Spiral Essence Coven

Spiral Essence

By Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

May clarity and wisdom blossom within us

Open each eye and to the glory of this world
Cleanse us of our ills
As the spiraling essence draws all creation

Open our tender hearts to awareness
Fill our souls with Understanding
May our life be of service to the Dreaming Song
That music that fills our souls

Open our lives to dedication and trust
Hold our lives within your brilliance
May we remember always, within us all,
the purity of the Spiral Essence

The History of Spiral Essence

The coven was founded on Dec 13, 2006 and the original members were Shealeyine, Tariel Nimara Ebonwing, Cerridwen Dahmianna Nightwind and Nick. A Yahoo!Group was formed to discuss the group.

Nick left the Coven March 30, 2007.

Nich'elle Ebonwing was inducted into the Coven on July 8, 2007 and initiated on Yule 2007. Also, on Yule 2007,  Shealeyine, Tariel Nimara Ebonwing and Cerridwen Dahmianna Nightwind were rededicated. During this time, the initial design prototype 1 was developed for the coven's medallions.

The Spiral Essence Membership Book and Book of Shadows was started on Monday, March 24, 2008 by the founding members.

Random Info!

Who Does What!

Yule and Litha are organized by Cerridwen Dahmianna Nightwind
Samhaine and Beltane are organized by Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing
Mabon and Imbolc are organized by Rhea Shealeyine
Ostara and Lammas are organized by Nich'elle Ebonwing

Yule Celebrations

We do White Elephant celebrations and they need to come from something (metaphysically related) that is already in your house or possession. Give something the chance to REBIRTH!

GOALS

Big Coven Book of Shadows

(Loose leaf format of some sort, folds open easily, finish this book, Tariel writing/compiling, Dahminna is formatting)

Coven Altar

(everyone put stuff in and rededicate and keep temporarily in the cross box)

T he Mission Statement

The Spiral Essence Coven is dedicated to teaching, honoring or practicing the ways of Pagan Spirituality. We honor the Divine in whatever form they so desire and we strive to live harmoniously with nature and the Earth through love, conservation and respect. We wish to have a warm, relaxed environment that is conducive to learning and love.

The God and Goddess resides in all people regardless of age, race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.

We shall learn acceptance and devotion despite the trials that may withhold us. We shall know and understand that learning is about testing and battling our internal and external demons. We shall also know that we must stress our emotional and inner boundaries to grow and change in positive and loving ways.

We shall invoke the energies of the world and the divine around and within us to promote emotional, physical and spiritual healing. We will find comfort, acceptance and honor in the coven around us. We will learn and augment our personal strength with humility and temperance. We shall find magick in everything we do.

We shall bide within the Law, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.

....An We Harm None, We Do What We Will....

T he Coven Logo

Picture and text By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

Two supporters, the unicorn, a symbol of purity, and the griffin, a guardian energy, hold an intricate Celtic knot, Triskelion and Pentacles.  

A coven's logo should represent and augment a coven's mission and goals. It is a focal point for the group, incorporating dreams, thoughts and ideas that are present in each member. It is a tool for learning, educating and focusing the members. Each of the following sections details the aspects of the symbol.

The Triskelion

(aka Triskele or Triple Spiral)

The Focal point of the symbol is the ancient and powerful Triskelion (three pointed Celtic spiral), held lovingly in the caressing branches of an ancient tree. The Triskelion carries much in the way of symbolism. It can be the triple goddess (maiden, mother and crone), the triple God and to some the Holy Trinity (Mary, Jesus and God or the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost). Originally speculated to have been derived from Celtic or Gaulish influence, the Triskelion has been present throughout Greek, Roman, Italian, Spanish and throughout Europe. However, the design is simple enough and the number three sacred enough through so many cultures that it is difficult to locate the original birthplace of this sacred emblem.

This series of three interlocking spirals has a fourth spiral in the center. The initial large purple spiral is held in a circle to represent the circle of life (or womb). The Triskelion is purple for that is the color of Spirit, psychic power and magick. The white spiral in the center is the spiral of the coven, white for the beginning egg (and/or sperm) from whence we all derive from. Along that same vein to represent the coven, it also symbolizes the three founding members which have sustained their membership.

As a secondary effect, The center (darkness, the Triskelion and the small white spiral) displays the primordial darkness and the full moon shining --- with the Triskelion displayed atop the full moon. Second, it can is the eternal dark oceans and its spiraling waves and whirlpools. The dark Triskelion that lightens to the center reflects the change from the darkness to our inner light. It also represents the movements of the air and the way it shifts and the vortex the wind creates. It is also the bright pale parts of flames and the dark, cooler parts of the fire. Looking down on it, it could be a cauldron that holds the elements and the spiral of spirit within. It is also the darkness of the primal goddess and the begetting of the light, or god within.

Our coven is called Spiral Essence. Each of us believes in the spiral as the shape of all things at least at a minute level. Whether it is the spiral of the smallest atom, or if it is the spiral of the greatest tornado, the spiral is one of existence's greatest shapes. It is also the shape of a unicorn's horn, an animal liked by everyone in our coven, and loved by several. This  took a long time for me to devise and complete. I think it is one of my finest pieces. It maintained the simplicity and balance we were aiming for, yet created a complexity and duality that creates our own beliefs. The Triskelion is symbolic of the Celtic concept of the domains of material existence- earth, water, and sky, their sacred cosmology. Along the same vein its is their symbol of pregnancy (the sun describes a spiral in its movements every three months; a triple spiral represents nine months).

Spirals: Buds/Flowers, Nautilus, Whirl, Amanite, Tornado, Galaxy, Molecule, DNA helix, Animal Horns, Unicorn Horn, Tree Trunk Growth, Root and sprout growth, corkscrew, coils,

The Celtic Twisting Branches Knot

The overall impression of the focal point is that of a circular shape, representing the circle of life. A Celtic knot is both strong and delicately beautiful which is why it was used as the branch design. Each person is both strong, beautiful yet still delicate and full of life. The twisting branches can be considered either vine or tree branches. They represent the earth and the way it is both intricate with trees, branches, roots, rocks, animals and is in the eternal circular shape of the earth. It encompasses the other elements because it takes the sun (fire), water, soil (earth) and carbon dioxide (air) to sustain the tree (symbolizing life or spirit). There are seven knots in the twisting branches. Seven is a sacred number, the number of mysteries, occult and astrology.

The Pentacle

The pentagram is a five pointed star usually enclosed in a circle and it is most often a female object representing the element of earth. It is a powerful symbol of protection and each point represents the five elements, water, earth, fire, air and spirit. You can use it to consecrate other tools or focus your energy. Here is one common  way of referring to the points:

Earth: bottom left

Fire: Bottom right

Water: Upper right

Air: top left

Spirit: top point

It is also in the shape of a human body outstretched/spread eagle. The ancient symbol has been in Egyptian mythology and is still used today. If you have a pentagram on your palm, it is believed to be a symbol of magical potency in palmistry. The pentagram is the fourth sacred tool and also symbolizes union. Was honored by pythagoreans as the pentalpha.

The Unicorn

Unicorn is a god. He demands servitude and sacrifice. He stands out of reach, as fixed and brilliant as the stars. Serried ranks of unicorns keep guard like anthracite statues on the outer edges of our universe. Starlight catches on their horns; their molded flanks glisten with power.

Hail, Unicorn!  God of knowledge, a dark ghost on the fringes of man's consciousness, a pewter shadow in the leafless deserts of the mind.

        --- Josephine Bradley, In Pursuit Of The Unicorn (1980)

The Unicorn is one of our suppoters. It is the representation of the Goddess Aspect. It holds beneath its cloven hoof the Pentacle, a symbol of unity, detailed above.

The unicorn is one of the oldest mythological beings. It has traveled through lore as a single horned bull, antelope, horse, dragon and many other manifestations. It has been throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and further....it has pranced through tapestries, bestiaries, sculptures, paintings and more....It has been found on cave walls and has been featured in modern movies. It is easy to say that the unicorn is one of the most popular legendary creatures, and its popularity can only grow.

My first encounter with a unicorn was when I was little older than three. I was sleeping and I had a dream I was in a completely white room. There was a mirror that covered the wall on one side. I think it might have had golden edges, but its hard to say. Honestly, I was very young and I wasn't concerned about the mirror, only that I knew it was magical. I stared into it and suddenly I saw it warping white an silver. With a crash, I saw a magnificent white unicorn leap from the mirror. Shards of glass scattered everywhere. I think I might have screamed from the noise and glass. However, I was holding a stuffed unicorn and I know I was very happy. I don't remember any more of the dream.

Unicorns vary in appearance, but the most commonly accepted version is a single horned alabaster horse with a lions tail, beard and tufted legs. The unicorn has also been as small as a cat or been larger than a skyscraper. The unicorn has been a symbol of gods, demons, witches, Jesus and nearly every other archetype it seems. To me, the unicorn is the Horned God...or it is the sliver of the moon, whose sharp new moon shape is the sharpened horn. The unicorn is Artemis, Demeter, Pan....it is the horse, the child, the fae....

Many people think that you need to be a virgin in order to draw a unicorn. This is primarily a Christian concept and although its origins are shady, from what my research has been able to tell me it is contradictory to the original unicorn idea. The unicorn may only come to those who are pure of intention and possess a virtue beyond that the body can hold. It has normally been a divine being of goodness, however, that also has changed over the years.

The unicorn first appeared in mythology 3000 BCE in China and there were active sightings up until 1820. Although many people these days attest to seeing the magnificent creature, they are often ignored or discredited. Regardless of whether or not the unicorn exists, it is a creature of inspiration and power. Either way, the unicorn is a powerful symbol for myself and for people everywhere.

Unicorn Traits: getting where you want, virile, penetrating, libido, strength, purity, power, magick, elusive, solitary, selfless, immune to poison, ferocity, rain, immortality, serenity, nobility, alchemy, innocence, sacredness, chastity, good fortune, new life, intuition, subliminal sex, religiousness, sacrifice, gracefulness, love, wisdom, trust, sensitivity, protection, dreams, although the unicorn is a female archetype, the horse-like body and horn are male symbols, representing a combination of male and female, or mystic marriage, best displayed by the Ki-lin. In some medieval mythology, the unicorn and deer in the forest represented the three-fold nature of humans. In this mythology, the forest represented the body, the deer the soul and the unicorn the spirit.

Godesses/Gods: Diana, Artemis (they pulled her Chariot of Chastity), Demeter (In some stories it is said that the cornucopia was inspired by the unicorn), Horned God, some moon gods and goddesses, Amalthea (more of a magical goat than god, whose horn was said to break off to form the cornucopia. Now, it is also the name of the unicorn in The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, which has flavored modern unicorn mythology extensively). The triple goddess corresponds to the unicorn, in that, the three colors of the Greek alicorn correspond with the three colors of the goddess. The unicorn is related to Ra and Sirus because of the unicorn's relation to the Egyptian Obelisk. The horn represents the sword/horn of the Judeo god.

Astrology: During the reign of Englands James I and before, the female unicorn was accepted as a symbol of the moon. The sun and moon's nighttime dance was seen as a male lion pursuing a unicorn. As the moon waned, it meant the lion was eating away at the unicorn. Finally, the unicorn's horn would become deadly sharp, honing for the unicorn's defense (sliver moon, holy horn). Then, the unicorn would fight back, waxing, healing until it was whole and powerful. Then, the chase would continue again. During an eclipse, it was believed that the unicorn won the battle.

     The Lion-sun flies from the rising

    Unicorn-moon and hides behind the

    Tree or Grove of the Underworld;

    the Moon pursues, and, sinking in

    her turn, is sun slain.

— Robert Brown, the Unicorn: A Mythological Investigation (1881)

The unicorn is the spiritually advanced Capricorn. The two horns blending into one to create a single, powerful horn, this animal is called the “unicorn of God.” In Celtic moon astrology the holly tree symbolizes July 8-August 4 and is represented by the unicorn.

