Saining Ostara Sabbat 2025 Dragonfly

 

Saining/Ostara Day 2025

Pet Blessing

Mother:         Father:     

Fairy GodMother:    

 

What is needed

Water:       water in a fancy bowl

Personal items:    toys or clothing, small gifts

 

Prayer of Stardust Speaking

 
The leaf falls from the tree that grows,
The tree grows from the soil that nourishes,
The soil wears from the rock that endures,
The rock solidified from the molten flows,
The molten flows were the space dust pressed into itself,
The dust that became this planet that we love,
This planet that spins around our yellow star,
The yellow star that was tossed into the vast emptiness of space.
 
The tree, the soil, the rock, the dust the star that lights our way, we are all one. We are the earth that walks upon itself, that dances around the tree. We are stardust made self-aware in the vast and unfathomable reaches of night. I am a small thing, I pray that in my smallness I find love, peace and joy as I walk and dance upon myself, this stardust rock, my earth.
 

Create sacred space

(Make a circle out of powdered egg shells)

 
Ostara:     Speaking of the cosmos and stardust on this saining, we also celebrate Ostara. The Spring Equinox; the rebirth of nature and the awakening of the earth.
 
With this I present to you the Cosmic Egg. Also known as the Orphic Egg. Which has roots in Ancient Egypt and Greece.
 
Eggs are the universal symbol of creation, birth, rebirth, the moon and the goddess. They are often seen in conjunction with the serpent or snake. The goddess birthed both the snake and egg from her body and they floated on the waters of chaos. By wrapping herself around the egg, the snake broke it open and from it hatched all forms of the universe.
 
The upper half becoming the heavens and symbolizes creation and the beginning of the universe. The middle represents a union of opposites and silver egg holding the God, Thanes. The lower half becomes the earth and symbolizes the orphic mysteries.

(Perhaps have everyone make one or paint them)

 

Connect with the Spirits

 
We invite Bastet, Freyja and Palu. The sacred Goddesses of cats, to be with us tonight in this blessing. And all the cats that came before. Hail and welcome!

(Present offerings)

 

Waters of Life Prayer

 
All waters are one.
All water that has ever existed and will ever be on this earth
Is this water.
Is the water that came from the cosmic creation
Is the water that flowed from the river
Is the water that flowed from the ocean
Is the water the fell from the sky
Is the water that flowed from the sacred well where the Gods reside
All waters are one.
 

Naming

 
Today, we welcome this precious new life. Today, we formally “give” her a name, to
symbolize her uniqueness. Names are powerful. Bestowing the name is a moment of
welcoming a differentiated life, with its own power, into the circle of life.
 
How shall this life be called and how did you choose this name?
 
Chloe, your name was chosen with great care, and it was chosen just for you. You came to us in the garden, which is fitting for this Ostara celebration. For your name means “To Bloom” just as the flora and fruits of the garden, we hope you bloom and thrive to a healthy and happy cat
 

Mark the baby/pet with the sacred water

 
Bastet, Freyja and Palu
Goddesses of beauty and grace
Protectors of the feline race
Shield Chloe from hurt and harm
And keep her always safe and warm
Watch over Chloe from day to day
And guide her if she should stray
Grant her much happiness
And a good life free of strife and stress.
 

Fairy Godmother Blessing

 
May the sun shine bright upon you
May the moon in darkness guide you
May the stars in the sky watch you
May fate be kind to you
May your loved ones aid you in the storms of life
May joy be yours and may there be little strife
May peace and happiness be yours all of your days
May you find friends, love and good work your way.
Blessings of the Spirits be upon you.
Blessings of All Beings be upon you.
 

Closing

 
We thank Bastet, Freyja, Palu and the spirits of all the cats who came before for joining us here in this blessing for Chloe.
 
May the blessings of the spirits go with us,
May the love of all being reside with us,
May the sacred world be ever-present in our minds,
May the road we walk be gentle,
And may kindness find us as we are kind to others.
So, mote it be.
 
The circle is open but never broken.
Stay if you like, leave if you must. Hail and farewell!

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)

Hand Fasting Ceremony 2008 CO1

Hand-Fasting
February 9th, 2008 

INTRODUCTION

A Hand-Fasting is an ancient ritual that dates back even before what we now recognize as the Marriage Ceremony.  It has been practiced by many cultures around the world.  At one time, Hand-Fasting was outlawed in many areas because it was a practice used by the common folk, often without the benefit of a Clergy.  Now Clergy are performing this ancient service.

Today, we come together in celebration of the joining together of (Name) and (Name).  Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.  It is at once the most fragile of relationships and the strongest.  Fragile because it requires exactly the right mix of freedom and interdependence, of caring and of sharing, of being together and of being alone.  As with any aspect of life it has its cycles, its ups and downs, its trials and triumphs.  With full understanding of this, (Name) and (Name) have come here today to be joined as one.

Remember that this Hand-Fasting is only a symbol, a celebration, and a public recognition of what already exists in the silent places of your hearts.  It is your marriage and not something created by the state or the church - it is yours to define, yours to make real, yours to live.  Nothing I can say can make it anything more than what already exists in your hearts.

