Pagan Rituals

Casting The Circle 1
Casting the Circle 2
Closing The Circle
Samhain
Yule
Candlemas
Ostara
Beltane
Litha
Lammas
Mabon
Full Moon Ritual
Self Dedication
A Grounding Ritual
A Ritual of Thanks
Cleansing Ritual
Rite of Death for a Pet
How to Consecrate a Statue
Ritual for Banishing Evil Spirits

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Casting the Circle 1
(While drawing the circle with dagger, sword or forefinger of power hand say)
I consecrate this circle of power to the Ancient Gods.
Here may they manifest and bless their child.

(Move back to altar, face east.
Raise dagger or wand in greeting, say)
This is a time that is not a time,
in a place that is not a place, on a day that is not a day.
I stand at the threshold between the worlds,
before the veil of the Mysteries.
May the ancient ones help and protect me
on my magical journey.

(set water chalice on pentacle, hold dagger over it, say)
Great Mother, bless this creature of Water to your service.
May I always remember the cauldron waters of rebirth.

(hold dagger over the salt, say)
Great Mother, bless this creature of Earth to your service.
May I always remember the blessed Earth,
its many forms and beings.

(Sprinkle a little salt into the water, hold chalice up high, say)
Great Mother, I give you honor!
Beginning in east moving clockwise, sprinkle salt/water around edges of circle.Replace chalice on altar.

(Hold dagger over lighted incense burner, say)
Great Father, bless this creature of Fire to your service.
May I always remember the sacred Fire that dances
within the form of every creation.

(Hold dagger over incense, say)
Great Father, bless this creature of Air to your service.
May I always listen to the spirit winds
that bring me the voices of the Ancient Ones.

(Put a little incense on lighted burner.
Touch burner to pentacle, lift it high, say)
Great Father, I give you honor!
(Carry burner around circle clockwise,
beginning in east. Return it to altar.)

(Go to Eastern corner, light red/yellow candle,
hold hand up in greeting)
I call upon you, Powers of Air,
to witness this rite and to guard this circle.

(In southern corner, light white/red candle,
hold hand up in greeting)
I call upon you, Powers of Fire,
to witness this rite and guard this circle.

(In west, light grey/blue candle,
hold hand up in greeting)
I call upon you, Powers of Water,
to witness this rite and guard this circle.

(In north, light black/green candle,
hold hand up in greeting)
I call upon you, Powers of Earth,
to witness this rite and guard this circle.

(Move back to altar, face east. Raise arms in greeting)
This circle is bound, With power all around.
Between the worlds, I stand, With protection at hand.

(Insert spellwork or ritual ceremony here!
When done continue on….)

By the powers of the Ancient Gods,
I bind all power within this circle Into this spell.
So mote it be.

(celebrate the simple feast…hold cup of wine up to sky)
Gracious Goddess of Abundance,
Bless this wine and infuse it with Your love.
In Your names, Mother Goddess and Father God,
I bless this wine.
(hold up plate of cakes or bread to sky)
Powerful God of the Harvest,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love.
In Your names, Mother Goddess and Father God,
I bless these cakes.
-from D.J. Conways' "Celtic Magick"
 

Casting the Circle 2
by Lauri Cabot
1. Remove all animals and small children from the area and any furniture that you do not want to be inside your circle.

2. Set up your altar before you cast the circle.

3. Locate magnetic north with a compass and, holding the wand out from your body, go into alpha and see the wand's aura extending out from it, especially at the tip.

4. Visualize the tip of the wand creating a circle of light and energy, like a lazer, as you walk clockwise three times around the area. The circumference drawn by the wand's tip will be the edge of your circle. Project white light out from the wand to create the circle of energy. In your mind see the circle as geometrically perfect and say to yourself that it is.

5. Walk the circle the second time around and say out loud, "I cast this circle to protect me / us from all negative and positive energies and forces on any level that may come to do me / us harm. I draw into this circle only the energies and forces that are right for me / us and the most correct for my / our work."

6. Walk the circle the third time and say, "I create sacred space. So mote it be."

7. Invoke the four directions and the energies of the elements, angels, and powers that reside in them by using the athame, wand, sword, or index finger to draw an invoking pentagram as you face each direction. Use a ritual spell of invocation or one you write for yourself.

8. To open a circle hold the wand out over the circumference of the circle and, beginning at magnetic north, walk once around the circle counterclockwise as you say, "I send this circle into the cosmos to do my / our bidding. The circle is undone but not broken."

 

Closing The Circle
(When ready to end ritual, go to east,
extinguish red/yellow candle, say)
Depart in peace, O Powers of Air. My thanks and blessings.

(In south, extinguish white/red candle, say)
Depart in peace, O Powers of Fire. My thanks and blessings.

(In west, extinguish grey/blue candle, say)
Depart in peace, O Powers of Water. My thanks and blessings.

(In north, extinguish black/green candle, say)
Depart in peace, O Powers of Earth. My thanks and blessings.

