Esbats

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good karma. Save a life. Click a button.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="191a1c60.gif" border=0 width="417" height="198" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The function of the circle is twofold: first, to provide a measure of protection from hostile or distracting external psychic influences; second, and more important in the context of Witchcraft, to contain and focus the energies raised in ritual. The circle defines the boundaries of the ritual space, the perimeter of the circle marking the extent of the area within which our attention is focused, and the casting and grounding of the circle marking the time set aside as special. </div> <div> The protective function of the circle creates a safe space where the participants can be psychically open with relatively little disturbance from outside energies. This aids the focusing role of the circle, and allows the power to be raised more readily. Gross details of the physical environment may still intrude - if the neighbors call the police, for instance, or if a loud conversation takes place just outside. Also keep in mind that the circle does not screen you from others within the circle; for this reason, the Law says that none who disagree may be in circle together. It is customary to maintain a sort of pax templi in the circle, where any quarrels are set aside if at all possible. </div> <div> Also be aware that there may be conflicting elements within yourself which could manifest in odd ways within the reflective space of the circle. Good grounding technique is especially important; it's always a good idea to take a few moments before entering circle to release the mundane tensions you've been holding, set aside any preoccupations, and center your thoughts and energies on the work at hand. </div> <div> The circle also represents the cyclical nature of magical reality; the rituals that take place within the circle are not seen as isolated historical events, but as recurring mythical themes, representing general types of experience and interaction that are common to the human condition. The circle is said to be set "between the worlds", forming a bridge between the world of concrete reality and the world of the symbolic logic of dreams and myths. </div> <div> The four Elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, represent the basic building blocks of nature, or more accurately, of our perception of nature. We place them in the quarters of the circle to represent successive stages in the cycle of creation: </div> <div> AIR </div> <div> represents the conception or perception of a new idea, the seed of knowledge, and the freedom to choose which direction to move. </div> <div> FIRE </div> <div> is the desire or Will to manifest the idea, the driving life force, the principle of change and transformation. </div> <div> WATER </div> <div> is the perseverance and courage needed to endure the long gestation, the nurturing and supporting role. </div> <div> EARTH </div> <div> is the element of birth, where the original Idea crystallizes and manifests in a material form, building a solid foundation for the next idea. </div> <div> Air and Fire are often, though not always, thought of as masculine, while Water and Earth are generally feminine. This may relate to the observation that the male influence is only necessary in the earliest stages of the creation of life, whereas the female influence must continue for a much longer period. Both ofcourse are complimentary opposites and contain bits of eachother. Earth is considered feminine and yin, but also contains masculine yang energy, same with Water. Fire is considered masculine and yang, but also contains feminine yin energy, same with Air. </div> <div> Air is associated with knowledge and the intellect, and related matters: perception, analytic thought, communication, memory. The emotions that go along with Air include the feeling you get from daydreaming; a sense of intense concentration on a difficult problem; an abstract appreciation of mathematical elegance, artistic skill, or superior craftsmanship; and also a sense of distance and detachment. </div> <div> Fire is the most active of elements, representing motivation of all sorts - the Will to create or to destroy, or just to get up and dance. Fiery emotions are intense and urgent, but usually pass quickly: desire, anger, joy, panic. Without Fire to prod the other elements along, the world would likely settle into a rather uninteresting fixed state. </div> <div> Water is the element of deep, long-term emotions, and of the action of the subconscious mind. Love (of an enduring nature); sorrow; the courage to continue on a difficult path with no end in sight; an enduring rage born of long, silent suffering; and the hope that springs