A Ritual to Honor the Mother Goddess

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!"

Casting a Circle
From the book "Power of the Witch" by Laurie Cabot

1. Remove all animals and small children from the area and any furniture that you do not want to be inside your circle.

2. Set up your altar before you cast the circle.

3. Locate magnetic north with a compass and, holding the wand out from your body, go into alpha and see the wand's aura extending out from it, especially at the tip.

4. Visualize the tip of the wand creating a circle of light and energy, like a lazer, as you walk clockwise three times around the area. The circumference drawn by the wand's tip will be the edge of your circle. Project white light out from the wand to create the circle of energy. In your mind see the circle as geometrically perfect and say to yourself that it is.

5. Walk the circle the second time around and say out loud, "I cast this circle to protect me / us from all negative and positive energies and forces on any level that may come to do me / us harm. I draw into this circle only the energies and forces that are right for me / us and the most correct for my / our work."

6. Walk the circle the third time and say, "I create sacred space. So mote it be."

7. Invoke the four directions and the energies of the elements, angels, and powers that reside in them by using the athame, wand, sword, or index finger to draw an invoking pentagram as you face each direction. Use a ritual spell of invocation or one you write for yourself.

8. To open a circle hold the wand out over the circumference of the circle and, beginning at magnetic north, walk once around the circle counterclockwise as you say, "I send this circle into the cosmos to do my / our bidding. The circle is undone but not broken."

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Centering Ritual

Purpose:

To establish a calm place to think.

To reconnect to your center.

To listen to the small voice within.
 

Timing:

Any time you need centering.
 

Materials:

None.
 

Preparation:

If you meditate regularly and have a ritual or routine that helps you prepare, use it.
 

This ritual may be done anywhere and anytime. Just make sure you will not be disturbed. Visualize if you need to.
 

Part 1- Preparing the Space
 

Face East:

I greet the Spirits of the East

Who inspires Inspiration in all of us

Come and join with me

For you are welcome here.
 

Face South:

I greet the Spirits of the South

Who inspires Compassion in all of us

Come and join with me

For you are welcome here.
 

Face West:

I greet the Spirits of the West

Who inspires Faith in all of us

Come and join with me

For you are welcome here.
 

Face North:

I greet the Spirits of the North

Who inspires Wisdom in all of us

Come and join with me

For you are welcome here.
 

Move back to the center:

I greet the Spirits Within

 Who inspires Understanding in all of us

Come and join with me

For you are welcome here.
 

Part 2- Preparing the self

Sit in the center facing whichever direction you feel most comfortable. Visualize or touch each body part as you say the following:
 

I bless my Mind

So that it will always be open to understanding.
 

I bless my Eyes

So that they will always be able to see the truth.
 

I bless my Ears

 So that they will always hear what is said.
 

I bless my Mouth

So that it will always speak honestly.
 

I bless my Heart

So that it will always be full of love.
 

I bless my Hands

So that they will always build for the good of all.
 

I bless my Womb

So that it will always spark creativity.
 

I bless my Feet

So that they will always walk in balance.
 

I bless my Soul

So that it will always guide me home.
 

Take time to listen to yourself and know that the answer you seek is within you. Be open and let the answer flow freely on this journey within.
 

Part 3- Giving Thanks
 

Face East:

I bid farewell to the Spirits of East

Open to the Inspiration you inspired

 Attuned to the energied of Air

Thankful for your attendance.
 

Face South:

I bid farewell to the Spirits of South

Open to the Compassion you inspired

Attuned to the energied of Fire

Thankful for your attendance.
 

Face West:

I bid farewell to the Spirits of West

Open to the Faith you inspired

Attuned to the energied of Water

Thankful for your attendance.
 

Face North:

I bid farewell to the Spirits of North

Open to the Wisdom you inspired

Attuned to the energied of Earth

Thankful for your attendance.
 

Stand in the Center:

I bid farewell to the Spirits Within

Open to the Understanding you inspired

Attuned to the energied of the Spirit

 Thankful for your attendance.
 

So Mote It Be.

---

Consecration Of Chalice, Athame Or Other Tool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presentation For Chalice
 
 

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

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

So mote it be.
 
 

Presentation For Athame
 
 

(God Name), thunderer & hammer wielder, bless this athame. Let it be as the spring rains which fall upon the earth to cause Her to bring forth Her bounty.
 
 

Let it quicken my hopes and dreams, yet keep them from causing harm. Let it guide them in the harmony of the seasons, bringing forth only good for all.
 
 

(God Name), bless this athame, (name of athame), that it be used ever in the worship and honor of the Gods.
 
 

(Goddess Name), companion to the Thunderer, lover of the Gods, bless this athame that it shall bring forth joy, and shall cause no pain nor disharmony to any.
 
 

I dedicate this athame (name athame), symbol of the Defender and Rain Maker, to Thy service. May it ever bring Thee joy and pride.
 
 

So mote it be.
 
 

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

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Protection Ritual

This ritual provides a protective non-aggressive shield.
Requirements are:
Taper.
Five candles.
Five small containers for water.
Incense and Thurible or censor.
Salt.
Water.
Feather or fan.
Sword/Athame.
Stone or Crystal.
Mirror.
A five pointed star is scribed upon the ground. Its apex at the Northern
quarter.
At each point a placed a candle.
And a small receptacle for water.