(Cut circle backwards with dagger or sword to release
all remaining traces of power for manifestation, say)
The circle is open, yet ever it remains a circle.
Around and through me always flows its magical power.

-from D.J. Conways' "Celtic Magick"

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Samhain
Special notes: This is the Time of the Thin Veil.. rememberance of those who
have passed from this life. This is celebrated as the new year among many.

Altar supplies: incense & burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger, wand, 4 element candles,
cauldron, chalice of wine, plate of bread and salt, extra candles: 1 each white, red, yellow, green
and two black, and holders for them, Arrange white, red, and black candles on left side of altar
and green, black, and yellow candles on right side.

Cast the circle inserting the following where it says insert ritual. Turn to the candles on the left side of altar, say:
I light three candles for the Triple Goddess…
the Great Lady of the Three Aspects.
(Light the white)
Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings,
dawn and the planted seed.
(Light the red)
Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge.
(Light the black)
Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth.
I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms.

Turn to the candles on the right side of altar, say:
I light three candles for the Triple God…Great Lord of many faces.
(Light the yellow)
Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty.
(Light the green)
Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth.
(Light the black)
Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest.
I welcome the God in all His forms.

Raise your arms over the altar and say:
This night is the Feast of the Dead,
the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil.
The gates between the worlds stand open this night.
I honor my ancestors whose voices come to me on the whispering wind.
All those who wish me well are welcomed within this circle.

Place the plate of bread and salt on the pentacle and say:
This is Ancestor Night, the night strongest for communication
with those gone into Emania,
those who now dwell in the presence of the Old Gods.
The Veil has been lifted that I may know I am not forgotten.
All those who wish me well are welcomed within this circle.

Lift the plate of bread and salt up over the altar, say:
I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast.

Dip a piece of the bread into salt and eat it, say:
May I always have good health, prosperity, and happiness.

Set the plate aside and put wine chalice on pentacle for a second.
Take it up and say:
May I always be strong in body, mind and spirit.
To the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Drink some of the wine. Save some wine, bread, and salt to be given to the earth outside later. Replace chalice on altar. Turn back to the Goddess candles say:
The year wheel has turned, the harvest has come again.
I have sown many thought seeds since last Samhain.
Let the good be harvested;
let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside.
The Triple Goddess has covered me with her gentle hands,
guided my steps, heard my desires.
For this I give Her honor and love.

Turn to the God candles say:
The year wheel has turned, the harvest has come again.
Once more I stand before the Thin Veil,
before the gates that divide the worlds.
The Triple God has protected me with his sword,
guided my steps, heard my desires.
For this I give Him honor and love.

Tap pentacle gently with wand say:
Give me clear knowledge of the path I must follow.
Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide and protect me.
Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment.

Stand in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in Emania. When finished say:
All love and honor to the Great Lady and her Lord. Blessed Be!

Now is a time for divination, meditation, or spellwork (which should be to begin new projects and end old attachments or projects.

Continue with The Simple Feast and Circle closing!
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

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Yule (Winter Solstice)
Special notes: Time of the Goddess of the Cold Darkness and the birth of the Divine Child,
the reborn Sun God. Time of rebirth and turning of the earth force tides.
Altar supplies: incense and burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger, 4 element candles, cauldron, chalice of
wine, bell. Green candle in cauldron with a red, white, and black candle arranged around it.

Cast the circle

Ring bell three times:
This is Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.
Darkness reigns triumphant, yet gives way and changes into light.
The Sun King has gone into Emania.
Yet, within the sacred cauldron of rebirth he is once more
transformed into the newborn Divine Child of Light.

Put a little more incense on the coals:
All is cold, and I await the coming of the dawn.
As the Sun rises, the Triple Goddess once more
gives birth to the Divine Child.
In silence and wonder
I stand before the sacred cauldron of rebirth,
knowing that one day I too must pass
through the cauldron and be reborn.
For this I now give honor to the Triple Goddess.

Light the white candle near the cauldron:
White is for the Maiden.
May you plant your seeds of joy
and new beginnings within my life.

Light the red candle near the cauldron:
Red is for the Mother.
May you grant me gifts of creative ideas
and the strength to bring them to completion.

Light the black candle near the cauldron:
Black is for the Crone, the Wise One.
May you give me wisdom to understand the magical mysteries.

Light the green candle in the cauldron:
Green is for the newborn Lord of the Forests,
the Divine Sun Child who comes once more into the world.
I welcome you, child and consort of the Goddess.

Take the bell and go to the east. Ring bell once:
Rejoice, O Powers of Air! Welcome the Divine Child.
Go to south, ring bell once:
Rejoice, O Powers of Fire! Welcome the Divine Child.
Go to west, ring bell once:
Rejoice, O Powers of Water! Welcome the Divine Child.
Go to north, ring bell once:
Rejoice, O Powers of Earth! Welcome the Divine Child.

