BOOK OF SHADOWS
VOLUME The FIRST
pp. 1 - 452
RIDERS OF THE CRYSTAL WIND
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Minster Speaks Out (J. gordon Melton) .........................975
A Plea For Initiation Standards (Ellen Cannon Reed) .............908
A Tale of Two Witches (Mike Nichols) ............................147
All Hallows Eve (Mike Nichols) ..................................137
Altar Dedication (Durwydd) .....................................125
Amazing (Pagan?) Grace ..........................................959
Ancient Art, The ................................................551
Answers (Grove of the Unicorn) ..................................479
Asatru (Rathulvf Jamieson) ......................................952
Astral Projection (Monroe Technique) ............................783
Athame Dedication (Durwydd) .....................................125
Autarchic Creed .................................................562
Banes, Bindings, and Mirrors (Judy Harrow, Hugh Read) ...........628
Bare Bones 3rd Degree (Humor) ...................................463
Basic Beliefs of WICCA (C.O.G.) .................................947
Basic Love Spell ................................................958
Basic Spell Construction ........................................113
Basic Principles (American Council of Witches)...................310
Basic Ritual Outline (ED FITCH) ...................................6
Beltaine Ritual (Firestar Coven, 1986) ...........................36
Beltane Ritual (Seastrider) .....................................464
Beltane, Its Origins (Rowan Moonstone) ..........................126
Bible, Books not included .......................................652
Bibliography (annotated) ........................................929
Binding A Spell (Farrar & Farrar) ...............................157
Blood Sacrifice (Althea Whitebirch) .............................547
Burning Times, The (Marios) .....................................951
C.O.G. Pledge ...................................................309
Channeling (Jast) ...............................................969
"Condensed" Definition of Wicca (Lady Phoenix) ..................948
Candle Colors ...................................................982
Candle Magic ....................................................417
Candle Scents ...................................................988
Candlemas (Gwydion) .............................................537
Candlemas (Mike Nichols) ........................................168
Catharsis Circle (Judy Harrow).....................................8
Cauldrons (Elemental)............................................420
CELTIC NUMEROLOGY (Mike Nichols) ................................454
CELTIC BIBLIOGRAPHY (Rowan Moonstone) ...........................298
Chants w/ASCII Notation (L.A.Hussey) ...........................1081
Chaos Magic (Mark Chao) .........................................398
Charge of the Phone Goddess (Magenta Griffith) ..................759
Charge of the Goddess, The ......................................193
Charge of The Horned God, The ...................................936
Check List for A Well Working Group (Earthrite BBS) .............957
Church of All Worlds ............................................353
Christian "Cults" ..............................................1000
Circle Closing ..................................................540
Circle Casting (Avaloian)........................................541
Circle Purification for Asthmatics ..............................780
Circle Casting (after Valiente and Farrar) ......................130
Circles, why use them? (Mel White) ...............................65
Cleansing (Rowan Moonstone) .......................................2
Comparison of Wicca and Christianity.............................622
Computer Blessing (Zahai Stewart) ...............................757
Coven Offices ...................................................762
Coven Leadership ................................................543
Covenant of the Goddess .........................................305
Consciousness & Politics (Carol Moore).........................
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Craft Ethics (J. Crowley) .......................................751
Creation Story ..................................................619
Creed Of The People Of God (Catholic) ..........................1005
Crone Energies (Grey Cat) .......................................559
Crystals, their care and feeding (Matrika).......................413
Cult Danger Evaluation Frame (P.E.I.Bonewits) ...................343
CUUPS (C.O.G. Salt Lake City) ..................................1002
"Dark Night of the Soul".........................................286
DCW Landmarks ...................................................492
Degrees within Covens ...........................................623
Deity Engineering Worksheet .....................................607
Denver Area Wiccan Network ......................................200
Descent of The Goddess (Sewna Silvara) ..........................750
Dianic Wicca (Inanna Seastar) ...................................614
Divination (Bibliography) .......................................605
Divination (RMPJ) ...............................................603
Drawing Down the Moon ...........................................557
Dream Problem Solving ...........................................573
Dream Bibliography ..............................................576
Dream Life ......................................................571
Dream-News ......................................................567
Dreams Precognition .............................................575
Dying God (Ammond ShadowCraft)...................................685
Eclectic Circle Ceremony (Durwydd) ...............................40
EcoMagick .......................................................614
Eight Paths to Altered States (Carrie McMasters).................222
Elements, A Hermetic Summoning (Marios) .........................960
Elemental Correspondences (from Starhawk) .......................979
Elemental Correspondences .......................................560
Ethics and Morals (RMPJ) ........................................315
Ethics and Magick (Warren Stott) ................................415
Ethics and Love Magick (Mike Nichols) ...........................554
Ethics or Etiquette .............................................565
Etymology of "Wicca" ............................................356
Evolution of Wiccan Ritual (Paul Hume) ..........................946
Exorcism ........................................................613
Festivals .......................................................587
Film Guide '89 (Mike Nichols)....................................528
First Degree, What is it? .......................................351
FISH (Creative use of Christian Symbology) ......................611
Five Fold Kiss ..................................................744
Fool ............................................................590
Fortune, The (RMPJ) .............................................953
Full Deck Tarot Spread ..........................................625
Full Moon Ritual (Seastrider)....................................634
Fundamentals of Human Ecology ...................................616
Glossary (Rowan Moonstone & Durwydd MacTara) ....................206
Gnosticism.......................................................694
God/Goddess Balance (Adrienne)...................................223
Golden Dawn (Calif.).............................................689
Golden Dawn Training (outline)...................................691
Goodwife (Story by L.A. Hussey) .................................644
Great Rite, The (Symbolic) ......................................656
Greek Fire Initiation............................................982
Halloween, Origins of (Rowan Moonstone) ..........................26
Handfasting ......................................................68
Harvest Home (Mike Nichols) .....................................176
Harvest Thoughts (Gary Dumbauld) ................................630
Harvest Home - 1987 (Michael Fix) ................................13
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Heal The Earth (a meditation) ...................................661
Healing (one method) ............................................655
Healing Myth (Nihasa) ...........................................165
Helpful Hints (Humor) ...........................................966
Heretic's Corner (RMPJ) .........................................869
Heyokah (RMPJ) ..................................................632
Hidden Codes in the Torah .......................................733
High Technology Meets The Ancient Wisdom ........................964
History (Weyland Smith) .........................................786
History of Witch Craft ..........................................791
Homeblessing (Selena Fox) .......................................663
Hypnosis 101 ....................................................667
Imbolc (Solitary Ritual) ........................................664
Initiation, Outdoor (adaptation) .................................72
Initiation (Brad Hicks) ..........................................50
Introductory Book List ..........................................926
INVOCATIONS
Freyja (unknown) ............................................56
Frigg (Russ Anderson) .......................................55
Brigit (Russ Anderson) ......................................57
Baldur (unknown) ............................................55
Freyr (unknown) .............................................56
Herne (unknown) .............................................57
Thorr (unknown) .............................................58
Irish Myth Concordance (Mike Nichols) ...........................422
Ishtar ..........................................................740
Issian Circle (Matrika) ..........................................59
K.A.M. ..........................................................735
Kabballah (Colin Low)............................................236
Kali and Modern Physics .........................................730
Keltria (The Henge of) ..........................................739
Lady Day (Mike Nichols) .........................................171
Lammas (Mike Nichols) ...........................................174
"Landmarks" (D.C.W.) ............................................990
LBRP, an Essay (Tim Maroney) ....................................103
Learning Process ................................................962
Lilith (BBS Conversation) ......................................1083
LLEW, Death of (Mike Nichols) ...................................179
Lucid Dreaming (Omni Magazine) ..................................955
MABON Outline (anonymous) ........................................43
Magick, Physics, & Probability (Hurn) ...........................811
Magick (A. Crowley) .............................................817
Magick Vs. Prayer (Salgamma) ....................................684
Magickal Book List ..............................................923
Magick Course Outline (Amber K.).................................815
Magickal Ethics (Judy Harrow) ...................................502
Magickal History (Fra.: Apfelman) ...............................406
Magickal Definitions (RMPJ) .....................................814
Magickal Laws (after P.E.I. Bonewits) ...........................831
Magickal Musical Selection Guide ...............................1079
Magickal Pyramid, The (Durwydd MacTara).........................1096
Magickal Stones & Gems ..........................................912
Manhood Rituals (RMPJ) ..........................................760
Mantra Web technique ............................................288