eternal from forgotten wisdom, held deep in the heart where the old knowledge still waits - these are the feelings of Water. When you know what to do, but you don't know how you know, that, too, is Water. </div> <div> Earth is the most stable of elements, the emblem of successful completion and the foundation on which the future is built. It is also inertia, resistance to change, unreasoning stubbornness. The emotions of Earth include a sense of security, confidence in your own strength, an ability to completely ignore minor sources of irritation, and a desire to just sit down and do nothing. </div> <div> Thus, various qualities and ideas are associated with each of the Elements. In addition to the physical qualities we think of, there are also colors suggestive of images, there are animals, there are abstract ideas and qualities and virtues, all woven together in a complex web of symbols that sometimes seems perfectly logical and other times looks hopelessly arbitrary and contradictory. Don't worry if it doesn't seem to make sense, because in some modes of understanding, it doesn't. </div> <div> Some Elemental Correspondences </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="644" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="104"><div> Element </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="126"><div> AIR </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> FIRE </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> WATER </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> EARTH </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="104"><div> Direction </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="126"><div> East </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> South </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> West </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> North </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="104"><div> Color </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Yellow (Sunrise) </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Red (Fire, Blood) </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Blue (Water) </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Green (Plants) </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 78 WIDTH="104"><div> In nature </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Wind,</div> <div> Rain (=Semen),</div> <div> Sun's light,</div> <div> Lightning </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Flame,</div> <div> Stars,</div> <div> Sun's heat,</div> <div> Volcano </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Sea (=Womb), Moon,</div> <div> Tides (=Pulse),</div> <div> River </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> Fertile soil,</div> <div> Solid stone,</div> <div> Forest,</div> <div> Fields </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 41 WIDTH="104"><div> Animal </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="126"><div> Man,</div> <div> Eagle </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Lion,</div> <div> Dragon </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Eagle(!),</div> <div> Serpent </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> Bull,</div> <div> Bear </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 22 WIDTH="104"><div> Spirits </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="126"><div> Sylphs </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Salamanders </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Undines </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> Gnomes </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 59 ><NOBR><div> Parts of body </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="126"><div> Eyes,</div> <div> Throat,</div> <div> Brain </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Heart,</div> <div> Loins,</div> <div> Breast </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Womb,</div> <div> Breasts,</div> <div> Tear ducts </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> Back,</div> <div> Arms,</div> <div> Legs </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 78 WIDTH="104"><div> Attributes </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Vision,</div> <div> Voice,</div> <div> Free movement </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Passion,</div> <div> Lust,</div> <div> Will,</div> <div> Desire </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> Feeling,</div> <div> Reflection,</div> <div> Adaptability,</div> <div> Receptivity </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> Strength,</div> <div> Fortitude,</div> <div> Patience,</div> <div> Fertility </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 41 WIDTH="104"><div> Virtue </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> TO KNOW </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> TO WILL </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="133"><div> TO DARE </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="118"><div> TO KEEP SILENCE </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> The Circle Dance or Cone Dance is done for the purpose of raising power, and to bring the collective energy of the group into focus. We use an expanded version of the Witches' Rune, including a short guided visualization to help get the energy flowing, and a postlude emphasizing the basic unity of the group. The dance draws the elemental energies we have invoked into the center of the circle and blends them together so that, combined, they may form the basis of our work. As we chant together, and move in the dance together, we begin to harmonize and balance and blend our voices, our movements, and our magical energies. As the power builds through the Witches' Rune proper, we picture the energy flowing, first with a circular motion through the clasped hands of the dancers, then gradually beginning to move inward and upward to form a cone (the "Cone of Power"), which at the final IO PAN! is released to effect the purpose we have set for it. </div> <div> We often don't explicitly specify a purpose for the Cone. The energy in the default case, by group tradition, goes to build the astral Temple, or to strengthen the group identity (as an entity somewhat independent of the actual members of the group). Some traditions fall to the ground to release the Cone; we throw our hands upward to outline the shape of the Cone and focus on the apex. After we have released the energy of the Cone, we acknowledge the unity we have temporarily achieved, and our readiness to proceed to the work of the ritual. </div> <div> In the Book of the Law (one of the traditional Wiccan documents, probably written by Gerald Gardner, sometimes referred to as 'The Ordains'; no relation to Aleister Crowley's book by the same name) it is written, "With love and worship in their hearts, they shall raise power from their bodies to give power to the Gods". This is rather curious, considering that for most magical operations it is a distinctly bad idea to try to use the energy of your body in this way. However, in the case of the Cone Dance, the power raised does seem to come from the bodies of the dancers, at least up to a point. It is important to keep in mind that you should be taking in energy with one hand while sending it out through the other; this creates a balanced and sustainable energy flow without draining your personal resources. As with all magical work, don't try to push the energy, simply allow it to flow in the direction you want. The reason the cone dance works without draining the participants has to do with the circular shape of the energy flow: we use the energy of our bodies to create a loop, which calls forth an answering surge of energy rising upward from the Earth through the center of our cone; thus, our own power is amplified with the power of the Earth. As the circle draws tighter, the induced energy flow becomes more focused. When the Cone is released, let go of the energy; try to make a clean break and release your attachment to the power. Think of loosing an arrow from a bow; from the moment of release, the arrow moves of its own accord along the course you have set for it, and any further attachment can only hinder its flight. Try to send off the power with the same kind of snap. </div> <div> A related form of ritual dance is the Spiral Dance or Meeting Dance. This dance begins as a circle dance, then the designated leader of the dance releases the hand of the person in front of her and begins to wind the circle inward, forming a spiral. When she reaches the center of the circle, she turns sharply and begins to unwind the spiral. When the spiral is unwound, the dancers are facing outward and moving widdershins. If desired, the spiral may then be wound again, returning the circle to its original state. The spiral wound in this way is symbolic of death and rebirth. This form of dance has a more personally transformative effect than the cone dance; as you pass through the center of the spiral, you can usually feel a distinct energy shift within yourself. </div> <div> Traditionally, the scourge was sometimes used to "whip up" the dancers, especially with a large outdoor festival or a major working. This may be related to the use of goatskin thongs to induce ecstatic frenzy in the celebrants of Dionysiac rites in classical antiquity. </div> <div> Drawing Down the Moon, the invocation of the Goddess into the Priestess, and the corresponding invocation of the God into the Priest, is potentially one of the most powerful magical acts we perform. The Priestess should be aware of this before accepting the role, and the invoking Priest should be sensitive