Elements: The unicorn's main element is Spirit (Energy, Akasha, ect). However, the unicorn's various powers attribute it to other elements as well. Depending on the specific unicorn, religious tradition and the individual unicorn has powers over other elements. Most unicorns display some kinship to earth and water.

Heraldry: The unicorn of heraldry was granted more nobility than previous writers had attributed to the animal. Following the lore of Physiologus's Christian unicorn, but giving the unicorn powerful horse-like hybrid strength created a newer, more powerful unicorn. The unicorn was on the English coat of arms, the Royal Arms of Scotland. The unicorn's aristocratic position was supported by the belief that the singular horn was representative of a singular monarchy or king...or a singular god...singular direction...ect....

In 15th century heraldry, the unicorn was often depicted collared. This symbolism may represent the raw nature passions of the unicorn being tamed. In more common images however, the chain binding the unicorn is shattered. This may mean that represent the breaking free of bondage and the refusal to be taken once again. 

Complimentary Creatures (These are creatures which are complimentary, adversaries or opposite the unicorn or its magick. They can create a yin-yang effect): Lion, Griffon, Dragon, Maiden/Virgin/Woman/Girl, tiger (Asian), dove (according to Jung the unicorn can shapeshift from a vicious unicorn into a gentle dove)

Associated Mythical Creatures: Dragon, Griffon,White Hart, Phoenix, Capricorn, Tortoise

Magick: Healing, protection, power, guidance, immortality, spirituality, Magick, concealment, purification, psychic power, gentleness, fertility, alchemical quest, curing the loss of innocence, sexuality, imagination, solitude, communicating with animals, knowledge of fauna, love/devotion, faeries, divination, serenity, dreams, astral flight, levitation, transformation

Locations: Beach, secluded/wild locations, meadows, glades, forests, waterfalls, under apple trees, faery realm, some “heavens,” Egyptian Obelisks.

Times: Dusk, dawn, 'tween times, solstices, equinoxes (particularly autumn, the unicorn mating season), moonlit nights, first frost, mornings, Tinne, Lammas, Sunset, sunrise, the full moon, August, dog days of cirus renders the alicorn as a symbol of power,

Flora: some flowers, apple, cinnamon, cedar, wild holly, wild strawberries, sugar maple, lilacs. (the unicorn is said to hide its treasure in a maple box buried under an apple tree), clover (especially red clover), apple blossoms, centaury, chicory, ferns, mosses, unicorn root (aletris farinosa)

Fauna: birds, nightingale, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, nuthatches, deer, horses, dragonflies*, butterflies, swans, peacocks* and colorful beetles*, doves, honeybees (because most unicorns love honey),  Tortoise, pheasant, sword fish, unicorn fish

The Griffin

"The griffin represents wisdom joined to fortitude, but wisdom is obliged to lead, and fortitude follow."

-Chassaneus by Alexander Nisbet

Drifting along a warm thermal, the horse-sized animal soars its wingspan casting a long shadow below it. Long amber hued wings spread in the waning light. Off its tawny golden fur, facets of pale light glisten along the feathers of dark brown that crest into a mane and point into its aquiline head. It sports a leonine tale, yet the lion's tufts of fur are replaced with long, shining feathers. The hind legs are that of a powerful lion's legs, thick and clawed. As its belly curves down into its massive chest, you see the fur of a lion give way to the powerful scaled legs and claws of a raptor. The talons that it sports are larger than bull's horns and sharper than knives. Landing on a sharp outcropping the majestic creature turns. Holding out its large talon, a crystalline pulse of violet energy coalesces then gives way to the  shape of a sacred pentagram. The amethyst energy of this protective symbol completes the image as the bird's piercing eyes turn to look at you.

Spellings for Griffin

gryphon, griffin and griffon

About the Griffin's Appearance

The griffin is a quadrupedal creature which most often resembles a cross between a lion and an eagle or other large bird of prey. Most often the griffin would have the body of a lion and have wings, front legs and the head of an eagle. The lion-like tail often has some feathering along the tail. The ears of the griffin are often tufted and are similar to horse's or ass's ears. The most notable reason these features exist is to

This chimerical creature possesses the quality of many animals

Eagle (wings, forefront): distant/strong vision (ability to see beyond this realm and also watch hidden treasures), speed, flight, dominion of sky, intelligence

Lion (hind end): majesty, courage, strength, dominion of earth

Variations on the Griffin (Gryphonic):

There are many variations on the griffin's appearance. Occasionally, there have been pictures of the griffin with a serpent for a tail, alluding to the chimera mythology. Some griffins have dragon-like wings or otherwise resemble dragons. The opinicus is a griffin with a longer feathered neck and with the front legs of a lion, not a bird. Sometimes, the plumage of the griffin changes and is not he golden/solar/sun hue. Aelian said that the griffin was white and the necks were blue of different hues. 

The most unique part of griffin mythology is how males and females differ. In many legends it was said that only the female griffin had wings. This dimorphism is best realized when comparing the male alce or keythong with the traditional more feminine griffin. The alce is rare and it has no wings. However, the keythong is even more rare. It is a male griffin that has spikes instead of wings and two straight long horns. In fact, many of these stories said that griffins were only females. In these stories they built nests and instead of laying normal eggs, they would lay eggs made of sapphires or agate. Sometimes they were said to lay three eggs which were greatly prized by nobility.

There is also the snake-griffin which had a lion's body, snakes head and the legs of a bird. The lion-griffin is more of a lion, however, it has the hind legs of a bird. The hippogriff (or hypogriff) is the mix of griffin and horse which was popularized in the recent Harry Potter series. This unique creature has the head, wings and front end of a griffin, yet its hind legs were that of a horse. The hippogriff is believed to be faster than the griffin or other winged horses. Normally, however, the horse was the griffin's favorite meal and it's more likely to eat a horse than try to procreate with it.

History and Lore of the Griffin

In Susa, Iran a familiar griffin form was found on a cylinder seal from 5000 BCE. The griffin first appeared in Egyptian art in 3300 BCE. Griffin or griffin-like creatures have appeared throughout early societies. Sometimes they are guardians or sometimes they are hunters. The homa, a Persian bird, was very similar to the Griffin and was used throughout their art and architecture. In addition, the homa was considered the guardian of light. The Scythians said that the griffins guarded the gold in the Scythian Steppes. They said that the griffins killed people who tried to take the gold. As proof, the Scythians presented petrified pieces of bone. There are several legends of gold hoarding griffins throughout the region.

Griffins appear frequently throughout art and craftsmanship. In addition to being featured in decorations or as guardians on a large scale, it was also seen in smaller arts. It was common in Greece to find griffin headed vases or cauldrons. It was also present in stories, poems and tales throughout the area.

Griffins impacted Christian theology in many ways as well. Griffins were said to be loyal and loving mates. They were completely monogamous and were said to never mate again if their mate died. This made them a symbol of marriage or remarriage. Additionally, because it was both mammal and avian, a cross of two different species, it was used as a symbol of Christ's mixed blood, human and divine. For these reasons, you will often find them on churches. The griffin was also said to be the adversary to the serpent or basilisk which was often a symbol of the Christian “Satan.”

Griffin Correspondences

Here are some metaphysical and traditional correspondences to help you greet, meet or understand the griffin.

Griffin Traits: guardianship, divinity, marriage, watchful and loyal, graceful and swift, rapacious and vengeful, monstrous and divine monogamy, wisdom, fortitude, vigilant strength, dual nature (living the divine and physical at once)

Goddesses/Gods: Sefer and Sefert, Apollo (pulled his chariot in some mythologies) and Nemesis(pulled her chariot and moved her wheel of fortune), Athena, Zeus (they were called the Hounds of Zeus), Pharaoh (pulled his/her chariot)

Elements: fire, air, gold

Heraldry: Wisdom Joined to Fortitude. One of the Queen's ten beasts. In heraldry a griffin always has eagle forelimbs. If it has leonine forelimbs it is instead called a opinicus. Having the griffin on the bearers heraldry meant that the person was strong and possessed the qualities of both the lion and the eagle. It was also said to instill fear in the enemy's horses. You can also have a griffin's head on your heraldry, differentiated from the eagle by its horselike leonine ears.

Complimentary Creatures (These are creatures which are complimentary, adversaries or opposite the griffin or its magic. They can create a yin-yang effect): Unicorn, horse, snake, serpent, dragon

Associated Mythical Creatures (other than complimentary creatures): Chimera (when the Griffin has a snake for a tail, it creates a similarity), alce, keythong, Hippogriff, Hypogriff, Simurgh, Dragon, axex, homa, hippogriff, cockatrice, winged lion

Magic: divine guardian, divinity,divine power, solar magic, protecting powerful magic/treasures, protecting the inner self, dominion over earth and air magic, fire magic, detecting poison (claws changed colors when near poison), Tree of Life magick, feathers cure blindness

Locations: wherever treasures are, astral space, places where gold is abundant, inner self, steppes, mountains, high places

Fauna: birds, lions, asses

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin

http://www.crystalinks.com/griffins.html

http://www.monstrous.com/monsters/griffins.htm

Organization

The organization of this coven is based off of that of a plant. As you can see in the illustration above, there are five major parts of a plant. The levels are based off of the amount of time you've spent in the coven, what level you are initiated at and your level of learning.

The Founders

The maiden, mother and crone are different times of life and they have different powers, knowledges and skills based off of their growth. A goddess that suits each of these archetypes was used as title for the Founding members. They are equal in status to a High Priestess, Elders or

Ishtar (Maiden) – Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

Duties: New Member Induction (and support for those new members who need a sponsor to whom the Istar approves). The Ishtar is responsible for conducting Initiation ceremonies, completing new member paperwork, compiling the membership book and helping to maintain the Coven Book of Shadows. All new moon and waxing moon ceremonies should be given to the Ishtar for approval two weeks prior to the Esbat ritual. The Istar is responsible for helping to start the Coven Garden and watering it when necessary.

About Ishtar: The power of the maiden is her youth. Her innocence and the early raw power as she begins to harness her budding knowledge and the start of innocence. Her power as she learns to guard and help those around her. However, she has not yet learned the secrets of creation of life's meanings.

This  Akkadian/Babylonian Great Goddess (or Triple Goddess) represents a later and more complex development of the Sumerian Inanna. We honor her in this guise as the maiden, a fickle and fine defender of women. The origin of this Babylonian-Assyrian main goddess was and moon goddess, but when these tribes arrived at the land of the Sumerian kingdom, her cult reached the Sumerian capital Uruk. The Sumerian people identified Ishtar easily with their own goddess Inanna.

After some time Ishtar became in the second millennium the highest and widest worshiped goddess of the Babylonians. The myths of Inanna became the myths of Ishtar. Ishtar's reign was not depending on a male consort, she reigned absolute on her own and united in her all the aspects of femininity. For  the Assyrian people she was mainly a war goddess (Lioness of the battle), but also the love and the sexual life belonged to her realm of influence. Moreover she was the Goddess of justice and healing. It is her sacred gate, Ishtar's Gate (built around 604- 562 BC), inscribed with the Unicorns (Re'em) that stand alongside the majestic dragons and mighty bulls that provides the main entrance to Babylon. It is through this symbolic gate that one must traverse to awaken into the world of magic.

Rhea (Mother) – Shealeyine

Duties: The Rhea is responsible for Ascension ceremonies. Other responsibilities include approving the membership book and helping to maintain the Coven Book of Shadows. All full moon ceremonies should be given to the Rhea for approval two weeks prior to the Esbat ritual. Spells involving pregnancy, the blessings of infants and the honoring or protection of mothers are the domain of the Rhea. Rhea is the Garden Morale priestess.

