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EdRichards7030
Really Experienced
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spelllllllling
My apologies to "hurtme" and the others. I was to tired to even spell religion right. I used to just spell it bulls_t, but am a tad more openminded now. Had a bad experience....
Hi All!
My apologies to "hurtme" and the others. I was to tired to even spell religion right. I used to just spell it bulls_t, but am a tad more openminded now. Had a bad experience....
Hi All!
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Mother Earth Seduced
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Greetings everyone! What a magickal full moon rising tonight! She came over the mountain top so exquisitely it took my breath away... I don't think I've ever so Her so full!
Enodia & Sashan I welcome you personally to my thread. I'm sure you will have much to contribute... Mike Nichols is an exceptionally knowledgable writer. I often refer to his essays in my classes.
Hurtme, I believe as you do... sexuality plays a major part in the Wheel of life. I'm going to post seperatley on this since it is a topic I'm quite passionate about myself (just realized the pun
)
And as promised the Winter Solstice/Yule ritual I've written is complete and I will post that seperately as well tonight!
Namaste and Bright Blessings everyone!
Gaia)0(
Enodia & Sashan I welcome you personally to my thread. I'm sure you will have much to contribute... Mike Nichols is an exceptionally knowledgable writer. I often refer to his essays in my classes.
Hurtme, I believe as you do... sexuality plays a major part in the Wheel of life. I'm going to post seperatley on this since it is a topic I'm quite passionate about myself (just realized the pun
)And as promised the Winter Solstice/Yule ritual I've written is complete and I will post that seperately as well tonight!
Namaste and Bright Blessings everyone!
Gaia)0(
EdRichards7030
Really Experienced
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the power of sex
It's interesting this idea of sex as motivator, life force, and personality force.
Everything from TV ads, billboards, magazines, radio, everything tries to sell and manipulate through sex.
I remember watching a TV show and realizing that I was watching a totally shitty show, only waiting for the "cute girl" to get back onscreen again (all subconscious). Just look at a porno, get off, and then try to watch ANY show you mildly like (for the hunky guys or cute girls), and you will find it impossible. I think that's why TV execs are against harder stuff on TV: it removes all the titilation appeal from their crappy, poorly concieved ad servers, I mean shows. Most TV is a very very mild porn show, just watered down enough to make sponsers comfortable enough to sell ads without a boycott. And it is hypnotic for that reason. My life has gotten a lot better since I decided never to watch TV (except tapes from the movie place). The books I've read, and cool films seen. I really think it helps a population avoid getting too educated.
The thing is, if sex is such a huge marketing weapon, why do most people rarely ever talk about it? If they do it's usually really conservative spin, so that everyone feels nice and respectable, barf. Women, go to EXTREME lengths to look really good, get all uptight even if someone says, "So and so is hot looking!" Oh the irony! I think it's maybe still penalized to be attractive. I know average looking women can be really tough on any gossip regarding the pretty ones.
The comment about seeing the manager about orgies, and normal people making good pets are cool!(see posts above) I just think there needs to be a secret society of people who realize:
1 we are all animals
2 sex should be completely free and unguiltridden
3 Do unto others
4 go the extra 100 miles for someone in the group
5 be generous, kind, educated, etc
5b recognize the importance of nature,and women as nurturers/mothers/and intellectuals
5c help spread the word that violence is a much bigger sin than sex
5d help spread the word that pollution and environmental damage for corporate gain is a crime against our roots as humans
6 gently invite others in who look like they would benefit
7 gently invite other out who are creating a problem.
Thoughts?
It's interesting this idea of sex as motivator, life force, and personality force.
Everything from TV ads, billboards, magazines, radio, everything tries to sell and manipulate through sex.
I remember watching a TV show and realizing that I was watching a totally shitty show, only waiting for the "cute girl" to get back onscreen again (all subconscious). Just look at a porno, get off, and then try to watch ANY show you mildly like (for the hunky guys or cute girls), and you will find it impossible. I think that's why TV execs are against harder stuff on TV: it removes all the titilation appeal from their crappy, poorly concieved ad servers, I mean shows. Most TV is a very very mild porn show, just watered down enough to make sponsers comfortable enough to sell ads without a boycott. And it is hypnotic for that reason. My life has gotten a lot better since I decided never to watch TV (except tapes from the movie place). The books I've read, and cool films seen. I really think it helps a population avoid getting too educated.
The thing is, if sex is such a huge marketing weapon, why do most people rarely ever talk about it? If they do it's usually really conservative spin, so that everyone feels nice and respectable, barf. Women, go to EXTREME lengths to look really good, get all uptight even if someone says, "So and so is hot looking!" Oh the irony! I think it's maybe still penalized to be attractive. I know average looking women can be really tough on any gossip regarding the pretty ones.
The comment about seeing the manager about orgies, and normal people making good pets are cool!(see posts above) I just think there needs to be a secret society of people who realize:
1 we are all animals
2 sex should be completely free and unguiltridden
3 Do unto others
4 go the extra 100 miles for someone in the group
5 be generous, kind, educated, etc
5b recognize the importance of nature,and women as nurturers/mothers/and intellectuals
5c help spread the word that violence is a much bigger sin than sex
5d help spread the word that pollution and environmental damage for corporate gain is a crime against our roots as humans
6 gently invite others in who look like they would benefit
7 gently invite other out who are creating a problem.
Thoughts?