Go back to altar, face east, ring bell three times:
Hail, O God of the woodlands and new life!
I give you honor and ask your blessing.

Stand in silence to receive the blessing, ring bell three times:
Hail, Triple Goddess, bringer of light out of darkness
and new life out of the cauldron of rebirth.
I give you honor and ask your blessing.

Again stand in silence to receive the blessing. Place the wine chalice on the chalice for a few seconds, lift it high and say:
To the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Drink the wine, saving some to be put outside for the little people or to be given to the earth.

Continue on with The Simple Feast and Circle Closing
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

Candlemas (Imbolc)
Special notes: First stirrings of Mother Earth; spring cleaning; time of cleansing and purification;
preparation for growth and renewal.

Altar supplies: usual plus: white candle on left of cauldron, green candle on right.

Cast the Circle

Add a little more incense to burner:
Mother Earth stirs from her long slumber.
The fields and forests hear her whisper to awake.
The creatures of her realms answer her summons.
Everything waits in anticipation for spring.

Tap the altar three times gently with wand:
This is the festival of the Maiden who gives to all the breath of life.
This is a time of waxing light and receding darkness.
This is the season of purification, a renewing of life.
At this time and in this place between the worlds,
I come into the presence of the Lord and Lady
that I may gain wise and truthful counsel.

Time of silence while you ask the God and Goddess for inspiration and guidance on the future.
Tap the altar three times gently with wand:
Ancient Ones, I know my life-path is within your keeping.
Only with your help and guidance can I hope to avoid any pitfalls
and reach my destination safely.

Light the white candle on the left of the cauldron:
I salute the glorious Maiden, preparer of new life out of darkness.
This is her season of the year-wheel when she spreads her blessings over the land.

Light the green candle on the right of the cauldron:
Behold, the Lord of the Forests caresses the dreaming Earth.
As there is a renewal within the plants and animals,
so should there be renewal in my life also.

Place wine chalice on pentacle for a second, lift it high saying:
Make my life fertile with insight, good health, prosperity and magical power.
Honor to the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!

Drink some wine saving some to be put outside for the little people or give to the Earth.

Continue on with The Simple Feast and Closing the Circle.
from "Celtic Magic" by D. J. Conway

Ostara (Spring Equinox)
Special notes: Balance of light and dark; Earth cycle of plant and animal fertility; spell producing, new beginnings.
Altar supplies: cauldron with red candle, dish for burning, paper and pen, bell. Colored Eggs and spring flowers for decoration.

Cast the circle

Take up wand and raise arms in greeting:
Behold, Lord and Lady of life and the giver of life.
Without her Lord, The Goddess is barren.
Without the Lady, the God has no life.
Each is needful of the other for completion and power,
as Sun to Earth, the spear to the cauldron,
spirit to flesh, man to woman.

Light candle in cauldron. Rap cauldron lightly with wand:
Great Goddess, be with me now in your aspect of Maiden,
the fair one who brings joy and new life.

Ring bell once:
Great God of renewal, be with me now
in your aspect of the Lord of the Forests,
the Horned God who brings warmth and love.

Rap cauldron once more with wand:
May the strength of the old enter into the new.
Great Lord and Lady, make all things strong and giving of new life.
Blessed Be.

Put a little incense on the coals, carry burner around circle clockwise. Put burner on altar, raise arms and say:
Awake! All Creatures in the realm of Earth, awake!
Greet the Maiden and her Lover, who herald the coming of spring.

Touch parchment paper with dagger:
Now I cast behind me the darkness of Winter and the past.
I look only to that which lies ahead.
This is the time for me to plant seeds
in the physical, mental and spiritual.

Write on the paper your desires for the coming year.
Write only one on each piece of paper, fold them and hold them over the altar in offering to the Old Gods.
This is a joyous time, a time for planting. With joy and trust,
I place these requests in the hands of the Goddess and her Lord.

Light the papers one by one from the candle in the cauldron and drop them on the dish for burning:
These thought-seeds I do willingly place
into the hands of the Lady and her Lord,
that these desires and dreams may manifest and become reality.
Blessed Be the Old Gods!

Place chalice of wine on pentacle for a few seconds, lift it high:
Honor to the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!

Drink some of the wine…save some to be put out for the little people or to be given to the Earth.

***Continue with The Simple Feast and Closing the Circle
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

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Beltane
Special notes: Time of the Horned God and the Lady of the Greenwood; honor of the House Guardian.

Altar supplies: incense, burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger, 4 element candles, chalice of wine, wand. Somewhere in circle, house guardian or symbol.

Cast the circle… (raise wand in greeting, say) I give greetings to the Goddess of things wild,
of trees, of skies and of waters.
I do call upon you, lovely Lady, to be here with me.

(dance or march around altar, starting in east moving deosil. Pause to salute each quarter candle with arms raised, move back to altar when done)
Blessed be the words of the Lady of May
and the laughing Lord of the Greenwood.
Let now they great light come into me.
I am a cup to be filled, that I may do what is needful.
Blessed ever be the Lord and Lady!

