Best done during a waxing to Full Moon. Decorate the baby's crib (or whatever he/she will be in) with daisies, lavender and parsley, or carry sprigs of them with you. Place daisies on your altar, as well as a moonstone. Annoint your candles with milkweed juice to bless the child with growing imagination, inspiration and creativity. Burn cedar and rosemary incense to bring consecration, purification and protection to all participants. Bathe the baby with Elder in the water for safety and protection.
Begin your usual Ritual, and when the time comes for a working...
Invocation:
"To touch the hearts of those we love, This child whom now, we bless With songs of hope and harmony, sealed with a holy kiss We call upon the Goddess Minne, to hold ____________ in Her arms With hands of warmth and comforting, And keep you ever safe from harm."
*Anoint the baby's lips with a mild brew of Chamomile tea*
Finish your ritual as usual.
TopYou will need:
Matches to light candles and incense, charcoal blocks for loose incense, ritual wand (if used) to cast the circle.
Light candles-
"Dress" the candles with the oils, working base to tip, (away from you) for the banishing candle and tip to base (towards you) for the invoking candle and the Goddess candles. Visualize the intent, banishing depression when handling the banishing candle, and invoking joy and self-love while "dressing" the Goddess and invoking candles. Light only the Goddess candles at this time.
Purify-
Start the charcoal block and give it time to heat up. Sprinkle loose herbs of sage, cedar, rosemary or pine on the hot coal and use the smoke for purifing. Visualize the intent of the ritual, at this point visualize banishing depression and emotional pain, while smudging with the smoke. Then light the black candle from the Goddess candle. Cast circle/invoke a Crone Goddess or Goddesses to help in banishing, and a Goddess of gentleness and peace for the invoking part of the ritual. Try Kali the Destroyer or Hecate for banishing, and Kwan Yin for gentleness and invoking. Use Goddesses for the five elements or these two aspects only, or whatever feels right. do a full casting and invoking to make the circle, or as informal invitation to the aspects and elements.
Invocation-
Dear mothers of wisdom and grace, I invite you here to ask your help. I refuse my depression and choose to banish it, and ask instead for joy and peace of mind. Help me in my work tonight, Kali and Kwan Yin.
Body of ritual-
Focus on the flame of the black candle, thinking of all the things that need changing. Remember fully all the reasons for depression and pain, acknowledge all your anger, all your rage, and all your fear. Dwell on every hurt, every feeling, every negativity. When you have focused them all onto the candle, shout "NO!" and blow the candle out in a decisive, quick motion. Watch the smoke rise from the extinguished candle, and feel all the negativity dissolving in the rising air. Breathe the banishing incense for awhile.
Now lighting the invoking candle. Do it from the Goddess candle, and sprinkle rose incense on the charcoal block. Let the light of the pink candle and the fragrance of the rose incense fill you as you watch and breathe them. Breathe the energies in deeply, remembering the qualities of Kwan Yin, or other Goddess'ess of mercy invoked in the ritual. Ask Kwan Yin for her presence and help.
Focus on the candle flame and think of all the good things in your life. Refill each banished item and negativity with some positive attribute; where there was pain before, replace it with love. For every wrong remember something to give thanks for; for every pain remember something joyfull. Remember your accomplishments in life, how good a woman you really are. Do a series of affirmations, "I am" or "I have", to list your good qualities and the qualities you choose to become or gain. Continue stating the positives and affirmations untill you feel filled with pink light and the scent of roses.
Self-blessing-
Put on the rose quartz pendant or hold the rose quartz stone. Do the self-blessing ritual slowly and lovingly, anointing your chakras with the rose oil. Breathe the scent deeply and draw it into your body, emotions, mind and spirit.
Thank Kwan Yin for your joy and Kali for her energy of change.
Open circle/ground-
Allow the pink candle to burn out itself, or extinguish and relight it nightly untill at least the next Full Moon. Do affirmations nightly with the flame. Continue burning pink candles for as long as needed to remind you of new joy and positivity. Repeat the ritual on the next wanning moon if needed; it will be needed less each time you do it. Each time, bury the remains of the black candle in the earth, along with the ashes from the incense; visualize your pain being buried and recycled with them. Repeat the self-blessing at any time, and do it often, at least every New and Full Moon. Continue wearing the rose quartz pendant, or carry a piece of the stone with you at all times. Remember you are Goddess.
Do banishing rituals on the waning or dark moons. The day of Saturn (Saturday) is a good day to enter the labyrinth/unknown to change habits.