Others would ask at this time who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family’s blessing.

(Name) is it true that you come of your own free will and accord and your family has given their blessing?

RINGS

All things turn in circles.  The Earth spins in a circle and turns around the sun, the sun turns around the galaxy.  Time turns in circles of birth, death, and rebirth yet again.  Like all things marriages move in circles as well.  There will be times when the fires of your union burn brightly, times when they will die down to coals only to spring up again in bright flames.  By taking on the symbol of the circle you make a promise to remember always that things come around; to keep faith in the spring while enduring the winter, to never lose hope that the ashes will flame once again and your love will be renewed. 

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time passes, remember...like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant.  Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage.  Let the strength of your wills bind you together.  Let the power of love and desire make you happy and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.  Be close, but not too close.  Be free in giving affection and warmth.

These rings represent a journey without beginning or end; they are a symbol of the circle of life.  In the presence of the Lord and Lady, we ask that they bless these rings so that your journey of love never ends. 

(Name), do you choose to take (Name) as your Wife (Partner), to care for her above all others, to provide for her happiness before even your own, and to treat her with honor and respect, both publicly and in private, so long as your love shall last?

(Name), please place the ring on your Partner’s finger, and repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect, and trust.

(Name), do you choose to take (Name) as your Husband (Partner), to care for him above all others, to provide for his happiness before even your own, and to treat him with honor and respect, both publicly and in private, so long as your love shall last?

(Name), please place this ring on Partner's finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect, and trust.

HANDFASTING

The threads of this cord intertwine to form one - as these threads have been bound together so too are your lives now intertwined.  As the right hand is to the left hand, may you be forever one, sharing in all things, at home and abroad, in love and in loyalty, for all time to come.

(Name), please repeat after me:  I, (Name), in the Name of the Light that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take you (Name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one.  I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond.  Where we shall meet, remember, and love again.  I shall respect you, your beliefs, your family, and your ways, as I respect myself.  Will you accept me as your Husband (Partner)?

(Name), please repeat after me:  I, (Name), in the Name of the light that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take you (Name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one.  I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond.  Where we shall meet, remember, and love again.  I shall respect you, your beliefs, your family, and your ways, as I respect myself.  Will you accept me as your Wife (Partner)?

Please repeat together: Heart to thee, body to thee, soul mates forever, So Mote It Be.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.  No man is greater than a woman, nor is a woman greater than a man.  For what one lacks, the other can provide and what one needs, the other can supply.  By the power vested in me, by the Lord and Lady, I now pronounce you Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner).  May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light for you.  

You may now exchange a Kiss. 

JUMPING THE BROOM

In the old days, the broom was a symbol of growth and change as well as being the most common household object.  It was the first thing brought into the home of a newly Hand-Fasted couple and symbolized sweeping away any obstacles.  A Broom has been placed on the ground for you to jump over together.  Everyone else is invited to jump the broom to offer their best wishes to the new couple and share in a little of their luck. 

Congratulations!!

                                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)

Imbolc Sabbat 2025 Dragonfly

Imbolc Sabbat

Circle Dragonfly

Sunday, February 2, 2025

 

Grounding

(everyone)

 
We are rooted in the Earth.  The Earth protects us, and it empowers us.  Earth is our Center, Air is our Wisdom, Fire our Power, Water our Energy.  Ground us, guide us, empower us, move us to do what must be done.  So, Mote it Be.
 

Casting the Circle:

 
HPS:         Three times round this Circle’s bound. As above, so it is below.  As without, so it is within.  By the earth that is her body, and by the air that is her breath, by the fire of her bright spirit, and by the living waters of her womb, the circle is cast. So, Mote it Be.
 

Call the quarters

(Face the direction; call the quarter; then light the candle on the altar)

 
North:      I call the watchtower of the north, the power of Earth, to come to this circle with the strength of the thawing ground beneath our feet and all the potential that lies there as yet unseen. (Light the green candle) Blessed Be.
 
East:         I call the watchtower of the east, the power of Air, to come to this circle, bringing the invigorating winter breezes that herald the coming of spring. (Light the yellow candle) Blessed Be.
 
South:      I call the watchtower of the south, the power of Fire, to come to this circle with the light of the returning sun. (Light the red candle) Blessed Be.
 
West:        I call the watchtower of the west, the power of Water, to come to this circle and wash away the sleepy winter energy that holds us back. (Light blue candle) Blessed Be.
 
HPS:          I conceive this circle as a place of contemplation and protection, blessed by the elements.  As above, so below, so mote it be.
 

Blessing

 
May the life stirring underground stir new dreams to life within you.  May the flames of inspiration and passion be ignited in your soul.
 
HPS:         Today is Imbolc, the day of midwinter festival of lights.  This day we honor and invite the Goddess Brigid, Goddess of Fire and Water, Hearth and Home, to join us in our circle as we pay homage to the passing of winter and the coming of the light.  The cold has begun to fade away, and the days grow longer.  Spring lies within sight, the Earth quickens.  As we celebrate the first subtle stirrings of life beneath the ground, so we start to emerge from our own wintry sleep and makes plans for the year to come.
 