(stand before the house guardian or symbol)
Lovely Lady, great Lord, I present to you the guardian of this house,
the special spirit I have invited into my home as protector and helper.
I honor this spirit in this symbol of its being.
Great Ones, bless this guardian of this house.
And to your blessings, I add my thanks. Blessed be.

(lightly annoint the guardian symbol with perfumed oil…if not possible hold it over the burning incense or move the incense around it)
(Place the wine chalice on pentacle for a few moments, lift it high, say)
Honor to the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

(drink the wine, saving some to be put outside for the little people or given to the earth)

Continue on with The Simple Feast and closing the circle
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

Litha (Summer Solstice)
Special notes: Rededication to the Great Goddess and Great God. Time when the Sun casts three rays to light the world.

Altar supplies: incense, burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger, 4 element candles, chalice of wine, wand. A red candle (set to the right of cauldron)cup of fresh water set in the cauldron with a green or blue candle on the left.

Cast the Circle…

(light the green candle to the left of cauldron)
Green forest Mother, bless this water, I do ask.
Great One of the stars, spinner of fates, I give honor to you,
and call upon you in your ancient names, known and unknown.

(light the red candle to the right of cauldron)
Mighty Sun God, god of fertility and plenty,
be here with me now, I do ask. I give honor to you,
and call upon you in your ancient names,
known and unknown.

(raise your arms over the cauldron and say)
This is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess.
The touch of its consecrated water blesses and renews,
even as the rays of the Sun nourish and bless all life.

(pass your hands/arms between the two candles, making wishes as you do; or set them on the floor and walk between them)

(dip forefinger of your power hand into the cauldron water and trace a pentagram on your forehead. Kneel before the altar to rededicate your life to the Old Gods.)
I will serve the Great Goddess and give reverence to the Great God.
I am a pagan, 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 Old Gods witness my words!

(place wine chalice on pentacle and lift it high)
Honor to the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!

(drink the wine, saving some to be put out for the little people or to be given to the earth)

Continue with The Simple Feast and Closing the Circle
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

Lammas
Special notes: The turning point in Mother Earth’s year; a Harvest festival in the northern lands. The waning God and Waxing Goddess. Spellwork for good fortune and abundance is especially appropriate.

Altar supplies: incense, burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger, 4 element candles, chalice of wine, wand, plate of bread. Cauldron with orange or yellow candle in it. Fall flowers, ivy and leaves for decoration.

Cast the Circle…

(light the cauldron candle, say)
O Ancient Gods of the Celts, I do ask your presence here.
For this is a time that is not a time,
in a place that is not a place, on a day that is not a day,
and I await you.

(set plate of bread on the pentacle. Stand still and breathe deeply for a few moments. Concentrate on the cleansing power of the breath of air when you feel ready say)
I have purified myself by breathing in the life force
of the universe and expelling all evil from me.
(lift plate of bread high, then set it back on the altar)
I know that every seed, every grain is a record of ancient time,
and a promise to all of what shall be.
This bread represents life eternal
through the cauldron of the Triple Goddess. (eat a piece of bread, put wine chalice on pentacle, lift it high, then set on altar)
As the grape undergoes change to become wine,
so by the sacred cauldron of life shall I undergo change.
And as this wine can give man enchantment of the divine
or sink him to the lower realms,
so I do realize that all humans rise or fall
according to their own strength and will.

(drink some wine, say) As in the bread and wine, so it is with me.
Within all forms is locked a record of the past
and a promise of the future.
I ask that you lay your blessings upon me, Ancient Ones,
that this season of waning light
and increasing darkness may not be heavy.
So Mote It Be!

put some wine out for the little people or give it to the Earth

Continue on with The Simple Feast and Closing the Circle
from "Celtic Magic" by D. J. Conway

Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
Special notes: Balance of light and dark…time of rest after labor, completion of the harvest, thanksgiving..
A good time for meditations on reincarnations in preparation for Samhain.

Altar supplies: incense, burner, chalice of water, salt, pentacle, dagger or sword, chalice
of wine, wand, autumn colored ribbons tied upon dagger, autumn leaves for decoration.
Three candles: white, red, and black set around the cauldron. Ivy in the cauldron.

Cast the circle:
light the three candles around the altar:
I call upon the blessed Lady, queen of the harvest,
giver of life and plenty since before time began.
Bestow upon me your joy and beauty,
power and prosperity, I do ask.

Salute ivy filled cauldron with dagger,say:
I call upon the Lord of the harvest, sacred King,
giver of riches and protection since before time began.
Bestow upon me your strength and laughter, power and prosperity,
I do ask.

Take the ribbon tied dagger in your power hand wine chalice in the other hand, say:
Always has life fulfilled its cycle
and led to life anew in the eternal chain of the living.
In honor of the Old Gods, I mark the fullness of my life
and the harvest of this year’s lessons.