Cast Circle.
"Upon this Earth do I move and have being,
Blessed be the Earth!
I, who govern the works of fire,
shall sprinkle with
the lustral waters of the loud resounding sea.
And, when all phantoms have vanished,
thou shalt see that formless fire,
that fire which darts and flashes
through the hidden depths of the universe.
Hear thou the voice of the fire!
Within me flows the breath of life,
about me flows the breath of living."
 

Standing Centre invoke Guardians/Elementals.
1.
"Ye mighty ones of the watchtowers lend thy aid to me,
within the symbol of the five point star.
this I beseech of thee.
Lords of the elementals of Air and Fire, Water and Earth,
I request thee to so instruct thy servant
that I may be obedient unto our wishes."
2.
Spirits of Air and Fire, Water and earth,
I adjure thee to do my bidding
Hear now my command.
set thou about me and all that is mine,
a sphere of my conjuration,
to so protect me from all harm,
that I may go about My life pursuits in peace.
Let no evil nor adverse force approach,
let only that which is beneficial come nigh
This I charge thee through the might of thy lords and their seniors.
This is my command, this is my command,
and such shall stand as I desire
 

Air:- circumambulate with Fan/Feather saying:-
 "A mighty wind encompass Me to keep me from all harm" (Visualise0
Fire:-Circumambulate with taper. lighting each candle at points.
 "A fiery shield of golden flame to banish every charm" (Visualise)
Water:-Circumambulate with water. pouring drop into each Receptacle
 "A darksome moat, of shining sheen to trap the wary spy". (Visualise)
Earth:- circumambulate with Stone/Crystal.
 "A rocky wall of sharpened peaks invisibly rise high" (Visualise)

Priest,
 "I conjure forth a fortress of impenetrable strength.
  Let there be about me and that which is mine a garment of Air, and Fire,
Water and Earth. let no adverse forces pass between its weave.
Air...By the watchers of the Eastern quarter, shall I be shielded that no

harm befall you through the powers of Air.
Fire...By the watchers of the Southern quarter shall I be shielded, that
no
harm befall you through the powers of Fire.
Water..By the watchers of the Western quarter shall I be shielded, that no
harm befall you through the powers of water.
Earth...By the watchers of the Northern quarter shall I be shielded, that

no harm befall you through the powers of earth.
(Taking up the Mirror say:-)
I invoke and call upon thee, threefold Goddess of the Moon. Zarunna of the
secret name, Queen of the moonlit sea. thee I invoke

Mother of the Moon and calm waters, let thy light fall upon me.
Aid me with thy power to set between us here and that which would seek to

harm me, a mirror of power. let that mirror reflect all harmful forces to

their origins, let that evil which they express be returned to them
threefold, until full recompense is made
(Hold mirror outward and Circumambulate saying:

"That which comes of evil intent, by mirror here be backward sent.
 By all the powers of land and sea, returned threefold shall it be"

Return Centre and pause for short period.

Rise and give thanks to the Guardians and the Lady and close your circle.

Your rite is ended.. Blessed Be!

---

Self Blessing Ritual

Ingredients:

 Salt

 Wine or Juice

 Water

 Candle
 
 

Sprinkle the salt on the floor and stand on it.

Light the candle.

 Mix the water and wine together.

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.

---

House Blessing

Assemble:
1.Salt & Water
2.Incense (fire and air)
3.Milk & Honey
4.Oil (for anointing)
5.Wine (for offering)
6.Bells, Pots, Pans, Whistles, etc.

Cast a circle in the main room (livingroom) and after casting, visualize the circle
expanding to include the entire house. Call upon the spirits and energies living in the
house (or apartment). Invite those who will be harmonious with the new household and
its energies to remain. Invite/ask those who will be happier elsewhere to depart.
Release all "energies" not compatible with the new household. (This may be expressed
as a "release" in order to unbind anything that may be stuck.)

Then call upon, greet, and invite ancestors, patron deities, and all harmonious spirits
and energies to dwell in the house as they please.

Gather up the pots, pans, and all the noise-makers. Go to each door and window, not
forgetting the fire-place and dog-door, making as much racket as humanly possible-to
shoo out anything unwanted. (This is hysterical fun, and also raises lots of energy for the
next important step.) Go again throughout the house and at each portal (door, window,
etc.) sprinkle salt-water and cense, saying: "By the Elements I purify and charge this
portal." Then anoint the portal with milk and honey, saying: "By Milk and Honey I ensure
prosperity and peace within this place." Finally, anoint the portal with oil, saying: "With
Oil I seal this portal and protect all within." At the front door a special prayer is said,
asking the guardian deities (God & Goddess) to freely grant entry to all friends and
loved ones, and to prevent passage (turn aside) to any who would do harm." Then, if it's
a house-pour wine across the width of the threshold; if it's an apartment anoint the
threshold with light touches of wine.

