Tag: Magic circle

Mabon Ritual Just For You – Solitary

Altar Arrangement:

My altar almost always contains the following tools at minimum:
Athame
God and Goddess candle or representation
Pentacle
Incense – I usually use Cinnamon for Mabon
Chalice
Small Cauldron containing Salt
Gemstones as needed
Candles as needed

Circle Casting:

(Note:  I light incense and altar candles before this part of the ritual)

Hail to you Spirits of the North and the power of Air,
I do summon, stir and call you up to witness these rites and to guard this sacred space.

Hail to you Spirits of the East and the power of Earth,
I do summon, stir and call you up to witness these rites and to guard this sacred space.

Hail to you Spirits of the South and the power of Fire,
I do summon, stir and call you up to witness these rites and to guard this sacred space.

Hail to you Spirits of the West and the power of Water,
I do summon, stir and call you up to witness these rites and to guard this sacred space.

This sacred circle is cast
between future and past.

As above, so below,
The circle is made whole.

So mote it be!

At this time I will be invite my personal guides – both known and unknown

Invocation:

They who are called by many names, I honor you!

Father God, come join with me!
Tonight, I offer thanks for the blessings you have given me.
and for the sacrifice You have made for my benefit.
I mourn for You and rejoice in Your rebirth to come.
Autumn’s grain is Spring’s seed.

Mother Goddess, come join with me!
Tonight I offer thanks for the blessings to come.
As sunlight wanes and shadow grows,
I celebrate your mysteries.
With death comes new life.

Now I will offer a prayer of personal thanks to the Deities.

Meditation:

As this is the time of the autumnal equinox, I will focus on achieving balance.

Raising and directing power:
I will be releasing negative self image by writing our my self hatred and burning the paper.  Afterwards, I will be raising power for healing myself and others I know who are in need.  When I have directed the power to it’s purpose, I will earth the power.

Thanking the Deities:
Mother Goddess, Father God,
Who created All and are All
I thank you for your presence here
and for the blessings you have bestowed on me!
May Your love stay with me now and evermore.

I will now thank my personal guides.

Opening the circle:

Spirits of Air, Earth, Fire and Water,
Go if you must or stay if you will.
I humbly thank thee for your presence tonight!
Though the circle is open, it remains unbroken.
As Above, So Below.
So I have said.
So mote it be.

The Witches Magick for the 28th Day of the Mead Moon – Stardust Abundance Spell

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STARDUST ABUNDANCE SPELL

Cast this spell to bring abundance and prosperity into you life.

You will need a gold candle, a green felt, gel, or ink pen, a piece of paper, glue, and glitter. Once the moon has risen place the gold candle on your altar. Draw a magic circle and call in the elements. Call in your favorite goddess or god of abundance. Light the candle, dedicating it to this deity. Write your dream career or work on a piece of clean paper. Place the paper safely in front of the candle so that it is illuminated by the flame. Next, drip glue in a clockwise circle on the paper around what you have written, and say:

May my career wish become reality. So be it!

Now, sprinkle gold glitter clockwise over the circle, and say:

By the powers of stardust, blessed prosperity. So be it!

Sprinkle a second clockwise circle of glitter on top of the first circle, and say:

By the powers of gold, my work is blessed be!

When the glue is dry, fold the paper four times, and keep it in your desk drawer until you attain your career desires. When you are done, thank the Goddess or God, bid farewell to the elements, and pull up the circle.
Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year
Sirona Knight

The Witches Magick for the 13th Day of the Hare Moon – Salt and Water Clearing Spell

Dragon Comments & Graphics=SALT AND WATER CLEARING SPELL

Cast this spell to rid yourself of pain, hurt, and sadness.
After dark, draw a magic circle and call in the elements. Put three pinches of sea salt in a chalice of water. Stir the water counterclockwise with your athame. Sit quietly and turn your mind toward what you want to get rid of: your worries, problems, disappointments, sadness, hurt feelings, and fears. Hold the cup in between your hands, and say three times:

Clear the pain. Clear the hurt. Clear the sadness.
Sip three sips of the water. Before each sip, repeat:
I rid myself of all negativity, right now.

Allow all of your negative feelings to be cleansed with the salt water. Imagine transforming any pain or sadness into positive change elements in your life. Feel yourself being cleansed of all that burdens you. When you are done, bid farewell to the elements, and pull up the circle.

Empty the remaining water down the drain, and clean your chalice thoroughly with clear, cool water.

Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year
SIrona Knight

Spell of the Day for February 25th: Stardust Abundance Spell

Stardust Abundance Spell

Cast this spell to bring abundance and prosperity into your life.

You will need a gold candle, a green felt, gel, or ink pen, a piece of paper, glue and glitter.

Once the moon has risen place the gold candle on your altar. Draw a magic circle and call in the elements. Call in your favorite Goddess or God of abundance. Light the candle, dedicating it to this deity. Write your dream career or work on a piece of clean paper. Place the paper safely in front of the candle so that it is illuminated by the flame. Next, drip glue in a clockwise circle on the paper around what you have written, and say:

May my career wish become reality. So be it!

Now, sprinkle gold glitter clockwise over the circle and say:

By the powers of stardust, blessed prosperity. So be it!

Sprinkle a second clockwise circle of glitter on top of the first circle, and say:

By the power of gold, my work is blessed be!

When the glue is dry, fold the paper four times, and keep it in your desk drawer until you attain your career desires. When you are done, thank the Goddess or God, bid farewell to the elements, and pull up the circle.

