Real Witch 2002 CO1

Are you a real Witch? 2002

Now normally my response to that would be - "Well, actually I'm a Styrofoam Witch."  

But it's not always just Muggles who want to know.  A lot of times the question is asked (in different forms of course) within our own Pagan Community.  Every so often I hear comments from others that try to paint whole sections of the Community with a really broad brush. "Witch Craft isn't a religion" ('Scuse me?!) "They're just self-initiated." "Wicca is the religious aspect." ('Scuse me some more!?!) "Witches don't follow the Wiccan Rede." (Isn't that the 'Witch's Rede'?) "They're just young wannabe's" "They don't hold to the Three-Fold Law." (Well, even the 'Law of Return' will smack you upside the head on occasion!) "Wiccan's are just 'fluffy bunnies'" "It's the White Lighters that are the 'fluffy bunnies'"  (Bunnies? When did we drag the Animal Kingdom into this?)  

For a Community that prides itself on being open and accepting of everyone else's path - we certainly try to keep our own on the straight and narrow.  OK, so what exactly is a real Witch, or Wiccan, or Pagan for that matter?  Is it all of the above, none of the above and everything else in between?  Isn't it any person who leaves that well-paved yellow brick road laid down by most mainstream religions in favor of that seldom trod dirt path, or even that old oiled down road complete with all it's overgrowth, and washouts and even ancient tire ruts?  For each of us, that path is distinctively our own, each one different from the next whether we walk it alone or share it with others.

So yes, Dorothy, I really am a Witch.  I'm a Witch who lives and breathes her religion every single day.  I suppose, in some smaller way, I'm Wiccan as well.  (Does that make me a Wiccan Witch?)  Or would that be more appropriately Wicce?  (I am female, after all)  

If you talk to my Grand Mothers and Great Grand Mothers, (please let me know if you do) they'll probably tell you that the Craft is generations deep in my blood.  Truthfully, I prefer to be called a Pagan.  And when people in my own Community ask me, that's usually the answer I give them.  For those who don't really need to know, that's just enough to keep them guessing.  For those who understand, it's enough.  They're all just labels after all.  They really don't mean anything to anyone, except perhaps the person asking.  My path is uniquely my own - and I will happily shine the light on it for any one who cares to follow it in search of their own path.

(Now, where did I put those Ruby Red Slippers?)

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)

Appreciation Esbat 2018 CO1

 November 27, 2023 (Beaver Moon)

Full Moon Esbat 2018

Altar Devotions (HPS)

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.

Smudge/Anoint

We call upon the masculine and feminine waters, drawn from a forest mountain stream.  We use it to bless, cleanse and anoint us for this Circle. As the water from the pool represents the female and the water from the falls represents the male, the two joined together represent the God and Goddess flowing as one. So Mote it Be.

Call Quarters

EAST:  We remember fondly the springtime of our youngest years; a brief moment of new beginnings and constantly unfolding mysteries. As each new day begins, so we will continue a new journey each morning as we awake.  Tonight we honor and thank the Spirits of the East for their presence in our lives. Enter our circle and be blessed

SOUTH:  The Summer of our lives flew past us all too quickly; the years of growth and prosperity. In the intense brightness of that Noon Hour, it was certainly our time to dance, to celebrate and love. Those precious years taught us to enjoy the full value of life.  Tonight we honor and thank the Spirits of the South for their presence in our lives. Enter our circle and be blessed

WEST:  For many of us our lives linger a while in Autumn, the years of harvest and family. These are the twilight days of our lives, sometimes bittersweet.  We spend our days surrounded by family and friends.  Tonight we honor and thank the Spirits of the West for their presence in our lives. Enter our circle and be blessed

NORTH:   All too soon, we look towards the winter season of our lives; it’s a time to rest and reflect to gather strength knowing the sun will always rise again. In the darkness of the Midnight Hour, it will not be a time to be afraid. So we each will choose to walk forward into our lives without fear. Tonight we honor and thank the Spirits of the North for their presence in our lives. Enter our circle and be blessed

Cast Circle (HPS)

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 Gods 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 Goddess shines the light of Her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.