Walk three times clockwise around the circle, beginning in the east, chant:
The year-wheel turns, and bounty comes.

Move back to the altar, lay aside dagger. Set wine chalice on pentacle briefly. As you make the following toasts, raise the chalice high before taking a sip:
To the good seasons that have gone and the good ones yet to come.
Blessed be.
To the Goddess! May she bring peace and fulfillment
to all her children. Blessed be.
To the God! May he protect his followers
and bring me prosperity and happiness.
Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again! Blessed be.

continue with closing the circle
From "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway

Full Moon Ritual
Perform this at night, in view of the Moon if possible. It is appropriate for crescents, white flowers, silver and other lunar symbols to be present on the altar for this ritual. The quartz crystal sphere can be placed upon the altar as well. Or, if you prefer, use the cauldron (or a small white or silver bowl) filled with water. Place a piece of silver into the water.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones.

Stand before the altar and invoke the Goddess and God, with the Blessing chant and/or any other invocations.

Now gaze at the Moon, if possible. Feel its energies sinking into your body. Feel its cool Goddess energy wash you with power and love.

Now say:

Wondrous Lady of the Moon
You who greets dusk with silvered kisses;
Mistress of the night and of all magicks,
who rides the clouds in the blackened skies
and spills light upon the cold Earth;
O Lunar Goddess,
Crescented-One,
Shadow maker and shadow breaker;
Revealer of mysteries past and present;
Puller of seas and ruler of women;
All-wise Lunar Mother,
I greet Your celestial jewel
at the waxing of its powers
With a rite in Your honor.
I pray by the Moon,
I pray by the Moon,
I pray by the Moon.
 

Continue chanting "I pray by the Moon" for as long as you will. Visualize the Goddess if you so desire, perhaps as a tall, healthy woman wearing silver jewelry and a white, rippling, draped clothing. A crescent Moon may rest upon Her brow, or She may toss a glowing silvery white orb in Her hands. She trods the starfield of eternal night in an eternal round with Her lover, the Sun God, spreading moonrays wherever She goes. Her eyes laugh, Her skin is white and translucent. She glows.

Now is time for magick of all types, for the full of the Moon marks the height of its powers, and all positive spells cast then are more powerful.

Full moons are also excellent times for meditation, mirror magick and psychic workings, for such are often more successful within the circle. Crystal-scrying is particularly recommended; flood the crystal with moonlight prior to the ritual. If you have no crystal sphere, use the cauldron filled with water and the piece of silver. Gaze at the water (or at the Moon glinting on the silver) to awaken your psychic awareness.

Lunar liquids such as lemonade, milk or white wine can be consumed during the Simple Feast that follows.

Thank the Goddess and God and release the circle. It is done.

Self Dedication
Insert the following where stated in circle casting
(put pinch of salt on tongue)
I am a mortal, loved and cared for by the Triple Goddess and the Great God. Through the Great Mother, all things are born; to her,all things, in their season, return. Through her sacred cauldron, I enter and leave this physical world, until by my actions I no longer must return to learn.

(set perfumed oil on pentacle, kneel before altar)
I, (magical name), come into this sacred place willingly. I come to dedicate my life to the pagan way, to the Old Celtic Gods, whose power is still 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 pagan, 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 Old Celtic Gods witness my words!

(rise and go to eastern quarter) Behold, O Powers of Air! I, (magical name), am a follower of the Lord and Lady.

(in south quarter) Behold, O Powers of Fire! I, (magical name), am a follower of the Lord and Lady.

(in west quarter) Behold, O Powers of Water! I, (magical name), am a follower of the Lord and Lady.

(in north quarter) Behold, O Powers of Earth! I, (magical name), am a follower of the Lord and Lady.

(return to altar, take perfumed oil, place drop on your power hand, anoint respective sites saying)
Let my mind be open to your truth.(forehead)
Let my mouth be silent among the unbelievers.(upper lip)
Let my heart seek you always.(over heart)
Let my hands lift in praise of you. (center of palms)
Let my feet always walk your secret paths. (tops of feet)

(stand in silence to receive blessing. Lay your piece of jewelry on pentacle)
This emblem shall I wear for all things magical.
Bless this (name of jewelry), O Great Ones, that I may be blessed and protected in all ways.

(place wine chalice on pentacle, then lift it high)
To the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.
(drink the wine, saving some to be put outside for little people)

This is a time for meditation, then.....

Close the Circle
from "Celtic Magic" by D. J. Conway

A Grounding Ritual
Visualize a cord extending from the base of your spine into the center of the earth. Align yourself along this cord. Breathe from your center- -from the diaphragm and your stomach. Feel the energy flow from the earth and fill you.

Do this for a few moments, then:

Now imagine that your spine is the trunk of a tree... and from its base, roots extend straight into the earth ...into the very center of the earth herself. Now you can draw power up from the earth with each breath. Feel the energy rising up through your spine. Feel yourself becoming more alive with each breath.

