Dragon Esbat 2018 CO1

 August 30, 2023 (Blue Moon)

Blue Moon, Dragon Circle 2018

Tonight we’ll be doing a Dragon Circle.  Dragons, and the easily visible Dragon Flies, have always been my Energy Spirits.  So tonight I’ve brought some of my buddies with me, and others from the surrounding area will probably join us. They come in all sizes, some no bigger than a Dragon Fly, others the size of a house.  If the big guy from the North shows up, don’t worry about him…he’s truly bigger than he seems and just a nice grounding teddy bear.  So don’t be surprised if you feel a slight breeze, or a warm touch.  Just say hello and let us know.

Dragons of the North, South, East & West – hear my call, attend to me!  Those who live on this property and dwell in this space – gather round, we have work to do.  Tomorrow will be time to play.  Set the wards, awaken the guards – I charge you with the protection of those who fill this room.  Let no harm come to them. 

Circle round; reflect back without malice anything that comes will ill intent.  Allow entry only to those who come for our own greater good.  Allow only those energies that arrive in peace and good will. So Mote it Be.

Altar Devotions

By the power of the Ancient Ones, in the names of those who have gone before. We remember you, we honor you.  So Mote it be.

Anoint

It's the blood of the Ancients that runs through our veins. As these forms pass, the circle of life remains.

Unite energies

(Pause briefly between sentences)

Close your eyes.  Breathe deeply three times, in through the nose, out through the mouth.  

Visualize the Tree of Life, branches reaching far up into the heavens and roots extending to the core of the Earth. 

Sit down beneath the tree with your back against it.  Feel its strength. Connect with its life force.  

Relax in this setting, letting all your tensions and worries pour into the tree, down through its roots and into the soil.  

You feel renewed and completely alive. When you’re ready, open your eyes and rejoin our circle.

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. 

 

We call upon the Dragons of Spirit - Rulers of the center of the circle. 

Dragons of Power, Dragons of Light, Dragons of Wisdom, Dragons of Might

Lend us your magic; lend us your aid, lend us your guidance as the spell is made. We summon you to this circle.  Power, peace and protection will come in and bind us together with the Divine through Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.  

On the mists, East, South, West, and North, come the Dragons, we call you forth. At our bidding, Magick bring, stay with us in our Sacred Ring.  Three times round, this Circle is bound.  As above, so it is below.  As without, so it is within, this circle is sealed. So Mote it Be.

Call Quarters

Dragons of the North; You who manage the land, the mountains and gemstones.  We receive and ask for your positive features of stability, decision, and grounding even as we recognize your negative attributes of stubbornness and indecision.  Enter our circle and be welcome. Blessed Be.

Dragons of the East; You who command the winds and breezes.  We appreciate and request your positive attributes of intelligence, renewal, and teaching while acknowledging your negative traits of gossiping, bragging, and confusion.  Enter our circle and be welcome. Blessed Be.

Dragons of the South; You who control the sunbeams and fire. We welcome and ask for your positive aspects of change, action and transformation even as we accept your negative attributes of fear, jealousy, and conflict.  Enter our circle and be welcome. Blessed Be.

Dragons of the West; You who direct the seas, the springs and lakes.  We understand and request your positive elements of emotion, intuition and healing while we recognize your negative attributes of instability, anger, and hatred.  Enter our circle and be welcome. Blessed Be.

Invocation

With the utmost respect I request the assistance of the Chivani of the Roma.  Sara Kali, Mother, woman, sister, queen, the source of all Romany blood; this altar is dedicated to you.  Sara Kali, tonight I request your help – please watch over my Kumpania, protect my familia from any who would do them harm.  Let the things that happen tonight be only for the greater good of all.  

CircleOfOne, in this evening hour, place all Nature within our power.  The sun with its brightness, the moon with its whiteness, the winds with their swiftness, the sea with its deepness, the rocks with their steepness, the earth with its starkness; all things in place with Divine’s help and grace.  So Mote it be.

Working

Impossible Dreams

Cakes and Ale

Earth Mother, Father Nature - Bless what we eat, bless what we drink, bless what we harrow, and bless what we sow.

Earth Mother, Father Nature - With all these things, let us rejoice, You give to us, and we give to you.

All that we do is in service and in honor to the Devine Spirit.  So Mote It Be!

