How to create Wicca ritual

I follow 3R rule to create a ritual

1. Respect: spell, your behavior, physical and psychical conditions, dress code must express respect to Powers, Gods, Craft and yourself. Ritual is not a routine.

2. Reason: why do you perform this ritual and why do you perform it in this way. You must fully understand and carefully elaborate goal of the ritual. Visualization ceremony may work for you.

For some traditions goal is the only constituent of magick action - to create and express will with the words of power (phrases which associate witch/wiccan with Gods and powers and state his will: "There's one power, which is perfect fulfillment. And I an the power individualization. Hereby I manifest the goal... And the perfect fulfillment is mine...").

3. Run: perform ritual and analyse its short and long term results, redesign and repeat ritual again (in a cyclical run) if it did not work.

MAGIC CLEANSING RITUAL

1 tbls bicarbonate soda 5 drops essential oil juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. good oil, such as sweet almond ½ cup sea salt
Stir the soda, essential oil, lemon juice and oil together and then blend in the salt.
Dissolve in the bath water.
Light 4 candles (colors of your choice) and place at the 4 corners of the tub.
Step slowly into the bath water, feeling it envelope around you. Close your eyes.
Visualize yourself laying on the surface of the ocean.
There is nothing around you, you are alone and at peace.
Feel the warmth of the sun beating down on you. Say either out loud or quietly to yourself:
Be comforted, All is well Now you are blessed.
You have life to nurture and nurture you.
Be calm. Be easy. Be comforted. You are blessed.

MAGIC RELAXATION RITUAL

Lay or sit in a place where you will not be disturbed for at least five minutes.
Get comfortable. If you are sitting, your back should be straight.
Sitting or lying down, your legs should be crossed.
If sitting, rest your hands, palms down, in your lap. Close your eyes.
Visualize a golden ball of beautiful, warm light surrounding your feet.
If you cannot "see" the golden ball when you visualize it, its okay, just know it is there.
The ball of golden warm light always brings peace and total relaxation.
Wherever the ball goes tension departs.
Now allow this ball of light to rise up your legs and up your torso.
Then allow it to go down your arms to your fingers, and finally up your neck and into your
head until covered with total peace and relaxation and all tension is gone. If you feel tension
anywhere, send the ball there and the tension will vanish.
Stay in this state for a few moments. If you are having trouble sleeping, try this.
Be at one with yourself.
When you are ready to come out of this state of deep relaxation, take three deep
breaths and feel fresh life and energy coming out of your body with each breath.

MAGIC CLEANSING RITUAL

This ritual is a self cleansing ritual. It was designed to cleans the body, mind & spirit
of residual negativity after being involved in magical battles (specifically, exorcism).
components & Tools:
A tub to draw a bath A white candle Essential Oil of Myrrh
Essential Oil of Frankincense Sea Salt (fine, bath salts)
Preparations:
Place the white candle so that it's light can shine upon you when you are in the tub.
Mix 9 drops Myrrh and 3 drops Frankincense into 1/8 cup sea salt.
Be certain that you will not be disturbed for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour.
Shut off the phone ringers, etc.
Ritual:
Invoke your sacred space. (using what means is appropriate for your practice)
Light the candle. Recite the following:
Spirits of Fire do I call upon thee.
Send thy divine fire and burn through the darkness.
Shed thy light upon me and clear the shadows of my soul.
Draw a bath of hot water. (the warmest you can comfortably get into)
Recite the following:
Oh spirits of water do I call upon thee.
Enter this sacred space and lend me thy cleansing powers.
From the waters welcome and to water we return.
As the tub fills (about half way), sprinkle the salt into the waters.
Recite the following:
Oh spirits of earth do I call upon thee.
Ground and disperse all that is not of light.
Mix with me and cleanse me of the weight of darkness.
Once fill, settle into the tub. Relax and feel the light and warmth.
Breath in the vapors of the oils and recite the following:
Oh spirits of ear do I call upon thee.
Thou art my breath and my life.
Let me breath in thy light and release the smoke of darkness.
Breath and feel the energy about and within you.
Feel the light of fire burning away that which clings to you.
Let the water's warmth wash through you, and lift away the darkness.
Feel the salt cling to the darkness and ground it for you.
Feel your lungs fill with light and carry out the fog of darkness as you exhale.
Remain in the bath till you feel that all the darkness that will release has left you.
Stand, or kneel, and pull the plug from the tub. As the water drains, recite the following:
As welcome from the waters so shall we return.
Oh earth and water, take from here the darkness.
Disperse it and ground it. Let it weigh upon me no more.
Dry off. Put out the candle. Thank the divine and the spirits & open your sacred space

Yule Ritual from Dorothy Morrison's book "The Craft, A Witches Book of Shadows"

Yule Circle Notes
Use a white altar cloth, and decorate with evergreens, poinsettias, rosemary, holly, mistletoe, and ivy. Use red, white, and green candles to symbolize the bloodshed of birth, the innocence of new life, and the growth process, respectively. Burn Yule Incense - a mixture of chamomile, ginger, pine, and sage. Mark the Circle perimeter with evergreen boughs, and use tiny, living, decorated trees at the Quarters. Decorations should relate to the appropriate Element. Cast the Circle using the athame. Release it using the wand.

Yule Celebration Ideas
Start your celebration well before dawn, so you can be a part of the Sun's birthing process. Kick off the ritual with an apple juice toast to the Holly King, saying something like:

Winter Day of longest night
Step aside now for the light
Thank you for the things you've brought
That only darkness could have wrought

Then name all the gifts of darkness you can think of-regeneration, peace, dreams, organization, quietude, and so on-before drinking the juice.


To ensure good luck and prosperity in the coming year, anoint a bayberry candle with vegetable oil and roll it in dried chamomile. Light the candle and allow it to burn down completely.


