Redneck Esbat 2023 CO1

Redneck Esbat 8/31/23

 Blue Moon, Circle Dragonfly

Cleanse the space

(Maidens - Use incense and walk counter clockwise around the room)

 

Anoint/Smudge

(HP/HPS - Ask the participants to join in line)

(Maidens - Welcome everyone)

 

Introductions/Intent

(HP - Introduce yourself and your Crew)

 

(Light all the candles on the altar, except for the God/Goddess candles)

 
HP:    A Blue Moon is when two full moons occur within a calendar month. Since they only take place about every two or three years, they’re considered a rare and Magickal event. This August not only do we have TWO moons, they're also both Sturgeon Moons, and both are Super Moons! Tonight's super moon will be the closest, biggest, and brightest full super moon of 2023. It’s exceptionally close in moon miles from Earth. The last blue super moon was December 2009, and the next one won't be until August 2032.
 
HPS:    So that makes tonight's Super Blue Moon exceptionally rare. We've all heard the phrase 'Once in a Blue Moon'. It's a time to be silly, have some fun; it's also a time when some of your wildest, most impossible dreams and wishes just might have their moment to become reality. Tonight the Super Blue Moon in Pisces will open the portal between your dreams and reality. And we’re going to take full advantage of that.
 

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. When we start, take the bundle of blue stones and pass it to the person to your left. Don’t start until you’ve received the bundle. Once you’ve passed it on, begin clapping and singing along with everyone else.
 

(Begin in the North tonight; keep repeating the song until everyone is done. Then pour the stones into the bowl on the altar)

 
Sing:    Down by the banks of the Hanky Panky, where the Bullfrogs jump from bank to banky - North, East, South then West, Circle round and seal the rest!!
 

Quarter Call

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

 

North:      Spirit of the North, Ancient One of Earth - Bubba we call to you. Ya’ll come on down now an witness this hare shindig!!  Bring with you that there Possum you got.  Enter our circle and be blessed!
 
East:         Spirit of the East, Ancient One of Air - WindyLou we call to you.  Ya’ll come on down now an witness this hare jamboree!!  Bring with you that there Chicken you got.  Enter our circle and be blessed!
 
South:      Spirit of the South, Ancient One of Fire - Cleatus we call to you.  Ya’ll come on down now an witness this hare wingding!!  Bring with you that there Armadillo you got.  Enter our circle and be blessed!
 
West:        Spirit of the West, Ancient One of Water - Bertha we call to you.  Ya’ll come on down now an witness this hare bash!!  Bring with you that there Trout you got.  Enter our circle and be blessed!
 

Unite Energies

(Start by saying the verse, give everyone time to recognize it and join in)

(Then sing the verse 2 more times until everyone has joined in)

 
Cause I've got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away
And I'll be OK
Yeah, I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
Oh, I've got friends in low places
 

Invocation

 
HPS:  I call upon the blessed Lady, Queen of Country, giver of life and plenty since way back when.  Reba, we ask that you bestow upon us your joy and beauty, power and prosperity.  Join your energies with us tonight!
 
HP:  I call upon the blessed Lord, King of Country, giver of riches and protection since way back when.  Garth, we ask that you bestow upon us your strength and laughter, power and prosperity. Join your energies with us tonight!
 

Raise Energy

(Maidens - pass out slips of paper to all the participants)

 
HP:  Tonight we’re going to raise some energy with a lot of silly. Everyone will be getting a piece of folded paper. Don’t open it!! Wait until it’s your turn, then stand up and read what you’ve got so that everyone can enjoy it.
 

(Wait until everyone has their paper, and then choose someone to begin)

(Alternate HP/HPS as you randomly choose people and say…)