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

Invocation (HPS)

With the utmost respect we request the assistance of the Great Spirit. You have stood beside us since we were children and each day we’ve treasured your presence in our lives.  Tonight we request your help – please watch over our friends, protect our families from any who would do them harm.  Assist us with your incredible healing energies.  Let the things that happen tonight be only for the greater good of all.  So Mote it Be.

Thank you – for each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends.  We thank you!

Raise Power (HPS)

I wish you enough - happiness to keep you sweet, trials to keep you strong, sorrow to keep you human, hope to keep you happy, failure to keep you humble, success to keep you eager, friends to give you comfort, wealth to meet your needs and determination to make each day amazing.

I love you, and bless you with enough.

Cakes and Ale (HPS)

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 (HPS)

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.  If the Goddess so desires it let our Magick be done.  As always, we thank you great Spirit, we are honored by your presence in our lives.  We know that you walk beside us each day, continue to guide our hearts, our tongues, our spirits.  In your honor, So Mote it Be

Release Quarters

NORTH:  Tonight we respect and bless the energies of the North We thank you for your presence in our lives; reminding us to take a moment to find the inner sanctuary where the seeds of life and inspiration still await us.  We bid you well as you depart, may you always Blessed Be.

WEST:  Tonight we honor and bless the energies of the West. We thank you for your presence in our lives, reminding us of family and friends.  We shall continue to bask in their love and companionship throughout our lives.  We bid you well as you depart, may you always Blessed Be.

SOUTH:  Tonight we revere and bless the energies of the South.  We thank you for your presence in our lives, reminding us of the prosperity within our friends, family and foes. We bid you well as you depart, may you always Blessed Be.

EAST:  Tonight we admire and bless the energies of the East. We thank you for your presence in our lives; reminding us that everyday provides a new thought or idea with our lives.  We bid you well as you depart, may you always Blessed Be.

Open Circle (HPS)

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)

Thanks Sabbat 2001 CO1

Thanksgiving Ritual, 11/23/01

Circle of One, Blacksburg

 

Anointing

(Hug and say)    How do you enter this sacred space?

(Response)    In perfect love and perfect trust.

  

Invocation

(Hold and slice an apple in half lengthwise, revealing five point star, and dip in lemon water)

We call upon Pomona, the Roman Goddess of fruits, harvest and garden.  Caretaker of the sweet delicious apples and fruits.  Join us in this harvest feast.

(Hold a bunch of grapes)

We call upon Vertumnus, the Roman God of seasons and changes.  The patron of gardens and fruit trees.  Join us in this harvest feast.

 Quarter Calls

NORTH:    We look forward to the winter season. The season of rest and rejuvenation. We call upon your presence here today to remind us to take a moment and find the inner sanctuary where the seeds of life and inspiration await the spring.

 

EAST:    We know the spring will come. The season of new life and the unfolding of mysteries. We call upon your presence here today to remind us that everyday brings a new thought or idea into our lives.

 

SOUTH:    Summer shall arrive. The season of warmth and prosperity. We call upon your presence here today to remind us that prosperity lies within all our lives through our friends, family and foes.

 

WEST:    Autumn is here. The season of harvest and family. We call upon your presence here today to remind us of our family and friends. To bask in the love and companionship of those around us.

 

Statement of Intent

Pomona loved her garden and trees more than anything else.  This was her passion, her pursuit and she rejected the advances of every suitor.  Vertumnus, who loved her more than anyone else, tried many disguises to get close to her.  One day he appeared as an old woman who entered the garden to admire the bounty.  Greeting Pomona, they sat down on a bank and looked up at the branches all around them laden with fruit.  Opposite was an elm tree entwined with a vine loaded with swelling grapes.  The old woman praised the tree and its associated vine and said, "But, if the tree stood alone, and had no vine clinging to it, it would have nothing to attract or offer us but its useless leaves.  And equally the vine, if it were not twined round the elm, would lie prostrate on the ground.  Why then, will you not take a lesson from the tree and the vine, and consent to unite yourself with some one?"  Then she continued, "I know of one young man, Vertumnus, who would do anything to prove his love for you.  He loves the same things as you, delights in gardening and admires your labors.  He cares not for anything else, except your love."  When Vertumnus dropped his disguise, he appeared to Pomona like a ray of sunlight bursting through the clouds.  To this day, they remain together, tending their garden.  Which allows us to gather together, giving thanks for the harvest and expressing what we are thankful for.