 

Wish Box

Sacred Space

Thank Spirit

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.  If the Goddess so desires it let our Magick be done.  Thank you Sara Kali, I am honored by your presence in my life.  I know that you walk beside me each day, guide my heart, my tongue, my spirit.  In your honor, So Mote it Be.

 

Release Quarters

Dragons of the North, South, East and West please accept our thanks that you are here tonight.  Four points of the circle that joined us here, we thrill in the knowledge that you were near.  Back to the homes from whence you came, until the next time when we call you by name.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. Hail & Farewell

Open Circle

Open now this sacred space; send all dragons back to place.  Fare thee well and safe return.  May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled - this Circle is open but unbroken, merry meet, merry part and may we merry meet again!

Feast

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Blue Moon 2018 CO1

Blue Moon 2018

The Blue Moon, the second of two full moons in one calendar month, is an especially Magickal time, think of it as a lunar bonus round, a chance to ask for special “once in a blue moon” favors, or to work with “once in a lifetime” spells.

A square of blue cloth or sturdy blue Christmas wrapping paper. Ideally, the cloth or paper will have moons and stars printed on it, alternatively you can decorate it yourself with glitter glue, stickers, etc.

13 safety pins.

Paper and a pen.

Length of gold cord or ribbon.

Bottle of Champagne, a glass, and a corkscrew

Get centered, and sit down with your pen and paper and make a list of all the things you would want but which seem impossible. This includes anything that you find yourself repeatedly asking for. Think of “once in a lifetime,” or “once in a blue moon,” or “that couldn’t possibly happen to me,” things. The longer the list is, the better.

Now, look at each thing on your list and really think about it. Is this something you really want? If it showed up at your front door tomorrow morning would you really accept it? Are you sure this is for you? Cross off any items that you can’t say YES to with enthusiasm.

Pick your top thirteen “geez I wish I could have that” items from your list. Cut your paper into thirteen moon shapes and write one wish on each one. Write it in a positive, affirmative way, such as: “I win millions of dollars in the lottery.” or “I get an all expenses paid month long vacation in Fiji with the person I love.”

Open up the square of cloth or paper, and pin the 13 wishes to it with safety pins. (The safety pins insure safety and security for you as your wishes unfold.). Now fold the cloth into a neat little bundle and tie it with the gold ribbon or cord.

Take the champagne, the glass, corkscrew, and your bundle outside under the full moon. Hold the bundle up and say the following:  Please grant me these wishes, with harm to none, and bring me a life filled with love and with fun.  I give you permission on this special night to unbind whatever I may have closed tight; to slip past the blocks, to move through whatever might, stop you from granting these wishes tonight.

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none. By the grace of the Goddess, by the grace of the God, as I will it, so it shall be done.  So mote it be.

Now, uncork the champagne, and pour it into the glass. Hold up the glass of champagne and make a toast (say a heartfelt blessing) to the moon, and pour a small amount on the ground. Then make a toast to the Goddess and the God (a blessing and a thank-you), and pour a small amount on the ground. Then toast to yourself (something loving and kind), and drink the rest of the champagne in the glass.

Put the bundle in a place where things get worked on regularly, such as desk drawer, office cabinet, or tool box. On New Year’s Eve of the following year, make a list of all the wonderful and amazing things that happened since this spell, then toss the bundle (unopened) into a fire with thanks and gratitude.

Dark Moon Esbat 2000 CO1

Waning Moon, 8/19/00

 

Altar Devotions

(Light the candles on the Altar)

We serve the Silver Lady, and give reverence to Her Golden Lord.  We are Pagan’s - stones in the ancient circle.  Standing firmly balanced on the Earth, yet open to the winds of change and enduring through time.  May the Ancient Ones witness our words.  Blessed Be.

 

Purify the Area

(Walk widdershins -counter clockwise- around Circle)

By the power of the Ancient Ones.  In the names of those who have gone before.  I cast out all that would be harmful to those who gather here tonight.  I clear the way for that which is only for our own greater good.  We gather tonight to experience the positive aspects of Healing and Learning and to share with each other the positive energies that will enable us to grow both emotionally and spiritually.   With malice towards no-one, and harm to none - if the God and Goddess so desire it, then let it be done!

Salute

(Light the incense on the Altar)

Dragons of the North, South, East and West - you who guard this home and it’s surrounding land.  We honor you tonight, we welcome your presence and invite you to join us if you will.  May the Blessings of the our Lord and Lady be with you.  So Mote It Be!