to the magnitude of the occasion. Remarks that follow concerning the Priestess manifesting the Goddess apply equally well to the Priest manifesting the God. </div> <div> Some people have problems with the implied "possession" of the Priestess by the Goddess. Keep in mind that no loss of control should occur, since the Goddess is, in this instance, acting as a part of the Priestess. The point of the Drawing Down, from the perspective of the Priestess, is to help integrate the divine part of her nature into her outward personality. Toward this end, it may be useful to think of the Goddess as a separate entity; however, the distinction should not be overemphasized, as the Priestess and the Goddess should act as one. Each Priestess will develop her own understanding of this mystery in her own time. </div> <div> The basic technique used by the Priestess or Priest being invoked into is to allow the manifestation to take place. This may seem relatively passive, and mainly involves relaxing and performing whatever mental shift is necessary to experience the proper feeling of "opening". There should be a sense of power or immanence flowing through you, with no sense of effort on your part. Think of yourself as a sacred vessel being filled by the essence of the Goddess or the God. Be aware that control of this state requires a very light touch; imposition of a "normal" degree of control generally tends to stop the flow of energy entirely. </div> <div> When we perform the Drawing Down, the Priestess may read the Charge of the Goddess from a script, and the presence of the Goddess may manifest in the particular inflection or emphasis of certain words, or the expressions that cross the Priestess's face, evoking various responses in the listeners. This is sometimes called a "partial invocation", as opposed to a "full invocation" in which the Goddess, through the Priestess, speaks or acts extemporaneously, perhaps going around the circle and giving some message to each of the coveners. Sometimes the communication is entirely non-verbal. </div> <bR> <div> The role of the invoking Priest in the Drawing Down should not be underestimated. It is, of course, possible for a Priestess to manifest the Goddess without any help, but it tends to be much easier, and often more powerful, when there is an equal and opposite Force drawing the Goddess forth by a process of induction. Therefore, at least in a limited way, the invoking Priest may also manifest the God while calling on the Goddess. </div> <div> During the invocation, the Priest uses the wand to draw the Invoking Triangle on the Priestess, touching just above the pubic bone, on the right breast, the left breast, then back to the pubic bone. The triangle should be drawn twice (or in some traditions, thee times). Pay attention to drawing the lines of the triangle as well as touching the points; the triangle itself is a sort of portal for the manifestation of the Goddess, much as the Pentagrams are for the Elements. This is the same Triangle, incidentally, as the Triangle of Manifestation used by medieval Magicians to conjure various spirits, angels, and demons. After the triangle has been drawn twice, touch the wand to the center of the triangle (just above the belly button, not quite touching the skin) and visualize a barrier dissolving within the bounds of the triangle, rather like a soap bubble bursting. </div> <div> If the Full Invocation is to be used, some care must be taken not to misrepresent the Goddess. The Priestess who pursues her own personal agenda while impersonating the Goddess is doing a great disservice to the Craft. Once the Goddess has been invoked, there may be a long initial silence, which might begin to feel embarrassing as it stretches on, and there is a certain internalized social pressure to fill the silence with words: a feeling that everyone is listening expectantly, waiting for the words of the Goddess, so you'd better come up with some. In an actual Full Invocation, it is important to wait as long as it takes, and scrupulously evaluate the words that rise within your mind, presenting themselves to be spoken; if you recognize them as your own words, set them aside, as this is neither the time nor the place for them, and continue to listen for the divine voice. Usually, the divine words will not immediately strike you as wise or profound or uncannily accurate; but they will be unexpected, something you wouldn't have thought to say. </div> <div> Another closely related form of invocation is called "aspecting"; when aspecting, the Priestess attempts to contact a specific facet or personality of the Goddess (if you're a henotheist; or a specific Goddess if you're a polytheist - in practical terms, it amounts to much the same thing). This form of invocation may focus more inward on the relationship between the Priestess and the Goddess invoked, and is often used to establish a personal contact. The full invocation described above is really more for the benefit of the other participants in the circle, the Priestess emanating the divine energies of the Goddess outward, serving more as a channel than as a participant. Aspecting also tends to be more precisely focused on a particular divine personality, whereas the full invocation is often less precise about who exactly is being invoked.