This is ritual is to heal and strengthen your maiden self.  Perform at the New Moon when the
waxing cresent first appears.

You will need: a new white candle, flowers (white preferraby), mugwort. edible seeds, a chalice withwater, images of maidens, a sachet filled with lavendar, saffron and laurel to place in bath water.

As the sun sinks into the west and the cresent follows it into the
sky, put on some gentle flowing music, light some candles around your
ritual room, and burn some of your favorite incense.  Prepare a ritual bath
with the sachet.  Bathe taking your time.  Celebrate your beauty and
womanhood.

As the water washes over your body, imagine it washing away
tiredness, stagnation, and negative attitudes.  Wet your hair and feel
negativity leave your thoughts and memories.

Raise from the bath amd say to yourself:
"I am Maiden, beautiful, renewed, refreshed, reborn."

Dress in something that makes you feel beautiful or go skyclad.  Put flowers in
your hair.  Dance before the altar, imagine Maidens dancing with you.

When you feel ready seat yourself before the altar. light the white candle and
say: "Wih this flame I ignite within me the spirit of the Maiden."  Ring a
bell or drum for a few minutes, do some deep breathing, concentrate on the
candle flame.  When ready look at the images of the Maidens or see Maidens
in your minds eye.  Say: "I am whole unto myself I am a bright maiden
Strong, invincible, and free I am a dark maiden Cloaked in veils and
mysteries I am the pulse of the sun And the pull of the moon Flowing from
one to the other In perfect harmony Where I walk None can hinder me I am
maiden Forever young and free   Chantthese words over and over if you wish.
 Feel the meanings move through you.  Take some time for meditation.  Ask
the Goddess to send you strong images of powerful Maiden Goddesses and role
models in your every day life.  See the images before you float towards you
and become one.  Take up the chalice and drink deeply.  Say: " Maiden
Goddess I drink of thy sweetness and strength And so am I filled with thy
spirit.  Eat a seed and say: "As this seed sprouts new life So am I filled
with vitality."  When you feel complete, ground the ebergy and snuff out
the candle.

by Raven Silverwing