About Rhea: The mother is the woman who has begun to learn and experience the power to create, give life and teach others. So, when she was learning as the maiden, now she has become the woman who has become experienced enough to begin her own family. Although she is no longer youthful, like the maiden she is also not diminishing in strength, but she does gain in knowledge. Soon, she will become the crone, strong in wisdom and the potent ion of rebirth.

Rhea was the Titanis mother of the gods, and a goddess of female fertility, motherhood, and generation. Her name means "flow" and "ease." As the wife of Kronos (Time), she represented the eternal flow of time and generations ; as the great Mother (Meter Megale), the "flow" was menstrual blood, birth waters, and milk. She was also a goddess of comfort and ease, a blessing reflected in the common Homeric phrase "the gods who live at their ease (rhea)."

In myth, Rhea was the wife of the Titan Kronos and Queen of heaven. When her husband heard a prophecy that he would be deposed by one of his children, he took to swallowing each of them as soon as they were born. But Rhea bore her youngest, Zeus, in secret and hid him away in a cave in Krete guarded by shield-clashing Kouretes. In his stead she presented Kronos with a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes which he promptly devoured. Rhea was closely identified with the Anatolian mother-goddess Kybele. They were both depicted as matronly women, usually wearing a turret crown, and attended by lions.

Cerridwen (Crone) - Cerridwen Dahmianna Nightwind

Duties: The Cerridwen is responsible for re-dedication ceremonies. Other responsibilities include approving the membership book and helping to maintain the Coven Book of Shadows. All dark moon and eclipse ceremonies should be given to the Cerridwen for approval two weeks prior to the Esbat ritual. Spells centered on divination are the domain of the Cerridwen.

About Crone: The crone is where she has come to the height of her power. At this point she has become the great teacher. She has begun to learn the secrets of the universe and her power changes as she prepares to die. She has already learned the secrets of creation and now she prepares to once again be youthful when she is reborn once again as the maiden, renewed, refreshed and without the pains and wisdoms of her older age.

Cerridwen is one of the Old Ones, one of the great megalithic pre-Christian Goddesses of the Celtic World. Although, in her story, she embodies all three lunar aspects of the Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone, she is primarily worshipped in her Crone aspect, by and through her Cauldron of Wisdom, Inspiration, Rebirth and Transformation. The cauldron has an intimate association with femininity, together with the cave, the cup and the chalice, and the association of femininity with justice, wisdom and intelligence goes back to very ancient times.

The Wiccan Rede

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

The Witches' Creed

by: Doreen Valiente

Hear Now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.

Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe'en.

When day-time and night-time are equal,
When sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
And Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.

The power that was passed down the age,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.

When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies,
In land of the shades for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.

For the two are mystical pillars,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the gorces divine.

The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess:
Of this our ancestors teach.

By night he's the wild wind's rider,
The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he's the King of the Woodland,
The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The master and mistress of magic,
Thet dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And Dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.

And Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment.
By Magic of old, be it done!

Membership

Yearly membership is free.

To be considered for membership, you must complete a Membership Request form. First, your application will be posted to the coven or read by each member. Second, a vote will be done through private response to the Founders. Third, the Founders will then make  the decision based off of unanimous approval from the Founders and a majority vote of ALL members (Founders included).

The applicant must be supported by one person willing to be the one to speak to the coven in the interest of the applicant. The speaker is the one who will bring the Membership Request Form to the Coven and can speak without reservation on the person's behalf.

Ethics

An Ye Harm None Do as Thou Wilt

Membership and training are free as they are gifts originally given freely of the Divine. However, each member is expected to bear a fair share of the coven's operating expenses (incense, cake, ale, candles, recipes, spell components etc).

As long as the religion or coven is not being exploited all persons have the right to charge REASONABLE fees to help earn a living.

Membership is approved through a unanimous vote on behalf of the Founders and a majority vote by ALL coven members.

The religion is that of unity and diversity.

Meditations

Text

Cakes and Ale

A ritual to honor and to ground

Ingredients

Bread (or cakes, cookies, Twinkies, whatever, natural is preferred though)

Ale (or other natural liquid, milk during the full moon, grain based during lesser sabbats)

Chalice

Plate

Cakes and Ale Ritual

Take some sort of (natural) liquid and pour it into the chalice/bowl and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this nectar of the ripened fruits nourish us

The god gives of himself to create the vine

and joins with the goddess to make the sacred wine

Take a sip of the liquid then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never thirst”

Next, pick up the plate of bread and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this bread of fallen grain restore us

The god and goddess joined in honor and love

The cycle everlasting, as below it is also above

Take a bite of the bread then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never hunger.” If this is being done on a large scale, sometimes at this time you will have a feast. The first person to partake of the food is the one who finishes it off, sealing the ongoing cycle of life and death. A portion of each liquid and cake is left as an offering on the ground.

Sabbats

Esbats and Sabbats are divided up. Coven members take turns organizing and running the different rituals.

Samhain: This is the beginning of the Celtic year. Nov 1 (normally celebrated midnight). This is the first holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to honor ancestors.

Yule:  Dec 20-22 depending on the year (Midwinter Solstice). This is the second holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate that the days will only grow longer and winter is waning.

Imbolc: February 1 (the 2nd is groundhogs day). This is the third holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the spark of life that created the God.

Ostara:  March 20-22 Depending on the year (Vernal Equinox). This is the fourth holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the fertility of the young god and the earth's renewed fertility.

Beltane: May 1 (May Day). This is the first holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to honor the great marriage. 

Litha:  June 20-22 depending on the year (Summer Solstice). This is the second holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to rejoicing in the power of light and life.

Lammas:  August 1. This is the third holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the beginning of the harvest. 

Mabon:  September 20-22 depending on the year (Autumnal Equinox).This is the fourth holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the middle of harvest and the earth's descent into winter. 

Esbats

An esbat is a ritual observance of the full moon

Full Moon Names

Month	English Names	Native American Names	Other Names Used	Event Coordinator
January	Old Moon	Wolf Moon	Moon After Yule, Ice Moon, Paush Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
February	Wolf Moon	Snow Moon	Hunger Moon, Storm Moon, Magh Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
March	Lenten Moon	Worm Moon	Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon, Holi	Tariel (2008) Name (2009)
April	Egg Moon	Pink Moon	Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon, Waking Moon, Hanuman Jayanti	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
May	Milk Moon	Flower Moon	Corn Planting Moon, Corn Moon, Hare's Moon, Buddha Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
June	Flower Moon	Strawberry Moon	Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon, Wat Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
July	Hay Moon	Buck Moon	Thunder Moon, Mead Moon, Guru Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
August	Grain Moon	Sturgeon Moon	Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Lightning Moon, Dog Moon, Narali Poornima, Raksha bandhan	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
September	Fruit Moon	Harvest Moon	Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Bhadrapad Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
October	Harvest Moon	Hunter's Moon	Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon, Kojagiri or Sharad Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
November	Hunter's Moon	Beaver Moon	Frost Moon, Snow Moon, Kartik Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)
December	Oak Moon	Cold Moon	Frost Moon, Long Night's Moon, Moon Before Yule, Margashirsha Poornima	Coven (2008) Name (2009)

 

How to Organize a Ritual

Since our rituals are held each month by one of the coven members, we have provided a quick numbered list for those members to help plan the ritual.

1.     Find a location to help plan ahead of time. With the coven, figure out where you want to go, so that you can plan arrangements and make all the necessary preparations. You should know about one month in advance what sabbats or Esbats you will be organizing, so you can

2.     Get permission. If you live with somebody else, such as your parents, friends, or significant others, you might want to ask them before planning a ritual at your place. They need their privacy, too, and if they're not keen about the idea, host it somewhere else. Respect their decision.

3.     Pick specifics in advance:

·      Who. Be sure people know who's inviting them, whether it is just you alone or a group.

·      What. Description of ritual: something that fits the theme, but cleverly sneaks in information at the same time. Set the tone of the ritual. Tell them a little of what you will be doing, what they should bring, and if the ritual is private or open to non-coven members. If necessary, give advice about specific clothing. For example, if your ritual includes some social events that might get clothing dirty, include that information.

·      Where. Location of the ritual is crucial for those with transportation needs. Include address, directions, and even offer rides or suggest bus/subway routes.

·      When. Include the time and date in your invitations.

·      Why. If desired, include additional, personal information about your ritual. Be specific and give a strong reason, or multiple reasons, why you're hosting a ritual.

2.   Make invitations. Hand make these or use a computer and send out emails. You should also make sure that your information is put on the Yahoo!Group's Calendar.  The invitation should have a copy of the ritual attached, referenced or linked to it!!! Send out the invitation no later than two weeks before the ritual for Sabbats and one week for Esbats.

Optional: For hand-made invitations or pretty emails, figure out a theme, if any, for your ritual, and use the appropriate wording, pictures, font, background, etc.

3.   Invite the Coven. Invite the coven! Send them the invitations and double check the event is on the calendar and will send out an reminder at least three days before the event.

4.   Refreshments. Make sure you have food and beverages everybody can enjoy and  the best thing is to organize a potluck. Simple treats such as cakes, biscuits, cookies, and tea are always good choices and can double for Cakes and Ale. Know your guests' dietary needs ahead of time. For example, if one or more guests are vegetarians, don't put meat on all of your ritual appetizers. You will at least need a cake/cookie or drink for Cakes and Ales.

5.   Organize the Ritual. Engage all the senses and make sure you have the ritual ready and copies for all the participants printed.

·      Sight: A beautiful altar, bright candles, objects that invoke a feeling or thought,

·      Sound: Good music, make sure everyone has a talking, chanting or harmonious part of the ritual (and if possible, copy of the ritual)

·      Smell: Incense, scented candles, herbs or flowers (check for allergies)

·      Taste: Food, refreshments, cakes and ale and salt, chocolate or other grounding element. Have water for drinking for everyone in the circle. Have cough drops in the circle.

·      Touch: Have something to pass around or have everyone engage a tool or object or have an interactive part of the ritual (not just talking).

·      Psychic: Have some sort of grounding exercise that gets everyone “in the mood.”

General Reference

The 5 points of the Pentacle.

Top Center Point: Spirit/Quintessence

Top Left Point: Air

Top Right Point: Water

Bottom Left Point: Earth

Bottom Right Point: Fire

4 Elementals and their associated Elements.

Gnome: Earth

Neriad: Water

Sylph: Air

Salamander: Fire

Tidal Correspondence Table

High Tide: The water is at its highest level. This is the optimum time to perform all types
of magickal spells.
Ebb Tide: The optimum time to perform banishing spells to send off the unwanted with
the receding tide.
Low Tide: The water is at its lowest level; the optimum time for introspection and going
within.
Flow Tide: The tide is ‘coming in’ or rising. The optimum time for performing
manifestation spells, spells to bring in or draw.

Element Correspondence Table

Earth (North): Grounding, money, jobs, possessions, prosperity, manifestation, growth.
Air (East): New beginnings, communication, study, learning, wisdom.
Fire (South): Courage, creativity, passion, protection, strength, banishing, energy, will
power, change.
Water (West): Purification, love, psychic powers, dreams, divination, peace.

T he Colors

Colors- bright or dark, deep or light, regardless of whether it's a royal blue or a brilliant yellow, color affects us. It's a proven fact that colors have an affect on our intellect, and they invoke different emotional responses. Colors used in magick are similar in that they evoke a response, but keep in mind, response to color in an individual matter, so go with your instincts. The colors must have meaning to you. The magick of colors can be used in many different ways, and the use of colors in magick is only limited to what you want to use the color for.

White

Always burn at least one white candle to symbolize and reinforce the contact with pure spirit. Elemental spirits, Angels, Gods of wisdom, divination and prophecy. Purification and cleaning on all levels, contact with higher self and spiritual helpers, aura-healing, truth seeking, consecration, spiritual enlightenment, protection against negativity, breaking curses, exorcism, meditation, divination, inspiration, protection, and clairvoyance. White can be a replacement for any other color (its all purpose). It represents the goddess, Higher self, purity, peace and virginity.