</div> <bR> <div> After the main body of the ritual is finished, we begin winding down with Cakes and Wine. There are many layers of symbolism involved here; on a relatively concrete level, solid food has a very grounding effect, gently drawing us into a greater awareness of our physical bodies. This is particularly important after any sort of energetic magical work. </div> <div> On another level, the Wine Blessing is the symbolic Great Rite, an abstraction of the sexual union of the God and the Goddess, serving to ground and release any excess polarized energies left over from the ritual. The kind of sexual polarity we deal with in magical work is relatively abstract; it is often, but not always, represented in terms of gender polarity. The symbolic Great Rite is an act of integration, a resolution and relaxation of the magical tension created between the Priestess and the Priest. This integration operates both on the level of reconnecting with another person, and of reuniting polarized aspects within the Self. To represent the multiple levels of integration involved here, the Priest holds the (feminine) chalice while the Priestess wields the (masculine) athame. This is also a reminder of the old tradition that the Priestess is a priestess of the God, and the Priest is a priest of the Goddess; and of the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess, where the Lord of Death surrenders his authority over the dead to the Goddess, and she teaches him the magic of birth and regeneration. </div> <div> The Wine Blessing often has interesting manifestations on a tactile and physiological level. It has often been noted that in a good wine blessing, the blade will seem to sink much deeper into the chalice than is actually possible, and the participants may feel pleasant tingling sensations, waves of warmth, or a slight rippling of the muscles throughout their bodies. </div> <div> A third level of the Cakes and Wine rite has to do with the idea of spiritual sustenance. It derives from the same roots as the Christian Transubstantiation and Communion rites. Christianity has preserved the aspect of ritual cannibalism while largely abandoning the sexual elements of the rite, whereas we have tended to do the opposite. If the dying God is seen as the spirit of the grain, then the Cakes/Wafers really are the body of the God, and Wine really is his Blood. By eating and drinking them, we are taking into ourselves divine inspiration: the substance of the God (the grain), the gift of the Goddess (the Earth). Sometimes we rend the cakes, releasing the spiritual energy which was bound up in their material structure so that it may flow freely again; this has a strong grounding effect. Note, however, that some traditions of Witchcraft do not use the cakes at all - only the wine blessing. </div> <div> Sharing food and drink also serves to create a sense of connection with each other and with the larger community of Witches, past, present and future. Passing the Chalice around the circle is a very intimate act, yet is relatively non-threatening. This is the part of the ritual where we connect with each other simply as ourselves, not as roles or as manifestations of anything, but still within sacred space. </div> <div> It is important to clearly mark the ending of a ritual and to ground any excess energy. Leaving the Circle to dissipate itself at the end of a ritual is disruptive to the ritual's focus, and often results in random, usually undesirable manifestations of the remaining magical energy. Also, it is important for the participants to make the transition from magical space back to mundane reality. Inadequate grounding can result in feeling spacey or jittery, having difficulty concentrating, etc. In extreme cases, such reactions can last for several days. </div> <div> Magical energy is happiest when it's in motion. When you draw energy into yourself, allow it to flow through you and out into the earth again. Remember, there's always more where that came from. Likewise, when energy is raised in circle, it should be allowed to move through the ritual and then flow into the earth again when its immediate purpose has been fulfilled. In fact, it is a good idea in magical work to try to stay grounded at all times, that is, allow the energy of the ritual to flow freely and without hindrance; however, a good ritual will tend to build up a background