Make a Yule log from a piece of oak and decorate it with evergreens. Light it, saying something like:

Old King, we thank You for all You've done
For lessons learned, and victories won
We must, however, bid You adieu
For Your reign is finished-'tis over and through
Come forth, Young King of newest light
Be born with ease; grow strong and bright
Gain strength and stature in the sky
Shed Your warmth on us now from on high

Be sure to save an unburned piece to start next year's log. Save some of the ashes, too. They make terrific boosters for every type of magic. End the ritual with an orange juice toast to the Sun, saying something like:

O Newborn Sun of love and light
Rise quickly now, rise high and bright
Gain power in the sky above
We grant you our support and love

After ritual, collect all the evergreen decorations you used there and put them away. You'll need them at Imbolc.

yule ritual for the solitary witch

Sharron Amythystwitch Denton

Statement of Intent:

"Since the beginning of time witches have gathered in this season
To celebrate the rebirth of the Sun.
On the Winter Solstice - the darkest of nights
The Goddess becomes the Great Mother
And once again gives birth to the Sun
Beginning the yearly cycle anew
Bringing new light and hope to all the World.
On the longest night of winter
Flares the spark of hope
The Sacred Fire,
The Light of the World,
I am present here to welcome the new light.
As I join the Goddess in greeting the new Sun
I also welcome the new light within myself."


Calling the Quarters:

"Hail guardians of the east,
spirits of Air, powers of Thought
I call you to lend your essence
to this rite and protect me from
all negativity from the east."

"Hail guardians of the south,
spirits of Fire, powers of Will
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the south."

"Hail guardians of the west,
spirits of Water, powers of Emotion
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the west."

"Hail guardians of the north,
spirits of Earth, powers of Stability
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the north."

Casting the Circle:

"I conjure ye O Circle of Light
to be a temple between the worlds
In the name of the Silver Lady and the Golden Lord.
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, So Mote It Be."

Invocation:

"Lady, you who are the beauty of the snowy earth
and the white moon among the stars
the mystery of the waters
the desire in the heart of humanity
We invite to you to come to this place and attend this rite,
for you are the soul of nature that gives life to the
universe."

"Lord, You who are the freedom of the wild things
the bright sun that lights the day
the mystery of the forest
The resolve in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come here to this place and attend this rite,
for you are the body of nature who gives life to the
universe."


Meditation:

"The old solar year has run its course and completed its
cycle.
So too have some of our habits or traits completed their
cycles and outlived their usefulness.
This is a time for shedding that which is no longer needed."

(Take a few moments now to consider which things
you would leave behind as you go into the coming year.)
(pause to meditate)

"As the old year dies away
so to will these old ways will fade into memory."

"In the beginning we came from the darkness of the womb.
There we were created, nourished
and prepared for our birth into the light.
Within us, we still carry that fertile darkness.
There we hold the seeds of hopes and dreams to come.
There we nourish are hopes for love, joy and peace for all.
We shield these tender roots
until they are strong enough to come forth and flourish in the
light."

(Spend a little time now tending these creations to come.
Name them, nurture them for they will grow with you
and bloom in the coming year.)
(pause to reflect)

"As the sun strengthens above, so will my new ways grow."


Reading:

"I light this candle for the infant Solstice Sun
One small flame to pierce the darkness
A ray of hope
A symbol of the Light within me
Light that can never be extinguished
Light that will grow in glory
Waxing strong, despite the cold to come
Light that dispels despair and resignation
Giving us a glimpse of golden days ahead"

"Behold the light that can never die
Reborn anew in the Solstice Sky!"


Before the Chant:
(While chanting, think of those who you would send positive energy to:
Loved ones perhaps, those in need of healing or added strength.
Perhaps people who's names you do not know, who are living with war or
hunger. You may wish to focus on that which important to you, your
values, Perhaps the earth itself, or the animals who share it with us
Whatever it is you wish to send your healing energy to. As we chant we
will build the our energy with the turning of the wheel. As you chant
feel the energy of change resonate within you.
When you stop the chant, visualize the positive energy bursting forth,
like the sun coming out from behind a thick cloud, and imagine strong
rays of streaking out, empowering your wishes, and carrying your
healing thoughts to their targets. The Chant:

"Hoof and horn, hoof and horn
All that dies will be reborn
Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls will rise again."

Blessing of Cakes and Wine:

"This food and wine is the blessing
of the Goddess and God to our bodies.
I will partake in it freely.
And remember to share
what I have with those who have nothing."


Releasing:


"Thank you, Goddess of the Moon
for attending these rites in your honor,
and for sharing with me your gifts of compassion and wit.
Hail, and farewell."

"Thank you, God of the Sun
for attending these rites in your honor,
and for sharing with me your gifts of freedom and
rejuvenation.
Hail, and farewell."

"Guardians of the north,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of stability. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the west,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of empathy. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the south,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of purity. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the east,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of clarity. Hail and farewell."

"The circle is open, yet never broken,
merry meet, and merry part,
and merry meet again."

Skull Magic - Principles of Ritual Skull Magic

Skull Ritual Magic is no different from any other activity that can be implemented in a systematic way. Yes it is true, it is more formal than popular skull Magic: They are using special tools and after a series of predefined steps to traditional practices. But that does not mean that you will be complicated, so that they have the skills of any normal human being. They have no special powers, and the preparation is exactly the same as if you were preparing for a different task.

First, we should collect all relevant information, so for example, should know which tools, herbs, candles, color, etc. need. Then you should check that the tools you are charged with magical power. You must check whether the time and to choose and benefit from their actions and more in line with the focus. When you're with a group, should in advance to keep the salt and other basic materials to complete the circle, certain parts of the rite, will decide how the reception of the Spirit Guardians.

This preparation is important if, as the old skull Witches Magic said earlier, many of the words and deeds in the best spontaneous rituals remain the basic framework. They do not even need to belong to a coven create beautiful rituals. Only in practice will find that as you increase confidence to sell the natural rate of turnover ceremonies reinforce the inherent powers and feel angel or a device that connects with you as you walk around in a circle and listen to their voices mingling with your singing.

You should not allow yourself to be intimidated, as the old skull Magic witches in the past and sometimes still am, of pounds and professionals have knowledge of dark magic words, which so far are affected by the last millimeter out that only form The work is authentic.

What matters is the actual link that you can be prepared in the ceremony with your store of natural energy sources and higher - with a wax kitchen where the need is great and pure intent. Ultimately, the power is within you, and as they head into the Magic qualified, you can see that the external form becomes less important.

However, the official Magic skull in his place a special needs or mental awareness, or focus on magic power of the stored energy of the pay increase and tools are regularly used for positive purposes. Some people think that the ceremonies advantage of the actions of those who, before they will take to create cycles of energy and protection, and have collected in them, and called for the elementary properties to their wants and needs of the Preamble to the level bring material.

