THE WITCH'S CORNER

(You can turn the music box off at the bottom of this page.)

 "We seek to find peace of mind in the word, the formula, the ritual."

 
Upon this page, you will find:

 1.  Circle Casting

2.  Cakes & Wine

3.  Initiation (solitary ritual)

4.  Wiccaning (baby naming)

5.  Female Puberty Rites

6.  Male Puberty Rites

7.  Croning (eldering for women)

8.  Saging (eldering for men)

9.  Handfasting

10.  Marriage

11.  Divorce or Separation

12.  Death or Remembrance

13.  Blessing a House or Property

14.  Book Blessing

 There are many different types of circle castings.  This is one of the most basic:

Whenever you are going to do magic, you should cast a magic circle.  It will keep any undirected energy that you stir up inside the circle; it also provides a threshold to different planes, a place 'between the worlds', where magick is possible.  The magic circle also protects you from any harmful entities or magical beings.  Inside your circle is holy, consecrated ground where you are safe and where only those spirits, entities, or gods/goddesses that you invite may enter.  The circle serves to hold and concentrate the energies you raise when spell casting until you are ready to release them.

 

You should never cast a circle when...

 

1.  you are sick or exhausted

2.  when you are unprepared

3.  when you are angry

 

Cleanse the space you are going to use to cast your circle by using a broom to “sweep out” all negativity (and dirt!) from this space, sweeping East to West, while chanting:

 

“Sweep, sweep with this broom,

In this place,

All negativity from this space."

 

Consecrate this area by walking around it three times...

 

1.  first with a chalice of wine/water:

 

“I walk the circle once around to cleanse and consecrate this ground.”

 

2.  second, with a bowl of salt:

 

“I walk the circle once again. 

Between the worlds, time can bend.”

 

3.  Third time with your burning incense:

 

“I walk the circle thrice this time.

For the protection of the God/Goddess are mine.”

 

 

OR

 

 

You can add a pinch of salt to a bowl of water, stirring it deosil (clockwise) with your finger. After sweeping the area with your broom, use your hand to sprinkle the area with this water.

 

When you have completed the cleansing of this space, say:

 

 

“The circle is now cast and we are between the worlds, beyond the bounds of time, where night and day, birth and death, joy and sorrow, meet as one.”

 

 

When your rituals/magical workings are complete, the circle must be dismantled (closed) properly.  To neglect this step, is to run the risk of leaving scattered energies running amok.

 

Hold your wand/athame in your power hand.  Use it to trace the circle widdershins (counter-clockwise), while saying:

 

“Open now this sacred space.  Send all energies back to place.  Fare thee well and safe return, Let not my magic ‘ere be turned”

 

 

OR

 

 

Sit in the center of the circle, raising your wand/athame above your head.  In one swift motion make a widdershins circle in the air, saying:

 

“This circle is open but never broken.”

 

 

 

   This is one of my favorite circle casting incantations:

 A Circle Casting for Folk Magick

~ courtesy of Silver Ravenwolf



“Witches’ lair and wolverine night,

Ancient Ones bring second sight.

Blood and bones of those before,

Help me with this little chore.



Thread and pins and natural things

At my bidding magick bring.

East and South, West and North,

Circle round, bring power forth.



Land and sky, fire and sea,

Open now for Divinity,

Spirit rise and seal this place,

I now work in sacred space.”

To view/purchase books by Silver Ravenwolf, click here.

To visit Silver's official website, click here.

"As this athame is the male,

 so this cup is the female, and joined they bring

 blessings."  

 

 This is the most beautiful initiation ritual that I have ever come across, solitary or otherwise.  It is taken from, "Witchcraft:  Theory & Practice" by Ly de Angeles.  At the bottom of this box, you will find a link to this book.

It is required that you enter into personal initiation as seriously as if you were being initiated at the discretion of a witch of High Priesthood.  Therefore, you will be required to fast from sunset of the day before until the dark of the night you have chosen, and to speak as little as possible (preferably not at all).  Contemplation is part of the preparation.  You are to be between-the-worlds for this time.

You are to learn the ritual by rote.  You can tape The Journey and play it at the appropriate time (your tape player is to be battery-operated as you won’t have an electrical cable crossing the border of your circle), but have it written in your Book of Shadows, and have this book in your circle with you (as well as a pen).

Requirements

1.  A silver pentagram necklace.  This is your gift of initiation to yourself and also the symbol of your own commitment (there are many amulets and talismans that are worn by witches the world over that are specific to their own lineage, but the pentagram is an acknowledged symbol by all occultists).

2.  A bottle of very good red wine (or fruit juice if you desire something nonalcoholic).

3.  Four candles (colors of your choice) for the elemental gateways, one black and one white candle (representing the understanding of duality) for the altar, and one white candle for your altar candle.

4.  Prepare specific oil for this night, sufficient to cover your whole body, but have your vial of magical oil on the altar.  You will use it tonight for the second time.

5.  Have all ritual equipment and tools within the circle with you (don’t forget matches or a lighter), as well as your Book of Shadows, a pen, and the tape player and tape of The Journey.

6.  The ritual is to be worked within the boundary of the cast circle.

Between sunset and full dark of the day of your initiation, you will reive and set up your sacred space in preparation.  Bathe with intent.  Have all necessary things on the altar (including the silver pentagram necklace and the bowl of specially prepared oil) within the boundary of your circle.

Make the incense of your choice and pour the wine into the cup.

Be certain that you will not be disturbed.

Cast the circle.  Move deosil at all times.  Light only the candle in the west (do not invoke any of the guardians at this time). 

