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nce of coming face to face with the Lady and the Lord
is such that you might feel too overwhelmed to engage in questioning of
them. Still, you have but to ask and they will reveal their secret names to
you. This is for you alone-you do not share this with anyone, not even
with other Witches. The Ancient Ones are giving you something like a
private access line to them, a sacred trust, and while others may have
received the same names, if you spread this gift around, it is a breach of
trust. Do not be swayed by someone saying it is okay between Witches
to reveal names given to you: it is not, and this could be a clue to you
that you have experienced a wonder someone else has not.
Now acknowledge receipt of their gift, open your eyes, and write on
a piece of paper your promise (which you composed and spoke earlier
under "Air") and word it with your new na1ne:
I (working name) do niake my promise ...
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Kiss the paper and burn it in the flame of the extra white candle. Pull
out a few of your hairs and burn them in the flame. With a clean needle
or the tip of your athame or bolline-you can sterilize it in the flameprick the little finger of your left hand and squeeze a few drops of blood
onto the earth. If you are indoors, have a little dish of soil ,vhich you
can later empty into the yard or use a flower pot if you have no yard.
Some people may object to the use of even a fe,v drops of blood in a
ritual and may want to substitute something else, but as I see it, by the
time you have met the Lady and the Lord, it is unlikely that you will
want anything to come between you and the1n. The tokening of hair
and blood is an ancient custom that indicates the seriousness of your
pledge. A dedication is not something done lightly or as a matter of
form, but is done with a sincerity of heart and purpose to experience
fully a new way of life. I cannot guarantee that anything less than the
intimacy of your own sacred fluid is acceptable, but you can always ask
them if they will take a substitute and if so, what. My feeling is that
they have given us our bodies (symbolized by hair) and our Jjves (symbolized by blood) and that if we are to be one with them, we must be
expected to give as we receive. This is the Law of Return on a personal
relationship. The hair is earth, the blood is water, the promise is air,
and the flame they enter is fire. By dedication to the Lady and the
Lord, you are kith and kin to the elementals as well. They are persorufied through you and it would be hard to consider them as impersonal
forces after such a union. The working name is never revealed as it
defines the Witch and is a trust from the Divine.
Cakes and Wine-Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms
upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that
which sustains me! May I ever remember the blessings of my
La.dy and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right.
Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of
their union promote life. Let the earth be fruitful and let her
wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet
on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to
the cake in the offering dish and say:
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This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to
me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the
body, mind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the cake (or bread), finish the wine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (N and N),
may I remember that without them I would have nothing. So
mote it be!
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over
altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I am blessed by your sharing this time with
me, watching and guarding me, and guiding me here and in
all things. I came in love and I depart in love.
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Love is the Jaw and love is the bond. Merry did I meet, merry do
I part, and merry will I meet again. Merry meet, merry part,
and merry meet again! The circle is now cleared. So mote it be!
Kiss the flat of the blade and set the athame on the altar. Take up the
snuffer and go to the north quarter, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Earth. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the east, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Air. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the south, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Fire. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the west, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Water. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Return to altar and set down snuffer. Raise up arms and say:
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace!
You aid in my work, whisper in my 11zind, and bless me from
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the Otherworld, and there is harmony bet:ween us. My blessings
take with you. The circle is cleared.
Take up athame, go to the north quarter, point athame down and
move widdershins (counter-clockwise) around circle (N-W-S-E-N)
and envision the blue light drawing back into the athame, and say:
The circle is open yet the circle remains as its magical power is
drawn back into me.
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:
The ceremony is ended. Blessings have been given and blessings
have been received, may the peace of the Goddess and the God
remain in my heart. So mote it be!
Set down the athame. Put away all magical tools and clear the altar.
The dish of soil with the blood drops and the contents of the cauldron
or libation bowl is poured onto the earth (if not out in the yard, then
into a flowerpot containing soil and perhaps a hardy, leafy green plant).
Rites of Passage
Besides the Esbats, Initiation/Re-dedication, and Dedication, there are
other events in a Witch's life that are celebrated with festivities other
than the eight Sabbats. These are called rites of passage and include
Presenting or Wiccaning (when a newborn is presented to the coven or
to the Deities); Naming Day or Coming of Age (a rite of puberty),
Handfasting or Jumping the Broom (marriage); Handparting (divorce);
and Passing into Surnmerland or Crossing the Bridge (a memorial service for the deceased).
In a coven setting there are generally prescribed formats for these
rites, but in a solitary tradition the observances are much more subject
to individuality. Even so, a rite of passage is usually added into the
Sabbat or Esbat ceremony, with the actual wordings and actions
planned by the people involved. In the case of a Handfasting, unless it
is performed by an ordained priest or priestess of Wicca who has the
proper licensing by the state (and more Wiccans are achieving this status every day), the ritual is not legally binding.
Unless the Priestess or Priest is licensed, the wedding couple must
also have a civil ceremony in addition to the Handfasting if they want to
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enter into a legal status of matrimony. The ramifications of wedded
legality affect such things as income taxes, inheritance, insurance, and
community property, so you need to be aware of the type of official qualifications of any Wiccan Priest or Priestess officiating a Handfasting.