Also known as Brigid’s Day, Imbolc is a festival of lights, growth and new beginnings.  Falling approximately halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, this Sabbat is a time of purification, renewal, and inspiration.
 
HPS (light the Brigid candle):       Bright blessings at midwinter to all!  Brigid has returned with the sacred flame, watching over home and hearth.  This is a time of rebirth and fertility, and as the earth grows full of life, may you find abundance on your own path.  In addition to honoring the Goddess Brigid, Imbolc is also a time to celebrate the returning light and the start of the growing season.  It is a time to clean and purify your home, plant the seeds of your goals and intentions for the year, and make a plan for the coming spring.  This year it coincides beautifully with our new found hope for healing our bodies from disease, our social divisions, and our planet from destruction.
 
In order to begin anew, we must sweep out that which is no longer needed so as to purify our surroundings, and preparing the way for new growth.  Take this besom
(pass broom to the first person and have them pass it on to the next) and sweep outwards to clear out the old and let the new enter.  Life starts anew at this time of cleansing.
 
HPS (After everyone has swept place besom on altar; drop rosemary & bay into flame):       I call upon the power of these herbs that their scent now released in this cauldron’s fire purify us, and our surroundings.  With this rite we are reaffirmed in our Coven and Craft, and made ready with the release of those no longer welcome, and for the renewal of life in the coming of Spring.
 
HPS (Wave brush end over the cauldron):  May this besom be cleansed that nothing cast out of the Circle in the coming year return with it or cling to it.  So, Mote it Be!
 
HPS:          We have traveled together from the darkness into the light and now we will use the energy that journey created to send our plans for the coming year out into the universe, where they will blossom and grow with the spring flowers.
 
Repeat after me - Out of the dirt and out of the dark; I shine with the light of the sun. Out of the cold and the slow winter pace; the new year’s path is begun.
Energy grows, light does return, brighter and brighter each day.
All of my plans will bloom with the flowers when spring comes back for a stay. 
So, Mote it Be.
 

Cakes and Ale

 
HPS (Take the milk/wine and offer a sip to Brigid; pour a little in the bowl)
Bless this drink so that it may symbolize the sweetness of our lives.  May Brigid give her blessings to you this season. So, Mote it Be.
(Pass the wine clockwise)
 
HPS (Make an offering to Brigid of oatcake; place a little in the bowl).
Bless these cakes, a gift of the Goddess, who provides food and sustenance for both body and soul.  May Brigid’s love and light nurture your path. So, Mote it Be.
(Pass the plate clockwise)
 
HPS:          Come and allow the warmth of Brigid’s hearth to embrace you. Allow the light of her flame to guide you. Allow the love of her blessing to protect you. Blessed Be.
(Invite others to approach the altar to light their candle from the Brigid candle)
 
(When everyone has lit their candle)
Take a few moments to meditate.  Think about how you will make changes in the coming weeks.  Brigid is a goddess of abundance and fertility and she may help you guide your goals to fruition.
 
Hold your papers with your intention written on it over the cauldron and pass them through your candles before letting them burn out.
 
Repeat after me - We allow Brigid’s flame to empower our intentions.  We release that which we no longer want or need. May our wishes and dreams bear fruit.
 
Make a wish for what you do want to welcome in.  Then put your candle in the candle holder on the altar.
 

Release

 
HPS:         We thank the Goddess Brigid for joining us this night, for watching over us and guiding us as we emerge from the dark into the light.  For her protection and warmth and lasting inspiration.
 

Release the Quarters

 
West:        Oh, Great Spirit of the West who gives us the waters.  Thank you for joining this circle.  Go if you must, stay if you will, hail and farewell.
 
South:      Oh, Great Spirit of the South who gives us fire.  Thank you for joining this circle. Go if you must, stay if you will, hail and farewell.
 
East:         Oh, Great Spirit of the East who gives us the air.  Thank you for joining this circle. Go if you must, stay if you will, hail and farewell.
 
North:      Oh, Great Spirit of the North who gives us the earth.  Thank you for joining this circle. Go if you must, stay if you will, hail and farewell.
 
HPS:         By the earth that is her body, and by the air that is her breath. By the fire of her bright spirit, and by the living waters of her womb. This circle is open, but unbroken. May the joy of the Goddess live in our hearts. Merry meet, merry part, and may we merry meet again.

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)

New Year Fire Ritual 2023 Dragonfly

New Years Fire Ritual

Circle Dragonfly 2023

 
Gather Herbs in 4 bowls placed in the quarters

North – Frankincense, Protection
East – Thyme, Good Luck
South – Sunflower, Wishes
West – Skullcap, Harmony

Fire Pit, Fire Wood, Fire Starters, Lighters, Chairs, Pens, Paper
 
Thank you everyone for joining as we set last year free, and welcome the New Year with loving intentions. Please sit, get comfortable, and we’ll begin.
 