Seat yourself before your altar and prepare yourself as you have learned.  When you're ready, make the sign of the invoking pentagram of Earth with your athame over the container of specially prepared oil, and then rub your entire body with it saying:
 

“I, (name), am properly prepared

to take the rite of initiation.

I have no fear.  I am committed to this.

I have two perfect words, Love and Trust,

And with all things I will uphold my oath rightly.”

Start the tape of "The Journey"...Be seated on the ground with your knees drawn up, your arms around them, and your head resting on your arms for the entire journey.

Note:  I use “we” and “I” and “the rider” in particularly interwoven fashion throughout the journey to indicate both you and you-within-the vision.  Don’t let it disturb you.  Once you’ve read the vision through...you’ll understand.

The Journey Between the Worlds

I see before me the Tunnel of Time.  I project myself toward this place and am drawn down and down, back and back, way, way back to before the dawn of Christendom in a land of emerald green and ageless beauty.

I am flying low over rolling hills and moorlands, circling freely over forests and small hamlets of country folk, over manor and mere heading toward an inevitable destiny.

I slow and close the distance between my world and this.  The timelessness of a winter’s night is silent; not even the sounds of the hawk or the owl can be heard through the thickening pall.  I descend.

Now I hear muffled sounds from the marshland below me.  I come to ground level where the mist is not so thick, but moving, steadily shape shifting as it swirls around the mire.

There!  Just ahead, on horseback, holding high a lantern to pick a path through this desolate place is the horse and rider that I have been seeking.

I swoop slowly and land, as a mist, upon the horse’s rump.

We think of naught; we must not lose our thoughts upon any other theme than that of following the almost imperceptible path through this empty place.

No life here.  The lights of a thousand lost souls glint through the mist to remind us of our peril, but we hesitate not and heed not their warnings.  My destiny burns within my soul and would destroy me were it not fulfilled.

I can see myself clearly by the light of the lantern; outlined with the ravages of many a sleepless night, I am gaunt.  My jaw twitches with my effort and my eyes are haunted from the dream.  I am physically strong, cat-like.  I clench the lantern, vice-like, in my hand.  My clothing is simple: thonging crisscrossing the furs about my calves and woolen leggings as thick as mail about my thighs.  My jerkin is the skin of a wolf snared in some past day and my cloak is russet and of heavy woven wool that hangs limply along the sides of my mount.  I wear a hood of leather, but my hair lays in tangled rivulets down my back.

The length thus far, of my journey lays heavily upon me, and my shoulders are bent foreword with fatigue; but we may not stop until we are past this dreadful place.

Hour upon hour we move, well into the midnight, until at last the horse raises her head and snorts as she stumbles onto the grassland.  We travel slowly still until the rider is certain of our bearings, then we roar with triumph and we are off, running like the wind, as the plain thunders beneath us!

We slow as dawn creeps above the horizon in a washed-out blur, and horse and rider, sweating at their efforts, breathe deeply at the sight.  We come at length to a copse of trees into which we walk.  We dismount and lead our beloved mare into the depths.  There, a stream, cool and deep, at which we drink before we lead the horse to graze beneath the oaks and peer around, cautiously, to guess that none come here often; that we might have peace for a few hours during which we will rest.

I know not why, but know it I do, that the rider wishes to be seen by no one, so we ride by night and hide by day so that none may know that we are abroad.

We unsaddle the mare, crooning to her as we do so, and rub her down with the blanket from beneath the saddle.  A smile crosses the rider’s face, and a look that stirs my soul with its intensity and passion.  Our task done, we proceed to prepare a small fire over which we roast potatoes and a strip of dried meat.  We draw a leather flask from our pouch from which we quaff deeply, the contents sweet and fiery.  Having eaten of our simple meal, we stamp the fire and curl within the cloak to sleep away the daylight hours.

And so I watch...

...at one point I rise above the trees and seek to ascertain our safety, for although the rider is furtive and a feared of notice, I ache for the quest, knowing it is also my own, and my compassion reaches out to the strength within our sleeping form who would do no harm without good cause.  I know not how I would rouse us should danger approach, but there is no farm or village within distance, so I fear not for us.

I return to find us turning about restlessly in our sleep, the dream causing much mumbling and sighing; ad so it is for a few hours more until I am woken by my own shouts.  Sweat beads upon my face, and I stand and remove my hood and cloak, and walk to the stream to wash myself, ad so lose the dreaming.  I again light the fire and draw from my pouch a large cup that I fill from the stream.  I brew a draught of strong herbs to help me to wakefulness for the long night ahead.

My journey will be done, thus far, on this night—at least where riding is concerned.  The journey of the rest of my life is just beginning, the end of which is assured in my mind.  There is no turning back from what I so earnestly seek but what I so earnestly dread; for it is unclear to me what ventures will befall me between the present moment and some eventual death.

I stamp the fire and cover its remains with dirt and brambles so that none may know that any had passed this way.  I call to my horse and she comes from her grazing by the stream.  I saddle her and attach my pouch to my belt.  I don hood and cloak, and mount.  We move slowly through the trees in the direction of the setting sun.  We reach the edge of the woods and wait.

When the night is black, I ride; hour upon hour do I ride.  This night is clear and I watch the stars for a bearing.  Sometimes I walk the horse, sometimes it almost seems that she flies.  Rising behind me the Moon glows full and high, lighting the way. 