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Second Degree]

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Second Degree]

[Second Degree]
Magus binds Witch as before, but does not blindfold her, and circumambulates with her, proclaims to the four quarters, “Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name), a duly consecrated Priestess and Witch, is now properly prepared to be made a High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
Magus now leads her thrice around the circle with the half-running, half-dancing step, halts south of the altar, has the Witch kneel, and ties her down to the altar as before.
Magus: “To attain this sublime degree, it is necessary to suffer and be purified.  Art ready to suffer to Learn?”
Priestess Witch: “I am.”
Magus: “I prepare thee to take the great oath.”
He strikes three knells on the bell, and again gives the series of three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes with the scourge as before.
Magus: “I now give thee a new name: _______. [kiss]
Magus: “Repeat thy new name after me, <saying> I, (name), swear upon my mother’s womb and by mine Honor among men and among my brothers and sisters of the Art, that I will never reveal to any at all any of the secrets of the Art, except it be to a worthy person, properly prepared, in the center of a Magic Circle, such as I am now in.  This I swear by my hopes of Salvation, my past lives, and my hopes of future ones to come, and I devote myself to utter destruction if I break this my solemn oath.”
Magus kneels, placing left hand under her knees and right hand on her head, thus forming magic link.
Magus: “I hereby will all my power into you.” Wills.
Magus now unties her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, and helps the Witch to her feet.
Magus: “I hereby sign and consecrate you with the great Magic Sign. Remember how it is formed and you will always recognize it.
“I consecrate thee with oil.” (He anoints her with oil on her womb, right breast, left hip, right hip, left breast, and womb again, thus tracing a point-down pentacle.)
“I consecrate thee with wine.” (He anoints her with wine in the same pattern.)
“I consecrate thee with my lips” (he kisses her in the same pattern), “High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
Magus now unbinds Witch’s hands and removes the cord, saying, “Newly made High Priestess and Witch Queen” [kiss] “you will now use the working tools in turn.  First, the Magic Sword; with it you will scribe the Magic Circle [kiss]
“Secondly, the Athame” (Form Circle) [kiss]
“Thirdly, the White Handled Knife” (use) [kiss]
“Fourthly, the Wand” (Wave to 4 Quarters) [kiss]
“Fifthly, the Pentacle” (Show to 4 Quarters) [kiss]
“Sixthly, the Censer of Incense” (Circle, cense) [kiss]
“Seventhly, the cords; bind me as I bound you.”
Witch binds Magus and ties him to Altar.
Magus: “Learn, in Witchcraft, thou must ever return triple.  As I scourged thee, so thou must scourge me, but triple. So where you received 3, return 9; where you received 7, return 21; where you received 9, return 27; where you received 21, return 63.”
Witch scourges Magus as instructed, 120 strokes total.
Magus: “Thou hast obeyed the Law.  But mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art bound to return good threefold.”
Witch now unbinds Magus and helps him to his feet.
Magus, taking the new Initiate by the hand and holding the Athame in the other, passes once round the Circle, proclaiming at the Four Quarters, “Hear, Ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been duly consecrated High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with “Hail and farewell.” If not go to next degree.)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[First Degree]

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[First Degree]

A.4. The Initiation (1949)
[First Degree]
Magus leaves circle by the doorway, goes to Postulant, and says, “Since there is no other brother here, I must be thy sponsor, as well as priest.  I am about to give you a warning.  If you are still of the same mind, answer it with these words: `Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.'”
Placing the point of the sword to the Postulant’s breast, he says, “O thou who standeth on the threshold between the pleasant world of men and the domains of the Dread Lords of the Outer Spaces, hast thou the courage to make the Assay?  For I tell thee verily, it were better to rush on my weapon and perish miserably than to make the attempt with fear in thy heart.”
Postulant: “I have two Passwords: Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.”
Magus drops the sword point, saying, “All who approach with perfect love and perfect trust are doubly welcome.”
Going around behind her, he blindfolds her, then putting his left arm around her waist and his right arm around her neck, he pulls her head back, says, “I give you the 3rd password, a Kiss to pass through this dread Door,” and pushes her forward with his body, through the doorway and into the circle.  Once inside, he releases her saying, “This is the way all are first brought into the circle.”
Magus closes the doorway by drawing the point of the sword across it three times, joining all three circles, saying, “Agla, Azoth, Adonai,” then drawing three pentacles to seal it.
Magus guides Postulant to south of altar, and whispers, “Now there is the Ordeal.” Taking a short piece of cord from the altar, he ties it around her right ankle, saying, “Feet neither bound nor free.”  Taking a longer cord, he ties her hands together behind her back, then pulls them up, so that the arms form a triangle, and ties the cord around her neck, leaving the end dangling down in front as a Cable Tow.
With the Cable Tow in his left hand and the sword in his right hand, the Magus leads her sunwise around the circle to the east, where he salutes with the sword and proclaims, “Take heed, O Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, (name), properly prepared, will be made a Priestess and a Witch.”
Magus leads her similarly to the south, west, and north, making the proclamation at each quarter.
Next, clasping Postulant around the waist with his left arm, and holding the sword erect in his right hand, he makes her circumambulate three times around the circle with a half-running, half-dancing step.
He halts her at the south of the altar, and strikes eleven knells on the bell.  He then kneels at her feet, saying, “In other religions the postulant kneels, as the Priests claim supreme power, but in the Art Magical, we are taught to be humble, so we kneel to welcome them and say:
“Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.” (He kisses her feet.)
“Blessed be thy knees that shall kneel at the sacred altar.” (He kisses her knees.)
“Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.” (He kisses her Organ of Generation.)
“Blessed by thy breasts, formed in beauty and in strength.” (He kisses her breasts.)
“Blessed be thy lips, which shall utter the sacred names.” (He kisses her lips.)
Take measure thus: height, around forehead, across the heart, and across the genitals.
Magus says, “Be pleased to kneel,” and helps her kneel before the altar.  He ties the end of the Cable Tow to a ring in the altar, so that the postulant is bent sharply forward, with her head almost touching the floor.  He also ties her feet together with the short cord.
Magus strikes three knells on the bell and says, “Art ready to swear that thou wilt always be true to the Art?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus strikes seven knells on the bell and says, “Before ye are sworn, art willing to pass the ordeal and be purified?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus strikes eleven knells on the bell, takes the scourge from the altar, and gives a series of three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes with the scourge across the postulant’s buttocks.
Magus says, “Ye have bravely passed the test.  Art always ready to help, protect, and defend thy Brothers and Sisters of the Art?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus: “Art armed?”
Witch: “With a knife in my hair.”
Magus: “Then on that knife wilt thou swear absolute secrecy?”
Witch: “I will.”
Magus: “Then say after me. `I, (name), in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of my own will and accord, most solemnly swear that I will ever keep secret and never reveal the secrets of the Art, except it be to a proper person, properly prepared, within a circle such as I am now in.  All this I swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure has been taken, and may my weapons turn against me if I break this my solemn oath.'”
Magus now unbinds her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, removes the blindfold, and helps her up to her feet.
Magus says, “I hereby sign thee with the triple sign.
“I consecrate thee with oil.”  (He anoints her with oil on the womb, the right breast, the left breast, and the womb again.)
“I consecrate thee with wine.” (He anoints her with wine in the same pattern.)
“I consecrate thee with my lips” (he kisses her in the same pattern), “Priestess and Witch.”
Magus now unbinds her hands and removes the last cord, saying,  “Now I Present to thee the Working Tools of a Witch.
“First the Magic Sword.  With this, as with the Athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles, dominate, subdue, and punish all rebellious Spirits and Demons, and even persuade the Angels and Geniuses.  With this in your hand you are the ruler of the Circle. [Here “kiss” means that the initiate kisses the tool, and the Magus then kisses the Witch being initiated.]
“Next I present the Athame.  This is the true Witch’s weapon and has all the powers of the Magic Sword [kiss].
“Next I present the White-Handled Knife. Its use is to form all instruments used in the Art.  It can only be properly used within a Magic Circle [Kiss].
“Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control certain Angels and geniuses, to whom it would not be mete to use the Magic Sword [Kiss].
“Next I present the pentacles.  These are for the purpose of calling up appropriate Spirits [Kiss].
“Next I present the Censer of Incense. This is used to encourage and welcome Good Spirits and to banish Evil Spirits.[kiss]
“Next I present the scourge. This is a sign of power and domination. It is also to cause suffering and purification, for it is written, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Art willing to suffer to learn?”
Witch: “I am.”[Kiss]
Magus: “Next, and lastly I present the Cords.  They are of use to bind the sigils in the Art, the material basis, and to enforce thy will. Also they are necessary in the oath.  I Salute thee in the name of Aradia and Cernunnos, Newly made Priestess and Witch.”
Magus strikes seven knells on the bell and kisses Witch again, then circumambulates with her, proclaiming to the four quarters, “Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been consecrated Priestess and Witch of the Gods.”
(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with “I thank ye for attending, and I dismiss ye to your pleasant abodes.  Hail and farewell.” If not, go to next degree.)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.1. Casting the Circle