Cleansing

(Go to bowl in west and pour feminine water into left hand and masculine water into right hand of each person.  They then combine and wash hands.)  

We call upon this masculine and feminine water, given from the forest mountain stream, during the harvest time of the wheel.  We use it to bless, cleanse and anoint us for this feasting of the harvest.     

As the water from the pool represents the female and the water from the falls represents the male, the two joined together represent the God and Goddess flowing as one.

Raise Energy

(Setting the table for feasting)

 

Feasting Prayer

Nuts and Berries, Roots and Leaves, Bounty born of all that lives,

Fruit in trees and grain in sheaves, Praise for all the good Earth gives.

 

Feasting

 

Quarter Release

 

WEST:    Autumn is here.  The season of harvest and family.  We thank you for your presence here today, reminding us of family and friends.  We shall continue to bask in their love and companionship throughout the upcoming year.  Go if you must, stay if you will.  Hail and farewell.

 

SOUTH:    Summer shall arrive.  The season of warmth and prosperity.  We thank you for your presence here today, reminding us of the prosperity within our friends, family and foes.  Go if you must, stay if you will.  Hail and farewell.

 

EAST:    We know the spring will come.  the season of new life and the unfolding of mysteries.  We thank you for your presence here today, reminding us that everyday provides a new thought or idea with our lives.  Go if you must, stay if you will.  Hail and farewell.

 

NORTH:    We look forward to the winter season.  The season of rest and rejuvenation.  We thank you for your presence here today, reminding us to take a moment to find the inner sanctuary where the seeds of life and inspiration await spring.  Go if you must, stay if you will.  Hail and farewell.

         

Release God, Goddess

Vertumnus and Pomona

 

Closing

Samhain Sabbat 2018 CO1

 Samhain - Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Samhain Sabbat 2018 

Statement of Intent

Tonight we celebrate Samhain.  For many in the Pagan Community this is considered the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.  It’s a time when the veil between the worlds is thin and communication with those who have crossed over is easiest. It’s also a time when we celebrate those who have had a positive impact on our lives. Tonight we’ll reminisce about those who have passed on, we’ll honor our ancestors long gone from this life, and we’ll remember those still here who continue to bless our lives every day. 

Altar Blessing (HP)

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

Cast Circle (HPS)

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. 

 

Tonight our Circle is cast by the silence of Bats wings, the flicker of Candle flame and Spider web dreams.

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.

Call Quarters

NORTH: From the North, close to Earth, black cats glide into our Circle.

Be our guardian, be our guide, on this night stand by our side. Blessed Be.

EAST: From the East, in the air, witches fly into our Circle.  Be our guardian, be our guide, on this night stand by our side. Blessed Be. 

SOUTH:  From the South with glowing faces, Jack o' Lanterns light the way into our Circle.  Be our guardian, be our guide, on this night stand by our side. Blessed Be.

WEST:  From the West, through the watery veil, ghosts float into our Circle.  Be our guardian, be our guide, on this night stand by our side. Blessed Be.

Invocation

(HPS) Great Mother, Goddess of life, death, and rebirth, Loving Mother; we ask that you join us this night. We ask that you continue to bless the lives of those we love who walk this Earth with us. Welcome in peace.  Blessed be!

(HP) Great Father, God of the hunt, the chase, God of the Underworld, Loving Father; we ask that you join us this night.  We ask that you continue to bless the lives of those we love who walk this Earth with us. Welcome in peace.  Blessed be!