level of excitation which then needs to be specifically released. </div> <div> Groundedness is a relative thing; through the course of the ritual, "ground level" has been raised, first by casting the circle, then raised another notch by invoking the Elements, and raised again by the Cone Dance. Cakes and Wine brings the background energy down a step, dismissing the Elements brings it down again, and dissolving the Circle brings us back to pre-ritual groundedness (more or less). </div> <div> The general grounding technique at the end of a ritual is to ground yourself, dismiss the Elements, and banish the Circle. Picture the energy flowing out through your hands and feet and into the earth - think of yourself as a hollow vessel being emptied. Bid Hail and Farewell to the Watchers and any other entities you have invited into the circle. Picture the Circle and the Watchtowers sinking back into the earth. To mark the moment the circle is ended, we usually blow out all the candles in unison for dramatic effect. </div> <div> When the Goddess has been invoked into a Priestess or the God into a Priest, it is customary in some traditions to allow the God or Goddess to stay after the circle has ended. This may be a tacit admission that we have less control over the acts of the Mighty Ones than we might wish to believe; in any case, it seems reasonably safe as long as it is clear that they are in fact free to leave any time they choose (they will anyway, of course, but a certain state of openness is required to ground any excess energy left behind after the manifestation has ended). </div> <div> After the circle has been formally grounded, we go into a huddle and sing a silly song. Laughter is one of the best ways to relax and let the energy flow naturally. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Traditional Ritual</div> <div>  <A NAME="circle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Circle Casting </div> <div> Priestess and Priest cast circle with Sword and Athame. </div> <div> O THOU CIRCLE, BE THOU A MEETING PLACE</div> <div> OF LOVE AND JOY AND TRUTH,</div> <div> A SHIELD AGAINST ALL WICKEDNESS AND EVIL,</div> <div> A RAMPART OF PROTECTION </div> <div> FOR ALL WHO STAND HEREIN.</div> <div> WHEREFORE DO WE BLESS AND CONSECRATE THEE</div> <div> BY THE HOLY AND SACRED NAMES OF <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="BlackChancery" >(Goddess)</FONT> AND (God)</div> <div> (The names used for the Goddess and the God may vary from coven to coven.) </div> <bR> <div> Consecration of Salt and Water </div> <div> Priestess consecrates Salt and Water with Athame. </div> <div> AS WATER IS LIFE'S BEGINNING</div> <div> SO SALT IS ITS END</div> <div> AND COMBINED, THEY BRING FORTH NEW LIFE.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="elements"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Invocation of the Watchtowers </div> <div> All face East </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE, </div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE EAST, </div> <div> COME AND JOIN US AT THIS CIRCLE.</div> <div> SEAL, MAKE FAST, AND GUARD THIS HOLY PLACE </div> <div> THAT ALL WITHIN MAY WORSHIP.  </div> <div> HEAR US, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE EAST, </div> <div> WE BID THEE WELCOME.</div> <div> Draw Invoking Pentagram of Air. </div> <bR> <div> All face South </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE, </div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE SOUTH, </div> <div> COME AND JOIN US AT THIS CIRCLE.</div> <div> SEAL, MAKE FAST, AND GUARD THIS HOLY PLACE </div> <div> THAT ALL WITHIN MAY WORSHIP.  </div> <div> HEAR US, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE SOUTH, </div> <div> WE BID THEE WELCOME.</div> <div> Draw Invoking Pentagram of Fire. </div> <bR> <div> All face West </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE, </div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE WEST, </div> <div> COME AND JOIN US AT THIS CIRCLE.</div> <div> SEAL, MAKE FAST, AND GUARD THIS HOLY PLACE </div> <div> THAT ALL WITHIN MAY WORSHIP.  </div> <div> HEAR US, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE WEST, </div> <div> WE BID THEE WELCOME.</div> <div> Draw Invoking Pentagram of Water. </div> <bR> <div> All face North </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE, </div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE NORTH , </div> <div> COME AND JOIN US AT THIS CIRCLE.</div> <div> SEAL, MAKE FAST, AND GUARD THIS HOLY PLACE </div> <div> THAT ALL WITHIN MAY WORSHIP.  </div> <div> HEAR US, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE  NORTH, </div> <div> WE BID THEE WELCOME.