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft

The Public Contents of the Book of Shadows

There is really no such thing as the text of the Book of Shadows, because Gardner never bothered to word things the same way twice; whenever he copied something, he simultaneously rewrote it.  But this, of course, is the way that an author treats his own original material; it is not how anyone treats authoritative texts preserved from an earlier generation.
I have grouped the documents according to the dates when they were written; these dates are accurate to within a year or so, and the point to providing them, of course, is to emphasize that these documents are modern creations, NOT anything preserved from ancient or medieval tradition.  Material or comments added to these documents later on I have enclosed in square brackets [these things].

A.1. Casting the Circle (1949)
It is most convenient to mark the circle with chalk, paint or otherwise, to show where it is; but marks on the carpet may be utilized.  Furniture may be placed to indicate the bounds.  The only circle that matters is the one drawn before every ceremony with either a duly consecrated Magic Sword or an Athame.  The circle is usually nine feet in diameter, unless made for some very special purpose.  There are two outer circles, each six inches apart, so the third circle has a diameter of eleven feet.
[1] Having chosen a place proper, take the sickle or scimitar of Art or a Witch’s Athame, if thou mayest obtain it, and stick it into the center, then take a cord, and ’twere well to use the Cable Tow for this, and loop it over the Instrument, four and one half feet, and so trace out the circumference of the circle, which must be traced either with the Sword, or the knife with the black hilt, or it be of little avail, but ever leave open a door towards the North.  Make in all 3 circles, one within the other, and write names of power between these.
[2] First draw circle with Magic Sword or Athame.
[3] Consecrate Salt and Water: Touch water with Athame, saying, “I exorcise thee, O creature of Water, that thou cast out from Thee all the impurities and uncleannesses of the Spirits of the World of Phantasm, so they may harm me not, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos.”
[4] Touching Salt with Athame, say, “The Blessings of Aradia and Cernunnos be upon this creature of Salt, and let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hencefrom, and let all good enter herein, for without Thee man cannot live, wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me.”
[5] Then put the Salt into the water.
[6] Sprinkle with exorcised water.
[7] Light candles; say, “I exorcise thee, O Creature of Fire, that every kind of Phantasm may retire from thee, and be unable to harm or deceive in any way, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos.”
[8] Caution initiate (if any); warn companions; enter circle and close doors with 3 pentagrams.
[9] Proclaim object of working
[10] Circumambulate 3 times or more before commencing work.
[11] Summon: “I summon, stir, and Call thee up, thou Mighty Ones of the East, South, West, and North.”  Salute and draw pentacle with Magic Sword or Athame, the first stroke being from the top down to the left.

Let’s Talk Witch – Strengthening the Circle

Let’s Talk Witch – Strengthening the Circle

A circle of light or a physical circle can be strengthened by casting three elemental circles just inside it.

Some practitioners aim to put the triple circle on top of the light one but I prefer radiating circles, albeit close together.

If using empowered salt and water as one of your elemental circles, you would empower the mix first before the elemental casting.