Yellow

Elemental air. Deities for trade, travel, knowledge and magick. Vitality, change, progress, contact, communication, and trade. Confidence, joy, cheerfulness, learning, knowledge, mental clarity, concentration, speaking and writing and visualization. It is intelligence, the sun, memory, logical imagination, accelerated learning and the power to break mental blocks. Intellectual pursuits, confidence, travel, communication.

Gold

Sun-deities, solar energies, and masculine energy. Abundant self confidence, creativity, perfection, financial richess, success in investments, luxury, worldly power, magickal power, overcoming bad habits and addictions. It is the power of the god, promotes winning, the male power and happiness.

Orange

Deities of good luck and good fortune. Charm, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, optimism, success, abundance, prosperity, feast and celebration, achieving business goals, investments, success in legal matters. It is also general success, property deals, legal matters, justice, creativity, self Expression and selling.Energy, courage, success, willpower, imagination.

Copper or bronze

Love-goddesses, love and passion, positive relationships in love, friendship in business, career promotions, successful negotiations. This also includes professional growth, business fertility, career maneuvers, passion and money goals.

Red

Elemental fire, deities of love, passion, self-defense, energy, protection, sexuality, fast action, career goals, lust, driving force, survival, blood of the moon and war. Courage, will-power, determination, speed, assertiveness, aggression, masculinity, independence, physical strength, sports, competition, conflicts, health, sexual attraction and potency, love and passion, fertility.

Magenta

Magnetism, the ability to attract or speed up results. Life purpose, life path.

Pink

Love-goddesses, softness and tenderness, romance, caring, nurturing, youth, peace, friendship, femininity, emotional love, affection, nurturing, planetary good will, emotional healing. Romantic love, friendship, peace, compassion.

Green

Elemental earth and elemental water. Nature and fertility deities, Mother goddesses. Nature, fertility, growth, rejuvenation, recovery, healing, harvest and abundance, prosperity, harmony, balance, peace, hope, home, plants, healing, money, wealth, fertility, jobs, growth, luck, abundance, monetary success, mother earth, abundance, tree and plant magic, growth, personal goals and animals.

Turquoise

Changes, intellectual and intuitive insights, inventions and originality, renewal, brotherhood, humanity.

Blue

Elemental water and elemental air. Deities of the sea and sky, truth and wisdom. Peace and tranquility, calmness, truth, wisdom, justice, counsel, good fortune, opening blocked communication, spiritual inspiration, guidance, understanding and patience, loyalty and honor, sincerity, devotion, healing, femininity, prophetic dreams, protection during sleep, patience, happiness, psychic abilities, tranquility, changes, astral projection.

Violet

Elemental spirits, angels, and Gods of divination and prophecy. Psychic abilities, divination, counter-acting negativity and black magick, power, spirituality, meditation, magickal powers, deep healing, reversing curses, psychic healing, psychic power, inspiration, meditation, spirituality, spiritual power, the connection to the higher self, hidden knowledge, the Goddess, the power to influence people in high places, astral projection, third eye.

Brown

Elemental earth, stability, grounding, grounding, strength, conservation, protection of household, family and pets, healing animals, finding lost objects, buildings, material increase, to make relationships solid, to increase decisiveness and concentration, to attract help in financial crisis. It helps augment the ability to gain special favors and to influence friendships.

Gray

Neutralizing negative influences, putting a halt to action.

Silver

Moon-goddesses, the Goddess, female energy, cycles, rebirth, reincarnation, healing of hormonal imbalances, emotional stability, remove or neutralize negativity, intuition, dreams, astral energy, female energy, telepathy, clairvoyance, psychic abilities and psychic workings.

Black

Elemental earth, deities of the Underworld. Repel and banish evil and negativity, protection, breaking free from bad habits and addictions, binding, banishing, absorbing negativity, shapeshifting, protection, repels negativity, deep meditation, opens up deep unconscious levels.

Moon Phases

New: With the symbolic rebirth and renewal of the maiden goddess, this is the time for personal rebirths. Whether that is creating new ideas, clearing your home, projects or healing. You are renewing you power to do new and wonderful behaviors much in the same way the goddess does. This is the time to replace those bad habits you got rid of during the waning moon. This is also a good time to consecrate or dedicate you new tools or items you want to use for your events you will be having soon.

Waxing: This is the time of the maiden goddess who embodies youth with its innocence and purity and the flush of freedom. The power of the goddess is increasing as you gain strength when starting new projects, getting to know new people and as you too grow in knowledge. Self confidence, bravery and discovery are traits of this phase as the young goddess grows in both strength and knowledge. This is the time to cast spells for healing, building or creating. This is the light half of the lunar cycle. This is the time to cast spells to bring what you are seeking to you and drawing in our desires. This is the time when spells that help find solutions, success, healing, prosperity, wealth and learning are augmented.

Full: This is the powerful time of the mother goddess when fertility, culmination and power are strong and is the height of the waxing cycle. This is the time when the mother goddess is at her strongest strength. Spells of completion, fullness and the power off creation work best during this sacred time. Additionally, casting spells during this time are often augmented especially if they have to do with the home, family, fertility, love, nurturing, healing and psychic and magical powers. Most of the time you would include three days before and after the full moon as this time, however, that varies from tradition to tradition.

Waning: This is the time of the crone goddess augmenting magic, mystery and reduction. This is the time to cast spells that have to do with reducing, releasing, inner work, banishing negativity or sickness, removing or banishing. This is the Dark Half of the lunar cycle. This is the time to cast spells to rid yourself of unwanted habits, desires or limits. As the time between the full moon and the dark moon, this is the time honoring the crone goddess. As her powers lessen, she is growing wiser and preparing for death where she will be reborn on the new moon.

Dark Moon: During a "dark moon," the time of the crone goddess, the Moon is invisible against the backdrop of the Sun in the sky. The line between Earth and Sun may change the duration of the dark moon, between 1.5 and 3.5 days. The astronomical new moon can occur in the middle of this period, when the moon and sun are in conjunction, which is referred to as a dark moon to set it apart from the traditional new moon, which is the moment when the crescent moon is first seen one or two days after conjunction. Because there is no Moon in the sky (therefore there is no energy to draw upon), some believe this is "time off" for the witch. This is not a time for magick, but a time to relax, kick back and do nothing. While it is true that the Dark Moon is not the best time for magick, it is however the time of secrets and hidden truths. That makes it perfect for activities centered around meditation, divination, improving psychic abilities, past life work and shadow working.

T he Airts

Air: East (Aiet) Light. Air represents thought, ideas,  youth and beginnings. This is also the period of Diana's primordial existence and her thoughts and ideas during this time.

Color: Yellow

Guardian Color: Red

Times: Dawn, Spring

Deity: This is the time of the Maiden Goddess and the young god.

Fire: South (Deas) Light. Fire represents change, manifestation, adulthood, creation and the activity of doing things. This is the period of Diana's creation of the god. This time of manifesting and making physical existence.

Color: Red

Guardian Color: White

Times: Noon, Summer

Deity: This is the time of the Mother and the Sun King.

Water: West (Iar) Dark. Water is emotion, parenthood, reaction and responding to the manifested. This is the period of the Goddess's reaction to that which she created. Se was filled with desire by the beauty of the God, light.

Color: Blue

Guardian Color: Grey

Times: Dusk, Fall and Harvest

Deity: Queen and Judge

Earth: North (Tuath) Dark. Earth represents wisdom, old age, understanding and integration. This is the period when the Goddess joined with the god by sending the souls into matter.

Color: Green

Guardian Color: Black

Times: Night and Winter

Deity: Crone and Sorcerer

T he T ools

Athame

A ceremonial knife or dagger symbolizing fire or air (depends on your tradition). It is a male tool. It is used to open the circle, close the circle or “cut yourself from reality.” During ritual it is used to direct energy and sometimes raise or manipulate it. It is normally a dual bladed edge and steel.  The handle can be dark so that it is easier to absorb energy. It is the first major tool. In Correllian tradition it specifically refers to air and its power of thought or decision. It is the Sword of Art and Phallus of God. It is the moment of first creation and the god as son and brother of the goddess. The athame is sacred to the goddess. Today, the athame often refers to any sacred knife and hilt color no longer needs to be black. 

Four Faerie Gifts (used in the Creation Battle): Nuada, the Silver-Armed, brought the Sword (athame, intellectual power). No enemy it was turned upon would succeed in battle. The Sword of Nuada is the intellectual curiosity inherent in humankind; the need to learn, explore, and communicate with others. 

Wand

A wand is made of wood, metal or other material. It is a male tool that represents air or fire depending on the tradition. It is used to invoke the male element and to “direct” your energy. It is used to direct energy, like the athame or to draw symbols, stir items in the cauldron or focus power. The wand is the scond sacred tool and in the Correllian tradition is the symbol of fire. It is the power of the god in his consort symbolism. It invokes the quarters and it used for ritual cleansings. 

Four Faerie Gifts (used in the Creation Battle): Lugh brought the Spear (wand, creative power). When thrown, it would never miss its target and it would always return to the hand of the thrower. The Spear of Lugh represents the urge to explore one's spirituality. It also represents one's creative urges, inspiration, and young fragile ideas. 

Chalice

The chalice is a feminine object. It is some sort of cup or goblet that represents the eternal womb and the element of water. It is the sacred symbol of the divine mother. It can be used to drink libations, sacrament, in rituals or to scry. This is the third sacred tool. Sometimes symbolic of the holy grail. 

Four Faerie Gifts (used in the Creation Battle): The Dagda, the great Father-Lord, brought with him the Cauldron (chalice, emotional power). It would produce food for all who needed it, and any weapon dipped in its waters was immediately repaired. The Cauldron of the Dagda represents ones emotional health, relationships, and the need to connect with others. 

Pentagram

The pentagram is a five pointed star usually enclosed in a circle and it is most often a female object representing the element of earth. It is a powerful symbol of protection and each point represents the five elements, water, earth, fire, air and spirit. You can use it to consecrate other tools or focus your energy. Here is one common  way of referring to the points:

Earth: bottom left

Fire: Bottom right

Water: Upper right

Air: top left

Spirit: top point

It is also in the shape of a human body outstretched/spread eagle. The ancient symbol has been in Egyptian mythology and is still used today. If you have a pentagram on your palm, it is believed to be a symbol of magical potency in palmistry. The pentagram is the fourth sacred tool and also symbolizes union. Was honored by pythagoreans as the pentalpha.

Four Faerie Gifts (used in the Creation Battle): The final was the Stone of Faal, or Stone of Destiny (pentacle, material power). It was the solid foundation upon which this reality was built. Stone of Faal represents the ability to keep one's material life stable; this includes physical health, as well as achieving the means to support and sustain oneself. 

Boleen

This is a functional, yet sanctified utility knife that is used to cut herbs, ropes and other uses. Normally the handle is white and it is a curved blade. It can be used to cut, carve tools, harvest herbs, cut branches and more. The boleen is sacred to the god due to its physical nature. This is not often in use anymore as the athame often fills this position.

Spiral Essence

Book of Shadows

The Sacred Unicorn Grounding Ritual

Rituals can be great, but you need to ground yourself before you do it. It makes sure you are open to energy, not using all of your own and not wearing yourself out. Its important to ground yourself because it relaxes and focuses you. You draw on the earthy energies that way rather than you own so you don’t get tired, worn out, sick or frustrated. Unicorn energies seem to be best for healing and protection spells, but it really depends on the aspect of unicorn you are calling on. This grounding works best for me while standing because I am already straight. Its good to practice your rituals while walking, laying or sitting as well. However, for now, you can try it in whatever position is most comfortable.