Ahead I see monolithic rocks rising to the night sky and the mist of ocean reaches all about us.  The tang of salt is in the rider’s nose and I see my nostrils flare and my eyes widen with that same unseeing passion.  We approach the cliffs and I hear the roaring of waves thrashing upon the rocks below as it relentlessly drawing all within themselves.  A wild place is this!  I see a vast expanse of inky blackness within each rock’s shadow, which is also the sea over which the Moon glows, causing a pathway between herself and the things beneath the waters.

I stop to light the lantern for the path is rough and the mare troubles with each step.  I sigh and lay my head upon my arm before raising myself straight within the saddle.  “It is now,” I whisper, “We wait and seek no more!  As know, I have arrived!”  I look ahead to a rocky outcrop like a finger upon the sea.

I ride hard then, sparks flying from the horse’s hooves upon the granite way.  As we approach the peninsula, I see a faint glow, as if from another lantern.  I slow down now, and throw my own light over the cliff.  I am wary and seek to approach unseen.  I dismount and walk toward the glow.  I see a small cottage almost buried so deeply was it built within the overhand of the cliffs, like a tiny fortress against the wild winds and sea.  A lonelier spot I have never known.

The rider’s face is set like stone and I cannot perceive what thoughts are veiled within.  We walk with dignity, as if to our death. 

I come at length to the door, of massive proportion compared to the size of the cottage.  I hesitate not but ban a fist upon it, a sigh upon cold lips.  There is a wait, then a woman’s voice calls from beyond the door, “Who comes?”

“I am called (your ritual name), I shout.  There is a laugh from within and the door is swung wide.  There stands a small woman dressed in male attire, with wild copper hair cascading down her back.

You are doubly welcome, (name) and thrice!  We have waited long for you!”

“I knew it to be true!” I reply, although I smile not.  “Was it you who called me here?”

It was your own dream, (name), and not of our doing.  Enter.  I shall tether the mount and see her well.”

“What name have you?” I ask, without moving; but she just smiles and shakes her head and again bids me enter.

The room is dark save for the lantern in the window and the fire in the hearth.  I see that only the first of the cottage is man hewn and that the rest is of solid rock formed from the depths of the cliff.  A hooded figure stands from a chair beside the fire.  Straight of frame and as tall as an elm, but with the whiteness of hair to tell of great age, that falls to shoulders that show no stoop, hallowed with fireglow.  He wears a robe of heavy dove-gray wool, and as he moves toward me he smiles.  I see great love in the smile, but as I look into his eyes I flinch at their blackness and depths.  There is unfathomable power within them as though they had seen the passing of time from its very conception and had learned from the travel all that had been there to learn.

“I’ve missed you, (name)!  Blessed be!” he says, as though he knows me well.  He takes my arm and leads me to stand before the fire.  “We have known that you would come.”  He laughs with obvious glee.

“Who is the woman?  By all the Gods, who are you? I demand, as although this whole thing excites me, I fear it also and am tired of the mystery that has haunted me waking and sleeping.

“She is who I am, and who you are to become!” he replies.

“Her name?”

“Call Her (a name from myth with which you resonate), and She will answer you!”

“And you, Sir, what be your name?” I ask again.

“(The name of your myth) is one of the names that I am known to be, child.”

“And why am I here?” I ask, hoping for confirmation of my yearning.

“To learn, (name), the secrets of life and fire!  To be at one with Her and mold tomorrow with all of my yesterdays!” he says.

“What must I do?” I ask...

“Show me the ritual!”

You will return, then, to the place of your circle and proceed with the rite.  Refer to your Book of Shadows only if absolutely necessary.  Go deosil about your circle and light all the candles, then the incense.  Consecrate the water with your athame, making the sign of the pentagram in it.  Consecrate the salt, likewise, and add it to the water.

Now stand and, beginning at the gate of Earth, hold aloft your pentacle and bear it about your circle, leaving it at the gate once you have returned there.  Do likewise from the gate of Air, with the incense; at the gate of Fire with both the black and the white candles of duality (that you have on the altar); and from the gate of Water with the consecrated water, sprinkling as you walk your circle.

Return to the altar, raise your dagger aloft and say:

I, (name), in this place which is not a place,

And in this time which is not a time,

Do give my most solemn and sacred oath

That I will abide by my chosen path

And will fulfill the dance of my destiny

Without complaint,

Knowing it to be the Way of that

 which I call my Goddess

and that which I call my God!

I shall keep silent all things

Entrusted to me by the Gods

And by those who seek silence of me,

In the true nature of priestess!

I hereby take upon myself the life of witch

And tell all that gather here

That my name is (Craft Name)!

Now take the pentagram necklace from the altar, go deosil about your circle, and hold it up to each gateway saying:

Earth, I call to you,

Great guardian of the gate of Earth!

I hold before you the symbol of my initiation!

Acknowledge me,

For I am, (name)

Priestess and witch!

Place it momentarily on the pentacle to infuse it with the power of Earth.

Air, I call to you,

Great guardian of the gate of Air!

I hold before you the symbol of my initiation!

Acknowledge me,

For I am (name),

Priestess and witch!

Hold the pentacle within the smoke of the incense for a moment to infuse it with the power of Air.

Fire, I call to you,

Great guardian of the gate of Fire!

I hold before you the symbol of my initiation!

Acknowledge me,

For I am (name),

Priestess and witch!

Pass the amulet through the flames to charge it with the power of Fire.

Water, I call to you,

Great guardian of the gate of Water!

I hold before you the symbol of my initiation!

Acknowledge me,

For I am (name),

Priestess and witch!

Dip the amulet into the consecrated water to charge it with the power of that element.

Return to your altar and drop the pentacle necklace over your head.