 
HP/HPS   You might be a Red-Neck Pagan if…
 
If your ceremonial garb consists of cut-offs and a tube top
If you think a "family tradition" is a dating club
If you've reached the 3rd degree but not the 3rd grade
If your coven's secret names for God & Goddess are "Reba" and "Garth"
If your ceremonial chalice says "I love you man" on it
If you consider chewing tobacco to be a sacred herb
If your Circle Casting includes the words "Hanky Panky"
If your Coven chose it's High Priest during a belching contest
If they chose their High Priestess at a wet t-shirt night
If your anointing oil smells like "Old Spice"
If your outdoor Circle has defunct washing machines for quarter altars,
If the Cakes & Ale are done with a bowie-knife, a can of beer and moon pies
If your pantheon includes Bubba, WindyLou, Cleatus, & Bertha
If your ritual music has ever included Johnny Cash singing "Ring of Fire"
If you think the Wiccan Rede is good for making twig furniture
If your altar cloth says "Holiday Inn" or "Howard Johnson's"
If your Goddess picture has staples in her belly button
If your God statue looks like Elvis Presley
If you have ever written a spell on the back of a Denny's menu
If you have ever cancelled a Coven meeting to watch wrestling on TV
If you’ve ever sold on E-Bay a potato that looked like the Willendorf Goddess
If you’ve ever cast a love spell on livestock
 

Working

Once in a blue moon, impossible dreams & wishes

Blue Glass Gemstones

 

Wishbox

  

Great Rite

 
HP:    Let it be known that no man is greater than any woman
HPS:    And that no woman should ever question her man!!
 
HP:    For when one stays out late drinkin all night
HPS:    The other should remain home a’cookin and a’cleanin
 
HP:    As the Athame is to the male.
HPS:    The Chalice is to the female.
 
HP:    In affirmation of fulfillment to come.
HPS:    In celebration of the balance.
BOTH:  And the union of the life-force within!
 

Cakes & Ale

(Blue Moon Beer & Blue Juice, Moon Pies)

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

Release

 
Bubba, WindyLou, Cleatus, & Bertha we thank you for your presence here 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.
 

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, Elvis has left the building!
 
HP:    Ya’ll come back now, y’hear!!

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)

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

 

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

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)

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.

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)

Lammas Sabbat 2017 CO1

Lammas - 5 Senses 

8/12/17 Co1

 
LAMMAS: The First Harvest. Lammas is traditionally celebrated as the 1st harvest of the season. It’s the grain harvest - still the most important harvest, because most of the world uses grain as 90% of their diet. A bad harvest means starvation. A good harvest means survival. For many the festival of Lammas marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Here in Florida, it simply means we've reached some of the hottest, most uncomfortable days of the year.
 
'Lammas' was the medieval Christian name for the holiday and it means 'loaf-mass', for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings.
 
Lammastide was also the traditional time of year for craft festivals. The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares, decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons, marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances for the entranced onlookers.
 
Here in Florida, we have a unique situation. This isn't a time of harvest for us. This is the time when nothing grows. In the scorching heat only the strongest can survive. This is our winter when it comes to crops and food sources. The ‘lazy days of summer’ is an old phrase that aptly describes us now - not many want to expend much energy outside. For us it’s a time of looking inward, and moving inside. Air-conditioning is such a wonderful thing, isn’t it?!
 
Looking inward – seeing the small things that gift our lives - every day there are so many treasures that brighten our lives that we simply just aren’t aware of. Life affirmations we simply ignore, gifts of hope we take for granted, memories carelessly forgotten, simply because many of us walk through life blinded by our sight. For many of us we rely on our sight so much that we don’t experience many of the gifts we receive from the universe all around us.
 
Tonight, we’re going to explore our senses a bit. Many scientists say we actually have nine senses - sight, sound, taste, touch, smell - pain, balance, thirst, and hunger. Hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell are known as our external senses. They provide information about the outside world. Pain, balance, thirst, and hunger are considered to be our internal senses. They provide information about the body and its needs. Tonight, we’re going to work with only four – sound, taste, touch and smell. Tonight, I’m going to ask you to keep your eyes closed during ritual. The goal is not meant to blind you, only make you more aware of how much we all rely on our sight. Tonight, we’re going to give our eyes a rest and play a little bit with our other senses.
 

Altar Devotions

 
Let what I feel, fill me but not consume me;
Let me follow what I feel, but not be forced;
Let me become the kind of soul, who never clings too hard,
Who let’s go and yet loves;
Let me imagine better worlds, yet work in this one;
Let me touch, and treasure, even people I can never hold,
And let me learn from all my losses;
Let me out and let me in, Let me see and let me be,
A window - maybe broken - but through which
A bit of air and sunlight comes.

Call Quarters

 
NORTH:   Essence of the North, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Bring to us your gentle touch that gives life and encourages growth in all as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with a solid sense of touch and joy in our hearts for this celebration. Blessed Be.
 
