Ritual Workings
We've gotten over the bulk of the ritual work and now we are on to the fun part: magickal workings, celebrations and raising energy (which will be covered in the last lesson).
So you've cast your circle, invited everyone in, now what?
Now is the time to get to work.
If you are doing a Sabbat ritual, your ritual workings would include whatever you plan to do to mark the holiday. This might include telling the story of the turning of the Wheel of the Year, reciting a poem about the event or the deity, and/or doing a craft project or some introspective goal-setting that suits the holiday.
For example, on the Summer Solstice, one ritual might involve a pet blessing, another might involve telling the story (or acting it out) of the battle of the Holly King and the Oak King, and yet another might involve a ritual herb harvesting.
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Exercise 1
What is the next Sabbat? What would be some appropriate ritual workings to do during that time? You will find plenty of examples in books or online. List three examples and explain which one (or ones) you are drawn to and why.
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The ritual working you during an Esbat (Full Moon) ritual will be quite different. A Full Moon ritual is designed to honor the Goddess at the height of her power. Most people will incorporate a variation of Drawing Down the Moon into their ritual. This is the act of literally drawing down the Moon's energy and power into yourself.
Exercise 2
Find or write a version of Drawing Down the Moon to perform at your next Full Moon Ritual.
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The Esbat is also one of the most powerful times for spell working. This is the time to work the more complicated spells that require the extra energy of the deities and or aid of the quarters. This is the time to work your heavy duty magick.
Exercise three
Give some thought to a serious issue or magickal working you want to address during the next full moon. How can you incorporate that into your ritual? What kind of spells will you work to tackle the problem? How will you take advantage of the powerful energy of the moon?