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Mother Earth Seduced
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Hi Kaly... It is so gorgeous out tonight I'm going to brave the cold and go out for a walk in the forest to my circle. It's about 35 degrees and no wind so it wont be too bad. It may just take another glass of brandy...Kalypso said:
I'll say hello to Hecate for you
I'm on a bonding mission with The Crone for the next few days 
hurtme
Really Really Experienced
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- Oct 10, 2003
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I don't follow Gardner's trad, or any of the "older" trads...all the ceremony doesn't appeal to my idea of spirituality...it doesn't make me a pagan, and it doesn't make me a bad Wiccan...
I may put emphasis on different aspects of the religion than someone else, that doesn't make me less of a witch, or make my path inncorrect...it just makes it different...I am tolerant of other paths in Wicca, just as i am tolerant of EVERY other religion...and i am aware that no two witches believe the exact same thing to the exact same degree...
I am not saying i know it all, because i don't, i have never pretended to, i have be learning for years, but i often feel like i have just scratched the surface.
I do however know that there are certian things that tend to drive people, that drive me, certian things that give me power...certian acts that make me feel connected...sex happens to be one of them. It could be because i am a scorpio, in fact, that probably has more than a bit to do with it. But bottom line, at this place in this life, i do feel that sex is a driving force and a source of great power and energy, and is everywhere, all around us all the time...I don't mean in billboards, and TV and magazines, i mean all around us new life is blooming all the time, even in the dead of winter...and it is what makes our species continue on this planet...it is what continues existance as we know it...and that to me is powerful stuff...
oh, and also, have to agree, Why Wicca Sucks is one of my favorite websites of all time...
I may put emphasis on different aspects of the religion than someone else, that doesn't make me less of a witch, or make my path inncorrect...it just makes it different...I am tolerant of other paths in Wicca, just as i am tolerant of EVERY other religion...and i am aware that no two witches believe the exact same thing to the exact same degree...
I am not saying i know it all, because i don't, i have never pretended to, i have be learning for years, but i often feel like i have just scratched the surface.
I do however know that there are certian things that tend to drive people, that drive me, certian things that give me power...certian acts that make me feel connected...sex happens to be one of them. It could be because i am a scorpio, in fact, that probably has more than a bit to do with it. But bottom line, at this place in this life, i do feel that sex is a driving force and a source of great power and energy, and is everywhere, all around us all the time...I don't mean in billboards, and TV and magazines, i mean all around us new life is blooming all the time, even in the dead of winter...and it is what makes our species continue on this planet...it is what continues existance as we know it...and that to me is powerful stuff...
oh, and also, have to agree, Why Wicca Sucks is one of my favorite websites of all time...
VelvetHeat
Virgin
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- Dec 8, 2003
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Merry Meet All and all
Merry Meet all, I am new here...but I'm glad I found this thread though. I hope all have an enchanted Full Moon tonight. Goddess Kisses and Blessed Be.
Merry Meet all, I am new here...but I'm glad I found this thread though. I hope all have an enchanted Full Moon tonight. Goddess Kisses and Blessed Be.
Kalypso
Deliciously Immoral
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- Aug 13, 2002
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Image said:Hi Kaly... It is so gorgeous out tonight I'm going to brave the cold and go out for a walk in the forest to my circle. It's about 35 degrees and no wind so it wont be too bad. It may just take another glass of brandy...
I'll say hello to Hecate for you
Selene has been calling me!
I'm about to go outside after my bath...a bit later and enjoy the night sky. I have some lambrusco...I like it. I'm not a huge fan of brandy or else I'd take that instead. It is freezing here but I'm not worried.
The night is just too beautiful to miss out on!
EdRichards7030
Really Experienced
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- Dec 6, 2003
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re: hurtme
Yes, billboards and stuff is just the crass superficial form.
Even that green dust all over the cars in spring is tree sex! Damn things came all over my car again. NOW I gotta wash the car again. . .
Sorry, couldn't resist!
BTW, since this is a pagan forum, have you all ever had wierd run ins with fundamentalist christian types? I'd love to hear the stories. I know they are scared of basically everything, and then some.
Ed
Yes, billboards and stuff is just the crass superficial form.
Even that green dust all over the cars in spring is tree sex! Damn things came all over my car again. NOW I gotta wash the car again. . .
Sorry, couldn't resist!
BTW, since this is a pagan forum, have you all ever had wierd run ins with fundamentalist christian types? I'd love to hear the stories. I know they are scared of basically everything, and then some.
Ed
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Mother Earth Seduced
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I was going to edit and respond to only some of this post.... but the entire thing was just too good to take apart!hurtme said:
You're right... the sex isn't about the skinny, little whores on the TV. It's about the bounty that is the Fruitfulness of the Earth and Her consort... and all the dripping ineuendos that go with it.
And even in the dead of Winter, YES! For the Mother once again gives birth to Her Son/Sun, The God who becomes Her lover and consort... and the cycle goes on & on & on
EdRichards7030
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re" Kalaypso
Thanks. It's nice to be welcomed!
I've even been to fundie exorcisms and stuff, years ago. Gosh, I wonder what all those freaks are up to now. I kicked a born again out of my house: he wasn't letting me finish sentences during a conversation. One of the best decisions I ever made in my life. I'm still surprised I did that.
I said, "R____, if you are not even going to let me finish up a sentence in my own house, you need to leave."
Guess, what he did? Apologize? Say, "Sorry brother?" Nope, quietly packed up his "praise and worship" guitar and left! Never seen him again, or the others, who were pretty controlling actually.
I sometimes wonder what it would be like to go to a bible study nowadays. I could be SUCH a pain in the neck!