Grounding

 
With your eyes closed take a deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth… And relax… Deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth… Feel the warmth of the fires glow on your skin… Deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth… And relax… Deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth… Let the fire’s energy cleanse the stress of the day away… You are protected… You are safe… You are powerful… You are loved… You are connected… Take a moment to feel these affirmations… Reflect on this past year, both the highs and the lows, the challenges and the rewards… When you are ready, open your eyes and rejoin the group.
 

Spell Work

 
First, we’ll focus on the negative. In order to create new energy for the coming year, we should release what has held us back. Take a moment to reflect on what you would like to let go of. Ask the Universe to take the lead in removing it from your life. Take the time to forgive yourself. It doesn’t really matter for what, only that forgiving yourself will let it go, to help you break through and move forward. The fears that hold you back, the struggles and cycles you’re repeating, the limiting beliefs you may have, anything that burdens you. You’re in safe space so talking about it is ok. Let it go into the fire. Write these down on the small slip of paper and fold three times away from you. When everyone is ready, we will all throw our troubles in the flame together. So, Mote it Be.
 
Please take a moment and repeat after me…
I release these worries to the Universe to be lovingly changed into solutions and blessings for the New Year. Thank you, Universe for releasing me of any burdens that I carry.
 
Now we’re going to focus on the positive. Think of the blessings that brought you joy, the silly times that made you smile, the achievements that made you proud. All those happy times that you might want to carry forward with you into the future. Tell yourself Thank You for being there to enjoy those wonderful moments. Now write them down, just a few simple words to jog your memory. And fold the paper three times towards you because these are memories you want to keep and enjoy. Feel free to talk with the group, sharing whatever we feel comfortable sharing. When everyone is ready, we’ll all throw our blessing in the flame together. Blessed Be.
 
Please take a moment and repeat after me…
I will hold these happy memories close to my heart so that I may step into the New Year with a clear mind, body and spirit. And I will make space for all my new blessings to be welcomed into my life. So, mote it be.
 
As we watch the burdens we no longer carry, be transformed, we invite the balance of energies needed to create a loving and powerful year. As I pass these herb bowls around take a pinch to toss into the flames and then pass the bowl to the next person.
 
In the North, we add Frankincense for its protective qualities and self-control to keep us focused on our paths.
 
In the East, we add Thyme for good luck to be infused into whatever we choose this coming year.
 
In the South we add Sunflower to bring in our wishes and power to keep us going strong.
 
In the West we add Skullcap that brings harmony and peace among us and our families.
 
With Malice toward no-one, and Harm to none;
If the Universe so desires it, then let it be done!
 
We honor the elements that keep us grounded, breathing, warm, and hydrated throughout the year with these offerings to the Universe for the highest good. Blessed be.

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) 

Croning Saging Ceremony 2007 CO1

Croning

Saturday, December 29, 2007

 

Purify the Circle

 

Cast the Circle

(Circle is cast with the Blade, the Cup and the Censor)

 

HP starts with the Blade in the north and draws the boundary of the circle.

HP;  I tread this Path for the Elements, that which comprises all that we see.

 

HPS takes to sprinkling the boundaries with the Cup filled with salted water.

HPS;    I tread this Path for Self, a reflection of the Divine.

 

HP then takes the censor and carries the smoke to the boundaries of the circle)

HP;  I tread this Path for Spirit, that which unites all things.

 

Charge of the Circle

 

HP/HPS;  Our Circle is a place where hearts and minds can meet and share in the wonder and empowerment of a living and loving Goddess.   We are a coven of friends, but above all things we are Family.  Our Love and our Magick binds us together and our Circle keeps us and nurtures us.  We are blessed.  So, Mote it Be!

 

Call the Quarters

 

HPS;    We call to you now Ancient Ones from the times before the beginning.  From the place before time eternal.  We call to you by all Your names, spoken & unspoken.  Father of Time, Mother of Power, King of Magick, Queen of Life.  Mighty Gods, Goddesses and Crones bless us and bless the Crones of our Circle.  We thank you

 

Eastern Quarter – Celtic

Goddess; To the East, I call upon the spirit of Don.  Cosmic Mother over air and sea. I invite you into our circle, to witness this our celebration. Grant me your vast spirit to represent you in this Circle.  Croeso (Crow ee so)

 

God; To the East, I call upon the spirit of Taranis. God of Thunder Incarnate.  I invite you into our circle, to witness this, our celebration. Grant me your thundering power to represent you in this Circle.  Croeso (Crow ee so)  

 

Southern Quarter – Egyptian

God; To the South, I call to Netjer (Neet - Cher) Osiris (O - Si - Rus), Lord of The Underworld. I invite you into our circle, to witness this, our celebration. Grant me your mysteries so that I may represent you in this Circle. Em Hotep!  (Em hoe tep)

 

Goddess; To the South, I call to Netjert, Isis, Lady of wisdom and the words of power. I invite you into our circle, to witness this special rite. Grant me a bit of your great magic to represent you in this Circle.  Em Hotep!  (Em hoe tep)

 