Mayan Deities (777 Supplement) ..................................834
Mayday Celebration (Mike Nichols) ...............................837
MAYDAY Celebration (Mike Nichols) ................................79
Media Management (Windfire Coven) ...............................851
Maychants (4) (Tanscribed by SeaStrider).........................911
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Memory & Perception, a new Model (Paul Seymour).................1077
Midsummer (Mike Nichols) .........................................45
Mind Control Techniques (Dick Sutphen) ..........................512
Models of Magick (incomplete)....................................216
Modern Pagaism, Q&A .............................................920
Modern Pagan Persecution (Jonathan Hutchins) ....................942
Mothers Day Message ............................................1076
Monotheism vs. Polytheism (Dan Holdgriewe) ......................941
Mycenaen Mysteries (J. Teller)...................................365
Mystical Pentagram ..............................................110
Nature Spirit Magick (Larry Cornett) ............................357
Necromancy (reprint) ............................................841
Neo-Pagan Ritual (Brad Hicks) ....................................77
Neo-Paganism (J. Brad Hicks) ....................................329
NeoPagism (Eric S. Raymond) .....................................333
NLP- Applied Magic (Brandy Williams).............................459
NROOGD SAMHAIN - 1987 (l.a. Hussey) ..............................21
Occult Resurgence, A theory .....................................224
ODINISM, What is it? ............................................764
Open Circle Ethics (Brandy Williams) ............................377
Open Letter to A New Witch ......................................910
Open Letter to Selena Fox (Isaac Bonewits) .....................1089
Opening (ending) The Circle ......................................12
Origins of the Mandan (Madoc) ...................................949
Pantacle, The (Gary Dumbauld) ...................................392
Personal effects of Ritual (Nihasa) .............................868
Polarity and Single Sex Covens (Marios) .........................945
Pornography & Pagan Ideals ......................................972
Power Animals (RMPJ).............................................411
Psychic Self-Defense ............................................594
Psychic Attack ..................................................563
"Quantum" Kaballah...............................................282
Quantum Magick (Larry Cornett) ..................................857
Quilting and "Craft" (J.M. Cortese) ............................1103
Rainforest Ritual (Michael Harismedes, 1988) ....................212
Ritual Bath (Sewna Silvara) .....................................745
Runes, What are they? (Lokrien) .................................215
Runic Thorn Ritual (Faunus) ....................................1097
Sangreal Sodality, The (Alfgar Maharg) ..........................944
Samhain Notes (Farrar)...........................................143
Samhain Ritual (L. A. Hussey) ....................................19
Samhain Ritual (O.T.O.) .........................................145
Samhain (United Wiccan Church) ..................................141
Satanism vs. Wicca (Diane Vera)..................................194
Saxon Wicca (Matrika) ...........................................158
Scorpio Dragon (Sewna Silvara) ..................................749
Second Degree (Gary Dumbauld) .....................................3
Sex and Magick (Fra. Apfelmann)..................................231
Shamanic Binding (Gaffer Maccluiunn) ............................937
Shamanic Lifeways Fellowship (Michelle Haas) ....................384
Smudging (Michelle Haas) ........................................184
Solitary Moon Rite, Issian (Ellen Cannon Reed) .................1100
Sophia and Gnosticism (Terry J. McCombs) .......................1105
Spitual Emergence or Emergency (Paul Seymour) ...................939
Spring Equinox (Farrar and Farrar) ..............................182
Standing Stones Book Of Shadows (Scott Cunninham) ..............1010
Strings On The Winds (Bardic Fiction)............................778
"Super-Dimensionality" ..........................................289
Taleisin's thoughts .............................................676
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Tea Ritual (Sewna Silvara, Triskelion)...........................747
Technology and The Craft (Fun!) .................................132
The Postures of Ecstasy .........................................617
Tool List (Seastrider) ..........................................136
Tool Blessing Ritual ............................................122
Tool Consecration ................................................17
Traditional Wicca (K.A.M.) ......................................186
Trickster Energies ..............................................234
Twelve Exercises Nobody Needs ...................................619
Wartime (Michelle Haas, 1991) ...................................117
Watch Towers, Rethinking The (Mike Nichols) .....................344
What is WICCA? (Texas Pamphlet) .................................322
What is Shamanism? (Michelle Haas) ..............................354
What is Wicca? (Amber K.) .......................................340
Wicca, from My Point of View (Lady Phoenix) .....................149
Wiccan Information Network .....................................1087
Wiccan Way, The .................................................192
Wiccan Pentagram Ritual (Paul Hume) ..............................98
Wiccan Traditions, A comparison (Hurn, RMPJ) ....................154
Wiccan Path (Madoc)..............................................227
Wiccan Shamanism (Selena Fox) ...................................162
Wiccan Principles (American Council of Witches, 1974)............190
Wiccan Rede, An Exegesis (Judy Harrow) ..........................317
Witchcraft Q&A (Dr. Leo Martello) ...............................150
Witches Creed (Doreen Valiente_ .................................320
Women vs. Men (Michele Haas).....................................195
YULE (Mike Nichols) ..............................................84
Yule in Britain (Tana) ...........................................94
Yule Ritual (Starhawk) ...........................................88
1
CLEANSING
Rowan Moonstone 05-28-89
When I cleanse a dwelling place, first I burn a good cleansing
incense, like frankincense or sandalwood in the home while I prepare
for the rest of the ritual. You should have in addition to the
incense, a candle, a bowl of salt water and a bowl of herbs. I
particularly like to use rose buds for love, lavender for
preservation, rosemary for protection, and any other sweet smelling
ones that appeal to you personally. If you can get them home grown,
so much the better. You should proceed around the house, widdershins(
counter clock wise) and cleanse the area with the salt water. Be sure
to get each corner, window, door, drain, etc. Simply sprinkle a
little salt water on each and ask that any evil or disruptive
influences leave the place. When this is finished, proceed around the
house deosil( clockwise) sprinkling the blessing herbs and invoke
whatever deities or properties you wish on the home, such as peace
prosperity, tranquility, etc. In the past, I have used 3 candles on
the central altar. Blue, symbolizing tranquility, green for healing
and prosperity, and purple for protection. Others might be pink for
love, or brown for hearth and home. You and anyone who is to share
the home with you should share food and drink, and don't forget to
leave a little of the food and drink to take outside and return to the
Earth that which has been given.
Blessed Be. Rowan
--- DragonMail0.00
* Origin: Beagle Express - (405)848-2828 - *ISA* *IFNA* (1:147/4)
2
Second Degree Initiation
This is a ceremony we have used a couple of times (with variations to
suit the candidate) for the second degree initiation. You will note
that it borrows from many sources: Masonic, Gardnerian, Celtic, and
Flight of Fancy. We've done it robed, sky clad, and some interesting
combinations. Seems to work ok either way. If the candidate has done
the work, the initiation ceremony is more of a public "rite of
passage" or recognition of that fact... the real "initiation" is
between the Gods and the candidate, and therefore cannot really be
"conferred".
...Gary Dumbauld, High Priest, Hernesgaard Circle
A ceremony to recognize completion
of the 2nd degree
course of study
The Circle is cast as usual. All are properly prepared and purified.
High Priestess and High Priest perform the Ceremony in concert. The
candidate is brought into the circle by a friend and circled 3 times
deosil, ending north of the altar, facing the Priest, who is standing
south of the altar (where else?).
PRIEST:
"This is the time of Full Moon, a time for rekindling of light. The
struggle for higher light is: That we may see it, and seeing it, work
and live by it. We are about to embark upon a solemn ceremony to
rekindle the light of Knowledge, the light of Will, the light of
Compassion, the light of Steadfastness; we will combine these lights,
and rekindle the light of Dedication in our Sister (Brother) here
before us.
_____ _________ , here have you been taught the ways of the Wise, that
you might count yourself among those who serve the Gods, among the
brothers and sisters of the Wicca, those who are called the shapers of
the universe."
PRIEST:
"I now direct your attention to the two lights upon our altar, the one
representing the Sun, the God, and the High Priest; the other
representing the Moon, the Goddess, and the High Priestess. The High
Priest and Priestess, presiding over the coven, may be thought of as
`One light to rule the day, one light to rule the night'. Since these
lights are both beneficent, each having honor in its place, the Craft
of the Wise does not set day against night, God against Goddess,
Priest against Priestess. In the Craft, we do not define evil as a
negative power, rather as the lack of light; where there is the light
of Sun or Moon, God or Goddess, there can be no lack of light. Choose
one, or both; place light within yourself, and nurture it."
"In times past, the Circle of Initiation was called a `Hermetic
Circle', after Hermes, the ancient name for the planet Mercury."
In astrology, the house of the Sun is in the zodiacal sign of the
lion, which is the fifth house; the house of the Moon is in Cancer,
the crab, and is in the fourth house; and the day house of the planet
Mercury is in the Gemini, the Twins, and is the third house. These
numbers, three, four and five, were sacred to many ancient peoples, as
the dimensions of the Pythagorean Triangle, in which the square of
3
five, twenty five, is equal to the sum of the squares of four and
three, or sixteen and nine. Knowledge of this triangle was essential
to builders; you are also a builder-you are building your character."
PRIESTESS:
"I now direct your attention to the several lights surrounding us, in
the East, South, West, and North. Let us now examine these lights,
and see what we can discern within them of human character."
"In the building of character, the Eastern light is denoted the Lamp
of Beauty, and stands for accomplishments; for learning, skill in art,
poetry, in song and instrumental music, in painting and sculpture. It
exemplifies the art of making one's self attractive to those about
one. It is an old saying that `Beauty is as Beauty does.' It causes
great distress to see these noble graces of character prostituted to
ignoble ends. Remember well the lesson of the Lamp of Beauty, and
accept the blessing of the East."
Initiate is censed with incense from the censer which has been
previously placed in the East.
