Maiden Ritual

This is ritual is to heal and strengthen your maiden self. Perform at
the New Moon when the waxing cresent first appears.

You will need: a new white candle, flowers (white preferraby), mugwort.
edible seeds, a chalice withwater, images of maidens, a sachet filled
with lavendar, saffron and laurel to place in bath water.

As the sun sinks into the west and the cresent follows it into the sky,
put on some gentle flowing music, light some candles around your ritual
room, and burn some of your favorite incense. Prepare a ritual bath
with the sachet.

Bathe taking your time. Celebrate your beauty and womanhood. As the
water washes over your body, imagine it washing away tiredness,
stagnation, and negative attitudes. Wet your hair and feel negativity
leave your thoughts and memories. Raise from the bath amd say to
yourself: "I am Maiden, beautiful, renewed, refreshed, reborn."

Dress in something that makes you feel beautiful or go skyclad. Put
flowers in your hair. Dance before the altar, imagine Maidens dancing
with you.

Whe you feel ready seat yourself before the altar. light the white
candle and say: "Wih this flame I ignite within me the spirit of the
Maiden."

Ring a bell or drum for a few minutes, do some deep breathing,
concentrate on the candle flame. When ready look at the images of the
Maidens or see Maidens in your minds eye. Say: "I am whole unto myself
I am a bright maiden
Strong, invincible, and free
I am a dark maiden
Cloaked in veils and mysteries
I am the pulse of the sun
And the pull of the moon
Flowing from one to the other
In perfect harmony
Where I walk
None can hinder me
I am maiden
Forever young and free

Chantthese words over and over if you wish. Feel the meanings move
through you. Take some time for meditation. Ask the Goddess to send
you strong images of powerful Maiden Goddesses and role models in your
every day life. See the images before you float towards you and become
one. Take up the chalice and drink deeply. Say: " Maiden Goddess
I drink of thy sweetness and strength
And so am I filled with thy spirit.

Eat a seed and say:
"As this seed sprouts new life
So am I filled with vitality."

When you feel complete, ground the ebergy and snuff out the candle.