A Beginning Look at Ritual - Spells...
A Beginning look at Ritual
taken from 'Craft of the Wise' by Vikki Bramshaw
The Ritual Framework
If you are not interested in magic, then just disregard this and any spells.
The ritual framework here is based on the works of Gerald Gardner. However, the ritual can be adapted to fit your needs if you have to. Make sure that you go over it a few times! I recommend keeping this largely as it is and only change things if you know what you are doing or have someone to help you with it. Also, it is a very good idea to do more research about this or have a teacher help you before you get to far. Good luck!
Oh, and this ritual is usually performed with at least three of four participants. However, it can be easily adapted for solitary use.
The ritual framework here is based on the works of Gerald Gardner. However, the ritual can be adapted to fit your needs if you have to. Make sure that you go over it a few times! I recommend keeping this largely as it is and only change things if you know what you are doing or have someone to help you with it. Also, it is a very good idea to do more research about this or have a teacher help you before you get to far. Good luck!
Oh, and this ritual is usually performed with at least three of four participants. However, it can be easily adapted for solitary use.
A simple checklist to have on hand:
- The Sweeping of the circle
- The Blessing and the Consecration of the elements
- The use of these elements to Cleanse, Consecrate, Purify, and Warm the circle
- The Casting of the Circle
- Calling the Quarters of the Compass
- Evocation of Deities
- The Charge is read
- Energy and magic is risen
- The reason for the ritual, or the magical workings performed
- Energy grounded
- Libation
- Quarters and other energies farewelled
- Circle closed
1. The Sweeping of the Circle
The sweeping of the circle is usually the first sign that a ritual is about to start. It also symbolizes the first act of purification, as negative energy is swept out of the sacred place. The sweeping is usually performed by the Maiden using the Besom (the witch's broom) whilst the rest of the coven wait outside the temple or sacred space. The traditional besom is made of three woods: handle made of ashwood, the brush made of birch, and the branch that bends the handle to the brush is made of willow. Sweeping with the besom has an additional use, however. Ash makes the first exchange between this world and the other realities, and designates the space which will become a 'place out of time'.
Sweep thrice deosil (clockwise) round the circle, visualize brushing any negative energy up and then sweep it out of the door or circle, preferably at the north-east. The besom can then be left either beside or across the threshold of the door, or if it is to be used somewhere within the ritual be brought back inside the sacred space.
Sweep thrice deosil (clockwise) round the circle, visualize brushing any negative energy up and then sweep it out of the door or circle, preferably at the north-east. The besom can then be left either beside or across the threshold of the door, or if it is to be used somewhere within the ritual be brought back inside the sacred space.
2&3. The Blessing and the Consecration of the Elements
Needed:
- A dish of salt (Earth)
- A dish of water (Water)
- A candle (Fire)
- A censor or stick of incense (Air)
Holding your palms over the dish of salt say:
May blessings be upon this creature of salt. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee and consecrate thee, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, hold your palms over the dish of water and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of water. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
s
Now, add three pinches of salt to the water:
To this Water, I give blessing of earth.
(First pinch): One for the mind...
(Second pinch): One for the body...
(Last pinch): And one for the spirit. So mote it be.
By mixing the water and salt you are mingling the magical energies represented by water with the physical world represented by the salt.
Now, stir the water three times and walk deosil (clockwise) around your magical space and back round to the altar sprinkling water upon the ground as you go, saying:
I cleanse this circle with water, I consecrate this circle by salt.
Now, hold you palms about the candle flame (carefully) and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of fire. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, hold your palms over the lit incense and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of air. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, pass the incense through the flame three times, saying:
To this incense, I give blessings of fire.
(First pass): One for the mind...
(Second pass): One for the body...
(Last pass): And for the Spirit. So mote it be.
Walk deosil with the incense and candle around your magical space and back round to the altar, saying:
I warm this circle with fire, I purify this circle by air.
May blessings be upon this creature of salt. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee and consecrate thee, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, hold your palms over the dish of water and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of water. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
s
Now, add three pinches of salt to the water:
To this Water, I give blessing of earth.
(First pinch): One for the mind...
(Second pinch): One for the body...
(Last pinch): And one for the spirit. So mote it be.