I like to make friends, and figure telling something (hopefully) interesting might help. Thanks guys/gals.
Thanks. It's nice to be welcomed!
I've even been to fundie exorcisms and stuff, years ago. Gosh, I wonder what all those freaks are up to now. I kicked a born again out of my house: he wasn't letting me finish sentences during a conversation. One of the best decisions I ever made in my life. I'm still surprised I did that.
I said, "R____, if you are not even going to let me finish up a sentence in my own house, you need to leave."
Guess, what he did? Apologize? Say, "Sorry brother?" Nope, quietly packed up his "praise and worship" guitar and left! Never seen him again, or the others, who were pretty controlling actually.
I sometimes wonder what it would be like to go to a bible study nowadays. I could be SUCH a pain in the neck!
I like to make friends, and figure telling something (hopefully) interesting might help. Thanks guys/gals.
hurtme
Really Really Experienced
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Have to second whoever said that...My best run ins with fundies are ones that i am related to...you know i realize it is very un-wiccan to dislike a religion, and i really feel that i do a good job of accepting all religions...but as far as christianity goes...well, i was xtian for years, many years, and it warped my head quite a bit in ways i am still struggling with...so although i normally don't condemn any religion...once in a while, i just have to supress a shudder when i think about that particular one, especially when i have seen my strict roman catholic family down my cousin for being gay, down me for being "heathen" and sinful, and then all get so drunk on cheap wine they invariabley all wind up driving home in assorted states of intoxication...
Sashan_Rock
Experienced
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- Nov 7, 2003
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ty mae i will have a look at the sites,
been getting loads of good ones since coming here
been getting loads of good ones since coming here
Enodia
Really Experienced
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- Nov 19, 2003
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I suppose it will always be a question of New Guard vs. Old Guard. Of course, I'm Old Guard (despite the fact that I'm so young compared to most).
Maybe my "no need" for sex (even though the Great Rite IS a valuable and powerful ritual) stems from the misuse it's had within certain covens. "Harm none" is the creed--and it harms an SO if you're sleeping with your Priest, even if you ARE the embodiment of the Goddess.I also am Hekate's child. She chose me Mabon of 2000 to follow Her and learn from Her. It's a tough road (man--she's a rough teacher), but I don't have much of a choice (and She led me to a Trad teaching coven). It's not like Hekate is AGAINST sex, per se, but it's not on her "to do" list.
Enodia
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Fundies:
My ex fiance was a born again. Does that count? He used to always tell me he wanted to 'save' me, and that God was punishing us (ie. we had no money) because I'm a Wiccan (couldn't have possible had anything to do with him not having a job, could it? duh).
Yeah...it was fun.
And those Pentecostals--they say OUR worship is weird. They dance around with tambourines and ribbons and flags to Christian "rock", and speak in tongues.
mmmm hmmmm...and "Drawing Down the Moon" is bad...
My ex fiance was a born again. Does that count? He used to always tell me he wanted to 'save' me, and that God was punishing us (ie. we had no money) because I'm a Wiccan (couldn't have possible had anything to do with him not having a job, could it? duh).
Yeah...it was fun.
And those Pentecostals--they say OUR worship is weird. They dance around with tambourines and ribbons and flags to Christian "rock", and speak in tongues.
mmmm hmmmm...and "Drawing Down the Moon" is bad...
Enodia
Really Experienced
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Beating a Dead Horse
Thought I'd share some information about Trad Wicca (for those who don't really know what that is):
An Introduction to Traditional Wicca
Keep Wicca Traditional
Why Wiccans Suck
The Secret History of Modern Witchcraft
Old Guard Paganism
Mike Nichols' Essay
Thought I'd share some information about Trad Wicca (for those who don't really know what that is):
An Introduction to Traditional Wicca
Keep Wicca Traditional
Why Wiccans Suck
The Secret History of Modern Witchcraft
Old Guard Paganism
Mike Nichols' Essay
hurtme
Really Really Experienced
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- Oct 10, 2003
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maybe i misrepresented myself about sex...that is not to say that i practice the great rite in a circle, in fact, i am solitary, so that would be kind of difficult...lol...and i understand about people misusing the idea...I however, unlike some people (male and female) of the wiccan/pagan traditions, don't use it as a pick up line, or in fact bring the topic up unless asked point blank about my feeling on sex and magic. i am more free about my opinion on lit, cause well, i don't have to see you guys in person . I don't say sex is powerful to entice someone into bed, I won't wax philisophic about it to sound cool...and i don't think that i misuse sexual power by hurting my partners with it. But i could never deny its there, it is all around everyone and IMHO we all have the resourses to tap into it, and it is powerful stuff, I wouldn't say that if i hadn't experienced both ends of it, giving and recieving...and it has knocked me on my ass before...
. I don't say sex is powerful to entice someone into bed, I won't wax philisophic about it to sound cool...and i don't think that i misuse sexual power by hurting my partners with it. But i could never deny its there, it is all around everyone and IMHO we all have the resourses to tap into it, and it is powerful stuff, I wouldn't say that if i hadn't experienced both ends of it, giving and recieving...and it has knocked me on my ass before...
Image
Mother Earth Seduced
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Greetings... I know this is kinda long but wanted to share it anyway. I decided not to do the Holly/Oak King theme this time...
We'll be celebrating tomorrow night. We better have a big balefire cause it's going to be really cold!
