The Altar:

Use a white altar cloth, with boughs of holly and pine. Add a goddess figure on the right and a god on the left, and any other adornments you favor. Use as many unlit green candles of any size as comfort and safety dictate, with matches nearby. Begin the ritual in near darkness, grounding and centering with these words:

Come spirits of East, of chill wind and air
Come into my Circle with thought so fair.

Come spirits of South, bright spirits of fire
Bring with you warmth of love and desire.

Come spirits of West, of frozen ice chill
Bring feelings as deep as the snow on the hill.

Empowering goddess of dark and light,
I ask that you be here tonight.
Nurturing goddess of light and dark
I ask that you instill a spark.

Consort god of warmth and cold
Be with me as in days of old.
Powerful god of cold and warm
Please keep my Circle from all harm.

Goddess and god here tonight
Guide my path from dark to light.

Now to me my path is clear
I am within my Circle here,
Between the worlds and without fear.
Beyond the bounds of day and night,
Beyond the bounds of dark and light,
Where sorrow and joy, death and birth
Meet as one, beyond the Earth.

Magickal Working

The night is dark, the sun is gone,
Yet I know the wheel turns on.
Through midnight's hour, solid dark,
Within my heart remains a spark.

(Scott Cunningham)

On shortest day and longest night
I now receive the warmth of light.

Go from candle to candle repeating the lighting, the thoughts, and the words.

Pause now in your brightly lit space, enjoying the light and warmth of the candles. Know that this light is around you and also within you. Know that you can call forth this light to empower yourself in any darkness that may befall you. When you are ready, proceed with these words:

Lady and Lord, my thanks to you.
I will help this magick in all that I do.
Grateful for your presence bright
I dismiss you now into the night.
Air and water, earth and fire
Thanks that you answered my desire.
Wind, coal, rock and rain
You may be on your way again.
Blessings and thanks to all who were here.
Though you are gone, may you stay very near.

The Circle is open but unbroken.
The peace of the goddess goes with me.
The strength of the god goes with me.
I am empowered with light as I go forth from this place.
Blessed be.

The Altar:

Use a white altar cloth accented with a red drape, and decorated with greenery. Place the Brighid’s Cross you made* at the center to represent the goddess. Include a potted flower, just beginning to rise from the earth, and in your chalice, pour a bit of milk. Have a white libation bowl available. Light a large white pillar candle and votive candles in a mix of red or green, and keep them lit till you snuff them following the ritual. Add your usual altar tools. Have a broom nearby. If you use direction altars, place some red and white and greenery and candles on them as well.

Grounding and Centering:

The warmth of Brighid’s hearth embraces me.

The light of Brighid’s flame guides me.

The strength of Brighid’s blessing protects me.

I cast the Circle and cleanse today

Sweeping the last of winter away.

Regrets from the past I sweep away, too.

As I move forth to begin anew.

As creatures of earth awaken today
North, please guide me on my way.
As winds blow gently through the air
East, breathe on me your breath so fair.
As the fiery sun comes to the sky
South, warm me as the cold does fly.
As gentle spring rains begin to fall
West, please bless us, one and all.

Brighid, of fire and flame so bright,
Bring Your blessed healing light.
Loving Mother, hear my plea,
Attend this Circle here with me!
Blessed Brighid, who tends the flame,
And hears Her children call Her name,
Goddess of music, poetry, art,
Bring inspiration to my heart.

Three Brighids--Maiden, Mother, Crone,
Loving light of hearth and home,
Maiden, bless this sacred space,
By Your will and by Your grace.
Let this moment be my start.
May I carry Your peace within my heart!
(adapted from Autumn Rose)

Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I invoke the Goddess fair!
I stand here now Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!

Fire and Air, Earth and Water
May the God come forth to join Earth’s Daughter.
I stand here now Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!

Magickal Working

Imbolc is a time of new beginnings, of new growth. It is a time of divination to see the direction of that new growth.