(HPS) Mother, Father, brother, sister, friend, we meet to acknowledge those who have touched our lives in many positive ways and we’re better people for having known them. Though some 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 rains and magnificent thunderstorms.  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 (HP)

Ancestors, family, parents, brother and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers, we thank you. Thank you for joining us this Samhain night, and for helping to shape us into who we are. We honor you for that gift and thank you once more.

Cakes and Ale

(HPS) Great Mother, bless this grain that it may always keep love in our hearts. Tonight we share this grain as a gift for those who came before us, and thank you for being part of our family.

(HP) Great Father, bless this drink that it may keep laughter in our hearts and remembrance in our minds. Tonight we drink in honor of family and of the bonds of kinship. We share this drink in the name of our ancestors.

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 (HP)

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.  If Spirit so desires it let our Magick be done.  Tonight we thank the Goddess of the Moon and the God of the Sun for blessing our lives.  We ask that you walk beside us each day, guide our hearts, our tongues, our spirit.  In your honor, So Mote it Be. 

  

Open Circle (HPS)

As I open this circle, we give thanks to the Ancient Ones for providing the foundation for our existence. We’re most gracious for those loved ones who have blessed us with their presence. And we 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. I release the quarters with our blessings. 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)

Samhain Sabbat 2000 CO1

I think this was one of the most complicated Rituals we've ever done. The first time we presented this was 2000 at Boyd Hill, the 2nd time 2005 in Tampa. Both times with an attendance of over 200 people with clergy from other faiths invited to attend. This was also one of the most memorable for a lot of people. Twenty years later we still had people approaching us to let us know it was their favorite.

Samhain 2000

(All members of the 'Crew' (5 Minions, 5 Quarters) are dressed in black including the HP & HPS. The Angel of Death (AOD) is dressed in white and hidden among the participants. The five quarters are also positioned among the participants around the circle.  A brilliant altar for the dead is set up just outside the West gate, the candles unlit. A 2nd small altar is just inside the West gate.)

I MISS YOU MOST  - Summerland Keeper

I miss you most upon each Samhain, when the boundary turns to sheer. I wait until the veil is parted, at the ending of the year. Sweet spirit, as you walk among us, at the tolling of this eve.

I see your face beyond the sunset, and hear your voice upon the breeze. In the glowing of the candle, from the shadow on the wall.

I watch for you in every movement, and hear your footsteps in the hall. Can you sit and spend the evening as the portals open wide? Ancestral dead, I bid you welcome, most recent dead, I pray, abide. When you come I sense your presence, I put my hand out in the air.

A moment, then, we stand united, palm-to-palm while waiting there. I miss you most upon each Samhain, when the boundary turns to sheer. We share these hours until the dawning, then bid farewell until next year.

(After the poem, leaves through the Western gate to prepare the Summerland's by lighting all the candles on the altar)

 

SUMMARY OF THE HOLIDAY - HP & HPS

HPS: Welcome to  our Full Moon Samhain Celebration.  This holiday normally takes place on the 31st of October and is also known as Halloween, Feast of the Dead and All Hallows Eve.  The Goddess is seen as the Wise Crone, the God is Lord of the Underworld.  The Goddess of agriculture relinquishes Her power over the earth to the Horned God of the Hunt.  Leaves are falling and nights are growing longer.  Samhain marks the beginning of the season of death.  We remember ancestors both recent and from the distant past.  This is the time when barriers between man and the supernatural are lowered.  Fires are lit to honor the descending Sun God.  On the eve of Samhain, the gates of the Abyss are unlocked and spirits from below fly free.  Human souls that have been trapped in the bodies of animals are released by the lord of the dead and sent to their new incarnations.  The veil between the spirit world and us is thin.  This is the time to communicate with the spirit realm, to pass messages or wishes on to loved ones who have crossed the veil.