The house-holders then each take a sip of wine, leaving some as an offering to the
Gods, and the Circle should be closed. The remaining wine, milk, and honey should be
offered to the Gods. (In our case to the fruit tree and the oak tree in our yard.)

Addenda: This is very effective if done as part of a house-warming party, followed by
much feasting. It has also been done very effectively by two people. It only takes about
30 minutes to do a large house. You can take the time.

Do make certain to "ground" afterward, by closing the circle and by eating. This ritual
can "stir" up everybody and make the house feel full of "buzzy" energy.

House Blessing Notes
In the spirit of house blessings, and because I'm basically a kitchen witch at heart, and
like little projects over serious ritual, I offer some selections gleaned from Cunningham's
The Magical Household. I'm typing these without permission but with the hope that they'll
inspire you to pick up the Cunningham book, because it's wonderful stuff...:>

For the doorway:
 

      Suspend over the door a fresh sprig of dill, tied with a blue cord (or red, if you
      prefer), to prevent those who mean you harm from entering.

      Cross two needles, and stick into or tie onto a corner of your doormat, to prevent
      evil from entering.

      Grind Dragon's Blood herb into a powder and sprinkle it on door and window sills,
      to protect your house from harm.

---

Broom Blessing I consecrate this broom Not only as a tool of my craft, But as a symbol of my faith. Sprinkle salt on the broom I bless this broom with the spirit of Earth, of rocks and trees, of comfort and security. Brush broom with a feather I bless this broom with the spirit of Air, of bells and feathers, of spirit and mind. Touch candle flame (very quickly ) to broom I bless this broom with the spirit of Fire, of spice and flame, of courage and energy. Sprinkle water on the broom I bless this broom with the spirit of Water, of pearls and shells, of emotion and cleansing. Blow your breath across the broom I bless this broom with the spirit of Life, that together we may honor the Lord and Lady.

---

 

A Wand Dedication Ritual

Finally, a suggestion for dedicating your wand before you first use it. Perform this with visualization.

If the wand is made of wood, take it outside at sunset and rub it with fresh lavender, eucalyptus or mint leaves. Raise it towards the east and invoke the Goddess. In the morning, at sunrise, take it outside and invoke the Goddess by rubbing it with more fresh leaves and holding it up to the east again.

 

 

Purpose:
The purpose of this ritual, is to thank the gods for Their blessing throughout the ending day and to ask them to be with you throughout the coming day. To meditate upon the day's activities and to prepare yourself for the coming day.

Tools:

• Red Candle (anointed)
• Herb(s) for tea
• Teapot (consecrated for this purpose only)
• Cup(s) (consecrated)
• Spouted Water Cup (consecrated)
• Container for herb(s) (consecrated)
• Pure Spring Water

Prepare by: cleansing the teapot, water cup and drinking cup(s), blending your herbs, (if necessary,) setting up a quiet, private place where you won't be disturbed, and boiling the spring water. Place the candle, herb container (with prepared herb(s) inside), Teapot and cup(s) in place in your ritual space. Bring the water to the ritual space in the spouted water cup, and begin:

Light the candle and, to the Goddess say:

Gracious Goddess,
You who are the Queen of the Gods,
The Lamp of Night,
The Creator of all that is wild and free;
Mother of woman and man;
Lover of the Horned God, and Protectress of all the Craft;
Descend, I Pray,
With Your Lunar ray of power,
Upon my rite here!

And to the God say:

Blazing God,
You who are the King of the Gods,
Lord of the Sun,
Master of all that is wild and free;
Father of woman and man;
Lover of the Cresent Goddess, and protector of all the Craft;
Descend, I pray,
With Your Solar ray of power,
Upon my rite here!

Then, with the tip of your Athame inserted into the cup of water, intone this blessing:

O Lady of the Mountain Streams,
O Lord of The Green Glade Creek,
I call on You to bless and purify this water
With Solar rays and Lunar beams.

So mote it be!

With the tip of your Athame touching the Herbs, intone this blessing:

Thou has grown by favour of the Sun, the Moon, and of the dew.
I make this intercession, ye herb:
I beseech thee to be of benefit to me and my rite,
For thy virtues are unfailing.
Thou art the Dew of all the Gods,
The Eye of the Sun,
The Light of the Moon,
The Beauty and Glory of the Sky,
The Mystery of Terra.
I purify thee so that whatever is wrought by me with thee may,
In all its powers,
Have a good and speedy effect with good sucess.
Be purified by my prayer and be powerful!
So mote it be!

Place herbs in teapot and add water. While the tea is steeping, say a prayer to the gods, thanking Them for the ending day's blessings, and asking Them to bless you throughout the coming day.

Pour and drink the tea. While doing this, meditate on the day's activities and how they reflect on your life, and on your plans for the coming day. When finished, thank the Goddess and God for Their presence during this rite by saying:

O Mistress of the Holy Moon,
O Master of the Sacred Sun,
I give thy thanks for Your presence here,
And blessings given.
I now bid Thee farewell.

Blessed Be!

Hail fair Moon,
Ruler of the Night;
Guard me and mine
Until the Light.
Hail fair Sun,
Ruler of the Day;
Rise on the morn
To Light my Way!

So mote it be!