Samhain
Crescent Moonstone Cauldron 1998
tHERA BRID AMBER ARROW
HPS: (Ring bell three times)
Welcome friends and welcome spirits of the night.
HPS: The Wheel of the Year turns on and on, bringing us to and from each season and from and to another.
What will be is.
What was will be.
All time is here and now inside this sacred space.
We pause briefly to watch the Wheel turn, and we gather on this most sacred and blessed eve so that we might celebrate the end and the beginning of the year known as Samhain.
HP: Now is a time of change, now do we leave the light and enter the darkness. Yet we do so gladly, for we know it to be but the turning of the mighty wheel of the year. At this time of the year the gates between the worlds are open. We call upon our ancestors, our loved ones, to pass through and join us at this time. We invite them to delight in celebration with those they love.
HPS: This is the night when the veil that divides our world is at its thinnest. It is the new year in the time of the year's death, when the harvest is gathered and the fields lie fallow, for tonight the king of the waning year has sailed over the sunless sea that is the womb of the mother, and steps ashore on the shining isle, becoming the seed of his own rebirth. The gates of life and death are opened; the sun child is conceived; the dead walk, and to the living is revealed the mystery: that every ending is but a new beginning. We meet in time out of time, everywhere, to greet the Lord of Death who is Lord of Life, and the Triple Goddess who is the Circle 'of Rebirth.
Covenor: We are at the crack of time, for this day belongs neither to the old year nor to the new. And as there is no distinction between the worlds, those we have known and loved, in ages past, are free to return to us here in this meeting place. Reach out, everyone, and feel the presence of one you have known and thought lost. From this reuniting gather strength. Know that there is no end and no beginning. All is a continuous turning, a Spiral Dance that goes and returns, yet moves ever on. In that turning, Samhain is the sacred festival marking the end of the summer and the beginning of winter. A time to celebrate, a time to welcome the God as he starts his journey down the Tunnel of Darkness, that bears the light of our lady at its end.
ALL: The old year ends
The New Year begins
The wheel turns
And turns again.
Farewell to our Lady
Welcome to our Lord
Summer draws to a close
Winter sets his foot upon the path
Hail and Farewell!!
Hail and Farewell!!
HPS: I consecrate this altar, so that it may be holy and pleasing to the Goddess and God. Bless this surface and solid foundation, the focus of our worship.
HP: Lighting single altar candle. (Orange)
This single illumination reminds us that in our waning season; the sunlight is becoming shorter in length and darkness is conquering light.
ALL: Blessed be the darkness- blessed be the light.
HP: Creature of fire, this charge I give, no evil in my presence live. Neither demons nor evil spells may stay around this place, not night, nor day. Hear my will addressed to thee, as I will, so mote it be.
ALL: So mote it be.
Covenor of Incense steps forward (entering from the east)
Covenor: (Raising incense) Behold I bring you incense for the air.
ALL: Blessed be thou creature of air.
HP: Bless incense. (Invoke)
Covenor of Fire steps forward (Entering from the South)
Covenor: (Raising incense) Behold I bring you fire and warmth.
(Light charcoal and place in incense holder)
ALL: Blessed be thou creature of fire.
HP: Bless fire. (Invoke)
HP: With athame take 3 portions of incense place on lighted charcoal saying:
As this incense of earth fuses with the power of fire, the element of air releases its powerful magick.
All evil flees in it's wake; cleansing this circle and space; leaving only good to remain.
Covenors return back to your places. (South and East)
Covenor of Water (Entering from the West)
HPS: What element do you bring to our ritual?
Covenor: Behold, I bring you water from the running stream.
ALL: Blessed be thou creature of water.
HPS: Bless water. (Invoke)
Covenor of the Earth (entering from the North)
HPS: What element do you bring to our ritual?
Covenor: Behold I bring you salt of the Earth.
ALL: Blessed be thou creature of earth.