Take up your athame and place the blade, oh, so sensually, into the wine in your chalice and say:

Sip.  Put a drop of this fluid on your finger and trace the pentagram on your own forehead with it.

 

Stand and take the vial of sacred oil.  Put a little on both of your feet saying:

 

Blessed be these feet

Made to walk the path of the twice-born!

 

Touch your knees with the oil saying:

 

Blessed be these knees

Made to kneel at the altar of all things!

 

Touch your genitals with the oil saying:

 

Blessed be the way of the creation of life!

 

Touch oil to your chest saying:

 

Blessed be this breast

Formed in beauty and strength!

 

Touch oil just above and below your lips saying:

 

Blessed be these lips that speak the truth;

By all the names of Goddess and God!

May I be blessed!  Blessed be!

 

Finally you will dedicate yourself to one of the faces of both Goddess and God: name them, understanding that these names represent certain powers and influences that you seek to know and represent.  Oath yourself to clarity and the refusal of betrayal of the Way of Witch.

 

Drink deeply now from the cup, leaving a libation that you will pour onto the earth.

 

Take up your athame and circle from Earth to Air to Fire to Water, farewelling each guardian and closing each gate.

 

Write in the back of your Book of Shadows the ritual name that you have taken and the date of your initiation (and any other pertinent details).

 

Then open your circle using your athame to withdraw the force field; earth it as you have been taught.  Put away all things of ritual.

 

Have a feast to ground yourself and celebrate.

 

The rite is done.  Blessed Be!

 

Before you go to sleep that night, and each night for a couple of weeks, repeat silently, or whispered, using your ritual name...

 

I am (name),

Priestess and Witch!

 

 

 Congratulations,
Welcome to The Craft!
Blessings,
Lady Amythyst

To view/purchase "Witchcraft:  Theory & Practice" by Ly De Angeles, click here.

 To view/purchase handcrafted pagan ritual robes, click here.

*Note:  In Ly's original copy of this ritual she uses the dual option of Priestess/Priest.  I chose to use the term "Priestess" exclusively.  If the person taking this intiation is a male, he may simply use the term Priest in place of Priestess.

A “Wiccaning” is the formal presentation of a baby to the Goddess and the God.  This same ceremony can be used when a couple adopts a child.  The couple can be joined by supportive family and friends.

Items needed:

The regular ritual tools, plus the wand/athame, a white candle with the child’s name carved into it, the cauldron, a special piece of jewelry, and a plate of cookies.  The carved candle is placed inside the cauldron, which is set in the center of the altar.

Cast the circle.

*Note:  When calling the Quarters, a special invitation may be sent out to the Guardians of the Watchtowers...

“Join us as we welcome a new soul into our midst.”

The Priestess stands before the altar and touches the carved candle with her wand or athame and says:

“This candle represents this child, who has been given by the Lady and the Lord to __________.  May __________ always walk the ancient path of light and love.”

The parents come to the altar with the child.  One of them lights the carved candle from the altar candle. 

They both say:

“This child is born of our love and joy.  We freely bring __________ to this altar to thank the Goddess and the God.  We will share with __________ our love, our faith in the Old Way, and the light of our spiritual path.”

(If the child is adopted, substitute the following, instead of the above paragraph.)

Both parents say:

We chose this child above all others.  We freely bring __________ to this altar to thank the Goddess and the God for joining __________ with us.  We will share with __________ our love, our faith in the Old Ways, and the light of our spiritual path."

The Priestess or the one officiating says:

“Have you named this child?”

The parents answer:

“Yes, This child is named __________.

Priestess:

“Is it your will that this child be raised in the Old Way?”

Parents:

"It is our will that __________ follow the ancient path to the Goddess and the God.”

The Priestess or one of the parents gently sprinkles the child’s head with consecrated water from the chalice.  She says:

“We bless you with Water.  We name you __________, and welcome you into this life.  May your life be one of joy and love.  May the sacred circle always bring you peace and comfort.  And may your heart always cleave to the Lady and Her Lord.”

The Priestess carefully passes a lighted candle over the child.  She says:

“We bless you with Fire.”

The Priestess carefully passes incense over the child.  She says:

"We bless you with Air."

The Priestess places a pinch of salt on the child's tongue.  She says:

"We bless you with Earth."

The Priestess holds her dominant hand over the child, saying:

“We bless you with Earth, Air, Fire, Water, four Elements do we freely give.  The fifth is Spirit.  That comes only from the Lady and the Lord.”

The Priestess takes the piece of jewelry out of the cauldron and hands it to the parents.  The parents may put it on the child, or hold it for her/him.

The Priestess says:

“Rejoice all spirits of nature and the Elements!  Rejoice, all Pagans, near and far!  Come, all guardians and teachers in spirit!  We welcome __________ within this circle with all our love, for __________ is a gift from the Old Ones!”

The ritual of Cakes & Wine is begun and the wine is blessed as usual and then...

The Priestess raises the juice chalice high over the altar, and says:

“To the Lord of the Harvest!”

Circle members:

“To the Lord of the Harvest!”

A drop of the juice is placed in the child’s mouth.  Then the others within the circle drink.

The priestess raises the plate of cookies high over the altar, and says:

“To the Earth Mother!”

Circle members:

“To the Earth Mother!”

If possible, a tiny crumb of cookie is given to the child.  Then the plate is passed around the circle and shared, finally being replaced on the altar.

The Priestess raises her arms, and says:

“We thank you, Lady and Lord, for this new life within our circle.  May __________ walk in light and gladness all her/his day!  Blessed Be!”

The ritual is concluded and the circle is broken.

