Items needed for this ritual
Golden Yellow Altar Cloth
Flowers
Wand
Sage
Candles/representation of each element
Oil
Incense
Salt Water
Athame
Salt
Red Sun Candle
Green Goddess Candle
White Alter Candle
Cauldron
Pouch of Herbs *Everyone participating needs to do this step: such as lavender and chamomile – as you prepare it, pour into it your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses*
Spring Water
Pet or picture of pet (if doing the pet blessing)
Pet’s blessing gift (if desired)
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Vacuum the area or sweep depending up either outdoors or indoors. Set up Quarter Candles or Elemental representation. The alter should be in two sections right & left with space to walk in between them. Decorate with seasonal flowers. Place the Cauldron in the center between the 2 alters, the Red Sun candle on the right alter, the Green Goddess Candle on the left alter. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sage everyone - “Blessed Be and Be Welcome” - Kiss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Circle Cast - Each person walks using one of the following: athame/incense/water/salt
“By the air that is Her breath (East), By the fire that is Her bright spirit (South), By the living waters that is Her womb (West), By the earth that is Her body (North)”
HPS in the center“This circle is now cast, We stand between the worlds, In a time that is not a time, In a place that is not a place, Great Mother, Great Father, Be with us this day! Blessed Be! This circle is sealed.”
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East - “Children of Air, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty - Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring - Let our lives with music sing”
South - “Children of South, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace - Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame - Let us all be glad we came”
West - “Children of Water, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch - Flows of emotion we miss so much
Bring drops of magic to wash around - Let our hearts know love all around”
North - “Children of Earth, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma - Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded - Let us strive to be well rounded”
Spirit - “Divas of Spirit, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope - Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite - Come to us for our midday rite”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To be read out loud in either round robin or by one person:
The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HPS: Pick up Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"We celebrate Mid-of-Summer today, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertile energies of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today
MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice. From here, the light begins to fade, again, Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of our rite flame below."
Face the left altar, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle and say:
"Green Forest Mother, Meadow Mother, Great One of the Stars and the Moon, Spinner of Fates, I give honor to you, and ask your Blessings here."
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Great Red Sun God, Forest Father, God of Fertility and Plenty, be here with me now. I give honor to you, and ask your Blessings here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
" Fiery Sun, burn away the unuseful, the hurtful, the troublesome, the painful, the sickness, and ill luck. PURIFY ME!"
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame - drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"By the powers of the Great Goddess and the Great God, by all the Powers That Be, by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and by the powers of the Sun, Moon and Stars. I BANISH THESE BANES FROM MY LIFE!"
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, sprinkle the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, then dump the rest on your body, feel your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new, for this is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess. O Great Mother Goddess, bless this water, so that its touch may bless and renew, even as the rays of the Midsummer Sun nourish and bless all life."
Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life.
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At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by leading them between the two alters, while saying:
"By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth."
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At this time, if doing the rededication. Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say:
"I, (name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Powers That Be, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Witch - a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words."
Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
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Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram:
Anoint forehead, say: “Let my mind be open to the truth.” (pentagram)
Anoint lips, say: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “ (caress the lips)
Anoint heart area, say: “Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.” (pentagram)
Anoint palms, say: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magical ways.” (caress the hands)
Anoint feet, say: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!” (pentagram)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If consecrating any jewelry. Place your magical jewelry upon the altar, sprinkle it with the salted water, then pass it through the flame of the candle and the smoke of the incense. Place it around your neck or other body part, saying:
"This (these) magical emblem(s) I shall wear for all things magical. Bless this (these) pendant(s), O Great Goddess and Great God, that I may be blessed and protected in all ways whenever I shall wear it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take the drink-filled chalice in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower athame into chalice, saying:
"As the athame is to the male, so the chalice is to the female;
And conjoined, they become one in truth.
Let the fruits of union promote life.
Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread throughout the lands."
Take a sip of the drink.
Hold the plate of cakes in left hand and athame in right. Draw an invoking Earth pentagram over the cakes, saying:
"Oh gracious Lord and Lady of abundance,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love,
Bestowing health, strength, joy and peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I thank you, Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. Thank you and farewell.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit - “Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power - Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light - Bless us and keep us every night”
Earth - “Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand - Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound - We’ll always know that you are around”
West - “Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew, - Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea - We’ll always remember the magic is me”
South - “Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire, - Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart - Remember always, merry meet and merry part.”