TopMaterials:
Anoint black candle with banishing oil, imagining all obstacles, ill habits etc. falling away from you. Light candle and say:
Anoint white candle ith good luck oil, imagingin all good thoughts, successes and positive forces flocking unto you. Light candle and say:
Light petitioner candle and say:
Place this candle between the white and black.
Take a moment to reflect on your past year. Especially reflect on regrets, flaws you have, mistakes you have made. Write these down on the paper. Then burn the paper over the black candle and say:
Drop this paper in the cauldron.
Reflect on all things you wish to accomplish in your coming year, all traits you wish to acquire, experiences you hope to gain. Write these down on the paper. Burn this paper over the white candle and say,
Drop this in the cauldron.
Raise your arms and say:
Thank the god and Goddess
Cakes and wine
Close the circle. Your rite is done.
Top
The practice of drawing down the Full Moon's energy and essence into oneself and using that power is called "Drawing Down the Moon." When accomplished, you will feel a heightened trance state combined with a power surge that radiates through your body.
One should Draw Down the Moon during a ritual in the protection of the Magick Circle. However, if you are taking a midnight stroll and feel the need to perform it, you may do so.
There are Witches who use their wands or athame when Drawing Down the Moon. To do this, first open the chakras. Then form the Goddess Position with your arms, with the wand in your right hand. Slowly raise your arms directly above you and clasp both hands on the wand or athame. Point it to the Moon. Say:
"I now draw the power of the Moon Priestess into myself, merging with Her power, the pure essence of the Goddess."
Raise your vibratory rate and allow the power of the Moon to enter the wand. You will feel it. Now, bring the wand down slowly with both hands and point the tip directly at your heart. Envision the surging of blue-silver light entering your body, coursing through and around your entire physical and astral being. When the energy begins to ebb, bring your arms down at your sides. You have just raised your own cone of power.
You are now empowered by the Goddess of the Moon. Use this enhanced ability wisely.
If your next step is to do a "working", leave the wand/athame in your right hand (to send). If you will not be doing any type of spell casting, leave the wand/athame in your left (receiving) hand and go into a meditative state to absorb the energy. When you have finished either function, ground your power by either stepping out of it, or placing your hands physically upon the ground.
Note: When you are Drawing Down the Moon you cannot be concentrating on anything else.
Preliminaries
WATER :
Blessings upon thee, O creature of water, I cast out from thee all impurities and uncleanness of the spirits of phantasm, confusion, or any other influence not for the free will of all.
SALT :
Blessings be upon this creature of salt; let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth thencefrom, and let all good enter therein. Wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me.
MIXING :
I take this salt of the Earth, Blessed with the will of Fire; I take this water of spirit,Exorcised with mind of merit;
I mix them with words of power, Dedicated to every Tower.
Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate thee, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia.
(seal with water/salt mixture)
With Incense and air of mind, South to West, I do Bind!
With Incense and air of Mind, West to North, I do Bind!
With Incense and air of Mind, North to East Completion Find!"
(Seal with Candle)
With the Fire of veneration and Will, South to West, our allegiance fulfill!
With the Fire of Devotion and Will, West to North, our consecration fulfill!
With the Fire of Commitment and will, From North to East, This inscription fulfill!
Within the circle All wills be free, The circle is sealed, So Mote it Be!"
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
From cave and desert,sea and hill, By wand, blade,and pentacle, I call you now, attend to me! This Is my will, so mote it be!"
"With this broom, tool of my will, I do cleanse, purify and prepare this space. From this circle now I banish all fear, malice and misfortune, that this circle may be a fit meeting place for gods and men. As I do will, so mote it be."
"Creature of earth, thou firm salt of law, thou sharp salt of truth, be thou purified and sanctified as a tool of my will. Creature of water, gentle and receptive, be thou purified and sanctified as a tool of my will. Be now one, the salt sea-water of the Mother's womb, to bless and purify all who partake of this rite. So mote it be."
"I purify you by the firm salt of law and the sweet waters of birth. Blessed be."
"Thrice about the circle is cast. Let nothing remain within save that which is in accord with my Will and the intent if this rite. This is a place that is not a place, a time that is not a time, between the worlds and beyond. Let all bewelcome who would share the blessings of this ritual. So mote it be."
East
"Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the East, thou gentle sprites and airy sylphs, soaring eagle and sweet butterfly, Eurus master of the Eastern wind, be with us in laughter and in thought, bring us the bracing dawn wind and memories of fragrant Spring. I do summon, stir and call you up- Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be."
