Passing Circle 2011 CO1

Passing Circle, 2011

Take a few deep breaths so as to prepare ourselves. Breathe deeply and remember the love you have for ... and all the joy and laughter their friendship brought to us.  

CAST CIRCLE

Three times round this Circle’s bound. From the North and the East to the South and the West then back to the North again. 

 
The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask our Father Sky to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell within these walls.
The second is a Circle of Hope - as we understand that all who pass through these doors will find hope in themselves and in their futures.
The third is a Circle of Love - as we know that our Mother Earth shines the light of Her love upon all who gather here under the stars.

Three times round this Circle’s bound.  North, South, East and West from edge to edge this Circle is cast. As above, so below; So Mote It Be.

QUARTERS

North:    Spirits of the North, Powers of Earth, we call you into our circle.  From you we come; to you we return.  Bring us strength, nurturing and the knowledge that all that dies becomes a part of you again. The Earth blesses this circle.  Enter and be blessed.

East:    Spirits of the East, Powers of Air, we call you into our circle.  Bring us clarity of vision and bright memories of our friends, Eric and Susan.  The Air we breathe blesses this circle.  Enter and be blessed. 

South:    Spirits of the South, Powers of Fire, we call you into our circle.  Bring us the courage we need to face the reality of death, keep our passion alive even in our sorrow, and bring us the warmth of the hearth.  The cleansing power of fire blesses this Circle. Enter and be blessed.

West:    Spirits of the West, powers of water, we call you into our circle. Open our hearts and let our tears and love flow.  Bring us healing and renewal.  The life water of the Mother’s womb blesses this circle.  Enter and be blessed.

INVOCATION

Great Mother, Goddess of life, death, and rebirth, Loving Mother; we ask that you join us this night to mark the passing and rebirth of our loved ones. Welcome in peace.  Blessed be!

Great Father, God of the hunt, the chase, God of the Underworld, Loving Father; we ask that you join us this night to mark the passing and rebirth of our loved ones.  Welcome in peace.  Blessed be!

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

We are gathered here this evening to honor the passing of our loved ones, ... .  We meet to commend them to the care of the Great Mother and Father so that they may rest until it is time for them to be reborn.  Mother, Father, brother, sister, friend, they touched our lives in many different ways and we are better people for having known them. 

NARRATIVE

Though ... are gone from this earthly realm they will live on forever in the wild flowers growing in the meadows, on the whispers of the wind, in the warmth of the sun on our faces, in the gentle Spring rain and in a magnificent thunderstorm.  As long as their memories are alive in our hearts and in our minds, they will be with us always as they walk hand in hand with the Ancient Ones.

WORKING

(Pass around basket containing Magickal items.  As each person takes the basket, allow time to speak and share memories.  Everyone walk over to the planting site and place the items in the hole.  Anyone who wants to share what they have written to ... will have time to do so before placing their letter into the hole. And then everyone will assist in planting the tree.)

PRAYER

Great Mother, welcome ... back into your womb, and Great Father, welcome them back to your loving wisdom.  Let them come to you and know that they have been blessed by your gifts of Life.  As they enter your world, wrap them in your loving arms and welcome them back home. Let them speak to the Ancient Ones to learn the greater mysteries that lie beyond the veil.

(Walk away from the planting site and go back to the Circle)

CAKES AND ALE

Great Mother, bless this grain that it may always keep love in our hearts.
Great Father, bless this drink that it may keep laughter in our hearts and remembrance in our minds. 

All that we do is in service and in honor to the God and Goddess.  May we never hunger - May we never thirst.  So Mote It Be! 

THANK SPIRIT

Great Mother Goddess and Great Father God, we honor you and thank you for your presence in this our sacred circle. You are with us always.

RELEASE QUARTERS

North:    Spirits of the North, Powers of the Earth; thank you for your presence here tonight. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. May you always blessed be.

West:    Spirits of the West, Powers of Water; thank you  for your presence here tonight. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. May you always blessed be.

South:    Spirits of the South, Powers of Fire; thank you for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. May you always blessed be.

East:    Spirits of the East, Powers of Air; thank you for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us.  May you always blessed be.

RELEASE CIRCLE

Those of us left behind shall mourn the passing of ... but we shall also know that their souls and spirit are coming back to the Great Mother and Father and that they shall be made whole again.  We shall cry, but shall also laugh as we celebrate the life that had been given to them.  And we shall also let them know that as we now merry part, we shall all merry meet again.  This circle is open- yet unbroken.  May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled.