your third eye with anointing oil (olive or baby oil will also do as long as it has been properly blessed).

I will show more rituals in following posts

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Circle casting

Sacred Circles are a must for any spell or ritual work. The purpose of a circle is to contain the energy you are raising until you chose to release it. It also works well at keeping negative energy out.

A circle is regarded as a space "between the worlds," neither in this world nor yet in the next. It is a place to commune with the deity and be at one with the gods.

The circle is constructed with personal power which is felt (and visualized) as a stream from the body through the Athame and out into the air. When completed, the circle is a sphere of energy which encompasses the entire work area.

There are several ways to cast a circle. You can write an all-purpose one or you can refine it to fit the specific work you are doing. There are circle calls for specific spellwork, rituals, healing.

Although referred to as a circle, what most Witches deal with is really a sphere, a 3-D circle. You want your energy to be protected from all points.

Some believe that a proper circle should be 9 feet across. But for those of us city dwellers with apartments, that's not always possible. As long as the circle is big enough to encompass your work area, you are good to go.

Before you begin to cast your circle, always make sure that you ground and center. The main goal is to connect yourself with the energy of the Earth and your surroundings. If you don't properly ground, you will be using your own energies and this can get very draining very fast. It also helps you mentally prepare for the work your are about to do.

There are several ways to do this. My personal favorite is the tree method. There are many variation, but the basic principle is this. Imagine yourself as a tree, your legs are the roots and they draw up the energy from the Earth into your legs and up your body. The energy then sprouts from the top of your head and your hands (your branches) as it flows down to the ground, completing the circle. It's best to really get the energy flowing before starting.

Once you are ready, it's time to cast the circle. Click here to see some sample circle castings. As always, feel free to modify them in any way.

Once a circle is cast, it is best not to open it until all work is done. But, life is not perfect and there will be times you need to exit the circle. To do this, you must create a door. A simple way is to take your athame, sword or wand and cut a doorway. Some Witches automatically create a door when casting a circle and then place their besom at the base of the door.

And remember that every circle must always be reopened and all energies must be grounded when you are finished. A good way to ground energy is to go back to the tree scenario. This time, instead of drawing up the energy, send all the extra magickal energy back into the Earth. Excess energy can also be stored in a tool for future use.

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Quarters

Quarters, watchtowers, guardians, elements, etc., are "extras" to your circle and spellwork. Once again, this is an area of great diversity for Witches.

The quarters correspond to the four elements and the four cardinal directions. (East-Air, South-Fire, West-Water, North-Earth.)

When calling the quarters, some Witches call on the powers of the elements. Others call on elementals. Some call on angels. Some on guardians.

Before calling the quarters, you need to decide: 1 - Who are you inviting and 2- What will their job be? To protect? To guard? To join in? To aid?

Make sure your wording properly reflects what you are asking of the quarters.

Hail! Guardian of the Watchtower of the (direction)
Powers of (-)
II bid thee come into my circle bright
Protect/Aid me in my magick/sacred Rite

*****

O spirits of the (direction) eg "east"
Ancient one of (element) eg "water"
I call you to attend this circle
Charge this by your powers

*****

Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the (direction)
Powers of (element)
I invoke you and call upon you
Be here now

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

This is a very important part of your ritual. This is where you invite the Goddess and God into your circle to watch or aid you in your Rite, where you demonstrate your willingness to open yourself to the God and Goddess. Make sure you have this part of your ritual memorized; it is important that you concentrate on the words you are saying, not the act of reading them

Goddess Invocations

Goddess Mother, hear my cry
Across the world, my spell shall fly
To ask of thee upon this night
Please aid me in my magick Rite

God Invocation

Father God to thee I call
Lord of forest and oak tall
I ask of thee upon this night
Aid me with your magick might


WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Statement of purpose

This is pretty much what it says. This is where you say why you've called everyone together. Some Witches say they've had the best luck just being honest and speaking from the heart and off the top of the head. Others have a more traditional approach with set sayings or writing everything out beforehand.

Examples:
Lady, Lord, angels and ancient ones, I've come before you today...
...to celebrate this holy day....
...to ask for your aid in ...
...for your blessing of....
...To ask for your protection...


WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Adjust your circle casting and quarter calls as needed to fit the Ritual. Feel free to rework these to suit your purpose. The more personal they are to you the better.

The Lesser Banishing Ritual

This is an excellent way to cleanse all negativity out of a given area; it works great as a preritual cleansing for your sacred area, especially if you don't have a designated, twenty-four/seven ritual room/space. Also good to use if you feel the need for an "instant" cleansing or negativity clearing.

This is generally considered a Ceremonial ritual, but anyone can use it. The odd-looking words are the Hebrew words for God. I've approximated the pronunciations here, but don't quote me, as I can't say for sure that I'm pronouncing them right. I just know that when I do the LBR, I can clean a room instantly.