South
"Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the South, thou leaping salamanders and firey ones, lion in passion and dragon in power, pheonix arising pure an whole from the flame, Notus, master of the South wind, be with us in passion and in truth, bring us the warmth of the hearthfire and the summer sun, and the clear sight of noonday. I do summon, stir and call you up- Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be."
West
"Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the West, thou deep-dwelling undines and swift-flowing naiads, loving dolphin and hidden eel, Zephyrus master of the Western wind, be with us in feeling and in vision, in the evening tide's mystery and the upwelling autumn dreams. I do summon, stir and call you up- Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be."
North
"Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the North, thou Gnomes of the within the earth and oreads of the mountain forest, bear slow and sure and bull of great strength, and tunneling worms whose work insures life, Boreas master of the north wind and ruler of the winds, here at the dwelling place of the gods be with us in solid strength and permanence, giving us sure knowledge of nature's ever-renewed cycles, the safe womb of night and the slow movement of winter. I do summon, stir and call you up, Come! Be welcome here in this our rite. Blessed be."
"Arianrhod, white moon mother, come to us as love to lover. In the moonlight shining bright, we call to you by will and right. Magic and wisdom, secrets you bear, honor we give you, knowledge to share. Within this circle we have made a place, be here with us and show us grace. Bright one, be welcome. Blessed be!"
"Arawn, horned hunter, come to us with joy and wonder. You who offer death and return, we call to you with hearts that burn. Yours the law and yours the choosing, and yours the wild hunt's grand career. We welcome you freely, our guest and our master, you teach us not to be trapped within fear. Within this circle our hearts are open, be here with us - this candle's the toke n. Horned one, be welcome. Blessed be!"
"Now listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Bride, and by many other names."
"Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place, and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of all witches."
"There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach things that are as yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise. For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mine also is joy on earth; for my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it, let naught stop you or turn you aside; for mine is the secret door which opens upon the land of youth, and mine is the cup of wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality."
"I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the earth."
"Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe."
"I am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the heart of man. Call unto thy soul; arise and come unto me; for I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return; and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the mystery: that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."
Listen to the words of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris, Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Herne, Lugh and by many other names:"
"My Law is Harmony with all things. Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the earth that is the body of Cernunnos that is the eternal circle of rebirth. I give the knowledge of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of regeneration and renewal. I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth."
Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the seasons:
"I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame, I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me. For I am the flesh of the earth and all it's beings. Thru me all things must die and with me are reborn. Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you. For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings."
M: The male holds the power and is the reservoir of power.
F: The female taps the power in him and channels it.
B: Neither one can work without the other; one without the other is incomplete.
M: "The god is a god of life and death."
F: "The goddess is of birth and renewal."
B: "To learn you must struggle, to live you must be born, to be born you must die; the beginning, the continuation and the end, over and over and over."
M: "The sun gives forth light."
F: "The moon holds it in darkness."
M: "As above"
F: "So below"
M: As the athame is to the male.
F: So the chalice is to the female.
B: And together joined they are one in truth, for there is no greater power in a the world than that of an man and woman joined in the bonds of love.
We are a circle In a circle with no beginning And never ending
Spirit of Fire come to us We will kindle the fire
Spirit of Fire come to us We will kindle the fire
We will kindle the fire Dance the magic circle 'round
We will kindle the fire We will kindle the fire"
Ground
Cakes and wine
Unwinding
Thank the Quarters for their help
Open circle
This is a rite that can be performed by one person or by several people who
are used to working closely together and who are comfortable working with each
other. The set up is simple and there isnt any need for fancy clothes or for
an altar that has more than a few simple items that most of us have around.
Suggested items for the Altar
State what work that needs to be done and ask for the members in the circle to address themselves to things that need to be done this night. Pull three cards for each person at the table and have the person to their right read these cards for this person. In this manner you will receive readings that are very fresh and that have a lot of truth for them.
When the time is right and all the work has been done close the circle and end the nights work. Share a glass of wine and some cakes to honor the Lord and the Lady of the Circle.
Keep the nights work fresh in your mind by keeping a working record each time and that way you can go back to it to keep track of the work you have done and when. Each rite usually has a theme to the general work and this changes as needed. Be flexible and let yourself enjoy the experience. Leave room for spontaneity invite someone to work with you and share what things you do.