 Cast Circle

(Walk deosil - clockwise - around the Circle)

Three times I seal the Circle that exists permanently around this home. 

The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask our Golden Lord 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 Silver Lady shines the light of Her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.

Three times round this Circle’s bound.  North, South, East and West from edge to edge this Circle is cast.  As above, so it is below, as without, so it is within.  In a place that is no place, in a time that has no time, we are now between the worlds - this Circle is sealed.  So Mote It Be!

Call Quarters

(Light the quarter candles on the Altar)

Earth, Fire, Water and Air - hear these words that I declare.  Lend your energies, witness our rite.  We ask you be with us on this night.  Four points of the Circle, weave your spell.  Great ones, spirits from the past, we invite you to bring with you the secrets of Healing.  Ancient Ones, teach us from the old mysteries and add your positive energies to our Workings tonight.

 

Anoint

 

Unite energies

 

Invocation

Golden Lord, stalwart one, lend us your strength for our workings this night.  We ask that you be with us and witness these rites.

(Light the God candle on the Altar)

Silver Lady, bright one, lend us your gentle touch for our workings this night.  We ask that you be with us and witness these rites.

(Light the Goddess candle on the Altar)

Join us, walk beside us, guide our hearts and minds - Blessed Be.

 

Name the Working 

 

Perform the Work 

 

Raise Power 1

 

Cakes and Ale

(Draw a pentagram over the bread and wine)

The bond that links a true family is seldom one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.  Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.  Tonight we share this bread and wine with members of our family, our friends, and we ask our Lord and Lady to bless each of us, to continue to walk beside us as we move throughout our daily lives.  All that we do is in service and in honor to our Golden Lord and His Silver Lady.  May we never hunger - May we never thirst.  So Mote It Be!

 

Release Quarters

(Put out the quarter candles on the Altar)

Water, Air, Earth and Fire, - return you now and never tire.  As it began, so now it is done, we thank you for joining in our night of fun.  Four points of the Circle, bind our spell.  Great ones, spirits from the past, Ancient Ones, we honor you and release you with the blessings of our Lord and Lady.  Hail and Farewell!!

Release

(Put out the God/Goddess candles on the Altar)

Golden Lord, Silver Lady, tonight we thank you for sharing this time with our family, our friends, and we welcome your presence in every aspect of our lives.  So Mote It Be!

Open Circle

(Walk widdershins - counter clockwise - around the Circle)

The Triple Circle around this home stands, strengthened by our Ritual here tonight.  An open Circle, never broken.  A welcoming haven to all who visit.  A place of peace and rest for the Dragons who reside on the surrounding lands.  We invite you all to stay if you will, leave if you must, but know that you are always welcome here in this home.  Blessed Be!

Feast

August Esbat 2011 CO1

August Esbat, 2011

The sun rises high in the summer sky, And lights our way even into the night. Today the sun casts three rays, The light of fire upon the land, the sea, and the heavens. From the west, the mist rolls in bringing rain and fog; the life-giving water without which we would cease to be. Beneath my feet is the Earth, soil dark and fertile; the womb in which life begins and will later die, then return anew.

 

Invocation

With the utmost respect I request the assistance of the Chivani of the Roma.  Sara Kali, Mother, woman, sister, queen, the source of all Romany blood; this altar is dedicated to you.  Sara Kali, tonight I request your help – please watch over my Kumpania, protect my familia from any who would do them harm.  Let the things that happen tonight be only for the greater good of all.  So Mote it be.

Name the Working

(Green ribbons & dirt)

Raise Power

We are here tonight, United as one light, one voice, and one love

Regardless of what or who we call as Divine Spirit, 

We call on you now, as one voice. One Light, One Voice, One Love.

We ask that you bring to Earth all the Light that is, 

We ask that you be present to help us heal this world.

One Light, One Voice, One Love. We need your light to show us the True Path, 

So that we may lead ourselves and others out of the Darkness. 

One Light, One Voice, One Love.  In perfect love and perfect trust, so mote it be.

Perform the Work

By the power of the Ancient Ones, in the names of those who have gone before, I am free.  By my will, so Mote It Be.

Cakes and Ale

Earth Mother, Father Nature, bless what we eat, bless what we drink.

Earth Mother, Father Nature, with all things, we rejoice.

All that we do is in service and in honor to the God and Goddess.  So Mote It Be!