Stand facing the East. Ground and center.
Pull down the energy from above you down to your heart.
Touch your head; say "AH-TAH"
Touch the middle of your chest; say "MAHL-KOOT"
Touch your right shoulder; say "VIG-BOO-RAH"
Touch your left shoulder; say "VIG-DOO-LAH"
Say "LI-OH-LAHM AMEN"; clap your hands in front of you (the clap should be timed so that you're clapping as you say AMEN)

Still standing facing East, hold out your dominant hand in front of you and draw a banishing pentacle in the air at East. Visualize the pentacle in flaming blue, hovering in the air at East. As you draw the pentacle, say "YEH-HEH-VAH-HEH."

Turn to the South, hand still out in front of you. As you turn, imagine that your hand is drawing a blue line of energy starting from the pentacle you just drew at East. Stop at the South, and draw another banishing pentacle, this time saying, "AH-DOH-NYE."

Turn to the West, hand still out in front of you, and draw another blue line that will connect your South to the West. Stop at the West and draw another banishing pentacle, this time saying, "EH-HEH-YEH."

Turn to the North, hand still out in front of you, continuing to draw that blue line of energy. Stop at North, and draw another banishing pentacle, this time saying, "AH-GLAH."

Return to the East, hand still out in front of you, still drawing the blue line of energy. You should visualize the four flaming blue pentacles surrounding you, all connected to each other by that blue line of energy you drew as you turned.

Stop at East, and hold your hands out to either side. Say, "Before me Ra-Fael, behind me Mi-cha-el, to the right of me Gah-briel, to the left of me Aur-riel. Around me flames the pentagram and within me shines the six-rayed star." As you say these words, visualize what you are saying.

Still facing the East, ground and center.
Pull down the energy from above you down to your heart.
Touch your head; say "AH-TAH"
Touch the middle of your chest; say "MAHL-KOOT"
Touch your right shoulder; say "VIG-BOO-RAH"
Touch your left shoulder; say "VIG-DOO-LAH"
Say "LI-OH-LAHM AMEN"; clap your hands in front of you (the clap should be timed so that you're clapping as you say AMEN).

If there are other people in the room/area when you do the LBR (for example, if you are doing this as the preamble to ritual and the other ritual participants are already in the room standing at the various quarters), take special care not to draw the banishing pentacles directly in front of a person or persons. Draw it above their heads, or ask them to move. Why? Because the whole purpose of the LBR is to banish, and drawing banishing pentacles on people could banish those very people. And you don't want to do that!


WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Drawing Down the Moon

Use wand or athame. Form Goddess Position (feet about 2 feet apart. Arms raised, palms out, elbows slightly bent. Athame/wand in right hand). Slowly raise your arms directly about you and clasp both hands on the athame. Point it to the moon and say:

I now draw the power of the Moon Priestess into myself,
Merging with her power,
The pure essence of the Goddess

Repeat, feeling the power rise. Bring the athame down slowly with both hands and point the tip directly at your heart. Envision the surge of blue-sliver light enter your body. When the energy begins to ebb, lower arms

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Apythia and WreckShop's Handfasting Ceremony

(This is the handfasting section of our wedding ceremony.)

Know now before you go further, that since your paths have crossed in this life, you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony, you should strive to make real, the ideals, which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
With full awareness, know that you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasten before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?

Yes, We Do.

In times past, it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions: East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both. To lighten the darkest of times.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain. The all-encompassing passion of the sea.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North. Firm foundation on which to build. Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return.

Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools that you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.
I bid you look into each other's eyes.

WreckShop, Will you cause Apythia pain?
I May (What was actually said was an emphatic yes)
Is that you intent?
No
Apythia, Will you cause WreckShop pain?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?
Yes
And so the binding is made. Join your hands
*First cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands*

Apythia, Will you share WreckShop's laughter?
Yes
WreckShop, Will you share Apythia's laughter?
Yes
*To Both*
Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Second chord is draped across the couple's hands*

Apythia, Will you burden WreckShop?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
WreckShop, Will you burden Apythia?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape third chord across the couple's hands*

Apythia, will you share WreckShop's dreams?
Yes
WreckShop, will you share Apythia's dreams?
Yes
*To Both*
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fourth chord across the couples' hands*

WreckShop, will you cause Apythia anger?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
Apythia, will you cause WreckShop anger?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?
We Will
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fifth chord across the couples hand's*

Apythia, Will you honor WreckShop?
I will
WreckShop, Will you honor Apythia?
I will
*To Both*
Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?
We shall never do so
And so the binding is made.
*Drape sixth chord across the couples hands'*
*Tie chords together while saying:*
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows you make today. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Need: Sage and salt water; quarter candles; goddess, god and ancestor candles; parchment, pen and a black candle for each participant; enough runes to have one for each person; bond fire or something to burn paper in; pomegranate; apple

Sage and salt water cleansing
Lesser Banishing Ritual

Cast circle.
Light needfires: Light candle of person in north , who in turn, lights candle to the left around the circle. Everyone joins in chant (repeat as needed)

Fire red, summer's dead
Yet it shall return.
Clear and bright, in the night,
Burn, fire, burn!

