Assemble:
Then call upon, greet, and invite ancestors, patron deities, and all harmonious spirits and energies to dwell in the house as they please.
Gather up the pots, pans, and all the noise-makers. Go to each door and window, not forgetting the fire-place and dog-door, making as much racket as humanly possible-to shoo out anything unwanted. (This is hysterical fun, and also raises lots of energy for the next important step.) Go again throughout the house and at each portal (door, window, etc.) sprinkle salt-water and incense, saying: "By the Elements I purify and charge this portal." Then anoint the portal with milk and honey, saying: "By Milk and Honey I ensure prosperity and peace within this place." Finally, anoint the portal with oil, saying: "With Oil I seal this portal and protect all within." At the front door a special prayer is said, asking the guardian deities (God & Goddess) to freely grant entry to all friends and loved ones, and to prevent passage (turn aside) to any who would do harm." Then, if it's a house-pour wine across the width of the threshold; if it's an apartment anoint the threshold with light touches of wine.
The house-holders then each take a sip of wine, leaving some as an offering to the Gods, and the Circle should be closed. The remaining wine, milk, and honey should be offered to the Gods. (In our case to the fruit tree and the oak tree in our yard.) Do make certain to "ground" afterward, by closing the circle and by eating. This ritual can "stir" up everybody and make the house feel full of "buzzy" energy.
House Blessing Notes:
In the spirit of house blessings, and because I'm basically a kitchen witch at heart, and like little projects over serious ritual, I offer some selections gleaned from Cunningham's The Magical Household. I'm typing these without permission but with the hope that they'll inspire you to pick up the Cunningham book, because it's wonderful stuff...
For the doorway:
Suspend over the door a fresh sprig of dill, tied with a blue cord (or red, if you prefer), to prevent those who mean you harm from entering. Cross two needles, and stick into or tie onto a corner of your doormat, to prevent evil from entering.
Grind Dragon's Blood herb into a powder and sprinkle it on door and window sills, to protect your house from harm.
"Elements guard and watch this book, from wandering eyes and prying look. In this right and ready hour, Fill it with thine ancient power."
"Powers of North! Earth Below, show us/me to live, learn and grow! Leand us/me your strength and stability, to practice with love and set ourselves/me free!"
"Powers of East! Wind and sky, watch over these pages with thine eye! Your wisdom and knowledge for these we/i do ask, that this book be worthy, the craft and it's task!"
"Powers of South! Fire and hearth, help these shadows prove their worth! Infuse and uplift with your healing and passion, so only good comes from the works that are fashioned!"
"Powers of West! Water and sea, transformation and growth are granted by thee! Bless herin pages with all that you know, that all righteous readers may learn and may grow!"
"In winter spring summer and fall, in our shadows we ask for the aid of all! To practice the Craft of the wise as we/I must, w/ truth perfect peace perfect love perfect trust!"
"We ask for the blessings of the Lady and Lord, as we/I hold up Her chalice and brandish His sword! All we/I know is infused with their power, from sun and moon, rock and flower!"
"Gaurd us Earth Mother and teach us your lore, from silvery moon to the Earth's inner core! When working our/my magick please help us/me not fear it, we know you will guide me/us and strengthen our/my spirit!"
"Grant us Sky Father your wisdom and strength, to complete all our workings and go the full length! You smile down upon us/me the light of the sun, rejoicing in life with You we/I am/are one!"
"Gaurdians from the four directions, Lady and Lord it's your protections, and your love for which we look, To inspire and lead us as we write this book!"
"Yet to the unschooled eye let see, confusing words and sophistry! Lead them from these sacred pages, on blessed ways throughout the ages!"
"Yet to the Witch this book shall stay, plain and truthful, clear as day! Direct and show, guide and teach, our/my dreams and goals help us/me reach!"
"For free will of all And harm of none As I have willed it Now it is done! SO MOTE IT BE!!"
Instructions:
Get a book, and on the first couple pages, write this blessing/protection. When finished writing it, say it aloud. If you can do this, do it outside! On the front of the book, trace a pentacle with your finger, letting your energy into that shape! This will protect your book.
NOTE: in alot of the blessing there is I/me or us/me or something like that- what it means is sometimes you use this book in a coven, and sometimes you use it solitary- you know?
the source of all creation;
may the Goddess, the Lady of the Moon;
and the God, Horned Hunter of the Sun;
may the rulers of the elemental realms, earth, air, fire and water;
may the powers of the stars above and the Earth below,
bless this web site, and this time, and I who am with You.
I ask for you to protect these pages,
and that no harm to those who visit here.
So mote it be."
Bless me as I sleep
Keep me safe within your arms
As round me night time creeps
I ask you also, if you will,
To watch over the ones I love-
here's my list of those who need
Some blessings from above."
Either one or both parents can do this.
The baby is then passed around among everyone present, each person calls the baby by name *and* speaks his/her own name to the baby and says anything else s/he feels is appropriate. And why not make it a pary and invite lots of people over!
Blessed be the fire inside you. May your will be unbroken. And may it be as strong as fire, and as supple. May your will be as strong as water, and as supple. May your passions burn truly and free. Blessed Be your fire, may it burn strong.
Blessed be the waters of your life. May your blood be strong. May the flow from your loin be joyful and fertile. Blessed Be all your life-waters. Blessed Be the earth of your body. May your muscles be strong and fearless. May your heart beat with love, soul, vigour and courage. Blessed Be your body which is the body of the Gods and Goddesses.
Blessed Be your spirit. May you always have health in spirit. May you be whole. Blessed Be your spirit.
May you always have community.
May you be prosperous in all ways.
May you love and be loved.
May your voice -- both your complaints and your special offerings to the world -- be truly heard.
May you always be surrounded by the warmth of family & community. May you know the innate goodness of your being.
Blessed Be."
Items needed:
Invoke the four quarters
Stand in the center of the circle and Rev. says:
Invoke the Goddess and God
Statement of Purpose:
Rev. says:
Statement of Thanks:
Mother says:
Mother places her offering (breast milk or a rose) to the Goddess in the cauldron.
Place the baby on the altar. The Rev. will trace a pentagram on her forehead with water, saying:
Rev. says:
Blessing of the Elements: The Rev. will:
Sprinkle earth (salt or sand) on the baby.
Blow the incense smoke towards the baby or wave her with a fan.
Pass the candle flame under the baby.
Sprinkle water on the baby.
Rev. says:
Mother places the baby on the ground or touches her foot to the dirt in the center of the circle.
Mother says:
Father holds the baby up to the sky.
Father says:
Parents carry the baby to the altar.
Mom puts a drop of milk in her mouth, saying:
Dad puts a drop of juice in her mouth, saying:
The Rev. puts a drop of water in her mouth, saying:
The father traces a pentagram with lavender oil on the baby's breast while the mother says:
With a white cord, the Rev. measures the baby around its waist, and cuts the cord to that length. Then says:
The Rev. says:
The Rev. says:
Starting with the Rev. pass the baby among the people present. Each person will kiss her/him and give her a wish/blessing.
Farewell to the Goddess and God:
Dismiss the four quarters.
Stand in the center of the circle and Rev. says:
Close the circle.
Feast!!!