EAST:        Essence of the East, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Bring with you the aromas that remind us of the past as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with an intuitive sense of smell and joy in our minds for this celebration. Blessed Be.
 
SOUTH:    Essence of the south, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Entice us with the flavors that warm and excite our lives as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with an imaginative sense of taste and joy in our souls for this celebration. Blessed Be.
 
WEST:      Essence of the West, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Send to us the vibrations that create the sounds of our lives as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with a loving sense of hearing and joy in our bodies for this celebration. Blessed Be.
 

Anoint

(Greet each person, anoint with something to treat the sense of smell)

 
You are the sense of Smell, we invite you to experience Smell and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses.
 

Cast Circle

 
Tonight, we’ll cast our circle hand to hand - a circle of Community, Friends and Family. As you receive the gift from your neighbor to the right, take a moment to experience the sense before passing it on to your neighbor on the left. Three times round this Circle’s bound.
 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of taste)

You are the sense of Taste, we invite you to experience Taste and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask Father Sky to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell within these walls.
 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of hearing)

You are the sense of Sound, we invite you to experience Sound and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. 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.
 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of touch)

You are the sense of Touch, we invite you to experience Touch and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. The Third is a Circle of Love – as we know that Mother Earth shines the light of her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.
 
Three times round this Circle’s bound. East, then South, then West and North from edge to edge this Circle is cast. So Mote It Be.
 

Unite energies

(Have everyone stand quietly, listening to each other’s breathing for a moment)

 

Invocation

 

We call forth the Goddess, Mother of the Moon, to witness this rite. Because of You the night is filled with illuminations, help us to become enlightened also. Instill in us the sight of those things that remain unseen.
 
We call forth the God, Sun King, to witness this rite. Your light and brightness warm the Earth, help us to grow also. Enable us to see the wonders of the mundane world around us.
 
Together, you are the sense of Sight, of things both seen and unseen, we invite you to heighten and renew our own senses and in doing so experience Sight.
 

Name the Working

 

Perform the Work

 

Raise Power

 
With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.
If Spirit so desires it, then let it be done.
 

Wish Box, Sacred Space

 

Cakes and Ale

 
From the Golden rays of the Sun, to the fertile Earth, to the healthy grains, to bread - May you never hunger.
 
From the Silver beams of the Moon, to the quiet Earth, to the fruits, to wine - May you never thirst.
 

Thanking Spirit

 
Tonight, we thank the Goddess of the Moon and the God of the Sun for joining us. Shade and Shadow, Dark and Light, you are two halves of a perfect whole. We welcome you to walk beside us as we return to the mundane world. Guide our minds, our tongues and our hearts. Blessed Be.
 

Open Circle

 
This Circle has served us well. It has protected and aided us. It has stood as a boundary between time and space. I now open this Circle. Essence of the West, South, East, and North, thank you for your presence here tonight. We appreciate those gifts you have chosen to bestow upon us. For now, we bid you pleasant parting, know that you are always welcome in this place.
 
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

 

Lammas Sabbat 2017 CO1

Lammas 8/12/17 Co1

 

LAMMAS: The First Harvest. Lammas is traditionally celebrated as the 1st harvest of the season. It’s the grain harvest - still the most important harvest, because most of the world uses grain as 90% of their diet. A bad harvest means starvation. A good harvest means survival. For many the festival of Lammas marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Here in Florida, it simply means we've reached some of the hottest, most uncomfortable days of the year.

 

'Lammas' was the medieval Christian name for the holiday and it means 'loaf-mass', for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings.

 

Lammastide was also the traditional time of year for craft festivals. The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares, decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons, marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances for the entranced onlookers.

 

Here in Florida, we have a unique situation. This isn't a time of harvest for us. This is the time when nothing grows. In the scorching heat only the strongest can survive. This is our winter when it comes to crops and food sources. The ‘lazy days of summer’ is an old phrase that aptly describes us now - not many want to expend much energy outside. For us it’s a time of looking inward, and moving inside. Air-conditioning is such a wonderful thing, isn’t it?!

 

Looking inward – seeing the small things that gift our lives - every day there are so many treasures that brighten our lives that we simply just aren’t aware of. Life affirmations we simply ignore, gifts of hope we take for granted, memories carelessly forgotten, simply because many of us walk through life blinded by our sight. For many of us we rely on our sight so much that we don’t experience many of the gifts we receive from the universe all around us.

