Ancestor Esbat 2017 CO1

 October 28, 2023 (Hunter’s Moon)

October Esbat 2017

Merry Meet and Blessed Be.  Tonight, we will be enlisting the help of the Ancient Ones from some of our own faiths to come together working in harmony.  October is known to be one time of the year when the veil between the worlds is thinnest.  It’s a time when messages are often sent to departed loved ones, but it can also be a time when messages are received.  Tonight we’ll be working on our own psychic connections and receiving messages from beyond.

Smudge & Anoint

Altar Devotion

Sara Kali, Mother, woman, sister, queen, this altar is dedicated to you.  I am honored by your presence each day of my life.  Tonight I request your help – please watch over my Kumpania, protect my familia from any who would do them harm.  By the powers of the Ancient ones, in the names of those who have gone before, we honor you, we remember you.  So mote it be.

Circle Cast

Three times round, this Circle’s bound, cast of love and protection to keep all inside safe from harm and free of all negativity.  Make this a place of safety so that the power of the Moon in all Her beauty and glory can be here to lend Her Magick.  This Circle is drawn from the elemental energies to surround this sacred space.  From earth the things that manifest.  From air, the things imagined.  From fire the things that motivate.  From water the things empowered.  In a space that has no place, in a moment that has no time.  Welcome Ancient Ones and see this place as sealed - So mote it be.

Call Quarters

EAST    Guardians of the East, Powers of Air; you who are thought and the wind upon my face - Winged eagle of the skies who is the morning breeze and the wrath of storms; we invite your presence this night.  Enter our Circle, Blessed be. 

  

SOUTH    Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, you who are passion and the hearth - Great Snake who lives within the coals of the home fires as well as wild fires, we invite your presence this night.  Enter our Circle, Blessed be.   

WEST    Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, you who are emotions and pure love - Gentle Dolphin of the waves who is the morning dew, and the torrential rains, we invite your presence this night.  Enter our Circle, Blessed be.

NORTH    Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, you who are the stabilizer and nurturer - Powerful Buffalo who paws the ground and stands solid as the mountains, we invite your presence this night.  Enter our Circle, Blessed be.

Unite energies - Charge of Goddess

In the mists of time I was called Aset, Urd, Verdandi, Skuld, Urania, White Buffalo Woman, Sara Kali, and by many other names.  I am the quickening of the seed in Springtime, the glory of ripe fields in Summer, and the peace of the quiet woods as the snow calms the Earth in Winter.  I am the lilt of the maidens' melody in the morning, the patient hand of the Mother and the deep river of the mysteries taught by moonlight.  I give you, my children, the gifts of song rising from the heart, the joy of autumn sunset, the cool touch of the renewing waters, and the compelling call of the drum in the dance.  To you I give the joy of creation and the companion of beauty to light your days.  

 

By the powers of the steadfast Earth and the wheeling stars I charge thee; by the darkness of death and the white light of birth I charge thee; and by the terrible strength of your human spirits, I charge thee:  Strive always for the growth of your eternal soul, never intentionally diminish your strength, your compassion, your ties to the earth or your knowledge. 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.  Act always for the betterment of your brothers and sisters.  To strengthen them is to forge the true chain of humanity, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  

 

You are my children, my brothers and sisters and my companions.  You are known in great part by the company you keep, and you are strong and wise and full of the powers of life.  It is yours to use them in my service, and I also, am known by the company I keep.  Go forth in joy and the light of my love, turning to me without fear when the darkness threatens to overcome you, and turning also to me to share your triumphs and your achievements, and know in your heart of hearts that we are together in blood and spirit ‘til the last star darkens in the sky and winter comes to the universe.

Invocation

With the utmost respect I request the assistance of the Chivani of the Roma.  Sara Kali, the Mother, woman, sister, queen, the Phuri Dae, the source of all Romany blood. You are a Seeress of incredible talent, protector and prophet of your Familia.  Let the things I say tonight be only for the greater good of all. Blessed Be

Name the Working

Perform the Work

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.  If the Goddess so desires it let our Magick be done. So Mote it Be.

Raise Power

Wish Box

Sacred Space

Cakes and Ale

By the grace and power of all divinity, we bless these cakes. May all who eat them never feel the emptiness of hunger. We also bless this juice. May all who drink it never feel the coarseness of thirst. So mote it be.