Fire glow, vision show
Of the heart's desire,
When the spell's chanted well
Of the witching fire.

Fire spark, when nights are dark
Makes our winter's mirth.
Red leaves fall, earth takes all,
Brings them to rebirth.

Fire fair, earth and air,
And the heaven's rain,
All blessed be, and so may we,
at Hallows-tide again. (adapted from Doreen Valiente)

Calling the elements
(written by by Gaelan Brightflame, 1992)

Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, Powers of Air, Bring to us the joy and pain of remembrance that we may heal the past in this time of magic. Whisper the messages meant for us into our ears and carry our words back on the wings of eagles. Hail and welcome.

Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, Powers of Water, we ask to experience what we feel, what we fearIn the comforting caresses of your tides remind our souls high tides recede. Remind our souls high tides are places to swim, to float, to cleanse. Hail and welcome.


Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, Powers of Fire, burn from us the burdens of this world on this night. Change what is believed into what is true. Ignite in us the spark that makes what is just become what is done. And record the lessons learned to be read in tomorrow's flames. Hail and welcome.

Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of theNorth, Powers of Earth, Great Mother and Father in this sacred space, on this special night. Allow the realms to walk you together. Sharing life and knowledge. We are asking. We are listening. It is Samhain.Hail and welcome.

Welcome Deities

Call in Goddess: (group chant to build energy)
Calliach, Morrigan,
Dark Mother, take us in.
Calliach, Morrigan,
Let us be reborn.

(Hecate, Goddess of Witches, Morrigan our protectress, Calliach wise woman, we call upon you on this night. We ask that you join us, your children as we celebrate this holy night as the wheel once again turns...etc.)

(Hail and welcome Dark Mother)

Call in God (group chant to build energy)
Herne, Horned One,
Hunter 'neath the Northern Sun,
Herne, Horned One,
Die and be reborn.

(Kernunos, Herne, Horned One, we call upon you on this night. We ask that you join us, your children as we mark this holy night of your death and begin to await your rebirth...etc.)

Hail and welcome Horned One


Open the gate to the Western Quarter
(draw an invoking pentagram with the athame)

All spirits of our loved ones
Hearken to our call!
I bid you in our circle!
Enter - one and all!

Be ye spirit of plant or pet
or loved one in Summerland
Into this Circle you are let!
Guided by our lighted hand

Speak to us of things unknown!
Lend your energies to this rite!
To speed your journey, we have joined
On this sacred Samhain night! (adapted from a call by Dorothy Morrison)
Light ancestor candle

Statement of purpose

We are here tonight to celebrate the most sacred of our holidays, Samhain. A time outside of time, a time when the boundaries have been lifted, normal laws are suspended, and spirits from the other world can seek entry into ours. Tonight marks the sacrificial death of our god and our honor of him.

"On this night we honor those who have gone before. The Ancient Ones and other creatures who have lived and left their legacy of wisdom and experience for us to build upon; those whose strivings have made our world better for all. We honor the sacrifices made by so many to insure OUR freedom to practice our religion without torture and fear and we pray that we continue to be safe from ignorance and prejudice and the hatred spawned by those whose lives are governed by ignorance and intolerance.

We remember our dear ones who died during the Burning Times and weep for their sacrifice. We remember and honor those who were our ancestors, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, and dear friends who have departed this life and who have gone to Summerland to await rebirth.

We invite them to come to us this night and join in our circle of love lending their energy and essence to our circle. We ask that they watch over us and guard us as we guard their memory in our hearts. As Witches we celebrate the Immutable Wheel of Life.

We know that even as the body dies, the spirit will survive to be born again. We greet death as new opportunity, even as we greet birth as that opportunity manifest. As our love rises to meet the spirit s of our dead who have joined our circle we greet them with joyful memories of the past and beautiful dreams of the future. The wheel turns and turns again. And now, as our God goes to ready himself for his rebirth at the Winter Solstice, may he know we value his sacrifice, and that we, together with Our Mother, await his return with love and joy. (by Lady Ardane)

(Start with … I invite in…. / Hail and Welcome)

Go around circle and call in dead

Releasing habits

With Samhain begins the new year. It is a time to reflect on ourselves and our actions. All around us, we see our shadows - our darker side. As the wheel turns, it is time to make peace with that part of ourselves.