With a Handparting, a civil court must be involved for a legal status of
divorce to be entered into the records, otherwise, the marriage remains
legal, which prevents a person from re-marriage and in most states
means that a spouse is responsible for the partner's debts. In all cases of
marriage and divorce, you need to work within the civil laws.
Wiccaning (Presenting)
For a Wiccaning, the newborn child is brought into the circle and presented to the Lady and the Lord. After step 20 of the basic ceremony, a
parent may hold up the child and say:
Loving Lady and gracious Lord, behold the harvest of 11iy love,
named (name). Watch over and bless this child, bringing love
and joy to all (his/her) days.
One parent may now anoint the child's brow with oil in the Solar
Cross within a circle. Then pat a bit of the salted water on the baby's
head, pass the baby over the incense burner through the smoke, and say:
May the elementals cherish you and guard you. May the Lady
and the Lord guide you and teach you. May you live and grow in
harmony with the earth, the stars, and the unity of the Divine.
Proceed to Cakes and Wme, and then to step 21 of the basic ceremony. Altar decorations may include flowers such as Baby's Breath and
yellow baby roses. The food may include white cake and you may also
have presents for the child that reflect the Craft, such as a quilt in a
design of forest animals, a stuffed animal toy, etc.
Naming Day (Coming of Age)
The Naming Ceremony can be simplicity itself and need not take place
during a Sabbat ritual. Any details you want to create will most likely
work just fine. Some covens have this ritual, others do not. For a solitary
practitioner, the family is more likely to compose the circle, and the
child about to enter adulthood may be brought into the circle and led
through a ritual that describes the life myth of the God and the Goddess
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GREEN WITCHCRAIT
and evokes the elementals. Then the child may be blindfolded and led
on a quest to cormnunicate with nature by the voices of the adults acting
out roles of the Lord and Lady of Greenwood and their relationship to
the elementals. The child may be guided to notice sounds and sensations
in natural surroundings, and may be given some task to perfonn that will
i1npart a sense of satisfaction or accon1plishment. The child is led back to
the coven site, the blindfold is re1noved, and he/she is welcomed into the
circle as an adult. The new adult announces the chosen Craft name when
being led through the Initiation ritual.
The family circle beco1nes in many ways a small coven, led by the
parents, so it would be up to them to decide how to handle the ritual.
The newly-named adult n1en1ber of the circle may read the rite from
the Book of Rituals. Ideally, there should be at least one male and one
female in the family circle, but if not, it is easy to adjust the ritual to
acconunodate the reality. Waxing to full moon is usually the best tinle
for this cere1nony if not using Twelfth Night.
The child may be brought to a circle defined by the elemental candles with the altar set up and arranged inside. Gifts may be hidden
under the altar. An adult (mother or father) may say:
This is my child, (name), who is moving into adulthood and seeks
entrance into the circle w sta.nd before the Lady and the Lord.
The other parent or adult may ask:
Do you come of your own free will to the circle?
The child answers in the affirmative. The adult may ask:
Are you willing to follow the Path of Initiation?
The child answers in the affinnative. The adult may say:
Let this child enter before the Lady and the Lord.
The child is then brought into the circle, the circle is cast with the
basic ceremony steps 1-20, but do not anoint the child. At this point
the adults review the life cycle of the Lord and the Lady.
Adult female:
The Lord is born at Yuletide with the returning of the sun. The
Lady and all the earth rejoices at his return.
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GREEN RJTUALS
AduJt male:
The Lady rests at lmbolc and prepares for the coming of the
spring. Her son grows strong and plays the ganies of childhood.
Adult female:
Together they walk the fields and woods at Ostara, and all
nature awakens as they pass.
Adult male:
With Beltane they sport and play, and all the land rejoices with
life and vigor.
Adult female:
At Litha they are one and the promise of the harvest gives hope
of sustenance to their children of the earth.
Adult male:
The Lord enriches the grain and gives his life for the creatures
of the earth at Lughnassadh, yet the promise remains within
the Lady.
Adult female:
With Mabon, the Lord and Lady give us of their bounty and
the Lord moves into his dark realm where he offers peace and
rest to those whose life's cycle is ended.
Adult male:
In Samhain the veil between the worlds is thinnest, and the
Lady as Crone stands by the Lord in the Land of Shadows, yet
still she holds the promise within her and we bide the turning
of the wheel with her.
Adult female:
At Yule the cycle is renewed and the Lord returns with the sun.
The wheel of the seasons is the wheel of life, and as the one
turns, so turns the other. You are in the turning of the wheel.
Both adults (one may recite, the other may anoint the third eye, making the sign of the Solar Cross at the end of the recitation):
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GREEN WITCHCRAFT
Blessed be thy feet, that take you on your path.
Blessed be thy knees, that support you before the Divine.
Blessed be thy abdomen, that gives you inner strength.
Blessed be thy breast, that holds your heart true to the Lady
and the Lord.
Blessed be thy lips, that speak the sacred names.
Note: Not secret names as this is bestowed by the Lady and the
Lord at the Dedication, after which the blessing changes.
Blessed be thy eyes, that see the beauty of their love.
Blessed be thy mind, that seeks their knowledge and their
wisdom. (Anoint at third eye.)