Feel free to use this... Yes, I wrote but it's not all mine. Bits and pieces borrowed and shared, as it should be, with and from others. I don't recall the individual covens to give credit to, that it came from so my apologies. Plagerism was not the intent
RITUAL OUTLINE
YULE/WINTER SOLSTICE 2003
ALTAR SETUP – Evergreens/(signifying life in death)/ Ivy/Pine/Clubmoss/Wreath around cauldron
INCENSES – Frankincense & Myrrh (charcoal)
CANDLES – Red/ Blue/Yellow/Green for elements
Gold/Silver for God & Goddess
Votives set in circle around altar perimeter
TRIPLE CANDLE in cauldron or Balefire
Candle snuffer
Lighter
NORTH – flat stone with salt
SOUTH – Dragon image
EAST - heat proof bowl with dirt/charcoal/incense
WEST - Seashell with salt water
CHALICE toward west & Goddess candle
ATHAME toward right & God candle
SMUDGE STICK
CAKES & WINE (teapot and hotpad)
WAND
BESOM
CAULDRON
BOOK OF SHADOWS
PRIESTESS – Gaia
PRIEST – Turtle
GUARDIANS
EAST – Brian
SOUTH – Danu
WEST – Wolfshield
NORTH – Talon
CLEANSE CIRCLE
The entire perimeter of the house and deck will be the circle so visualize it all
Priest Sweeps with Besom and purifies with flame walking deosil
Priestess aspurges with seawater and salt
* Celebrants enter space – Priest smudges Priestess 1st Then Priestess smudges Priest and passes smudgestick to next and in turn each smudges the next around the circle (copyright Wolfshield J)
CAST CIRCLE (Priest)
HP: “Between and ‘twixt the worlds stand I
A childe of Earth
A childe of Sky”
“By the Earth that is Her body
By the Air that is Her breath
By the Fire of Her spirit
By the Waters of Her womb
Is this Circle cast…”
HPS – “This Circle is now blessed as sacred space. May all that seek here find the weave of many threads…
May all who desire find nurturing here, a home for the spirit and a cradle for the heart
May all the energy raised here tonight always be for the Earth and all Her creatures
And may it always be a meeting place of Love, of Peace and of Unity of mind!
QUARTER CALLS
Personal invocations - beginning in the East
GOD & GODDESS INVOCATIONS
HPS – “Lady, you who are the beauty of the snowy Earth
And the White Moon among the Stars
The mystery of the Waters
The desire in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come among us and attend this rite
For you are the Soul of Nature that gives birth to the Universe”
HP - “ Lord, You who are the freedom of all wild things ,
The bright Sun that lights the Day
The mystery of the forest
The resolve in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come among us and attend this rite
For you are the body of nature that gives life to the universe”
STATEMENT OF INTENT
HPS: Welcome friends and family to The Solstice Eve Circle…
Since the beginning of time we have gathered in this season to celebrate the return and rebirth of the Sun. Ancient people saw the flow of time as circular, not linear, and the changing seasons were understood as a Great Wheel, the Wheel of the year. To this season was given the name “Yule, meaning Wheel.
Tonight we are gathered to observe as Darkness gives way and changes to light. We gather to celebrate this Holy Night of the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Yet this night, in the time of greatest darkness, the light is reborn. The infant Sun will grow stronger and stronger with each passing day until we reach the Summer Solstice, where, as He knows He must, give way to the waning year. All things ebb and flow…
The ancients believed the people must help the light to be reborn, by honoring the time of darkness. The people were to watch and wait, holding hope in their hearts. The return of the light was not taken for granted. And people never forgot how their very lives depended on it’s return. While the people waited, they prayed and feasted. They decorated their homes so that the new light would find welcome and beauty in the new year. They exchanged gifts with one another in honor of the life-giving gift of increasing light. And while they waited, they told stories… Stories to explain the light’s coming and going…
HP: Tonight we will tell one story of how the light makes rich our lives. We will tell a story of the turning Wheel of The Year and how the light will be reborn.
Standing now, under the “Long Night’s Moon”
Let us join The Goddess in greeting the newly born Sun!
CRONE: I am the Crone, The Olde One who rules the time of Winter. Do you know my names? I am Hecate at the crossroads. I am Cerridwen , Keeper of the Cauldron of rebirth, the Grail dispensing inspiration and wisdom. I am Spider Grandmother, midwife of life and death, the Changer. I am the storyteller…
This night I have brought the guardians of the four directions to tell the story of The Sun God, A story of Life and death and rebirth… Listen!
* As each quarter speaks their part The Sun God snuffs out the ring of candles from quarter to quarter beginning North to East* Finish with Quarter candle last…
EAST
I am the east, the place of dawn, ruled by the element of Air. I am the breath of Life, of speech and song. I watch over all the winged ones. I am the season of spring, the season of birth and new creation surging forth..
Can you remember the Spring? Life surges forth in buds and sprouts. The trees dress their branches in new leaves as the sap rises to rouse them from sleep. The birds return from the realms of the south to raise their children. New life comes forth and multiplies. The Earth warms and leans toward the sun as She greens and blossoms. Each day the young Sun rises in the East and each day grows stronger. Each day the time of light lasts longer. Did you think it would last forever? The wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed East to South
SOUTH I am the South. The place of midday, ruled by the element of Fire. I am the passion and laughter of life. Keeper of Earth’s fertility. Guardian of all that walks and crawls on the Earth. I hold the gift of fertile Earth from whence your crops come forth. I am the blessing of children, the keeper of truth and innocence. I am the season of Summer.