Hold your Brighid’s Cross in your hands as you focus on the directions you have come from in the past year. In your own words, ask the Maiden Goddess to show you the direction that is best for you in the coming year. See that direction clearly in your mind and know that this is the time to set off in that direction. Pause and reflect on the message She sends you.

When you are ready, chant:

I give thanks for unknown blessings

Already on the way.

I give thanks for unknown blessings

Already on the way.

(Dr. Christa Landon, editor Pagan Institute Report, Twin Cities)

My thanks for what You have let me see.

I know my direction is now up to me.

I will follow my path. Blessed be.

Opening the Circle:

Air of East that is Her sweet breath
Fire of South that is Her bright spirit;
Water of West that is Her living womb
Earth of North that is Her strong body,

I thank you for your presence here.
Stay if you will; go if you must.
May there be peace between us.

Brighid, Maid of fire and flame
Thank You. I am glad You came.
Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I now dismiss the Goddess fair.

Although You leave my Circle here
I know that You are ever near.

I go forth refreshed.
I go forth renewed.
I go forth in rejoicing.
I go forth with the Goddess ever in my heart.

Blessed be.

The Altar:

Cover your altar with a plain white cloth. Put a pair of candles one black and one white in the center of your altar and either on its four corners or on direction altars, if you use them. The only color should be bright spring flowers, either in a vase/bowl, or scattered loosely on the altar. Your garment also should be of bright pastel shades. Create a large yin - yang symbol from paper or fabric for the center of your altar. Add other altar tools of your choosing, such as goddess and god figures, a censor with incense, wand, athame, etc.

Grounding and Centering:

Morning star comes out at night,
Without the dark there is no light.
If nothing's wrong, then nothing's right.
Let it be a dance.

Let the sun shine, let it rain,
Share the laughter, bare the pain,
And round and round we go again.
Let it be a dance.
* From “Let It Be a Dance”, Ric Masten

Invoke the directions and deities.

Spirits of the East, spirits of air,
Awaken me with the spring breeze
Fill my lungs, and join me
In celebration of the endless renewal of light and life.
(light the black and the white candles in the East)

Spirits of the South, spirits of fire,
Warm me with the rising sun
Quicken my heart, and join me
In celebration of the lengthening of the day.
(light both South candles)

Spirits of the West, spirits of water,
Wash me in gentle rain
Revive my longing, and join me
In celebration of boundless possibility.
(light candles)

Spirits of the North, spirits of earth,
Clothe me in the finery of new growth
Support my steps, and join me
In celebration of a world made green again.
(light candles)
* Direction invocations adapted from “The Practical Pagan”

Goddess, lovely Maiden fair
With you comes the warmer air.
Rebirth of light is what you bring
As I enter into Spring.
Now I leave the dark behind.
Be here as my light I find.
As Earth, reborn from night to day,
Guide me now along my way.

God and consort of the bride
Be with me as the night we hide.
Move forward at this time with me
With balance and stability.
Direct my steps as I move on
Into the light that comes with dawn.

Balanced now between the worlds
Between darkness and light
Between joy and sorrow, music and silence,
age and youth, birth and death.
I am balanced in this moment
When they are one.

Magickal Working

Ostara is a time of new awakening, of increased light, of fertility— spiritual, mental, emotional, physical. It is a time when the Earth is renewed, refreshed, and reborn. Take this opportunity to renew yourself in dedication to the Goddess and the God. Be reborn in your commitment. Light the remaining altar candles with these words:

Rest for a moment, silent, still.
Then continue:

I breathe your energies into my body, commingling, blending, mixing them with mine, that I may see the divine in nature, nature in the divine, and divinity within myself and all else.
O Great Goddess,
O Great God,
Make me one with your essence
Make me one with your essence
Make me one with your essence.

*Adapted from Self Dedication Rite By Scott Cunningham

Opening the Circle:

Dismiss the directions and deities with thanks.

I thank you for your presence, North.
With blessings you may now go forth.
I thank you for your presence, West.
By your presence I am blessed.
I thank you for your presence, South.
I give praise with heart and mouth.
I thank you for your presence, East.
You are the last but not the least.