The three clockwise circles, either positioned one over the other or extending inwards, should be made with salt and water, or just salt (the first), with incense (the second) and with the directional candle of the south or a central one (the third). If you use salt for circle one (and not the salt and water mix), use incense for number two and magical water droplets for the third circle.

Create simple elemental casting chants according to the substances you are using and the nature of the spell or ritual.

*Note* With a group, before the triple circle casting invite them to walk the triple circle in line after you as you cast it. You can use three people to make the triple circle by having them each carry a substance around it. You need not use words for this unless you wish. With a group it is easier to make the three circles over one another just inside the original light circle.

You can end the triple element casting by sprinkling each person with a few drops of either the saltwater or the water alone saying:

You are Blessed!

If you are working alone, end the triple circle casting by taking the water and sprinkling yourself, saying:

May the Lord and Lady God and Goddess bless me and my spell/ritual.

The Circle of the Witch

The Circle of the Witch

Within this sacred circle, two main activities occur: celebration, and the practice of magic. Celebration is most important at the major seasonal holy days,  the Sabbats. At these times, the myths of that particular holiday are enacted in ritual drama, and dancing, singing, feasting, and revelry are all part of  the festivities. On these occasions we celebrate our oneness with life on Earth, as well as assimilating on the deepest level myths and archetypes which map  and assist our own life-passages.

Magic is more often performed at smaller gatherings, called Esbats, which coincide with the phases of the moon. Types of magic  practiced include psychic healing sessions, the focus and direction of energy to achieve positive results, and work toward the individual spiritual  development of the coven members. Magic is an art which requires adherence to certain principles, and a conscious direction of will toward the desired end.  We believe it to be an attribute of magic that results toward which the will is directed return to the sender threefold. Therefore, Witches are very  conscientious in their use of magic.

When the celebration, teaching, or magical work is finished, the blessing of the Goddess (and God) is called into food and drink which  are shared by all. The circle is opened, and the space is no longer consecrated.

Let’s Talk Witch – Strengthening Your Circle

Faerie-Guardians

Strengthening Your Circle

A circle of light or a physical circle can be strengthened by casting three elemental circles just inside it.

Some practitioners aim to put the triple circle on top of the light one but I prefer radiating circles, albeit close together.

If using empowered salt and water as one of your elemental circles, you would empower the mix first before the elemental casting.

The three clockwise circles, either positioned one over the other or extending inwards, should be made with salt and water, or just salt (the first), with incense (the second) and with the directional candle of the south or a central one (the third). If you use salt for circle one (and not the salt and water mix), use incense for number two and magical water droplets for the third circle.

Create simple elemental casting chants according to the substances you are using and the nature of the spell or ritual.

*Note* With a group, before the triple circle casting invite them to walk the triple circle in line after you as you cast it. You can use three people to make the triple circle by having them each carry a substance around it. You need not use words for this unless you wish. With a group it is easier to make the three circles over one another just inside the original light circle.

You can end the triple element casting by sprinkling each person with a few drops of either the saltwater or the water alone saying:

You are Blessed!

If you are working alone, end the triple circle casting by taking the water and sprinkling yourself, saying:

May the Lord and Lady God and Goddess bless me and my spell/ritual.

Witches Spell for July 19 – Poppet Prosperity Spell & Ritual

PROSPERITY SPELL AND THE RITUAL

Do this spell when the Moon is out and shining brightly.

Items you will need:

–poppet made out of green cloth, leave the head open

–chamomile for money

–rosemary for luck

–basil for success needle and thread

–Directional elementals (earth, incense for air, fire, water)

 

Altar Devotion, Casting the Circle

As you walk around the circle three times, imagine a green, soothing mist trailing

from your fingers, enveloping you and enclosing your magic circle.

“I conjure the magic circle I am safe within the Goddess’ womb  A sacred place, a world apart  Where enchantment births and magic starts With Air and Fire, Water and Earth  I circle round the Mother’s girth This circle is sealed”

Drawing Down the Moon

Stand holding your athame, legs slightly apart, arms at your side. Breathe deeply.

Raise the athame to your lips, holding it with both hands, and then point it toward  the moon. Feel the energy of the moon move through the athame, down your arms  and into your whole being.

Invocation to the Goddess

“Wondrous Lady of the Moon Mistress of all magic and protectress of all Wicca 

Life-giving mother I greet you at the waxing of the moon’s power I invite you to 

attend my Full Moon rite”

Invocation to the God

“Radiant King of the Heavens Master of beasts wild and free Horned stag I greet 

you at the waxing of the moon’s power I invite you to attend my Full Moon rite” 

Meditation and Chant to the Goddess

Sit with your spine straight, legs crossed, hands in your lap. Close your eyes and  visualize the Goddess, however she appears to you. Feel her arms around you in  a protective embrace. When you have the vision firmly planted, begin chanting softly:

“Starry Goddess, Full of Light I honor you this Full Moon Night”

Repeat, feeling your energy grow. This energy will be used during the following spellworking. Spellworking Cleanse and consecrate poppet for workings of magic.

Stuff it with the herbs.  Sew the opening closed.

“Goddess of Opportunity Bring good things in life to me I’ll be alert to all you. Goddess be my helpful friend”

Repeat 3 times, envisioning the opportunities you wish to come to you.

Reverse Lunar Draw

Raise the athame to the moon, then bring it to your lips and back down to your side,

releasing the energy you built during the Drawing. Thank the Goddess and God. Release the Circle. Walk back around the circle, pulling the mist back into your hands. Place the poppet in your closet, your car, your handbag or somewhere else close to you.  You can re-work this spell at the next full moon if you feel it’s necessary.

Good things will soon come.