PRIEST:
"The light in the South is denoted the Lamp of Life, and stands for
individuality, and for energy; for fervency, for zeal and vitality. It
exemplifies passions, desires and appetites. It means loves and
hates, sympathies and abhorrences, and what is more than all the rest
of these, it means heart and joy in the work of life. Remember well
the lesson of the Lamp of Life, and accept the blessing of the South."
Initiate is circled three times with the brazier, previously placed in
the South.
PRIESTESS:
"Look now to the West, and observe the Lamp of Compassion, which
stands for `fellow-feeling'. Every work in life demands a price.
Labor, tears, self-denial, self-recrimination, the very blood of life
is sometimes the price of a truly great work. Look to your fellow
travellers on the road; note with care what sacrifice they have made
in their progress toward the truth; allow them their faults,
commiserate with them in their failures, and rejoice with them when
they succeed. Remember well the lesson of the Lamp of Compassion, and
accept the blessing of the West."
Initiate is circled three times with water, and his/her hands washed
in a laving bowl, previously placed in the West.
PRIEST:
"Look now to the North, and observe the lamp of obedience. The laws
of the Gods are inevitable, and the more we, as children of the Gods,
understand and work in accordance with them, the greater is the sum of
our happiness. Obedience in character means order, the subjection to
one's principles, the fear to do wrong, and the desire to learn and do
right. Many would rather give charity than do justice. They swell
with emotion, weep with sentiment, howl with the mob, so long as their
own particular little tyranny or injustice is not touched. The Lamp
of Obedience exemplifies firm will and determination of character, in
spite of difficulties, dangers and losses. So also the Lamp of
4
Obedience stands for self-control, for perseverance, and for prudence.
In time of peace, prepare for war; when shines the sun, expect the
cloud; and in darkness wait patiently for the coming light. `When all
the sky is draped in black and beaten by tempestuous gales, and the
shuddering ship seems all awreck, calmly trim once more the tattered
sail, repair the broken rudder, and set again for the old determined
course.' Remember well the lesson of the Lamp of Obedience, and
accept now the blessing of the North."
Initiate's hands are marked with damp earth from a bowl in the North.
Initiate is then led back south of the altar.
PRIESTESS:
"Of the character thus illuminated and thus guided by the lights here
on the altar, and by the Lamps of Beauty, Life, Compassion and
Obedience, it may be said, `Though the world perish and fall away,
he/she remains.'
Initiate then takes the Oath/Obligation, kneeling.
`In the names of Arianhrod and Bran; Diana and Appolyon; Heartha and
Cernunnos; and by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, I,
__________________ , pledge to love, worship and honor the Goddess in
her many aspects; and her Consort, the Horned One, Lord of Death and
Ruler of Chaos; to always be true to the Art and its secrets; to never
abuse the Art or my own powers; and to keep this pledge always in my
heart, in my mind, in my body and in my spirit. This I pledge, by the
Circle of Life, by Cerridwen's Sacred Cauldron, and by my own hopes of
a future life.'
Initiate stands. High Priestess places a necklace over Initiate's
head.
PRIESTESS:
"The Circle is a place between the worlds and outside time. The
Circle is also the Symbol of Life, Death, and Rebirth. We wear the
necklace as a token of the Sacred Circle and as a sign that we are
part of all it symbolizes."
High Priest strikes the bell three times.
PRIEST:
"Hear ye, Lady of Life and Lord of Death! Hear ye, Ancient Guardians
of the Powers of Air, Fire, Water and Earth! In this place, by our
hands and will, _____ ______________ , known to us as _______________,
has been duly pledged and anointed a Priest/ess of the Second Degree!"
5
Pagan Ritual for Basic Use
(by Ed Fitch)
A circle should be marked on the floor, surrounding those who will
participate in the ceremony. An altar is to be set up at the center
of the circle. At the center of the altar shall be placed an image of
the Goddess, and an incense burner placed in front of it. Behind the
image should be a wand fashioned from a willow branch. Candles should
be set upon the altar ... a total of five, since on is to be set at
each quarter and one will remain on the altar during the rite.
Whenall the people areprepared they shallassemble within the
circle. The woman acting as priestess shall direct the man who acts
as priest to light the candles and incense. She shall then say:
"The presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere,
Throughout many strange, magical,
And beautiful worlds,
To all places of wilderness, enchantment, and freedom."
She then places a candle at the north and pauses to look
outwards, saying:
"The Lady is awesome,
The Powers of death bow before Her."
The personclosest to theeast takes acandle from thealtar and
places it at that quarter, saying:
"Our Goddess is a Lady of Joy,
The winds are Her servants."
The personclosest tothe southtakes a candlefrom thealtar and
places it at that quarter, saying:
"Our Goddess is a Goddess of Love.
At Her blessings and desire
The sun brings forth life anew."
Theperson closest tothe west takesa candle fromthe altar and
places it at that quarter, saying:
"The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady,
The mysteries of the depths are Hers alone."
The priestthen takes thewand, andstarting at thenorth, draws
it along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:
"The circle is sealed, and all herein
Are totally and completely apart
From the outside world,
That we may glorify the Lady whom we adore.
Blessed Be!"
All repeat: "Blessed Be!"
The priestnow holdsthe wandout in salutetowards thenorth for
a moment and then hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in
salute. She motions to the group to repeat the following lines after
her:
6
"As above, so below ...
As the universe, so the soul.
As without, so within.
Blessed and gracious one,
On this day do we consecrate to you
Our bodies,
Our minds,
And our spirits.
Blessed Be!"
Now is the time for discussion and teaching. Wine and light
refreshments may be served. When the meeting has ended, all will
stand and silently meditate for a moment. The priestess will then
take the wand and tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north
and going clockwise around the circle, while saying:
"Our rite draws to its end.
O lovely and gracious Goddess,
Be with each of us as we depart.
The circle is broken!"
7
A CIRCLE FOR CATHARSIS
Introduction:
One of my near and dear once spent an hour in a therapist's
office kicking an innocent throw pillow around the room and screaming
out rage at his abusive father. At the end of the hour, he had a
broken foot -- and the first beginnings of a healed mind.
But we havelearned thatmagic works throughsymbols. Callingan
object by your abuser's name and then abusing that object is
sympathetic magic used for the purpose of cursing. To throw a curse is
to project one's worst feelings out into the world of form, and to
invoke upon oneself the inevitable karmic
feedback.
It isnot our way to blast the cropsand sour the milk. Wiccan
tradition and plain common sense both tell us to avoid the practice of
baneful magic. But, as usual, it's not quite as easy as just saying
no.
Rape and child abuse, loved ones killed by muggers or drunk
drivers, emotional manipulation and betrayal, economic exploitation
and dishonest office politics - people hurt and victimize other people
in many different ways every day. We are not immune.
At somepoint in ourlives, probably everysingle one ofus will
feel violated by some other human being. Often our feelings will be
based in fact. Whether they are or not, however, we need and deserve
a safe way to discharge them.
Symbolic banefulactions arealso cathartic actions.They drain
and clear our poisonous feelings and allow our own emotional healing
to begin. If we deny ourselves this outlet, what happens to the grief
and pain and rage?
If projection is bad for us, introjection is even worse.
Unreleased bad feelings are a major source of stress. In a very real
sense, stress cripples and kills. Ulcers, strokes, heart attacks and
more are all heavily stress-related. A simple refusal to engage in
baneful magic could easily amount to punishing a victim by adding
serious illness to the original harm.
I am partof the All. "Anit harm none"is about me too.Release
of my feelings is my right.
At first it seems like an insoluble paradox. But the same
understanding of magic that forbids projection of our bad feelings can
open a safe channel for those feelings. Here's one possible form:
8
Preparation:
1) Understanding
Think about the Alcoholics Anonymous prayer. "Grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change
the things I can change, and the wisdom to know the difference."
People of any religion can recognize the wisdom in those words. This
ritual is intended to ease emotional pressure. I believe that is a
step towards granting all three of those things to ourselves.
If your hurt isongoing, you must take stepsto stop it -leave
the abusive relationship, begin searching for a new job, begin
organizing politically to stop your oppression. What good this Circle
does you will be temporary at best if you are not acting on both the
magical and material planes to change the things you can change.
But some ofour pain comes from old, oldinjuries. And some of
our feelings are not based on fact at all. The source of those hurts
cannot be changed, but the pain can be. This particular working is to
release any bad feelings, not to judge them.
Don'tworry aboutjustice. Youmay bemistaken about whohas hurt
you, but nobody will be hurt by what we do here. All energy will be
contained within the Circle. The object of this working is healing,
not justice. You deserve this healing simply because you hurt, and
even if you are mistaken.
Prevention and healing arehuman tasks; to dothem is tochange
the things we can change. Justice - the evening of karmic balances -
is the business of the Gods, and may take place across a span of many
lifetimes. Karmic balance is a thing we cannot change.
2) Set Up
You have some decisions to make. Thefirst one is whether you
will work
alone or ask one or more trusted friends to witness and facilitate
your
working. Some of us can only let our feelings go in strict privacy.
For others,
the presence of people who will make sure we don't hurt ourselves or
our homes
removes a source of inhibition. And sometimes simply being heard is
part of the
release process.