Rituals and spells at all levels to a positive change or effect, either for yourself, a loved one or the whole ecosystem, healing, peace, reconciliation or whatever is necessary to bring life from spell caster. But is over and above all for the purpose of increasing the amount of our own in terms of knowledge, so perhaps for a few moments you feel connected to a higher power, maybe even the fountain of deity, and that better reflect the fact that most forms of ritual work. The awareness can be achieved by peace with experience as a deep feeling, filled with golden light, the clouds float by, or knowing that he loved and protected, perhaps even a glimpse of a theology.

Solemn ceremonies should not focus on a particular goal, but. Sometimes you want a ritual has a specific purpose in mind. In this case you can simply cast a circle and actions to increase gently with a natural focus of herbs, flowers and fruit, so that the wisdom to be channeled through you, then, thanks for blessings received as close cycle.

Skull Magic - Ritual of Light and Cosmic Energy

The following ritual can be done anywhere at all, as the direction is not important. It is very strong when standing under a tree that may have been for hundreds of years. If sunlight is filtering through the leaves, this is ideal. You can work alone with a group of friends or a formal course. You can decide in advance the focus on power, such as healing a particular place or person you know. Alternatively, you can have the energy to find their goals as a cascade, but the universe, the increase in positivity of the universe.

Stand with your feet, unless the hands stretched above his head like branches of the tree. On foot, you can create rich, wonderful light flowing from the earth and leave it up to become lighter and wonderful and rises to your fingertips. Feel the light from top to bottom and flows with the merger.

If you work alone, and then made a skull in each hand to move around the tree with his hands rise and fall in a spiral path to energy shocks, creating the oldest of the Holy Spirit Mother skull geometry and traditional songs and dances. When you're with friends, his hands around the tree and pass the light and energy between your hands to hand toward the sun until you feel the circle of light energy radiation, you can see even the transfer from hand to hand.

Start reciting the cycle of the tree towards the sun, faster and faster:

Tree power, strength of the Earth, Sun and shower light
Enclose my line, too, Skull Spirit brilliant shine.

If you want to use the skull as a focal point for your brain skull Magic, you can substitute the word "Skull Ghost" or say "beautiful shine bright." You can also add your own song, if you prefer, you can by the line, change or use a simple mantra, such as:

Touch me,
I enclose,
surround me.

If you feel the power, and reached its apogee, scarves flew in the air and embraced the tree and press your feet on hard ground energy and treat your account was taken from the trunk. If you work alone, you can feel that somehow you are not alone, but align themselves with the tree spirits and divas, the higher forces of nature, with you as you spiral dance. You can even see the bright contours.

If you work in a team, if you feel the power peak, to work hands and a final appeal

Increase directly overhead and therefore the energy to spiral into the world.

Then fall, so your hands and your feet leave the ground and bring brilliant shine and excess power to the ground.

Winter Ritual Bath

During the Winter Solstice/Christmas Season we often place too much emphasis on celebrating and sharing this joyous holiday. It is often helpful amongst all the stress to atune to a quiet, internal spirituality. To begin to do so, prepare a ritual bath with oils of rosemary, pine and orange. Add a touch of patchouli for grounding. Light gold and green candles and immerse yourself in the watery solitude to refresh your weary holiday spirit. Meditate on the Winter Goddess and her lesson of stillness. Find the cool and clean space she offers, free of clutter and activity. It is the season for centering and grounding and for defining who we really are. After the bath, take your journal and write down your goals by candlelight. Contemplate the coming re-birth and identify which direction you wish to channel your energies and focus your intentions.

Full Moon Scrying Ritual

The upcoming summer months are the perfect time for Full Moon Scrying and I'd like to pass on an old, time honored scrying ritual originally written by D.J. Conway that I have used many times during the long summer nights:

Items Needed:
1 bright, shiny silver coin
1 small, black cauldron or scrying bowl filled with water

Perform this ritual outside where the rays of the Moon can fall directly onto the water in the cauldron. If you cannot go outside, stay in a darkened room near a window that the Moon shines through. Place the coin in the water and take the cauldron in both hands. Gaze up at the Moon and say:

"Lovely Lady of the night,
Mysteries old and futures bright,
Give me a glimpse of that to be
And as I will so mote it be."

Look down at the coin shimmering in the cauldrons water. With your eyes half closed, adjust your vision as if you were looking into and through the coin. Don't try to analuze anything you might see or that might come into your mind. Just accept it. Some people, rathar than seeing actual pictures within the cauldron, will have mental impressions, feelings or pictures. When you have finished, bow to the Moon and say thank you. Pour the water out on the ground. You're done!

Yule Ritual With Children

Most children like to take part in rituals, especially if they're responsible for a candle! The following ritual is a fun & simple one which kids enjoy that can be celebrated on Solstice Eve

Needed: A red or white candle, the larger the better.
Yule log ready with candles, each person will have a candle to light from the Yule candle and place in the log.
After the area is cleansed, blessed, and ready:

In the dark of very minimal light:
Priestess- For a few months the days have been growing shorter, and the nights longer.
After today, little by little, the hours of light will increase. The days will grow longer until once again it is Summer.
Priest 9if there is one, otherwise Priestess): We celebrate now the time of Midwinter, which is called Yule. It marks the birth of the Sun. Let us call on the Magic Spirits to speak of this time.
The Priestess appropriately presenting to the directions:

East-Winter is the time, for cold winds and freezing breezes. Spirits of the Air, be with us tonight.

South-Winter is the time, for sitting in fron of roaring fires for warmth, and blazing candles for light. Spirits of the fire, be with us tonight.

West-Winter is the time,of rain falling, water turning to ice, and Jack Frost nipping at us. Spirits of the water, be with us now.

North-Winter is the time when the Earth is bare, most tree have no leaves, no food is growing now. Spirits of the Earth be with us now.

Priestess- Goddess of all seasons, we see you now as Mother with Child. Be with us tonight.

Priest-God of all seasons, we see you now as the dying son/sun, and yet also as a tiny baby, the son/sun reborn. Be with us tonight.