Air - “Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun, - Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind - The magic can wait til then to begin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Showing posts with label Midsummer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Midsummer. Show all posts
Midsummer Important Info
Correspondences:
Names: Litha, Midsummer, Solstice, Alban Heriun
Date: The summer solstice or when the sun is one-degree Cancer.
Deities: all Father Gods and Mother Goddesses, Pregnant Goddesses and Sun Deities; Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, Venus and other Goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty; Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis, Juno, Apollo, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus, Ares, and Thor.
Ritual workings: Self-dedication, rededication, pet blessings, focus on love, marriage and divination.
Colors: white, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, green, blue and tan.
Gemstones: all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, tiger's eye, lapus lazuli and diamonds.
Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Incense: Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, Wisteria.
Foods: honey, fresh vegetables of all kinds and fresh fruits such as lemons and oranges, pumpernickel bread as well as Summer squash and any yellow or orange colored foods. Flaming foods are also appropriate. Traditional drinks are ale, mead, and fresh fruit juice of any kind.
Animals: robins, wrens, all Summer birds, horses and cattle. Mythical creatures include satyrs, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds and manticores.
Names: Litha, Midsummer, Solstice, Alban Heriun
Date: The summer solstice or when the sun is one-degree Cancer.
Deities: all Father Gods and Mother Goddesses, Pregnant Goddesses and Sun Deities; Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, Venus and other Goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty; Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis, Juno, Apollo, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus, Ares, and Thor.
Ritual workings: Self-dedication, rededication, pet blessings, focus on love, marriage and divination.
Colors: white, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, green, blue and tan.
Gemstones: all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, tiger's eye, lapus lazuli and diamonds.
Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Incense: Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, Wisteria.
Foods: honey, fresh vegetables of all kinds and fresh fruits such as lemons and oranges, pumpernickel bread as well as Summer squash and any yellow or orange colored foods. Flaming foods are also appropriate. Traditional drinks are ale, mead, and fresh fruit juice of any kind.
Animals: robins, wrens, all Summer birds, horses and cattle. Mythical creatures include satyrs, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds and manticores.
Midsummer Lore
Midsummer is the Wiccan Sabbat that marks the Summer Solstice and usually occurs around June 21. It marks the first day of summer on traditional calendars, but it is actually the Midsummer mark for Pagans.
Litha marks the longest day of the year, the day when the sun reaches its apex and is aspected to zero degrees Cancer. This is a day that celebrates the God in all his glory. It is also the time of year when the Goddess is glowing with motherhood in her pregnancy.
In Wiccan lore, once again the Holly King and the Oak King battle. This time, it is the Holly King who is victorious, and from this point on, the days grow shorter.
For those of you familiar with Shakespeare, you might remember the play centered around the Solistice: "A Midsummer's Night's Dream". It is believed that Midsummer Night's Eve is a special time for those who believe in the Faerie traditions. Like Samhain, this is a day where the veils are thin between the realms of the Sidhe (the Faerie realm) and the world of mortals. It is a time for merriment and the making of wishes.
Litha marks the first of three harvest celebrations. This is the time to gather the herbs from your garden. Tradition suggests using your boline or a scythe to cut the plant by the moonlight. Some suggest chanting the use of the planet while doing so.
Honey is a popular symbol for this time (one of the names of the June Full Moon is the Honey Moon). Serving Meade as well as dipping your cake in honey during the feast part of your ritual, symbolizes the sweetness of life and the season.
As we've seen happen in the past, Christianity has tried to hone in on our holiday. They have declared it John the Baptist's birthday. I've read that other Saints in the Church are remembered on the day they've died. But not so with John the Baptist. He is the only Saint recognized on his birthday. They celebrate the Solstice with the Jack-in-the-Green to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, often portraying him in rustic attire, sometimes with horns and cloven feet (like Pan).
Litha marks the longest day of the year, the day when the sun reaches its apex and is aspected to zero degrees Cancer. This is a day that celebrates the God in all his glory. It is also the time of year when the Goddess is glowing with motherhood in her pregnancy.
In Wiccan lore, once again the Holly King and the Oak King battle. This time, it is the Holly King who is victorious, and from this point on, the days grow shorter.
For those of you familiar with Shakespeare, you might remember the play centered around the Solistice: "A Midsummer's Night's Dream". It is believed that Midsummer Night's Eve is a special time for those who believe in the Faerie traditions. Like Samhain, this is a day where the veils are thin between the realms of the Sidhe (the Faerie realm) and the world of mortals. It is a time for merriment and the making of wishes.
Litha marks the first of three harvest celebrations. This is the time to gather the herbs from your garden. Tradition suggests using your boline or a scythe to cut the plant by the moonlight. Some suggest chanting the use of the planet while doing so.