Lady and Lord, it’s joy you bring
As I enter into Spring.
My thanks that you were here with me
With balance that is meant to be.
I open now my life to you
With vows I’ve chosen to renew.

My Circle is open.

I move forward from this place

Balanced, renewed, refreshed

Into the beauty that is Spring.

The Altar:

The altar should be a riot of bright colors—altar cloth, flowers, candles, all in joyous colors. Include the usual adornments: goddess and god figures, corner candles, wand, athame, etc. Adorn yourself also in bright colors,a bright smile,and a crown of flowers and ribbons. You and your altar should look like a celebration!

Grounding:

Joy to the world!
All the boys and girls.
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea!
Joy to you and me!*

Cast your Circle by scattering flower petals or new green leaves with this chant:

Joyous Beltane; joyous spring!
I feel joy in everything!

Face each direction as you invoke the spirits.

Join me spirits of the East, bringing the dawning of a
new and happy time. Let me be always mindful of the
beauty and abundance in this season.

Join me spirits of the South, bringing the warmth of
the sun as we move toward summer. Let me be
passionate in the pleasure you bring.

Join me spirits of the West, bringing splashing waters
of delight and celebration. Let me feel the depths of
joy as I move forth.

Join me spirits of the North, bringing forth the
glorious growth of all. Let me be nurtured by your
bounty and nurturing to all.

Invoke the Goddess and the God:

She walks in beauty like the night
She is all that is known in dark and light
She comes with flowers in her hair
She is our goddess bright and fair.
Goddess bright, be with me here.
May I feel your presence near.
Join me on this special day
To celebrate the start of May.

God, today is your time, too.
As I welcome spring anew.
God so strong, be with me here.
May I feel your presence near.
Join me on this special day
To celebrate the start of May.

Proclamation:

Now between the worlds I stand
Bless the Lady, bless the Land
As above, so below
Bright sun that all my dreams may grow.
Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies
Bless the Power that never dies!

Magickal Working:

Fertility can be of the body, or of the mind, or of the spirit. Identify area/s of fertility for yourself for the coming year. On a piece of paper write down your top three plans, dreams, visions for your future. Read them aloud and meditate upon them. Holding the paper in your hands, chant these words:

I ask that your fertility
Come to the land and come to me.

Dismissal of directions: 

Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I thank you for this moment rare.
South and North, East and West
Thank you. Now I feel most blest.
Go you now, if you will.
Your memory is with me still.

Dismissal of Goddess & God: 

Oh, great goddess of joy
I have been here in praise.
Guide me along my path.
I’ll honor you all of my days.
Thank you for being with me.
In my heart you will always be.

Oh great god of hope
I have been here in praise.
Guide me along my path.
I’ll honor you all of my days.
Thank you for being with me.
In my heart you will always be.

The Altar:

As at Beltane, the altar should be bright and colorful, as should you. Place flowers on the altar and wear them in your hair. Dress the altar in your usual tools and adornments, and be sure to include a small cauldron, burning charcoal and bits of wood. Have a small bowl of loose seeds of any type close at hand.

Ground and center with these words:

This longest day is a source of joy.
Its brightness and warmth I shall employ.

Cast the Circle with a wand, athame, or stalk of flowers:

The Wheel moves on from dusk to dawn.
Now I know I shall reap what I sew.

Invoke Directions:

From the East comes wind, cool and clear.
Be with me here today.
Come spirit with thoughts and words so near.
In this Circle stay.

The South brings fire to the summer sky,
Be with me here today
Come spirit with passion riding high
In this Circle stay.

From the West come fog and mist and rain
Be with me here today
Emotions shall be felt again
In this Circle stay.

Beneath my feet is the soil of Earth,
Be with me here today
North, nurturing, our place of birth
In this Circle stay.

Isis, Istarte, Diana,
Hecatate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Be with me today.