Imagine a cord extending from the base of your spine into the center of the earth (or a tail from your rear going straight down. Sit up straight along this cord. Breathe from the diaphragm and your stomach (like you’re going to sing).Allow energy to flow from the earth through your center up through you heart and out your forehead spiraling up into a single horn up to the heavens.

Do this for a moment then:

Now, imagine your spine channeling that spiraling energy. Imagine your feet as hooves, I like to think of them as sharp, cloven hooves digging into the soil and sinking in a little. I sometimes imaging feathering along the legs that blends down into the energies of the earth. Then sink into yourself and allow the magic of the unicorn to descend into the earth's magics. The spiral is a very sacred symbol and movement. You can spiral your energy down into the earth, or you can descend down with the solid straight energy of a different unicorn breed.

Allow your hooves to move through the dirt, feel the dirt hold you aloft. Then your energy moves through the caves beneath the dirt, feel the air in the caves blow through you, energizing you…then you feel yourself drawing further down, to the water that runs through the caves. Feel the water flow through you…then you move to the very center where the great boiling center of the earth is…fire. Feel the fire blaze into you. Draw on all the elements of the earth to feed your roots. Let it flow from you feet up…up…up. Now you draw power up from the earth with each breath. Pull onto each of the elements…earth, air, water and fire. Feel the energy rising up through your spine. Feel yourself becoming more alive with each breath.

Feel the energy moving up through your body. Imagine great, sweeping wings that move out from your shoulders, then move back down gracing the earth. See your horn spiraling the energy out of your forehead and towards the sky. Feel the power burst from the horn on your head, and the power sweeping back down to the earth creating a cycle, and returning to its source. Feel your wings and the energy of the earth intertwine with the energies around you and the auras that surround you. You can now tap this energy.

Now, after you have raised all of this energy and used it for your ritual, there is still a great deal of power racing through you. Every time power is raised, it must be earthed. Earthing is another form of grounding. If this is not done, the force you feel as vitalizing energy turns into tension and irritability. In the final step before opening the circle we ground all excess energy. A good place to send it to is back to the Earth. Here is how:

Sit or lie on the ground and relax. Place your palms flat on the ground or just lie flat on the ground (floor). Keep what energy you need and let the rest sink through you into the Earth. Imagine the energy flowing down into the ground. Relax, and let the energy flow out of you- -deep into the earth from whence it came. Relax and let yourself drift peacefully.

The Great Dragon Grounding

The Dragon is symbolic of the multidimensional magic that dragons enhance and often represent. This is an alternate grounding exercise that lets you tap into the faceted magic of dragons while maintaining a connection to the earth.

Spread your magnificent wings, leathery and corded, thick with muscles, and delicately scaled along the edge of your powerful wing. You fly powerfully through the air until you spy a fine glistening lake. You swoop down, landing your lithe bulk into the rippling water and let your wings stay spread as you let your claws sink into the soft soil at the bottom of your watery domain.

Breathe into your huge lungs, letting the air expand and fill you, rushing down your body and let your wings spread as you breathe in.

Center your energy in the pit of your body and let your tail sink into the water, down into the silt and sand at the bottom of your sacred lake. As your claws penetrate the supple soil, you can envision them blending with the water around your chest and legs and the giving earth beneath your talons.

Let your claws and tail take your energy down deep into the earth through the strong rocks, stones and clay, filling you with a potent green light of energy that emanates directly into you. You sense living things, trees, their roots intertwining with your earth energy spiral into your own magic.

Sense your energy pushing through the earth’s core until you come to a large, cavern. This cavern is your home, you feel at peace here and it is full of rich air. This air which is connected to the rest of the world flows into you. Let the air’s dark energy fill you with a vibrant yellow light.

As your energy flows down you sense water pooled down at the bottom of the cave. Your power immediately taps into. The water fills your being with the beautiful blue light of all the oceans seas and rivers that fill you with their precious energy and cleansing power.

Next, your magic funnels deeper and deeper to the warm core of the earth. This core of the dragon’s energy fills and sustains you. It plunges deep into your soul, setting your desire alight and brightening your very essence with a magnificent red energy.

Sense all four elements moving into your soul and filling your with the great Spirit and then the energy plunges back into the earth through your wings, heart and soul, filling you with joy and essence!

Casting the Circle

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

A ritual to cast the circle. Included for Reference. Used in 2007.

Tools Needed:

Athame (you can use your finger instead)

Besom (Optional)

Altar

Tools you will need for any personal spells

Chalice

Bowl

Supplies Needed:

Candles (in the colors you'll need for your spell, altar and an additional white candle)

Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

Casting the Circle

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like.

Turn to the person deosil to you and take their hand and say:

In Perfect love and perfect trust

I cast the sacred circle thus

As the circle goes around, each person repeats this to the person deosil to them until everyone is holding hands. Then say:

Gathered and blessed this sacred night

We call upon our loving bond of light

Each of us calls our inner love

To keep us safe below and above

Take a moment, then decide on your intention and speak something like:

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mother

To recycle for something other

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the area until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white light emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Mother's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Eastern Guardian of Air's power

Mind and Intellect's watchtower

Elemental of Air, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Visualize a column of light rising up and as this is for the blessing moon, you could envision them as a being appropriate for the season or your tradition.  Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Southern Guardian of Fire's power

Passion and action's watchtower

Elemental of Fire, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Western Guardian of water's power

Emotion's sacred watchtower

Elemental of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Northern Guardian of Earth's power

Integration's honored watchtower

Elemental of earth, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say:

Goddess and God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Closing the Circle

Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin by raising your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

 Raise your Athame to the East and say:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Now that you have thanked and released your guardians, you must open the circle:

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Samhain

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

A Celebration to Honor Samhain the Festival of Spirits & Wiccan New Year.

Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is when we honor our ancestors and the spirits that surround and protect us. You can decorate with pictures or representations of those who have gone Beyond. Halloween is also celebrated on this day. Decoration is often black with fall crops such as pumkins, corn and squash enhancing the altar. Because Samhain is the last of the harvest festivals, it is best to decorate with late season fall crops. You can also decorate with Happy New Year decorations since this is the Wiccan Liturgical New Year. It is best to decorate in a way that is meaningful to you that makes the space your own and makes you feel right.

This is the time of the crone goddess. She is known as an individual goddess by many names, such as the Dagda, the Cailleach, the Morrigu and many other names. This is a time to honor the wisdom and darkness of your elders, and those of the ancient gods. This is also the time to recognize fate and death. This is not just a time for death though, but also a time for rebirth. This is reflected in a ritual fire that is often used to burn or consume problems and issues. This is also the time for divination and occult training. Samhain is a great time for divination and it is common to conduct a divination as part of the ceremony or afterwards.

This is a time to honor ancestors and those who had bassed away. If you have a feast, you should have a setting for ancestors or hold a Silent Supper. A silent supper is an old ritual to honor the ancestors. Supper is eaten in silence and sometimes the dishes are served in reverse order.  People leave the room backwards to represent communications with the Other Side. Candles were lit and left in windows to lure those who had passed away back to their family’s homes. By honoring spirits and feeding them, they ensured the spirits would be happy and beneficial. Jack o’ lantnerns started with the carving of turnips or cabbages and when the festival moved to the Americas, it was pumkins that began to be carved.

If people had disreguarded these spritis, they would find their possessions damaged, stolen or left in fields. “Trick or Treat” comes from this legend, as tricks were played on those who did not leave treats behind for their ancestors. It was believed that children were often the reincarnations of these ancestors, so sometimes the treats were given to them. At other times, the treats were left on an altar. In the ancient times, more adults were often involved in the disguise and it was believed they could walk among the dead and not be noticed.

It is at this time when the veil between worlds is very thin. It is not just the dead that walk this night, but the fae and faeries as well. It is believed that in the ancient times, the faerie mounds would open up and the fae would ride through the countryside, or go on rades, or ceremonial rides. People would wear masks to conceal themselves from the fae and trick negative or trickster spirits so they would not play their tricks on them.

Colors: Black, orange, red for candles,

Other names: Nos Galen-gaeof (Welsh as the Night of the Winter Calends), Samhna (modern Irish), Laa Houney (Manx as Hollantide Day), Sauin, Souney, Samana, and Samhuinn, All Saints Day (Catholic), Halloween (Contemporary)

Themes: Ancestors, spirits, harvest, pumpkins, corn, gourds, haystacks, scarecrows, divination & scrying, the Other Side, New Year, rebirth, death, regenerations, fate, caldron, feasting, drumming and chanting, carving turnips, cabbages, apples or pumpkins, offerings to spirits, the dead, passing of the Lord of the Sun, apples, hazelnuts, the “wild hunt”

Dieties: The Crone, the Sorcerer, the Dagda, the Cailleach, the Morrigu, dying God, Hectate, the "Carlin"

Ingredients:

l  Smudge supplies (either a smudge brush or charcoal in a fire proof container that has heat proof handles and incense)

l  Incense/herbs: sage, cedar, sandalwood

l  Altar Decorations

l  Ritual Tools

l  Athame (you can use your finger instead)

l  Besom (Optional)

l  Altar

l  Tools you will need for any personal spells

l  Divination supplies

l  Chalice

l  Bowl

l  Candles (black, orange, any colors you'll need for your spell/divination, altar and an additional white candle)

l  Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

l  Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

l  Bread (or cakes, cookies etc, natural is preferred though)

l  Ale (or other natural liquid, milk during the full moon, grain based during lesser sabbats)

l  Plate

Samhain Ritual

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like.  Before beginning, light the charcoal or smudge and make sure it is burning well and make sure everyone is outside of the circle. Have them assemble outside the circle but nearby.

Burn the incense in the censor (or get the smudge) then carry it tuathal around the ritual area and fan the smoke by hand or fan. Imagine all of the negative energy being pushed away and the area suffusing with golden-white light. Once cleansed, turn and walk deosil around the area. Fan the smoke and imagine a blue white light filling the area now. Chant softly:

I bless this sacred place….

I bless this sacred place….

I bless this sacred place….

Let people in one by one. Cleanse them each invididually by holding the censor over them and fanning the smoke. Do it up and down the front of the person, then turn them around and repeat. Once everyone has been cleansed, cast the circle from hand to hand. Turn to the person deosil to you and take their hand and say:
From hand to hand I cast this circle.
This happens from person to person deosil until everyone is holding hands. Then say:
Behold, in joining hands we cast this circle.
A bond of perfect love and perfect trust
Imagine a potent clear white energy filled with strength and love pouring form person to person. It grows and strengthens, expanding into a circle to fill our sacred space and form a barrier. Behold, we cut a part between the realms of humankind and of the mighty ones. This circle shall be used to raise power. The circle is cast! So mote it be!
Everyone:
So mote it be!

Release hands.  

For this ritual, you will be summoning animal Guardians using the power of fire. This is good for Shamanic people and is a very ancient idea. We will be summoning mythological creatures in this rite. Begin in the East and hold up the wand. This is the sacred symbol of fire (you can use your finger instead).

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your wand and say:

I Call to the

Powerful  griffin of Air's might

Clever mind and sharp sight

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone:

Hail and Welcome!

Step to the South, raise your wand and say:

I Call to the

Passionate Dragon of flame

Manifestation in the Goddess’s name

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone:

Hail and Welcome!

Step to the West, raise your wand and say:

I Call to the

Water-Purifying Unicorn

From whom Love and Empathy are born

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone:

Hail and Welcome!

Step to the North, raise your wand and say:

I Call to the

Faeries and beings of land

Integration realized in your motley band

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone:

Hail and Welcome!

As this is a greater sabbat, you summon the goddess first. Say this(or invoke the goddess however you prefer):

Crone Goddess celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone then repeats:

Hail and Welcome!

Next, imagine the goddess entering the circle in whatever way feels comfortable to you.

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your wand skyward and say (or invoke the god however you prefer):

Sorcerer God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone then repeats:

Hail and Welcome!