Visualize branches that sweep up and back down to touch the earth; these are coming from your crown. Feel the power burst from the crown of your head, and the power sweeping down toward the earth again where it completes a circuit, then returning to its source. Feel these branches intertwine together, blowing in the wind.

A Ritual of Thanks

Set altar facing East. Use the following items:
One Blue Candle
3 kernels umpped corn
One Apple cut on the cross, showing the pentagram inside.

Light your candle with the following words:

Great Goddess, Lady of the Summerlands, Mother to us all. I welcome you to this place of power and offer thanks to you for what you have given me. I am a priestess of your path and I see with your eyes. You guide me in the lessons I must learn.

Put the bottom half of the apple in front of you. Charging the three kernals of corn between your hands, say:

As the Maiden is ripe with potential, so is my life.
As the Mother gives birth, so do my thoughts.
As the Crone nourishes life, so do I nourish mine.

Place the kernels in the center of the core-pentagram and melt wax from your candle to cover them. Replace the top of the apple while the wax is till warm. Let the apple sit on your altar for 3 days and nights. Remove wax token and bury apple. The wax token can remain on your altar for as long as you wish.
- Lady FireRose

Cleansing Ritual

This ritual is a self cleansing ritual. It was designed to cleans the body, mind & spirit of residual negativity after being involved in magickal battles (specifically, exorcism).

Components & Tools
A tub to draw a bath.
A white candle
Essential Oil of Myrrh
Essential Oil of Frankincense
Sea Salt (fine, bath salts)

Preparations

Place the white candle so that it's light can shine upon you when you are in the tub.
Mix 9 drops Myrrh and 3 drops Frankincense into 1/8 cup sea salt. Be certain that you will not be disturbed for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour. Shut off the phone ringers, etc.

Ritual

Invoke your sacred space. (using what means is appropriate for your practice)

Light the candle. Recite the following:

Spirits of Fire do I call upon thee.
Send thy divine fire and burn through the darkness.
Shed thy light upon me and clear the shadows of my soul.

Draw a bath of hot water. (the warmest you can comfortably get into) Recite the following:

Oh spirits of water do I call upon thee.
Enter this sacred space and lend me thy cleansing powers.
From the waters we come and to water we return.

As the tub fills (about half way), sprinkle the salt into the waters. Recite the following:

Oh spirits of earth do I call upon thee.
Ground and disperse all that is not of light.
Mix with me and cleans me of the weight of darkness.

Once fill, settle into the tub. Relax and feel the light and warmth. Breath in the vapors of the oils and recite the following:

Oh spirits of ear do I call upon thee.
Thou art my breath and my life.
Let me breath in thy light and release the smoke of darkness.

Breath and feel the energy about and within you. Feel the light of fire burning away that which clings to you. Let the water's warmth wash through you, and lift away the darkness. Feel the salt cling to the darkness and ground it for you. Feel your lungs fill with light and carry out the fog of darkness as you exhale.

Remain in the bath till you feel that all the darkness that will release has left you.

Stand, or kneel, and pull the plug from the tub. As the water drains, recite the following:

As we come from the waters so shall we return.
Oh earth and water, take from here the darkness.
Disperse it and ground it.
Let it weigh upon me no more.

Dry off.
Put out the candle.
Thank the divine and the spirits & open your sacred space .
-Shayde

Rite of Death For a Pet

Equipment and supplies:
Sprig of evergreen, grave gifts (food, toys etc. that the animal enjoyed), libations (drinks the animal enjoyed in life, especially water), talking stick (optional, to be deposited in grave), incense, candles, flowers, etc. as desired.

We come to bid farewell to ______.
By Nature's sacred law, each life must end,
so others may be born upon the earth.
Each soul is made unique and lives awhile,
before returning to the womb from which
all life is born. Although we all must die,
we're always sad to wish a friend good-bye.

[Make the Manus Cornuta (Horned Hand: first and fourth fingers extended from fist) with right hand. Trace Invoking Pentagram (top to lower left) while saying following.]

We make the Horns of Nature, wild and fierce,
the crescent moon, to call the Queen of Beasts.
Descend to us from Heaven, this we pray;
allow this soul to speed upon its way.

Breath deep three times; inhale all Nature's breath,
the cosmic soul, where we return at death.

[Everyone takes three deep breaths.]

In your mind's eye now look toward the West,
and see the land where dwell the spirits blest.

[Point first and middle fingers of right hand to animal's body and say the following.]

By every holy name, my little friend,
I bid you to accept your short life's end,
and leave behind your spirit's earthly shell,
of no more use, although it served you well.
May Artemis protect you on your way,
from us your friends, and from the light of day.

[Take up some or all of grave gifts.]

We bless these gifts, which gave you joy in life,
to speed your way until your journey's end,
so you may venture forth with little strife.
You will not be forgotten, little friend.
Let each remember, or just say good-bye,
in silence or out loud, as they think right.