HPS: Bless salt. (Invoke)
HPS: Pour water into bowl. Take 3 portions of salt and place in bowl while saying:
As this salt of the earth dissolves in the water the two become one in wisdom and purity- cleansing our bodies, soul and this sacred space. All are free from evil and negativity.
Anoint all covenors with Samhain Oil
Covenors of Incense (East) and Fire (South):
Covenors of Salt (North) and Water (West):
Anoint the circle with incense and salted water.
Salute each watchtower.
HP: Spirits of evil, unfriendly beings, unwanted guests be gone. Leave us, leave this place, leave this circle that the Gods may enter.
Go, or be cast into the outer darkness of the North.
Go, or be drowned in the watery abyss of the West.
Go, or be burned in the fiery flames of the South.
Go, or be torn by the whirlwinds of the East.
By the power of the Mother Goddess and Father God.
So mote it be.
ALL: So mote it be.
HPS: [EAST] With this light we bring cool air to create a painted landscape for us to enjoy. (Yellow candle)
[SOUTH] With this light we bring fire for warmth needed for the long winter nights.
(Red candle)
[WEST] With this light we bring water for wisdom in the coming year. (Blue candle)
[NORTH] With this light we bring strength to face the year with all it unexpectedness.
(Green candle)
EAST: Regents of the East, Patrons of phantom- filled winds, Protectors of breeze- born apparitions let loose from the ethereal realms. By the Holy Pentagram of Balance sacred to the Goddess, we call Thee to this Circle, charging Thee to witness and watch over these rites of Samhain on this Night between the worlds of time. BE HERE NOW! (INVOKE)
SOUTH: Regents of the South, Patrons of All Hallow's Blazing bonfires, protect the paths of wandering spirits. Illuminate their way that they may join us now. By the Holy Pentagram of Balance sacred to the Goddess, we call Thee to this Circle, charging Thee to witness and watch over these rites of Samhain on this Night between the worlds of time. BE HERE NOW! (INVOKE)
WEST: Regents of the West, patrons of the watery abyss and primordial seas, protectors of the sacred cauldron. By the Holy Pentagram of Balance sacred to the Goddess, we call Thee to this Circle, charging Thee to witness and watch over these rites of Samhain on this Night between the worlds of time. BE HERE NOW! (INVOKE)
NORTH: Regents of the North, Patrons of enchanted places and moonlit groves, Protectors of haunted hollows and long- forgotten sacred stone circles. By the Holy Pentagram of Balance sacred to the Goddess, we call Thee to this Circle, charging Thee to witness and watch over these rites of Samhain on this Night between the worlds of time. BE HERE NOW! (INVOKE)
HPS: As above, so below, the circle is cast, the ritual has begun.
EAST: WE ARE BETWEEN THE WORLDS,
BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF TIME,
WHERE NIGHT AND DAY,
BIRTH AND DEATH,
JOY AND SORROW,
SOUTH: WE MEET IN PERFECT LOVE
AND IN PERFECT I TRUST,
REMEMBER ALWAY THE WICCAN REDE:
AN YE HARM NONE, DO WHAT THOU WILT
REMEMBER THIS IN WHATEVER YOU DESIRE,
WHATEVER YOU WOULD ASK OF THE GODS...
WEST: WHATEVER YOU WOULD DO, BE ASSURED THAT IT WOULD HARM NONE
NOT EVEN YOURSELF,
AND REMEMBER THAT AS YOU GIVE,
SO SHALL IT RETURN THREEFOLD...
NORTH: GIVE OF YOURSELF,
YOUR LOVE,
YOUR LIFE,
AND YOU WILL BE THRICE REWARDED.
BUT SEND FORTH HARM,
AND THAT, TOO, WILL RETURN THRICE OVER....
HPS: The Dark Mother comes from a time long past the setting sun. Lady of Night she is, where country crossings cry her sacred Name. She- force Shadow with upraised torches of Hades red-onyx bright; her hounds at bay where path worked lanes collide.