Isis, Istarte, Diana,
Hecatate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
I hear what you say.
Isis, Istarte, Diana,
Hecatate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Share joy in every way.

Pan, Poseidon, Dionesius, Apollo
Be with me today.
Pan, Poseidon, Dionesius, Apollo
I hear what you say.
Pan, Poseidon, Dionesius, Apollo
Share joy in every way.

Pronouncement:

In the middle of summer
On this day of great length
I stand in my Circle
With joy and with strength!

Magickal Working:

Stir your cauldron to create flames. Take the bowl of seeds in hand, and slowly cast three small handfuls of seeds into the flame.

With the first handful say: Prosperity!

With the next say: Protection!

With the third say: A bountiful harvest of my dreams!

Pause as you watch the flames turn to smoldering embers, meditating on your dreams, and the prosperity and protection you seek. See them coming to you. When you are ready, chant joyously:

God and Goddess, now I see
Your loving blessings come to me!

Thank you North for your presence here.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
May there be peace between us.

Thank you West for your presence here.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
May there be peace between us.

Thank you South for your presence here.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
May there be peace between us.

Thank you East for your presence here.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
May there be peace between us.

Loving Goddess of this hour
You have helped me to empower
Myself for what I need.
I shall grow as from a seed.

Strong God of this special day
You have helped me find my way.
I celebrate the balanced sun,
And now my ritual is nearly done.

My thanks for your presence here today.
Go if you will. In my heart you will stay.

The Circle is open but unbroken.
May the peace of the Goddess
And the strength of the God
Go ever in my heart.

Blessed be.

The Altar:

Cover your altar with a cloth of red, orange, gold and yellow. Have an abundance of flowers of the same color, and wear those colors yourself. Add in some fresh fruit and vegetables of the season. In addition to your usual altar items, include a smoldering cauldron and a small loaf of bread.

Ground and center with these words:

I am blessed.

I am thankful for all that I have.

I give thanks. I give thanks. I give thanks.

Cast your Circle with athame or wand:

With a grateful heart I purify

This sacred space between earth and sky.

Invoke Directions:

Spirits of East

Let your breezes gently caress all that I do.

May my harvest be plentiful.

Spirits of the South

Bring your light and warmth to my endeavors

May my harvest be plentiful.

Spirits of the West

Your waters are my liquid life.

May my harvest be plentiful.

Spirits of the North

I celebrate the abundance of your good earth.

May my harvest be plentiful.

Invoke Deities:

Father Sun, come into my Circle.

I thank you for your strength,

For your energy,

For the food we now harvest.

I thank you, too, for your sacrifice

As the days begin to shorten.

I know you will rise again.

Mother Earth, come into my Circle.

I thank you for fertile soil,

For nurturing,

For the food we now harvest.

Walk with me now

As the days begin to shorten.

Give me strength in the dark

Till the Sun will rise again.

Pronouncement:

I am between the worlds,

Beyond the bounds of time,

Where day and night,

Birth and death,

Joy and sorrow,

Meet as one.

Magickal Working:

Just as the seeds have challenges to their growth, so do we all have challenges to achieving our full potential. Consider what limitations may be holding you back. For each one of them, name it and break off a bit of bread, dropping it into the cauldron. As your bread/limitations burn, whisper this chant:

So mote it be. So mote it be.

I am free of my limits.

So mote it be.

My thanks for this harvest, the first of the year.

May its power be with me in all I hold dear.

Dismissing the directions and the deities:

North and south and east and west,

All by Mother Earth are blessed.

My thanks, directions, every one.

You are blessed by Father Sun.

My thanks that you did join with me.

Go now if you will, for you are free.

Mother Earth and Father Sun,

I thank you for your presence in my Circle.

I thank you for the blessings of the first harvest.

I thank you for blessings yet to come.

I thank you that I am blessed.

I am blessed.

Sing or speak the chant:

The Circle is open but unbroken.

May the peace of the goddess go ever in my heart.

Merry meet and merry part

And merry meet again.