Next, imagine the god entering the circle in whatever way feels comfortable to you.

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your wand skyward and say (or invoke the ancestors however you prefer):

Ancestors powerful and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone then repeats:

Hail and Welcome!

Next, imagine the ancestors entering the circle in whatever way feels comfortable to you.

Now you are ready to progress with the Samhain Festival itself. You begin by talking a little about Samhain and its meanings.

Mabon, that sacred Equnox of Fall

Night and Day balanced and equal

His power wanes as he ages to be king

Karma, the divine plan, balances all things

Let us focus on that balance in our lives

Everyone Repeats:

Let us focus on that balance in our lives

Now, you may lead a meditation to provide balance and balance the chakras. You might use the symbolism of the balanced day and night.

Clear and release

tension, stress & sadness trickle away to the earth for better purpose

Our heart chakra is a ball of clear white sun (or cleanse it)

A beam of earth goes to the earth until it enters the earth's core

The warm amber magma fills you and fills your heart chakra

The golden magma fills your whole ody

savor, feel and soffuse yourself with the energy as it turns golden

Send another beam of light to the sky

heavenly energy, cool, analytical, murcurial and precise silvery blue light

This cool, white-blue light fills our heart chakras, then our bodies

now, it is balanced, the divine mother and divine father are balanced

Now, once again clear and release the excess energy from the meditation then continue the ritual.

Spells/Magic

here is where you would cast any spells or other rituals you wanted to perform.

Libations

Take some sort of (natural) liquid and pour it into the chalice/bowl and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this nectar of the ripened fruits nourish us

The god gives of himself to create the vine

and joins with the goddess to make the sacred wine

Take a sip of the liquid then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never thirst”

Next, pick up the plate of bread and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this bread of fallen grain restore us

The god and goddess joined in honor and love

The cycle everlasting, as below it is also above

Take a bite of the bread then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never hunger.” If this is being done on a large scale, sometimes at this time you will have a feast. The first person to partake of the food is the one who finishes it off, sealing the ongoing cycle of life and death. A portion of each liquid and cake is left as an offering on the ground.

Closing the Circle

Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin by raising your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

 Raise your Athame to the East and say:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Now that you have thanked and released your guardians, you must open the circle:

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Bibliography

http://www.realmagick.com/articles/82/82.html

http://www.realmagick.com/articles/11/1811.html

Lughnasadh

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

August 1. This ritual was performed in 2007

By Stephanie Small, Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

Northern Hemisphere: August 1

Southern Hemisphere: February 2

Lammas: August 1. This is the third holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the beginning of the harvest. This is the time of harvest. You should collect and store your seeds for next year. Harvest your herbs and hang them to dry. Burn a symbol of the god or sacrifice your negative emotions. Play games and have fun as you bless your bread and share it with your loved ones. Bless you foods and reflect on what a bountiful year it was and how much you've grown and changed.

Alternative Sabbat Names:  First Fruits, Loafmas, Lá Lúnasa, Lughnasa, Lughnasad, Lughnassadh, Lùnasdal, Lùnastal, Calan Awst, Lugunassatis, hlafmæsse, Bilberry Sunday

Seasonal Element: Fire

Seasonal Direction: Southwest

Zodiac Date: Leo 15 degrees

You are now at the hight of summer where the days begin to shorten and the harvest begins to ripen and is getting ready to be collected. There are three harvest festivals the first of which is Lammas. Since Lammas is a lunar sabbat it is sacred to the goddess and it is a Greater Sabbat. Although many goddesses of harvest are sacred at this time, this particular ritual will be honoring her in the form of Goddess Epona. If you prefer a different goddess, you may instead honor Demeter, Diana, Ceres, Eratha, Gaia, Bridget or Bast. Even Christian churches sometimes give blessings on this day. Our group is very eclectic and promotes cross-cultural celebrations. Therefore, we shall also be honoring the Celtic God Lugh as well.

This is is also a time for the God to be honored primarily in his form as Priest-King and the dying-reborn god or lover. Some gods that are honored on this day are Horus and Lugh. The God's fertility provides us great bounty and it is his physical nature that drew in the goddess to create the circle of the wheel. This is the time to honor the fathers of the world as a symbol of the God, like a pagan Father's Day. Resistance and civil order, Government and education,death and healing, these are the situations, subjects and powers that are celebrated at this time. The god, who gives us discipline and responsibility is celebrated as we honor the growth and all the new inventions and ideas we have that make us grow mentally and spiritually into adults. It is also symbolic of our need to accept the responsibility of adulthood and recognize our need to evolve whether we resent it or not.

This event is also symbolic of the God's sacrifice. Whether it is a symbolic sacrifice of life to create or give fertility, or the sacrifice of working constantly to support a family. Lugh was a Celtic Sun God who was betrayed by his wife and killed by her lover. However, he is immortal and is therefore turned into an eagle. His uncle, Gwydion later restored him into his true form.  This is a traditional God of dying and rebirth. Lugh was very skilled, so it is popular to do contests and play games to celebrate him. The concept of this sabbat was to sacrifice in order to receive a bountiful harvest. Lugh dedicated the festival to Tailtiu who was his foster-mother who cleared a great forest so people could work the land, then she died of exaustion.

Today sex roles have changed and now women often work as much as men. However, men show their love of their family by giving of their time, money and energy to provide and to keep their family safe. For those whose fathers seemed absent, part of that may be from the separation from the creation of children, specifically in the hospital. It could also be their inability to embrace their own responsibilities because perhaps they do not feel they've been properly honored, or perhaps it is because they have not yet embraced their inner Priest-King. Focusing on what your father did do right, or what the God can do in your life is the forward-thinking, positive view that is best to adopt for this ritual.

Feasting

Since this is a harvest festival, this ritual is to honor the rewards you will receive from the deeds you have done. Part of this is also to be thankful to those who have helped you and sharing your bounty. My family has always believed that feasting is the best way to share and in the medieval times large celebrations were often localized and people would gather their resources for some of the larger celebrations. Because of that, I have included a few foods that would be good to have at your feast. Because many of our coven members are hypoglycemic, we usually conduct our feast, do our ritual then refresh at libations to keep our energy up. Some traditions demand you not eat before rituals, called fasting. However, we are not from a tradition that follows that, and it doesn't make sense to me to fast in celebration of a harvest festival.

The first item you will want is bread. Sharing the bread is part of your sacred ritual and you can use it as your libations portion as we will be doing in this particular ritual. It is best to make your own bread, but if you are like me and you're terrible at it or don't have time, you can purchase frozen bake-it-yourself loaves (usually in the frozen section near the pasta or garlic bread).  You can serve it with brie  and jam (not traditional, but VERY good), seasonal fruits, cheese or butter.

Rabbit is a traditional food for this time because they were usually trying to get the rabbits away from the food as they harvested it and they didn't want to waste meat. It can be purchased through fine grocery stores or special ordered if necessary. It usually runs between $7-$10 US dollars, but you can also purchase it online if necessary. I think it is best served stewed with potatoes and vegetables in ale. You can also serve it in empanadas (Galician meat pie) or as a paella (Spanish Dish). It is recommended that you soak it in salted water for a few hours first. Seasoning it with some of the herbs of the season like basil or mint. Corn, berries and squash are good side dishes.

For drinks and desserts, get creative with some of the local ripe fruits and drinks. Strong red wine is  the traditional way to honor the god and goddess and will be what is used in libations (so you can save it for the ritual). However, for regular drinks, try an ale, cider or local drinks that are featured at your local stores. It is ideal to use this time as an opportunity to make toasts celebrating accomplishments and thanking those who have helped you. For dessert try pies, pastries and cookies made from local, ripe fruits. Gingerbread men, symbolic of Lugh the Sacrificial king and Sun god, are traditional and can be used in place of the bread in your libations if you prefer. If you have children, they also make excellent entertainment by decorating them.

Spell Ideas

Honor the Father (spells or offerings that honor your father or the Priest-King God)

Sacrificing a Poppet (take a poppet symbolic of the god and burn it, throw a sickle at it or remove a piece of straw until it is destroyed, then return the remains back to the land to contribute to bring fertility back to the land)

Forgiveness and Releasing (forgiving your father for wrongs or perceived wrongs, or releasing your own negative emotions surrounding specific situations, feelings or ideas or healing past wounds)

Thanks (Giving thanks to the sacrifices others have made for you)

Activities

Harvesting your Plants

Collecting, Labeling and Storing your seeds and cuttings for the coming year.

Taking your fresh herbs and drying them for future use

Blessing and Sharing your bread or a feast

Blessing your vegetables, grains and fruits

Blessing your dried herbs, especially the ones augmented by the holiday such as goldenrod, heliotrope, hops, rye, wheat or yarrow.

Thinking of what you have accomplished and how you have grown through the year

Games and poetry readings

Horse racing

Community Gathering

Blessings to keep Cailleachan or "Storm Hags" from damaging the crops

music, the arts, performances

handfasting/marriages

make jam or preserves

Decorations

It is great to decorate in the seasonal colors of gold, yellow and orange for the God and red for the goddess. Natural items such as corn, hay, gourds, sunflowers and other harvested foods is a great way to adorn your altar and sacred area. Many of these natural plants are in the seasonal colors which will compliment the ritual. Symbols of the sun and wheat sheaves are excellent additions. Since we will be invoking the assistance of Epona and Lugh, you might have some symbols of their power nearby. Epona can often be symbolized by a mare, horse, woman riding a horse, cornucopia or symbol of Macha, Demeter, Rhiannon or other similar goddess. Lugh can be symbolized by a sun symbol or eagle. Corn and wheat dolls are excellent additions and you can decorate with gingerbread men.

Lughnasadh  Ritual

Tools Needed:

Athame (you can use your finger instead)

Besom (Optional)

Altar (decorate it with the above items to help get “into the spirit” of the season and honor Epona and Lugh specifically)

Tools you will need for any personal spells if you perform them on Sabbats

A Stone (the seasonal ones are Adventurine, Citrine, Peridot, Granite, Lodestone, Moss Agate, Rhodchrosite, so choose one that works best for what you are seeking to do)

Supplies Needed:

Candles (in the colors you'll need for your personal spell, altar and an additional white candle)

Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

Garb (gold, yellow and orange for males and red for females if you want to be in seasonal theme)

Incense (Rose or Sandalwood)

A list of things that you are thankful for that you have received in the last year (this may take a couple of days to prepare)

Directions:

Begin this Sabbat's ritual by clearing and releasing all the excess energy from yourself. Next, stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your sacred ritual or where your altar has been set up. You may invite any of your Spirit Guides or your higher self to help lead you in this ritual. I like chants to be short, easy to remember and catchy with a bit of the magic in the words. With that in mind, you are welcome to change the wording as you see fit.

First, your priority is the make sure your ritual area is clean of negative influences and promotes a healthy, positive atmosphere for your magical workings. Start by focusing on cleansing and purifying the area, then say: Epona and Lugh

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mare

To recycle for something fair

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the room until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white like emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Epona's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

Eastern Guardian, Air's eagle

Mind and Intellect so regal

Being of Lugh, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Visualize a column of light rising up and as this is for the Lammas, you could envision a mighty golden eagle. Eagles are symbolic of the form that Lugh was in before he took his true form.  They are regal and powerful protectors with both masculine and feminine aspects.  Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

Southern Guardian, Fire's eagle

Passion and action so regal

Being of Lugh, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

And visualize a glorious eagle of flames rising up like a phoenix to join you in the ritual. Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

Western Guardian sacred water

Epona's emotional daughter

Being of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Envision a glistening horse, white like sea foam and perhaps with eyes like the cobalt sea, or her legs like a hippocampi's (a mythical creature like a mermaid but the top part is a horse instead). Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

Western Guardian of earth's love

Integrating below and above

Being of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

See a fine sorrel mare the red color of dirt, or her back and whithers like a grand mountain, or her mane  the grass of the plains....Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say:

Epona and Lugh guiding and full of love

I ask for your protection from above

Since this is a Sabbat of the rebirth of the Sun God, Lugh, that means you will “sacrifice” to pay for the harvest. Decide what you have received are to be honored today. You should make sure you have given what you need to give to make up for what you have received this year. This is a time to reflect on what you have and count your blessings. 