By mixing the water and salt you are mingling the magical energies represented by water with the physical world represented by the salt.
Now, stir the water three times and walk deosil (clockwise) around your magical space and back round to the altar sprinkling water upon the ground as you go, saying:
I cleanse this circle with water, I consecrate this circle by salt.
Now, hold you palms about the candle flame (carefully) and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of fire. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, hold your palms over the lit incense and say:
May blessings be upon this creature of air. May all malignity and hindrance be cast out herefrom, so that only good may enter herein. Therefore do I bless thee, that thou mayest aide me, in the names of [chosen goddess] and [chosen god]. As I do will, so mote it be.
Now, pass the incense through the flame three times, saying:
To this incense, I give blessings of fire.
(First pass): One for the mind...
(Second pass): One for the body...
(Last pass): And for the Spirit. So mote it be.
Walk deosil with the incense and candle around your magical space and back round to the altar, saying:
I warm this circle with fire, I purify this circle by air.
4. Casting the Circle
To do this, try to use chalk to outline the circle. If working outside, you can mark the circle at the compass directions with tealights kept safe in candle jars or lanterns.
The circle is cast deosil around the sacred space, starting at the north (the altar) and returning to the north. The circle is traditionally cast with the athame or wand, but can also be cast by hand. Raise your hand up high towards the north and begin drawing a circle in the air. Visualize a bright blue or white light coming from the tip of your tool, creating the circle as you draw it round clockwise. Try to maintain the visualization of the energy as you complete the circle, saying:
I conjure thee, O' circle of power, that thou be a meeting place of love, joy, and truth. A shield against all wickedness and evil. A boundary between the worlds of men, and the realms of the Mighty Ones. A rampart and a protection that shall preserve and contain the power that (I/we) shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and raise thee. As above, So Below. As Without, so Within. As I so will, So mote it be!
There are other versions of the circle casting that you can use, but the important things is what you prefer. Also, make sure that you have good visualizations so that the circle will be strong! I recommend practicing.
The 'Three Times Pass' should then be performed by circling the space three times:
First Pass: This circle is cleansed;
Second Pass: This circle is consecrated;
Third Pass: And this circle is sealed, and ready for magical workings. As my mind wills, so mote it be!
You may tap the altar or the floor three times at the end, to indicate that the circle is sealed.
Note on cutting doorways:
Although we try not to do this, sometimes it is necessary to have to leave the circle while the circle is cast. The doorway is cut with the athame at the northeast (just to the right of the altar). Imagine cutting a door, visualizing it. After stepping through, repeat the same thing except in reverse to seal the circle. To get back in, just repeat the process.
The circle is cast deosil around the sacred space, starting at the north (the altar) and returning to the north. The circle is traditionally cast with the athame or wand, but can also be cast by hand. Raise your hand up high towards the north and begin drawing a circle in the air. Visualize a bright blue or white light coming from the tip of your tool, creating the circle as you draw it round clockwise. Try to maintain the visualization of the energy as you complete the circle, saying:
I conjure thee, O' circle of power, that thou be a meeting place of love, joy, and truth. A shield against all wickedness and evil. A boundary between the worlds of men, and the realms of the Mighty Ones. A rampart and a protection that shall preserve and contain the power that (I/we) shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and raise thee. As above, So Below. As Without, so Within. As I so will, So mote it be!
There are other versions of the circle casting that you can use, but the important things is what you prefer. Also, make sure that you have good visualizations so that the circle will be strong! I recommend practicing.
The 'Three Times Pass' should then be performed by circling the space three times:
First Pass: This circle is cleansed;
Second Pass: This circle is consecrated;
Third Pass: And this circle is sealed, and ready for magical workings. As my mind wills, so mote it be!
You may tap the altar or the floor three times at the end, to indicate that the circle is sealed.
Note on cutting doorways:
Although we try not to do this, sometimes it is necessary to have to leave the circle while the circle is cast. The doorway is cut with the athame at the northeast (just to the right of the altar). Imagine cutting a door, visualizing it. After stepping through, repeat the same thing except in reverse to seal the circle. To get back in, just repeat the process.
