Chocolate Ritual, Beltane 4.30.23

 
Chocolate Ritual, Beltane 4/30/23

1993, John L. Shepard

(Begin by introducing yourself and encourage others to do the same)

 

Altar Devotions

(Light all the candles on the Altar)

 

By the powers of the Ancient Ones, in the names of all who have gone before; we remember you, we honor thee.

 

Anoint

(Use oil to anoint the group - walk the inside of the circle to anoint and welcome each person in whatever fashion feels comfortable)

  

Purify the Area

(Take the Chocolate Sprinkles and Chocolate Milk)

 

Chocolate sprinkles where thou art cast, no calories in your presence last.

Let no harm adhere to me, and as I will So Mote It Be!

 

Chocolate where thou art cast turns this milk to chocolate, fast.

Let all good things come unto me, and make my milk all chocolatey!

 

Cast Circle

(Take the Chocolate Candy (Athame) and walk once around the circle)

 

In the beginning, there was the word.  And the word was Chocolate.  And it was good.  Confections: 1.5 ounces, 240 calories

 

Call Quarters

 

MR. GOODBAR, NORTH:    Rocky Road of the North, Cold one!

Great prince of the palace of crunchy comfort food! Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle from all cheap imitations approaching from the North.

 

BETTY CROCKER, EAST:    Mousse of the East, Fluffy one!

Great princess of the palace of dessert! Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle from all moochers approaching from the East. Messed Be.

 

PILLSBURY DOUGH BOY, SOUTH:    Fondue of the South, Molten one!

Great prince of the palace decadence! Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle from all diets approaching from the South.

 

SWISS MISS, WEST:    Cocoa of the West, Satisfying one!

Great princess of the palace of thirst quenchers! Be present we pray thee, and guard this circle from all carob approaching from the West. 

 

Invocation

 

HPS:    Listen to the words of the Mother of Chocolate, who was of old called Godiva, Suzi Q, Little Debbie, Dolly Madison, Fanny Farmer, Sara Lee, and by many other names.

 

MOTHER OF CHOCOLATE:    Whenever you have one of those cravings, once in a while and better it be when your checkbook is full, then shall you assemble in a great public place and bring offerings of money to the spirit of Me, who is Queen of all Goodies. In the mall shall you assemble, you who have eaten all of your chocolate and are hungry for more. To you I shall bring Good Things for your tongue. And you shall be free from depression. And as a sign that you are truly free, you shall have chocolate smears on your cheeks, and you shall munch, nosh, snack, feast, and make yummy noises all in my presence. 

 

MOTHER OF CHOCOLATE:    For mine is the ecstasy of theobromine, and mine is also the joy on earth, yea, even into high orbit for my law is "melts in your mouth, not in your hand." Keep clean your fingers, carry Wet Ones always, and let none keep you from Me.  For Mine is the secret that opens your mouth, and Mine is the taste that puts a smile on your lips and comfy padding on your hips. Upon earth, I give knowledge of all things delicious, and beyond death well, I can't do much there. Sorry about that. I demand only your money in sacrifice, for behold, chocolate is a business, and you have to pay for those truffles before you eat them.

 

HPS:   Hear now the words of the Goodie Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the cheap imitations, whose body graces candy racks and finer stores everywhere.

 

GOODIE GODDESS:    I, who am the beauty of chocolate chips, and the satisfying softness of big bars, the mystery of how they get the filling inside truffles, and fill the hearts of all but Philistines with desire, call unto your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of candy, from Me do all confections spring, and unto Me all of you shall return, again.... and again... and again.... and again. Before My smeared face, beloved of women and men, thine innermost divine self shall be enfolded in the rapture of overdose.

 

GOODIE GODDESS:    Let My taste be within the mouth that rejoices. For behold all acts of yumminess and pleasures are My rituals. Therefore let there be gooeyness and mess, crispness and crackling, big slabs and bite size pieces, peanut butter and chocolate covered cherries all within you. And you, who think to seek Me, know that your seeking and yearning shall avail you not unless you know the Mystery: "We shall sell no chocolate until you pay for it" For behold: I have been with you since you were just a baby, and I am that which is attained at nearly any shop in the land. Messed be.