Honey is a popular symbol for this time (one of the names of the June Full Moon is the Honey Moon). Serving Meade as well as dipping your cake in honey during the feast part of your ritual, symbolizes the sweetness of life and the season.
As we've seen happen in the past, Christianity has tried to hone in on our holiday. They have declared it John the Baptist's birthday. I've read that other Saints in the Church are remembered on the day they've died. But not so with John the Baptist. He is the only Saint recognized on his birthday. They celebrate the Solstice with the Jack-in-the-Green to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, often portraying him in rustic attire, sometimes with horns and cloven feet (like Pan).
Midsummer Large Group
Oak Queen & Sun Court Leader toss the sage into the fire and then jump over it.
Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram
Anoint forehead, say: “Let your mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let your lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let your heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let your hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let your feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
Circle participants follow – first tossing sage into the fire, then jumping it, then being anointed into the circle. Oak Queen anoints the males, Sun Court Leader anoints the females. After being anointed circle participants walk into the circle area. Think about the reasons you are here today.
Oak Queen (salted water), Sun Court Leader (athame) – when Oak Queen gets to, and Deacon (incense) cast the circle starting at the eastern point.
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed."
Quarter Call
East
Children of Air, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty
Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring
Let our lives with music sing
South
Children of South, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace
Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame
Let us all be glad we came
West
Children of Water, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch
Flows of emotion we miss so much
Let us quench our thirst
North
Children of Earth, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma
Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded
Let us strive to be well rounded
Spirit
Divas of Spirit, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope
Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite
Come to us for our midday rite
Meditation – led by Oak Queen
Make Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and relax.
At this time of greatest light, we meditate on light as a symbol of spiritual energy. Breathe now gently and deeply and with each breath become aware of the light that surrounds you and the light that is within you -- the light that is the energy of Our Great Mother.
The light can be any color. It is often imagined as white -- like bright sunlight. But it can be any color, any intensity, that is best for you. Blue, green, yellow, purple, rose; we know that light can also be black. The light may stay the same color for you during this meditation or it may change from color to color, or become a blend of many colors. See the light now in your mind's eye. This light is all around us, we are bathed in its brightness, energy, and warmth.
(Pause)
Focus on the light until you sense that you and the light are one. This will be your signal that you can now bring the light inside you.
(Pause)
When you bring the light inside you, one way is to let it stream in through your crown chakra at the top of your head. The light -- this healing energy -- flows through you now, from your crown, down to your third eye (between your eyebrows) to your throat, your shoulders and your arms, and your hands, to your heart, your stomach, shining brightly at your solar plexus just above your navel, to your sex organs, shining too at your tailbone. The healing light travels down through your legs, your knees, your ankles and your feet. Feel the warmth of this healing energy now as it travels all through your body.
(Pause)
Now sense the one part of your body where the light can shine the brightest and imagine the light there. See it shine.
(Pause)
Now send the light out from that part of your body where it shines the brightest. Send it out a few inches from your body.
(Pause)
Now extend your light out from your body just a little more, then a little more, until your light extends a few feet from your body. Now, if you like, extend your light to reach your sisters. Our lights meet and we are connected by this great light, connected by our renewed knowledge of Our Great Mother. Take a few minutes now to sense this energy and this connectedness.
(Pause)
Now take from this light the energy that you need, and know that there is plenty for all. For the Source of this light is endless and ever abundant. Take a moment to experience Her abundance, and know that as you partake of Her light and Her love, so do you give your light and your love. And as you give energy, so do you receive it. And thus does the circle of life continue.
(Pause)
And as we come back now to this time and place, let us give thanks for the return of Our Great Mother, and for our return unto Her.
Ritual:
Invoke Oak (Sun Court Leader):
Hail Lady of the rising year, spring-born and summer-crowned:
Queen of Oak and Mother of Flowers,
Stir the abundance of life within us,
Dance with us at Summer's utmost height.
*crowns Oak with circlet of leaves and flowers*
Oak:
The Sun shines strong upon the ground,
Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain,
Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood,
Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height,
Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel!
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress,
All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air,
The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by,
And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time,
Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell,
Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor,
Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
*leads circle dance from the center*
All:
We are one in the infinite sun
For ever and ever and ever.
Dance is stopped by entry of Crows, Crows should have some black on (it's probably too hot to dress in black), and carry black-feathered wands. Crows circle Oak, cawing, and then begin their lines.