Casting A Circle

Casting A Circle

The first thing you must do is find and create your sacred space. A secluded spot outdoors is preferable. If you must do your ritual indoors, have enough space to set up your altar and to be able to comfortably walk around without bumping into anything. An indoor area should also be cleansed of any negative energy. I physically clean the area by sweeping or vacuuming, and then smudge the entire space with white sage. I usually set up my altar facing North. What you place on your altar depends on what type of ritual you are doing. Here are the basics:

North – Earth ~ a dish of dirt

East – Air ~ dish of salt, censer, bell, feather

South – Fire ~ a red candle

West – Water ~ a dish of water, chalice

On the left side of the Altar, place a white candle or Goddess symbol. On the right side place a white candle or God symbol. The candles do not have to be white. I prefer to place my wand, athame, cauldron and spell tools in the middle of the altar. I place candles in each of the four Elemental quarters just at the edge of the circle I am about to cast. Green for Earth, yellow for Air, Red for Fire and Blue for Water. Once you have these items set up, it is time to “Raise Energy”. I usually play Celtic music to get in the spirit of things; dancing, drumming, chanting and clapping are all appropriate ways to raise energy. Next, stand and face the Altar and recite a general Blessing or Invocation chant. This is the one I use:

“I call upon the eternal Power of the One, source of all that is;
I call upon the Goddess, glorious Lady of the Moon;
I call upon the God, glorious Lord of the Sun
Mother and Father of all living creatures.
I call upon the Spirits of Earth, Air, Fire and Water
Join me now and bless this sacred space and all that dwells within.”

Next I call the quarters:
You can light each candle as you call the the Elements, or have them already lit. You can also use your wand or hand in creating the circle.

Go to the North and say:

“Spirit of the North, Ancient one of Earth
I call upon you to attend this circle.
Thru your roots, bring your powers of
fertility,endurance and stability
to bless and protect this sacred space.”

Go to the East and say:

“Spirit of the East, Ancient one of Air
I call upon you to attend this circle.”
Thru your breeze, bring your powers of
intelligence, optimism and joy
to bless and protect this sacred space.”

Go to the South and say:

“Spirit of the South, Ancient one of Fire
I call upon you to attend this circle.
Thru your light, bring your powers of
strength, courage and willpower
to bless and protect this sacred space.”

Go to the West and say:

“Spirit of the West, Ancient one of Water
I call upon you to attend this circle.
Thru your flowing stream, bring your powers of
purification, peace and love
to bless and protect this sacred space.”

Stand before the altar and call the Goddess:

“O Gracious Goddess, Lady of the Silvery Moon
I call upon you to attend this circle
Bless and protect this sacred space
with your wisdom, guidance and love”

Call the God:

“Oh Gracious God, Lord of the Fiery Sun
I call upon you to attend this circle.
Bless and protect this sacred space
with your wisdom, guidance and love.”

“The Sacred Circle is cast,
May only positive energy dwell within;
May only positive energy emerge from within
So Mote It Be!”

You are now ready to perform your ritual or Esbat, magical workings, etc. When you have finished, celebrate the Simple Feast.

Hold up a cup of juice, wine, beer (your beverage of choice) and say:

“Gracious Goddess of the Earth and Sky,
Bless this wine with your love.
In the presence of the Mother Goddess and the Father God
This wine is blessed.”

Hold up a plate of cakes (bread, cookies, etc.) and say:

“Gracious God of the Sun and Wilderness,
Bless this bread with your love.
In the presence of the Mother Goddes and the Father God
This bread is blessed.”

(For more elaborate rituals, all of the food may be blessed at one time in a similar manner.)

Release the circle.

Go to each of the Elemental quarters and say:

“I bid farewell to the Spirit of the North, (East, West, South)
Thank you for your presence in this Sacred Circle.
Go now with bright blessings and spread your power.”

Thank the Goddess and the God in a similar manner.

Then say:

“The Circle is open, but not unbroken.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
Until we meet again
Blessed Be!!!”

Please remember that ritual tools are just props. And there will be occasions when you will want to cast an impromptu circle and you don’t have any tools with you. While they can help put you in the right frame of mind for creating rituals, your *magic* is within you. You have the ability to manifest wonderful energy, whether you have a magic wand or not. This is the basic circle casting that I use. Words and altar setups change depending on the type of circle you are casting and the ritual you are performing. Read books and practice writing your own rituals often and discover the spiritual soul that resides within.

HARVEST BLESSINGS: A LAMMAS RITUAL

HARVEST BLESSINGS: A LAMMAS RITUAL

by TaTa Chakra a.k.a. TerraFire

From Oct 98-Oct 99 I had the great blessing of living in a run down farmhouse at the foot of Mount Pisgah just southeast of Eugene, Oregon. I knew when I moved in that my stay there would be impermanent but I quickly grew deeply attached to the beauty of this five-acre property.

The man who had lived there before my housemates and I was an avid gardener whose devoted labor had turned an acre of the property from old river bed full of blackberries into a resplendent garden of visual delight. Because this man had been on good terms with many of the local green witches there were many people, mostly women who came to the garden to harvest the herbs and make herbal medicines. The man had also planted plum apple, peach, cherry and asian pear trees. There were logan berries, gooseberries red and gold raspberries, elderberries and of course many many blackberries. He had trained the blackberries over a bower and around the fence so that they created a privacy screen.

Behind the 16 more or less straight garden rows which had an irrigation system, was a ritual circle with three rings of wildflowers. My housemates and I dug a fire pit in the middle of this circle. We also began to keep bees, which was something that I had longed to do for many years. Bees are very sacred to me and the sound of their humming buzz is one I have always associated both with the cone of power and with my own inner guidance.

There were many lovely trees on this property as well, besides the fledgling fruit trees, there were two transplanted redwoods, not more than 30 years old, three old black walnuts  to which we assigned the archetypes of maiden, mother and crone. The plant being that I grew most attached to was a Cottonwood tree, which was at least 75 years old. This tree was at the far northwest side of the property just 6ft from both edges of the property line.