Altar:

Use fall colors for altar cloth and candles: dark red, orange, gold, brown, rust. Include a spray of colored leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Add a cornucopia of fruit and vegetables, and a chalice of red wine or dark grape juice. (If indoors, have a small libation bowl.) Use goddess and god figures of your choice. Create similar smaller altars at direction points with a small bowl if indoors. Or place a candle and bowl at each of the four corners of your altar.

Centering and Grounding:

Focus on the altar with its bounty as you say:

“I come in a spirit of joyful thanksgiving.

I am blessed in knowing that I have enough.

I am blessed in knowing that abundance is simply more than enough.

I am blessed in my ability to share my abundance with those less blessed.”

Use a wand, athame, or sturdy twig full of fall leaves or acorn clusters to cast the Circle, walking in a deosil (clockwise) direction with this chant:

“My sacred Circle now I cast, Thankful for the harvest past.”

Invoking the Directions and the Goddess and the God:

Move to or face each direction, lighting a candle there, then the center with these words:

“Be with me East, bright spirit of Air. Bless me with knowledge, a gift so fair.

Be with me South, with your spirit of passion. A dimming of Fire is now what I fashion.

Be with me West, your Waters run clear. Emotions to balance at this time of year.

Be with me North, the Earth firm and grounded. Guide me to follow the path that was founded.

Gracious Lady as now you age I move into a darker stage.

Please join me as I celebrate

Before the calm that will not wait.

My thanks for the harvest I offer to you

At this second harvest I give you what’s due.

In thanks I am festive on this special day

Knowing the sun now is moving away.

The days and nights are equal and then

I ask you to help me find balance again.

Gracious Lord your time draws neigh

As the sun sinks deeper in the sky.

Please join my Circle as thanks I give

And as I seek balance each day that I live.

The harvest is in and stored away

And my vow is to honor you day by day.

I am between the worlds,

Beyond the bounds of time,

Where day and night,

Birth and death,

Joy and sorrow,

Meet as one.”

Magickal Working:

Mabon is the second harvest, a festival of thanksgiving, a time of balance, and a time for drawing back in preparation for the dark months ahead. Focus on the abundance you have now, balancing that with possible hard times ahead, and sharing it with those less blessed.

Take up the chalice and sip saying:

“I know that where I place my attention, there my energy will go as well.

I know that as I focus on my worthiness of this harvest, I acknowledge my empowerment through the goddess and the god.”

Pause to think about your own harvest—whatever gain, strength, prosperity you have brought into your life. Pour a bit of the wine onto the ground or into the libation bowl.

“Lady and Lord, I share with you what I have, as I thank you for my abundance.”

Move to the East altar. Sip from the chalice and focus on gifts of the mind you have received and that you can share with others. Pour a bit of the wine onto the ground or into the bowl, thanking the goddess and god for their gifts of the mind and pondering how you will share them.

Move to the South altar. Repeat to the South your tribute to the East, this time focusing on your gifts of creativity and how to share them.

Move to the West altar. Repeat the tribute, focusing on your gifts of the heart and how to share them.

Move to the North altar. Repeat the tribute, focusing on your material gifts and how to share them.

Return to the main altar and place your chalice on it. You have acknowledged gifts of your mind, your creativity, your heart, and your material gifts and you have considered how to share them. On this journey you have learned that true balance is in giving as you receive.

Chant these words:

“In thanks for blessings from above,

I share my gifts as an act of love.”

Opening the Circle:

“North and South and East and West

All by Mother Earth are blessed.

I thank you for your presence here

As I go through the ending year.

My thanks for the insights you’ve given me

In finding a balance that I can see.

Lady and Lord, my thanks to you

For helping me focus on what is true.

Balance and prosperity

Begin within, with you in me.”

Take up the twig, athame or wand with which you cast the Circle, and open it by walking around widdershins (counter clockwise) with these words:

“The Circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the goddess and the strength of the god Be ever with me. So mote it be and Blessed be.”