 

HPS:    Hear now the words of the Chocolate God, who was of old called Milton Snavely, Hershey, 3 Musketeers, Fudgesicle, Devil Dog, Mars, Willy Wonka and by many other names

 

CHOCOLATE GOD:    I am the strength of the candy rack, and the piece that fell on the floor but looks like it may not have gotten too dirty, and the deepest bitterness of dark chocolate. No matter how you try to resist the call of chocolate, I will hunt you out, and I will become your sacred prey. I am warmth of hot cocoa in the dead of winter, and the call of the road that leads you to that really expensive Godiva store downtown. By the powers of the half melted bar in the glorious sun, I charge you, by the darkest depths of the bottom of the cocoa pot and lingering smell of bittersweet chocolate, I charge you, and by the beauty of a perfectly formed Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, I charge you.

 

CHOCOLATE GOD:    Follow your heart and your instinct, wherever they lead you. The wealth in your pocket can buy you treats that a Mayan king would envy. Take joy in that first bite of lecithin emulsified cocoa and in the last satisfying slurp of Yoo-Hoo. Yet you must be wary of deceit. Eat not of that which is called "baking chocolate," for it is vile and bitter. Lastly, always remember to leave some chocolate behind you. Be not greedy, but let yourself be known as a connoisseur. Leave a little for someone else. I am the spirit of the wild child, the inner child who can never get quite enough. If you are a true chocolate lover, then your soul and mine are intertwined.

 

Name the Working

 

Sacred Space

(While in sacred space – ask if anyone needs/wants anything special.  

Ask if anyone has any questions, concerns, or comments.  

Take care of the wish box)

 

Great Rite

 

CHOCOLATE GOD:    Be it known that milk Chocolate is not better than dark Chocolate.

CHOCOLATE GODDESS:    Nor is dark Chocolate better than milk Chocolate.

TOGETHER:  For both are better than the falsely named white Chocolate and neither one is carob.

 

CHOCOLATE GOD    As the frosting is to the cupcake

CHOCOLATE GODDESS:    So the creamy nougat is to the Milky Way Bar.

TOGETHER:  And when they are eaten, they are yummy in truth, for there is no greater snack in the entire world than one made of Chocolate.  Messed Be.

 

Cakes and Ale

 

HPS:    Frosting is keen, and the filling is neat. All this Chocolate is waiting, Great Goddess! Let's eat!

Release Quarters

 

SWISS MISS, WEST:    Oh, ye mighty goodies of the West, we thank you for attending our rites and guarding our circle. Before you depart for your sweet and sticky realms, we say unto you, "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best." "Chooooc-laaate"

 

PILLSBURY DOUGH BOY, SOUTH:    Oh, ye mighty goodies of the South, we thank you for attending our rites and guarding our circle. Before you depart for your sweet and sticky realms, we say unto you, "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best." "Chooooc-laaate"

 

BETTY CROCKER, EAST:    Oh, ye mighty goodies of the East, we thank you for attending our rites and guarding our circle. Before you depart for your sweet and sticky realms, we say unto you, "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best." "Chooooc-laaate"

 

MR. GOODBAR, NORTH:  Oh, ye mighty goodies of the North, we thank you for attending our rites and guarding our circle. Before you depart for your sweet and sticky realms, we say unto you, "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best."  "Chooooc-laaate"

 

Open Circle

 

HPS:    As I open this circle, I give thanks to the Ancient Ones for being here with us on this night. May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled, go now in perfect love, perfect trust, and perfect chocolate - this Circle is open but unbroken, merry meet, merry part and may we merry meet again!

 

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Coven Hierarchy 1996 CO1

Basic Coven  Hierarchy and Structure

CircleofOne 1996

High Priestess (HPS)  basically you - whether you choose to accept the title or not, people will always look to you for guidance. You are their leader. You can, however, allow someone different to assume the role at each Circle event.

High Priest (HP) your cohort, assistant, partner in crime. This can be a single individual you trust to co-lead the group, or it can be someone different at each Circle event.

HPS/HP - These people are most often the ones responsible for well, EVERYTHING. They are the spider sitting in the center of the web, aware of what's going on in the Coven. They tend to have a sense of humor, are very calm, level headed individuals who are not power hungry. They're just well versed in leading a group of people on a spiritual journey. They're responsible for the other members Spiritual Welfare. They provide guidance, counseling, prayer, support, whatever their Coven Mates need. 