HP: (Lighting first black candle)
Hail, Hekate; Wise One of the Willows; Thou who stirrest the Cauldron of Fate with the Staff of Destiny visit us this Night with divination and the Sight! We invite you to be among us now!
(Lighting second black candle)
Hail, Hekate, Queen of the Ghost world, enthroned upon the bones of departed generations! May the spirits of Thy crypted Domain be pleased with these rites of remembrance as they celebrate All Hallows among us! We invite you to be among us now!
(Lighting third black candle)
Hail Hekate; Spectral Sovereign of Darkness, Bringer of Shadows that we might see invisible realities without distraction from the light. Part for us this Night the Veil that wanes thin between the worlds! We invite you to be among us now!
ALL: To the Crone be Praise,
To the Crone be Power,
Crone be preeminence,
On this,
Her Holy Night of All Hallows!
HPS: (Lights old God candle)
Satyr Pan, Lord of Life, he meets her (Hekate) here on this Haunted Eve. They kiss Completion, yet a Cycle Begun on the Wheel that turns once more. Old he is, on the altar laid, his spirit released with her spell; Lord be he declined in death, his form but swirling grains of earth, Spring’s fibrous strength decayed. Horned Pan descends below, to the home of the Hollow Womb he returns, to the Cauldron of the Deep Within.
HPS: (Lights new God candle with old one, extinguishes old God candle)
All Hallows Hail, Horned One, Lord of the Dead, Companion of the Crone; we invoke Thee! All Hallows Hail, Horned One, Man in Black, Fleet-footed Sabbat God, Be here amongst us! All Hallows Hail, Horned One, King Stag of the Wildwoods, Antlered Messenger from Another World, Thou art welcomed! We invite you to be among us now!
ALL: To the God be praise,
To the God be power,
To the God be preeminence,
On this,
His Holy Night of All Hallows!
Covenor: Death for life the Sacrifice, another year gives up its ghost. Freshly dead seasons consumed in the bonfires of Samhain, billowing crimson- orange in ashen blackness; spectral fiery incantations. Goddess- summoned spirits celebrate this Night between the years. End, Beginning, No Time Betwixt, cradle and grave in one. Future faded, past returned, all alive have died. Dimensions departed, merged with the moment; Mystery the magick yarn for Hekate's spirit-raising loom!"
HP: (Leads the Dance of the Dead with his arms crossed upon his chest. HPS is the last in line. Each covenor places his left hand oh the right shoulder of the person in front of him/ her and holds their black candle in their right hand.)
Walking deosil, all chant: (Three time round continuous chant.)
Spirits of the dead we raise,
Join us by the cauldrons blaze.
Elves and Goblins and gnomes and all,
Heed the Witches' Samhain call.
(Child passes out acorns, deosil, while Kernunnos speaks)
Kernunnos: (Ring bell 13 times.)
I am the Lord of Death and Resurrection- the Keeper of the Gates of Death through which all who enter here must pass. It is within my power to do as you ask, to open a way of communication that those of you who seek knowledge or counsel from beyond might realize that desire this night. I ask you to extinguish your candles, for the light of your world cannot be used in seeing into the underworld. You can only see in the underworld while you are in total darkness. Therefore, I command the spirits of Nature to help those who would delve into that which lies beyond! May inner eyes be strong and keen as you search beyond the veil. May only that knowledge and those influences, which will assist you in a positive way, be with you! So Mote it Be!
Child: Oh, great Kernunnos it is time for us to leave the underworld.
Kernunnos: Before I release you, what is the sacred password?
Child: Perfect Love and Perfect Trust
Kernunnos: Proceed; nothing holds you in this realm at this time. My gates are open for you to return to your world when you are ready.
Dance of the Dead (Proceed Widdershins without chanting.)
Persephone: Before you returned to the world above, you were given a token, a symbol of the completed cycle. Samhain is a farewell celebration. It is a time to look back on the year and review all that has happened. At this time, you should remember and enjoy the memories of those good times that make you smile and laugh, as well as remember and store those lessons learned in those times that brought forth tears of sadness or disappointment. Within this acorn store these gifts you have each been given, that you may carry them with you always. Samhain is a time to celebrate the growth you have realized over this last cycle of life. It is a time to wave goodbye to all that was in preparation, for all that will be- thus ends this turning of the Wheel of life!