Crow 1: Winter will come
Crow 2: The corn will dry
Crow 3: The leaves will fall
Crow 1: The storms will fly
Crow 2 And you must fail
Crow 3: And fall
Crow 1: And die
Repeat three times, the third in unison sing-song mocking voices.
Sun Court Leader [to Crows]:
Over my dead body! Who do you think you are? [to people]
Will you stand by and let this happen?
No! Rally round and shield our lady
from the mockery of winter!
Sun Court Leader rallies people around Oak in center of circle.
Crows approach people one at a time and touch them with their wands, asking "Why? Why?" People will give a reason for the summer to continue forever:
Crows will respond with a reason why it cannot, and take the person out to the edge of the circle.
Sun Court Leader is the last taken out.
Oak:
It is so:
If I love the Spring
I must embrace the Fall,
and for the Sun's sweet sake
go into darkness.
In Spring and in Summer I was given this power
and now I lay it down.
Oak casts down her flowering rod of office and kneels, head bowed. Four Quarters surround Oak, carrying flowers, and Sun Court Leader leads the circle in a deosil procession to lay flowers on the wand.
All:
Aye ai aye ai aye ai aye ai
Aye oh aye oh aye oh aye oh
Near the end of the procession Holly enters the circle: crows and Holly join the very end of the procession. Holly makes a grand dramatic gesture of going to the center (waiting till everyone else has returned to the circle), then kneels to lay an evergreen spring by Oak.
Holly:
Bright sister, do not grieve. I will guard and guide the turning world in your place, until at the depth of Winter we shall meet again, and you will rise to take your place once more. *takes up flowering rod*
But now, at the very balance point of the year, let us dance together, you and I.
*Holly raises Oak up, and Oak takes her place in the circle.*
Holly [to all]:
In winter and in darkness I will reign
And lead the dance till spring shall come again.
*Holly leads Spiral Dance. She should break the line next to Oak so that she is the head of the line and Oak is the tail. *
All:
Hoof and horn, hoof and horn,
All that dies must be reborn.
Vine and grain, vine and grain,
All that falls shall rise again.
Holly:
What is shoot shall become flower
What is flower shall become fruit
What is fruit shall become seed
What is seed shall become shoot
Ever and forever, as the Wheel turns.
Crow 1:
Farewell, Lady of the waning year.
Go in peace to your realms of autumn,
To watch over harvest and make ready for the dark.
Blessings on your presence.
Hail and farewell.
Sun Court Leader:
Farewell, Lady of the waxing year.
Go in peace to your realms of spring,
To cherish new life and make ready for the day.
Blessings on your presence.
Hail and farewell.
Cake & Ale
Child 1 Holds up the plate: “Thank you God & Goddess for the gifts you have blessed us with”
Child 2 “Let us eat”
Walks plate around – “Blessed Be”
Child 1 Holds up the cup: “Thank you God & Goddess for the gifts you have blessed us with”
Child 2 “Let us drink”
Walks cup around – “Blessed Be”
Question and Answer Segement:
Holly: Now has come the time to rid us all of negativity. This group has often be plagued with ill thoughts and whispered words and now - today it is time to bring them into the light. I shall pass the staff around – and as you hold it – you may ask anyone standing in this circle a question and you will hear an answer. You may ask one question of each participant here today. What is brought up here – will be left here today – and when this circle is dismissed the negative concerns raised will be dismissed as well. Now who is bold enough to step forward and claim the first round of questions?
If no one steps forward – Holly must either choose someone to step to the center of circle and ask the questions or take the task on by herself.
After everyone has been offered a chance to ask/answer questions – proceed.
Holly: As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.
Spirit
Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power
Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light
Bless us and keep us every night
Earth
Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand
Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound
We’ll always know that you are around
West
Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew,
Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea
We’ll always remember the magic is me
South
Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire,
Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart
Remember always, merry meet and merry part.
Air
Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun,
Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind
The magic can wait til then to begin.
Sun Court Leader.
“I thank you Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. I thank the protectors of the North, West, South, and East for aiding us in the construction of the circle. Thank you all and farewell. “
Holly
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be."
Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram
Anoint forehead, say: “Let your mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let your lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let your heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let your hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let your feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
Circle participants follow – first tossing sage into the fire, then jumping it, then being anointed into the circle. Oak Queen anoints the males, Sun Court Leader anoints the females. After being anointed circle participants walk into the circle area. Think about the reasons you are here today.
Oak Queen (salted water), Sun Court Leader (athame) – when Oak Queen gets to, and Deacon (incense) cast the circle starting at the eastern point.
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed."