Can you remember the Summer? The fruit sets upon the vines and the branches of the trees. The herds fatten on the thick grass of the upper pastures. Young animals scamper and play under the watchful eyes of the older animals. The young birds learn to fly. Your own children take shade under the glorious leaf canopy of the trees. The Earth leans nearest the Sun, in Her radiant beauty. The Sun, strong and hot, is at the peak of His power. And the light exceeds the darkness. Did you think it would last forever? The Wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed South to West
WEST
I am the West, place of dusk, ruled by the element of Water. I am the guardian of life’s water – from the Oceans’ depths to the waters of the womb that rocked you before your birth. I am the sweet rain satisfying the thirtsy Earth, and keeper of all that swims and lives in water. I am the place that lies below the surface of intuition and dreams. I am the season of Fall and I rule the time of harvest.
Can you remember the time of Fall? Do you remember the backbreaking labor of harvesting the grains and fruits and vegetables? The vines and trees heavy with their bounty? Now the young animals take their places beside the elders and begin the great migrations to the realms of the South and the pastures of the lowlands.
The trees transform from deep green into glorious gold, orange and red – their true colors shine forth before they drop their finery, leaf by leaf, to the ground. Your own children must be dressed against the chill and you labor to make room for the coming darkness. The Earth stands apart from the Sun who grows cooler, and the light begins to die. Did you think it would last forever? The Wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed West to North
NORTH
I am the North, the place of midnight, ruled by the element Earth. I am the place of the ancestors and ancient wisdom, of all that has walked the Wheel through millennia and knows the way. I rule the time of Winter.
The time of darkness is now upon us. A time of cold and scarcity when the Northern –most Earth leans farthest from the sun. The Sun gives brief light and little warmth. The life that was lies shattered and still – retreated like refugees in the migrations of herds and the flight of flocks. The trees stand stripped and naked in their poverty, imprisoned in ice, bowed and broken by storms. In suffering and hardship you learn what is essential. Your wealth is taken, your weakness exposed, your dreams perish.
Even The God, too, dies!
*Sun God goes to the center of the circle and dies laying in fetal position
* Crone covers him with shroud* He remains there until Goddess announces birth
CRONE: My children, there are many kinds of darkness – the darkness of death and suffering, of hatred and war, of bloodshed. The darkness of fear and despair, the darkness of cruelty and injustice. The darkness of sorrow and loss.
Yet, all these, as great and terrible as they are, are held within another and far greater darkness – the womb darkness – the darkness of the Great Mother, she who is the source of creation.
And you, Her Children, She does not forget. You are not abandoned or forsaken. Even now the Goddess labors to birth the Sun. Trust the laboring darkness, for the time of awakening and light comes. A time when burdens shall be lifted, and refugees welcomed. Grief will be healed, dreams reborn and all of life renewed! The slumbering animals are dreaming of it. The seeds in hardened shells know the time and push forward through darkness, seeking light. Reach with your life towards The mother as She reaches with unconditional love toward you, Her children. The Winter Solstice promises new dreams, new hope, new light…. Be not afraid!
Will you help the Light to be reborn? *YES! YES! YES! Do you, the people hold the light in your hearts? *YES! YES! Then help The Wheel turn! Help the Light be reborn!
· Guardians come to altar and relight candles in their quadrants beginning the chant for all
“Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn!
All that dies will be reborn!
Corn and Grain, Corn and Grain
All that falls will rise again!”
Drumming, singing, chanting continue for a bit
Crone than takes Goddess Candle and lights it from the Yule Candle in cauldron or balefire…
*Lights God candle
CRONE: The Earth Goddess, pregnant with life, once again gives birth to the infant Solstice Sun!
*The Sun God throws off the shroud and rises*
CRONE: Behold the Light that can never die! Born anew in the Solstice sky! The childe of promise! The Star Childe! The Winter born King, bringing new light and hope to the world!
*The Newly born Sun then walks deosil to each quarter acknowledging each and every person, then takes his place again at the Altar*
CRONE: The people in darkness have seen a great light and though this light is yet small, it grows stronger as it grows in each of us. As we join the Goddess in greeting the Sun, we also welcome the new light within ourselves…
Namaste!
BLESSING OF CAKES AND WINE AND ATHAME
*The HPS faces the altar, taking the chalice of wine in both hands, raising it in offering to the Lord & Lady saying
HPS: We give thanks to the Gods for the fruits of the vine and the water of life that sustains us.
*The HP faces the altar, taking the basket of cakes and offers it to the Lord & Lady saying
HP: We give thanks to the Gods for the fruits of the Earth that sustain us.
*HPS holds chalice in both hands and raises it in salute, facing altar
HPS: O Holy Mother, bless this fruit of the vine for use in our rite, that we may honor the Light!
*HP holds Athame upwards in both hands while facing the altar
HP: O Great Lord triumphant, bless this athame that we may use it in honoring the light, so the wheel shall not pause in it’s eternal turning.
ENACTMENT OF GREAT RITE
Priest and Priestess face each other … Priestess offers chalice/Priest raises Athame between both palms above Chalice, slowly dipping the blade into the wine
HP – “As the Athame is to the male”
HPS – “So the Chalice is to the female”
BOTH – And conjoined they bring blessedness
*The Priestess holds the chalice for the Priest to sip and then in turn Priest holds it while Priestess drinks.
· Priest takes up cakes, facing Priestess. She touches the cakes with the point of the Athame and says:
HPS: This food is the blessing of the Gods to nourish our bodies, so that our souls shall have a healthy temple.