They're also the physical embodiment of the God and Goddess on earth WHILE WITHIN THE SACRED CIRCLE outside the Circle, they're just themselves. 

Sage and Crone

Also know as the Elders of the Pagan Community. Often over age 60, they wish to let someone else lead the Coven while they offer guidance and teaching as needed. They're in charge of guiding the HP and HPS on their journey. 

Maiden and Warrior

These are the people training to be High Priests and Priestesses. They are the understudies for the HP and HPS. If the HP or HPS are unavailable for ritual, one of these people will step into their place. They're typically in charge of a specific part of the Rituals. Their duties also entail leading a few of the smaller Rituals themselves. They will learn about channeling Deity and begin to take on more and more until they can branch off and start their own covens. 

Guardians (x2)

These individuals are the ones in charge of keeping everyone safe during Circle. Sometimes they're inside the circle, and sometimes not, depending on what is being done. They're responsible for smudging/cleansing the Circle space before every Ritual. They are also responsible for issuing the Challenge and Smudging all who enter Circle. They report directly to the HP/HPS if there are any issues.

Bard

This is the poet, the singer, the songwriter, this is the creative core of the circle. This person often leads chants, songs, group Om's, writes poetry and spoken word about coven events and happenings, and sings to the Gods. They often lead Grounding or guided Meditations. They're in charge of raising energy within ritual space while the HP/HPS gather and direct it.

Scribe

This person keeps notes of the Coven and what they do. They're in charge of updating the Book of Shadows for the Coven, transcribing all rituals and spells and recipes into its pages. They also maintain the Coven's calendar of events and classes. If anyone other than the HP/HPS present Circle, it's the Scribes responsibility to review/edit every Ritual before it's presented.  

Inner Court

Initiated or dedicated members of the Coven. These are the people who attend nearly every Ritual or Class. They generally volunteer to assist with Ritual as needed, often standing in for the Quarters. Some may even wish to present Circle for the Coven. As a group they tend to manage setup and cleanup of Feasting. They keep track of any supplies, and report back to the HP/HPS when something is needed.

Outer Court

These are the people who don't attend on a regular basis, often attending only the Sabbats. Those who are new to the coven, visitors from out of town, members of other covens. They're not always members of the Coven itself, but still just as important to the Coven structure. 

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Smudging 1995 CO1

Smudging 1995 

Let's talk about smudging before Circle. Smudging is often done for a number of reasons...to set the tone, calm the energies, clear negativity, claim the space, and many others. Contrary to popular understanding it's not always done with herbs and smoke. It can be done with drums (my favorite) flowers, bowls, feathers, water, tuning,  glitter, bells, singing, if you can imagine it, you can do it. Just remember to clean up when done!  In my group, smudging changed dependent on the season, the reason, and the intent of the Circle.

For us, Circle space was always cleared, smudged, and set up before anyone else was allowed in. Then everyone was smudged, individually, as they entered Circle space. Participants were encouraged to leave all their worries and woes outside. As the Smudgee, while you're being smudged, your responsibility is simple...let it go. That nasty customer...let it go...that sibling argument...let it go...traffic lights...let it go...sour milk...let it go. A deep breath in, exhale, and let it go. Smudging is not so much about clearing the environment for Circle, but it's about clearing the space inside your head. Whether you're working alone, with a small private group, or attending a large public Circle, smudging is a great way to prepare for what's about to happen.

Now as the Smudger, you do have some work to do. And a lot of it depends on what resonates with you or your group. Do you work deosil (clockwise) to draw in, or do you work widdershins (counterclockwise) to remove? Do you ground any negativity, or do you draw in universal energy? Sometimes it's simply to focus on the vibrational energy of whatever you're doing to bring their energy in line with the purpose of the Circle. And then there are the mantras...nothing elaborate, nothing that even needs to be spoken out loud. But a few simple words to repeat in your head to help you stay on track while smudging other people.  Examples of mantras might be...'I remove any heaviness or negativity' - 'May you live in harmony of mind, body, and spirit' - 'I release all energies that do not serve the greater good.'