Quarter Call
East
Children of Air, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty
Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring
Let our lives with music sing
South
Children of South, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace
Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame
Let us all be glad we came
West
Children of Water, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch
Flows of emotion we miss so much
Let us quench our thirst
North
Children of Earth, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma
Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded
Let us strive to be well rounded
Spirit
Divas of Spirit, Fairies all
Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope
Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite
Come to us for our midday rite
Meditation – led by Oak Queen
Make Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and relax.
At this time of greatest light, we meditate on light as a symbol of spiritual energy. Breathe now gently and deeply and with each breath become aware of the light that surrounds you and the light that is within you -- the light that is the energy of Our Great Mother.
The light can be any color. It is often imagined as white -- like bright sunlight. But it can be any color, any intensity, that is best for you. Blue, green, yellow, purple, rose; we know that light can also be black. The light may stay the same color for you during this meditation or it may change from color to color, or become a blend of many colors. See the light now in your mind's eye. This light is all around us, we are bathed in its brightness, energy, and warmth.
(Pause)
Focus on the light until you sense that you and the light are one. This will be your signal that you can now bring the light inside you.
(Pause)
When you bring the light inside you, one way is to let it stream in through your crown chakra at the top of your head. The light -- this healing energy -- flows through you now, from your crown, down to your third eye (between your eyebrows) to your throat, your shoulders and your arms, and your hands, to your heart, your stomach, shining brightly at your solar plexus just above your navel, to your sex organs, shining too at your tailbone. The healing light travels down through your legs, your knees, your ankles and your feet. Feel the warmth of this healing energy now as it travels all through your body.
(Pause)
Now sense the one part of your body where the light can shine the brightest and imagine the light there. See it shine.
(Pause)
Now send the light out from that part of your body where it shines the brightest. Send it out a few inches from your body.
(Pause)
Now extend your light out from your body just a little more, then a little more, until your light extends a few feet from your body. Now, if you like, extend your light to reach your sisters. Our lights meet and we are connected by this great light, connected by our renewed knowledge of Our Great Mother. Take a few minutes now to sense this energy and this connectedness.
(Pause)
Now take from this light the energy that you need, and know that there is plenty for all. For the Source of this light is endless and ever abundant. Take a moment to experience Her abundance, and know that as you partake of Her light and Her love, so do you give your light and your love. And as you give energy, so do you receive it. And thus does the circle of life continue.
(Pause)
And as we come back now to this time and place, let us give thanks for the return of Our Great Mother, and for our return unto Her.
Ritual:
Invoke Oak (Sun Court Leader):
Hail Lady of the rising year, spring-born and summer-crowned:
Queen of Oak and Mother of Flowers,
Stir the abundance of life within us,
Dance with us at Summer's utmost height.
*crowns Oak with circlet of leaves and flowers*
Oak:
The Sun shines strong upon the ground,
Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain,
Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood,
Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height,
Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel!
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress,
All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air,
The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by,
And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time,
Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell,
Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor,
Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal,
And On and On turns the Wheel!
*leads circle dance from the center*
All:
We are one in the infinite sun
For ever and ever and ever.
Dance is stopped by entry of Crows, Crows should have some black on (it's probably too hot to dress in black), and carry black-feathered wands. Crows circle Oak, cawing, and then begin their lines.
Crow 1: Winter will come
Crow 2: The corn will dry
Crow 3: The leaves will fall
Crow 1: The storms will fly
Crow 2 And you must fail
Crow 3: And fall
Crow 1: And die
Repeat three times, the third in unison sing-song mocking voices.
Sun Court Leader [to Crows]:
Over my dead body! Who do you think you are? [to people]
Will you stand by and let this happen?
No! Rally round and shield our lady
from the mockery of winter!
Sun Court Leader rallies people around Oak in center of circle.
Crows approach people one at a time and touch them with their wands, asking "Why? Why?" People will give a reason for the summer to continue forever:
Crows will respond with a reason why it cannot, and take the person out to the edge of the circle.
Sun Court Leader is the last taken out.
Oak:
It is so:
If I love the Spring
I must embrace the Fall,
and for the Sun's sweet sake
go into darkness.
In Spring and in Summer I was given this power
and now I lay it down.
Oak casts down her flowering rod of office and kneels, head bowed. Four Quarters surround Oak, carrying flowers, and Sun Court Leader leads the circle in a deosil procession to lay flowers on the wand.
All:
Aye ai aye ai aye ai aye ai
Aye oh aye oh aye oh aye oh
Near the end of the procession Holly enters the circle: crows and Holly join the very end of the procession. Holly makes a grand dramatic gesture of going to the center (waiting till everyone else has returned to the circle), then kneels to lay an evergreen spring by Oak.