· The Priest takes a cake and offers it to the Priestess and then she feeds him one in return…
OFFERING TO GOD & GODDESS
*Priestess pours a portion of the Sabbat wine into Cauldron (or ground)
*Priest crumbles a portion of cake into Cauldron (or ground)
HPS: Lord & Lady accept this gift of wine and bread and bless us with your light
OFFERING TO FEY AND ELEMENTALS
*Priestess raises chalice, tips to the four directions
HPS: Faeries and blessed creatures of the elements - we offer you a portion of the Sabbat Wine, blessed of Water
*Priest elevates cakes and tips to the four directions
HP: Faeries and blessed creatures of the elements – we offer you a portion of the Sabbat bread, blessed of Earth
Offers to celebrants Wine and cakes…
“May you never thirst”
”May you never hunger”
After simple feast is done – Now may be the time for celebrants to speak of remembering and appreciating the year just ending… letting go of the negative things we wish to leave behind and setting direction for the New Year.
If weather permits, and we are outdoors with a balefire, we can use our wood and/or bark pieces to throw into the fire. As they burn and turn to ashes so too does the things we want to see go. As the smoke rises visualize our prayers for the coming year rising for all the Universe to hear and assist us…
HPS: Between the worlds we stand in this sacred space
All time is here and now. As we leave this circle, the season will have changed
And we will have changed with it. For there is no escape from the wisdom of the Universe…
HP: The sacred dance goes on and on. Seasons change and change again. From where we came we will return. The Circle remains unbroken…
THANKS & FAREWELL TO THE GOD & GODDESS
HP: God of the Sun, we thank you for attending these rites in your honor and for sharing your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation… Hail & Farewell!
HPS: Goddess of the Moon, we thank you for attending these rites in your honor and for sharing your gifts of compassion and wit… Hail & Farewell!
* Priest and Priestess snuff out Gold and Silver candles
THANKS AND RELEASE OF QUARTERS
Beginning in North going whiddershins
Priest and Priestess extinguish candles as the quarters are dismissed (Priestess snuffs North and West/Priest snuffs South and East)
After East is dismissed…
HP: Out of darkness the light has been reborn. Carry this moment like a torch in your hearts through the coming year. Let it sustain you in your times of darkness and be a symbol of blessing in your times of joy. Let peace be with you!
HPS: These rites are now ended. Thanks to all who shared in this celebration tonight. We’ll close this circle by clapping three times together.
WOLFSHIELD: May the Circle be open but never be broken. May the peace of the Goddess be always in your heart… Merry ye meet and Merry ye part and Merry ye meet again!
ALL CELEBRANTS CLAP 3x – the circle is opened!
We'll be celebrating tomorrow night. We better have a big balefire cause it's going to be really cold!
Feel free to use this... Yes, I wrote but it's not all mine. Bits and pieces borrowed and shared, as it should be, with and from others. I don't recall the individual covens to give credit to, that it came from so my apologies. Plagerism was not the intent
RITUAL OUTLINE
YULE/WINTER SOLSTICE 2003
ALTAR SETUP – Evergreens/(signifying life in death)/ Ivy/Pine/Clubmoss/Wreath around cauldron
INCENSES – Frankincense & Myrrh (charcoal)
CANDLES – Red/ Blue/Yellow/Green for elements
Gold/Silver for God & Goddess
Votives set in circle around altar perimeter
TRIPLE CANDLE in cauldron or Balefire
Candle snuffer
Lighter
NORTH – flat stone with salt
SOUTH – Dragon image
EAST - heat proof bowl with dirt/charcoal/incense
WEST - Seashell with salt water
CHALICE toward west & Goddess candle
ATHAME toward right & God candle
SMUDGE STICK
CAKES & WINE (teapot and hotpad)
WAND
BESOM
CAULDRON
BOOK OF SHADOWS
PRIESTESS – Gaia
PRIEST – Turtle
GUARDIANS
EAST – Brian
SOUTH – Danu
WEST – Wolfshield
NORTH – Talon
CLEANSE CIRCLE
The entire perimeter of the house and deck will be the circle so visualize it all
Priest Sweeps with Besom and purifies with flame walking deosil
Priestess aspurges with seawater and salt
* Celebrants enter space – Priest smudges Priestess 1st Then Priestess smudges Priest and passes smudgestick to next and in turn each smudges the next around the circle (copyright Wolfshield J)
CAST CIRCLE (Priest)
HP: “Between and ‘twixt the worlds stand I
A childe of Earth
A childe of Sky”
“By the Earth that is Her body
By the Air that is Her breath
By the Fire of Her spirit
By the Waters of Her womb
Is this Circle cast…”
HPS – “This Circle is now blessed as sacred space. May all that seek here find the weave of many threads…
May all who desire find nurturing here, a home for the spirit and a cradle for the heart
May all the energy raised here tonight always be for the Earth and all Her creatures
And may it always be a meeting place of Love, of Peace and of Unity of mind!
QUARTER CALLS
Personal invocations - beginning in the East
GOD & GODDESS INVOCATIONS
HPS – “Lady, you who are the beauty of the snowy Earth
And the White Moon among the Stars
The mystery of the Waters
The desire in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come among us and attend this rite
For you are the Soul of Nature that gives birth to the Universe”
HP - “ Lord, You who are the freedom of all wild things ,
The bright Sun that lights the Day
The mystery of the forest
The resolve in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come among us and attend this rite
For you are the body of nature that gives life to the universe”
STATEMENT OF INTENT
HPS: Welcome friends and family to The Solstice Eve Circle…
Since the beginning of time we have gathered in this season to celebrate the return and rebirth of the Sun. Ancient people saw the flow of time as circular, not linear, and the changing seasons were understood as a Great Wheel, the Wheel of the year. To this season was given the name “Yule, meaning Wheel.