To make up for the good things that have happened to you and to spread the joy, decide on a few things that might be done to make up for your good fortune and planning. They don't have to be tied to the boon you received. Some suggestions are:

l  Reading to children or illiterate people

l  Teaching a volunteer class

l  Cleaning or picking up litter

l  Helping a friend with some chores

l  Give a donation to a charity

l  Volunteer for a cause you feel strongly for

Once you have decided on a few ideas, take a piece of paper and inscribe on one side the bounty you have received and on the back record what you would like to do to make up for your boon. If it has been a favorable year, you might want to limit your list to those wonderful things which you feel happened through spiritual means.  Try to decide on three major events. As you write these down, think of how wonderful you felt and how thankful you truly are. Do this with all three things.

Make sure you display the vows you have made and recognize that you have dedicated them to the God and Goddess.  To promote boons for the upcoming year, ensure you carry out the sacrifice.

Next, you will want to conduct Libations and honor the god and goddess by taking in their gifts of the season. Begin with the bread you made (or cooked, or the gingerbread man). Pick up the bread and focus on it, visualizing the earth and all that went into creating it. See the seed, held by the soft soil of earth, fed by the water, lit by the light of sun and nourished by the air to make it grow. Hold up the bread and Say:

Sacred grain, nourishing to me

We honor you, so, Blessed be

Partake of the bread and as you consume it, visualize it filling you with holy energy. If you are in a circle, take a bite, hand it to the next person clockwise. Say “Blessed Be.” If you are in a group, you will be saying this to the person you hand it to. Pick up the chalice and focus on it, visualizing the earth and all that went into creating it. See the vine (honey, apples or whatever it is made of), held by the soft soil of earth, fed by the water, lit by the light of sun and nourished by the air to make it grow. Hold up the bread and Say:

Sacred liquid, nourishing to me

We honor you, so, Blessed be

Partake of the bread and as you consume it, visualize it filling you with holy energy. If you are in a circle, take a bite, hand it to the next person clockwise. Say “Blessed Be.” If you are in a group, you will be saying this to the person you hand it to.

When you are done casting your spell, hold aloft the white candle of the full moon and say:

Take these offerings as true and fair

By witness of fire, earth, water and air

Free will to all and harm to none

as I do will, my will be done

Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin in the east and raise your Athame:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay, if it be your will, and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay, if it be your will, and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay, if it be your will, and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay, if it be your will, and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Next, raise your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

Epona and Lugh, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay, if it be your will, and remain

If not, then merry meet again

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Bibliography

CorrellianWicca: Lessons for the First Degree

Llewelyns Witches Datebook Calendar 2007

TwinbornKristy's Sabbat Ritual

Witch School Class: The Witch Holidays

The World of the Celts by Simon James (Thames & Hudson)

http://cronescottage2002.tripod.com/julylammas2002/id2.html

http://www.helium.com/tm/362636/great-wheel-solar-divides  

http://wicca.timerift.net/wicca101/mis.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca 

http://www.chalicecentre.net/lughnasadh.htm

http://www.magicwicca.com/wicca/lughnasadh.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lughnasadh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lammas

Mabon

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

A Celebration to Honor Mabon the Autumnal Equinox. This ritual was not performed. It is here for refrerence.

The sun begins to wane, days shorten and nights lengthen. As the harvest is continues the life of the god wanes as well. This marks the year’s sunset. As this celebration is the last one of the year it is also the holiday of tying up loose ends. We have a chance to reflect and appreciate the upcoming year and pay for what we received last year.

Colors: Dark colors, Grey, purple, blue, parti-color themes to mark balance, such as purple and green

Themes: Balance, harvest, pumpkins, corn, gourds, haystacks, scarecrows, grapes, vines, karma, justice, tying up loose ends

Dieties: Dionysus

Ingredients:

l  Altar Decorations

l  Ritual Tools

l  Mineral Salts (or Epsom Salts)

l  Rubbing Alchol

l  fire resistant container

l  Athame (you can use your finger instead)

l  Besom (Optional)

l  Altar

l  Tools you will need for any personal spells

l  Chalice

l  Bowl

l  Candles (in the colors you'll need for your spell, altar and an additional white candle)

l  Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

l  Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

l  Bread (or cakes, cookies, Twinkies, whatever, natural is preferred though)

l  Ale (or other natural liquid, milk during the full moon, grain based during lesser sabbats)

l  Plate

Mabon Ritual

Cleanse the area with the mineral salts and alcohol. You do this by assembling everyone and placing the salts in a fire resistant container (they will leave a residue, so something like a disposable tin foil container is best). Soak the salts with the alcohol.

Behold, as these salts burn we see

All negative energy said by me

Transformed, consecrated and bless-ed

By the power the god and goddess vested

By the blessings of three on three

This salt is transmuted, So mote it be

Everyone Repeats:

So Mote it be!

Now, with a blessed candle/match/lighter you light the mineral salts on fire. The sacred fire will raise the energy of the ritual. Let the salts burn a moment and let everyone meditate on the flames as this happens. Then say softly:

This sacred dancing flame that blazes here

Strengthens us and dispels ill and fear

Moving, changing, altering flame

Our hearts opened, we are never the same

For within this expanding fire and light

The vibration rises our own this night

Negativity is changed and positive will shift it

The circle is cleansed and we are cleansed with it

Let the fire burn out  then say:

Behold, it is done

So mote it be

Everyone Repeats:

So Mote it be!

CAST THE CIRCLE

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like.

Turn to the person deosil to you and take their hand and say:

In Perfect love and perfect trust

I cast the sacred circle thus

As the circle goes around, each person repeats this to the person deosil to them until everyone is holding hands. Then say:

Gathered and blessed this sacred night

We call upon our loving bond of light

Each of us calls our inner love

To keep us safe below and above

Take a moment, then decide on your intention and speak something like:

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mother

To recycle for something other

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the area until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white light emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Mother's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Eastern Guardian of Air's power

Mind and Intellect's watchtower

Elemental of Air, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Southern Guardian of Fire's power

Passion and action's watchtower

Elemental of Fire, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Western Guardian of water's power

Emotion's sacred watchtower

Elemental of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Northern Guardian of Earth's power

Integration's honored watchtower

Elemental of earth, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say (or invoke the god however you prefer):

Guardian God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone then repeats:

Hail and Welcome!

Next, imagine the god entering the circle in whatever way feels comfortable to you. Now, say (or invoke the goddess however you prefer):

Mothering Goddess celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Hail and Welcome!

Everyone then repeats:

Hail and Welcome!

Next, imagine the goddess entering the circle in whatever way feels comfortable to you. Now you are ready to progress with the Mabon Festival itself. You begin by talking a little about Mabon and its meanings.

Mabon, that sacred Equinox of Fall

Night and Day balanced and equal

His power wanes as he ages to be king

Karma, the divine plan, balances all things

Let us focus on that balance in our lives

Everyone Repeats:

Let us focus on that balance in our lives

Now, you may lead a meditation to provide balance and balance the chakras. You might use the symbolism of the balanced day and night.

Clear and release

tension, stress & sadness trickle away to the earth for better purpose

Our heart chakra is a ball of clear white sun (or cleanse it)

A beam of earth goes to the earth until it enters the earth's core

The warm amber magma fills you and fills your heart chakra

The golden magma fills your whole body

savor, feel and suffuse yourself with the energy as it turns golden

Send another beam of light to the sky

heavenly energy, cool, analytical, mercurial and precise silvery blue light

This cool, white-blue light fills our heart chakras, then our bodies

now, it is balanced, the divine mother and divine father are balanced

Now, once again clear and release the excess energy from the meditation then continue the ritual.

Spells/Magic

here is where you would cast any spells or other rituals you wanted to perform.

Libations

Take some sort of (natural) liquid and pour it into the chalice/bowl and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this nectar of the ripened fruits nourish us

The god gives of himself to create the vine

and joins with the goddess to make the sacred wine

Take a sip of the liquid then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never thirst”

Next, pick up the plate of bread and say:

We give honor in perfect love and perfect trust

May this bread of fallen grain restore us

The god and goddess joined in honor and love

The cycle everlasting, as below it is also above

Take a bite of the bread then pass deosil to your neighbor and say “may you never hunger.” If this is being done on a large scale, sometimes at this time you will have a feast. The first person to partake of the food is the one who finishes it off, sealing the ongoing cycle of life and death. A portion of each liquid and cake is left as an offering on the ground.

Closing the Circle

Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin by raising your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

 Raise your Athame to the East and say:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Now that you have thanked and released your guardians, you must open the circle:

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Full Moon Esbat Ritual

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

A generic ritual to honor a full moon

This is an esbat ritual for the full moon and can easily be adapted to any full moon. This is the perfect time to augments spells that honor the mother goddess as she gains her full power. This is the time of culmination, completion, nurturing and the ripening. Full moon magic can be used three days before or three days after the actual date of the full moon. Sometimes this duration is shorter, but it depends on your tradition and personal beliefs. Full moon magic is a good time to add potency to spells. You can also make full moon water, use blessings for cleansing and purifying, healing, protection and wards, fertility and home matters, money and business and augmenting psychic powers. The word Esbat is French, from s'esbattre, which when translated means "frolic joyfully."

Month	Other Names	Native American	English
January	Moon After Yule, Ice Moon	Wolf Moon	Old Moon
February	Hunger Moon, Storm Moon	Snow Moon	Wolf Moon
March	Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon	Worm Moon	Lenten Moon
April	Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon, Waking Moon	Pink Moon	Egg Moon
May	Corn Planting Moon, Corn Moon, Hare's Moon	Flower Moon	Milk Moon
June	Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon	Strawberry Moon	Flower Moon
July	Thunder Moon, Mead Moon	Buck Moon	Hay Moon
August	Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Lightning Moon, Dog Moon	Sturgeon Moon	Grain Moon
September	Corn Moon, Barley Moon	Harvest Moon	Fruit Moon
October	Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon	Hunter's Moon	Harvest Moon
November	Frost Moon, Snow Moon	Beaver Moon	Hunter's Moon
December	Frost Moon, Long Night's Moon, Moon Before Yule	Cold Moon	Oak Moon

Tools Needed:

Athame (you can use your finger instead)

Besom (Optional)

Altar

Tools you will need for any personal spells

Chalice

Bowl

Supplies Needed:

Candles (in the colors you'll need for your spell, altar and an additional white candle)

Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

Full Moon  Ritual

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like. Take a moment, then decide on your intention and speak something like:

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mother

To recycle for something other

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the area until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white light emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Mother's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Eastern Guardian of Air's power

Mind and Intellect's watchtower

Elemental of Air, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Visualize a column of light rising up and as this is for the blessing moon, you could envision them as a being appropriate for the season or your tradition.  Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Southern Guardian of Fire's power

Passion and action's watchtower

Elemental of Fire, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Western Guardian of water's power

Emotion's sacred watchtower

Elemental of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

I Call to the

Northern Guardian of Earth's power

Integration's honored watchtower

Elemental of earth, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say:

Goddess and God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Now, light a white candle and hold aloft the white candle of the full moon and say:

Shining moon, full and brightly gleaming

I supplicate in your moonlight streaming.

Grant the dear wish I greatly desire

By witness of air, earth, water and fire

Free will to all and harm to none

as I do will, my will be done

Now, is when you should ask for what you would like to do or if you have a spell, this is when you would cast that spell. As  I wrote earlier, this is the ideal time to cast spells to increase patience or to reduce irritation.