Plan a quiet time to share coffee and cake or anything you might like, in order to allow a flow of conversation about the work that has been done. Find out how each person felt during the work and if they might like to change something the next time. If you are working with a structured group that allows a change in the person who is crafting the main power for the ceremony, try taking turns for each person to lead. It is a learning experience believe me.
Calling the quarters/drawing the circle:
Facing the east light the first candle if you use them for this. Draw your circle with your Athame in your right hand or use your right hand or whatever tools you prefer.
Facing the south as you light your second candle, or continue to draw your circle.
Facing the west.
Facing the north.
Returning to the east to complete the circle.
Focus on the moon. See the beauty and strength. See the majestic power. Visualize the energy reaching down and becoming a part of your being.
Bury or spread your offering over the earth when we have finished.
Cakes and Ale:
Hold cake (crescent shape is best to represent the moon, but it is the intent that matters).
Hold the ale, (ale is not necessary. Any drink will do, but it should be light colored to represent the light and energy given from the moon).
Releasing the quarters/Closing the circle:
Facing the East put out the candle.
Facing the North.
Facing the West.
Facing the South:
Returning to the East to complete the circle.
Preparing your altar:
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
Take center candle (there are either three in a candelabra or one before each section of the altar) and light each candle of the circle moving north, then east, south and west, and say:
Take athame in hand upraised and begin circle at north. Move around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
Lower the athame at the North, and as you walk around the circle, envision a blue light shooting out from the point and forming the circle boundary, and say:
Return to altar and ring bell three times. Place point of athame in the salt and say:
Pick up bowl of salt and use tip of athame to drop three portions of salt into the water bowl and set salt bowl back in its place. Stir three times with athame and say:
Take the salted water bowl in hand and sprinkle water fro it as you move deosil around the circle (N_E_S_W_N) and say:
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around the circle to cense it; return censer to a Take anointing oil and make a solar cross (or pentacle) on your forehead and say:
Take the wand and hold it aloft, with both arms open and upraised, at the north of the circle (envision a powerful bull arriving) and say:
Lower wand and move to the East, raise up wand (see fairy's, or an eagle in flight) and say:
Lower wand and move to the South, raise up wand (see dragon) and say:
Lower wand and move to the West, raise up wand (see a dolphin, undine or sea serpent) and say:
Return to altar and use wand to draw in the air above the altar the symbol of infinity (an 8 lying on its side), the sign of working between 2 worlds. Set wand on altar, raise up athame in both hands over head, and say:
Set down athame and pick up goblet of wine. Pour a little into the cauldron. This is a libation to the Divine in which they are honored by offering them the first draught, then you take a sip. You may prefer to have a bowl specifically for the libation. Ring bell three times. Raise the wand in greeting and say:
Ring bell three times and say:
Set the salted water on the pentacle, hold the athame over it, and say:
Hold water bowl aloft and say:
Replace the bowl in its proper place on the altar. Place censer on the pentacle, hold athame over it and say:
Raise the censer aloft and say: Great Father I honor you!
Return censer to the proper place on the altar. Raise the cup of wine aloft and say:
Pour a libation into the cauldron and take a sip of wine. Stand at the altar, facing North, open arms upraised and feet apart and say:
Take up wand and say:
At this time you may hear her speak something pertinent to you, or if you needed guidance on a matter, she may instruct you. Replace the wand on the altar. You may now do any spell work, divination's, consecrations at this time.
Cakes and Ale if desired
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over the altar and say:
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Kiss the flat of the blade and set the athame on the altar. Take up the snuffer and so to the North quarter, raise up arms and say:
(Follow this for each of the three remaining elementals.)
Return to altar and say:
Take up athame, go to the North quarter, point athame down and move widdershins (counter clockwise) around circle (N_W_S_E_N), envision the blue light drawing back into the athame and say:
When you return to the North having walked the circle, raise up the athame so the blade touches your forehead and envision the blue light swirling around back into you. Return to altar and say:
Tools:
Invoke Goddess and God, Pan to Artemis.
By the force of the fashion Of love when I broke Through the shroud, through the cloud Through the storm, through the smoke, To the mountain of passion Volcanic that woke - By the rage of the mage I invoke, I invoke!
By the midnight of madness, The lone-laying sea, The swoon of the moon, Your swoon into me; The sentinel sadness Of cliff-clinging pine, That night of delight You were mine, you were mine!
You were mine, O my saint, My maiden, my mate, By the might of the right Of the night of our fate. Though I fall, though I faint Though I char, though I choke, By the hour of our power I invoke, I invoke!