Tonight we are gathered to observe as Darkness gives way and changes to light. We gather to celebrate this Holy Night of the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Yet this night, in the time of greatest darkness, the light is reborn. The infant Sun will grow stronger and stronger with each passing day until we reach the Summer Solstice, where, as He knows He must, give way to the waning year. All things ebb and flow…
The ancients believed the people must help the light to be reborn, by honoring the time of darkness. The people were to watch and wait, holding hope in their hearts. The return of the light was not taken for granted. And people never forgot how their very lives depended on it’s return. While the people waited, they prayed and feasted. They decorated their homes so that the new light would find welcome and beauty in the new year. They exchanged gifts with one another in honor of the life-giving gift of increasing light. And while they waited, they told stories… Stories to explain the light’s coming and going…
HP: Tonight we will tell one story of how the light makes rich our lives. We will tell a story of the turning Wheel of The Year and how the light will be reborn.
Standing now, under the “Long Night’s Moon”
Let us join The Goddess in greeting the newly born Sun!
CRONE: I am the Crone, The Olde One who rules the time of Winter. Do you know my names? I am Hecate at the crossroads. I am Cerridwen , Keeper of the Cauldron of rebirth, the Grail dispensing inspiration and wisdom. I am Spider Grandmother, midwife of life and death, the Changer. I am the storyteller…
This night I have brought the guardians of the four directions to tell the story of The Sun God, A story of Life and death and rebirth… Listen!
* As each quarter speaks their part The Sun God snuffs out the ring of candles from quarter to quarter beginning North to East* Finish with Quarter candle last…
EAST
I am the east, the place of dawn, ruled by the element of Air. I am the breath of Life, of speech and song. I watch over all the winged ones. I am the season of spring, the season of birth and new creation surging forth..
Can you remember the Spring? Life surges forth in buds and sprouts. The trees dress their branches in new leaves as the sap rises to rouse them from sleep. The birds return from the realms of the south to raise their children. New life comes forth and multiplies. The Earth warms and leans toward the sun as She greens and blossoms. Each day the young Sun rises in the East and each day grows stronger. Each day the time of light lasts longer. Did you think it would last forever? The wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed East to South
SOUTH I am the South. The place of midday, ruled by the element of Fire. I am the passion and laughter of life. Keeper of Earth’s fertility. Guardian of all that walks and crawls on the Earth. I hold the gift of fertile Earth from whence your crops come forth. I am the blessing of children, the keeper of truth and innocence. I am the season of Summer.
Can you remember the Summer? The fruit sets upon the vines and the branches of the trees. The herds fatten on the thick grass of the upper pastures. Young animals scamper and play under the watchful eyes of the older animals. The young birds learn to fly. Your own children take shade under the glorious leaf canopy of the trees. The Earth leans nearest the Sun, in Her radiant beauty. The Sun, strong and hot, is at the peak of His power. And the light exceeds the darkness. Did you think it would last forever? The Wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed South to West
WEST
I am the West, place of dusk, ruled by the element of Water. I am the guardian of life’s water – from the Oceans’ depths to the waters of the womb that rocked you before your birth. I am the sweet rain satisfying the thirtsy Earth, and keeper of all that swims and lives in water. I am the place that lies below the surface of intuition and dreams. I am the season of Fall and I rule the time of harvest.
Can you remember the time of Fall? Do you remember the backbreaking labor of harvesting the grains and fruits and vegetables? The vines and trees heavy with their bounty? Now the young animals take their places beside the elders and begin the great migrations to the realms of the South and the pastures of the lowlands.
The trees transform from deep green into glorious gold, orange and red – their true colors shine forth before they drop their finery, leaf by leaf, to the ground. Your own children must be dressed against the chill and you labor to make room for the coming darkness. The Earth stands apart from the Sun who grows cooler, and the light begins to die. Did you think it would last forever? The Wheel turns!
*Candles snuffed West to North
NORTH
I am the North, the place of midnight, ruled by the element Earth. I am the place of the ancestors and ancient wisdom, of all that has walked the Wheel through millennia and knows the way. I rule the time of Winter.
The time of darkness is now upon us. A time of cold and scarcity when the Northern –most Earth leans farthest from the sun. The Sun gives brief light and little warmth. The life that was lies shattered and still – retreated like refugees in the migrations of herds and the flight of flocks. The trees stand stripped and naked in their poverty, imprisoned in ice, bowed and broken by storms. In suffering and hardship you learn what is essential. Your wealth is taken, your weakness exposed, your dreams perish.
Even The God, too, dies!
*Sun God goes to the center of the circle and dies laying in fetal position
* Crone covers him with shroud* He remains there until Goddess announces birth
CRONE: My children, there are many kinds of darkness – the darkness of death and suffering, of hatred and war, of bloodshed. The darkness of fear and despair, the darkness of cruelty and injustice. The darkness of sorrow and loss.
Yet, all these, as great and terrible as they are, are held within another and far greater darkness – the womb darkness – the darkness of the Great Mother, she who is the source of creation.
And you, Her Children, She does not forget. You are not abandoned or forsaken. Even now the Goddess labors to birth the Sun. Trust the laboring darkness, for the time of awakening and light comes. A time when burdens shall be lifted, and refugees welcomed. Grief will be healed, dreams reborn and all of life renewed! The slumbering animals are dreaming of it. The seeds in hardened shells know the time and push forward through darkness, seeking light. Reach with your life towards The mother as She reaches with unconditional love toward you, Her children. The Winter Solstice promises new dreams, new hope, new light…. Be not afraid!
