Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 201
Priestess takes up the fire wand, lights it with the men in a fast, energetic dance around the
a taper from the altar candle (or Goddess outer circle, carrying the wand, while the
candle), and hands it to the Priest, saying: women dance slowly and joyously around the
O Sun! Be thou armed to conquer the inner circle, occasionally splashing water onto
Dark!
plants from the cauldron. Build energy until
Priest lights the fire with the wand while the the Priestess calls out.
others arrange themselves so that the women
are in a circle in the center, and the men
around the outside of them.
When the Priest has lit the fire, he leads
Charging of Wine & Cakes.
Discussion, sharing, music, relaxing.
Thanks and dismissal of Deities and
Elements; opening Circle.
Wiccan Rite for the Spring Equinox
The place of meeting should be decorated with boughs of alder or dogwood, if possible.
If there will be singing, music, and rhyme before the rite, it should concern life, death, and the
summerland. If there is dancing, the Priestess and Priest shall see that the dancers shall
follow them, whirling and swirling about the dancing area.
The candles on the altar shall be replaced either by clusters of 13 candles each, or by a
large torch in each place. Broomsticks, stick-horses, or phallus-headed sticks shall be leaned
against the altar; one shall be provided for each within the Circle. The Great Circle shall be
cast in the usual manner, except that a 15-foot Circle shall be drawn.
To begin the rite, the Priestess stands to the north of the altar with the mirror behind her.
She directs all within the Circle to stand at the outer part of the circle, men and women
alternating. She spreads out her arms and says:
Witches all, we gather now as we rise above the flood of winter to celebrate the rite of
death and life. To journey in symbol nearer to the sun and out towards the darkness,
again and again, as we ourselves travel from the summerland to this world—many
times—with many happenings ere we reach perfection, and finally travel beyond.
She signals for the music to start. The music should start in a slow and dignified manner,
increasing in spirit and tempo. The Priestess rejoins the line just behind the Priest, who leads
the coven in a line, starting a spiral inwards at a slow ceremonial pace, yet with all in step or
rhythm if possible. All should chant:
Yan, Tan, Tethera, Pethera.
Continuing the chant and led by the Priest, they shall spiral inwards and outwards. Each may
make his own variations in the dance, and also may follow suit with others in the Circle, as they
turn, shuffle, and stamp in a growing and diminishing rhythm. As the music grows faster, the
Priest may decide to seize a broomstick, and the others will follow suit as he rides, waves, and
raps the stick. When the music is the fastest, they may leap and shout. The Priest shall lead in
these usually, as all follow him spiraling in and out. Any who would rest must crouch by the altar.
The music shall last for a long while. If there are musicians, the music shall end suddenly at a sign
from the Priest. If the music is recorded it will, of course, end of its own accord.
All shall drop to positions of rest. The Priestess shall stand before the altar facing north
with her arms outstretched and call:
Beltiate, solitçn cardiçn didomi. Cathçrios phylaxomençn.
All shall make the sign of the pentacle. If any of the magical catalyst* is available, she
shall throw a small handful of it into the brazier.
Next should follow the rite of cakes and wine.
Finally, the Great Circle shall be opened.
*Magical Catalyst: Mix less than an ounce of saltpeter with an equal amount of chamomile
and powdered incense. Mix well, and place in a bowl at the base of the altar.