(pass out parchment and have everyone write down the trait that it is they would like to improve or make peace with in the coming year )

By candle flame on this dark night
Our shadows grow within its light
We will not fear our darker side
From it we will not hide
Instead we vow to change what we can
Negative thoughts and actions we shall ban

(Light fire for burning and say spell. Then let everyone burn their paper in the cauldron. Val will end it with a nice shot of Vesta powder)

Rune pull
Goddess, dark mother, wise woman, crone and spirits of our ancestors
Tonight we call upon you to join us on our path of self discovery.
On this new year's night, we draw runestones and ask for your guidance and illumination
We ask that you show us the lesson we are to learn as the wheel turns
(Let everyone pull a rune they get to keep)

Symbols of the season:

Pomegarnate
Behold, the fruit of death. Symbolic blood pours from its skin as it dies. Inside, it contains the seeds of death and winter. Taste the seeds of death. (pass around)


Apple
Behold the apple, fruit of wisdom and rebirth. In living we die - in dying we live.
Behold, the five-pointed star and the promise of rebirth. Taste the gift of life. (pass around)

Offering to the Deities

Closing Western Quarter
(draw the banishing pentagram)

We humbly thank thee spirits
And honor you this sacred night
For joining us in our circle
Guided by our loving light

Oh Mighty Pan of the Summerlands:
Guardian of the beloved dead
We pour forth love on those you keep
Safely, in your peaceful stead
Grant safe passage to the souls now leaving
May they rest peacefully in your love
Until they are refreshed and reborn again
In perfect trust and love
We bless those who have walked the path
That someday, we as well, shall follow
We offer peace unto their souls
While resting in your arms, below (adapted from a call by Dorothy Morrison)
We bid thee all a fond farewell. So mote it be!

Deity thanks

Close Quarters

Open circle
Take a moment to charge candle with any lingering energy. Starting North, widdershins, Everyone snuffs out candle. Sing three times:


The circle is open but unbroken
May the peace of the Goddess be ever in your heart
Merry Meet, and merry part and merry meet again.

Ending Lesser Banishing Ritual

WW

[Wiccan warrior]

Self-healing Ritual

This ritual is best done on a Monday make sure there are no void of courses that day. Turn off every thing in the house phones t.v. lock your door and put do no disturb sign out on the door.


Items Needed: Silver White ,Pink Candles. Soft Music, Favorite Smells you Like That Make You Feel Peacefull. Cauldron, Lavender Flowers or Lavender oil. Mirror. Favorite Favorite Treat you like it can be what ever you want cookies,slice of cherry cheese cake, Take candles and charge them in the full moon and ask mother goddess to bless them with her love .cheese,wine,crackers.. Bed sheet white if you have it if not then something light colored. Red altar cloth red construction paper sissors. Pen


Altar Set up: Have your red altar cloth on the altar along with the silver,white, pink candles your mirror, cut out hearts big enough to write on and your cauldron and your favorite food and drink. and your Insence. Have your soft music ready to play.


Ritual Bath: go draw you a hot bath with salt and lavender flowers and a bit of the oil if you can buy it. once in the tub just sit and relax and let go of every thing you been doing. no thinking about any thing. At this time you have the option of doing some sex magick while your in the tub to ground your self out to help you release all the negitive energys you been collecting. Make sure to went your self from head to toe clean the chakra on your head. Once finished dry off.


Bed Sheet: Take the ends of the bed sheet in your left and right hand Tie them togather like you would a shoe string now bring the pieces around your neck and bedhind your head and tie it off with a knot.. this is my idea of a greek goddess dress. if you like style your hair a special way too.


Altar: Play your music Cast your circle and salt your area down to make a sacred space for your self. Light your candles on your altar Sit and relax for just a bit breathing in air looking at the candles feeling the godesses love surround you. look in the mirror and see the goddess in you let her tell you every thing she liks about you. listen to the voice write this down on these hearts.

if you get a negative responce your ugly or fat write it down and put a line through it and burn it in the silver candle. say to the mirror I am not fat I am Goddess and I am beautiful. do this for as long as you need to. Chances are you might cry but this is ok just let go and go with it.

When done Look in the mirror and tell your self that you love her and she will tell you back.. take just a bit of a breather. as an invocation to you SAY:this with feeling: (I AM GODDESS I AM CONNECTED TO ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL I AM GODDESS I AM STRENGTH AND LOVE GIVER AND HEALER OF LIFE I HONOR THE DEVINE IN ME BLESSED BE..) Eat drink and relax. When done break your circle and go for a nature walk and enjoy the air...This is my own personal spell and I have had great results. Enjoy Blessed Be


WW

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