</div> <div> Draw Invoking Pentagram of Earth. </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="dance"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>The Cone Dance </div> <div> All join hands and circle clockwise while chanting the Witches' Rune; at the end, drop to the ground to release the energy. </div> <div> Witches' Rune </div> <div> DARKSOME NIGHT AND SHINING MOON</div> <div> EAST, THEN SOUTH, THEN WEST, THEN NORTH;</div> <div> HEARKEN TO THE WITCHES' RUNE,</div> <div> HERE WE COME TO CALL YE FORTH!</div> <div> EARTH AND WATER, AIR AND FIRE,</div> <div> WAND AND PENTACLE AND SWORD,</div> <div> WORK YE UNTO OUR DESIRE,</div> <div> HEARKEN YE UNTO OUR WORD!</div> <div> CORDS AND CENSER, SCOURGE AND KNIFE,</div> <div> POWERS OF THE WITCH'S BLADE,</div> <div> WAKEN ALL YE UNTO LIFE,</div> <div> COME YE AS THE CHARM IS MADE!</div> <div> QUEEN OF HEAVEN, QUEEN OF HELL,</div> <div> HORNED HUNTER OF THE NIGHT,</div> <div> LEND YOUR POWER UNTO OUR SPELL</div> <div> AND WORK OUR WILL BY MAGIC RITE!</div> <div> BY ALL THE POWERS OF LAND AND SEA,</div> <div> BY AL THE MIGHT OF MOON AND SUN,</div> <div> AS WE DO WILL, SO MOTE IT BE!</div> <div> CHANT THE SPELL AND BE IT DONE!</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="ddtm"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Drawing Down the Moon </div> <div>  <A NAME="kiss"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Five-fold Kiss </div> <div> Priest gives Priestess the five-fold kiss, kissing feet, knees, womb, breasts, and lips. </div> <bR> <div> Priest </div> <div> BLESSED BE THY FEET, </div> <div> THAT HAVE BROUGHT THEE ON THESE WAYS.</div> <div> BLESSED BE THY KNEES, </div> <div> THAT SHALL KNEEL BEFORE THE SACRED ALTAR.</div> <div> BLESSED BE THY WOMB,</div> <div> WITHOUT WHICH WE WOULD NOT BE.</div> <div> BLESSED BE THY BREASTS,</div> <div> FORMED IN BEAUTY AND STRENGTH.</div> <div> BLESSED BE THY LIPS,</div> <div> WHICH SHALL SPEAK THE SACRED NAMES.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="goddess"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Invocation of the Goddess </div> <div> Priest </div> <div> THOU, WHO AT NOON OF NIGHT DOTH REIGN,</div> <div> QUEEN OF THE STARRY REALM ABOVE,</div> <div> NOT UNTO THEE MIGHT WE ATTAIN</div> <div> UNLESS THINE IMAGE BE OF LOVE</div> <div> BY MOON-RAYS' SILVER SHAFTS OF POWER,</div> <div> BY GREEN LEAF BREAKING FROM THE BUD,</div> <div> BY SEED THAT SPRINGETH INTO FLOWER,</div> <div> BY LIFE THAT COURSETH IN THE BLOOD,</div> <div> BY RUSHING WIND AND LEAPING FLAME,</div> <div> BY FLOWING WATER AND FERTILE EARTH,</div> <div> POUR THE WINE OF OUR DESIRE</div> <div> FROM OUT THY CAULDRON OF REBIRTH!</div> <div> HERE MAY WE SEE IN VISION CLEAR</div> <div> THE SECRET STRANGE UNVEILED AT LENGTH:</div> <div> OPEN FOR US THE INNER WAY,</div> <div> THE PATHWAY OF INTELLIGENCE</div> <div> BETWEEN THE GATES OF NIGHT AND DAY,</div> <div> BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF TIME AND SENSE:</div> <div> BEHOLD THE MYSTERY ARIGHT!</div> <div> I INVOKE THEE AND CALL UPON THEE,</div> <div> O MIGHTY MOTHER OF US ALL,</div> <div> BRINGER OF ALL FRUITFULNESS:</div> <div> BY SEED AND ROOT, BY BUD AND STEM,</div> <div> BY LEAF AND FLOWER AND FRUIT,</div> <div> BY LIFE AND LOVE DO I INVOKE THEE</div> <div> TO DESCEND INTO THE BODY OF THIS, THY PRIESTESS:</div> <div> HERE SPEAK WITH HER TONGUE, </div> <div> TOUCH WITH HER HANDS, KISS WITH HER LIPS</div> <div> THAT THY WILL MAY BE FULFILLED.</div> <div> THEN SPEND THINE ANCIENT LOVE, O MIGHTY ONE!</div> <div> DESCEND TO AID US, </div> <div> WHO WITHOUT THEE ARE FORLORN!</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="charge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Charge of the Goddess </div> <div> Priestess </div> <div> WHENEVER YE HAVE NEED OF ANYTHING, </div> <div> ONCE IN THE MONTH, </div> <div> AND BETTER IT BE WHEN THE MOON IS FULL, </div> <div> THEN SHALL YE ASSEMBLE IN SOME SECRET PLACE </div> <div> AND ADORE THE SPIRIT OF ME, </div> <div> WHO AM QUEEN OF ALL WITCHERY. </div> <div> THERE SHALL YE ASSEMBLE, </div> <div> WHO ARE FAIN TO LEARN SORCERY, </div> <div> WHO HAVE NOT AS YET WON ITS DEEPEST SECRETS.  </div> <div> TO THESE WILL I TEACH </div> <div> THAT WHICH IS YET UNKNOWN.  </div> <div> AND YE SHALL BE FREE FROM ALL SLAVERY, </div> <div> AND AS A SIGN THAT YE BE TRULY FREE, </div> <div> YE SHALL BE NAKED IN YOUR RITES, </div> <div> AND YE SHALL SING, FEAST, MAKE MUSIC AND LOVE, </div> <div> ALL IN MY PRAISE. </div> <div> FOR MINE IS THE ECSTASY OF THE SPIRIT, </div> <div> AND MINE ALSO IS JOY ON EARTH,</div> <div> FOR MY LAW IS LOVE FOR ALL BEINGS.  </div> <div> KEEP PURE YOUR HIGHEST IDEALS,</div> <div> STRIVE EVER TOWARDS THEM,</div> <div> LET NONE STOP YOU OR TURN YOU ASIDE.  </div> <div> FOR MINE IS THE SECRET DOOR</div> <div> THAT OPENS UPON THE LAND OF YOUTH, </div> <div> AND MINE IS THE CUP OF THE WINE OF LIFE, </div> <div> AND THE CAULDRON OF REBIRTH. </div> <div> I AM THE GRACIOUS GODDESS </div> <div> WHO GIVES THE GIFT OF JOY TO THE HEARTS OF ALL.