Pagan Ritual for Basic Use
(by
Ed Fitch)
A circle should be marked on the floor, surrounding
those who will participate in the ceremony.
An altar is to be set up at the center of the circle. At the center of
the altar shall be placed an image of the Goddess, and an incense burner placed
in front of it. Behind the image should be a wand fashioned from a willow
branch. Candles should be set upon the altar ... a total of five, since on is
to be set at each quarter and one will remain on the altar during the rite.
When
all the people are prepared they shall assemble within the circle. The woman,
acting as priestess, shall direct the man who acts as priest to light the
candles and incense. She shall then say:
“The
presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere,
Throughout
many strange, magical,
And
beautiful worlds,
To
all places of wilderness, enchantment, and freedom.”
She
then places a candle at the north and pauses to look outwards, saying:
“The Lady
is awesome,
The Powers of death bow before
Her.”
The
person closest to the east takes a candle from the altar and places it at that
quarter, saying:
“Our
Goddess is a Lady of Joy,
The
winds are Her servants.”
The person closest to the south takes a candle from
the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
“Our
Goddess is a Goddess of Love.
At
Her blessings and desire
The
sun brings forth life anew.”
The
person closest to the west takes a candle from the altar and places it at that
quarter, saying:
“The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady, the
mysteries of the depths are Hers alone.”
The
priest then takes the wand, and starting at the north, draws it along the
entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:
“The
circle is sealed, and all herein
Are
totally and completely apart
From
the outside world,
That
we may glorify the Lady whom we adore.
Blessed
Be!”
All repeat: “Blessed Be!”
The
priest now holds the wand out in salute towards the north for a moment and then
hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in salute. She motions to the
group to repeat the following lines after her:
“As
above, so below ...
As
the universe, so the soul.
As
without, so within.
Blessed
and gracious one,
On
this day do we consecrate to you
Our
bodies,
Our
minds,
And
our spirits.
Blessed
Be!”
Now is the time for discussion and teaching. Wine
and light refreshments may be served. When the meeting has ended, all will
stand and silently meditate for a moment. The priestess will then take the wand
and tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north and going clockwise
around the circle, while saying:
“Our
rite draws to its end.
O
lovely and gracious Goddess,
Be
with each of us as we depart.
The
circle is broken!”
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