 

Thank Spirit

Sara Kali, mother, sister, and queen - When I humbly called, you responded, honoring us with your presence and wisdom.  As you now depart, please accept our highest gratitude for your aid in this Magickal rite. I now bid you farewell, but knowing You will always be near I will never say goodbye. Thank you for the secrets shared this night.  I now wish you good journey - Latcho Drom, Safe Journey.

Release Quarters

NORTH    Beneath our feet is the Earth, soil dark and fertile; the womb in which life begins and will later die, then return anew. We thank you, earthly guardians for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. Hail and farewell.

WEST    From the west, the mist rolls in bringing rain and fog; the life-giving water without which we would cease to be. We thank you, earthly guardians for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. Hail and farewell.

SOUTH    From the South 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. We thank you, earthly guardians for your presence here tonight.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. Hail and farewell.

EAST    From the east comes the wind, cool and clear.  It brings new seeds to the garden, bees to the pollen, and birds to the trees. We thank you, earthly guardians for your presence here tonight. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. Hail and farewell.

Open Circle

 

As I open this circle, I give thanks to the Ancient Ones for being here with us on this night. I am most gracious for all of your help and guidance. As you leave us now, I ask that you continue to watch over us in our everyday lives. As the energy of this circle has served us well, I now return it to the elements from whence it came. 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!

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)

Hand Fasting, Samhain 2001 CO1

Hand Fasting, Samhain 2001

Altar Devotions

Purify the Area

Salute

HPS

The Lord and Lady have always been there for us, since before time was.                     

They were there in the scents of the Earth

in the whisper of the Wind

in the warmth of the Sun

in the refreshing coolness of a Mountain Stream.

They have always been there for us, even before we understood.

They are there in the magick of the Moonlight

in the wonder of a Sunrise

in the freedom of an Open Field

in the comfort of a Sheltering Forest.

Tonight, they will be here with us as we ask them to walk beside this couple who come before us to pledge their Love. 

  

Cast Circle

(Light the incense and place it into the bottle - hold in the center of the Circle)

HP: Protection: cast with fire and Air.

Mists of North, South, East, and West - Rise with haste per my bequest.   Thrice Circle round, in and out, from the bottle, out the spout.   We cast this circle in the name of the Golden Lord.  We set its boundaries with elements of his choosing.  May he protect us this night.  

HPS: Love: cast with Water and Earth.

We cast this circle in the name of the Silver Lady.  We seal its boundaries with elements of her choosing.  May she hold us in her embrace.  

HP:     Hope: cast with Acorns.   

We cast this circle in the name of Hope.   Let all who dwell within it’s boundaries find Hope in themselves and in their futures.   

HPS:    We bless this circle with these offerings.  Let them find fertile ground and take root.  As they grow may the love of this couple grow with them.   This Circle is now sealed. So Mote It Be.

Call Quarters

HP/HPS:

We call upon Earth.  Let your presence provide the foundation for this union.

We call upon Fire. Let your flames ignite the passion of life within this couple.

We call upon Air.  Let your wind enrich this joining with the knowledge of communication.  

We call upon Water.  Let your essence caress this commitment in it’s loving embrace.  

Anoint

May the presence of the Divine be ever in your heart.

Invocation

COUPLE:    Father Sky, Lord of the beasts, and Protector of the Light, be with us now  

HP: I am already here…

in your shadow on the ground, and the whisper on the wind. I am here in the sunlight on your hair, and the soft sounds of a gentle rain…

I have always been here for you.

COUPLE: Mother Earth, Lady of the Grain, and Source of the Light, be with us now

HPS: I am already here…

in the beating of your heart, and the innocence of a child’s smile. I am here in the light of your Lover’s eyes, and the understanding of a true friend…

I have always been here for you

Drawing Down the Moon

Hear now the thoughts of the God and Goddess.  You, who have been with us since before time was, share with us now your message  this night.

HP In an earlier age I was called Herne, Osiris, Zeus, Cernunos and by many other names.  I am the strength of the rock at thy back, the roots of the tree that anchor the Earth and deepest of tides in the black depths of the ocean.  I am the Hunter and the Sacred Prey, the warmth of the sun in the swelling grapes and the call of the road that leads over the hill.  

HPS In the mists of time I was called Brigid, Demeter, Hera, Cerridwen, and by many other names.   I am the quickening of the seed in Springtime, the glory of ripe fields in Summer, and the peace of the quiet woods as the snow calms the Earth in Winter.  I am the lilt of the maidens' melody in the morning, the patient hand of the Mother and the deep river of the mysteries taught by moonlight.  