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Barbie Esbat 2024 CO1

 

Pink/Barbie Moon Esbat

4/20/24

Community Workings, Thanks, Dedications, Initiations, Earth Focus

(Everyone is invited to wear pink or dress as a Barbie or Ken)

 

Altar Set-up/Devotions

 

Cleanse the Area

(Pink salt or pink salt in water and/or rose incense)

 

Smudge/Anoint Participants

HP/HPS – Ask participants to join in line

(Welcome all; rose/Barbie inspired oil; something pink or flower broom

 

Unite energies

 
HP: Many Full moon names date back to our own Native Americans. Those Nations of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. April’s full moon is called the Pink Moon due to the pink moss phlox that often blooms around this time of year. The Algonquin people also call this the Breaking Ice moon, and the Dakota refer to it as the Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable. It’s also known as the Egg Moon, The Sprouting Grass Moon, The Hare Moon, The Wind Moon and the Fish Moon.
 
 
HPS:    Winter is a time of hibernation for many plants and animals, including humans. For countless generation it’s been a time of turning inward; of hearth and home, of spending quiet time with family and friends. We may still be getting up and going to work, but we may find that we’re a little slower, a little more tired. We may lack the energy to start new projects or really get things moving until we start to feel that spring fire kindling within us again. The Pink Moon is a time of shifting into spring, when the ice begins to truly melt. Humans are much more connected to these seasonal rhythms than we often realize, and so we may also find that there are streams within us that are, at last, becoming navigable again.
 

Cast Circle

(Done with a hand clap ‘wave’ clockwise around the circle)

 
HPS:    We’re going to Cast Circle tonight with a ‘wave’ around the group, and a song. We’ll begin in the North. When we start, take the bag of rose quartz and pass it to the person to your left. Don’t start until you receive the bag. Once you’ve passed it on, begin clapping and singing along with everyone else. Keep repeating the song until everyone is done. Then we’ll place the stones on altar.
 
SING:    And Pink! Goes with everything. Beautiful from head to toe. It’s pink! We all like the colors, but pink just looks good on us! North, South, East and West, Circle round and seal the rest!
 

Quarter Call

(HP/HPS invite everyone to stand, facing the quarter to be called).

 
North:    Hey, Barbie! Barbie in the North, whose pink high heels walk the Earth with style! Enter our circle and blessed be!
 
East:    Hey, Barbie! Barbie in the East, with your free-flowing hair in the wind! Enter our circle and blessed be!
 
South:    Hey, Barbie! Barbie in the South, with your lipstick fire red, with a smile! Enter our circle and blessed be!
 
West:    Hey, Barbie! Barbie in the West, with your black and white swimsuit free in the ocean! Enter our circle and blessed be!
 

Invocation

 
HPS:    I call upon the blessed Lady. Hey, Barbie! Pretty in pink. Giver of inspiration, empowerment and ambition, all while being fashionable! Join your energies with us tonight!
 
HP:  I call upon the blessed Lord. Hey, Ken! Not afraid to wear pink! Giver of friendship, adventure, and chill, all while being fashionable! Join your energies with us tonight!
 

Working

(HP: Slowly, pour the water into a clear bowl. HPS: Sprinkle with pink salt and stir)

 
HP:  The flowing waters obtained from a rushing waterfall or river symbolize masculine energy. The still waters obtained from a serene pool symbolize the energy of the feminine.  As the water from the falls represents the male and the water from the pool represents the female, the two joined together represent the God and Goddess as one.  
 
HPS:    With the Pink Moon, we shed our winter lethargy along with anything we wish to let go of.  And we welcome the bright new energy and fire of a promising spring.
 

(HPS: Place a couple of crystals into the bowl, add a floating candle and a

 few drops of oil or pink rose petals)

(HP: Light the candle, and arrange the remaining crystals around the bowl)

 
 
HP:  Now we’ll write on a piece of paper anything you wish to release. It can be a word, a sentence, or entire paragraphs full of detail – whatever feels necessary to release at this time. While we’re doing that, we invite you to speak out loud what you need to let go of. Understand that we do this in Safe Space. What happens in Circle, stays in Circle. And should not be repeated again.
 