Next, exactly what kind of symbolic action will release your
feelings? Will kicking a throw pillow suffice, or do you need to
actually make a poppet? Or just screaming may be enough. If you want
to work with a physical symbol, prepare it in advance, and be sure not
to use anything you will want to keep after the rite or ever use
again.
9
Figure out whetheryou can either casta Circle toinclude your
bathroom, or leave a cast Circle for a period of time. This will
depend on your particular training. If possible, have a warm scented
tub waiting for you. If not, a basin of warm scented water and a
washcloth within easy reach just outside of your Circle will suffice.
Also, a ritual meal should be prepared and
waiting outside of Circle, and this should include something green and
growing - I favor sprouts - and something sweet.
Procedure:
1) Waning moon is a good time for this Circle, and the Dark of the
Moon is even better. Cast the Circle and invoke the Watchers in your
usual manner. Call on the Crone, on She who weeds and prunes and
disposes of the obstructive and unnecessary.
2) Just inside the Circle, like the membrane in an eggshell, cast a
grounding shield. One possible image for this shield would be a black
absorptive chain link fence, supported at regular intervals by fence
posts that are lightning rods. Whatever happens within this space will
be contained and grounded.
3) Make clear to yourself what wound you seek to drain. Say it out
loud, even if you are alone. Recall what happened to you in detail and
let the feelings grow strong.
4) Now, let go of your feelings. Do whatever will help you release
what is in you. Beat on a pillow or rip up a doll. Scream till you
cry. Don't stop till you are emptied. Then fling the thing you used as
a symbol out of your Circle.
5) When you are sure you are all done, all drained, contract the
shield into a tight ball in the center of the Circle. As it contracts,
it will gather all the negative energy from the Circle. Ground it.
Affirm that you are sending this energy to the fire at the heart of
the Earth - to Jarnsaxe or to Pele - to be
purified in that blast furnace and cycled to wherever strong energy is
needed. Know that what you now let go is gone. Affirm this out loud.
6) Wash or bathe in a ritual manner, feeling the last traces of your
bad feelings dissolve away. If others are present, allow them to wash
and serve you.
7) Rest a few minutes. Feel the peace of emptiness.
8) Then invoke the Maiden's energy for new beginnings. Have your
ritual feast, and otherwise indulge your senses. Gentle and joyful
music would be effective, and you may want to switch to a sweeter
smelling incense. This is a time to dream dreams and plan plans. You
have removed an energy drain from your life, now you will be able to
... ?
9) Thank and dismiss whatever Beings you have called on, throughout
the whole ritual. Close your Circle as usual. Do not do any other
kinds of working or worship within this particular Circle.
10
Follow Through:
Thefinal part of any effective magical working is "acting in
accordance" on the material plane. By doing this, we give the magic a
channel through which to manifest. For this working, there are three
forms of follow through, and all are important.
1) Remember that painful feelings are partly habitual. Acting in
accordance with magic to banish such feelings requires you to stop
feeding the habit. Don't talk about the pain with anybody until at
least the second full moon after the working. This gives the habit a
chance to fade out. As much as you can, eliminate the topic from your
internal dialogue as well. When you notice yourself dwelling on the
old pain, gently and firmly change the subject.
Thinking aboutaction tochangeyour lifeinthe hereandnow
is perfectly OK. The problem is reiteration of old feelings of
frustration and helplessness that actually impede change.
2) If the hurtful situation is current and ongoing, continue with any
steps you were taking to change the things you can change. In fact,
you will probably find you have more energy than you did before to
devote to your projects.
3) Be sure to use some of your newly freed emotional energy to reward
yourself. Take time for friendship, love, and pleasure. The object of
the exercise is to clear space for the enjoyment of life, so start
right now.
Judy Harrow
HPs, Proteus Coven
11
OPENING (Ending) THE CIRCLE
The High Priestess goes to each of the four directions in turn,
and draws a Banishing Pentacle, saying,
Guardians of the East (South, West, North), Powers of Air
(Fire, Water, Earth), we thank you
For joining in our circle
And we ask for your blessing
As you depart
May there be peace between us
Now and forever. Blessed be.
She raises her athame to the sky and touches it to the earth, then
opens her arms and says,
The circle is open, but unbroken,
May the peace of the Goddess
Go in your hearts,
Mercy meet, and merry part.
And merry meet again. Blessed be.
12
Harvest Home Ritual
1987
By Michael Fix
Circle Casting
(High Priestess)
(Spoken while harvesting imaginary grain in perimeter of
circle)
Birds circle hungrily overhead
As through harvested fields we tread.
The smokehouse fires and burning leaves
Their scents do spiral and interweave.
Ripples circle in our wake
As rice we harvest from a lake.
The dusty Earth now shorn of locks
Swirls as pass our fattened flocks.
Much bounty may our harvest see
As we cast, so mote it be!
Responsorial: So mote it be!
Quarter Invocations
(High Priest)
Facing East: Guardians of the watchtower of the east, we do summon,
stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come to us now on
the cool breath of Autumn's sigh which heralds the advent of Winter
and the close of harvest time. Breathe into us the spirit of the pure
joy of life. So mote it be!
Responsorial: So mote it be!
Facing South: Guardians of the watchtower of the south, we do summon,
stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the
cook fires and smokehouses where food is being made ready for the
coming cold months. Kindle within us the flame of spiritual
awakening. So mote it be!
Responsorial: So mote it be!
Facing West: Guardians of the watchtower of the west, we do summon,
stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the
rainbow hued morning dew that covers the fields, and is soon to be
frost. Asperge us with your diadems and water our deepest roots that
we may find peace of mind. So mote it be!
Responsorial: So mote it be!
Facing North: Guardians of the watchtower of the north, we do summon,
stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the
fertile bosom of our Blessed Mother Earth, and nourish us so that our
hopes may grow to fruition. So mote it be!
Responsorial: So mote it be!
13
Blessing, Consecration, and Procession of the Elements
(Four members of the coven who have been chosen beforehand now
approach the Priestess. Each holds one of the following: an incense
burner, a candle, a vessel of water, and a vessel of salt. Each in
turn approaches the Priestess, recites their piece, receives her
blessing, and then processes deosil around
the perimeter of the circle while stopping to bow at each of the
quarters.)
(Celebrant with the incense burner symbolizing the element of air) :
"I am everywhere. I fill the fleshy pouches of your lungs, I stir all
things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree. I cool
you with my breezes and destroy you with my storms. Without me you
would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise? "
(Celebrant with the candle symbolizing the element of fire):
"I live in the guarded embers of campfires and the pilot lights of
stoves, I spring from the lightning and the hands of men, I warm you
and I destroy you. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy
of praise? "
(Celebrant with the water vessel symbolizing the element of water):
"I rise from the moist crevices of the Earth, I beat on the shores of
Her body, I fall from the skies in silver sheets. Without me you would
die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise? " (Celebrant asperges the
circle with water)
(Celebrant with the salt vessel symbolizing the element of earth):
"I am your Mother. From me come the fruit and grain and animals which
feed you. I am your support, and my pull on your bodies keeps you held
firmly to me. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of
praise? "
Invocation of the Goddess
(High Priest)
"Come to us Moist Mother Earth. Come to us and take your ease. You
have labored long and hard to bring forth your bounty, so that we your
children may survive. Come and relax, for well have you earned your
rest. Eat and drink your fill, sing, dance, and be merry, for you
have done well, and there is plenty for all. And, if it pleases you
to ask for the favors of one of us as
well, may you find satisfaction there too. We shout your praises, for
you are the essence of fulfillment, love, and joy. You are the most
beautiful, and beyond measure is your grandeur and greatness. May we
never forget that we are a part of your Sacred Body, and may we work
to preserve it in all of its myriad forms. All hail the Great
Mother!"
Responsorial: All hail the Great Mother!
Invocation of the God
(High Priestess)
"Come to us Lord of the Hunt, Sacred Herdsman, and Divine Smith. Put
14
by your horn, lay aside your crook, stow your hammer, and quit your
forge for now. Wipe your brow, and come find your leisure in the
midst of our good company. Have a seat, put up your feet, and pour
yourself a cold draught. By the virtue of your work have you earned a
rest, for well have your cared for the wild beasts and domesticated
flocks. And many a time has your forge burned long into the night
with you hard at work creating lightning bolts of such exquisite
beauty and terrible power as we have ever beheld. Join us Great Lord,
and indulge yourself to the fullest. May you know no want in our
presence, for thanks to you and the Goddess, we know no want. We
raise our glasses high and toast your greatness. All hail the God of
the Wild Magicks."
Responsorial: All hail the God of the Wild Magicks.
Guided Meditation by Priest
(Meditationwillbeaboutourown
spiritualharvest.
Thiswill conclude with a personal empowerment
chant)
Empowerment Chant
(Holding hands, the coven members repeat the following chant until
the high priestess decides that enough energy has been raised, and
upon her signal everyone will direct a portion of the energy into
themselves to help them to develop the inner strength to attain
personal spiritual goals.)
Ripen fruit, ripen seed
Harken to my inner need
Communion
(Fruit and Wine, songs, and a good time. Also, each member of the
coven will be asked to describe something that they have done in the
last liturgical year that has "borne fruit.")