 

HP: Tonight, some of us will take a journey through that veil as well.  And when you have pierced the veil, this is when you should connect with those loved ones.  Tell them you miss them and wish them well, give them blessings and thanks for the effect they had on your lives.  Or give them a message, something you might not have been able to tell them while they were here.  At this time, I would like everyone to join hands for a Group Ohm.  This will help to ground our bodies to the here and now, so that as our soul’s journey to visit loved ones in the Summerland, they have a home to come back to.

 

GROUNDING - HPS

Group OHM 

 

CASTING THE CIRCLE - HP & HPS

(HP will stand at the altar w/Athame overhead while HPS walks the circle w/Athame pointed outwards, marking the boundaries.)

 

We conjure thee, by spirits power, a circle now around us stand!

We trace the path between the worlds, a boundary line of Gods and man.

Once around We trace the path, twice it turns to flame.

Three times ‘round, a wall of fire that, within, 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 ‘round us while Spirit works its mighty plan.

As above, from crown of heaven, now below it is revealed.

Magic Circle of Nature’s Fortress by my words your power is sealed.

Blessed Be

 

CALLING THE QUARTERS - HP & HPS

 (HP and HPS stand facing each other at the altar as they call the quarters.  As each quarter is called, they will walk forward from the outer circle into their quarter position, which will be marked out with tape.)

 

HPS: Guardians of the Realm of Water, We ask for you to join in this rite.  Bring with you your deep mysteries and vitality.  Lend us your power to speak freely of ourselves.  We Bid You Welcome.

HP: Guardians of the Realm of Air, We ask for you to join in this rite.  Bring with you your inner peace and serenity.  Lend us your power to see what keeps us content.  We Bid You Welcome.

Together: Guardians of the Realm of Fire, We ask for you to join in this rite.  Bring with you your zest for life and vibrant nature.  Lend us your power to know the importance of fun.  We Bid You Welcome.

HPS: Guardians of the Spirit Realm, We ask for you to join in this rite.  Bring with you your knowledge of what has passed and what has yet to be.  We Bid You Welcome.

HP: Guardians of the Realm of Earth, We ask for you to join in this rite.  Bring with you your nurturing spirit and solidity.  Lend us your power to hear the sounds of the earth and be one.  We Bid You Welcome.

 

(HP and HPS are in Western Quarter - Here they will pick up the basket holding the white cord)

 

HPS:  Walking towards the East quarter...

Darksome night and shining moon, hearken to the Witches Rune

Spirit, east and south, west and north, hear us now we call thee forth.

East responds - I am the Guardian of the Eastern Realm.  I am here.

 

HP:  Walking towards the South quarter...

By all the powers of the land and sea, be obedient unto me

Wand and pentacle, cup and sword, hearken ye unto my word

  South responds - I am the Guardian of the Southern Realm.  I am here.

 

HPS:  Walking towards the Spirit quarter...

Cord and Censor, totem and knife, waken ye, all into life

By all the powers of the Witch’s blade, come ye now as the charge is made

Spirit responds - I am the Guardian of the Spirit Realm.  I am here.

 

HP:  Walking towards the North quarter...

Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell, send your aid unto our spell.

Horned Hunter of the Night, work our will by Magick rite

North responds - I am the Guardian of the Northern Realm.  I am here.

 

HPS:  Walking towards the West quarter...

By all the powers of land and sea, as we will So Mote It Be

By all the might of moon and sun, as we say, it shall be done.

West responds - I am the Guardian of the Western Realm.  I am here.

(Once the quarters have been called, the HP and HPS will have a white rope, which they will use to draw a pentacle.  Handing the rope to each quarter so that the pentacle is suspended in the air. Once all points of the pentacle have been cast, they will be dropped to the ground, where the quarters will stand on each point to hold it in place.)

INVOCATION OF THE GOD AND GODDESS

 HPS: Great Father of all creation, you who are the endless gray sea

The spirit that shines in the midday sky, the dancing shadow of the flame

We ask your presence within our circle, we ask your presence to join with that of our High Priest.  So Mote It Be

 HP: Great Mother of all creation, you who are the rich Green Earth

The soul that lightens the midnight sky, the warm breath that is the wind

We ask your presence within our circle, we ask your presence to join with that of our High Priestess.  So Mote It Be

 HPS: And now, we begin our Dance with Death...