 To view/purchase baby gowns, click on the image above.

 Three rituals are left to be added to this page, and with the help of the

Goddess, it should be done-- soon!

Items needed:

The regular ritual tools, plus a black candle with the person's name carved into it, the cauldron in which the candle is set, and a special piece of magickal jewelry.

Instructions:

Women enter this phase when menopause occurs.  Women may choose to undergo this ceremony if they have had a hysterectomy.  Two women are needed to take the part of the Maiden and the Mother.  Gifts may be piled within the circle, or set on a table along with refreshements for after the ceremony.  After the circle is cast, the Priestess briefly opens the circle for the Maidens to bring in the woman for whom the  ceremony will be done.  They all go to the altar, where the woman is flanked by the Maiden and the Mother. 

The Priestess faces the three women.

Priestess:  "Three faces has the Goddess:  Maiden, Mother, and Crone.  As above, so below.  Each woman holds within her these three faces.  We celebrate all aspects of the Goddess.

 Maiden:  "I bring (woman's name), that she may be initiated into a new phase of her life cycle."

Priestess:  "Welcome!  We honor you in your new phase of life!

Circle Women:  "Welcome, (woman's name)!

The Maiden turns to the woman, and says:  "As once you were the Maiden, so do I now stand.  As the Maiden becomes the Mother, so must she eventually become the Wise Crone.  For the cycle of life must flow, and our lives must turn with the wheel of time.  I am honored to stand here with you."

The Mother turns to the woman, and says:  "As once you were the Mother, so do I now stand.  The Mother must always give way to the carrier of wisdom, the Wise Crone. For the cycle of life must flow, and our lives must turn with the wheel of time.  I am honored to stand here with you."

Woman:  "I have ridden the wheel of time and known both joy and sorrow.  I bring my hopes and fears before the Goddess, trusting Her to guide my steps.  I accept this new phase of my life."

Priestess:  "The Goddess is wise and loving.  To understand Her in all Her glory and complexity, all women must experience each of Her three faces.  Rejoice, (woman's name)!

Maiden:  "The Maiden must give way to the Mother, as the Mother must give way to the Wise Crone.  Accept the well-earned mantle of Her elder Priestess, for you still have great value in the eyes of the Goddess."

Priestess:  "The Goddess is wise and loving.  Each of Her three faces is powerful in its own way.  Rejoice, (woman's name)!"

Mother:  "There comes a time when childbearing must end, and the wise blood of the moon is withheld.  Know that within you is the power to do even greater things.  You still have great value in the eyes of the Goddess."

The woman lights the black candle, and says:  "Goddess, I accept the new cycle in my life.  As the Wise Elder and Crone of Wisdom, I take up this responsibility with joy and love."

The Maiden hugs her, and says:  "Welcome, elder Sister, Within you I see the Wise Crone of great wisdom of life.  I am honored by your presence."

The Mother hugs her, and says:  "Welcome elder Sister.  Within you I see the place that I will take someday.  I am honored by your presence."

The women of the circle all hug her, and say:

"Welcome, Wise One."

The Priestess takes up the magickal jewelry and places it on the woman.  She says: 

"Elder Sister, may all your days be filled with the presence of the Goddess."

Woman:

"I am one of three, the three that are made one by the Ancient Mysteries.  Inside me are the Maiden and the Mother, but the face I turn to the world is that of the Crone.  May the Goddess bless me by revealing more of Her Ancient Mysteries."

The Priestess raises her arms, and says:

"We give thanks to the Goddess, and rejoice with (woman's name) in her new cycle of life."

The ritual is finished and the circle broken.

Handfasting is not a legal marriage.  It is a Wiccan agreement to stay together without benefits under civil law.  The old period of handfasting was for a year and a day, at which time it could be renewed.  Any time that the couple wants to end this agreement, they should go through a handfasting separation.  If the handfasting couple are the same sex, have one take the man’s part in the ceremony.

Items needed:

The regular ritual tools, plus two white candles (one carved with each name) with holders, a broom, a bell, rings or magickal jewelry, the cauldron, and white, red, and black ribbons within the cauldron.

Cast the circle...

with assigned people calling upon the quarter guardians.  When all is done, the Priestess opens the circle to admit the couple being handfasted.  After the Priestess closes the circle, she sweeps outward around the entire edge of the circle with the broom.  Then, she places the broom on the floor before the altar.  The couple stands to one side of the altar.

The Priestess stands before the altar, raises her arms, and says:

“Lord and Lady, bless all those gathered within this circle.  For this is a happy time of rejoicing!  Lord and Lady, this couple has come before Your altar to make a vow of togetherness.  As it was in ancient times, so is it now!”

Person assigned to the East quarter:

“Rejoice, Guardians of the gate of Air, for these two have chosen to begin a new life together.”

Person assigned to the South quarter:

“Rejoice, Guardians of the gate of Fire, for love has bound these two people together.”

Person assigned to the West quarter:

“Rejoice, Guardians of the gate of Water, for a new companionship of heart and spirit has been forged.”

Person assigned to the North quarter:

“Rejoice, Guardians of the gate of Earth, for these two people chose to walk the Old Way together.”

The Priestess rings the bell three times, and says:

“I call upon the guardians of (names of the couple).  By the power of the Goddess and the God, I charge you to bless this couple anew each day.  Honor them with love and compassion.”

The Priestess speaks to the couple, saying:

“The sharing of a life path is not to be lightly undertaken.  It requires much love, commitment, trust, work, and compromise.  You may experience difficult periods where your love, faith, and devotion are tested.  Each of you is giving your heart and dreams into the keeping of the other.  Be compassionate and loving with this trust.  If you can speak in sincerity of your devotion before the Goddess and the God, answer, ‘I will’.”