Western Quarter – Native American

Goddess; To the West, I call White Buffalo Woman, Teacher, Warrior Woman, Prophet.  I, invite you into our circle, to witness this, our Celebration.   Grant me your wisdom and strength to represent you in this Circle.  N´'éstséhnêstse.  (N’est say)

 

God; To the West, I call Lord Coyote, the Trickster.  I, invite you into our circle, to witness this, our Celebration.   Grant me your inner playfulness to represent you in this Circle.  N´'éstséhnêstse.  (N’est say)

 

Northern Quarter – Greek

God; To the North, I call Hermes, God of Literature and Poets.  God of the boundaries and the travelers who cross them.  Orator of Wit.  I invite you into our circle, to witness this, our Celebration.   Grant me your eloquence and knowledge of the world traveled, that I may represent you in this Circle.  Kalos Irthate  (kah los Eer tha tay)

 

Goddess; To the North, I call Hecate, Guardian of the Household, Protector of everything newly born, Goddess of Witchcraft.  I invite you into our circle, to witness this, our Celebration.   Grant me your grace and vision, that I may represent you in this Circle.  Kalos Irthate.  (kah los Eer tha tay)

 

Statement of Intent

 

HPS;         In the ancient days, our ancestors knew that living was changing. They gazed upon the heavens and saw the moon rise in the sky first new, then full, then drawing down again into the dark. They marked with great stone circles the path of the sun, and crossed the untrammeled oceans guided by the circling stars. They honored the Lord and Lady in the changing seasons of the Earth.  They honored also with rites of passage those among the kin who passed through the mileposts of this life; rites to honor birthing, coming of age, marriage, and elderhood.

 

Honored were the elders, those who held the wisdom of the tribe. They were the teachers, the healers, the diplomats, the shamans, the chieftains, the priests and priestesses. It was they who cared for the dying and who helped the spirit find its way into the light of the Goddess. It was they who showed in their living and their dying that all life continued on.

 

We gather tonight to mark the passage of one of our own into their elder years.

 

Gates

 

1.  Youth, First Guardian: Who comes upon the first gate?

I do, (name), daughter of the Goddess

First Guardian: You shall not pass without a price. What do you lay down here?

Crone: Here I lay down my youth. (Responds with accomplishments of Youth)

Response You are still a form of the Goddess.  How can you be anything but beautiful?  Pass you freely and with my blessing.

 

2.  Fertility, Second Guardian: Who comes upon the second gate?

I do, (name), daughter of the Goddess

Second Guardian: You shall not pass without a price. What do you lay down here?

Crone: Here I lay down my fertility.  (Responds with accomplishments of Fertility)

Response There will be no more children of your body.  You will stand as Mother in Spirit to the young of this clan.  To teach and to guide them in the sacred ways.  Pass you freely and with my blessing.

 

3.  Innocence, Third Guardian: Who comes upon the third gate?

I do, (name), daughter of the Goddess

Third Guardian: You shall not pass without a price. What do you lay down here?

Crone: Here I lay down my Innocence.  (Responds with memories of innocence lost)

Response Now you know that right is seldom simple, and that the young pay the price for their elders’ mistakes.  You will remember the human price of war and conflict as you guide this clan in the future.  Pass you freely and with my blessing.

 

4.  Family, Fourth Guardian: Who comes upon the fourth gate?

I do, (name), daughter of the Goddess.

Fourth Guardian: You shall not pass without a price. What do you lay down here?

Crone: Here I lay down my family and friends gone on.  (Responds with memories of loved ones who have moved on to the gates of the Summerland)

Response You have watched loved ones and family members pass on to the Summerlands.  All things must continue on to learn yet more life lessons.  Pass you freely and with my blessing.

 

5.  Promise of Life, Fifth Guardian: Who comes upon the fifth gate?

I do, (name), daughter of the Goddess

Fifth Guardian: You shall not pass without a price. What do you lay down here?

Crone: Here I lay down my Promise of life.  (Responds with uncertainties of life and health) 

Response We cannot know what waits for us beyond the final gate.  Yet we know that all things must die so that they may be reborn.  Live each day as if it is your last.  And breath each moment as if there is none other like it.  As the Goddess waits for you in perfect love, Stay with Her in perfect trust.

 

Crowning of the Crone

 

HP;    The winds of time have carried you to this place.

You have been tested in the fire and not found wanting

You have been purified in the waters of the Lady's tears

You return at last to the Earth, the first and final Mother. And from the womb of Earth are you reborn.

 

HPS;    The paths you have walked have presented you with many options. Your life has been rich with experience, and filled with both sorrow and joy. Your teachers have gone on, and now you must assume their role. There are many who look to you now, eyes filled with wonder, hearts open, ready to learn. Now you must decide whether or not to honor your own teachers by following their steps. You possess more than just the answers. You have learned the questions.

 

Maiden no more. Mother no more. Crone do I name you. Crown of the trinity, completion of the cycle of life. Wear the crown of your years with grace and wisdom. Wear this circlet as the symbol of your new estate. Let us all honor the Crone. So, Mote it Be.