[Each person may say what he or she remembers about the animal, just say good-bye, or remember in silence. This may be done informally, while depositing the grave goods, or by passing a talking stick, which is deposited after all have held it. This is a good time for saying prayers, reading poems. The Priest speaks last; after personal reminiscences, he or she continues as follows.]

We won't forget the joy you've brought our lives;
though gone from earth, in us your soul survives.

[Take up sprig of evergreen.]

Through seasons warm and cold, the evergreen
grows on; through Nature's life and death it's seen.

[Lay evergreen on grave.]

Perhaps you too will come to us again,
to share our lives in love, and be our friend.

For now your soul is free.
Farewell and blessed be.

[Throw kiss. Flowers etc. may be placed on grave at this time.]

The Rite is done.
-found in the Biblioteca Arcana

How to Consecrate a Statue
by Ann Moura (Aoumiel)

Prepare your altar as for a Full Moon Esbat ritual and cast your circle. For your statue, you will be combining in your cauldron one herb from the goddess, god, or dual deity listing, along with one herb from the matching elemental list. This echose the pentagram with a deity spirit and four relating elementals.

Goddess Herbs: marjoram, moonwort, elder flower.
Her earth: cypress, honeysuckle, jasmine
Her air: anise seed, comfrey, elder wood, eyebright, hazel, lavender, mugwort
Her fire: angelica, celandine, coriander, heliotrope, hyssop, nettle, primrose, rowan.
Her water: chamomile, camphor, catnip, geranium, hawthorn, hyacinth, ivy, rose, willow

God Herbs: woodruff, yarrow, bergaomot
His earth: cedar, fern , High John the Conqueror, horehound, pine
His air: acacia, benzoin, mistletoe, nutmeg, thyme, wormwood
His fire: alder, basil, betony, cinnamon, clove, holly, oak, peppercorn, thistle.
His water: ash, burdock, hops, orris root, yarrow.

Dual Deity Herbs: mullein, dianthus, heather
Their earth: cinquefoil, mandrake, patchouli, sage, slippery elm.
Their Air: eucalyptus, lemon verbena, mugwort, peppermint, sandalwood, spearmint.
Their Fire: bay, juniper, marigold, rosemary, rue, saffron, St. John's wort, vervain.
Their Water: apple elcampane, heather, meadowsweet, poppy, star anise.

Place the cauldron on your pentacle. Hold each herb over the cauldron before dropping it in and say:

I call upon thee (herb) to lend unto me thy power for the consecration and enlivening of this image of (deity name).

Stir all with your athame:

Through the power of the Goddess and the God are these herbs blessed to enliven this image of (deity name).

Place the herbs in a small pouch. If your pouch has drawstrings, wrap the ends around the stuffed bag, otherwise fold the pouch shut. Set the cauldron aside. Pass the herbal pouch through the elements.:

By earth you have form (sprinkle with salt).
By air you have breath (pass through incense smoke).
By fire you have energy (pass through candle flame).
By water you have the fluids of life (sprinkle with water).

Place the pouch on the pentacle. With your athame in your power hand, raise your open arms overhead to gather the energy:

I call upon the power of the Lady and the Lord to bless and empower these herbs with their divine essence.

Bring your hand together to hold the knife. Bring the athame down to touch the pouch with the tip and see the energy flow through the blade into the pouch. Set down the athame. Place your hands with palms down above the pouch:

By spirit are you charged and enlivened.

Now the image is given spiritual birth through the materials of the sacred cow. This image is found in Hathor, the most ancient goddess of Egypt, portrayed in some statues as the sacred cow with the solar disk resting between her horns.

With the essences of the sacred cow, who gives of herself in many ways for the lives of others, is this image now blessed.

Rub the statue all over with soft butter.

With butter are you anointed.

Rub it all over with a soft cheese like a brie, cottage cheese, or use yogurt or sour cream.

With cheese are you fed.

Wash the statue with about a cup of milk.

With milk are you given the substance of life.

Rinse the statue off with spring water or running water.

With water are you cleansed and purified.

Dry the statue and anoint it with consecration oil.

In the names of the Goddess and the God, I consecrate this statue. Let this image of (name) draw (HIs/Her) divine power into my home and my Craft. Let this image remind me that (name) is always close to me, as I am always close to (name).

Pick up the herb bundle and tuck it secruely iside the statue. If you are concerned that the bundle may fall out, you can close off the bottom of the statue with a piece of felt cut to fit and glued along the edges. Usually the curves of the figure are sufficient to hold the pouch in place.
Set the image on the pentacle and cover it completely with a black cloth. Pick up your athame or wand - athame for images of he God and Dual Deity, and the wand for images of the Goddess - to call the Divine into the statue. Hold the athame or wand upright with your arms raised and open before the covered statue and say:

I call upon the elemental earth, elemental air, elemental fire, and elemental water to bring thy energy and thy power that this image of (deity name) be made ready for enlivening.