 

Thank Spirit

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.  If the Goddess so desires it let our Magick be done.  Thank you Sara Kali, I am honored by your presence in my life.  I know that you walk beside me each day, guide my heart, my tongue, my spirit.  In your honor, So Mote it Be. 

Release Quarters

We thank you, earthly guardians for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us.

Open Circle

May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled - this Circle is open but unbroken, merry meet, merry part and may we merry meet again!

 

Feast

Lemonade Circle 2000 CO1

Lemonade Circle, 2000

Talking with a hatchling Coven the other day and the subject of our Lemonade Circle came up. Spent the day searching the archives, I never wrote anything down I guess. If we celebrated MooseMaas in February, we would celebrate our Lemonade Circle on the waxing or waning moon in August. We were, after all, a Self-Cleaning Coven because of our rather unique Circle.

I would create Sacred Space before anyone arrived...probably why I never wrote it down. And I'd pull out all the stops to create a beautiful, calming space. This was our only mandatory Circle of the year, and all the members worked together to create, and bring, the menu for our meal together. Once everyone had arrived and settled in around the table I would seal the Circle.

We'd eat during Circle. Then we'd start with passing a tray holding an empty pitcher, some lemon/lime juice in a squirt bottle and a bowl full of sugar with spoon. Everyone remained silent except the person holding the tray. They each took their turn around the Circle beginning with the person to my left. They each had the opportunity to speak to their Coven Mates individually. While they were speaking no-one else was allowed to talk...no comments, no thank you's, no rebuttals. Each would first say something positive about each Coven Mate...followed by any issues, complaints, problems, worries, etc. The purpose was to clear the air. Let someone else know what might be bothering them and then let it go. What's discussed in Circle...stays in Circle. Any negative comments were stated, then left to dissolve. This was an opportunity to speak from the heart with no repercussions, arguments or hard feelings. Then they put some juice and some sugar into the pitcher and move the tray over for the next persons turn. After dinner we'd add some water and ice to the pitcher and everyone would then get to share in the lemonade. Usually the final Lemonade was a bit sweet, occasionally it was a bit tart.

And honestly I never once had anyone complain about being given the opportunity to speak from the heart without interruption. Many would look forward to it, even making notes of nice things to say about their Coven Mates.

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Lammas Sabbat 2000 CO1

Lammas Sabbat, 8/5/00

Purify the Area/Prepare Altar

Ground HP/HPS

Anoint/Smudge Participants

(Drummers will stand to either side of the doorway as HP and HPS lead the participants into the hall.  All Quarters will stand in the center of the hall creating an inner circle facing out and chanting as all the participants are led around the outside edge of the hall and allowed time to find places to settle.  ManInBlack and the two Angels of Mercy stand in the very center facing inward wearing black cloaks.)

Oh tell me why, oh tell me why

Oh tell me why must the clouds come to darken the sky

Oh tell me why, oh tell me why

Oh tell me why must the clouds come to darken the sky

This is the wake of Lugh, the Sacred King

He gave his life on Lammas day

This is the wake of Lugh, the Sacred King

He steps into the dark to lighten our way

Statement of Intent

HP:  Tonight’s ritual is a little different than what most people will expect.  While Llamas is a harvest holiday and a time of celebration, it is also known as Lughnassa in honor of the Sacred Kings of the Celts.  Many people believe that sacrifices were never performed, in truth the Sacred Kings often gave up their lives in times of great need to insure prosperity for the lands and their people.  You see...the Kings held a sacred bond with the land so that in times of famine, drought, or pestilence, the King would offer himself as a sacrifice.  If the King was still young and chose not to be sacrificed then a substitute would be allowed, such as a great warrior or it was then offered to a prisoner - the choice to die with honor as the sacrifice.  With the Sacred King chosen, he was then anointed and presented to the people as the living God.  When the sacrifice was made it was very important to make sure that the blood was spilled upon the ground to insure the land’s prosperity.  Looking back through history some possible Sacrificial Kings of the past might have been Sir Francis Drake, William Rufus, William Wallace or perhaps Thomas Becket.  And one that most people might not have thought about may have been Joan of Arc.  It’s even suggested that Jesus Christ might have served as a Sacred King when you consider the way in which his blood was spilled on the earth.  So tonight we gather to honor these Sacred Kings of the past and the great God Lugh.