 

Cakes and Ale

 

The cakes and the ale are outward symbols, sacraments, of our inward relationship with the Goddess and the God. With these small offerings, we honor both Goddess and God.

 

We of the Craft believe that our words and our actions shape reality. Tonight, we have called upon the power of Goddess and God to witness in the Croning of a much-loved coven mate, Wyndstarr. As we have willed it, So Mote it Be. Let us honor the Gods and remember our tie to them.

 

Release the Quarters

 

North – Greek

Together; To the North.  Great Hermes, Wise Hecate, we thank you for honoring us with your observance of our rite, and for allowing us to serve as your liaisons this night.  We bid you farewell for now. You will always be welcomed here.  Yia Sou Adio (Yee a Soo Adee o)

 

West – Celtic

Together; Old one, White Buffalo Woman, Lord Coyote, We thank you for honoring us with your observance of our rite, and for allowing us to serve as your liaisons this night.  We bid you farewell for now.  You will always be welcomed here.  Né'évâhósêho'êhneo'o (Hoe eh nay o o)

         

South – Egypt

Together; To the South.  Netjer Osiris, Netjert Isis, we thank you for honoring us with your observance of our rite, and for allowing us to serve as your liaisons this night.  We bid you farewell for now.  You will always be welcomed here.  Senebti  (Sa neb tee)

 

East – Celtic

Together; To the East.  Gracious Taranis, Mighty Don, we thank you for honoring us with your observance of our rite, and for allowing us to serve as your as your liasons this night.  We bid you farewell for now.  You will always be welcomed here.  Da Bo Chi  (Da Boe Chee)

 

Open the Circle

 

HPS;         Tonight, has been a celebration to mark a Rite of Passage for Wyndstarr.  She has been and will continue to be a great source of knowledge, love and support for all of us.  We are a coven of friends, but again, we are more than that…  we are family.  May Love and Magick continue to grace our lives, and our hearts and minds keep us together. 

 

HP;  This Circle is open, but unbroken.  Merry have we met.  Merry May we part.  To Merry Meet again.

 

Feasting

 

In order to prepare for your Croning, you will need to familiarize and prepare yourself with the following...

You will be led to gates, at which point you will be asked "who goes here".  Your first response at each of the gate will be as follows;    I do, (name), Daughter of the Goddess.

At each gate you'll be asked... 'what are you willing to sacrifice?'

These were my personal responses. Yours will be different. 

Gate 1:  Here I lay down the burdens of youth.  I can leave behind the responsibilities that others have placed on me.  I no longer need to live up to someone else’s expectations of me.  I remember my grandmother once telling me that she hadn’t lived to be 83 years old just to have someone else push her around.  I think I’m beginning to understand how she felt.  I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.  The people who enjoy my company are positively the light of my life.  Those who don’t, well…I’m certain there is someone else they can irritate.

Gate 2:  Here I lay down my fertility...Thank Goddess!!  I’ve raised two of the most beautiful women it’s been my pleasure to know.  They make me proud to have been a parent…but now I look forward to enjoying the children of the world without the responsibility of being a parent.  Having children around is a great way to feel young…but it’s so nice when they go home again.  Visit with your children as often as you wish, but when it’s time to go home…leave no child behind!!

Gate 3:  Here I lay down my Innocence…with no guarantee that I won’t pick it up again on occasion.  I hope to continue to grow old with grace and dignity, but I don’t even pretend that I know it all and that I won’t on occasion be caught off guard.  I’m not done yet exploring the world and experiencing things new and exciting.  I hope the child within never ceases to look at life with wondrous eyes.  I have too many places to go, and too many things to see.

Gate 4:  Here I lay down those family and friends who have moved on without me.  Absolutely the most difficult part of getting older is watching those you have known and loved nearly all of your lifetime begin to cross over without you.  I suppose like everything in life, experiencing death has its purpose in preparing us for our own.  But I’m sorry folks…it’s going to have to chase me down.

Gate 5:  Here I pick up the promise of a new and different life.  I have no intention of waiting by the gate to die, and I’m not someone who can easily be shoved aside.  I’m still a very capable, gifted person filled with life.  I still have many things I wish to teach, new countries I’d like to explore, relationships that are worth building and an active community that I want to participate in.  I still have many promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

                                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)

Yule Saging 2009 CO1

Yule Saging 12/19/09

Welcome/Introduction

Welcome, and thank you for joining us tonight. We’re a teaching Circle and we welcome questions or comments about our Ritual. Please feel free to speak to any of our members after Circle.
 
Tonight’s ritual is a "Saging".  This is the time in a Man’s life when he recognizes that he has become an elder in his Community and his life.  It’s a time when his focus moves from being the protector and provider to becoming the teacher and guide.  This is also a time when his Community, Friends & Family recognize his wisdom, appreciate his help and acknowledge the many things he has achieved in his lifetime.  It’s a celebration of his age and his accomplishments.
 