Bring your hands together to hold the tool and slowly point it toward the statue as you say:

Come Great Lady (Great Lord) and inhabit this image I have prepared for you. let your presence in my life and in my home be a comfort and joy to me.

Touch the statue with the tip of the tool and feel the power of the Divine entering into the image. Leave the statue on the pentacle for grounding and set the athame on the altar. Carefully unveil the statue and set aside the cloth. Verbally welcome the deity by name and place an offering before it such as a cornbread muffin, fruit, or flowers, or you may want to use a dish with food and a small cup with milk or some other beverage. Light an incense such as frankincense on one side of the statue and a white candle on the other side.

Welcome to my home and my heart, Great Lady/Lord (name). I am blessed by thy presence, and my blessings I give unto thee. Let the light of thy love be with me always.

After an hour, place the statue where you plan to keep it. Offerings, incense, and candles will change in accordance with your needs, the season, the Sabbat and so forth because the statue is now a focal point for your practice. Do not feel odd about talking to the image or meditation on it, for this is an ancient practice that strengthens the ties between yourself and the Divine.
For statues that have no hollow space for an her bundle, touch the herb pouch to the statue. Lightly anoint the image with a consecration oil, then set the statue on the pentacle and cover it with a black cloth with the herb bundle under the cloth as well, either under the statue, or behind it or somehow draped against it. follow the rest of the procedure as above, keeping the herb bundle close to the statue, perhaps in a small covered jar behind the image.

.

Ritual for Banishing Evil Spirits From Your Home
by AmberSkyfire

    Negative spirits can easily find purchase in your home causing bad luck and even accidents in the home. Some spirits can be troubled human souls or ghosts. Others were never human and manifest pockets of negativity in your home. Malignant spirits can usually be detected without the use of meditation or magick. If you feel at all uncomfortable in your home, you might want to try a banishing ritual to rid your home of bad spirits.
    One thing every witch's home should have is a house-spirit shrine. House spirits are like elves or fairies and are also called hearth-spirits. These beings love to help around the house and will aid you in keeping out negativity, keeping the house tidy, and helping you find things. Many witches keep a shrine for the hearth spirits in their home. This shrine is most usually found in the living room on or near the fireplace or in the kitchen. Some witches, however, are not completely comfortable with their families seeing the shrine. It is acceptable to keep the shrine in a bedroom where it will be a bit more out of the way. The shrine can be on a ledge, mantle, bookshelf, or an altar table. If you don't have anything like this, you can put it on a corner of the fireplace or in your kitchen window. Your altar can have a small statue, living plants, or just some sort of decoration you think your spirits might like. I have a statue that was given to me by a friend of mine. It is of a fairy sitting cross-legged with her arms held out in front of her. There is a matching dish shaped like a flower in which I place shiny coins and found buttons. The little people seem to have a great love for small baubles and shiny things. You should have some type of small dish in which you can put milk, cream, wine, or sweetcakes. Many house spirit altars have a small vase for flowers. You can add any other decorations you like and an alter cloth if it pleases you.
    Gather together some sage incense (you can substitute any kind of purifying incense or use a smudge stick), a broom, sage tea or holy water, salt, a white or a black candle (or both), a candle for your hearth-spirit altar, and if you like, a rattle or a drum.
    First, go around your home and open all of the windows and doors, including the garage door and any cabinets or closets. Set up your altar for the house spirits the way you want it. Take up your ritual broom and go to the end of the house, farthes from the front door. Sweep the negativity out of each room. The broom needn't touch the floor for this. Be sure to get into closets, cabinets, and cupboards. Imagine all of the negativity being swept out the doors and windows. If you have a drum, this is the time to carry it from room to room. Playing loudly will force the negativity out. If your problem is spirits, command them to leave as you sweep each room.
    Next, take up your incense or smudge stick and light it. Carry it from room to room. Blow the purifying spoke into corners and crevices. Again, do not forget cabinets and closets. Then light your candles and walk around the house, shining them into all the corners and walking around the perimeters of the rooms. Shine their purifying light under cabinets and into closets. Next, take some of your salt and pour it into your tea or sacred water. Stir it thrice with your finger. Carry it around the house and sprinkle it around all the rooms and in the closets and cabinets. This action ends the purifying process. now you may go around your home and shut all of the doors and windows. As you shut each, draw a large banishing pentacle over each with your finger stating "No evil may enter here," for each one. End with the front door. (Don't forget the garage door!)
    Go to your hearth spirit's altar and light the candle. Leave a generous offering in the dish. Go to the front door and open it. Tell the good hearth-spirits that you welcome them into your home and any help they might provide. Let the offering remain on the altar the entire day. At the end of the day, pour it off onto the ground in the garden or under a tree. Don't forget to give them an offering once a week. Sunday is a good day as it is generally known as the day of rest and relaxation.