Quarter Banishings
(High Priest)
Facing East:
"Guardians of the watchtower of the east, return now to the brisk
Autumn breezes which are brimming with the excitement of the year's
climax. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!
Responsorial: Hail and farewell!
15
Facing South:
"Guardians of the watchtower of the south, return now to the
dying fires of Autumn's heat soon to give way to Winter's chill. Take
with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!
Responsorial: Hail and farewell
Facing West:
"Guardians of the watchtower of the west, return now to the
Autumn rains which cool the Earth's fevered brow baked in the heat of
Summer afternoons. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and
farewell!
Responsorial: Hail and farewell!
Facing North: Guardians of the watchtowers of the north, return now
to the Earth where worms burrow deeper and seeds nestle awaiting the
long sleep of Winter. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail
and farewell!
Responsorial: Hail and farewell!
Circle Banishing
(High Priestess)
Equal night and equal day
Soon the light will fade away
Equal day and equal night
This circle fades as does the light
Thus the magick we invoke
Fades anon like wisps of smoke
Until we next decide to play
SO MOTE IT BE!
16
CONSECRATION OF CHALICE, ATHAME OR OTHER TOOL:
Before these assembled spirits I bring (name type of tool) to be
dedicated to the service of the Lady and Lord.
(Pass tool three times through smoke of the incense.)
By the power of air, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of
thought and to harmlessness that all intentions for which thou art
used may harm none and be for the good of all.
(Pass tool three times through or over the flame of the fire candle.)
By the power of fire, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity
of desire, and to harmlessness that all goals which thou art doest
help achieve may harm none and be for the good of all.
(Take a few drops of water and sprinkle or dab on instrument.)
By the power of water, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity
of emotion, and to harmlessness that all that thou shalt be used in a
spirit of harmony, harming none and for the good of all.
(Touch instrument to the stone or salt in north quarter)
By the power of earth, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to
steadfastness and purity of purpose, that my will be achieved without
wavering, with harm to none and for the good of all.
(If this is a chalice, present it first to the Lady, then to the Lord,
if athame, reverse order. All other instruments use personal
preference, but it is courtesy to present them to Her first.)
PRESENTATION FOR CHALICE:
Lady Freya, Keeper of Femininity, bless this chalice. Let it be as
Thy cauldron, a vessel of productivity that it may be worThy to
dispense Thy bounty. Let it be used in Thy service and in the service
of humanity. Let it be so bound that no harm may come of it to any
being, but let it rather be an instrument of good-will and
understanding; of loving harmony. To Thy sacred self I dedicate this
vessel, (name of vessel), that it and I may long be of service to
Thee.
Lord Thor, companion to the Lady, champion of the Gods, bless this
chalice and keep watch over it. Guard the works which come forth from
it, that they ever be in the service of Thee and Thy Lady, that they
be of service to humankind, and that they abide by the laws of
harmony. To Thee I vow I shall use it for Her sacred purposes, and
for no other.
So mote it be.
PRESENTATION FOR ATHAME:
Lord Thor, thunderer & hammer wielder, bless this athame. Let it be
as the spring rains which fall upon the earth to cause Her to bring
forth Her bounty.
17
Let it quicken my hopes and dreams, yet keep them from causing harm.
Let it guide them in the harmony of the seasons, bringing forth only
good for all.
Lord Thor, bless this athame, (name of athame), that it be used ever
in the worship and honor of the Gods.
Lady Freya, companion to the Thunderer, lover of the Gods, bless this
athame that it shall bring forth joy, and shall cause no pain nor
disharmony to any.
I dedicate this athame (name athame), symbol of the Defender and Rain
Maker, to Thy service. May it ever bring Thee joy and pride.
So mote it be.
(This ritual, with suitable changes, may be used to dedicate other
tools as well as these.)
18
SAMHAIN RITUAL FOR SMALL CIRCLE
[older woman to older man]:
One-eye, Wanderer, God of wisdom,
Hunt-lord, hail, who leads the hosting!
Nine nights hanging, knowledge gaining,
Cloaked at crossroads, council hidden.
Now the night, your time, is near us --
Right roads send us on, Rune-winner.
[older man to older woman]:
Every age your eye has witnessed;
Cauldron-Keeper, hail wise Crone!
Rede in riddles is your ration --
Wyrd-weaving at the World-tree's root.
Eldest ancient, all-knowing one,
Speak secrets to us, send us vision.
[younger woman to younger man]:
Lord of Life, hail Land-Master!
God of grain that grows and dies
And rises reborn, full of richness;
Fallow fields shall yet be fertile --
Spring sap runs as stirs your phallus
Bless barren earth, let it bear again!
[younger man to younger woman]:
Snow-shoes striding, hail swift Huntress!
Wild one, free and willful Goddess
Bow and blade you bear beside you,
Finding food to fend off hunger --
Winter will not leave us wanting;
Give good hunting, grant us skill.
USHERING IN THE NEW YEAR:
Welcome winter, waning season,
Now with night the new year comes;
Hail the horse's head with blessings --
Blessings be on those who bide here
And indeed on all the world!
SCRYING:
Wide are the worldgates,
Sights to be sent us;
Ready for rede-gifts,
We wait for your wisdom.
19
OFFERINGS/THANKSGIVING:
Grateful, we give now, gifts of our own
Heart-work and hand-work the hearth shall grace;
Happiness, harmony, health in the new year,
Send to the world and we in it, we wish you.
DISMISSAL/OPENING:
To watching winds we wish fair travelling;
To sleepless dead sweet rest we send;
Gods and Goddesses, go with praises --
See: the circle is severed thus. [cut with sword at east]
I wrote that ritual for David, myself, and two friends who are older
than we. It was the first ritual that I wrote not based on NROOGD
material in any way, but on entirely original structure and material.
The horse's skull is a primitive form of the Mari Lwyd (Grey
Mare/Mary), a Welsh folk traditional hobby horse that goes from house
to house at the calendar New Year, but she's such a bizarre and
macabre beast that she was almost certainly a Samhain leftover.
There's interesting material about her in
Trefor Owen's WELSH FOLK CUSTOMS (which is probably out of print, but
I could provide photocopies for interested parties who provide copying
costs...)
Happy Samhain!
Leigh Ann
ThelemaNet of Berkeley * (415)548-0163 (161/93)
(L.a. Hussey 20 Nov 86 12:05:56)
20
NROOGD SAMHAIN, 1987
A Cymro-Norse ritual
TOOLS: Drinking Horn
Hammer (Mjollnir)
Sword
Pentacle/Stone
Bowl of Salt
Water
Censer & Incense
CELEBRANTS:
White Priestess (Skadi)
Gold Priest (Freyr)
Red Priestess (Freyja)
Red Priest (Heimdallr)
Black Priestess (Vala)
Black Priest (Odin)
Procession, consisting of Soulers (any small number) and White Mare.
Skadi takes the sword around the circle with these words:
SHARP BRIGHT STEEL THE CIRCLE SCRIBES;
CARVING, CLEAVING WORLD FROM WORLD.
Freyja banishes the circle with the hammer and these words:
MANKIND'S FRIEND, BY MJOLLNIR'S MIGHT
BANISH BEINGS THAT BODE US ILL!
She stands in the center and to each quarter and above and below she
makes the Hammer-Sign, saying,
HOLY HAMMER, HALLOW AND HOLD US.
Vala seals the circle, carrying pentacle and bowl of salt, saying,
STOUT STONE SHIELD US, SHUT THE CIRCLE.
Skadi asperses the circle (Vala follows with censer) with these words:
BE ALL BLESS'D WHO BIDE HEREIN,
BY STONE AND SEA, BY STORM AND SUN.
21
Now Heimdallr takes the sword and calls the quarters as follows:
WISDOM'S WAIN, EAST WIND I CALL THEE!
THOUGHTS THY THANES THAT THRIVE IN NEWNESS.
BREATHE AND BLESS, BLOW ALL CLEAN;
WATCH AND WARD, O WIND OF MIND.
SUMMER'S SAVOUR, SOUTH WIND COME NOW!
BRIGHT THE BLESSINGS YOU BEAR WITH YOU.
STRONG OF SPIRIT, SUN-LIKE FIRE;
WATCH AND WARD, O WIND OF SOUL.
WILD AND WET, WEST WIND I SUMMON!
SEA-SPRAY BEARING, SINGING, SHOUTING;
BEATS THE EARTH'S BLOOD IN THY BREAST;
WATCH AND WARD, O WIND OF HEART.
WHITE WITH WINTER, NORTH WIND, WAKEN!
STONE'S STRENGTH BRINGING, SNOW-CLOAKED WIND.
FROM THE FROST-REALMS, FRESH AND CHILL,
WATCH AND WARD, O WIND OF FORM.
The Priestesses and Priests stand opposite each other, and each one of
the pair invokes the other, as follows:
Skadi (to Freyr)
LORD OF LIFE, HAIL LAND-MASTER!
GOD OF GRAIN THAT GROWS AND DIES
AND RISES REBORN, FULL OF RICHNESS;
FALLOW FIELDS SHALL YET BE FERTILE --
SPRING SAP RUNS AS STIRS YOUR PHALLUS --
BLESS BARREN EARTH, LET IT BEAR AGAIN!