Priestess- As the darkness increases we feel the death of the Sun God approaching. But in the darkest of Winter he is reborn as the light of the infant son/sun. It is the Great Mother who gives birth to him, who brings the Child of Promise to Earth. It is the Lord of Light And Life who is born again!

The Priestess lights the big red or white candle says:
The Wheel turns and Light retuens, returns, returns, returns!!

All join hand in the circle around the altar and chant:
The sun, the light, shining bright, returns, returns, returns, returns!!! (three times or more, as desired)

Priest:Now, starting with the youngest, we will each light our candles from the big Yule candle, and make a silent wish for the next Season. Then we will set our candles into the holes in the Yule log, and return to our places in the circle.

East-Spirits of the Air, we thank you for being with us tonight, and now bid you farewell.

South-Spirits of Fire, we thank you for being with us tonight, and now bid you farewell.

West-Spirits of Water, we thank you for being with us tonight, and now bid you farewell.

North-Spirits of Earth, we thank you for being with us tonight, and now bid you farewell.

The rite is ended. Merry meet and merry part!

Everyone-And Merry Meet Again!!

Author Margie McAurthur with a few changes made by Amber - we like to do this one!

Yule Magic Ritual

Moonspinner

Divinatory Yule Stones
Winter Solstice Celebration


Yule (from the Anglo-Saxon 'Yula', meaning 'wheel' of the year) is usually celebrated on the actual Winter Solstice, which may vary by a few days, though it usually occurs on or around December 21st.

Winter Solstice is the time to celebrate the Sun bringing brighter days. It signifies a time when the Mother Goddess sets the wheel in motion again for the new year.

A Welcome Bowl to predict the coming year!

This can be done throughout the season as visitors come to your home or at your Christmas or New Year's Eve party. You will need a decorative bowl or basket surrounded by festive holiday candles and holly, ivy or mistletoe (to symbolize fertility and everlasting life), and finally a selection of gemstones wrapped in colorful foil or paper.

1. On small strips of paper, write down the divinatory meaning for each gemstone.
2. (See below for a list of stones and their divinatory meanings.)
3. Now wrap the stone with its meaning in the foil or paper.
4. Invite each guest to 'stir' the bowl once, then choose their personal Yule stone.
5. Ask the guest to keep the stone as a reminder to stay on the path towards their goals throughout the coming year. The divinatory meaning will assist in a successful path forward.

You can fill your bowl with any combination of gemstones. Mix and match anyway you want. Oh, don't forget - you will want to pick one too!

Stones and their divinatory meanings:

Agate - This year will bring the stability and protection that you need. Your dreams and daydreams provide guidance to achieve this.

Amazonite - Be prepared to step away from your usual routine and toward new experiences.

Amethyst - Keep a balance between work and home at this time. Do not let either one dominate.

Ametrine - Use inspiration this year to change your life for the better.

Apache Tears - The true power of your creative skills is not yet apparent. Examine what is stopping you from fully expressing yourself.

Aquamarine - Take a few steps back so that you can see what is really going on. Do not ignore those at home.

Aventurine - New people in your life need time to get to know you and time is needed for you to trust them.

Azurite - Allow change to happen even though you are uncertain of the outcome. You need to consider a transformation of your goals and a new direction.

Blue lace agate - You need not believe what everyone else is saying. Go your own way.

Carnelian - If financial deals or emotional ties are holding you back, consider releasing them for good at this time.

Citrine - Your thoughts on the larger situation are correct, so trust your perception and intuition.

Black tourmaline - It is time to consolidate your plans for the future in solid and realistic ways.

Bloodstone - New romance or projects that have been slow to start will blossom now.

Crystal quartz - Your perception of current situations is particularly clear at the moment - be guided by it.

Chrysophase - Appreciate the little things in the months ahead and you will receive unconditional love.

Emerald - Pour your heart into the situation without expecting anything in return.

Fluorite - You need more time alone in order to clarify your plans.

Garnet - Take a chance with a new friend or new group activities; do not do so in a serious way. Make no lasting commitments at this time.

Hematite - You need to put more effort into your leisure time if you want to do the things you keep thinking about. Approach work with more flexibility.

Imperial Topaz - Go for it! This is the ideal time to do what you want and go where you want.

Jade - Inspiration can be found by looking at your family history.

Lapis Lazuli - Distant memories may be very helpful in putting current events into perspective. It will take effort to uncover the truth, but this will be rewarding.

Malachite - Spread your wings and break away from thought patterns that have trapped you for so long.

Moonstone - Beginnings and endings are a natural part of life. Learn to accept this reality.

Moss agate - Choices and directions will be clarified if you make time to be alone and reflect on your life.

Peridot - You can solve your problems by taking a lighter approach.

Red Jasper - You need to value your skills more and put them to better use with more vigor.

Red Rutilated Quartz - This is not a good time to take risks or follow whims. Act only when you are confident of the outcome.

Rhodonite - Indulge yourself in a luxury you seldom have the chance to enjoy. It will lead open other possibilities for you.

Rose quartz - Emotional times for new relationships and relationships with children are just ahead. Embrace these wholeheartedly.

Smoky quartz - More is happening than is apparent on the outside. Re-examine your thoughts on projects that have not yet begun.

Sodalite - Be prepared to expand your horizons further than you ever thought possible.

Sunstone - Honesty and openness are your path to good fortune at this time.

Tiger Eye - At present there is a possibility for study or travel with friends. Long journeys connected with celebrations may lie ahead.

Turquoise - Say what you mean to say, not what someone else wants to hear.

Wiccan Pentagram Ritual

Wiccan Cross
Face East. Touch forehead. Say IO EVOE HERTHA ('Blessed be Hertha,' or other Name by
which you worship the Goddess as Creatrix)

Touch solar plexus or genitals. Say IO EVOE CERNUNNOS ('Blessed be Cernunnos,' or
other name by which you worship the Horned God as the Earth)

Touch right shoulder. Say EKO EKO AZARAK ('Hail, hail force of fire')

Touch left shoulder. Say EKO EKO AMELAK ('Hail, hail to the glory') Extend arms in form
of a cross.

Say IO EVOE ('Blessed be.')

Clasp hands upon breast and say 'So mote it be.'