Smudge/Anoint

 (Nag Champa - Smudge all participants assisting them in letting go of any negativity, feelings, thoughts, or baggage that they are carrying from the day)

(Water – Anoint all participants and welcome into Circle with a hug or smile)

 

Ground and Center

 
Yule is the time of the old winter gods!
Hail to Baldur! To Saturn! To Odin!
Hail to Ameratsu! To Demeter!
Hail to Ra! To Horus!
Hail to Frigga, Minerva Sulis and Cailleach Bheur!
It is their season, and high in the heavens,
May they grant us their blessings this winter day
 
The Winter Solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. In northern climates, this is the darkest and coldest time of the year. The sun appears weak and it's as if winter will last forever. But as soon as the Solstice passes, the days will begin to grow longer as the Sun rises earlier and earlier, each time adding a little more of His light and warmth to the cold and silent days of winter. The Winter Solstice marks a dramatic point in the Wheel of the Year. The Sun symbolically dies and is reborn.
 
Yule is a time of mixed emotions for many Pagans. All around us we see evidence of Christmas, a religious holiday that is not part of our tradition, but that we know takes form and meaning from ancient pagan practices. The holiday season also brings the added emotional, physical, and financial stress of unceasing work schedules, decorating, shopping, office parties, special dinners, and more family visits. It's easy to forget the meaning of Yule amidst the commercial madness. It's easy to get wrapped up in Christmas and forgo Yule altogether, especially when many of us have friends and families who celebrate Christmas. 
 
On this Yule we’re going to pause for a moment.  Before we shove the old Gods out to begin a new year, we’re going to stop to honor the elder Gods.  We’ll take the time to remember our own elder’s; the men in our lives that have advanced in age, in wisdom and maturity, in experience and education. Our elders have done a lot for us, directly or indirectly and most of us owe everything to their kindness and love.  Our elders have also been through all the phases the young are going through and know a little more about the world than we do. However much we may disagree with them, we must give them credit for their experience.
 

Quarter Call

 
North - We call to the Elders of the North, keepers of the wise Oaks and the beautiful Evergreens, we ask for your participation and protection in our ritual this night.  Enter our Circle and be blessed.
 
East - We call to the Elders of the East, keepers of the ever changing winds and the gentle breezes, we ask for your participation and protection in our ritual this night. Enter our Circle and be blessed.
 
South - We call to the Elders of the South, keepers of the ancient Flame and the glowing embers of earth, we ask for your participation and protection in our ritual this night.  Enter our Circle and be blessed.
 
West - We call to the Elders of the West, keepers of the timeless oceans and the tranquil falling rain, we ask for your participation and protection in our ritual this night.  Enter our Circle and be blessed.
 

Invocation

 
I call to the Elder Gods of the Universe, the wise ones who teach us life's lessons and bring us times of great joy, and we welcome your presence, your positive energies, and your protection this night.  We ask for your guidance and wisdom thru the days to come, as we have in the days that have passed. We ask that you please enter our circle and be blessed.
 

Cast Circle

 
Three times round this Circle’s bound. From the North and the East to the South and the West then back to the North again. We cast this circle thrice about, to keep all positive energies in, and negative energies out.  

The first circle is of Love and it’s never ending journey thru our lives, 

The second circle is one of strength and growth as we walk our path, 

The third circle cast is of one of protection and guidance, to draw all positive energies in, and deflect all negative energies out. 

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

Working

 
This is the time when we recognize the elder men in our lives; those still present and those who have passed, our fathers, step-fathers, uncles, family friends, grandfathers even our great-grandfathers.  This is a time to remember those older men in our lives who have taught us, told us stories, been there for scraped knees, bloody noses, and stitches; as well as the special times in our lives, graduations, weddings, the birth of our children.
 
For the working tonight I ask everyone to stop for a moment and think of the important older generation of men in your life – brothers, fathers, teachers, and friends.  I invite you to speak of something that you remember that they may have taught you, whether it was an important life lesson or a simple task well done. You are welcome to tell us about a special time in your life that they were there for you.  I invite everyone to share a memory of one of these times with everyone in circle.
 

Wish Box

 
Our Wish Box is a tradition within our Circle.  At each Sabbat we invite participants to join in.  A wish, a hope, a thank you note…write it on the piece of paper being passed out, with the pen supplied.  Please remember it is your action and intent that’s important.  So if the pen doesn’t write, it’s ok.  As we write the new wishes for the box, we’ll burn the ones from our last ritual that have been gathering energy.  By burning them, we release the energy back into the universe to carry our wishes with them.
 

Cakes N Ale

 
We bless these cakes and ale with the wishes of the youth, the dreams of the parents and the memories of our elders. 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!
 

Release Quarters

 
West - We thank the elders of the West for their help and protection with our ritual honoring them this night; may your blessings and protection stay with us always.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us; may you always Blessed Be.
 
South - We thank the elders of the South for their help and protection with our ritual honoring them this night; may your blessings and protection stay with us always.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us; may you always Blessed Be.
 
East - We thank the elders of the East for their help and protection with our ritual honoring them this night; may your blessings and protection stay with us always. We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us; may you always Blessed Be.
 
North - We thank the elders of the North for their help and protection with our ritual honoring them this night; may your blessings and protection stay with us always.  We bid you well as you depart, may there be peace between us; may you always Blessed Be.
 