(Minions come screaming and shrieking from the West quarter, through the gates of the Summerland, passing one time around the circle and then quietly collecting the Angel of Death.  The AOD will then begin randomly walking the circle, “choosing” those whom she wishes to pass through the veil by handing them a candle.  The minions will escort those chosen to the gates of the Summerland.)

 

DANCING WITH DEATH

 (Do this while the minions are escorting participants to the West quarter)

HP: You begin your walk toward Death the moment you are conceived.  Your Life is your walk toward Death.  And each day your Life brings you one day closer to Death.  Every day you have the opportunity to ask yourself: “How will I walk today on my way to Death?  How will I live?  By others’ fears?  Or by my own unique truth?  In beauty, in joy, with awareness?  From my heart?”

 

Consciously or unconsciously, with acceptance or denial, every day you move one day nearer to your Death.  Is today a good day to die?  Are you complete?  Have you lived fully?  Have you honored your dreams?  Can you look Death in the eye without regret?

 

Death is not honorable in today’s dominant Western culture.  Death is set apart from Life, portrayed as if it were to be feared, as if it were opposed to Life.

 

Death and Life are lovers.  They are dancing partners.  One does not exist without the other.  Giving birth gives Death, for Death comes to all who are born.  Death makes way for new Life, for is it not said that all who die will be reborn?  Death and Life in loving embrace: Death and Life dancing.  For there is only the Dance, only the walk, the path, your way from Birth to Death and back to Birth again.

 

Yes, your Death is certain, but not predictable.  Your Death is known, yet it honors chaos: It neither avoids you when you would hold it off, nor arrives docilely when you call.  There is no medical miracle, no right thinking, no correct eating, no Magick, no saintliness, no bargain with God - or Goddess - which can avert or avoid the truth of your Death.

 

Your Death waits patiently at the end of your path, around a bend you haven’t noticed, hidden from sight.  Your Death.  Your Way.  In your own time.

 

HPS: So many modern healers, alternative, and orthodox alike, fear Death.  A diagnosis is made, and Death becomes the enemy.  Fear of Death - rather than love of Life - chooses the treatment.  When you remember that every path ends in Death, you can begin to Dance with your Death: your choices multiply and you find your way through the Fear.  You find ways to love your Life without clinging.  You find ways to honor your Death.

 

Yes, we know, Death still calls forth Fear in you.  It is hard to honor it.  Let us hold you.  Rest in our gentle strength.  Let us teach you to embrace your Fear, to embrace the truth of your Fear: For with Death your body ceases to be you.

 

How can you honor your Fear of Death?  Dance in the space between knowing and not knowing, between being and not being, between living and dying.  We are here to hold you in your confusion.  We who are steeped with the wisdom of the years, we who have seen the spiraling Dance of Life and Death we have something to show you.  We will hold you in the midst of chaos.  We will hold you safely; we will hold you close, now and whenever you call.

 

(As those chosen are directed into the Summerland, the Summerland Keeper will instruct them on what tasks to accomplish while they are there (observing the ancestor altar, sending messages to loved ones, a brief prayer) and what they need to do with their candles.  As each person exits the Summerland, they will light their candle from the candles the Gatekeepers are holding.  The Summerland Keeper will also make sure that they know to keep their candles lit, as they return to their places in the circle.  At that point, the HP will instruct them on what to do.)

 

(Once all the souls have been escorted to the Summerland's, the crew will quickly remove the pentacle and center altar to prepare for the "Celebration of Life")

 

HPS:  Those of you who have visited the Summerland and rejoin the circle, we ask that you pass your lit candle to someone who has not made the journey.  If your candle has extinguished itself, there will be minions to relight them.  We ask that those receiving the candles then concentrate on putting a message to a loved one who has passed on into the flame of that candle.  Once you feel that your message has been absorbed into the flame, blow it out, sending your message back to the flames at the Gates of the Summerland and on to those we love.