CIRCLE OF PROTECTION
Trace pentagram in East. Say HERNE. Trace circle of protection until facing South.
Trace pentagram in South. Say CERNUNNOS. Trace circle of protection until facing West.
Trace pentagram in West. Say ARADIA. Trace circle of protection until facing North.
Trace pentagram in North. Say HABONDIA. Finish tracing circle, closing it in the East.

INVOCATION OF THE GREAT GODS
Return to center of circle and face East. Extend arms in form of a cross. Chant:

Before me HERNE The Huntsman
Behind me ARADIA The Maiden
On my right hand CERNUNNOS, the Horned God
On my left hand HABONDIA, the Great Mother
About me flame the centigrams
And above me shines the light of the Goddess.

Repeat the Wiccan Cross.

Rather than performing this in the rather measured cadences of Cabalistic Ritual, a form of
dancing and chanting more pleasing to the God-forms of Wicca might profitably be devised

Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBR) is one of the chief rituals of
Western Magick. It has been with us at least since the Golden Dawn of the nineteenth
century, and it has penetrated into all the many Golden Dawn spinoffs, including
Neo-Paganism. Yet there is still no widely available, clear instruction. The directions of
the magical orders are mere mnemonics for those who are assumed to have personal
instructors. To formulate my personal approach to the ritual, to aid any others who may
be considering practicing the LBR, and to satisfy the idle curiosity of any gawking
onlookers, I have put together this short discussion of the ritual and its symbolism and
performance.

A. Intent of the Ritual
Ritual is a form of moving meditation and the LBR is a tool to facilitiate meditation. The
real action of a magick ritual takes place in the mind, in my view, but not all ritualists
would agree. Many would say that the effect of the LBR is to create a fortified and
cleansed area on the astral plane, which they think is as real as Hoboken, if not more
so. It doesn't really matter in practice as the only effect we know is the one in our
perceptions.

The experience of a proper LBR is pleasurable and soothing, yet energizing and
empowering. One is made at home in the mystical realm, protected from lurkers and
phantasms by strongly imagined wards. This solace from mundane experience is a
precondition for more serious works of meditation or ritual, but it can also form a healthy
part of the life of the mind by itself.

B. The Ritual
I'll just reprint the description of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram from Liber
O, a publication of the occult order A.·. A.·.

i. Touching the forehead say Ateh (Unto Thee),
ii. Touching the breast say Malkuth (The Kingdom),
iii. Touching the right shoulder, say ve-Geburah (and the Power),
iv. Touching the left shoulder, say ve-Gedulah (and the Glory),
v. Clasping the hands upon the breast, say le-Olahm, Amen (To the Ages,
Amen).
vi. Turning to the East, make a pentagram (that of Earth) with the proper weapon
(usually the Wand). Say (i.e. vibrate) IHVH.
vii. Turning to the South, the same, but say ADNI.
viii. Turning to the West, the same, but say AHIH.
ix. Turning to the North, the same, but say AGLA.
[Pronounce: Ye-ho-wau, Adonai, Eheieh, Agla.]
x. Extending the arms in the form of a cross say,
xi. Before me Raphael;
xii. Behind me Gabriel;
xiii. On my right hand Michael;
xiv. On my left hand Auriel;
xv. For about me flames the Pentagram,
xvi. And in the Column stands the six-rayed Star.
xvii-xxi. Repeat (i) to (v), the "Qabalistic Cross."

C. Preliminary Acts
There are a number of necessary preconditions in any cleansing ritual. Not the least
important are the physical conditions.

It's not a good idea to just launch into this thing from a standing start. You should start by
evacuating any bodily wastes. Heavy food in the digestive tract is bound to interfere, so
don't pig out right before practice. If your nose is clogged, clear it. (There are some
gross yogic techniques for doing this if necessary.) Remove any serious muscle
tensions; I do this in two ways, by stretching and by sitting quietly for a few minutes. If
you do hatha yoga, this would be a good time to sit in a pose like vajrasana or lotus.

It's best to bathe or shower first, and put on special clothes worn only during ritual, but
those are optional considerations.

It's very useful to have a room in your home that is either set aside for ritual, or can be
transformed into a suitable room readily. In 1984, I shared my ritual room with my lover,
who uses it for typing. This was a fortunate arrangement, since we both want the room to
be simple, uncluttered, and non-distracting, and all I had to do is hide the typewriter and
throw a cloth over the desk. If you can't arrange something like that, make sure you at
least have enough free floor space in the center of the room you're using for freedom of
movement.

D. Ritual Gestures
You should refer to the ritual above while reading this section.

The "Qabalistic Cross"

The "Qabalistic Cross" (steps i-v) is a self-consecration. The magician becomes a
sanctified instrument for the execution of the rest of the ritual. This can't be an empty
exercise; linger on each phrase for as long as it takes to form some strong, albeit brief
concentration on the meaning.

Think of the short prayer of the Qabalistic Cross as a baptism, using light rather than
water. Imagine that your body has "centers" which you are bringing to life by anointing
them with your hand. There are five such "centers". At the end of the Cross, remain for a
moment in that posture, upright, hands clasped, feeling the Cross within yourself,
yourself as the Cross. This should bring on a purified perception of the body.

The Cross addresses a second person, a "thee". Who is this mysterious person?
"Thee" is your own "higher self", by some readings. If you prefer monotheistic
symbolism, read "God[dess]" for "thee". Even for monotheists, the consecration is of
yourself, although "by the power of God". The two symbolisms can be mapped easily
onto each other; it's an issue of God within or God without.

The "vanilla" version of the Cross is not what most Thelemites use. Instead, go "Atoh"
(touch brow), "Aiwass" (touch breast), "Malkuth" (touch genitals), and then the arms as
normal. "Aiwass who?" That's a name Crowley's Holy Guardian Angel called itself by. If
you attain to the Knowledge and Conversation of your Holy Guardian Angel (as it is so
quaintly called), use its name instead of Aiwass. Don't expect this attainment to happen
tomorrow or next week; inthe Golden Dawn and Thelema, it's a major attainment, the
center of the path. But then, you're the only real judge of it.

The Banishing Pentagram of Earth
This pentagram is a five pointed star, point up. To draw it, start from the lower left-hand
corner (your left), go up to the top point, and continue from there. The index finger is a
common tool for drawing the stars; it's a very natural way of writing symbols in the air. A
good wand can be hard to find.