Thanking the God

 
We thank the elder gods of the universe for their presence this night, their guidance and blessings for our ritual. We thank him for his positive energy and protection this night. Stay if you will leave if you must.  Blessed be.
 

Circle Closing

 
We thank everyone for joining us this night for this very special Circle honoring the elder men in our lives. The Triple Circle around this place stands, strengthened by our Ritual here tonight.  This will remain an open Circle, never broken; a welcoming haven to all who visit. 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!

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) 

Wedding Ceremony 2006 CO1

Wedding Ceremony

March 5th, 2006

 

INTRODUCTION

 

It was the great medieval philosopher, Thomas Aquinas, who, when asked to define true love, said that it was "To will the good of the other person".  If you truly love someone you want their success, their happiness, and everything that is best for them.  In the history of mankind, great lovers have died for the one or the ones they love.
 
Nothing like that is called for here but (Name) and (Name) do want you to know why they are getting married today.  They could have chosen simply to live together.  This unquestionably "safer" course would seemingly give them more options, seemingly sustain their freedom, and have fewer risks attached.  They have thought about this and have decided that for them it is not enough.
 
They see this ceremony today as a stronger commitment to their relationship.  They call you together, their friends, and family, to share in making this commitment and to call on your acknowledgement and support.  (Name) and (Name) recognize that they are very happy with one another.  They recognize that they would not be happier with anyone else and that no distant fields are greener.
 
There is another element in all this.  They love each other.  With the philosopher, they will each other's good.  They will each other's success, fulfillment, and happiness.  They know the main danger in a marriage relationship is the danger of taking each other for granted, of not appreciating each other enough.
 
So, they want to stay aware of each other.  They know they must communicate with each other and be open to communication.  This, they know, is a lot harder than it sounds.  Words must be said softly, and listened to carefully.
 
Their relationship must be sustained by the will to express it, the loving word, the loving smile, the loving embrace, the loving favor, and the giving with graciousness and generosity.  They know not to take without giving, but give without taking.  A true lover knows what the demands of love sometimes costs’ their partner so they will to be sensitive, to be appreciative.  And they remind themselves today that they must do these things without dominating, without smothering, and without suffocating the other.
 
They have assessed happily that their relationship is for life.  They have found each other, they like each other, they love each other, they want it to last, they intend it to last, and they will it to last.  More than that, they will it to get better; they will it to get deeper.  They want to be Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner).  They want people to look at them and quote, as it were, the poet, Homer, who said 800 years before Christ:    "There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and Wife (Partner) confounding their enemies and delighting their friends."
 

Vows

(Name), please repeat after me:
 
I, (Name) give myself to you, (Name), completely and unconditionally.  With my heart, my hands, and my words, I will respect you and protect you.  In sunshine and in rain, in joy and in pain, in plenty and in need, I will be your Husband (Partner), best friend, and lover, so long as we both shall live.
 
(Name), please repeat after me:
 
I, (Name) give myself to you, (Name), completely and unconditionally.  With my heart, my hands, and my words, I will respect you and protect you.  In sunshine and in rain, in joy and in pain, in plenty and in need, I will be your Wife (Partner), best friend, and lover, so long as we both shall live.
 
Do you (Name) take (Name) to be your Wife (Partner)?
 
I Do.
 
Do you (Name) take (Name) to be your Husband (Partner)?
 
I Do.
 
Exchanging of the Rings
 
May we have the bride's ring, please?
 
(Name), please place the ring on (Name)’s finger, and repeat after me:
 
(Name), I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect, and trust.
 
May we have the groom's ring, please?
 
(Name), please place this ring on (Name)'s finger and repeat after me:
 
(Name), I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect, and trust.
 

Rose Ceremony

 
Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings - which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.  You now have what still remains today to be the most honorable title that may exist between a man and a woman - the title of "Husband (Partner)" and "Wife (Partner)."  Now it is time for you to exchange your first gift as Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner).
 
Throughout history the rose has always been considered a symbol of love.  A single rose always meant only one thing - "I love you.”  So, it is appropriate that your first gift to each other as Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner) should be a single rose.
 
In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all.  Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose.  In some ways, a marriage is like this:  tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday.  But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one I hope you always remember - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
 
(Name) and (Name), I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future - whether it be a large and elegant home - or a small and graceful one - that together pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage - and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.
 
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words.  It is always easiest to hurt the ones we love most.  It might be difficult at times to say the words "I’m sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I’m hurting".  If this should happen, if you simply cannot find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose more than anything says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
 
That rose says the words: "I love you."  You should accept the rose for the words that cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.  (Name) and (Name), if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love that can make it a glorious union, and it is by love that your marriage shall endure.
 
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.  No man is greater than a woman, nor is a woman greater than a man.  For what one lacks, the other can provide and what one needs, the other can supply. 
 
May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light for you. 
 
As you have consented together in Lawful marriage in the presence of these, your family, friends and witnesses and by the giving and receiving of two rings and by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you to be Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner).
 
You may now exchange a kiss! 

                                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)