Cast Circle

HPS: We conjure thee by spirits of power a Circle now around us stands.  We trace the path between the worlds a boundary line of Gods and man.  Once around I trace the path, twice it turns into a flame, thrice around a wall of fire, within whose space we shall remain.  This ground is Sacred, Consecrated by the power of Earth and Air, we conjure Fire to cleanse our hearts, and Waters deep to guard us here.  In the name of She who watches, in the name of He who stands, this Circle bright is bound around us while Spirit works it’s mighty plan. As above from Crown of heaven, now below it is revealed, Magick Circle of nature’s fortress, by my words your power is sealed.

Call Quarters

NORTH:  Guardian Spirit, Earthly one, We invite you into our Circle.  In your fields of abundance, teach us to know where to best plant ourselves, so our spirits will grow. Join us this night and witness these rites.

EARTH:   “I am your Mother.  From me come the fruits and grains and animals which feed you.  I am your support, and my pull on your bodies keeps you held firmly to me.  I cherish you and need your respect to survive.  Without me you will die.  I am here.

NORTH:  Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

EAST:   Guardian Spirit, Winged one, We invite you into our Circle.  On the warm winds of Summer, help our late-summer dreams take flight.  Join us this night and witness these rites.

AIR:   “I am  everywhere.  I fill your lungs, I stir all things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree.  I can cool you with my breezes and could destroy you with my storms.  Without me, you would die.  I am here.

EAST:   Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

SOUTH:   Guardian Spirit, Fiery one, We invite you into our Circle.  With long sun-filled days, and clear starry nights, bring us the passion to spice up our lives.  Join us this night and witness these rites.

FIRE:   "I  live in the guarded embers of campfires and the pilot lights of stoves.  I  spring from the lightning and the hands of men, I can warm you with my glowing cinders and I could destroy you with my raging flames.  Without me you would die. I am here.

SOUTH:   Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

WEST:  Guardian Spirit, Watery one, We invite you into our Circle.  On your soft flowing waves that can lull us to sleep, teach us the Mysteries of your briny deep.  Join us this night and witness these rites.

WATER:   "I rise from the moist crevices of the Earth, I wash upon the shores of Her body, I fall from the skies in silver sheets.  I can nourish you with my gentle rains, and I could destroy you with my furious storms.  Without me you would die.  I am here.

WEST:  Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

Unite Energies

(Group OM)

Invocation

HPS:    Oh mighty Lugh, God of death and rebirth.  You who are the center of the Spiral, the Sacred King.  Come to us.  Share with us your wisdom and knowledge.  Participate in this rite as we honor your sacrifice in this Sacred Space.  So Mote It Be.

HP:    Oh lovely Brighid, Goddess of life and beauty.  You who are the Spiral of Life, Death and Rebirth, Mother of all.  Come to us.  Bring the strength of your hearth to us.  Participate in this rite as we honor your sacrifice in this Sacred Space. So Mote It Be.

Name the Working

HPS:    Tonight, ... will be representing the Sacred King Lugh.  As he walks around the Circle tonight with the Corn Dolly concentrate on something you would like to release or change in your lives in order to make room for future prosperity.  The Corn Dolly represents those things you wish to release and let go.  Tonight is not necessarily a time for grieving over our losses, but rather a time to celebrate those positive things that we experience in our lives, the prospects of an enjoyable future, and the knowledge that the God and Goddess will bless us with a prosperous year. 

HP kneels before the HPS as she places the crown on his head.  HP walks around the circle and the drummers are now free to drum a slow steady rhythm

Blessings

Sacrifice

HP:    If it is not your will, then let this duty pass from me, but if it is your will, then So Mote It Be.

(HP takes the Athame from the altar, presents it to the God, walks to the Western quarter to present the Athame to ManInBlack.  MIB stands in the Western Quarter dressed in black and covered by a black cloak, flanked by two Angels of Mercy dressed in white.)

MIB:    Blades flashing by light of sun or moon or fire, deeds done by stealth or more often in full view of witnesses, Murder or Willing Sacrifice??

HP:    Willing Sacrifice.

MIB:    The Living God must be released for the good of the people.

(MIB accepts the Athame, once the HP is seated on the ground, MIB covers the HP with the cloak, he removes the Corn Dolly covers it in black and places the doll and the Athame back on the altar.  The two Angels of Mercy move to lift the HP from the ground and escort him to the Western Quarter)

HPS:    To the sky from the earth in lofty flight. From the hills awash in the colors of fall. So away with thee shall I fly, shall I fly. From this place to a land so far away.