Note that you do not draw the stars at the end of your finger, but project them outwards
as if your finger was a laser, with the stars being drawn by the beam onto an outlying
vertical plane - perhaps a few inches short of the wall, or on the wall, or just in a
convenient expanse of air. Over time I've come to draw them at the outermost reaches
of space, at the thrones of the Guardians of the Watchtowers at the four quarters of the
earth, in the flat-earth Christian cosmology employed by the Renaissance magicians
Dee and Kelley. This approach sanctifies the entire earth rather than just the room.

Drawing the pentagram will be easy or hard for you, depending on whether you are
good at visualization. I'm not, so it's hard. (I'm getting better with practice, though.)
Ideally, the stars should be of flame, drawn in the air, but early on a faint outline is no
cause to complain. It's not a good idea to use drugs to increase your visualization
abilities on a routine basis. If you are experienced with drugs, it may be useful to employ
them for an LBR every once in a while just to show you what it could be like.

The pentagram can be a potent symbol. Recall Leonardo's image of the microcosm,
i.e., the individual human. The central pentagon represents the torso, the top point the
head, the other four points the limbs.

For a religious humanist, the individually named pentagrams are essentially aspects of
the higher self, given life/breath by the vibrations of the god-names. For a theist, the
pentagrams are anthropomorphic manifestations of deity, summoned by the vibration of
god-names.

The Vibration of God-Names
In the LBR, the vibration of the god-names "charges" or "enlivens" the pentagrams in the
air. This is difficult to describe, but easy to recognize. There is a feeling of presence in
one of these charged warding images - though not necessarily a feeling of true
externality or separate intelligence.

We are told to "vibrate" the names. The description and illustration of the "vibration"
given in Liber O have been known to mislead people into hilarious postures. What the
picture most resembles is the skulking monster from the movie The Mummy. To the
modern eye, it is remarkable how truly unclear a photograph can be.

I didn't learn how to vibrate a god-name until I signed up with yet another occult order
and was taught it in person. I wouldn't wish membership in an occult fraternity on anyone,
so here is a description which I hope will be adequate in print.

Vibration phase i - The Sign of the Enterer (1-4)
1. Stand upright. Blow all the air out of your lungs. Hold your arms straight out at your
sides.
2a. Close your eyes and inhale nasally, imagining that the breath is the name. The exact
nature of this imagination differs from person to person. Thus, you imagine yourself
inhaling the name into your lungs.
2b. As you inhale, sweep your forearms smoothly and deliberately up so that your fists
rest on your temples.
3. Imagine the breath moving down through your torso slowly, and through your pelvis,
your legs, and finally to the soles of your feet. (Don't do this so slowly that you are hurting
for air when the name reaches your feet!)
4a. The instant the inhaled vibrational name hits the soles of your feet, imagine it rushing
back up and out.
4b. Simultaneously, throw yourself forward, thrusting your left foot forward about twelve
inches (or thirty centimeters) and catching yourself on it. Your hands shoot forward,
together, like a diver or like Superman taking flight. You bend forward at the waist so
that your torso winds up parallel to the floor.
4c. The air in your lungs should be blown out through your nose at the same time, but
imagine the name shooting out straight ahead.

Steps 3-4 are known as the Sign of the Enterer, or of Horus. This symbolizes powerful
active energy. The Enterer should be something of a "rush". The vibrational name is
projected outwards into more tangible manifestation - in this case, in the pentagrams of
the LBR, which are charged by the force of the projected god-names.

Vibration phase ii - The Sign of Silence (5)
5. Finally, withdraw into a standing position, left arm hanging at your side, right
forefinger on lips, left foot pointing ninety degrees out from the body.

Step 5 is called the Sign of Silence, or of Harpocrates. This Egyptian god was
mistakenly believed (at the turn of the century) to pertain to silence, because his finger
or thumb was touching his lips. This gesture is now believed to be a symbol of
childhood; this correction appears in the World card of Crowley's Book of Thoth Tarot
deck. Harpocrates was the god of the Sun at dawn, and so symbolizes wonder, beauty,
potential, growth. So, step 5 may be done in this academically corrected light instead.

However, the "hush" gesture of the Golden Dawn Sign of Silence is adequate for the
modern occultist, even if deprived of A Divine Identification. It is a common gesture, at
least in European/American culture, meaning silence. Silence balances the ultra-active
Sign of the Enterer better than does the more scholarly positive/active "Sign of
Harpocrates the Rising Sun", and silence is surely no alien concept to mystics.

You'll note that "Ye-ho-wau" is given as the pronunciation of YHWH. Modern scholarship
has a different take on the pronunciation of the Big Guy's name. I use "Yahweh" rather
than the "Ye-ho-wau" of Liber O because that's what the Catholic priests of my youth
taught me to say, and I've never been able to shake it off. Use whatever pronunciation
you prefer, or a different name altogether.

The Invocation
The pentagrams are given form by the drawing, life by the vibration, identity by the
four-part prayer of steps (x) to (xiv). Some people do very elaborate visualizations of
angelic guardians on each of (xi) to (xiv). Because of my tragic personal deficiencies, I
am content with strong feelings of presence, identity, and divinity in each of the four
directions.

A horizontal cross is built up step by step as you say, "Before me Raphael", etc, with
you at the center; and the position of your arms forms a vertical cross, a renewal of the
Qabalistic Cross from the start of the ritual. You may feel a peculiar rising and
expansion when both of these crosses are formulated. One has become the center of
the geometry of the space, and it is like a world in itself, cut adrift from the mundane
currents of everyday experience.

Steps (xv) and (xvi) are when the real banishing takes place, during "For about me
flames the pentagram, and in the column stands the six-rayed star." A great pulse of
force is emitted during these steps, imposing the personal will on the space and
clearing it of all hostile influences.

After this is done, the invoked "archangels" maintain the banishing effect, guarding in all
four directions. Of course this talk of angels is nonsense - the importance lies in the
psychological effect. Whether there "really is" an archangel standing there keeping out
inimical spirits is not important. The "feeling of cleanliness" is what matters.

Concluding Cross
The final Qabalistic Cross is an affirmation of the completeness and symmetry of the
ritual, and also a new self-consecration. This is more efficacious than the previous
Cross because it is done in a banished environment.

