Mabon Sabbat Ritual of Sacred Mists 9-22-05 (this has been rewritten for use at Light & Shadows -2007) <DIR> Merry meet and a blessed Mabon to you all! Lets gather now, and prepare ourselves for the ritual. I ask that you have a pen & paper available near your computer as you may want to write some things down as we enter into our deepest inner being. First and foremost, as always.. lets go over a few things for today's ritual, and for all rituals in general... Some will enter late, some will get disconnected and come back into the ritual... if this happens to you, or you see someone enter from this point forward please do not greet them or say "oops" or otherwise... just quietly let the person join/rejoin Secondly.. you'll find many areas where you will be an active participant in the ritual by way of "So Mote it Be!" ... "Blessed be!"... etc. this isn't a race... let the words and feeling...the "energy" come through instead of rushing to have the first BLESSED BE! Does anyone have any questions about that, or general ritual etiquette? Wonderful! Is there any here that find this is their first ritual experience on or off line? Oh how exciting! You'll find that this is a powerful experience... you may feel tingling, lightheaded, a rush of energy.... all perfectly normal I assure you. Thank you all for coming ... now, we will begin with a Mabon meditation... smiles around at the group and settles into a relaxed position. takes a deep breath as she starts to concentrate on her center and ground. During this meditation, please center yourself by taking deep, regular breaths and relaxing every part of your body. When the meditation is complete, please continue breathing while you wait quietly for the ritual to begin. As we gather together...now you find yourself in the the Wichaven Faery Grove ... You are in a place of unknown to most humans, a time of no time, The Witches of Light & Shadows have met here in this Sacred Circle of the Faerie woods. You see familiar covenors gathered around you Out of the corner of your eye you also see dozens of magickal creatures. They have drawn close to the Circle to share this celebration of our Second Harvest. As you continue to look around, you realize you are sitting in a meadow of fall flowers: goldenrod, pearly everlasting, fuzzy purple butterfly bush, fireweed. Around you, brittle tan grasses wave in the breeze; low to the earth, clover heads nod gently. You fold your arms around yourself; There is a hint of chill in the air. On the horizon, you notice a distant hill furred with evergreen trees nearly black as the deepest green is evident, the red-orange drop of the sun balances; it is sunset. As you watch, the sun drops on the horizon... breaks, evaporates; the focus of the light is gone, All that's left is an echo, pale-gold light against which the trees rise black. Under their branches, trailing to earth, the forest hold darkness, night is coming. The darkness beckons, safe, protective, a little melancholy, like sleep. You stand up and brush yourself offand find you are at the edge of the Forest Ahead is a break in the forest floor, a dirt path winding toward somewhere ...a mystery calls you . You have time in the twilight to explore a little, before full darkness comes. You come to the head of the path as you continue walking. It starts downward steeply. To either side tangles low blackberry, Oregon grape with spiked leaves green and red, tiny berries blue-black. Dirt and bits of stick and bark roll under your feet as you put weight on them... you tramp downward with a swinging gait, until suddenly the dirt under you loosens and slides. Catching a branch, you manage to keep your balance. You continue onward more slowly. Under the trees, blue shadows hang dense. The trail goes steadily downhill; the air gets slightly warmer, wetter. You see more maple and alder, the alder bark mottled gray-white, trees draped with hanging moss, yellow-green tangled hair. The earth below grows muddier. Suddenly, to your right you hear a cracking sound, a branch breaking. Your head whips 'round to look. In a glade close to the path stands a young buck deer, antlers single-pronged. He stares at you with black unblinking eyes, sensitive nostrils twitching. Then with a bound he's gone. You stand a moment staring. It's as if he couldn't have been there, so empty is the spot he stood, and yet he stood there. "I'll go just a little further," you think. Your path comes to a stream, water trickling over dark rocks, their heads rising from the water mossy. On the other side, the path turns uphill again. It looks inviting: drier, winding among big-leaf maples, most of their fallen leaves brown & big as platters. The forest is more open there, lighter than the way you've come. You leap the stream, misjudging the width a little,..... splashing; your shoes get wet. You now begin to walk uphill. The hill seems steeper than the one you came down. Quickly you begin to sweat. After twining through the grove of maples, the path turns under more evergreen...fir trees, you think. Even when your eyes adjust, it's dark, late twilight. Time to turn back. But as you think this, you walk into a glade; it's lighter, open to the sky. At its far edge, where the trees begin again, you see a shadowy form, which resolves itself into a picnic table. It seems to have something laid on it. Curious, you cross over. Coming up, you see lying on the table apples, grapes, tomatoes, gourds, Indian corn, potatoes, zucchini, cut herbs tied with ribbon, wheat in sheaves. At the table's far end are two pewter plates, two matching goblets. Looking up, you see behind the table two figures: a woman with a flowing gown patterned with vines, leaves, harvest spilling from a cornucopia, and a man naked to the waist, wearing buckskin trousers. On their heads twine wreaths of ivy. In the shadows you can hardly see their faces. "You've brought nothing to our table," the woman says. Her low voice is melodious, but not sympathetic. "I didn't know I'd find you here. - I'm sorry." "No matter," the woman says, after a moment. Perhaps she smiles. The man gestures toward the table. "These are fruits of the earth. They