The child is now blindfolded, the adults take up whatever they will
need (such as bread and meat, a feather fan, and a candle and matches)
and a doorway is cut into the circle for all to exit. This is done with the
athame by cutting the circle to the left of you, up and over your head,
and down the other side to the ground on the right of you. You should
visualize this as a door, which you then push open and exit the circle,
standing by the invisible door. Once everyone is outside, you close the
door, and seal it with a pentagram drawn with the athame. When you
return, you will work the pentagram backwards with the athame to
unseal the doorway, enter inside and when everyone has passed
through the door, you visualize closing it and reseal it with the-sign of
the pentagram drawn with the athame.
In determining the nature of the Coming of Age activities, the
adults will consider how to make the most of their surroundings. In the
ceremony, the child may be led to appreciate the four elements and
their relationship with the Goddess and the God, with the parents (or
other members of the circle) sharing or trading off roles. One adult
may lead while the other dances around the child reciting a role, then
swap places and continue like this until all is done. Lead the blindfolded child barefoot to the site of a natural water (river, lake, pond, sea, or
spring). As you approach, you ,vould den1onstrate the elementals.
Earth-The female may say:
I am the Earth Mother from whose body you were formed.
Know me in the feel of the ground beneath your feet, in the
touch of the trees against your band. (Guide the child's hand to
touch a tree.)
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The male may say:
I am the Lord of the Wildwood and the grain whose life fills
the wilderness and gi,ves you bread. Know me in the animals
and the grain you eat, for all life consumes life. (Give the child
a taste of bread and bite of a meat, like beef jerky- vegetarians
may want to alter this to read: "Know me in the animals you
protect and the grain you eat," and give the child bread and perhaps an animal friend to pet.)
Air- The male may say:
I am the God of the Sky whose breath gi,ves you life. Know me
when you inhale my essence. (Fan the child's face.)
Fire-The male may then say:
I am the Lord of the Dance, know me in the fire of the sun
and in the energy that moves you through your life. (Here
you could take the child by both hands and lead him/her in
a merry, energetic circular romp, or you could move the
child into direct sunlight and let the child feel it on his/her
face, or if you carry a torch or light a candle, you could
carefully wave it around the child so the heat could be felt.)
Water- The female may say when you reach the site:
I am the Goddess whose water of life flows through your body.
Listen to my voice in the current of the (sea, river, lake, etc.).
(Pause for the child to hear the sound of water.)
Spirit-The female may say:
I am the Goddess who is from the begi,nning of time and will be
to the end of time. My power and niy love brings forth the
fruitfulness of the earth and all that are born thereof (Kiss the
child on the cheek.)
Move back to the location of the circle to continue the rite. It is
important to remember that a child is not simply directed into the circle, but must decide to participate. There are Witches whose children
follow their own separate paths and others whose entire family is
Wiccan. It is the child becoming adult who rnakes the oaths and pours
out the wine in the ritual of Irutiation, but the parents may then per-
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GREEN WITCHCRAFT
forn1 the anointing. The new adult follows this by announcing the chosen Craft name, and they pause to let their feelings of oneness in the
Craft permeate them. The parents may then perfonn the Call of
Recognition which may be reworded for a Nan1ing Day as follows:
~ are blessed by the Goddess and the God, known to us as
(names), by their attendance at this Initiation. Know that
(given name) is your chiM, (Craft name), and receive him/her
into your guidance!
After this, the child is kissed by the members of the circle and given
gifts of tools (such as an athame or hotline) and/or a token of the Craft
(such as a conch shell or deer antlers). They proceed to Cakes and
Wme together, and the new adult may now participate in the actions
and food of the communion.
If you are limited to an indoor ceremony, the child could be led
around the house, being brushed with a leafy tree branch, fanned,
warmed by a candle, and taken to a sink or tub of running water. The
Initiation that involves the Naming Day rite is traditionally held on
January 6 (today called Epiphany or Twelfth Night) no matter what the
moon, but I mention the waxing to full moon time frame since the Rite
of Passage for coming of age can also take place around the child's thjrteenth birthday or upon first menses.
Handfasting (Jumping the Broom)
This ritual may be inserted after a Sabbat but before the Cakes and
Wine. Flowers for the altar may be according to season, favorite colors, and/or white. Have a besom against the altar, two wreaths of flowers (marigolds included) and decorate the wand with colorful ribbons
(yellow and white or pink and pale green). Have a white pillar-style
candle that may be decorated for the wedding, and a white satin cord
on the altar. Although the Green fonn of the Craft is basically a solitary one these days, the wording may be adjusted for a group ceren1ony
or a commemoration of a civil ceremony by the couple.
Ring the bell three ti1nes and say:
Today we are gathered for a Handfasting ceremony between
(names) before the Lady and the Lord of Greenwood.
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GREEN RJTUALS
The male partner may say:
Before the Lady and the Lord of Greenwood do I pledge to love
an-d honor this woman, that we be in the image of the Divine,
two who are one.
T he female partner may say:
Before the Lady and the Lord of Greenwood do I pledge to love
and honor this 1nan, that we be in the image of the Divine, two
who are one.
Either the officiating person or the two individuals hold up high the
flower wreaths, one before each partner or each other:
The flowers of the field in the circle of life give testament to the
joy of love and unity.