A thick growth of mugwort had been planted against the fence. The cottonwood tree welcomed me as her magical companion. I regularly meditated by the tree, created a directional invocation with her, held counseling sessions, taught classes and also did trance work laying in the grass beneath her branches with a mugwort breeze drifting over me. My housemate called the place fennel farm because no matter how much fennel we weeded out more sprang up in its place. Fennel Farm was the most idyllic place I have ever lived and the perfect setting for the 3rd annual Luscious Leo Lammas party.

The Luscious Leo Lammas party was a brainstorm of how to create a public ritual space with the organization Cauldron of Changes and simultaneously celebrate my birthday (Aug 1st) and the birthday of my dear friend Mike (Aug 7th). I also had several other close Leo friends whose birthdays could not be ignored, (take my advice: never ignore a Leo’s birthday if you hope to be close to them).

For several years we had held the party and ritual at Mike’s house in town but this year it would be at Fennel Farm and bigger and better than ever. In addition to the ritual we had a keg, a huge vegan birthday cake (it was Eugene, remember), party lights and tiki torches, a stage for performance of poetry and music and we also hired a local African Dance troupe “Foli Kan”. We made crowns for all of the Leo’s to wear and had a kids activity area.

Lots of people came prepared to sleep over night in tents and we prepared the neighbors and invited them to join in. I had written a special invocation chant for the Goddess and God and practiced this and a directional invocation song with a small group of other priests and priestesses. We spent a considerable time preparing the ritual space and gathering our ritual tools and props. As Night began to fall Mike and I (High Priest and Priestess), gathered the ritual attendees together at the gate that lead into the garden and the ritual space beyond. We explained the ritual to everyone, what would happen in what order and taught them the chants. Then the High Priest picked up a tiki torch and lead a procession into the ritual space singing “We are a circle within a circle” by the group Welcome to Annwyfn.

As the group of about 80 people created a circle entering the ritual gate in the east and traveling clockwise around to take their spaces, I walked the outer perimeter with my smoky quartz athamé casting the circle three times. The group continued to sing “we are a circle” as each directional priest/ess in turn raised their voice above the group to call in their direction. In the East the song goes “You hear us sing. You hear us cry, Now hear us call you, Spirits of Air and Sky” which the directional priest finished by marking an invoking pentacle in the Eastern Watchtower with his athamé. He completed the invocation by lighting the three Tiki Torches set in the East.

Three more rounds of the chant were sung before the Southern Priestess sang out loud and clear, “Inside our hearts, there grows a spark, love and desire, a burning fire.” She raised her wand and drew an invoking pentacle on the Southern Watchtower. The song continued again and the Western Priestess sang, “Within our blood, within our tears, there lies the altar, of living water.” Holding the chalice another invoking pentacle was described and hung in the air in the Western quarter.

The North Priestess took her turn singing strongly “Take our fear, take our pain, take the darkness into the earth again.” Holding her paten up as invoking the northern pentacle. Then all the directions sang together “The circles closes, between the worlds, to mark a sacred space, where we come face to face.” And the song ended. The High Priest and I thanked everyone for coming to participate in our Lammas ritual. We explained that we were going to chant to draw down the Goddess and God into each other. We called the God to us and into the High Priest. We Called the Goddess to us and into the High Priestess.  Everyone repeated this three line sing song refrain I AM THE GOD, I AM THE DIVINE, I AM THE DIVINE And the priest responded with the following: IN THE DARK I’M THE NIGHT IN THE DAY I’M THE LIGHT. Then everyone sang the Goddess chorus which was simply: I AM THE GODDESS, I AM THE DIVINE, I AM THE DIVINE and the priestess responded ” I AM THREE I AM ONE AND I CAN’T BE UNDONE”. While this sounds complex on paper it was rather simply done and the text of this singing invocation are given here in completion:

Singing Invocation of God and Goddess

Chorus refrain A: I am the God I am the Divine, I am the Divine

Chorus refrain B: I am the Goddess I am the Divine I am the Divine

Chorus A God response: In the Dark I’m the Night In the Day I’m the Light

Chorus B Goddess Response:       I am Three I am One And I can’t be Undone

Chorus A God response:     I am Young I am Old I am Green Black and Gold

Chorus B Goddess Response:       Maiden Mother and Crone In them Each I am Home

Chorus A God response:     I’m the Flowering Rod I’m the Bountiful God

Chorus B Goddess Response:      I am tree I am snake I will keep you awake

Chorus A God response:     I am Hoof I am Horn As I Leap through the Corn

Chorus B Goddess Response:       I Spiral and Wind As I Labrynth through Time

Chorus A God response:          I’m the One Inbetween I’m the Seen and Unseen

Chorus B Goddess Response:       I’m both Woman and Man Alchemist that I Am

Finish with both Priest & Priestess hands joined singing:

In My Heart and My Mind I am the Divine

The Priestess says: The God is Amongst us, Blessed Be!

The Priest Says: The Goddess is Amongst Us, Blessed Be!

After the invocation, the ritual continued with an explanation of Lammas, The High Priest and Priestess asked participants to look around them at the bounties of the earth and to think upon all of the goodness and wealth that the planet offers us daily. Their words spoken here were in the form of spontaneous offerings from the deities invoked. They explained that Lammas was the first harvest of three harvests, that this was the time of harvesting fruits and flowers, the time to celebrate community and friendships, the time to begin storing things for the coming time of darkness.

As the Description of Lammas ended the Priest and Priestess started Charlie Murphy’s chant “It’s the blood of the Ancients that runs through our veins, And the forms pass, but the circle of life remains” And as the drummers chimed in and the group picked up the chant the Priest and priestess took up a basket and bowl respectively and revealed a Mystery to all the participants in groups of two or three around the entire circle. The Priest showed his basket full of harvested fruits, vegetables and grains saying solemnly “This is the God” and the priestess showed her bowl of rich garden soil saying solemly “This is the Goddess”.

When the Showing of the Mystery was complete a brief grounding meditation was led and each person was asked to answer the Question “What Magickal gift is present in your life right now?” Participants were asked to think of the blessings of this gift to experience it’s presence in their life and to make their awareness of it as big as possible.