HP/HPS:  What happens in Circle, stays in Circle.
 
HPS:    When you are done writing, please come up to the altar and place your paper into the water, allowing the God & Goddess to take your painful energy and do with it as they will. Now those painful memories can be cleansed and transformed, let them go. The flame from the floating candle is a purifier and will neutralize any negativity emanating from the note and will also symbolize your firm intention to let go of any difficult feelings attached to it.
 

Welcoming New Energy

 
HP:  Once again, we welcome everyone to come up to the alter and take a crystal and a pink flower.

(Allow everyone time to return to the seats)

 
HPS:    Now place the flower on your lap, and hold the crystal in your hands.
Think about the new energy you’d like to draw into your life.
Think about any new projects you’d like to begin.
Think about those positive emotions you want to welcome into your life.
While we’re doing that, we invite you to speak out loud about those positive energies you will draw in. For some, speaking out loud strengthens their resolve, increases their energies.
 
HP/HPS:    Words spoken in Circle, stay in Circle.
 
HP:    Now take your crystal and hold it near your third eye, just above your nose, in the middle of your forehead. And we’re going to ‘program’ your crystal to draw in those positive energies for the new season. Remind yourself, and your crystal, about all those new beginnings we just thought and talked about. When you leave tonight, take your crystal and your flower home with you. Enjoy the flower, and place the crystal where you will see it and it will remind you of those positive energies you bring into your life.
 

Wishbox

 

Great Rite

(HP/HPS Stand facing each other, HP w/ athame, HPS w/ Chalice)

  
HP: Let it be known that no man is greater than any woman.
HPS:  And Barbie can be anything she wants!
 
HP: Together Barbie and Ken complement each other!
HPS: And Ken can wear pink too!
 
HP: As the Athame is to the male    (hold up the athame, point down)
HPS:  The Chalice is to the female    (hold up the chalice, below the athame)
 
HP:  In affirmation of fulfillment to come            (dip the athame, once)
HPS:  In celebration of the balance                        (dip the athame, again)
BOTH:  And the union of the life-force within!    (dip the athame, again)
BOTH:  So, Mote it be!
 

Cakes & Ale

(Pink Lemonade and/or Hippie Juice & Pink moon pies or macarons)

 
HPS/HP:    May the God & Goddess bless this food and drink. All that we do is in service and honor of Barbie and Ken. May we never hunger - May we never thirst. So, Mote It Be!
 

Release

 
HPS:    Barbie, Barbie, Barbie and Barbie! We thank you for your presence here tonight and we release you to return to your journey with our love. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. May you always, Blessed be!
 
HP:  Ken, Ken, Ken, and Ken! We thank you for your presence here tonight and we release you to return to your journey with our love. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us. May you always, Blessed be!
 
HPS:    May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and stay beside us on the roads traveled, whether it be in pink pumps or convertible. The circle is open but never broken!
 
HP:  Barbie & Ken are back in their Dream House! Merry Meet, Merry Part, and may we Merry Meet again.

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Salt and Water Esbat 1997 CO1

Salt and Water Esbat 1997

Purify the Area

Broom:  Sweep, sweep, sweep this place.  By powers of Air, we cleanse this space.

Candle:  Light, light, we light this place. By Powers of Fire, we cleanse this space.

Water:  Liquid, liquid, we wash this place. By Powers of Water, we cleanse this space.

Salt:  Salt, salt, as we walk this place. By Powers of Earth, we cleanse this space.

Anointing

The Lord and Lady of light dwell within you

Grounding

Casting the Circle

We conjure Thee, O great circle, so that you will be for us a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the mighty spirits, a meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power we will raise herein. We call upon the elements of the East, South, West, and North, to aid us in the construction of this circle.  In the name of the Lord and the Lady of light, thus do we call to Thee.  This circle is sealed.

Calling the Quarters

EAST  We call upon the element of the East, Wind is our wisdom.  Join us today in this Circle where only good may enter.  Guide us.

SOUTH  We call upon the element of the South, Fire is our power.  Join us today in this Circle where only good may enter.  Empower us.

WEST  We call upon the element of the West, Water is our energy.  Join us today in this Circle where only good may enter.  Move us.