HPS: Holds chalice.
HP: Holds athame over chalice and blesses it. (INVOKE)
HP: Athame to chalice
HPS: Spirit to flesh
HP: Man to woman
HPS: As the God and Goddess within.
ALL: Together they bring blessings and purpose to life.
HPS: (Offer to HP) May you never thirst.
HP: (After sipping) Nor you M'lady.
HP: (Offer to HPS)
HPS: (After sipping)
Let us all partake of this sacred ale the enchantment of the Divine. This renews our bodies and our souls.
HPS: (Blesses cakes) (INVOKE)
Bread made from all Elements,
Grain from Earth,
Water to bind and moisten,
Fire to grow and cook
Air to leaven and filter the sweet aroma into our senses,
And the empowerment of our human spirit.
ALL: Together the Elements bring blessings and purpose to life.
HP: (Offers cakes to HPS)
May you never hunger.
HPS: Nor you M' lord.
HPS: (Offers cakes to HP)
HP: (After eating)
Let us all partake of these sacred cakes, enchantment of the Divine Elements. This renews our bodies and our souls.
HPS: Satyr God, we thank you for your visitation at out sacred circle. As your energy begins to extinguish we await for the day when you begin to re- energize again. Farewell blessed Lord. Safe be your journey into the Summerland.
ALL: All Hallows Hail, Satyr God, and Farewell!
HP: Crone of Dark Moons and Death, Hag Queen of All Hallows, be pleased to remain among us until the last shadows of Samhain are swallowed in the light-fused mist of morning. Protect us from all harm and spiritual malevolence. Enlighten us from the wells of Thy ageless wisdom, and endow us with the insight, which comes with reverence for Thy worship.
ALL: All Hallows Hail, Hekate, and Farewell!
NORTH: Regents of the North, Patrons of enchanted places and moonlit groves, Protectors of haunted hollows and long- forgotten sacred stone circles. We thank you for attending this sacred circle. As you return to your beautiful realms- Hail, farewell, and Blessed Be!
(BANISH)
(Extinguish candle)
WEST: Regents of the West, Patrons of the watery abyss and primordial seas. Protectors of the sacred cauldron. We thank you for attending this sacred circle. As you return to your beautiful realms- Hail, farewell, and Blessed Be! (BANISH)
(Extinguish candle)
SOUTH: Regents of the South, Patrons of All Hallow's blazing bonfires, Protectors of the lighted paths for wandering spirits. We thank you for attending this sacred circle. As you return to your beautiful realms- Hail, farewell, and Blessed Be! (BANISH)
(Extinguish candle)
EAST: Regents of the East, Patrons of phantom-filled winds, Protectors of breeze-borne apparitions. We thank you for attending this sacred circle. As you return to your beautiful realms- Hail, farewell, and Blessed Be!
(BANISH)
(Extinguish candle)
HPS: (Snuffs out all candles except one altar candle)
These flames are a form of energy, which, like all energy cannot be destroyed, merely changed from one form to another. As these candles are extinguished, we transmute, that energy from the flames without to the Divine flame within each of us. In doing so we reaffirm our dedication to seek the Path of Light knowing that the goal we seek, we shall attain empowered by the flame within.
HP: (Takes down the circle.)
HPS: (Leaves a single candle remaining.)
HPS: This single illumination reminds us that in the time of this waning season of light, that illumination exists until in the darkest day of the year when we meet again at Winter Solstice.
Even though the harvest has been reaped and our bodies are preparing for the long winter months; our souls should keep alive the spirit and promise of the returning sun.
The circle is open yet it ever remains a circle. Around and around flow its magickal powers.
May the peace of the Goddess and God go in our hearts.
ALL: Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
Blessed Be!