HP I give you, my children, the fire of love, the power of the wind on your face, shelter from the darkest storm.  You are dear to me, and I instill in you my power...the power of peace hard earned, the power of vision and magical sight, and the spark of elemental fire, which is the primal light in the darkness.

HPS I give you, my children, the gifts of song rising from the heart, the joy of autumn sunset, the cool touch of the renewing waters, and the compelling call of the drum in the dance.  To you I give the joy of creation and the companion of beauty to light your days.  

HP By the powers of  the running stag and the glorious sun, I charge thee; by the darkest depths of night and the lingering tendrils of dreams, I charge thee; and by the beauty of your own creation, I charge thee; Follow your heart and your instinct, wherever they lead you.  The wealth of the heart will guide you where the cold edge of logic cannot take you.    Take joy in the powers of your bodies.  The form your body takes is unique in the universe and is chief among your tools.  

HPS By the powers of the steadfast Earth and the wheeling stars I charge thee; by the darkness of death and the white light of birth I charge thee; and by the terrible strength of your human spirits, I charge thee:  Strive always for the growth of your eternal soul, never intentionally diminish your strength, your compassion, your ties to the earth or your knowledge.   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.   Act always for the betterment of your brothers and sisters.  To strengthen them is to forge the true chain of humanity, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  

HP Lastly, always remember the path you have left behind you.  Learn to take your power from the foolish things you have wrought as well as the good you have done for others and for your self.  You can never usurp another's power, and yours is the well upon which you must rely.

HPS You are my children, my brothers and sisters and my companions.  You are known in great part by the company you keep, and you are strong and wise and full of the powers of life.  It is yours to use them in my service, and I also, am known by the company I keep.  

HP I am with you always, just over your shoulder, running with you through the tall grasses and forests that surround you.  I possess you and I am your Sacred Prey.  I am the Lord of Death, and when you have come to the end of your life on this world, I will be there; to take you between the worlds, to offer you peace and rest.  Look upon my face; know me.  I am the spirit of the wild things, but you too, are wild in your souls and we are forever intertwined." 

HPS Go forth in joy and the light of my love, turning to me without fear when the darkness threatens to overcome you, and turning also to me to share your triumphs and your achievements, and know in your heart of hearts that we are together in blood and spirit ‘til the last star darkens in the sky and winter comes to the universe.

Name the Working

(bring the couple to the center of the Circle)

Tonight, ... and ... renew their vows of devotion to each other. They come as two people, separate, different. They accept and love each other as they are, both the dark and the light, the good and the bad. Two halves of a perfect whole. Complete.

HP: Trials will come, and tests, for there is much in this world that would long to pull you apart.   Come with us now on a journey which will bring strength and vision to your relationship, courage and understanding.

North:    Oftentimes family and friends can create a wedge between those who are bonded.  Are you prepared to look to each other for comfort?

South:    Do your understand that you will not always agree and that there will be times of  heated disagreement?

East:    Do you realize that there will be times when communicating your thoughts and desires to your partner will be difficult?

West:    Do you acknowledge the fact that your bonding will bring  both tears of joy and tears of pain?

HPS:    Joys will come, graces and blessings will warm your souls and give you wonder.  The path you have chosen will bring thanksgiving and rejoicing to this relationship, laughter and abandon.

HPS:    Do you, ..., take ... to be your beloved partner, to love, honor and cherish?

Response: I do.

HPS:    Do you, ..., take ... to be your beloved partner, to love, honor and cherish?

Response: I do.

Blessing of the Rings

(Take the rings from the HP/HPS and recite the Blessing together)

These rings represents a journey with out beginning or end, they are a symbol of the Circle of Life.   In the presence of the Lord and Lady, we ask that they bless these rings so that your Journey of Love never ends.  

(Hand the rings to ... and ... and ask them to repeat the vow as they place their rings on each others fingers)

North, South, East, West

To the Lord and Lady we do attest

West, East, South, North

To love each other from this day forth.

HPS: Does the couple have any words they wish to say to each other?

Perform the Work

Handfasting:

HPS: With this ribbon I now join ... hand with ..., as a symbol of the joining of their lives.   This is the actual act of Handfasting.   By the powers of Earth and Fire, Air and Water, may your lives ever be joined together in love.