Freyr (to Skadi)
SHOW-SHOES STRIDING, HAIL SWIFT HUNTRESS!
WILD ONE, FREE AND WILLFUL GODDESS,
BOW AND BLADE YOU BEAR BESIDE YOU,
FINDING FOOD TO FEND OFF HUNGER.
WINTER WILL NOT LEAVE US WANTING;
GIVE GOOD HUNTING, GRANT US SKILL!
Freyja (to Heimdallr)
STANDING STEADFAST, HAIL FAR-SEER!
WATCHFUL ONE, ON RAINBOW WAITING,
HORN AT HAND TO ROUSE THE HEROES,
NEWS YOU KNOW FROM NINE WORLDS OVER.
PEOPLE'S PARENT AND OUR PATRON,
OPEN OUR EYES TO ALTERED SIGHT.
22
Heimdallr (to Freyja)
VANIR BRIDE, HAIL VISION-GIVER!
CAPPED IN CAT-FUR, CLOAKED IN FEATHERS,
DRUMMING FOR THE DANCE OF DREAMS,
YOU HASTE TO HUNT OUT HIDDEN THINGS.
SCANT NOW THE SCREEN THAT HINDERS SIGHT;
LET US LEARN THE LORE OF TRANCE-WORK.
Vala (to Odin)
ONE-EYE, WANDERER, GOD OF WISDOM,
HUNT-LORD, HAIL, WHO LEADS THE HOSTING!
NINE NIGHTS HANGING, KNOWLEDGE GAINING,
CLOAKED AT CROSSROADS, COUNCIL HIDDEN.
NOW THE NIGHT, YOUR TIME IS NEAR US --
RIGHT ROADS SEND US ON, RUNE-WINNER.
Odin (to Vala)
EVERY AGE YOUR EYE HAS WITNESSED,
CAULDRON-KEEPER; HAIL, WISE CRONE!
REDE IN RIDDLES IS YOUR RATION --
WYRD-WEAVING AT THE WORLD-TREE'S ROOT.
ELDEST ANCIENT, ALL-KNOWING ONE,
SPEAK SECRETS TO US, SEND US KENNING.
Odin reminds everyone what the festival is about, as follows:
Odin: SO COMES THE SOULS'-DAY. SUMMON FOR FEASTING
ANCESTORS, ANCIENTS, HONOURED AND BLESSED;
LET IN BELOVED ONES, LEND THEM YOUR BODIES --
WHOM DO YOU HALLOW? HAIL THEM BY NAME!
Allow a few minutes for everybody to name the ancestor they want to
welcome. Then Vala gives this admonition:
Vala: AS ANCIENT ELDERS YOU LEARN FROM AND HONOUR,
LET NOT THE LIVING ONES MOULDER ALONE.
NEAR IS THEIR KNOWLEDGE NEARER THAN SPIRITS',
SEEN WITHOUT CEREMONY, SIMPLY FOR ASKING.
Both: GRANDMOTHERS, GRANDFATHERS, GREAT BE THEIR BLESSINGS
PAST ONES AND PRESENT WE DANCE THEM ALL POWER!
All the Celebrants but Heimdallr form a circle facing outward;
Heimdallr goes to the West, and all say:
WIDE ARE THE WORLDGATES; NOW THE WIGHTS WANDER.
WELCOME WITHIN ARE THE DEAD WHO WERE OURS;
REST FROM RIDING HERE, REVEL AND FEAST HERE;
COME IN, OLD KINSFOLK, KEEPERS OF WISDOM!
23
Heimdallr cuts the Soulers' Procession into the Circle on "Come in",
and moves to stand with the other Celebrants while the Soulers dance
slowly around singing:
WELCOME WINTER, WANING SEASON,
NOW WITH NIGHT THE NEW YEAR COMES;
ALL WHO HONOUR ELDER KINSFOLK
DANCE THE DEAD TO EARTHLY DRUMS.
SOULS RESPECTED SAFEGUARD LIVING
HOUSE WE'LL HOLD, AND HALLOW HEARTH;
BLESSINGS BE ON THOSE WHO BIDE HERE,
AND INDEED ON ALL THE EARTH!
The Celebrants begin also to circle, dancing in character, starting
widdershins then spiralling in and out to end deosil, as in the
meeting dance, while the Soulers encourage the outer circle to dance
also. The intent should be for luck in the new year, and better
connection with our Ancestors (as well as better treatment of our
Elders!). WE ARE THE OLD PEOPLE, and BLOOD OF THE ANCIENTS are
appropriate and may be sung in polyphony...
As the providers of food, FREYR and SKADI bring forward the feast.
Some food should be laid out for the ancestors, and people should be
encouraged to let the ancestors use their senses for a while to enjoy
the food with them. The Soulers in particular should receive Soul
Cakes. A strong magical gesture would be for people to bring forward
canned and other non-
perishable food (which can be later given to a food bank or similar
organization).
Freyr speaks as follows:
CAKES TO US CARRY, CORN FROM THE STOREHOUSE;
WINE DEFIES WINTER, WARM WITH CAUGHT RIPENESS;
MILK MADE TO CHEESES, MEAT DRIED AND SALTED;
LAST OF THE LAND'S FRUITS ERE THE LONG SLEEP.
Skadi speaks as follows:
GOOD NUTS AND GAME-FOOD ARE HUNTERS' GUERDON;
SLEEPING EARTH'S SECRETS YIELD TO THE SEEKER
TRUE BURIED TREASURE: ONIONS, POTATOES
FOREST SHALL FEED US WHILE THE FIELDS REST.
Both say (if there is to be food donation):
ALL WHO HAVE AUGHT TO OFFER, NOW BRING IT;
WIGHTS, BEAR YE WITNESS WORK WITH THE GIVERS.
FEEDING OUR FELLOWS, LET US BE FED SO,
SOPS FOR THE SPIRIT OR SUP FOR THE FLESH.
[If there is to be scrying and divination, it should be done now in a
quiet space marked off as separate from the feasting-place. FREYJA
and HEIMDALLR lead the scrying and VALA and ODIN lead rune-work, with
the following optional speeches:
Heimdallr:
LET THE LOTS TUMBLE, LOOSING THEIR LEARNING;
WORD-WOOD AND WIT-STONES, WON THROUGH ORDEAL.
COME UP AND CAST THEM, WHILE WORD IS CLEAREST
AUGERS MAY ANSWER AUGHT THE YEAR HOLDS.
24
Freyja: WIDE ARE THE WORLDGATES, WINDOWS ARE OPEN;
SIGHTS MAY BE SEEN NOW, ELSETIMES BUT SCARCELY.
CRYSTAL AND CAULDRON CAPTURE THE VISION;
MYSTERY'S MEANING SPEAKS TO THE MINDFUL.]
Note: it is entirely appropriate for partying to go on inside the
sacred circle (people can get up and move around), so that the Dead
have the opportunity to enjoy their day before we bid them farewell;
the circle should be cast large, with this in mind. The only
constraint is to open in sufficient time to clean up the hall before
the rental time runs out. The circle is opened as follows:
Heimdallr:
TO WATCHING WINDS, WE WISH FAIR WANDERING;
FAN US SWEET FRAGRANCE; HAIL, FAREWELL!
ALL: TO SLEEPLESS SOULS, WE WISH SWEET RESTING;
FRIENDS WILL KEEP FAITH; FAREWELL NOW!
GODS AND GODDESSES, GO WITH PRAISES!
FINISHED OUR FESTIVAL; HAIL, FAREWELL!
Celebrants ground with this formula:
AS FROM THE EARTH OUR ENERGY COMES,
INTO THE EARTH THE EXCESS FLOWS;
EARTH AND ALL EMPOWERED ALIKE
BE IT SO!
Skadi: SEE: THE CIRCLE IS SEVERED THUS [she cuts]
MERRY MEET, MERRY PART, MERRY MEET AGAIN!
B*B
Leigh Ann
ThelemaNet - Hail Eris! * (415) 548-0163 (Opus 1:161/93)
25
THE ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN
(c) copyright 1989, Rowan Moonstone
In recent years, there have been a number of pamphlets and books put
out be various Christian organizations dealing with the origins of
modern- day Halloween customs.
Being a Witch myself, and a student of the ancient Celts from whom we
get this holiday, I have found these pamphlets woefully inaccurate and
poorly researched. A typical example of this information is contained
in the following quote from the pamphlet entitled "What's Wrong with
Halloween?" by Russell K. Tardo. "The Druids believed that on October
31st, the last day of the year by the ancient Celtic calendar, the
lord of death gathered together the souls of the dead who had been
made to enter bodies of animals, and decided what forms they should
take the following year. Cats were held sacred because it was believed
that they were once human beings ... We see that this holiday has its
origin, basis and root in the occultic Druid celebration of the dead.
Only they called it 'Samhain', who was the lord of the dead (a big
demon)".1 When these books and pamphlets cite sources at all, they
usually list the Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Americana,
and the World Book Encyclopedia. The Britannica and the Americana
make no mention of cats, but do, indeed list Samhain as the Lord of
Death, contrary to Celtic scholars, and list no references. The World
Book mentions the cats, and calls Samhain the Lord of Death, and lists
as its sources several children's books (hardly what one could
consider scholarly texts, and, of course, themselves citing no
references).