 

HP:  From the dawn of your birth, to the sunset of your death - We honor you.

From the missions you completed, to your duties left undone - We honor you.

   

HPS:  From the seasons of your being, through the cycle of your life - We honor you.  From your time beyond the veil, till your earthly entrance back again - We honor you

   

May the angels support you, may Spirit surround you. May our healing love reach you, from this moment until the end of time. So Mote It Be

 

CELEBRATION OF THE CYCLE OF LIFE

(The song Celebrate will be played over the loudspeakers.  All crew will come out dancing in funny/weird shoes, hats etc.)

CAKES AND ALE - SWEETS AND CIDER

(Cakes will be Trick or Treat candy bags, Ale will be Dark wine and Hawaiian Punch)

 

Together:  The golden rays of sun kissed the grain

Sweet drops of rain caressed the fruit

Streams of moonlight danced in the fields

Sending energy into the root

 

HPS:  Blessings of the Mother

HP:  Strength of the Father

Together:  Unity of love, So Mote It Be

(Sign of the pentacle passed over the offerings.  At this point, 3 people will begin passing drink while the rest gently "toss" the treat bags from the center of the circle)

 

HPS:  Birth, death and rebirth. The Wheel will turn ever more and the cycle will continue. As we must also continue on and return to our earthly realm. Please join us in thanking those spirits who have gathered here to witness this Rite.

 

RELEASING THE GOD AND GODDESS

HP:  Great Mother, we thank Thee for Thy presence and for bearing witness to this Rite. When we gaze into the midnight sky or feel the warm winds upon our faces, we shall remember Thee. As You return our High Priestess to us, we bid Thee Hail and Farewell.

 

HPS:  Great Father, we thank Thee for Thy presence and for bearing witness to this Rite. We shall remember Thee when we see Your Spirit shining in the midday sky and in the shadows of the dancing flames. As You return our High Priest to us, we bid Thee Hail and Farewell.

 

RELEASING THE QUARTERS

HPS:  Guardians of the Realm of Earth- you did come as we had asked. We thank thee for bringing your nurturing spirit and solidity, and for lending us your power to hear the sounds of the earth and be one. As you return to your fair and lovely realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell.

HP:  Guardians of the Spirit Realm - you did come as we had asked. We thank thee for bringing your knowledge of what has passed and what has yet to be. As you return to your fair and lovely realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell.

HPS:  Guardians of the Realm of Fire- you did come as we had asked. We thank thee for bringing your zest for life and vibrant nature and for lending us your power to know the importance of fun. As you return to your fair and lovely realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell.

HP:  Guardians of the Realm of Air- you did come as we had asked. We thank thee for bringing your inner peace and serenity and for lending us your power to see what keeps us content. As you return to your fair and lovely realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell.

HP:  Guardians of the Realm of Water- you did come as we had asked. We thank thee for bringing your deep mysteries and vitality and for lending us your power to speak freely of ourselves. As you return to your fair and lovely realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell.

 

OPENING THE CIRCLE

(The HP will stand at the altar with athame raised as the HPS walks the circle with athame lowered, opening the circle.)

 

HP:  Magick Circle of Nature’s Fortress, your power We now unseal,

And from crown of heaven to far below, our presence We reveal.

The Circle dims around us, Spirit weaves its mighty plan,

For it is us She watches and beside us where He stands.

Sacred flames die down to embers, waters become calm and fair,

As we leave this sacred ground to the power of earth and air.

As we once again trace the path, We part the wall of flame,

And send the sacred fires back to whence they all came.

Circle of Art, your power is released and no longer shall you stand,

As we return from between the worlds, back to the realm of man.

So Mote It Be.

 

HPS:  This circle is open, but unbroken.  Merry have we met, Merry may we part, to Merry Meet again

 

Loud cheering and clapping

 

FEASTING

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)