The Altar:

The altar should be set with a black cloth, a smoldering cauldron, black votives at the corners or at direction altars, with a single white taper at the center. Adorn the central altar and direction altars with arrangements of dark dried flowers, reeds, and grasses. A figure of the goddess as crone should be present. (This can easily be made from a black scarf or cloth.) Wear a dark robe with a hood. If a loved one or beloved pet has made the transition to the Summerland during the year, you may choose to include a small photograph on the alter. Near the cauldron, have a bowl with a few short sturdy twigs and dried leaves.

Grounding and Centering:

Focus on your altar and the meaning of this season with these words:

“Within the cycle of life, there comes a time when the light is dim and energy has retracted. It is a time to honor our dead and those in their declining years. It is a time to look forward to the life that grows ever out of death.”

Cast the Circle deosil with athame or wand extended, repeating this chant:

“Crone and sage, crone and sage,Wisdom is the gift of age. Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn All that dies shall be reborn.”

After returning to the altar, invoke the spirits of the directions, lighting the black votive on the direction altar or on that corner of your main altar with these words:

Invoking the Directions:

Spirit of East I do invite
To join my circle in dark of night.
Your Air now brings me winds so chill.
My rushing life becomes quite still.
My thoughts and words in somber quest
Invoke you now with all the rest.

Spirit of South I need your light.
I need your warmth on this dark night.
I beg you, make the shadows go.
I seek creative passion so.
Be with me on this night so black
With fire and heat which now I lack.

Invoking the Goddess:

Goddess, Crone of the dying light, of the death of the year,
Be with me as I honor the close of a cycle.
Bless me with your wisdom as the end draws near.
I request your presence and your reassurance
That the end is but another beginning;
That as the light goes, yet it will come again;
That death brings with it the promise of life to come.

Guide me that I might know your gift for my loved ones,
That they will rest and be reborn, refreshed and renewed.
I am now in that place,
In that sacred space between the worlds.
I am where my ancestors have gone.
I am where my loved ones watch me.

I am in a world beyond time
Where the goddess guides me
Where I am one with the world
Where I open my heart and mind
Where I love and learn.
Blessed be.

Honoring those who have gone on to the Summerland.

If you have a photograph on your altar, hold it close, or hold in your heart a loved one who has made the final transition. If you have no one in your life who has made this transition, honor the many lives wasted in war and crime. Say these words:

“Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there. I did not die.” *

Magickal Working

Samhain marks the New Year. You have looked back at losses of the past. Now look ahead. As you look to the new year, you must look within.

Take a twig from the bowl and holding it in your hands focus on a strength you have which you would take with you into the New Year. Say these words as you drop the twig into the cauldron:

“I am strong and empowered by my ______. As this twig adds power to the flames I know my ______ adds to the strength of those I touch.”

Take a dry leaf from the bowl, and holding it in your hands, focus on something of yourself you would leave behind with the passing year. Say these words as you drop the leaf into the cauldron:

“Be gone from me, ______. I have no use for you in my life. As this leaf turns to ash in the flame, so _______ burns and is gone.”

Light the white candle while focusing on an attribute or skill you wish for yourself in the coming year. Look into the flame as you say these words:

“My wish is for ______. I know a wish alone will not bring this to me. I am empowering myself here and now to take steps in the new year to create for myself this ______.

I face the New Year with joy and love.

Things to keep, to acquire, to be free of.

To insure that the magick will come true

I will help it happen in all that I do.”

Opening the Circle:

Thank you Goddess Crone for your presence here.
I ask you always to be near.
On this night and in this hour
I have felt your magick power.

I thank directions spirits all
For coming with my opening call.
You are of the goddess; go with her now.
My thanks for your presence during my vow.

Thanks for her sweet breath which is air,
And thanks for the fire, her spirit fair,
Thanks water which fills her place of birth,
And thanks for her body, our sacred Earth.

I go forth from this sacred space
Into the New Year
Empowered to be more
Than I have been.

So mote it be and blessed be.