In an effort to correct some of this erroneous information, I have
researched the religious life of the ancient Celtic peoples and the
survivals of that religious life in modern times. Listed below are
some of the most commonly asked questions concerning the origins and
customs of Halloween. Following the questions is a lengthy
bibliography where the curious reader can go to learn more about this
holiday than space in this small pamphlet permits.
26
1. Where does Halloween come from?
Our modern celebration of Halloween is a descendent of the
ancient Celtic festival called "Samhain". The word is
pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with "cow".
2. What does "Samhain" mean?
The Irish-EnglishDictionary published bythe IrishTexts
Societydefinesthewordas follows:"Samhain,AllHallowtide,
the feast ofthe dead inPagan andChristian times,signaling
theclose ofharvest and the initiation ofthe winter season,
lasting till May,during which troopswere quartered. Fairies
wereimagined as particularly active at this season. From it,
the half-year is reckoned. Also calledFeile Moingfinne (Snow
Goddess).2 The Scottish Gaelic Dictionary defines it as
"Hallowtide. The Feast of All Souls. Sam + Fuin = end of
summer."3 Contrary to the information published by many
organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence
to indicate that Samhain was a deity. Eliade's Encyclopedia of
Religion states as follows: "The Eve and day of Samhain were
characterized as a time when the barriers between the human
and supernatural worlds were broken... Not a festival honoring
any particular Celtic deity, Samhain acknowledged the entire
spectrum of nonhuman forces that roamed the earth during that
period."4 The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for
the British and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a
"lord of death" as such.
3. Why was the end of summer of significance to the Celts?
The Celts were a pastoral peopleas opposed to an agricultural
people. The end of summer was significant to them because it
meant the time of year when the structure of their lives
changed radically. The cattle were brought down from the
summer pastures in the hills and the people were gathered into
the houses for the long winter nights of story- telling and
handicrafts .
27
4. What does it have to do with a festival of the dead?
The Celts believed that when people died, they went to a land
of eternal youth and happiness called Tir nan Og. They did not
have the concept of heaven and hell that the Christian church
later brought into the land. The dead were sometimes believed
to be dwelling with the Fairy Folk, who lived in the numerous
mounds, or sidhe, (pronounced "shee" or "sh-thee") that dotted
the Irish and Scottish countryside. Samhain was the new year
to the Celts. In the Celtic belief system, turning points,
such as the time between one day and the next, the meeting of
sea and shore, or the turning of one year into the next were
seen as magickal times. The turning of the year was the most
potent of these times. This was the time when the "veil
between the worlds" was at its thinnest, and the living could
communicate with their beloved dead in Tir nan Og.
5. What about the aspects of "evil' that we associate with the
night today?
The Celts did not have demons and devils in their belief
system. The fairies, however, were often considered hostile
and dangerous to humans because they were seen as being
resentful of man taking over their land. On this night, they
would sometimes trick humans into becoming lost in the fairy
mounds, where they would be trapped forever. After the coming
of the Christians to the Celtic lands, certain of the folk saw
the fairies as those angels who had sided neither with God or
with Lucifer in their dispute, and thus were condemned to walk
the earth until judgment day.5 In addition to the fairies, many
humans were abroad on this night, causing mischief. Since this night
belonged neither to one year or the other, Celtic folk believed
that chaos reigned, and the people would engage in "horseplay
and practical jokes".6 This also served as a final outlet for high
spirits before the gloom of winter set in.
28
6. What about "trick or treat"?
During the course of these hijinks, many of the people would
imitate the fairies and go from house to house begging for
treats. Failure to supply the treats would usually result in
practical jokes being visited on the owner of the house. Since
the fairies were abroad on this night, an offering of food or
milk was frequently left for them on the steps of the house,
so the homeowner could gain the blessing of the "good folk"
for the coming year. Many of the households would also leave
out a "dumb supper" for the spirits of the departed.9 The
folks who were abroad in the night imitating the fairies would
sometimes carry turnips carved to represent faces. This is the
origin of our modern Jack-o-lantern.
7. Was there any special significance of cats to the Celts?
According to Katherine Briggs in Nine Lives: Cats in
Folklore,, the Celts associated cats with the Cailleach Bheur,
or Blue Hag of Winter. "She was a nature goddess, who herded
the deer as her cattle. The touch of her staff drove the
leaves off the trees and brought snow and harsh weather."7 Dr. Anne
Ross addresses the use of divine animals in her book Pagan Celtic
Britain and has this to day about cats."Cats do not play a large
role in Celtic mythology ... the evidence for the cat as an important
cult animal in Celtic mythology is slight"8 She cites as supporting
evidence, the lack of archaeological artifacts and literary
references in surviving works of mythology.
8. Was this also a religious festival?
Yes. Celtic religion was very closely tied to the Earth. Their
great legends are concerned with momentous happenings which
took place around the time of Samhain. Many of the great
battles and legends of kings and heroes center on this night.
Many of the legends concern the promotion of fertility of the
earth and the insurance of the continuance of the lives of the
people through the dark winter season.
29
9. How was the religious festival observed?
Unfortunately, we know very little about that. W.G.
Wood-Martin, in his book, Traces of the Elder Faiths of
Ireland, states, "There is comparatively little trace of the
religion of the Druids now discoverable, save in the folklore
of the peasantry, and the references relative to it that occur
in ancient and authentic Irish manuscripts are, as far as
present appearances go, meager and insufficient to support
anything like a sound theory for full development of the
ancient religion."10 The Druids were the priests of the Celtic
peoples. They passed on their teachings by oral tradition instead
of committing them to writing, so when they perished, most of
their religious teachings were lost. We do know that this festival
was characterized as one of the four great "Fire Festivals" of
the Celts. Legends tell us that on this night, all the hearth
fires in Ireland were extinguished, and then re-lit from the
central fire of the Druids at Tlachtga, 12 miles from the
royal hill of Tara. This fire was kindled from "need fire"
which had been generated by the friction of rubbing two sticks
together, as opposed to more conventional methods (such as the
flint- and-steel method) common in those days.11 The
extinguishing of the fires symbolized the "dark half" of the
year, and the re-kindling from the Druidic fires was symbolic
of the returning life hoped for, and brought about through the
ministrations of the priesthood.
10. What about sacrifices?
Animals were certainly killed at this time of year. This was
the time to "cull" from the herds those animals which were not
desired for breeding purposes for the next year. Most
certainly, some of these would have been done in a ritual
manner for the use of the priesthood.
30
11. Were humans sacrificed?
Scholars are sharply divided on this account, with about half
believing that it took place and half doubting its veracity.
Caesar and Tacitus certainly tell tales of the human
sacrifices of the Celts, but Nora Chadwick points out in her
book The Celts that "it is not without interest that the
Romans themselves had abolished human sacrifice not long
before Caesar's time, and references to the practice among
various barbarian peoples have certain overtones of
self-righteousness. There is little direct archaeological
evidence relevant to Celtic sacrifice."12 Indeed, there is
little reference to this practice in Celtic literature. The
only surviving story echoes the tale of the Minotaur in Greek
legend: the Fomorians, a race of evil giants said to inhabit
portions of Ireland before the coming of the Tuatha de Danaan
(or "people of the Goddess Danu"), demanded the sacrifice of
2/3 of the corn, milk, and first born children of the Fir
Bolg, or human inhabitants of Ireland. The de Danaan ended
this practice in the second battle of Moy Tura, which
incidentally, took place on Samhain. It should be noted,
however, that this story appears in only one (relatively
modern) manuscript from Irish literature, and that manuscript,
the "Dinnsenchus", is known to be a collection of fables.
According to P.W. Joyce in Vol. 2 of his Social History of
Ancient Ireland, "Scattered everywhere through our ancient
literature, both secular and ecclesiastical, we find abundant
descriptions and details of the rites and superstitions of the
pagan Irish; and in no place - with this single exception - do
we find a word or hint pointing to human sacrifice to pagan
gods or idols."13
12. What other practices were associated with this season?
Folk tradition tells us of many divination practices
associated with Samhain. Among the most common were
divinations dealing with marriage, weather, and the coming
fortunes for the year. These were performed via such methods
as ducking for apples and apple peeling. Ducking for apples
was a marriage divination. The first person to bite an apple
would be the first to marry in the coming year. Apple peeling
was a divination to see how long your life would be. The
longer the unbroken apple peel, the longer your life was
destined to be.14 In Scotland, people would place stones in
the ashes of the hearth before retiring for the night. Anyone
whose stone had been disturbed during the night was said to be
destined to die during the coming year.
31
13. How did these ancient Celtic practices come to America?
When the potato crop in Ireland failed, many of the Irish people,
modern descendants of the Celts, immigrated to America,
bringing with them their folk practices, which were remnants of the
Celtic festival observances.
14. We in America view this as a harvest festival. Did the Celts
also view it as such?
Yes. The Celts had 3 harvests. Aug 1, or Lammas, was the first
harvest, when the first fruits were offered to the Gods in
thanks. The Fall equinox was the true harvest. This was when
the bulk of the crops would be brought in. Samhain was the
final harvest of the year. Anything left on the vines or in
the fields after this date was considered blasted by the
fairies ("pu'ka") and unfit for human consumption.