NORTH  We call upon the element of the North, Earth is our Center.  Join us today in this Circle were only good may enter.  Ground us.

Altar Devotions

Darksome night and shining moon; East then South, then West then North. Hearken to the witches rune; here we come to call Thee forth. Earth and Water, Air and Fire; Wand and Pentacle and Sword. Work Ye unto our desire, hearken Ye unto our word.  Candle, Censure, Cup and Knife; powers of the witches blade, waken all Ye unto life; come Ye as the charm is made.  Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell; Horned Hunter of the night lend Your powers to the spell, and work Your will by magick rite. Charge our tools with energy; By the light of moon and sun. And as we will, So Mote It Be. Chant the spell and be it done.

Invocation

In the cloak of the twilight hour, we call upon the Ancient Power.  We seek the presence of the Lord and Lady of light.  We thank Thee for the use of thy Powers.

Perform the Work

Formula for Holy Water and Salt:

In our hands we hold the essence of the Gods. we hereby cleanse and consecrate this water to Divinity that it may be used for positive acts only and may aid me in our Magickal work.

In our hands we hold the essence of Earth Mother, She whose bounty sustains all living creatures. We hereby consecrate this salt to Divinity that it may be used for positive acts only and may aid us in our Magickal work.

This water and salt is now pure and dedicated to the Lord and Lady of light. It is free from all negativity in any time and any space

With Malice toward no-one, and Harm to none;

If the Goddess so desires it, then let it be done!

So Mote It Be

Raise Power

Blessings

HPS:  Lady of Light, Bless this wine and infuse it with Your love.

May you never thirst.

HP:  Lord of Light, Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love.

May you never hunger

Release Quarters

NORTH  We acknowledge and thank the element of the North.  Stay if you will, leave if you must. Know that you are welcome.  So mote it be.

WEST  We acknowledge and thank the element of the West.  Stay if you will, leave if you must. Know that you are welcome.  So mote it be.

SOUTH  We acknowledge and thank the element of the South.  Stay if you will, leave if you must.  Know that you are welcome.  So mote it be.

EAST  We acknowledge and thank the element of the East.  Stay if you will, leave if you must. Know that you are welcome.  So mote it be.

Closing the Circle

Thus we release the East and West, Thanks to them from Host to Guest

Thus we release the South and North, with ‘Blessed Be’ we sent them forth.

The Circle’s open, dance we so, out and homeward shall we go.  With thanks we honor the Lord and Lady of light.  Earth and Water, Air and Fire, to celebrate our desire.  The circle is open.  May it never be broken!

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)

Walking with Death 1996 CO1

Walking with Death 1996

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.  No, precious Grand Children, No!

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, Grand Children, 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.

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, Grand Children.  Rest in our gentle strength.  Let us teach you to embrace your Fear, to embrace the truth of your Fear:   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.

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)

Anointing, 1995 CO1

Anointing, 1995

Once Circle space has been cleared, smudged, and set up, and the participants have been smudged to enter; next step is Anointing. Whether you're a Solitary practitioner, you attend small groups or large Gatherings, chances are good you've had some experience with being anointed. Anointing is a way of welcoming others into Sacred Space, of letting the participant know that something special is about to happen. It's generally done with a gentle touch on the forehead, and often accompanied by a kiss on the cheek or a hug, depending on how well everyone knows each other. For myself, this has always been done with essential oils. There may be other ways, it's simply never been my experience.

First, do your research! Make certain the essential is not going to cause allergic reactions or other issues. We learned this the hard way. When we sent everyone home with red dots on their foreheads because we used cinnamon oil. Essentials should always be cut with a good carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, even olive oil will work. Usually the mix is 5 parts oil, to 1 part essential. It's easily mixed in a tiny bowl or 1 dram bottle. The oil doesn't need to be dripping, simply a dot will do, or some prefer to draw a symbol depending on the season or the reason for the Circle.

Once everyone is gathered in Sacred Space don't be surprised if you notice others doing the 'essential twitch'! The first time we witnessed it, we had no clue what was going on. We could see people slowly dipping their heads, tucking their chins in, and quickly looking skyward while inhaling. We had to ask what was going on! Apparently they were enjoying the scent of whatever essential oil was being used.

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)