Holly:
Bright sister, do not grieve. I will guard and guide the turning world in your place, until at the depth of Winter we shall meet again, and you will rise to take your place once more. *takes up flowering rod*
But now, at the very balance point of the year, let us dance together, you and I.
*Holly raises Oak up, and Oak takes her place in the circle.*
Holly [to all]:
In winter and in darkness I will reign
And lead the dance till spring shall come again.
*Holly leads Spiral Dance. She should break the line next to Oak so that she is the head of the line and Oak is the tail. *
All:
Hoof and horn, hoof and horn,
All that dies must be reborn.
Vine and grain, vine and grain,
All that falls shall rise again.
Holly:
What is shoot shall become flower
What is flower shall become fruit
What is fruit shall become seed
What is seed shall become shoot
Ever and forever, as the Wheel turns.
Crow 1:
Farewell, Lady of the waning year.
Go in peace to your realms of autumn,
To watch over harvest and make ready for the dark.
Blessings on your presence.
Hail and farewell.
Sun Court Leader:
Farewell, Lady of the waxing year.
Go in peace to your realms of spring,
To cherish new life and make ready for the day.
Blessings on your presence.
Hail and farewell.
Cake & Ale
Child 1 Holds up the plate: “Thank you God & Goddess for the gifts you have blessed us with”
Child 2 “Let us eat”
Walks plate around – “Blessed Be”
Child 1 Holds up the cup: “Thank you God & Goddess for the gifts you have blessed us with”
Child 2 “Let us drink”
Walks cup around – “Blessed Be”
Question and Answer Segement:
Holly: Now has come the time to rid us all of negativity. This group has often be plagued with ill thoughts and whispered words and now - today it is time to bring them into the light. I shall pass the staff around – and as you hold it – you may ask anyone standing in this circle a question and you will hear an answer. You may ask one question of each participant here today. What is brought up here – will be left here today – and when this circle is dismissed the negative concerns raised will be dismissed as well. Now who is bold enough to step forward and claim the first round of questions?
If no one steps forward – Holly must either choose someone to step to the center of circle and ask the questions or take the task on by herself.
After everyone has been offered a chance to ask/answer questions – proceed.
Holly: As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.
Spirit
Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power
Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light
Bless us and keep us every night
Earth
Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand
Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound
We’ll always know that you are around
West
Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew,
Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea
We’ll always remember the magic is me
South
Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire,
Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart
Remember always, merry meet and merry part.
Air
Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun,
Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind
The magic can wait til then to begin.
Sun Court Leader.
“I thank you Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. I thank the protectors of the North, West, South, and East for aiding us in the construction of the circle. Thank you all and farewell. “
Holly
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be."
Midsummer Solitary
Materials to prepare before you begin:
A Sun Wheel design is best made at least partially with natural materials, though bright yellow or gold ribbon streamers are a good addition. You might also gather symbols of the elements that could be attached-a holey stone or one that can be tied and held in place for Earth, a feather for Air, a seashell for Water, perhaps a crystal point for fire. A wreath of vines or flexible stems is a good base for the circle. Find some sturdy but flexible vine or long and flexible stems or thin branches outdoors if you can. If you take this from a live plant, be sure to thank the plant and give it a bit of water or fertilizer as a gift in return. If you are in a city where vines may not be so easily available outdoors, it should be easy to obtain a wreath of dried grapevine at a craft store. You will also need at least two fairly straight sticks to make the cross within the circle. Bright yellow or orange flowers contribute color, either fresh or dried. Obtain some protective plants, such as St. John's wort or mistletoe to add. Though most things will stay by being poked into the base wreath, you'll need some twine or florists wire to hold the vines into a circle and attach the cross, and also perhaps to secure some of the other materials.
Set out your materials on a work table that can also be your altar, along with a bowl of water, salt, censer and incense and a gold or yellow candle for the Sun, and a green or silver candle for Mother Earth. Bless the salt and water and combine them to make the elixir that is the womb of the Mother. Bless the incense and set it to burning. Carry the salt water in a circle around your work area, sprinkling it to cleanse the space of all energies that do not contribute to your purpose. Then carry the incense around the circle, charging the space with energy. Now, at your working altar, lightly sprinkle all your materials, cleansing them, and then pass the censer in a circle above the table three times to charge them.
Light the Sun candle in invocation:
Oh, Midsummer Sun so hot and bright,
Charge my work with golden light
For all within my home to see
For beauty, health, security.