By the mystical union Of fairy and faun, Unspoken, unbroken - The dusk to the dawn! - A secret communion, Unmeasured, unsung, The listless, resistless, Tumultuous tongue! -
O virgin in armour Thine arrows unsling, In the brilliant rsilent First rays of the spring! No Godhead could charm her, But manhood awoke - O fiery Valkyrie, I invoke, I invoke!"
"During life's light, there is dark illness which streaks across our faces. A healing do I call, for in darkness there is light! (Person's Name) take in my healing and feel the force of my energy and lifeforce flow out from by being unto you. Your heart beats strong as the power of the Universe heals you."
The Healing-
on paper, draw the outline of a body and label it with the person's name. Mark it with a healing rune. Fold the paper and burn it in the flame of the red candle.
Candle Magick Chant-
Meditate upon the flames. Feel the energy and strength flow out of you to the other person. "So mote it be!"
Share cakes and wine with the Lady and Lord.
Thank the Goddess and God.
Close circle and release quarters.
Facing the east light the first candle if you use them for this. Draw your circle with your Athame in your right hand or use your right hand or whatever tools you prefer.
Facing the south as you light your second candle, or continue to draw your circle.
Facing the west.
Facing the north.
Returning to the east to complete the circle.
Focus on the moon. See the beauty and strength. See the majestic power. Visualize the energy reaching down and becoming a part of your being.
Bury or spread your offering over the earth when we have finished.
Cakes and Ale:
Hold cake (crescent shape is best to represent the moon, but it is the intent that matters).
Hold the ale, (ale is not necessary. Any drink will do, but it should be light colored to represent the light and energy given from the moon).
Releasing the quarters/Closing the circle:
Facing the East put out the candle.
Facing the North.
Facing the West.
Facing the South:
Returning to the East to complete the circle.
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 areprepared 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:
She then places a candle at the north and pauses to look outwards, saying:
The person closest to theeast takes acandle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
The person closest tothe south takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
The person closest to the west takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:
The priest then takes the wand, and starting at the north, draws it along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:
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:
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:
(This isn't a spell. Its a magical ritual desigened to give energy back to the Earth. You may use it or not as you wish.)
Light no candles. Burn no incense. Go to the wilds to perform this spell, a place far from the haunts of humans. If this is impossible, work this rite in your place of magic. There, have ready a potted plant or four plain stones. (Don't use mined quartz crystals.)
Sit on the ground. Place your hands upon the dirt beneath you (or onto the plants or stones, if inside). Visualize the Earth from space as a blueish-white sphere of positive, whole, healed energy. Experience it as a living organism.
When your ready, say these or similar words:
Renew your visualization, then begin again:
Once again, renew your visualization. Feel the Earth. Block all thoughts of the ravages that our species have subjected to our planet. See the Earth as a healed, whole being. THen say these words or what ever words come to mind:
Pour your personal power out through your palms and into the Earth (or the stones or plant). Gently send it spiraling down into our planet, lending it the strength to survive. Willingly give of yourself for a few moments while visualizing that shining blue planet hanging in the sky.
After a few moments, end the ritual by lifting your hands and standing. (If performed this rite indoors, place the stones or the potted plant onto the ground outside to allow the Earth to absorb the energy.) It is done.
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The purpose of a ritual bath is to cleanse Yourself,from the inside and out, of negative energies and prepare your Physical, Mental and Spiritual Self for Circle. A ritual bath is a rite in and of itself. The rite is ideally done just prior to Circle, but this is not always the case. [An example of such is if you have to travel to the meeting place.] After the rite is completed and you must travel to another place for Circle, try to keep your mind in a Spiritual frame as this will aid you in Circle.
The bath water should be infused with salts, herbs oils and colors that are harmonious with the work to be done in Circle. To prepare for the bath:
Select the Herbs,[it is best to have your herbs in a satchel for easier clean-up] oils and salts [of the same color as the candle] that you will be using.
Have a censer and charcoal block ready to burn a corresponding incense on.
Anoint a candle of appropriate color [Possibly using the same oil as you are using in the bath water.] If you have a shrine set up in your bathroom there should be a Goddess and God candle present.
Have some Holy Water ready.
Holy Water is made from:
A glass of wine is also needed for consumption upon completion of the rite. And your libation dish for the libation to the Gods.