The couple:  “I will.”

The woman takes up her gift of magical jewelry, and says:

“As a symbol of my love, I give you this token.  I will comfort and honor you all your days.”

She puts it on the man.

The man takes up his gift of magickal jewelry, and says:

“As a symbol of my love, I give you this token.  I will protect and honor you all our days.”

He puts it on the woman.

The Priestess touches the carved, white candles, and says:

“Theses candles are symbols of your love.  Let their fire never be quenched by harsh words or hasty, ill-thought deeds.  Before these witnesses, light your candle from the altar fire and pledge your troth.”

The Priestess hands them the candles bearing their names, and says:

“A pledge of handfasting is a solemn vow, not to be given lightly.  May the candle of your spirits light your way through dark times and light, through sorrow and joy, as you walk life’s path together.”

The woman lights her candle from the altar candle, and says:

“I have chosen you above all others.  I will share with you my love and the light of the Goddess.”

The man lights his candle from the altar candle, and says:

“I have chosen you above all others.  I will share with you my love and the light of the God.”

They set the lighted candles on the altar.

The Priestess takes the three ribbons, one by one, out of the cauldron as she says:

“These ribbons are symbols of the three faces of the Goddess and the God.”

She takes up the white ribbon and says:

“White is for the Maiden and the Son, who bring new life cycles and potentials.”

She takes out the red ribbon and says:

“Red is for the Mother and the Father, who create new growth and changes.”

She takes out the black ribbon and says:

“Black is for the Wise Crone and the Sage, for they decree the turn of life’s wheel, marking all endings in preparation for new beginnings.  Can you accept this?”

The couple:  “I can”

The couple holds out their left hands, while the Priestess wraps the ribbons around their wrists, loosely binding them together.  She says:

“May you always stand together, but not so close together that you lose what is uniquely you.  May you be as one, but each keep the freedom that is yours by right.  May you love fully, but not smother with that love.  And may you walk the path of the Goddess and the God together.  So mote it be!”

Circle members:  “So mote it be!”

The Priestess removes the ribbons and places them on the altar.  The wine/juice is now consecrated.  The Priestess holds the chalice high over the altar, and says:

“As a Priestess of the Old Ones, I call down blessings upon this newly made couple.  I call down the gifts of love, patience, and wisdom upon this newly made couple.  Blessed be!”

The Priestess gives the chalice to the couple, who drinks and hands it back to her.  Then all in the circle drink.  After the chalice is returned to the altar, the Priestess lays the broom on the floor where the couple can easily jump over it.

Priestess:  “Over the broom and into new life!”

The couple holds hands and jumps over the broom.

Priestess:  “The Goddess and the God are honored by celebrations of joy and love.  Let us rejoice in this handfasting!”

The ritual is finished, and the circle is broken.

For handfasting clothing and supplies, click on the image above.

 “The ritual of marriage is not simply a social event; it is a crossing of threads in the fabric of fate. Many strands bring the couple and their families together and spin their lives into a fabric that is woven on their children.”

Items needed:

The regular ritual tools, pus a bell, two white candles each with one of the couple’s names carved into it, and red, black, and white ribbons threaded through the rings.

Instructions:

All legal marriages must be performed by a state licensed minister, and registered with the state in which the license was obtained and the marriage took place.  Either the Priest or the Priestess should be an ordained minister.  At least two witnesses are required.  There is no “giving away” of the bride, since it is a patriarchal custom that signifies that the woman is a piece of property.  This ceremony is written without a cast circle.  However, one may be used.

When the altar is ready, and guests assembled, the couple walks in together.  They stand before the altar with their two witnesses behind them.  The Priest and/or Priestess stands directly before the altar facing the couple.

Priestess:

“Come, Goddess and God.  Be with us as we celebrate this sacred joining in love of (the name of the couple).  Pour out upon all gathered here Your blessings.”

The Priestess then rings the bell three times, saying:

“Hearken, all you in spirit.  Hear me, all you guides and guardians of (name of the couple).  Today, this man and this woman make a commitment to live their lives together, through sickness and health, through sorrow and joy.  Give them the love, patience, and compassion to endure all the tests that lie will send their way.

Each of you is giving your heart into the keeping of the other.  Do not break the trust you have been given, for it is sacred to the Goddess and the god.

This commitment is a solemn vow that should not be made lightly.  If you can speak in honesty before the Goddess, answer “I will”.

The couple:

“I will.”

The Priestess points to the white, carved candles, saying:

“These candles are the outward symbol of your vow.  Light your candles and pledge your troth.”

The woman lights her candles from the altar candle.  She turns to the man, saying:

“I have chosen you above all others.  I vow to you my love and the light of the Goddess.”

The man lights his candle from the altar candle.  He turns to the woman, saying:

“I have chosen you above all others.  I vow to you my love and the light if the God.”

The Priestess picks up the rings, holding the ribbons threaded through them, saying:

“There are three faces of both the Goddess and the God.”

(She removes the white ribbon and lays it on the altar.)

“White is for the Maiden and the Son, who bring new beginnings of events and new cycles to life.”

(She removes the red ribbon and lays it on the altar.)

“Red is for the Mother and the Father, whose joining of creative energy gives birth to everything in the universe.”

(She removes the black ribbon and lays it on the altar.)

“Black is for the Wise Crone and the Sage.  These aspects of the Goddess and the God represent endings and preparation for new beginnings.  Each life runs in a cycle through these three aspects.  Can you accept this?”