Place the wreaths on the heads of the partners. Take up the wand
and hand it to the partners to hold together between them, then wrap
the cord around their hands. They may say to each other one at a time:
With the wand of life do I pledge myself unto you in the bonds
of matrimony. Let there always be joy between us as we live
together in perfect love and perfect trust.
Remove the cord and place the wand on the altar. They may
exchange rings, saying:
This ring is the symbol of the 1-0ve and the honor I give unto
you. With this circle do I bind myself to the one I love.
Together the couple lights the candle from the center candle of the
altar and set it in the cauldron. The officiator may say:
Before the Lady and the Lord, before the elementals, before y01.4r
friends and family are you now wed. Two are 1nade one.
The bride and the groom now jump the broomstick as the besom is
held on either side by a member of the circle (or laid upon two footstools). The officiator may say:
May the Lady and the Lord bless you and keep you both in
their love. May they shower you with their bounty and 111ay you
bring forth fruit from the cauldron of life.
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GREEN WITCHCRAFf
Ring the bell three times and proceed to Cakes and Wine, which is
the wedding feast typical of most marriages. Traditional foods include a
white cake, perhaps with a silver ring hidden inside as a Wishing Ring
for whomever finds it (warn the guests so they eat their cake carefully),
champagne (elder if you can find it), fruit and nuts (candied almonds),
and a spread of various favorite foods. Maypole dancing ensues.
tlandparting
A Handparting is done if there is no acrimony in the divorce, otherwise, the civil ceremony will have to suffice. This ritual is not a necessary one at the dissolution of a marriage, but if both parties are willing,
it may help them to visualize the end of the relationship and still retain
their bonds of friendship. The ritual may take place after step 20 of the
basic ceremony, and is normally not done on a Sabbat. Because partings are an emotional event, a ritual must necessarily be simple.
Ring bell three ti1nes and say:
Today we are gathered to witness the parting of hands and
shedding of the bonds of matrimony between (names).
The couple stand together holding hands and the officiator may say:
Do you seek the parting of your hands that you 11zay both live
apart and yet remain as friends?
The couple may say:
JVe seek to part our hands and live O'Ur separate lives by the
love and the grace of the Lady and the Lord.
The officiator takes both hands into his/her own and pulls the hands
apart. The couple stands with hands at their sides, and the officiator
may say:
This union is ended, but like all things, one ending is a new
beginning. The wheel turns on and we turn with it. I call upon
the Lady and the Lord, (names), to keep you both always in
their love.
Ring the bell nine times. Proceed to Cakes and Wine. I refer to
males and females for suggested role playing rather than Priests and
Priestesses because in the Green level, a Witch is a Witch, and all are
equal before the Divine.
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GREEN RITUALS
Passing into Summerland
Since death is seen in Wtcca as crossing over to Surnmerland to rest
until the next incarnation, the time is not so sad for the \Vitch as it is
an expression of fond memories, letting go of any regrets, and wellwishing for the next incarnation. The ceremony may begin after step
20 of the basic ceremony. Have rue on the altar to burn and a white
candle in a fireproof bowl.
Ring the bell three times and say:
Today I bid farewell to (name of deceased). I remember the
good times and the less happy times, for all life has both
pleasant and unpleasant experiences. I release the negative
and hold onto the positive.
Light the white candle and say:
Like the flame of this candle will the memory of (name) light
up my heart and my nzind.
Take the rue, drop it slowly into the candle flame, and say:
As the rue burns, it takes away the power of any negative
memories about (name). I will treasure the good and put
aside the ill.
Raise arms upwards and say:
Great Lady and Great Lord, give rest and refreshment to
(name) that he/she may be brought into your love and journey
again through the cauldron of life.
Lower arms, ring the bell nine times, and say:
Farewell, dear (name). My love and blessings take with you to
your rest. May you soon rejoin the dance of life.
Proceed to Cakes and Wme. Traditional foods for a memorial service
include pomegranates or apples, raisin bread, pork dishes, acorn squash,
and dark wine. If celebrating with others, this is the time to share memories and feast in the name of the deceased, for this is like a wake.
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8
The Esbats
Preparing Your Altar
• Candles are blue-white-orange or green-white-red.
• Incense may be bay, sandalwood or franlcincense.
• H ave any spell work materials ready on the altar.
Full Moon Esbat Rite
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light
incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
The circle is about to be cast and I freely stand within to greet
my Lady and my Lord.
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GREEN WITCttCRAfT
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:
(N) I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate
and strengthen the circle.
(E) I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and
enliven the circle.
(S) I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate
and warm the circle.
(W) I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate
and cleanse the circle.
Take athame in hand upraised and begin circle at north. Move
around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
I draw this circle in the presence of the Goddess and the God
where they may come and bless their child, (name).
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:
This is the boundary of the circle. Only rove shall enter and leave.
Return to altar and ring bell three times. Place point of athame in
the salt and say:
Salt is life and purifying. I bless this salt to be used in this
sacred circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names).
Pick up salt bowl 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:
Let the blessed salt purify this water that it may be blessed to
use in this sacred circle. In the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), I consecrate and cleanse this water.
Take the salted water bowl in hand and sprinkle water from it as you
move deosil around the circle (N-E-S-W-N) and say:
I consecrate this circle in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names). The circle is conjured a circle of power that is
purified and sealed. So mote it be!