come very easily to you. Do you appreciate them?" You think, ..."I just go to the store. What would I do if I had to raise my own food?" With a twinge of fear, you say, "I do appreciate them." "Do you?" the woman asks. "Will you drink with us, then?" Your fear whispers to you. You think of people given fairy-food, who never come back, or Persephone fed by Hades. The man and woman smile at each other. "You have drunk with us before," gestures the man's low voice . "If you ever drink,.... you drink with us." "Have we not given you all your food and drink? - Here." The woman hands you a pewter cup. It's heavy, and cool with what it carries, moisture beading along its sides. You sniff at it; it smells heady, of grape and spices. Each with a hand on the remaining chalice, the Lord & Lady, together, raise the other goblet in a toast. They watch you; their heavy gaze forces you to sip. It's impossible to tell what's in your cup; it could be grape juice; it could be wine or mead. Whatever it is, it tastes like heaven. The Goddess and God smile. "May you never lack for harvest, Blessings be to you and yours" they say. "Know that as you reap your harvest , you must also account for your nurturing of your spiritual self... do not forget us... and do not set us apart as something that can be bought or is handy for only your timing... We are a natural part of your path... center your balance with us and your harvest will be of the horn of plenty. Look within and ponder these words. They are deep and must be hallowed." They look deep into your soul and smile..then turn to each other. The look is deep and one of love as well as a slight saddness but a completeness, all the same. One... then the other, ...they pledge each other from their cup. Watching, you set your own cup on the table. For a moment you close your eyes to drink in their words & savor the flavor of the mysterious nector. The wood seems to move under your fingers, and you look down. You see the table is empty, fruit, grain and vegetables all gone, the pewter crockery too, even the cup you just set down. You look up again quickly. The God and Goddess themselves are gone. On your tongue lingers the taste of nectar. You smile to yourself as you feel the wonder... You know that you have , indeed, been in the presence of the Lord & Lady. You feel the knowing and are thankful for the blessings you have been given. You openly whisper a thanksgiving and acknowledge their gifts to you. Now you bow in reverence and return to center as you know you are now fully grounded and ready for our Mabon Ritual of thankfulness. Think of your bounty that the year has given and write down any thought you may have at this moment as I now ready the alter for the Mabon Sabbat Ritual of Light & Shadows. ************************************* breathes deeply and raises her arms above her head as she begins to call the Watchtowers. I conjure you, O Circle of Power, that you are a boundary of Sacred Mists between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones; a meeting place of love and joy and truth. this be a shield against all wickedness and evil; a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain the power that we raise within. Wherefore do I bless you, and consecrate you, in the names of Cerridwen and Mabon Lord & Lady of our Sacred Sabbat. I ask each of you as I cut a door to allow you to enter the sacred Circle...tell me a mystery... How do you enter? (await the answer to the question ) Embraces each that enters and kisses your forehead at the third eye power spot. Come and enter our sacred circle and take a place that speaks your name. Together we are one in the Power of the Universe. In a time without time. Feel the POWER and embrace this sacred time and feel yourself merge with your covenmates here as we unite. silently walks to the East Quarter and raises her athame she takes from the sheath at her waist, in salute Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, the powers of Air. I call upon you to attend these rites, and share with us your gifts. The warmth of the ending summer breeze, the sweet scent of second harvest grain, fruits and vegetables, the breath of life, and the ability to know, understand and communicate. Come! We, your Witches, evoke your presence. Hail & Welcome to our sacred Circle. turns and walks to the South Quarter and raises her athame in salute Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the powers of Fire. Come! Fill the souls of each individual in this circle tonight with the power and strength that we require to harvest the fruits of abundant second harvest with the fire and waning energy of the Sun. Come! We, your Witches, invoke your presence. Hail & Welcome to our sacred Circle.. turns and walks to the West Quarter and raises her athame in salute Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, the powers of Water. Swirling waters of oceans blue, grant us fresh ideas anew. Grant us your cooling mists, carried to us through Air’s sweet kiss. Come! We, your Witches, invoke your presence. Hail & Welcome to our sacred Circle. turns and walks to the North Quarter and raises her athame in salute Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, the powers of Earth. Corner of all power, Guard our circle! Give us your Ancient Wisdom. Bring us knowledge, growth and enlightenment. Reveal thy mysteries and bless our bountiful second harvest on this Sacred Day. Come! We, your Witches, invoke your presence. Hail & Welcome to our sacred Circle. Replaces her athame into her sheath hanging at her waist and walks to the L&S Alter... picks up her Wand in her right hand, faces the altar, and with arms stretched out above her head, says.. I honor Thee, Autumn Queen, and Thy consort, the God of the Harvest. The Wheel has once more turned, and the change of season begins. What will be is. What was will be. The Equinox is upon us, and the time to reflect, at hand. All time comes together, here and now in this sacred space. And I, but a moment in time, feel the change as I pass From one season to the next. The Second Harvest has been reaped, and the time of rest is deserved. Go now My Mother and