Softly now with the dusk I ride with the wind. O’er the hills, thru the mist on the wings of thee. Sprit fly, spirit fly to a place on high. Spirit fly to a place beyond the sky.

Cakes and Ale

(w/Drumming)

MIB:    My Lady, it is done.  Now is not the time to mourn a death, but a time to celebrate Life.

(The two Angels of Mercy then assist HPS in passing the Cakes and Ale.  Drummers will begin and participants are encouraged to dance.)

MIB:    My Lady Brighid we thank you for joining us this night.  Go now and await the return of your husband.  Hail and Farewell

HPS:    I leave you with Blessings and Thanks

Release Quarters

North:    Mother Earth we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter - I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

West:    Guardian Sprit of the Waters of the West we thank you for your presence here tonight.

Quarter - I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

South:    Guardian Spirit of the Southern Flames we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter - I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

East:    Father Sky we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter -  I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

Open Circle

We are a circle within a circle, without an ending, with love ascending.  Go now in peace, prosperity and joy and remember to keep the energies of this ceremony safe in your heart. This Circle is open, but never broken, Merry Meet, and Merry Part until we Merry Meet again.  We are the people, we are the power, we are the change.  So Mote It Be.

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Community, Esbat 2002 CO1

 August 1, 2023 (Sturgeon Moon)

Tampa CUUP’s, 2002

Building Community

Anoint

(Two greeters outside the doors to challenge and welcome.  Two greeters inside the room to anoint.)

Statement of Intent

Purify the Area

(While HPS is talking each quarter approaches the altar, takes whatever their element is and walk counter clockwise around the circle beginning in their quarter..  Each quarter is responsible for supplying their own element…East, fan or feather - South, lantern or candle - West, water and bowl or mister - north, salt and bowl.  Return all elements to the altar.)

Call Quarters & Cast Circle

(The Quarters are sung in through rounds, starting in the East.  Everyone will follow, standing in their quarters facing in and ending in the center facing out.  As the Quarters are sung in HPS and HP walk the inner circle clockwise to cast.)

EAST:  The Air brings us wisdom, listen to the wind, The Air brings us wisdom, listen to the wind.  Sing Now to bring in the East, Sing Now to bring in the East 

SOUTH:  The Fire lights our passion with its burning flame, The Fire lights our passion with its burning flame.  Sing Now to bring in the South, Sing Now to bring in the South 

WEST:  The Water gives emotion, feel the moving waves, The Water gives emotion, feel the moving waves.  Sing Now to bring in the West, Sing Now to bring in the West 

NORTH:  The Earth is our body, we return to it, The Earth is our body, we return to it.  Sing Now to bring in the North, Sing Now to bring in the North 

ALL:  The Center is the Spirit, joining us as one, The Center is the Spirit, joining us as one.  Rejoice Now the Circle is cast, Rejoice Now the Circle is cast

Unite energies

(HP Will lead the room in a triple wave.  Beginning in the East.)

HP:  Building Community means learning to work together.  It’s knowing that you can do your part and trusting that the person next to you will do theirs when it’s their turn.  With this in mind we’re going to create an ongoing wave just like you’ve probably seen on TV or at a sports game.  Beginning in the East I want everyone to stand up with a shout, raise your hands up high and sit back down again.  As the people to your right sit down then it’s your turn to stand up, shout and sit down again.  We’ll do this three times sending the wave around the room three times.  Let’s all see just how smooth we can make this happen before the third time comes around.

Invocation

HP:  In an earlier age He was called Herne, Osiris, Zeus, and by many other names. He is the strength of the rock at thy back, the roots of the tree that anchor the Earth, and the call of the road that leads over the hill. By the powers of the running stag, by the darkness of night and the lingering tendrils of dreams, by the beauty of your own creation, He will charge thee: Always follow your heart and your instinct. The wealth of the heart will guide you where the cold edge of logic cannot take you. And so He joins us this night, to watch over and find joy in our gathering. So Mote It Be

HPS:  In the mists of time She was called Brigid, Isis, Hera, and by many other names. She is the quickening of the seed in Springtime and the peace of the quiet woods in Winter. By the powers of the steadfast Earth, by the darkness of death and the white light of birth, by the strength of your human spirits, She will charge thee: Strive always for the growth of your eternal soul. Challenge your mind, never accept complacently that which has been the standard merely for the reason that it is the standard by which the majority judges itself. And so She joins us this night, to watch over and find joy in our gathering. So Mote It Be

Name the Working

(Continue speaking about Community as the balloons are passed out.)