15. Does anyone today celebrate Samhain as a religious observance?
Yes. many followers of various pagan religions, such as
Druidism and Wicca, observe this day as a religious festival.
They view it as a memorial day for their dead friends and
family, much as the world does the national Memorial Day
holiday in May. It is still a night to practice various forms
of divination concerning future events. It is also considered
a time to wrap up old projects, take stock of one's life, and
initiate new projects for the coming year. As the winter
season is approaching, it is a good time to do studying on
research projects, and also a good time to begin hand work
such as sewing, leather working, woodworking, etc., for Yule
gifts later in the year. And while "satanists" are using this
holiday as their own, this is certainly not the only example
of a holiday (or even religious symbols) being "borrowed" from
an older religion by a newer one.
16. Does this involve human or animal sacrifice?
Absolutely NOT! Hollywood to the contrary, blood sacrifice is
not practiced by modern followers of Wicca or Druidism. There
may be some people who THINK they are practicing Wicca by
performing blood sacrificing, but this is NOT condoned by
reputable practitioners of today's neo-Pagan religions.
32
FOOTNOTES:
1 Tardo, Russell K., What's Wrong with Halloween?, Faithful Word
Publishers, (Arabi, LA, undated), p. 2
2 Rev. Patrick Dinneen, An Irish English Dictionary, (Dublin,
1927), p. 937
3 Malcolm MacLennan, A Pronouncing and Etymological Dictionary
of the Gaelic Language, (Aberdeen, 1979), p. 279
4 The Encyclopedia of Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, "Halloween"
by Primiano, (New York, 1987) pp. 176-177
5 Katherine Briggs, Nine Lives: Cats in Folklore, (London,1980),
p.5
6 Dr. Anne Ross, Pagan Celtic Britain, (London,1967), p. 301-302
7 W.G. Wood-Martin, Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland, Vol.
II, (Port Washington, NY, 1902), p. 5
8 Kevin Danaher, The Year in Ireland, (Cork, 1972), p. 214
9 Alwyn & Brinley Rees, Celtic Heritage, (New York, 1961), p. 90
10 Wood-Martin, op. cit., p. 249
11 Rees & Rees, op. cit., p. 90
12 Nora Chadwick, The Celts, (Harmondsworth, 1982), p. 151
13 P.W. Joyce, A Social History of Ancient Ireland, Vol.2, (New
York, 1968), pp. 282-283
14 Madeleine Pelner Cosman, Medieval Holidays and Festivals, (New
York, 1981), p. 81
33
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
*Bord, Janet & Colin, The Secret Country, (London: Paladin
Books,1978)
*Briggs, Katherine, Nine Lives, Cats inFolklore, (London: Routledge
& Kegan Paul, 1980)
*Chadwick, Nora, The Celts, (Harmondsworth, England: Penguin Books,
1982)
*Coglan, Ronan, ADictionary of Irish Myth and Legend, (Dublin: 1979)
*Cosman, Madeleine Pelner, Medieval Holidays and Festivals, (New
York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1981)
*Danaher, Kevin,The Year in Ireland, (Cork, Ireland: The Mercier
Press, 1972)
*Dinneen, Rev. Patrick S., M.A., An Irish-English Dictionary,
(Dublin: The Irish Texts Society, 1927)
*Joyce, P.W., A Social History of Ancient Ireland, (New York:
Benjamin Blom, 1968)
*MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, (London: The Hamlyn
Publishing Group Limited, 1970)
*MacLennan, Malcolm, A pronouncing and Etymological Dictionary of
the Gaelic Language, (Aberdeen: Acair and Aberdeen University
Press, 1979)
*MacNeill, Maire', The Festivalof Lughnasa, (Dublin: Comhairle
Bhealoideas Eireann, 1982)
*Powell, T.G.E., The Celts, (New York: Thames & Hudson, 1980)
*Primiano, Leonard Norman, "Halloween" from The Encyclopedia of
Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, (New York, McMillan Publiching
Co., 1987)
*Rees, Alwyn and Brinley, Celtic Heritage, Ancient Tradition in
Ireland and Wales, (New York: Thames & Hudson, 1961)
34
*Ross, Dr. Anne, Pagan Celtic Britain, (London: Routledge and Kegan
Paul, 1967)
*Sharkey, John, Celtic Mysteries, (New York: Thames & Hudson, 1975)
*Spence, Lewis, British Fairy Origins, (Wellingborough: Aquarian
Press, 1946)
*Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth & Legend, Poetry & Romance, (New York:
Newcastle Publishing Co., Inc., 1975)
*Toulson, Shirley, The Winter Solstice, (London: Jill Norman &
Hobhouse, Ltd., 1981)
*Wood-Martin, W.G.,Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland, Vols. I &
II, (Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1902)
Published by CultWatch Response, Inc., P O Box 1842, Colorado Springs,
CO 80901-1842. This article may be reprinted only if it is not
excerpted or abridged in any way except for review purposes.
Permission to republish must be requested in writing from the author
at the above address. Price: $1.00 each, 10/$8.00, over 100/$0.65
ea., other quantities available. All prices are postpaid.
35
FIRESTAR BELTAINE 1986
Note: there is NO meeting dance before the ritual because the spiral
dance occurs inside it.
BARD PRIESTESS GODDESS
FIREMAKER PRIEST GOD
BARD:(harp accompaniment)
This is the air, oh people; these are the creatures:
Far-flying Goose; far-seeing Hawk;
Owl who knows; Raven who talks;
Crane who dances; Thrush who sings;
Quail the humble; Wren the king;
Lark who revels; Loon who weeps;
Jay who scatters; Buzzard reaps.
This is the air I conjure, and this is the birth of the world.
This is the fire, oh people; these are the creatures:
Drake who hoards; Kirin who gives;
Angel heals; Chimera reaves;
Coal the slow; lightning the quick;
Salamander, power's wick;
Soul who praises; Gryphon scorns;
Phoenix dies and is reborn.
This is the fire I conjure, and this is the birth of the world.
This is the sea, oh people; these are the creatures:
Whale who chants; Dolphin who speaks;
Clam content; Salmon who seeks;
Pike who rages; Shark who mourns;
Walrus steadies; Carp transforms;
Seal who gathers; Crab the lone;
Otter wave-borne; Eel in stone;
This is the sea I conjure, and this is the birth of the world.
This is the earth, oh people; these are the creatures:
Deer who worries; Boar who schemes;
Cat who conjures; Sheep who dreams;
Hare the playful; Brock the stern;
Mouse who teaches; Horse who learns;
Wolf who wanders; Bear who stays;
Stag who guards; Puma who preys.
This is the earth I conjure, and this is the birth of the world.
36
Now is the darkness. Now is the pain. Now is the fear.
Now is the danger. Now is the hate. Now are the tears.
Call on our mother! She is the one! Hers is the way!
She will bring comfort. She will bring life. She will bring day.
PRIEST:
Earth Mother, Birth Mother, Birch Mother,
Sea Mother, Stone Mother, Star Mother!
Queen of night and death and birth,
Womb of deep and fertile earth,
Dame of heaven's silver wheel,
Lady of the greening field,
Keeper of the apple grove,
Mistress of the arts of love,
Shine out in the fearsome dark --
Teach us how to strike the spark.
People, we can feel Her near!
She is coming! She is here!
GODDESS:(emerging from hiding -- should be in green, with amber &
copper)
Now the veils of worlds are thin;
To move out you must move in.
Let the Balefires now be made,
Mine the spark within them laid.
This My gift: that people meet
In peace and plenty made complete.
This I give: the Sacred Way,
The strength, the soul, the sight, the say.
Move beyond the fiery screen
Between the seen and the unseen;
Shed your anger and your fear,
Live anew in a new year!
37
FIREMAKER:(at each tree name, holds up twig, then binds all together
into a torch)
The Nine I sing, the Nine blessed trees
Which were empowered of old:
Oak, thou druid's door, open the way for us.
Apple, thou knowledge-giver, break our circle of blindness.
Ash, thou world-supporter, drive away ill powers.
Birch, thou tree-mother, help in our healing.
Hawthorn, thou branch of May, give us light and hope.
Willow, thou soul-leader, grant us safe passage.
Holly, thou forest king, be our safe refuge.
Hazel, thou wise-one's branch, give us true vision.
Alder, thou river's love, let us flow outward.
In peace let us flow outward; in power let us flow outward; in beauty
let us flow outward.
(The Goddess lights the torch, the Firemaker lights the two fires,
which have been saturated with some flammable material, ie charcoal
starter. White Sage and Cedar chips may be thrown thereon.)
FIRE-PASSING CHANT:(drum)
Dark to light, night to day,
Through the fires lies the way;
Old to new, death to birth,
Between the worlds to our rebirth.
(Once all have passed between the fires)
PRIESTESS:
Sky's Father, Wise Father, Wine Father,
Sun Father, Sap Father, Song Father!
Lord of forest, field and beast,
Lord of harvest, hunt and feast,
King of heaven's golden fire,
Dancer of the soul's desire,
Master of the drum and flute,
Keeper of the vineyard's fruit,
Shine on us and warm our souls --
| | |