They were instructed to focus on the sense of gratitude and blessing and send it off to the earth and sky to anyone in need of it during the cone of power. The cone of power was facilitated by high priest and priestess with the help of the directional priest/esses and began with our imitation of bees buzzing. After several minutes of our toning getting progressively higher the cone was sent off and then held in resonance as we fell to the ground, earthing the energy. Several minutes of silence followed before the priest and priestess arose and moved again to the central altar. They brought out local Blackberry wine and freshly made blackberry juice and a rack of fresh honey comb. The Priest said the Feasting Blessing (from Starhawk’s The Spiral Dance, p.169)

All Life is Your own, All fruits of the earth Are fruits of your womb Your union, your dance. Goddess and God We thank you for blessings and abundance Join with us, feast with us, Enjoy with us! Blessed Be.

And we took the honey and wine and juice to each person as they laughed and made jokes and began to dance and sing again. When all had eaten and some had seconds, it was time to “devoke” the deities and directions, earthing again the powers we had raised and acknowledged. God and Goddess, each direction in turn were invited to leave and thanked for their presence. We sang “The Circle is Open” of course ending with Merry Meet and Merry part and merry meet again.

It has been a moving process for me to share this ritual with you, to consciously re-enter my experience of that sacred day in that beautiful and sacred place where I had the good fortune to live for a while. I hope that our ritual may inspire further rituals, that we humans may become more and more compelled to experience and express our closeness to the earth and our gratitude for her bounty. Blessed Be.

HOW TO DESIGN RITUALS AND SPELLS

The Lesser Banishing Pentagram Can Be Used To Cleanse A Working Area When
Preparing, Or To Close A Spell Or Ritual Down. Be sure that all energies are
removed from the area. The LBR can also be written in before the opening and at
the closing. The LBR should definitely be incorporated in the following
instances:

There has been an argument or an extremely emotional outburst in the same room
you are working in within the last 24 hours.

There are guests attending that you have never met before.

One of your guests occasionally follows the left hand path (they could be
dragging something along with them).

The group contains possible inflammatory personalities.

Whenever you sense negative energies or the presence of hostility.

All Rituals Should Invoke A Deity. If other forces are invoked as well, always
invoke the deity first (this does not apply to calling the quarters). Elemental
energies should normally be invoked last (they are most likely the lowest form you will ever use). If calling elemental forces, always call on the Kings of the
Elementals before the elementals themselves.

Don’t Overkill In A Ritual/Spell. Figure out the ritual/spells purpose and build
slowly, incorporating all necessary items. Recheck your work. Add only a few
asides if necessary. Do not include overly long passages, poems, etc. No one
likes to stand around for forty-five minutes listening to a droning recitation.

Make Sure the Ritual Officers Are Not The Only Ones Doing The Work. At the very
least, every one should be joining in responses (such as so mote it be’ or ‘hail
and farewell’). Group participation can also be called upon at the calling of a
quarter. The group minds works together better if everyone is included at some
point.

Never Put Anything In A Ritual/Spell That You Do Not Understand. For example, if
you have never worked with elementals and don’t know how to address them or what
they are to do, don’t throw them in because it makes the ritual/spell look
elaborate. If invocations or other passages are in foreign tongue, don’t use
them because they sound cool. First, you must know exactly what you are saying.
Second, you must know how to say it. Often passages are important for their
tonal quality as well as their meaning.

Outline A Ritual/Spell Before You Write It, whether it is short or complex. You
do not want to miss any steps.

Make Sure You Know What Sort Of Energies and Step Elements Your Ritual/Spell
Needs For The Purpose You Have In Mind. You wouldn’t be dealing with ghosts at
Beltane. Keep the elements, steps, and goal in mind when writing rituals/spells.
You should have several source books from which to work. The best rituals/spells
are those you write yourself, or those the group mind has written for your
Tradition. However, in the past, groups and covens have dissolved out of sheer
boredom. Don’t let this happen to your group. Keep it interesting and keep it
Fun!

Major Rituals And Most Minor Works Should Have A High Point Or Climax Of Some
Sort. Ritual is dramatic vehicle and the intent of the participants is
strengthened by the excitement. The climax of the ritual should coincide with
something goal related to the group, the deity, or the season. If your ritual is
casting a spell, the climax of the ritual is the body of the spell, the rest of
the ritual should revolve around it. At Yule, the climax is the Goddess giving
birth to the new Son/Sun. Everything in ritual should revolve around a
particular theme.

Make Sure That The Words And Gestures Of The Ritual Suit Each Other. For
example, you wouldn’t cast a spell for Universal Love with a sword, or display
fruits or harvest props at a Yule ritual. Choose the correct incense, candle
colors, etc. These are as important as the invocation, which should be
especially designed for the ritual/spell.

Be Able To Recite Your Altar Devotion, Circle Casting, And Quarter Calls In Your
Sleep. Even if you mess up the rest of the ritual/spell or stumble somewhere
else, YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE A MISTAKE ON THESE.

Try Not To Throw Rituals/Spells Together If You Can Help It. Good planning leads
to a great ritual. However, be prepared for missing people, upsets of various
kinds, missing notes, forgotten lines, etc. Humans are not perfect and errors
will occur. Do not act like it is the end of the world if a glitch nuzzles its
way into the ritual. A good high priest or high priestess can overcome all
difficulties without emotion.

Choose Your Quarter People And Other Players Wisely. Don’t always let the
experienced people do it. Make sure everyone in the group has several chances to
fill these positions. It is the only way they can learn. When you are teaching
someone else, or an entire group, learn when to step back and allow them to
perform, even if it is your favorite thing to do. When Overseeing A
Ritual/Spell, Learn When To Let Your Student Sink Or Swim. Sometimes the only
way you can tell if they are learning is to let them make mistakes. Likewise,
learn when to step in without being a know it all. When Overseeing A
Ritual/Spell, Learn When To Let Your Student Sink Or Swim. When Overseeing A
Ritual/Spell, Learn When To Let Your Student Sink Or Swim.