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THE ESBATS
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around
the circle to cense it; return censer to altar. Take anointing oil and
make a Solar Cross ringed by a circle on your forehead, and say:
I, (name) am consecrated in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), in this their circle.
If working with family members or a Green-focused coven, open a
door in the circle with the athame now for all to enter. Use anointing
oil to trace a Solar Cross in a circle on their foreheads as each person
enters, having said some kind of greeting, such as the Wiccan, "I come
in perfect love and perfect trust." Then close the door with the
athame. The text is for solitary use but may be thus altered for family
or coven participation. The envisionings are suggestions only.
Take the wand and hold it aloft, with both am1s open and upraised,
at the north of the circle (envision a powerful bull arriving) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Earth, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I have body and strength, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the east, raise up wand (see devas, fairies,
or an eagle in flight) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Air, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I breathe and think, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the south, raise up wand (see a dragon)
and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Fire, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I consume life to live, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the west, hold wand aloft (see an undine, a
sea serpent, or a dolphin) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Water, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I feel and my heart beats, we are kith and kin!
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
the worlds. Set wand on altar , raise up athame in both hands overhead,
and say:
Hail to the elementals at the four quarters! Welcome Lady and
Lord to this rite! I stand between the worlds with love and
power all around!
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GREEN WITCHCRAfT
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 to 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:
I, (Craft or working name), who am your child, stand between
the worlds and call upon my Lady and my Lord, (names), to
hold communion with me.
Ring bell three times and say:
If it banns none, do what you will. Thus runs the Witch's
Rede. Once more I affirm my joy of life and union with the
Lady and the Lord. I honor the God and the Goddess, (names),
for the favors they have bestowed upon me, and ask their
blessings upon me. (Instead of the Rede, you could say, "I
acknowledge that what I send returns to me and conduct my
Craft accordingly," or address your own thoughts.)
Set the salted water on the pentacle, hold the athame over it, and say:
Great Mother, bless this creature of water and of earth to your
service. May I always rernember the cauldron waters of rebirth
and the many forms and beings of the blessed earth. Of water
and earth am I.
Hold water bowl aloft and say:
Great Mother, I honor you! [You are showing your respect for the
Lady and the element that represents her in this ritual.]
Replace the water bowl in the proper place on the altar. Place censer
on the pentacle, hold athame over it, and say:
Great Father, bless this creature of fire and of air to your
service. May I always remember the sacred fire that dances
within every creation and hear the voices of the Divine. Of
fire and air am I.
Raise the censer aloft and say:
Great Father, I honor you!
172
THE ESBATS
Return censer to the proper place on the altar. Raise the cup of wine
aloft and say:
Power and grace; beauty and strength are in the Lady and the
Lord both. Patience and love, wisdom and knowledge. I honor
you both!
Pour a libation into the cauldron and take a sip of wine. Stand at the
altar, facing north, open arms upraised and feet apart, say:
Behold the Great Lady, who travels the sky; the stars shine
around her and light up the night.
Take up wand and say:
Lovely Lady known by so many nantes, but known to me as
(names), with (God's names) at y our side, honor and reverence I
give to y ou and invite you to j oin with me on this, your special
night. Descend, my Lady, and speak with y our child, whom y ou
have named (name, if given a working name or Craft name).
At this time you may hear her speak something pertinent to you, or
if you needed guidance on a matter, she will instruct you. Replace the
wand on the altar. You may now do any spell work, divinations, consecrations, etc. at this time.
Consecration of a Tool
Tools used in the practice of the Craft may be consecrated to that purpose, although this is not a necessity, as any kitchen witch will attest.
T he tool is placed on the altar and should be used soon after consecration to soak up some energy from the ceremony. You should have a red
candle on the altar that will be lit from the center candle representing
both of the Deities, and also a bowl of fresh water (not salted).
Inscribe the tool with magical signs and runes indicating somewhere
your Craft (not your working) name. Consecrate by the elementals
(earth, air, fire, and water) by touching the tool to the pentacle; passing
it through incense smoke; passing it through the flame of the red candle; and sprinkling it with water from the bowl, saying:
In the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), I consecrate
this (name of item) to be used in my practice of the Craft. I
charge this by the Element Earth (touch the pentacle); by the
173
GREEN WITCHCRAIT
Element Air (pass through smoke); by the Element Fire (pass
through flame); and by the Element Water (sprinkle with
water). This tool is now by powers bond to aid me in my work.
So mote it be!
With arms spread and upraised, say:
You are the Mother of All; Maiden, Mother, and Crone. You
are at life's beginning and at its end. You dwell within us all
for you are life and love, and thus do you make me life and
love. With love are we united, one to another. So mote it be!
Cakes and Wine- Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms
upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that
which sustains me! May I ever remember the blessings of my
Lady and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right.
Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of
their union promote life. Let the earth be fruitful and let her
wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet
on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to
the cake in the offering dish and say:
This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to
me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the
body, mind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the cake, finish the v.rine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (names),
may I remember that without them I would have nothing.
So mote it be!
\Vhen all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over
altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I am blessed by your sharing this tinie with
nie, watching and guarding me, and guiding m e here and in
all things. I ca'tne in love and I depart in love.