  

HP:  Everyone is being given a balloon…now don’t blow it up yet and when you’re done don’t tie it off…just hold it.  

(Get the participants involved in talking about what they want or need as well as what they may feel they can give back to their Community.  Keep them talking until all the balloons are passed out)

Perform the Work

HPS:  Ok…now it’s time to really think about what you would like to receive from your community.  Blow up your balloons and fill them with all your wishes.  Blow them up as much as you can and DON’T tie them off!! When everyone is finished we’ll hand our balloons filled with our wishes to someone else in the circle that we don’t yet know. (allow people time to move around and pass on their balloons)  Now once you have someone else’s balloon take a few moments to think about what you might have to offer to your community.  Place those abilities on the outside of the balloon.  Once everyone is ready lift your balloon up as high as you can and let it go!!  You’ll be releasing all your wishes and dreams as well as your abilities into the Universe.  Now since we’re a very responsible community everyone gets to clean up after themselves…everyone pick up the balloons!!

Raise Power

HPS:  We need everyone who can stand without discomfort to come into the middle of the room and make a really large circle.  

(Circle Mates move around the room getting people up and into the center of the room.  Once everyone is up the quarters assemble around the altar and wait until the participants are given further instructions. HPS moves around the inner circle counting off 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 etc.)  

Ok…now we’re going to meet and get to know each other.  All the number 1’s turn to your left and the number 2’s turn to your right.  Take a moment to introduce yourselves, bow, curtsy, hug…whatever feels comfortable.  When the singing starts everyone step forward, swing your partner around and move on to the next partner.  When the music stops it’s time to introduce yourselves again to whomever is now standing in front of you.  We’re going to do this a couple of times to give you a chance to meet some new people tonight.

Cakes and Ale

(HP & HPS: Each holds up a basket of apple cakes for the blessing, then hand them off to two of the Quarters who return to their quarters and begin passing them out with the same blessing - “eat and be blessed.”  They follow the baskets around the room to be sure everyone gets one.)

 

Together: He is the sowing seed, She is the fertile land,

He is the harvester’s blade, She is the hands of life,

                        They are the blessings of this cake.  Eat and be blessed.

(HP & HPS: Each holds up a bottle of apple juice for the blessing, then hand them off to two of the Quarters who return to their quarters and begin passing them out with tiny cups and the same blessing - “drink and be blessed.”  They follow the bottles around the room to be sure everyone gets one.)

Together:        He is the nurturing sun, She is the rich earth,

                          He is the sweet fruit, She is bearer of life,

                          They are the blessings of this wine.  Drink and be blessed.

Release Quarters & Open Circle

(The Quarters are released through chant (x3) while HPS and HP walk the inner circle counter-clockwise to release the circle.)

Quarters:  Elements of East, and West, South, and North!  With a rousing chant we called you forth, We release you now to carry the spell. Quarters all, hail and farewell

HPS:  This Circle is open, but unbroken, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry shall we all Meet again.

Feast

 

SONGS

She danced on the water, and the wind was Her horn; The Lady laughed, and everything was born. And when She lit the sun and the light gave Him birth. The Lord of the Dance first appeared on the Earth.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I danced in the morning when the World was begun; I danced in the Moon and the Stars and the Sun. Called from the Darkness by the Song of the Earth. I joined in the Singing, and She gave Me birth!

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I dance in the Circle when the flames leap up high. I dance in the Fire, and I never, ever, die. I dance in the waves of the bright Summer Sea. For I am the Lord of the wave's mystery. 

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I dance at the Sabbat when you chant the Spell; I dance and sing let everyone be well. And when the dancing's over do not think that I am gone. I live in the music so I still dance on.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

The Horn of the Lady cast its' sound 'cross the Plain The birds took the notes, and gave them back again Till the sound of Her music was a Song in the sky And to that Song there is only one reply.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

The moon in her phases, and the tides of the sea The movement of the Earth, and the Seasons that will be Are the rhythm for the dancing, and a promise through the years That the Dance goes on through all our joy, and tears.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

They danced in the darkness and They danced in the night; They danced on the Earth, and everything was light They danced out the Darkness and They danced in the Dawn and the Day of that Dancing is still going on!

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)