Come, be with me in this rite!
Light the Mother Earth candle in invocation:
Mother of the fertile Earth
Guide my hands and help me birth
My Sun Wheel bright with energy
For hearth and home and family,
Be with me in this rite!
Make your Sun Wheel. When you are finished, hold it above the Sun candle and circle it three times, then above the Mother Earth candle, circling three times, then three times above them both, as you chant this charm:
By earth and water, air and fire
Hearken onto my desire
My home be charged by magick charm
Safe protected from all harm
Blessed with health, vitality
By Sun and Earth, by three times three
In love and trust, so mote it be!
Thank the Sun and Mother Earth for their assistance in your rite and snuff their candles.
Hang your Sun Wheel where you can to enjoy seeing it as it works your magick to protect and energize your home and family.
A Sun Wheel design is best made at least partially with natural materials, though bright yellow or gold ribbon streamers are a good addition. You might also gather symbols of the elements that could be attached-a holey stone or one that can be tied and held in place for Earth, a feather for Air, a seashell for Water, perhaps a crystal point for fire. A wreath of vines or flexible stems is a good base for the circle. Find some sturdy but flexible vine or long and flexible stems or thin branches outdoors if you can. If you take this from a live plant, be sure to thank the plant and give it a bit of water or fertilizer as a gift in return. If you are in a city where vines may not be so easily available outdoors, it should be easy to obtain a wreath of dried grapevine at a craft store. You will also need at least two fairly straight sticks to make the cross within the circle. Bright yellow or orange flowers contribute color, either fresh or dried. Obtain some protective plants, such as St. John's wort or mistletoe to add. Though most things will stay by being poked into the base wreath, you'll need some twine or florists wire to hold the vines into a circle and attach the cross, and also perhaps to secure some of the other materials.
Set out your materials on a work table that can also be your altar, along with a bowl of water, salt, censer and incense and a gold or yellow candle for the Sun, and a green or silver candle for Mother Earth. Bless the salt and water and combine them to make the elixir that is the womb of the Mother. Bless the incense and set it to burning. Carry the salt water in a circle around your work area, sprinkling it to cleanse the space of all energies that do not contribute to your purpose. Then carry the incense around the circle, charging the space with energy. Now, at your working altar, lightly sprinkle all your materials, cleansing them, and then pass the censer in a circle above the table three times to charge them.
Light the Sun candle in invocation:
Oh, Midsummer Sun so hot and bright,
Charge my work with golden light
For all within my home to see
For beauty, health, security.
Come, be with me in this rite!
Light the Mother Earth candle in invocation:
Mother of the fertile Earth
Guide my hands and help me birth
My Sun Wheel bright with energy
For hearth and home and family,
Be with me in this rite!
Make your Sun Wheel. When you are finished, hold it above the Sun candle and circle it three times, then above the Mother Earth candle, circling three times, then three times above them both, as you chant this charm:
By earth and water, air and fire
Hearken onto my desire
My home be charged by magick charm
Safe protected from all harm
Blessed with health, vitality
By Sun and Earth, by three times three
In love and trust, so mote it be!
Thank the Sun and Mother Earth for their assistance in your rite and snuff their candles.
Hang your Sun Wheel where you can to enjoy seeing it as it works your magick to protect and energize your home and family.
Midsummer Ritual 6-21-09
Items needed for this ritual
Flowers
Wand
Sage
Candles/representation of each element
Oil
Incense
Salt Water
Athame
Red Sun Candle
Green Goddess Candle
White Alter Candle
Cauldron
Pouch of Herbs * Everyone participating needs to do this step: Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it.
Spring Water
Pet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vacuum the area or sweep depending up either outdoors or indoors. Set up Quarter Candles or Elemental representation. The alter should be in two sections right & left with space to walk in between them. Decorate with seasonal flowers. Place the Cauldron in the center between the 2 alters, the Red Sun candle on the right alter, the Green Goddess Candle on the left alter. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sage everyone - “Blessed Be and Be Welcome” - Kiss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Circle Cast - Each person walks using either athame/incense/water/salt:
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
East - “Children of Air, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty - Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring - Let our lives with music sing”
South - “Children of South, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace - Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame - Let us all be glad we came”
West - “Children of Water, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch - Flows of emotion we miss so much
Bring drops of magic to wash around - Let our hearts know love all around”
North - “Children of Earth, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma - Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded - Let us strive to be well rounded”
Spirit - “Divas of Spirit, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope - Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite - Come to us for our midday rite”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"We celebrate Mid-of-Summer today, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today
MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice. From here, the light begins to fade, again, Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of our rite flame below."
Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle and say:
"Oh, Mother Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth. Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon,
Fruitful Womb of which we honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings.
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life. God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge. Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun,
Potent Consort of which we honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame - drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth. The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is, By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, sprinkle the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, then dump the rest on your body, feel your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new. Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me. Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me. Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by leading them between the two alters, while saying:
"By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say:
"I, (name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Great Spirit, the All-That-Is, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the ancient paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Witch - a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words."
Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram:
Anoint forehead, say: “Let my mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take the drink-filled chalice in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower athame into chalice, saying:
"As the athame is to the male, so the chalice is to the female;
And conjoined, they become one in truth.
Let the fruits of union promote life.
Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread throughout the lands."
Take a sip of the drink.
Hold the plate of cakes in left hand and athame in right. Draw an invoking Earth pentagram over the cakes, saying:
"Oh gracious Lord and Lady of abundance,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love,
Bestowing health, strength, joy and peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I thank you, Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. Thank you and farewell.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit - “Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power - Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light - Bless us and keep us every night”
Earth - “Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand - Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound - We’ll always know that you are around”
West - “Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew, - Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea - We’ll always remember the magic is me”
South - “Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire, - Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart - Remember always, merry meet and merry part.”
Air - “Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun, - Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind - The magic can wait til then to begin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Personal note - this is the ritual that a small group of friends will be doing today. The rededication is included because one participant has asked to be allowed to do it & the pet blessing is because I want to bless Divo & the Cats. Other pets may/may not be there. No particular parts have been assigned we'll see who shows up this afternoon.
Flowers
Wand
Sage
Candles/representation of each element
Oil
Incense
Salt Water
Athame
Red Sun Candle
Green Goddess Candle
White Alter Candle
Cauldron
Pouch of Herbs * Everyone participating needs to do this step: Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it.
Spring Water
Pet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vacuum the area or sweep depending up either outdoors or indoors. Set up Quarter Candles or Elemental representation. The alter should be in two sections right & left with space to walk in between them. Decorate with seasonal flowers. Place the Cauldron in the center between the 2 alters, the Red Sun candle on the right alter, the Green Goddess Candle on the left alter. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sage everyone - “Blessed Be and Be Welcome” - Kiss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Circle Cast - Each person walks using either athame/incense/water/salt:
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
East - “Children of Air, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty - Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring - Let our lives with music sing”
South - “Children of South, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace - Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame - Let us all be glad we came”
West - “Children of Water, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch - Flows of emotion we miss so much
Bring drops of magic to wash around - Let our hearts know love all around”
North - “Children of Earth, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma - Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded - Let us strive to be well rounded”
Spirit - “Divas of Spirit, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope - Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite - Come to us for our midday rite”
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The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
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Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"We celebrate Mid-of-Summer today, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today
MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice. From here, the light begins to fade, again, Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of our rite flame below."
Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle and say:
"Oh, Mother Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth. Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon,
Fruitful Womb of which we honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings.
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life. God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge. Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun,
Potent Consort of which we honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."
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*Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame - drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth. The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is, By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, sprinkle the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, then dump the rest on your body, feel your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new. Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me. Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me. Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life.
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At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by leading them between the two alters, while saying:
"By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth."
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Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say:
"I, (name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Great Spirit, the All-That-Is, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the ancient paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Witch - a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words."
Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
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Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram:
Anoint forehead, say: “Let my mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
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Take the drink-filled chalice in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower athame into chalice, saying:
"As the athame is to the male, so the chalice is to the female;
And conjoined, they become one in truth.
Let the fruits of union promote life.
Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread throughout the lands."
Take a sip of the drink.
Hold the plate of cakes in left hand and athame in right. Draw an invoking Earth pentagram over the cakes, saying:
"Oh gracious Lord and Lady of abundance,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love,
Bestowing health, strength, joy and peace."
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“As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.”
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“I thank you, Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. Thank you and farewell.”
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Spirit - “Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power - Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light - Bless us and keep us every night”
Earth - “Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand - Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound - We’ll always know that you are around”
West - “Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew, - Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea - We’ll always remember the magic is me”
South - “Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire, - Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart - Remember always, merry meet and merry part.”
Air - “Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun, - Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind - The magic can wait til then to begin.”
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“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be.”
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Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Personal note - this is the ritual that a small group of friends will be doing today. The rededication is included because one participant has asked to be allowed to do it & the pet blessing is because I want to bless Divo & the Cats. Other pets may/may not be there. No particular parts have been assigned we'll see who shows up this afternoon.
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