</div> <div> UPON THE EARTH, </div> <div> I GIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPIRIT ETERNAL, </div> <div> AND BEYOND DEATH I GIVE PEACE AND FREEDOM, </div> <div> AND REUNION WITH THOSE THAT HAVE GONE BEFORE. </div> <div> NOR DO I DEMAND AUGHT OF SACRIFICE, </div> <div> FOR BEHOLD, I AM THE MOTHER OF ALL THINGS, </div> <div> AND MY LOVE IS POURED OUT UPON THE EARTH.</div> <div>  <A NAME="star"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Star Goddess Charge </div> <div> Priest </div> <div> HEAR THE WORDS OF THE STAR GODDESS, </div> <div> IN THE DUST OF WHOSE FEET </div> <div> ARE THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN, </div> <div> AND WHOSE BODY ENCIRCLES THE UNIVERSE.</div> <div> Priestess </div> <div> I, WHO AM THE BEAUTY OF THE GREEN EARTH, </div> <div> AND THE WHITE MOON AMONGST THE STARS, </div> <div> AND THE MYSTERY OF THE WATERS, </div> <div> AND THE DESIRE OF THE HEART, </div> <div> I CALL UNTO YOUR SOUL TO ARISE AND COME TO ME. </div> <div> FOR I AM THE SOUL OF NATURE </div> <div> WHO GIVES LIFE TO THE UNIVERSE: </div> <div> FROM ME ALL THINGS PROCEED </div> <div> AND TO ME ALL THINGS MUST RETURN. </div> <div> BELOVED OF THE GODS AND MEN, </div> <div> WHOSE INNERMOST DIVINE SELF  </div> <div> SHALL BE ENFOLDED IN THE RAPTURE OF THE INFINITE,  </div> <div> LET MY WORSHIP BE IN THE HEART THAT REJOICES.</div> <div> FOR BEHOLD, </div> <div> ALL ACTS OF LOVE AND PLEASURE ARE MY RITUALS.  </div> <div> THEREFORE, LET THERE BE BEAUTY AND STRENGTH, </div> <div> POWER AND COMPASSION, HONOR AND HUMILITY, </div> <div> MIRTH AND REVERENCE WITHIN YOU ALL.  </div> <div> AND YOU WHO WISH TO SEEK ME, </div> <div> KNOW THAT YOUR SEEKING AND YEARNING </div> <div> GAIN YOU NOTHING UNTIL YOU KNOW THE MYSTERY -- </div> <div> THAT IF THAT WHICH YOU SEEK </div> <div> YOU DO NOT FIND WITHIN YOURSELF, </div> <div> YOU WILL NEVER FIND IT WITHOUT. </div> <div> FOR BEHOLD, </div> <div> I HAVE BEEN WITH YOU FROM THE BEGINNING </div> <div> AND I AM THAT WHICH IS ATTAINED </div> <div> AT THE END OF DESIRE.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="cakes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Wine Blessing </div> <div> Priest holds chalice of wine, while Priestess lowers Athame into it. </div> <div> AS THE ATHAME IS TO THE MALE,</div> <div> SO THE CHALICE IS TO THE FEMALE;</div> <div> AND CONJOINED, THEY ARE ONE IN BLESSEDNESS.</div> <div>  <A NAME="closing"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Traditional Circle Closing </div> <bR> <div> All face East </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE,</div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE EAST,</div> <div> WE THANK THEE FOR THY PRESENCE HERE,</div> <div> AS GUARDIAN OF OUR CIRCLE</div> <div> AND WITNESS TO OUR RITE.</div> <div> GO IN PEACE, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE EAST,</div> <div> WITH OUR BLESSING AND OUR THANKS.</div> <div> HAIL AND FAREWELL!</div> <div> Draw Banishing Pentagram of Air. </div> <bR> <div> All face South </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE,</div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE SOUTH,</div> <div> WE THANK THEE FOR THY PRESENCE HERE,</div> <div> AS GUARDIAN OF OUR CIRCLE</div> <div> AND WITNESS TO OUR RITE.</div> <div> GO IN PEACE, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE SOUTH,</div> <div> WITH OUR BLESSING AND OUR THANKS.</div> <div> HAIL AND FAREWELL!</div> <div> Draw Banishing Pentagram of Fire. </div> <bR> <div> All face West </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE,</div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE WEST,</div> <div> WE THANK THEE FOR THY PRESENCE HERE,</div> <div> AS GUARDIAN OF OUR CIRCLE</div> <div> AND WITNESS TO OUR RITE.</div> <div> GO IN PEACE, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE WEST,</div> <div> WITH OUR BLESSING AND OUR THANKS.</div> <div> HAIL AND FAREWELL!</div> <div> Draw Banishing Pentagram of Water. </div> <bR> <div> All face North </div> <div> HAIL TO THEE,</div> <div> GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER OF THE NORTH,</div> <div> WE THANK THEE FOR THY PRESENCE HERE,</div> <div> AS GUARDIAN OF OUR CIRCLE</div> <div> AND WITNESS TO OUR RITE.</div> <div> GO IN PEACE, O MIGHTY ONE OF THE NORTH,</div> <div> WITH OUR BLESSING AND OUR THANKS.</div> <div> HAIL AND FAREWELL!</div> <div> Draw Banishing Pentagram of Earth. </div> <bR> <div> The circle is ended. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>If you need any help with anything Wiccan, Witchy or Pagan. need a potion or spell help </B></I><A HREF="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com"><U><I><B>E-Mail</B></I></U></A><I><B> me, or add me to your MSN Messanger with ask_a_witch@hotmail.com</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>