5. Calling the Quarters of the Compass
You should start at the east, and work your way deosil back round to the north. The evoking pentagrams should be drawn at each quarter as you go:
East
Stand facing the east. Try to visualize the attributes of air: the spring breeze, a bird, new beginnings, and fresh and purifying energy. Visualize the colour of the east: yellow. Then say:
Lords of the East, Element of Air
Winds of Inspiration and Intelligence
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle.
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of east.
South
Stand facing the south. Try to visualize the attributes of fire: the summer's heat, the rutting stag, and passion and fertility. Visualize the colout of south: red. Then say:
Lords of the South, Element of Fire
Flames of Passion and Creativity
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of south.
West
Stand facing the west: Try to visualize the attributes of water: the autumn rain, the creatures of the sea, and the mysteries of death and rebirth. Visualize the colour of the west: blue. Then say:
Lords of the West, Element of Water
Waves of emotional balance and healing
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of west.
North
Stand facing the North. Try to visualize the attributes of earth: the winter's chill, dark fertile forests, and growth and protection. Visualize the colour of north: green or black. Then say:
Lords of the North, Element of Earth
Stones of Stability and Grounding
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle.
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of north.
Spirit
Come into the center of the circle, and say:
Spirit, all encompassing element that binds the other elements into one, that connects us with the powers of unity, the God and Goddess and the web of Wyrd, join me in this night. I bid you, Hail!
Stand facing the east. Try to visualize the attributes of air: the spring breeze, a bird, new beginnings, and fresh and purifying energy. Visualize the colour of the east: yellow. Then say:
Lords of the East, Element of Air
Winds of Inspiration and Intelligence
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle.
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of east.
South
Stand facing the south. Try to visualize the attributes of fire: the summer's heat, the rutting stag, and passion and fertility. Visualize the colout of south: red. Then say:
Lords of the South, Element of Fire
Flames of Passion and Creativity
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of south.
West
Stand facing the west: Try to visualize the attributes of water: the autumn rain, the creatures of the sea, and the mysteries of death and rebirth. Visualize the colour of the west: blue. Then say:
Lords of the West, Element of Water
Waves of emotional balance and healing
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of west.
North
Stand facing the North. Try to visualize the attributes of earth: the winter's chill, dark fertile forests, and growth and protection. Visualize the colour of north: green or black. Then say:
Lords of the North, Element of Earth
Stones of Stability and Grounding
I invite you to join me in this rite tonight
To guard and guide the circle.
I bid you, Hail and Welcome!
Draw the evoking pentagram of north.
Spirit
Come into the center of the circle, and say:
Spirit, all encompassing element that binds the other elements into one, that connects us with the powers of unity, the God and Goddess and the web of Wyrd, join me in this night. I bid you, Hail!
6. Evocation of Deities
See the Evocations section under 'prayers'. I recommend using the generic evocations if you are just beginning.
7. The Charge is read
The Charge of Aradia:Whenever ye have need of anything,
Once in the month, and when the moon is full,
Ye shall assemble in some desert place,
Or in a forest all together join
To adore the potent spirit of your queen,
My mother, great Diana. She who fain
Would learn all sorcery yet has not won
Its deepest secrets, then my mother will
Teach her, in truth all things as yet unknown
. And ye shall all be freed from slavery,
And so ye shall be free in everything;
And as the sign that ye are truly free,
Ye shall be naked in your rites, both men
And women also; this shall last until
The last of your oppressors be dead
And ye shall make the game of Benevento
Shall hold your supper thus...
Search for other charges, you can choose whichever suits your needs or stands out to you the most. Here is a website to get you started on a few: http://www.templeofgaiainc.org/charges.html
8. Energy and magic is risen
There are many different ways of raising energy within the circle. Here are a few ways below, so choose which one that works best for you personally. Do some research!
- Meditation/Concentration
- Trance/Astral Projection/Pathworking
- Herbal knowledge/Incense
- Evocation/Invocation
- Dance/music/movement
- Chanting
9. The reason for the ritual, or the magical workings performed
Once we have raised energy, how might we send it to do our bidding? At this point in the ritual, the circle is fully prepared and we are reasdy to begin any magical workings that have been planned for the evening. One of the many forms of sending energy is spellwork - releasing the energy in the ritual by certain magical methods, such as burning a candle, or creating a sigil or talisman. In the event of psychic protection, energy is often sent via mirror and other reflective surfaces. Energy can also be released by a shout at the end of chanting, or a gesture with the athame, wand, or hand.