Now, make offerings and libations. Then say:

Full moon, mothering and bright

I give honor to your blessing light

Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin by raising your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

            If not, then merry meet again

 Raise your Athame to the East and say:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Now that you have thanked and released your guardians, you must open the circle:

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Bibliography

CorrellianWicca: Lessons for the First Degree

Llewelyns Witches Datebook Calendar 2007

TwinbornKristy's Esbat Ritual

wikipedia.org

Blessing Moon Esbat Ritual

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

The July Full Moon, this ritual was performed in 2007.

This is an esbat ritual for the full moon known as the blessing moon. This is the perfect time to augments spells that honor the mother goddess as she gains her full power. This is the time of culmination, completion, nurturing and the ripening. The full moon in July is called the Blessing moon. These are the hottest days of summer and the time of thunderstorms. Sithor, the Egyptian dog star, was considered a second sun and would actually rise with the sun. This is also when the Nile's annual flood would happen and renew the land. This time of year was also called the “dog days of summer” after the dog star.

Full moon magic can be used three days before or three days after the actual date of the full moon. Sometimes this duration is shorter, but it depends on your tradition and personal beliefs. Full moon magic is a good time to add potency to spells. You can also make full moon water, use blessings for cleansing and purifying, healing, protection and wards, fertility and home matters, money and business and augmenting psychic powers.

Although it didn't specify to specialize your Esbat ritual to a specific Esbat, I decided that it would be helpful if I did that myself. I included a bibliography at the end with the sources I used to write the Ritual. Because this time of the year tempers tend to be short and patience runs thin, its is and ideal time to request patience, peace and soft rains to calm frayed nerves. I decided that by specializing the esbat it would have more personal meaning for myself and others who were using it.

Tools Needed:

Athame (you can use your finger instead)

Besom (Optional)

Altar

Tools you will need for any personal spells

Supplies Needed:

Candles (in the colors you'll need for your spell, altar and an additional white candle)

Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

Blessing Moon  Ritual

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like. Take a moment, then decide on your intention and speak something like:

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mother

To recycle for something other

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the room until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white light emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Mother's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

Eastern Guardian of Air's power

Mind and Intellect's watchtower

Elemental of Air, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Visualize a column of light rising up and as this is for the blessing moon, you could envision them as sleek hounds in the guardian colors guarding your circle. Dogs are symbolic of loyalty, companionship and protection.  Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

Southern Guardian of Fire's power

Passion and action's watchtower

Elemental of Fire, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

Western Guardian of water's power

Emotion's sacred watchtower

Elemental of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

Northern Guardian of Earth's power

Integration's honored watchtower

Elemental of earth, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say:

Goddess and God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Now, light a white candle and say:

Full moon, mothering and bright

I give honor to your blessing light

Now, is when you should ask for what you would like to do or if you have a spell, this is when you would cast that spell. As  I wrote earlier, this is the ideal time to cast spells to increase patience or to reduce irritation.

When you are done casting your spell, hold aloft the white candle of the full moon and say:

Shining moon, full and brightly gleaming

I supplicate in your moonlight streaming.

Grant the dear wish I greatly desire

By witness of air, earth, water and fire

Free will to all and harm to none

as I do will, my will be done

Now, make offerings and libations. Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin in the east and raise your Athame:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Next, raise your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Bibliography

CorrellianWicca: Lessons for the First Degree

Llewelyns Witches Datebook Calendar 2007

TwinbornKristy's Esbat Ritual

Long Nights / Yule Moon Esbat Ritual

By Ishtar Tariel Nimara Ebonwing

A ritual to honor the Yue/Winter Solstice which is Dec 22 and Long Nights Moon which is on Dec 23. The sun is in Capricorn and the Moon is in Cancer. This was performed in 2007.

This is a combined sabbat ritual for Yule and esbat ritual for the full moon known as the Long Nights moon. The time of the Oak king has come.

Full moon magic can be used three days before or three days after the actual date of the full moon. Sometimes this duration is shorter, but it depends on your tradition and personal beliefs. Full moon magic is a good time to add potency to spells. You can also make full moon water, use blessings for cleansing and purifying, healing, protection and wards, fertility and home matters, money and business and augmenting psychic powers.

I included a bibliography at the end with the sources I used to write the Ritual.

Tools Needed:

Athame (you can use your finger instead)

Besom (Optional)

Altar

Tools you will need for any personal spells

Supplies Needed:

Candles (in the colors you'll need for your spell, altar and an additional white candle)

Supplies for any other spells you will be casting

Something to mark the directions is handy (such as a blue candle in the west, ect), or even a symbol, totem or other item to help you remember which direction is which.

Blessing Moon  Ritual

Begin by clearing and releasing all excess energy from yourself then stand in or near the place you first wish to cleanse for your ritual. You can invite any of your Spirit Guides if you like. Take a moment, then decide on your intention and speak something like:

Behold, I do cleanse this place

Keeping pure this sacred space

I send negativity to the Mother

To recycle for something other

Visualize cleansing, white shining flames filling the room until it is simply pure, white light filling the area.  You can see it as black “dust” and you can see the white light pushing it out of the area, back to the Deity where it can be used for other, more positive purposes.

If you have a besom and you would like to use it in the ritual, you can visualize the white light emanating from the besom and you begin sweeping counterclockwise (tuathail). You sweep out the black “dust” that is tainting your holy space by starting form the inside of your sacred space, then outwards. As you sweep, you can chant:

This circle I cleanse with this broom

May no evil now enter this room

Next, visualize the white light that has filled the room, filling now with a pure blue light and take your athame and draw a circle around you deocil, starting in the east, or walk the circle if its large. Draw the circle three times and as you do so, chant:

I do hereby bless this space

Blessed be to Mother's grace  

From the mundane I cut away

To enter the realm of Gods and Fae

As you cut yourself form the mundane world and enter into the “magical” world, see the cut of the athame turning into brilliant blue flames and the blue light that was filling the room is now bolstering the blue flames, creating a powerful shield.

Now you call the quarters. You begin by letting brilliant alabaster light fill the circle. Start at the east and raise your athame and say:

Eastern Guardian of Air's power

Mind and Intellect's watchtower

Elemental of Air, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Visualize a column of light rising up and as this is for the blessing moon, you could envision them as sleek hounds in the guardian colors guarding your circle. Dogs are symbolic of loyalty, companionship and protection.  Step to the South, raise your athame and say:

Southern Guardian of Fire's power

Passion and action's watchtower

Elemental of Fire, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the West, raise your athame and say:

Western Guardian of water's power

Emotion's sacred watchtower

Elemental of water, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Step to the North, raise your athame and say:

Northern Guardian of Earth's power

Integration's honored watchtower

Elemental of earth, I call to thee

Protect this circle from negativity

Now, go stand in front of your altar and raise your Athame skyward and say:

Goddess and God celestial and above

I ask for protection, power and love

Now, light a white candle and say:

Full moon, mothering and bright

I give honor to your blessing light

Now, is when you should ask for what you would like to do or if you have a spell, this is when you would cast that spell. As  I wrote earlier, this is the ideal time to cast spells to increase patience or to reduce irritation.

When you are done casting your spell, hold aloft the white candle of the full moon and say:

Shining moon, full and brightly gleaming

I supplicate in your moonlight streaming.

Grant the dear wish I greatly desire

By witness of air, earth, water and fire

Free will to all and harm to none

as I do will, my will be done

Now, make offerings and libations. Now it is time to thank the guardians of your circle. Begin in the east and raise your Athame:

Elemental of Air, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the South and say:

Elemental of fire, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the West and say:

Elemental of water, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Raise the Athame to the North and say:

Elemental of Earth, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

Next, raise your athame aloft and point it heavenwards and say:

God and Goddess, I thank you,

If you are going, I bid adieu,

Stay if it be your will and remain

If not, then merry meet again

The circle is open, but unbroken

As I do will, so mote it be.

Bibliography

CorrellianWicca: Lessons for the First Degree

Llewelyns Witches Datebook Calendar 2007

TwinbornKristy's Esbat Ritual

Cane of Protection

Cast June 27, 2007

This spell took about a half hour to complete, not including writing or preparation)

Magical Stone-Lapis Lazuli

Magical Herb-Sandalwood

A friend gifted another of my friends with a cane to help her while her leg was healing. The friend who had been hurt is one of our three coven members. A few months ago she had fallen and broken her ankle. She was just informed that she could use a cane to get around, but she didn't have one. Another friend, this one we've only known for a few weeks, heard about the situation and donated the cane. The cane was known to have served someone who was less than positive and had been used to hurt someone at least once. My other friend was in need of a cane though, and we had to honor the gift of the staff's use.

I was asked to cleanse and purify the cane. Already, the other person in the coven (not the hurt one) had cleansed it. However, we wanted to be thorough because of he cane's history. I started by handling it. I felt the energies and though they were faint, I could still feel some tentative energy still present. I decided to do something a little more than just a simple cleansing. I then spent some time away from it deciding what to do (about an hour). I practice a lot of what I call “intuitive magic” although I am not sure if thats the right term I wanted to use. I soon remembered as I was going about my regular business that I had left my beading box behind.

I decided that I would find an appropriate bead and attach it to the cane to assist her with her activities. I wanted it to protect her so she wouldn't get hurt, remove the negative energies that might be present in the cane and help her heal. I first started by returning to the cane. I shielded myself, grounded and washed down the cane gently with pure water. Then I cleansed it by envisioning light surrounding and filling it. Then I washed it again with some water.

I felt it needed more cleansing because of its negative origins. To this end, I envisioned myself as a golden dragon breathing cleansing yellow fire onto the staff, golden streaked with blue, healing and cleansing yet at first it was deep red and almost black as it dispelled the negativity. I called on each of the elements to cleans and purify the staff. I also held a silver unicorn pendant to the staff and called the unicorn who is my strongest totem to also watch and guide her. I softly chanted for all the things I asked for and called for those totems and the gods and goddesses close to me to witness my desire.

Then I looked through the bead box I had brought. Instantly, I found an already strung black, leather neckace with a pure silver chain that I had made and been saving, though I didn't have a use for it yet. There was also a lapis lazuli pendant. It was the first pendant I picked up and I knew it was the one. It was the only pendant to also have the loop large enough to fit over the cane. I took the pendant and cleansed and bound it to the newly cleansed staff with the leather necklace. It fit perfectly

I meditated a moment on it I envisioned the lapis lazuli with its power to protect, nurture and heal.  Then I wiped it down with water, the purifying energy that also nourished and nurtured. I saw the silver, the power of the moon, binding it and securing it. I envisioned the black cord, sealing against negativity. I envisioned the animal which had given its life for that black cord, for this purpose, to grant her protection, and so I thanked it as well.

Today was also the day that Anteres beheld the Moon. It is the Heart of Scorpio, the constellations brightest star. The moon was traveling from Antares to Jupiter's path. It was a strong day for Scorpio and its regenerative powers. The power to rise from the ashes, as this cane would do. I envisioned the scorpion lifting up wings to become an eagle, then bursting into flames leaving behind the scorpion, lizard and eagle bodies to become the exalted phoenix. I burnt sandalwood, a herb sacred to the phoenix.

Then, I moved incense over the cane and envisioned my friend happy, mobile and moving about with it. I saw her happiness and wonder at being able to walk, feed her dogs on her own, smile and visit. I anointed the staff with jasmine oil, to promote love so that people would help her as she healed. I grasped it hard and told the cane what it's mission would be and i kissed it. I envisioned some small wood-like, calm, fayish being reaching to help with warm, steady hands. I envisioned other things helping her along her way, that perhaps even the world would reach to help her heal safely, happily and protected.

Then I reflected and earthed myself, and decided to write this so other people could help their friends if they wanted to. I carried the staff for a little bit and also gave it to my other coven member so she could care for it one last time before our other member received it.