slumber. Go now My Father and dream of re-birth. I shall be here to greet Thee on Your return. with her arms outstretched as she lowers her head and closes her eyes. Contemplating what she has just spoken. opens her eyes and lowers her arms... picks up the apple and places it in the center of the the altar Pentacle in front of her at the alter of Light & Shadows. cuts it crosswise with the Boline, to reveal the natural pentagram at its core. (All may do this with her as she does.) lifts one half of the apple, pentagram up as if in offering and says... As the Wheel turns, the seasons pass, and the years give 'way To the next, Guide me most Wise Ones, Lest I forget Every beginning has an ending And every ending is a new beginning. We all must accept this . guides the Circle to take a bite of their apples. The other half will be used soon so you to put the rest aside for your post-ritual work. asks each of you to take up your fallen tree branch & hold it to your heart, charging it with your energy these are the energies you are connected with and also it is mixed with all who are celebrating this Sabbat with us here within Light & Shadows. picks up the fallen tree branch and shakes it once in each direction, starting with North, saying.. As the days grow colder, and the nights last longer, May I remember the summer past. With sunlight fading, and hearth inviting, My memories will warm my soul. From a season of hard work and hard play, I hear Mother's voice calling me forward. While I rest, shall She lull me, with songs of a dream, As close to Her bosom I cling. faces the altar and holds the branch out in front of her with both hands, saying... With memories of the summer, least I never forget, And aspiring for the colder months to come, Least I never stop striving, I honor Thee with this symbol of Nature, Keeping it and Thee in my home and heart, That I may see it and pause, To reflect on The Ancient Mysteries, Leading me to a better understanding of myself, And of others, and all that is Life. Puts the tree branch on the altar, into the basket of fruit so that it sticks out, back in her direction. She begins to contemplate. asks each of you to contemplate, as well, on the various memory symbols that you have attached to your tree branch. (pause) asks you to contemplate on the various projects for autumn and winter that you have attached to it. Close your eyes for a moment and feel the seasons pass within the circle from summer to autumn . opens her eyes, and says: Between the worlds I stand in this sacred place. All time is here and now. As I leave this circle, the season shall have changed, And I will have changed with it. May I use the short time of Winter Finding To draw the strength and power from within As I quest for vision, understanding, and peace. Now I ask you to take up your sprig(s) of Ivy and wrap them about your arms, from elbow to wrist, Now, take up your bell and follow what I do. picks up the sprig(s) of ivy, and wraps around her arms, from the elbow to the wrist. picks up the Bell with her right hand, each toll you hear is the passing of the first 3 seasons of the year. tolls the bell thrice...each time the sound is piercing and solomn the stqark tone brings to mind the past things that came with that turning of the wheel. then places it in her left hand and rings once to usher in the 4th and last season of the year. places the bell on the altar and removes the ivy from her arms, beginning at the elbow and unwrapping to the wrist, places the ivy in her cauldron, asking all to follow suit. In Life is Death, and in Death is Life. The Sacred Dance goes on and on from whence we came, we shall return, And come again. Seasons pass, and pass again, The circle stays unbroken Heed the words of your child, here, Through Your wisdom I have spoken. breathes in deeply once again, feeling the power of the Circle swirling around her body prepares to bid farewell to the Watchtowers and bring the rite to a close. looks lovingly into the eyes of each in the circle as she bows her head in reflection. walks to the east quarter and raises her hands high in the air. Hail to thee Guardian of the Watchtower of the East, the powers of Air. We thank you for joining us as we gave thanks, As you depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee thanks for coming, and harm ye none on your way, until we meet again... Hail & Farewell. blows a kiss to the guardians of air and bows. turns & walks toward the South as she again raises her hands high toward the southern sky Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the powers of Fire. We have felt your Heat! And thank you for the energy you have lent to our workings this day. As ye depart to your mighty realms we bid thee a thank you, and harm ye none on your way, until we meet again. Hail & Farewell bows in reverence as she blows a kiss to the departing guardian of fire. graciously walks to the West tower and raises her arms. Hail to thee Guardian of the Watchtower of the West, the powers of Water. We thank you for joining our celebration on this blessed Mabon day. As ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee thank you for coming, and harm ye none on your way, until we meet again. Hail & Farewell. Blows a kiss to the guardian of Waters as she bows in reverence. Now walks to the Northern tower and salutes as she reases her arms Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, the powers of Earth. We thank you for attending our celebration. We praise and bless thee for planting the seed of wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. As ye depart to your mighty realms we bid thee thank you, and harm ye none on your way, until we meet again. Hail & Farewell I close my hand and the circle shrinks, and the faery mists dissipate and depart. This circle is now open, but never broken. May all who have entered here in perfect love & perfect trust now depart, knowing we are all Kin within the Way of the Wise. Blessed Be. Now grounds the immense energy that has come into her body from being in the presence of the Lord & Lady...asks that all do the same... </DIR> |
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