The couple:

“I can.”

The Priestess gives the woman’s ring to the man, saying:

“With this ring, pledge your troth.”

The man places the ring on the woman’s finger, saying:

“I give to you my love and my hand, for you are my beloved, the keeper of my heart.”

The Priestess gives the man’ ring to the woman, saying:

“With this ring, pledge your troth.”

The woman places the ring on the man’s finger, saying:

“I give to you my love and my hand, for you are my beloved, the keeper of my heart.”

The Priestess says:

“Hold to your pledge, for such a vow is not given lightly.  Honor each other in all ways.  Hold to your pledge, for such a vow is not given lightly.  Walk the path of the Old Ones together, and Their light will always guide you.”

(The wine/juice is consecrated.)

The Priestess raises the chalice high, saying:

“As the Lord and the Lady join in the Sacred Marriage, so does this couple.

Blessed Be!”

The ordained Priestess says:

“By the Power of the Goddess granted to me by Her as Her earthly representative, and by the civil authority granted to me by temporal powers, I declare to all here that this couple is legally joined in marriage.

Blessed Be!”

The Priestess hands the chalice to the couple, saying:

“This symbolic joining of athame and chalice seals your vows.”

The couple drinks.  Then all others gathered drink.  The chalice is returned to the altar.

The Priestess says:

“Now is a time of rejoicing with our friends.  Let us celebrate this happy and sacred occasion, for the Goddess and the God are honored by joy and love.”

The couple takes the ribbons to use as part of each anniversary celebration.  If a divorce ever occurs, the ribbons are used in the separation ceremony.

Items Needed: 

The regular ritual tools, plus the following items.  If possible, use the three colored ribbons from the Pagan handfasting or marriage ceremony.  If the marriage was not Pagan, use some symbol from the actual wedding.  Also have two pictures with both people in the picture, as well as two black candles, a cauldron, a pair of scissors, two long pieces of red yarn or thread, and white candles carved with the name of the couple.  Use a black and white altar candle.  The two smaller black candles are set behind the cauldron in the center o the altar.

Instructions: 

If only one person is taking part in this ceremony, omit the parts of the other person, and change the pronoun to the proper one.  The person for whom the ceremony is held should stand to one side of the altar.  If two people are present, have one stand at each end of the altar, facing each other.

In this case, the circle should be case counterclockwise (widdershins), beginning and ending in the East.  The quarter guardians should also be called counterclockwise (widdershins).

This ceremony is inserted just before the consecration of the wine/juice.

Priestess: 

"Now is a time of separation.  What was once one life now much becomes two.  There are always endings in life, if two people do not grow together.  It is better that these two people, (names of the couple), release unconditionally and move on to new beginnings.

 The outer physical ties of this life have been severed.  Now we come before the Dark Mother, the Wise Crone of the cauldron, to ask that She sever any remaining mental and emotional ties."

Priestess:  

 "Wise One, we ask that You guide these people into a deeper understanding of this separation.  Let them leave bitterness and sorrow behind as they seek out new beginnings."

The Priestess hands each of the couple a photo, and says: 

"By the power of the Goddess and the God, you each have the right and the will to sever the last remaining ties between you."

The Priestess hands the scissors to the woman, who cuts the figures in one of the photos apart.  She then gives the scissors to the man, who does the same.

Priestess: 

"The tie is shattered!  The vows are broken!  The one is made two again!"

The woman lights the man's part of the photo and drops it into the cauldron to burn.  The man does the same.

The Priestess ties one piece of the red yarn to the woman's wrist and the other end to one of the black candles.  The Priestess ties the other piece of the red yarn to the man's wrist and the other end to the black candle.

Priestess: 

"Red is the color of passion and life.  The tie to passion and life between you is finished.  Now you must sever any remaining ties."

The Priestess hands the scissors to the woman, who cuts the yarn.  Then she gives the scissors to the man, who does the same.

The Priestess says to the woman: 

"You are yourself, a Goddess-daughter.  Begin a new life with joy and expectation for only good in the future, of the Goddess will never disappoint you in Her gifts."

The Priestess says to the man: 

"You are yourself, a son of the god.  Begin a new life with joy and expectation for only good in the future, for the God will never disappoint you in His gifts."

The woman lights her white candle, and says: 

"I cast off the old.  I welcome new beginnings.  So have I said, so shall it be."

The man lights his white candle, and says: 

"I cast off the old.  I welcome new beginnings.  So have I said, so shall it be."

The Priest takes the woman's arm, and the Priestess the man's arm.  They stand the couple back to back.

Priestess: 

"As once you walked together, now must you walk apart.  Depart from each other."

The couple walks to opposite sides of the circle where they stand.

The Priestess picks up the pieces of red yarn, and says: 

"We solemnly commit these ties to the cauldron."

She places the yarn into the cauldron.  Later, the yarn can be burned or buried.

The ritual is finished, and the circle is broken.

Note:  This ritual is taken from "Wicca:  The Complete Craft" by D. J. Conway.  In the original form, the clergy performing this service was both a Priest and a Priestess.  I have modified this.  Individuals who wish to have this service performed by both a Priest and a Priestess may simply remodify it.

 Items needed:

A photo of the deceased person or pet, a white candle carved with the name, and a personal item belonging to the deceased.  Cremated ashes in an urn may also be set on the altar.  Have a chalice of consecrated water on the altar, and burn patchouli or frankincense incense.

This ceremony does not have to be held within a cast circle.  A personal friend, one of the family, a Priestess (or a Priest) may direct the memorial service.  Change the identity of the speakers’ parts as needed.