174
THE ESBATS
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Love is the law and love is the bond. Merry did I m eet, 11ierry do
I part, and merry will I m eet again. Merry meet, m erry part,
and merry meet again! The circle is now cleared . So 711,ote it be!
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:
Depart in peace, Ele»zental Earth. My blessings ta.ke with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the east, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elementa.l Air. My blessings ta.ke with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the south, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elementa.l Fire. My blessings ta.ke with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the west, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elementa.l Water. My blessings ta.ke with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Return to altar and set down snuffer. Raise up arms and say:
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace!
You aid in my work, whisper in my mind, and bless me from
the Otherworld, and there is harmony between us. My blessings
ta.ke with y ou. The circle is cleared .
Take up athame, go to the north quarter, point atha1ne down and
move widdershins (counter-clockwise) around circle (N-W-S-E-N),
envision the blue light drawing back into the athame and say:
The circle is open yet the circle remains as its magical power is
drawn back into me.
When you rerurn 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:
The ceremony is ended. Blessings have been given and blessings
have been received, may the peace of the Goddess and the God
remain in my heart. So 711,ote it be!
175
GREEN WITCHCRAFT'
Set down the athame. Put away all magical tools and clear the altar
except for candles or any objects that need to burn out or work for a
stated time (such as candle magic). The cauldron or libation bowl contents are poured onto the earth (if not out in the yard, then into a flowerpot containing soil and perhaps a hardy, leafy green plant).
Preparing Your Altar
• Candles are: blue-white-orange or green-white-red.
• Incense may be bay, sandalwood or frankincense.
• Have any spell work materials ready on the altar.
New Moon Esbat Rite
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light
incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
The circle is about to be cast and I freely stand within to greet
my Lady and my Lord.
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:
(N) I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate
and strengthen the circle.
(E) I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and
enliven the circle.
(S) I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate
and warnz the circle.
(W) I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate
and cleanse the circle.
Take athan1e in hand, upraised, begin circle at north and move
around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
I draw this circle in the presence of the Goddess and the God
where they niay co1ne and bless their child, (name).
Lower the athame at the north, and as you walk around the circle,
envision a blue light shooting out from the point and fanning the circle boundary, and say:
176
THE ESBATS
This is the boundary of the circle. Only love shall enter and leave.
Return to altar and ring bell three times.
Place point of athame in the salt and say:
Salt is life and purifying. I bless this salt to be used in this
sacred circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names).
Pick up salt bowl 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:
Let the blessed salt purify this water that it may be blessed to
use in this sacred circle. In the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), I consecrate and cleanse this water.
Take the salted water bowl in hand and sprinkle water from it as you
move deosil around the circle (N-E-S-W-N) and say:
I consecrate this circle in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names). The circle is conjured a circle of power that is
purified and sealed. So mote it be!
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around
the circle to cense it; return censer to altar. Take anointing oil and
make a Solar Cross ringed by a circle on your forehead, and say:
I, (name), am consecrated in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), in this their circle.
If working with family members or a Green-focused coven, open a
door in the circle with the athame now for all to enter. Use anointing
oil to trace a Solar Cross in a circle on their foreheads as each person
enters, having said some kind of greeting, such as the Wtccan, "I come
in perfect love and perfect trust." Then close the door with the
athame. The text is for solitary use but may be thus altered for family
or coven participation. The envisionings are suggestions only.
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:
I call upon you, Elemental Earth, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I have body and strength, we are kith and kin!
177
GREEN WITCHCRAFT
Lower wand and move to the east, raise up wand (see devas, fairies,
or an eagle in flight) and say:
I call upon y ou, Elemental Air, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I breathe and think, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the south, raise up wand (see a dragon)
and say:
I call upon y ou, Elemental Fire, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I consume life to live, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the west, hold wand aloft (see an undine, a
sea serpent, or a dolphin) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Water, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I f eel and my heart beats, we are kith and kin!
Return to altar and use wand to draw the symbol of infinity (an 8
lying on its side) in the air above the altar, the sign of working between
the worlds. Set wand on altar , raise up athame in both hands overhead,
and say:
Hail to the elementals at the four quarters! Welcome Lady and
Lord to this rite! I stand between the worlds with love and
power all around!
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 to 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:
I, (Craft or working name), who am y our child, stand between
the worlds and call upon nzy Lady and my Lord, (names), to
hold communion with me.
Ring bell three times and say:
If it banns none, do what you will. Thus runs the Witch's
Rede. Once niore I affinn 111,y joy of life and union with the
Lady and the Lord. I honor the God and the Goddess, (names),
for the favors they have bestowed upon me, and ask their blessings upon me. (Instead of the Rede, you could say, "I acknowledge that what I send returns to me and conduct my Craft
accordingly," or address your own thoughts.)
178
THE ESBATS
Set the salted water on the pentacle, hold the athame over it, and say:
Great Mother, bless this creature of water and of earth to your
service. May I always remeniber the cauldron waters of rebirth
and the many fornis and beings of the blessed earth. Of water
and earth am I.
Hold water bowl aloft and say:
Great Mother, I honor you! (You are showing your respect for the
Lady and the element that represents her in this ritual.)