E. Comments on the Ritual
With practice, you will no doubt come up with your own style of performance, and your
own different symbolism for ritual acts. Different people do rituals as differently as actors
play parts, even though the lines and motions may be fundamentally the same. (The
alternative is an authoritarian, dogmatic horror which is alien to the deep occult
understanding of religion, but is still common in magical groups.) Slavish imitation will
get you nowhere in Magick - except, perhaps, to a high spiritual degree in some
parochial in-group!

The Christianity - or at least angelic monotheism - of the ritual symbolism may give
pause to some. Many of us involved in occultism have negative feelings about
Christianity. These may be somewhat justified, but there are a few saving graces here.

First, as with any ritual, you should feel free to make it yours, to mess around with it. If
you don't start to at least play with the styles of a ritual after a while, you are probably not
doing it very well. It is perfectly legitimate to substitute cognate symbols at any time.
However, the saying in the martial arts is that one first learns another's style, and after
mastering it, moves on to create one's own. For a beginner, it will be easiest simply to
use an existing ritual form in order to explore the meaning of a banishing ritual.

Given experience with the ritual, which transcends any mere set of symbols, one may
devise a form more in keeping with the emergence of one's personal style. For
instance, Neo-Pagans use various highly reified forms of the same basic ritual in many
of their traditions, but with non-Christian deities, spirits, and heroes at the quarters.
Aleister Crowley wrote a new version, the Star Ruby, which used the names of deities
and officers from his "Thelemic" system rather than monotheist gods and angels.

In any case, of those people who abhor Christianity, how many have looked at some of
the practices of historical pagans in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas? No
religion should ever be "accepted" by an occultist. When using any religion's symbolism,
the adept should cut to its sacred poetical core, and discard the political dross. By this
standard, Christianity looks hardly better or worse than any other religion. Without this
selection process, and by factoring in historical excesses and power plays, almost all
known religions look as bad as Christianity. In other words, those who happily use
Norse gods, Arthurian heroes, Taoist immortals, Voudoun loas, or what have you in
rituals, but never touch a Christian angel, are guilty of the same narrowness they impart
to the Christians.

Having performed the banishing ritual, one is now ready to do a formal invocation, an
evocation, a meditation, or whatever the overall spiritual purpose may be. The LBR is a
preliminary ceremony, although it has a beneficial effect in itself. It can profitably be
done as a stand-alone ritual, but you should move on. Its mastery is a first step to
adepthood.

Ritual Preparation

1.Define purpose

2.Write ritual

3.Gather necessary tools

4.Prepare area

5.Prepare body



Open Circle

1.Find compass North

2.Set up door between the worlds

3.Call the Watchtower/Elemental Quarters



Invocation to the Deities

1.Align self with deity

2.Invoke Deities



Statement of Purpose



Actual Working or Act of Honor

1.Working

Complete preliminary manual or visual tasks

Raise power/energy

Focus Power/energy

Ground power/energy



2.Honoring

Complete preliminary manual or visual tasks

Dedicate cake & wine

Partake of cakes & wine



3.Meditation



4.Thanking the Deities



5.Closing the Circle

1.Mentally & verbally close the circle

2.Physically close the circle

3.Clean-up

disposal

Washing of plates & glasses

Putting away tools & other implements

Full Moon Ritual

The full and new moon rites are a celebration of the moon and Her cycles,as well as a celebration of us.

What you will need:




Your tools Silver or white candle White altar candle A view or picture of the moon

Setup:

Place the silver or white candle next to yuor altar candle.

Position your altar so that you can see the moon.

Perform a meditation.

Cast your circle.

Raise your arms over your head,palms up,while saying:




"OH GREAT MOON,I AM HERE BEFORE YOU,IN YOUR LOVING GRACE."

Take the cauldron of earth hold it toward the moon and say:

"OH GREAT MOON,BLESS THIS EARTH."

Take the silver or white candle and place it in the cauldron.Light it and say:




"OH GREAT MOON,HEAR ME.""OH GREAT MOON,THEE I ADORE,I HONOR,I RESPECT."

Kneel and say:




"I HONOR YOU ON THIS SPEACIAL NIGHT.""HEAR ME. BLESSED BE."

Now close your circle.Point your athame down and release while saying:




"MAY THIS ENERGY BE USED BY OTHER ON THEIR PATH." "SO MOTE IT BE."
Let the silver or white candle burn itself out.If you decide to do a spell,perform it before closing the circle and point your athame up instead of down.Then close your circle.

New Moon Ritual
What you need: Your tools A black candle

Setup: The setup is the same as the full moon rite,with the exception that you will need a view or picture of the moon.

Perform a meditation and cast your circle.

Raise your arms above your head,palms up,and say:

"OH GREAT DARK MOON HEAR ME ON THIS NIGHT.""BRING ME TO YOUR LOVING GUIDANCE."

Lower your arms.

Light the black candle while saying:

"OH GREAT DARK MOON,I HONOR THEE,ON THIS YOUR NIGHT."

Place the black candle into the cauldron while saying:

"AS EARTH IS TO MOON,SUN TO LIGHT,THIS IS MY BLESSED NIGHT."

Kneel down and hum or chant for a while in honor of the moon.

Release the circle.with athame down and release while saying:

"SO MOTE IT BE."

If you chose to do a spell do not relaease the circle yet and remember to point your athame up.After you complete the spell you may close the circle.

Self Blessing Ritual

Ingredients:

Salt

Wine or Juice

Water

Candle



Sprinle the salt on the floor and stand on it.

Light the candle.

Mix the water and wine togethe.

Meditate on the reason for performing the self blessing.



Say:

Bless me, Mother for I am thy child.



Anoint eyes with water/wine mixture.

Say:

Blessed be my eyes, that I amy see thy path.



Anoint nose.

Say:

Blessed be my nose, that I may breathe thy essence.



Anoint mouth.

Say:

Blessed be my mouth, that I may speak of thee.



Anoint breast.

Say:

Blessed be my breasts, that I may be faithful in my works.



Anoint loins.

Say:

Blessed be my lions, which bring forth the life

of humanity as thou hast brought forth all creation.



Anoint feet.

Say:

Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in thy ways.



Meditate for a little while before leaving.

The Chocolate Ritual

Listen to the words of the Great Mother of Chocolate

Ritual by John L. Shepard, copyright August 1993

Materials required:

On the altar are brown candles.

