- Call The Directions
- Still facing North hold your hands in the air, palms facing the horizon and state:
To the Maiden Goddess, the Watchtowers of the North and the elements of the Air, we call upon your wisdom, summon your energy and love to witness this ceremonial ritual for (state your purpose). Light the Northern candle and/or ring the bell once. - If you are a solitary witch, turn to the East, or if in a coven the 2nd Quartermaster faces East, hold your hands in the air, palms facing the horizon and state:
To the Goddess Mother, the Watchtowers of the East and the elements of Fire, we call upon your wisdom and summon your energy for clear communications to the feminine spirit within us all. We ask for guidance in using compassion and understanding in this ceremonial ritual for (state your purpose). Light the Eastern candle and/or ring the bell once. - Turn to the South, hold your hands in the air, palms facing the horizon and state:
To the wise Crone Goddess, the Watchtowers of the South and the elements of Water, we call upon your wisdom and summon your energy for purification of mind/body/and spirit. We ask for your divine compassion over all things that we bring forth in this ceremonial ritual for (state your purpose). Light the Southern candle and/or ring the bell once. - Turn to the West, hold your hands in the air, palms facing the horizon and state:
To the God of (chose your word, Mabon, Lugh, The Sun; whatever feels right to you), the Watchtowers of the West and the elements of the Earth, we call upon your wisdom and strength. We ask for your assistance to protect our divine intent, to help us maintain our positive path and focus as we conduct this ceremonial ritual for (state your purpose). Light the Western candle and/or ring the bell once. | - Close the Circle
- The Priest should guide everyone through a process of closing the circle.
- Mentally and verbally close the circle.
- You don't want to leave the gateway between worlds open for several reasons. You could be inviting forces you don't necessarily want around you. You can also be maintaining a state of heightened perception. While this is great for ceremonies and ritual work, it isn't necessarily good for daily activities. If you find yourself saying "I feel out of it today", then you need to close your senses and get grounded. This is another reason for closing the circle.
- Imagine the "cone of power" you established at the beginning of the ritual.
- See the energy coming down and dissipating back within the solar plexus of yourself or each person in the circle. Move to the center of the circle, holding a ceremonial sword or knife. Starting in the North, and state:
- We give thanks to the God and Goddess once more. We honor each other in this state of divine experiences. And we close this circle
- Turn to the west and state: In the name of the Earth;
- Turn to the south and state: In the name of the water of life;
- Turn to the east and state: In the name of the father Sun and fire;
- Turn to the north and state: In the name of the divine air;
- that binds us to spirit, and can never be broken.
- Snuff out the candles (don't blow them out).
- Physically close the circle by exiting over the broom. Pick up the broom and sweep away any energy that may have been left over.
- Clean your working area and prepare your offerings, gifts and candles for burial. If there are any cakes left over from the ritual, set them outside for the animals and spirit folk. Pour out any left over wine on the ground. Once again some people like to pour out the drink in the shape of a pentacle. Wash all dishes and clean all tools.
| - Ritual Is Concluded
- Finally, some people like to share their experiences during the ritual. Some even carry the festival on and hold a party to share in some of the fruits, vegetables and breads they labored over. For the solitary, now is a good time to record the events and make notes about what you felt, what you did and didn't do that you might like to do next time.
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