Replace the water bowl in the proper place on the altar. Place censer
on the pentacle, hold athame over it, and say:
Great Father, bless this creature of fire and of air to your service. May I always remember the sacred fire that dances within
every creation and hear the voices of the Divine. Of fire and
air am I.
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:
Power and grace; beauty and strength are in the Lady and the
Lord both. Patience and love; wisdom and knowledge. I honor
you both!
Pour a libation into the cauldron and take a sip of wine. Stand with
head bowed and arms crossed over chest; chant the name of the
Goddess (such as Hecate), then proceed:
As (names you use for the Goddess) known, this is the moon of
my Lady as crone, Lady of darkness, of wisd0'11t, of mysteries
shown. The wheel turns through birth, death, and rebirth, and
every end is a new beginning. You are the passage fr0'11t life to
life. You are she who is at the beginning and the end of all
tinze. You, with your Lord (God's na1ne) at your side, abide in
us all. So mote it be!
Enjoy a moment of reverent silence to consider the mysteries and
your special closeness to the Goddess of the Witches. You may now do
any spell work appropriate for the new moon.
179
GREEN WITCHCRAfT
Cakes and Wine-Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms
upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that
which sustains 711,e! May I ever remember the blessings of my
Lady and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right.
Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of
their union promote life. Let the earth be fruiiful and let her
wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet
on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to
the cake in the offering dish and say:
This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to
me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the
body, 'lltind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the cake, finish the wine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (names),
may I remember that without them I would have nothing.
So mote it be!
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over
altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I am blessed by your sharing this time with
me; watching and guarding nie, and guiding me here and in
all things. I came in love and I depart in love.
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Love is the law and kwe is the bond. Merry did I meet, merry do
I part, and merry will I meet again. Meny meet, merry part,
and merry meet again! The circle is now cleared. So mote it be!
Kiss the flat of the blade and set the athame on the altar. Take up the
snuffer and go to the north quarter, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Earth. My blessings take with you!
180
THE ESBATS
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the east, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Air. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the south, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Fire. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Go to the west, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Water. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power
departing. Return to altar and set down snuffer. Raise up arms and say:
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace!
You aid in my work, whisper in my mind, and bless me from
the Otherworld, and there is hannony between us. My blessings
take with you. The circle is cleared.
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:
The circle is open yet the circle remains as its magi-cal power is
drawn back into me.
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:
The ceremony is ended. Blessings have been gi-ven and blessings
have been received, ntay the peace of the Goddess and the God
remain in my heart. So mote it be !
Set down the athame. Put away all magical tools and clear the altar
except for candles or any objects that need to burn out or work for a
stated time (such as candle magic). The cauldron or libation bowl contents is poured onto the earth (if not out in the yard, then into a flowerpot containing soil and perhaps a hardy, leafy green plant).
181
•
9
Yule Sabbat
December 21
The year begins at different times depending upon the tradition. It
can be Samhain, Yule, In1bolc, or Ostara, but my fanuly has always
used the Yule holidays as the turning of the wheel of the year with the
departure of the HoUy King (known today as the Dark Lord, old Saint
Nick, and Father Tune) and arrival of the Oak King (known today as
the Sun King, Jesus, and the New Year's Baby). Incenses shown are only
suggestions; you may prefer to drop herbs onto a charcoal block.
As I have mentioned previously, in my childhood our family observances would have been considered a secular form of the socially
acceptable holidays of Christ:Inas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. In addition, it was easy to celebrate May Day, Summer, and Halloween as
these were already in the secular real111. Nevertheless, for us these
times had earth-centered n1eanings that can be used for the Green-
183
GREEN WITCHCRAFT'
level practice of the Craft as easily as the accepted Sabbat dates used in
contemporary \V'itchcraft.
Years after I put aside the n·appings of Christianity in my search for
a basic form of religious expression, I subsequently adopted the
Sabbats of the Craft and have been very satisfied with this. You may
want to follow a different course or blend Witchcraft with the mainstream to feel yourself united with society as a whole. At the worst, you
may be considered a secular Christian or a humanist. At the best, you
n1ay help affect the acceptance of the Craft by your example of kinship
with the earth and her inhabitants. The Sabbat rituals shown form the
framework for my own practice of the Craft, yet I always improvise,
add, or subtract by inspiration.
As a child, going outside to gaze at the full moon and being told the
various names for the moons (which are still found today in almanacs)
and perhaps singing a song like "Shine On Silver Moon" or playing
"Moonlight Sonata" formed the family's basic recognition of the
changing faces of the 1noon. Sometimes there were stories, other times
simply a nighttime romp out-of-doors when all the neighbors were in
their homes. This was a time filled with its own essence and sense of
closeness to the mystery of magical presence. The new moon was
acknowledged for the absence of moonlight in the night sky, but everything was casually done as a naturalist observing the surroundings as if
for the first time. The odors and atmosphere of the evening air were
always different from that of the daylight hours, and it was enough to
take the time to pause and partake of nature.
If you celebrate a Sabbat on a full or new moon, you n1ay begin with
the Esbat and moon rite, and insert the Sabbat ritual before going on
to the Cakes and Wine. Prepare in advance with the appropriate altar
decor and candles. There are suggested Sabbat activities given with
each Sabbat, and while spells are generally not conducted at a Sabbat,
they may be if in conjunction with an Esbat. Seasonal decorations may
be used around the circle along with the four candle settings for the
quarters. Incenses and altar candles may vary by Sabbat, and son1e sug- gestions are given with each Sabbat.