 

Tonight, we’re going to explore our senses a bit. Many scientists say we actually have nine senses - sight, sound, taste, touch, smell - pain, balance, thirst, and hunger. Hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell are known as our external senses. They provide information about the outside world. Pain, balance, thirst, and hunger are considered to be our internal senses. They provide information about the body and its needs. Tonight, we’re going to work with only four – sound, taste, touch and smell. Tonight, I’m going to ask you to keep your eyes closed during ritual. The goal is not meant to blind you, only make you more aware of how much we all rely on our sight. Tonight, we’re going to give our eyes a rest and play a little bit with our other senses.

 

Altar Devotions

 

Let what I feel, fill me but not consume me;

Let me follow what I feel, but not be forced;

Let me become the kind of soul, who never clings too hard,

Who let’s go and yet loves;

Let me imagine better worlds, yet work in this one;

Let me touch, and treasure, even people I can never hold,

And let me learn from all my losses;

Let me out and let me in, Let me see and let me be,

A window - maybe broken - but through which

A bit of air and sunlight comes.

 

Call Quarters

 

NORTH:   Essence of the North, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Bring to us your gentle touch that gives life and encourages growth in all as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with a solid sense of touch and joy in our hearts for this celebration. Blessed Be.

 

EAST:        Essence of the East, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Bring with you the aromas that remind us of the past as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with an intuitive sense of smell and joy in our minds for this celebration. Blessed Be.

 

SOUTH:    Essence of the south, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Entice us with the flavors that warm and excite our lives as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with an imaginative sense of taste and joy in our souls for this celebration. Blessed Be.

 

WEST:      Essence of the West, we bid you welcome. We ask you to join us in our Circle this night. Send to us the vibrations that create the sounds of our lives as we share these moments with our friends and family. We welcome you with a loving sense of hearing and joy in our bodies for this celebration. Blessed Be.

 

Anoint

(Greet each person, anoint with something to treat the sense of smell)

 

You are the sense of Smell, we invite you to experience Smell and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses.

 

Cast Circle

 

Tonight, we’ll cast our circle hand to hand - a circle of Community, Friends and Family. As you receive the gift from your neighbor to the right, take a moment to experience the sense before passing it on to your neighbor on the left. Three times round this Circle’s bound.

 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of taste)

You are the sense of Taste, we invite you to experience Taste and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask Father Sky to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell within these walls.

 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of hearing)

You are the sense of Sound, we invite you to experience Sound and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. 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.

 

(Walk the Circle with something to treat the sense of touch)

You are the sense of Touch, we invite you to experience Touch and in so doing heighten and renew your own senses. The Third is a Circle of Love – as we know that Mother Earth shines the light of her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.

 

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

 

Unite energies

(Have everyone stand quietly, listening to each other’s breathing for a moment)

 

Invocation

 

We call forth the Goddess, Mother of the Moon, to witness this rite. Because of You the night is filled with illuminations, help us to become enlightened also. Instill in us the sight of those things that remain unseen.

 

We call forth the God, Sun King, to witness this rite. Your light and brightness warm the Earth, help us to grow also. Enable us to see the wonders of the mundane world around us.

 

Together, you are the sense of Sight, of things both seen and unseen, we invite you to heighten and renew our own senses and in doing so experience Sight.

 

Name the Working

 

Perform the Work

 

Raise Power

 

With malice towards no-one, and harm to none.

If Spirit so desires it, then let it be done.

 

Wish Box, Sacred Space

 

Cakes and Ale

 

From the Golden rays of the Sun, to the fertile Earth, to the healthy grains, to bread - May you never hunger.

 

From the Silver beams of the Moon, to the quiet Earth, to the fruits, to wine - May you never thirst.

 

Thanking Spirit

 

Tonight, we thank the Goddess of the Moon and the God of the Sun for joining us. Shade and Shadow, Dark and Light, you are two halves of a perfect whole. We welcome you to walk beside us as we return to the mundane world. Guide our minds, our tongues and our hearts. Blessed Be.

 

Open Circle

 

This Circle has served us well. It has protected and aided us. It has stood as a boundary between time and space. I now open this Circle. Essence of the West, South, East, and North, thank you for your presence here tonight. We appreciate those gifts you have chosen to bestow upon us. For now, we bid you pleasant parting, know that you are always welcome in this place.

 

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

 

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.

Feast

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