Will you help the Light to be reborn? *YES! YES! YES! Do you, the people hold the light in your hearts? *YES! YES! Then help The Wheel turn! Help the Light be reborn!
· Guardians come to altar and relight candles in their quadrants beginning the chant for all
“Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn!
All that dies will be reborn!
Corn and Grain, Corn and Grain
All that falls will rise again!”
Drumming, singing, chanting continue for a bit
Crone than takes Goddess Candle and lights it from the Yule Candle in cauldron or balefire…
*Lights God candle
CRONE: The Earth Goddess, pregnant with life, once again gives birth to the infant Solstice Sun!
*The Sun God throws off the shroud and rises*
CRONE: Behold the Light that can never die! Born anew in the Solstice sky! The childe of promise! The Star Childe! The Winter born King, bringing new light and hope to the world!
*The Newly born Sun then walks deosil to each quarter acknowledging each and every person, then takes his place again at the Altar*
CRONE: The people in darkness have seen a great light and though this light is yet small, it grows stronger as it grows in each of us. As we join the Goddess in greeting the Sun, we also welcome the new light within ourselves…
Namaste!
BLESSING OF CAKES AND WINE AND ATHAME
*The HPS faces the altar, taking the chalice of wine in both hands, raising it in offering to the Lord & Lady saying
HPS: We give thanks to the Gods for the fruits of the vine and the water of life that sustains us.
*The HP faces the altar, taking the basket of cakes and offers it to the Lord & Lady saying
HP: We give thanks to the Gods for the fruits of the Earth that sustain us.
*HPS holds chalice in both hands and raises it in salute, facing altar
HPS: O Holy Mother, bless this fruit of the vine for use in our rite, that we may honor the Light!
*HP holds Athame upwards in both hands while facing the altar
HP: O Great Lord triumphant, bless this athame that we may use it in honoring the light, so the wheel shall not pause in it’s eternal turning.
ENACTMENT OF GREAT RITE
Priest and Priestess face each other … Priestess offers chalice/Priest raises Athame between both palms above Chalice, slowly dipping the blade into the wine
HP – “As the Athame is to the male”
HPS – “So the Chalice is to the female”
BOTH – And conjoined they bring blessedness
*The Priestess holds the chalice for the Priest to sip and then in turn Priest holds it while Priestess drinks.
· Priest takes up cakes, facing Priestess. She touches the cakes with the point of the Athame and says:
HPS: This food is the blessing of the Gods to nourish our bodies, so that our souls shall have a healthy temple.
· The Priest takes a cake and offers it to the Priestess and then she feeds him one in return…
OFFERING TO GOD & GODDESS
*Priestess pours a portion of the Sabbat wine into Cauldron (or ground)
*Priest crumbles a portion of cake into Cauldron (or ground)
HPS: Lord & Lady accept this gift of wine and bread and bless us with your light
OFFERING TO FEY AND ELEMENTALS
*Priestess raises chalice, tips to the four directions
HPS: Faeries and blessed creatures of the elements - we offer you a portion of the Sabbat Wine, blessed of Water
*Priest elevates cakes and tips to the four directions
HP: Faeries and blessed creatures of the elements – we offer you a portion of the Sabbat bread, blessed of Earth
Offers to celebrants Wine and cakes…
“May you never thirst”
”May you never hunger”
After simple feast is done – Now may be the time for celebrants to speak of remembering and appreciating the year just ending… letting go of the negative things we wish to leave behind and setting direction for the New Year.
If weather permits, and we are outdoors with a balefire, we can use our wood and/or bark pieces to throw into the fire. As they burn and turn to ashes so too does the things we want to see go. As the smoke rises visualize our prayers for the coming year rising for all the Universe to hear and assist us…
HPS: Between the worlds we stand in this sacred space
All time is here and now. As we leave this circle, the season will have changed
And we will have changed with it. For there is no escape from the wisdom of the Universe…
HP: The sacred dance goes on and on. Seasons change and change again. From where we came we will return. The Circle remains unbroken…
THANKS & FAREWELL TO THE GOD & GODDESS
HP: God of the Sun, we thank you for attending these rites in your honor and for sharing your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation… Hail & Farewell!
HPS: Goddess of the Moon, we thank you for attending these rites in your honor and for sharing your gifts of compassion and wit… Hail & Farewell!
* Priest and Priestess snuff out Gold and Silver candles
THANKS AND RELEASE OF QUARTERS
Beginning in North going whiddershins
Priest and Priestess extinguish candles as the quarters are dismissed (Priestess snuffs North and West/Priest snuffs South and East)
After East is dismissed…
HP: Out of darkness the light has been reborn. Carry this moment like a torch in your hearts through the coming year. Let it sustain you in your times of darkness and be a symbol of blessing in your times of joy. Let peace be with you!
HPS: These rites are now ended. Thanks to all who shared in this celebration tonight. We’ll close this circle by clapping three times together.
WOLFSHIELD: May the Circle be open but never be broken. May the peace of the Goddess be always in your heart… Merry ye meet and Merry ye part and Merry ye meet again!
ALL CELEBRANTS CLAP 3x – the circle is opened!
Last edited:
Sashan_Rock
Experienced
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2003
- Posts
- 62
Lycan said:
i like ur pic - boris is good
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