Preparing Your Altar
• Altar candles should be red-green-red.
• Circle candles remain the usual colors for the elementals (green,
yellow, red, and blue).
184
YULESABBAT
• Incense may be bayberry.
• Circle may be decorated with holly, mistletoe, ivy, pine, pine cones,
etc. A Yule Log (half of a log cut to set on the altar, has three holes
in it to hold candles, decorated with greenery and pine cones) may
substitute for a candle holder.
• Place ash twigs in the cauldron.
Instructions for the Ceremony
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light
incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
The circle is about to be cast and I freely stand within to greet
11iy Lady and my Lord.
Take center candle from altar and light each candle of the circle
moving north, then east, south, and west, and say:
(N) I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate
and strengthen the circle.
(E) I call upon light and air at the east to illu11iinate and
enliven the circle.
(S) I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate
and warm the circle.
(W) I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate
and cleanse the circle.
Take athame in upraised hand, begin circle at north and move
around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
I draw this circle in the presence of the Goddess and the God
where they may come and bless their child, (name).
Lower the athame at the north. As you walk around the circle, envi- sion a blue light shooting out from the point and fonning the circle
boundary, and say:
This is the bm-tndary of the circle. Only love shall enter and leave.
Retun1 to altar and ring bell three times. Place point of athame in
the salt and say:
Salt is life and purifying. I bless this salt to be used in this
sacred circle in the nanies of the Goddess and the God, (nan1es).
185
GREEN WITCHCRAFT
Pick up salt bowl 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:
Let the blessed salt purify this water that it niay be blessed to
use in this sacred circle. In the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), I consecrate and cleanse this water.
Take the salted water bowl in hand, sprinkle water from it as you
move deosil around the circle (N-E-S-W-N), and say:
I consecrate this circle in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names). The circle is conjured a circle of power that is
purified and sealed. So mote it be!
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around
the circle to cense it; return censer to altar. Take anointing oil and
make a Solar Cross ringed by a circle on your forehead and say:
I, (name) am consecrated in the names of the Goddess and the
God, (names), in this their circle.
If working with family members or a Green-focused coven, open a
door in the circle with the athame now for all to enter, then close the
door with the athame. The text is for solitary use but may be thus
altered for family or coven participation.
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:
I call upon you, Elemental Earth, to attend this rite and l!J,W,rd
this circle, for as I have body and strength, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to east, raise up wand (see devas, fairies, or
an eagle in flight) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Air, to attend this rite and l!J,W,rd
this circle, for as I breathe and think, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the south, raise up wand (see a dragon)
and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Fire, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I consume life to live, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and n1ove to west, hold wand aloft (see an undine, a sea
serpent, or a dolphin) and say:
186
YULESABBAT
I call upon you, Elemental Water, to attend this rite and guard
this circle, for as I feel and my heart beats, we are kith and kin!
Return to altar and use wand to draw the symbol of infinity (an 8
lying on its side) in the air above the altar, the sign of working between
the worlds. Set wand on altar, raise up athame in both hands overhead,
and say:
Hail to the elementals at the four quarters! Welcome Lady
and Lord to this rite! I stand between the worlds with love
and power all around!
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 to them the first draught, then you take a sip. You may prefer
to have a bowl specifically for the libation. Ring bell three ti1nes. Raise
up arms and say:
Blessed are the Lord and the Lady who turn the mighty wheel of
the year. Welcome the Yule for the turning point of winter is here
at last. The end of the solar year has come; a new year has begun.
Arms down, take up wand and hold it aloft and say:
This is a new beginning, and I send my power forth to join
with the energies of the Sun God that the sun's rebirth
rekindles my strength.
Place wand back on the altar. Take the middle candle and light the
kindling in the cauldron, and say:
This new fire is lit to bid farewell to the Dark Lord of the solar
night and greet the rebirth of the sun. May my power be added
to the strength of the newborn Lord, and his to mine.
Return candle; take up the athame in both hands, hold aloft and say:
Hail to the Sun God! Hail the 111,ovement of time eternal! Hail
the death and rebirth of Yule! Hail the God (nan1e)!
Return the atha1ne to the altar and ring the bell three ti1nes. With
candles in Yule Log, light the candles at the start of the ritual, and
when the ritual is ended, let the candles burn very low and then snuff
the reds, replace them with green candles and light them from the stilllit green in the middle. Then snuff the green, replace it with a red candle and light it fresh and say:
187
GREEN WITCHCRAFT
May the Yule Log bring light and may all good enter here.
Good health, good cheer, good fortune in the coming year! For
as I will, so mote it be!
Cakes and Wine- Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms
upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that
which sustains me! May I ever remember the blessings of my
Lady and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right.
Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of
their union promote life. Let the earth be fruitful and let her
wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet
on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to
the cake in the offering dish and say:
This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to
me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the
body, mind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the fruitcake (or other Yule food), finish the wine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (names),
1nay I remember that without them I would have nothing.
So mote it be!
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over altar