If You Are Working With A Mixed Group (Yes, Boys and Girls) Try To Keep The
Ritual/Spell In Balance As Much As Possible. However it is okay to design a
ritual/spell where only the three faces of the Goddess, or the three faces of
the God, are the focal point. This will keep your rituals/spells interesting and
refreshing. Just don’t do it all the time.

Do Not Throw Your Degree Around In Rituals. In home rituals (seat of the coven)
do not delineate with unusual garb between degrees and do not relegate them to
special quarters.

When Attending Someone Elses Rituals/Spells Do Not Tell The Host How Bad Their
Ritual/Spell Was. Neither should you give it a rave review, then pick apart the
finer points. This is very bad breeding. They went to a great deal of trouble to
have you as a guest. Don’t consider yourself the most important person there,
because you are not. If you think they did a good job, say so. If you think you
could have done better, thats your business, but do not share this opinion on
your host. If you do, you’ve just put yourself beneath anything they could have
done wrong. If you are attending one of your own students rituals, likewise say
nothing that evening. Later, when the rush is over, you can go over the ritual,
step by step, and work out any bugs.

From 1996 Lwellyn Magical Almanac, by MaraKay Rogers and Silver Ravenwolf, page
200-203

Circle Casting

Circle Casting

Why do we cast a circle? We cast a circle for protection from what may be attracted to what we are doing. There are times when spirits that do not wish us to succeed will be drawn by the power that we raise during a circle. Sometimes it is beneficial to cast a circle to lay down a boundary between the ill will that pagans sometimes encounter as they walk on their path. The circle itself is a reminder that we are now in a different time and space, and that this space is special.

The circle is a container as well. It is used to hold the energy that is raised until it is time to release it to whatever end we are working towards. If it was not there, the energy that we raised would have to be directed into a container rather than letting it swirl around in the one that has already been created. It is far easier to tell if there has been enough energy raised when you are moving directly through it than it is to tell if there is enough in the container.

Finally, the circle exists as a link to the people that have cast circles and gathered together in the past, and a link to those that will cast them in the future. It is a continuation of a chain that has evolved over thousands of years, passing information on and down throughout the ages. While there are very few religions that can trace their roots back into antiquity, it is undeniable that there are traces of those religions left, and that there are rites and ideas that have been passed down from one person to another throughout those long years. The circle is our way of trying to connect to those times gone by and it is our legacy to our children and their children for years to come.

Whether your circle has a physical boundary, a boundary of thought, or whether it is simply a grove of trees that is circular, the ideas are still there. The circle is a construct of the mind, an idea that passes between groups. It is the idea of a scares space and sacred time.

Why do we do ritual? Ritual is a way of trying to connect to something that is greater than the self. It is a link to other people and other beings; a link to times past and future. When people come together to celebrate their idea of the sacred, it is a sharing of something that is intangible and profound. It is a way to experience the divine that surrounds us in nature and is a part of ourselves that is not always understood. Ritual is a time for joy to be expressed in the celebration of the seasons and a time for sorry to be shared in the cycles of life that take our friends and loved ones from us and a time for everything in between.

It seems almost innate for people to come together to share this idea of the sacred. While the idea of what sacred is varies from people to people, there are very few cultures that do not espouse some version of the ideas of the sacred being a time set apart from secular life. Many cultures choose to make the goals of the two similar, thus ensuring that both are successful. Religion, it would seem, is something that is almost an inborn need of humans, a way of processing the things that we do not understand and of being able to celebrate them.

Why do we place the elements of ritual in a particular order? The simple answer is that it makes it easy for more than one person to follow what is happening when there is a common order to what is being done. The not so simple answer is that there is a logical progression from start to end to rituals that allow people to perform their rites in the simplest and easiest manner possible, allowing more people to participate.

Paganism is a group of religions that tends to frown on a centralized religious structure, and so it is important that more people be able to perform these rituals. Simplicity and structure gives the ability of those who do not wish to spend years mastering the smallest component of a ritual to participate as well. Common sense also plays a part in the order of a ritual. For most people, it makes sense to cast a circle and cut it off from the world outside before inviting the gods and elements as it is somewhat rude to make them stand around and wait, or call them and then cut them off from the ritual as you cast your circle. Some, however, find that it makes more sense to cleanse and purify the area, bring everyone in, and then cast the circle and invite the gods. Still others call the gods first and then cast the circle. As with anything, each person must decide what works best for them and why.

Where do we place things in a ritual? When thinking about where to place an event in a ritual, it is necessary to examine that event to find out what the results might be, or the reason that it is being done. If you are going to Draw Down the Moon (Call a Goddess into a person), then you need to consider just how tiring this is going to be for that person. Will they want to run and jump around to raise energy after? Is the Goddess likely to want that sort of thing?

If a person were going to do a drawing down for a God and Goddess, doing that before the Great Rite would make sense as it is a rite that takes the opposites of male and female and uses that polarity to make the rite that much stronger. Ritual creation takes the ability to think about the small details such as this and form them into a larger, successful whole.

How do we know when it is right to do something and when it is not? Start to decide this by thinking of the outcome of the ritual. What is the purpose that you are getting together for? If you are doing a healing, it would be good to invite gods that have that particular aspect. If you are doing a binding or a deconsecration, choose gods that deal with endings. If you are celebrating Beltaine, a fertility holiday, don’t invoke a Crone goddess who is past her fertile years.

The yardstick that any witch must use in creating a ritual is “Does it make sense to do it this way?” If it does not make sense, then find a different way of doing the event that does. There is no limit to what can be done with ritual. There is no right or wrong way to do a ritual. If it does not make sense to call the quarters, then don’t. Because something has always been done need not mean that it should always be done. Similarly, don’t throw out tradition unless it makes sense to do so.