A Tootsie Roll (the great big one- as the athame).

A large glass with milk in it (the chalice).

A small dish of Nestle's Quick and a spoon.

A small dish of chocolate.

Sprinkles, a plate of cupcakes.

Some Yoo-Hoo along with a goblet.



Cleanse the Sacred Space:

(take the small bowl of chocolate sprinkles)



"Chocolate sprinkles where thou art cast

No calories in thy presence last.

Let no fat adhere to me

And as I will so mote it be!"



"Nestle's Quick where thou art cast

Turn this milk to chocolate, fast.

Let all good things come to me,

and make my milk all chocolatey!"



Cast the Circle

(using a tootsie roll)



Call the Quarters:

"Mousse of the East, Fluffy one!

Great prince of the palace of dessert!

Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle

from all moochers approaching from the East."



"Fondue of the South, Molten one!

Great prince of the palace decadence!

Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle

from all diets approaching from the South."



"Cocoa of the West, Satisfying one!

Great prince of the palace of thirst!

Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle

from all carob approaching from the West."



"Rocky Road of the North, Cold one!

Great prince of the palace of crunchy!

Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle

from all cheap imitations approaching from the North."



Main Ritual:



Listen to the words of the Mother of Chocolate; who was of old called: Godiva, Ethel M., Sara Lee, Nestle, Mrs. See, and by many other names:



"Whenever you have one of those cravings, once in a while and better it be when your checkbook is full, then shall you assemble in a great public place and bring offerings of money to the spirit of Me, who is Queen of all Goodies. In the mall shall you assemble, you who have eaten all your chocolate and are hungry for more. To you I shall bring Good Things for your tongue. And you shall be free from depression. And as a sign that you are truly free, you shall have chocolate smears on your cheeks, and you shall munch, nosh, snack, feast, and make yummy noises all in my presence. For mine is the ecstacy of phenylalanine, and mine is also the joy on earth, yea, even into high orbit for my law is "melts in your mouth, not in your hand". Keep clean your fingers, carry Wet Ones always, let none stop you aside. For mine is the secret that opens our mouth, and mine is the taste that puts a smile on your lips and comfy padding pounds on your hips. I am the gracious Goddess who gives the gift of joy onto the tummies of men and women. Upon earth, I give knowledge of all things delicious, and beyond death... well, I can't do much there. Sorry about that. I demand only your money in sacrifice, for behold, chocolate is a business, and you have to pay for those truffles before you eat them."



Hear now the words of the Goodie Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the cheap imitations, whose body graces candy racks and finer stores everywhere:



"I, who am the beauty of chocolate chips, and the satisfying softness of big bars, the mystery of how they get the filling inside truffles, and fill the hearts of all but Philistines with desire, call unto thy soul to arise and come unto me. For I am the soul of candy, from me do all confections spring, and unto me all of you shall return, again.... and again... and again.... and again. Before my smeared face, beloved of women and men, thine innermost divine self shall be enfolded in the rapture of overdose. Let my taste be within thy mouth that rejoices. For behold, all acts of yumminess and pleasure are my rituals. Therefore let there be gooeyness and mess, crispness and crackling, big slabs and bite size pieces, peanut butter and chocolate covered cherries all within you. And you who think to seek me, know that your seeking and yearning shall avail you not unless you know the Mystery: "We shall sell no chocolate until you pay for it" For behold: I have been with you since you were just a baby, and I am that which is attained at nearly any shop in the land. Messed be."



Hear now the words of the Chocolate God, who was called Ghirardelli, Milton Snavely Hershey, Bosco, Fudgesicle, and by many other names.



"I am the strength of the candy rack, and the piece that fell on the floor but looks like it may not have gotten too dirty, and the deepest bitterness of dark chocolate. No matter how you try to resist the call of chocolate, I will hunt you out, and I will become your sacred prey. I am warmth of hot cocoa in the dead of winter, and the call of the road that leads you to that really expensive Godiva store downtown. I give you my creatures, the fire of love of chocolate, the power of jaw strength to bite off a piece of that frozen Milky Way bar and the shelter of Haagen Dazs when that big date didn't work out. You are dear to me, and I instill in you my power of a piece of chocolate that you had forgotten you had hidden, and the power of vision and magickal sight with which you can spot a candy counter a mile away. By the powers of the half melted bar in the glorious sun, I charge you, by the darkest depths of the bottom of the cocoa pot and lingering smell of bittersweet chocolate, I charge you, and by the beauty of a perfectly swirled vanilla butter cream, I charge you. Follow your heart and your instinct, wherever they lead you. The wealth in your pocket can buy you treats that a Mayan king would envy. Take joy in that first bite of lecithin emulsified cocoa, and in the last satisfying slurp of Yoo-Hoo. Yet you must be wary of deceit. Eat not of that which is called "baking chocolate", for it is vile and bitter. Lastly, always remember to leave some chocolate behind you. Be not greedy, but let yourself be known as a conoisseur. Leave a little for someone else. I am with you always, just over your shoulder, or around the next corner. I am the Lord of Chocolate, and when you have reached the end of you hoard, I will never be further away from you than that 7-Eleven on the corner. I am the spirit of the wild child, the inner child who can never get quite enough. If you are a true chocolate lover, then your soul and mine are intertwined."



Cupcakes and Yoo-Hoo



(Blessing of the Yoo-Hoo)



"Be it known that milk chocolate is not better than dark chocolate

Nor is dark chocolate better than milk chocolate

For both are better than the falsely named "white chocolate"

And neither one is carob

As the frosting is to the cupcake

So the creamy nougat is to the Milky Way bar

And when they are eaten, they are yummy in truth, for there is

no greater snack in all the world than one made of chocolate."



(Blessing of the Cupcakes)



"Frosting is keen

And frosting is neat

Great Goddess! Let's eat!"



(Feasting and Drinking)



Dismiss Quarters

"Oh, ye mighty goodies of the Realm, we thank you for

attending our rites and guarding our circle, and ere you depart

for your sweet and sticky realms, we say unto you, "N-E-S-T-L-E-S,

Nestles makes the very best"



All: "Choooooooc-laaaaate"



(After all quarters have been dismissed, give a final satisfying belch at the east)



Close Circle

Basic Ritual

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 wil 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!"