Jumping the Broom:

HP: Jumping the broom is a very ancient custom.   The broom, or besom as it was once called, symbolizes the creation of a hearth and home together.   As you step over the broom, realize that you step into your futures together as well.   Two people, bound together as one.

Pronouncement:

HPS: ... and ..., in the presence of this company and of the Goddess and God, you have spoken your vows and performed the rites which unite your lives.   Therefore do we now pronounce you joined together as partners in life, love and spirit.

HP: ... and ..., may your lives together be as sweet as this honey, a gift of the Goddess.   You may now kiss to seal your vows to each other.

Great Rite

HP: The Mother protects the seed and nurtures it so that it may bloom.  She lends her essence to the wonder of the universe.  May the two of you nurture your love so that it too may bloom and share its wonder.

HPS:    The Father bolsters the seed providing the energy so that it may blossom.  He lends his strength to protect all that it is.  May the two of you always support your union and guard it from without.

... & ...    Let it be known that nothing masculine is greater than the Feminine,

And that nothing feminine is greater than the masculine. Each is part of the other and only the balance of the two can lead to enlightenment. As the Athame represents the masculine,    And the Chalice represents the feminine, Only when they are joined can perfect balance be found. For only through balance can the Magick of unconditional love be realized.

Cakes and Ale

HPS: Gentle Mother, Would you bless this wine so that all may join in the celebration of this union?

HP: So Mote it Be

Loving Father, Would you bless these cakes so that all may feast in the love of this Couple?

HP: (Cakes and Wine are now offered to couple in the traditional manner)

    So Mote it Be

Release Quarters

... and ... give their thanks to the elements and the Lord and Lady.

Open Circle

HPS:    Mists of West, South, East, and North - return with ease as we called you forth.   Once circle round, down and in, let your energies dwell within.   Back into the bottle, as you once began, to release your presence when opened again.   Blessed Be.

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)

Travel Esbat 2001 CO1

Safe Travel 10/13/01

Altar Devotions

Purify the Area

Salute

Calling Quarters

Boreas, Notus, Eurus, Zephyrus, Winds of North, South, East, West, Gather close at my behest. Join with us on this dark night, and lend your energies to our rite. Winds merge and intertwine, Your essential energies now combine

BOREAS, Spirit of Earth, Midnight and Winter - we call for strength and

protection, ground us

NOTUS, Spirit of Fire, Midday and Summer – bring to us the energy to fill our

need, empower us

EURUS, Spirit of Air, Sunrise and Spring - we call for spirit and knowledge,

guide us

ZEPHYRUS, Spirit of Water, Sunset and Autumn - for the journey that is to

come, move us

Casting the Circle

Four winds form our Circle and weave a spell, North, South, East, West, your tale to tell. As above, so it is below, Keep out all that would cause us woe. As within, so it is without, Safe we’ll be, there is no doubt. Three times round this Circle’s cast.

Anoint

Unite energies

Invocation

Gracious Goddess of the night, woman of the Moon, and Mother of all that may be, I ask for your assistance and presence for my rite. 

Gracious God of the day, man of the Sun, and Father of all that may be, I ask for your assistance and presence for my rite.

Name the Working

To empower stones to be talismans for safe travel. 

The stones will be cleansed and emptied by the energy we raise. Once cleansed they will be ready to absorb any negativity that we may come into contact with. In this way they will protect us from harm. As we breath in we are going to bring in energy from the Mother as we breath out we will expel that energy into the sphere of our Circle, filling it with the power for our purpose. The power to cleanse these stones and prepare them for the task we have described.

Raising Energy

breathing - Listen to the sound of the breath of your circle mates. Become synchronized together, become one together . Breath in as one, breath out as one. 

Cakes & Ale

Thanking the Divine

Gracious Goddess of the night, woman of the Moon, and Mother of all that may

be, thank you for your assistance and presence during our rite. Stay if you will, go 

if you must, Hail and Farewell.

Gracious God of the day, man of the Sun, and Father of all that may be, thank you

for your assistance and presence during out rite. Stay if you will, go if you must, 

Hail and Farewell.

Release the Circle 

Four winds formed our Circle at our behest, North, South, East, West. You lent your energy above and below, To keep us safe and free from woe. Your presence assured within and without, Safe travel we’ll have, there is no doubt. Stay if you will, go if you must, Hail and Farewell.

This Circle is Open, but Unbroken, Merry Meet, Merry Part, until we Merry meet again.