Light the carved white candle.

Priestess:

“Goddess and God, we give (name of the deceased) into Your keeping.  May she/he rest within Your renewing cauldron until another cycle of life is decreed.

Our sorrows come from physical absence.  Yet we know that the spirit is not ended at death.  It transforms into a different body, to live again in the Otherworld.”

The Priestess lightly sprinkles the photo, personal item, and cremation urn with consecrated water.  She waves incense smoke around these items.

Priestess:

“Lord and Lady, we ask for Your comforting power to fall upon us that our sorrows may ease.  Farewell, (name of the deceased).  Go in peace.  May our future meetings be filled with love and joy.”

Friends & Family:

“Go in peace.”

Now is a time to share happy memories.  This is a necessary part of healing.

To view/purchase urns, both for humans & pets, click here.

Blessing a house or property is in essence invoking positive energies and spirits into the space, asking them for protection; while at the same time exorcising negative entities and energies, often left over from previous occupants.

A white candle, consecrated water, burning frankincense incense and a small dish of consecrated salt.  Either carry these items on a tray, or have someone carry them for you.

(Personally, I smudge my home with a bundle of sage, or rosemary, or  sandalwood incense...unless you want to keep your inlaws away-- then smudge their photo and the thresholds of your house with oregano.  To keep enemies from entering your home, sprinkle a line of brick dust or salt on the floor across each entrance.)

Instructions:

No cast circle is necessary.  If you cannot walk around the entire outside of the house, plan to go through every room, including the basement, if there is one.  Begin and end at the main entry door.  The word house can be changed to boat or whatever property you are blessings.

Stand before the main entry door, saying:

“Spirits of this house, I call upon you to be present.  I ask that the blessings of the Lady and the Lord be upon you and upon this dwelling place, I would have only peace, joy, and love enter here.”

Circle the room clockwise while carrying the lighted white candle.  Set it back on the tray, and lightly sprinkle salt around the room.  Repeat with the consecrated water.  End by carrying the smoking incense around the room.

When you return to the room’s door, say:

“Blessings upon you and upon the dwellers of this house.”

Repeat this with every room in the house. (Smudge all spaces in the house, including closets.)  When your route returns you to the main entry door, put aside the tray.

Raise your arms, saying:

“Only those spirits of light and truth may dwell here.   I call upon the Elements fourfold to bless this house and all who dwell within.  May they know only blessings and joy.  So mote it be.”

 For information on: 

This is best done on the night of a Full Moon.  You will need a pentacle, wand, dagger, white candle, frankincense incense, a chalice of water, and a small container of salt.

Place your Book of Shadows on your altar next to the pentacle, which should be centered and in front of where you will stand.  Set the white candle and incense to the rear of the altar and behind the pentacle.  Light both the candle and the incense.  Put the chalice of water on the pentacle, with the salt beside it.

Cast the circle...When you finish, return to stand facing the altar.  Set the chalice to one side of the pentacle.  Place the Book of Shadows on top of the pentacle.  Take several deep breaths and mentally reach out to the Otherworld.  Feel the flow of power that announces the arrival of the Goddess and the God into your ritual circle.

Raise your arms and say:

“My words go out across the worlds.  The Old Gods hear my fervent plea.  Bring blessings strong into this book.  So do I wish, so shall it be.”

Take the Book into your power hand and wave it over the burning incense.  Say:

“Element of Air, vitalize this Book of Shadows.   Let its contents be an inspiration to my life.”

Wave the Book over the lighted candle, taking care not to get too close.  Say:

“Element of Fire, purify this Book of Shadows.  May the purity of spiritual Fire also touch my life.”

Using the fingers of your power hand, lightly sprinkle a few drops of consecrated water onto the book.  Say:

“Element of Water, consecrate this Book of Shadows.  As I have consecrated my life to the Old Ones, may all rituals and spells within this Book honor them.”

Place the Book back on the pentacle and place your power hand flat on top of the Book.  Say:

“Element of Earth, ground the power in this Book of Shadows by connecting it to the will of the Lady and the Lord.  May the power I wield always be in balance.”

Lay your dagger on top of the Book, with the wand over it.  Say:

“Element of Spirit, may what is written within the Book of Shadows always be connected with the Otherworld.  Air to vitalize it.  Fire to purify it.  Water to consecrate it.  Earth to ground it.  Spirit to blend all Elements together into an unbreakable link with the Goddess and the God.  So mote it be.”

Place both hands palm down on the altar to ground any remaining power within you.

Raise your arms and say:

“My thanks to all who came this night, to help me in this sacred rite.  The Lord and Lady, proud and old, the Elementals strong and bold.  My blessings to you, all creatures free.  As I do will, so mote it be.”

Break the circle, put away your tools, and clean up the altar.  If you wish, and can do so without anyone interfering, leave the Book of Shadows on the altar overnight.

 For instructions on creating your own Book of Shadows, click on the image above.

To view/purchase custom made, leather-bound Book of Shadows, click here.

Feel free to copy/paste these rituals for your own use.  I have left the right click option open on this page.

Lady Amythyst

 

My source for most of these rituals:

"Wicca:  The Complete Craft" by D.J. Conway

To visit D.J. Conway's website, click Here.

The initiation ritual was taken from:

"Witchcraft:  Theory & Practice" by Ly de Angeles

To visit Ly de Angles's Myspace profile, click Here.

The ritual for circle casting was taken from my own Book of Shadows and I no longer remember the original source.

Some of the icons on this page are provided by Robin Wood.

© Robin Wood 1997, Used With Permission