To begin turn out the lights and light the candle(sand incense, turn on tape, fill the tub with warm water and add herbs, oils, salts and a cup or so of Holy Water. With your Athame draw and visualize a Water or Banishing Pentagram over the bath water. All of these tools represent the four Elements; Air/the incense and the scents from the bath, Fire/the heat of the bath, Water/the bath and Holy Water and, Earth/the herbs and oils.
Lower yourself into the water and visualize it cleansing you of all negativity. Know that these energies are flowing from your Physical, Mental and Spiritual Self into the water. Relax and enjoy the warmth of the water, the scents in the air and the feeling of being cleansed of all negativity, let yourself drift. Now concentrate and visualize on the purpose of the coming ritual and know that you are truly prepared. When you feel you are ready, pull the plug and stay in the tub until all the water has drained. As the water is draining visualize and know that the negative energies that are now in the water are going into the Earth and are grounded.
Rise up out of the tub and do a Self Blessing like the following:
Anoint each area while saying aloud:
"Blessed be my eyes, that have seen this day."
"Blessed be my lips, That utter Your names and keep Your secrets."
"Blessed be my breast(s), formed in strength (Beauty)."
"Blessed be the phallus (Womb), For without which I would not be."
"Blessed be my knees, that shall kneel at thy Sacred Altar."
"Blessed be my feet, that have brought me in these ways."
Pour a libation to the Gods and drink the wine. When dried, robe, clean-up the bathroom and take the libation outside to return it to the Earth. The rite is ended.
Stand in the ritual area. Still your thoughts. Breathe deeply for half a minute or so until composed and calm. Turn your mind to our Deities.
Face North. Lift both hands to waist height, palms down. Press your fingers together, creating two solid, flat planes. Sense solidity, foundation, fertility. Invoke the powers of Earth through the gesture.
Moments later, turn toward the East. Raise your hands a foot higher, your palms facing away from you (no longer parallel with the ground), and elbows slightly bent. Spread your fingers and hold this position, sensing movement and communication. Invoke the forces of Air through the gesture.
Face South. Lift your hands fully above your head. Keeping the elbows straight, grasp your fingers into tight fists. Feel force, power, creation, and destruction. Invoke the forces of Fire through the gesture.
Turn to the West. Lower your hands a foot or so. Bend the elbows, turn your palms upward and cup them, pressing the thumbs against the forefingers. Sense fluidity, the ocean, liquidity. Invoke the forces of Water through the gesture.
Face North again. Throw your head back and raise both hands to the sky, palms up, fingers spread. Drink in the essence of The One, the unknowable, unapproachable ultimate source of all. Sense the mysteries within the Universe.
Lower your projective hand but keep your receptive hand high. Pressing the third, fourth and fifth fingers against the palm, lift the forefinger and thumb to create a rough crescent shape. Sense the reality of the Goddess. Sense her love, her fertility, her compassion. Sense the powers of the Moon in the gesture; the force of the eternal seas -- the presence of the Goddess.
Lower your receptive hand; lift your projective hand. Bend down the middle and fourth fingers toward the palm. and trap them with the thumb. Lift the forefinger and the little finger up to the sky, creating a horned image. Sense the reality of the God. Sense the power of the Sun in the gesture; the untamed energies of the woodlands -- the presence of the God.
Lower your projective hand. Lay down flat. Spread your legs and arms until you've created the pattern of a pentagram. Sense the powers of the elements running through you; merging and coalescing into your being. Sense them as emanations from The One, the Goddess and God.
Meditate. Commune. Communicate.
When finished, simply stand up. Your rite of gestures is over.
EARTH:
Fertility, jobs, promotions, money, business, investments, material objects, agriculture, health foods, ecology, conservation, stock market, antiques, old age, museums, buildings, construction, progress.
AIR:
Schooling, memory, intellectualism, teaching, tests, divination, communications, travel, writing, organizing and organizations, groups of all kinds, theorizing, drug addiction.
FIRE:
Success, sex, banishing illnesses, the military, conflicts, protection, courts, law, police and sheriff's agencies, contests, competitions, private detectives, dowsing, treasure hunting, gambling, athletics, strength, good health, war, terrorism.
WATER:
Love, friendships, partnerships, unions of every kind, affection, contract negotiations, beauty, rest, recuperation, meditation, spirituality, healing wounds, restoring cell growth, childbirth and children, the home, receptivity, family, swimming and scuba diving, fishing, ancestors, medicine, hospitals, compassion, doctor and nursing professions, clairvoyance.
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