10. Energy grounded
We ground for two reasons: the first being that if residual energy is left within your body it can leave you, dizzy, confused, and unable to competently perform tasks. The second is that that natural energy must be directed somewhere or it can become dangerous. Residual energy can cause problems such as negativity and so-called 'poltergeist' activity and other unwanted side effects.
You simply need to visualize the energy leaving your body and being absorbed by the earth beneath your feet. You can also stamp your feet to shake off the residual energy and encourage your mind to get back in touch with the physical world. You can also eat something once you have closed the circle, though the Libation below does not count as it is part of the ritual.
You simply need to visualize the energy leaving your body and being absorbed by the earth beneath your feet. You can also stamp your feet to shake off the residual energy and encourage your mind to get back in touch with the physical world. You can also eat something once you have closed the circle, though the Libation below does not count as it is part of the ritual.
11. The Libation
The Wine
Take the chalice of wine or juice and place it in the center of the altar. The chalice represents the Goddess, the feminine force of nature. Take the athame and bring its point down into the chalice. The athame or wand represents the God, the masculine force of nature. Say:
As the athame is to the male, so the cup is to the female. And together, they bring blessedness. So mote it be!
You may now drink the wine, passing it around through your circle if there is a group.
The Cakes:
Place the dish of cakes in the center of the altar, and cast your athame over them in the shape of the earth pentagram, saying:
O Queen most secret, bless this food unto my body, bestowing health, strength, joy, and peace, and that fulfilment of love that is perfect happiness.
You can then eat the cakes.
Take the chalice of wine or juice and place it in the center of the altar. The chalice represents the Goddess, the feminine force of nature. Take the athame and bring its point down into the chalice. The athame or wand represents the God, the masculine force of nature. Say:
As the athame is to the male, so the cup is to the female. And together, they bring blessedness. So mote it be!
You may now drink the wine, passing it around through your circle if there is a group.
The Cakes:
Place the dish of cakes in the center of the altar, and cast your athame over them in the shape of the earth pentagram, saying:
O Queen most secret, bless this food unto my body, bestowing health, strength, joy, and peace, and that fulfilment of love that is perfect happiness.
You can then eat the cakes.
12. Quarters of the Compass and other Energies farewelled
You must now say farewell to the quarters. If you have a permanent space, you may farewell the quarters in a clockwise fashion as you welcomed them so you may close the sacred space rather than banish it. However, if you are working in a public place or somewhere that you will only use once, then I recommend that the quarters should be farewelled in an counter-clockwise fashion.
The closing pentagrams should be drawn at each quarter as you go:
The closing pentagrams should be drawn at each quarter as you go:
East
Stand facing the east. Try to visualize the attributes of air: the spring breeze, a bird, new beginnings, and fresh and purifying energy. Visualize the colour of the east: yellow. Then say:
Lords of the East, Element of Air
Winds of Inspiration and Intelligence
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of east.
South
Stand facing the south. Try to visualize the attributes of fire: the summer's heat, the rutting stag, and passion and fertility. Visualize the colout of south: red. Then say:
Lords of the South, Element of Fire
Flames of Passion and Creativity
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of south.
West
Stand facing the west: Try to visualize the attributes of water: the autumn rain, the creatures of the sea, and the mysteries of death and rebirth. Visualize the colour of the west: blue. Then say:
Lords of the West, Element of Water
Waves of emotional balance and healing
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of west.
North
Stand facing the North. Try to visualize the attributes of earth: the winter's chill, dark fertile forests, and growth and protection. Visualize the colour of north: green or black. Then say:
Lords of the North, Element of Earth
Stones of Stability and Grounding
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of north.
Spirit
Come into the center of the circle, and say:
Spirit, all encompassing element that binds the other elements into one, that connects us with the powers of unity, the God and Goddess and the web of Wyrd, I thank you for joining me here this night and I ask that you remain with me always.
Stand facing the east. Try to visualize the attributes of air: the spring breeze, a bird, new beginnings, and fresh and purifying energy. Visualize the colour of the east: yellow. Then say:
Lords of the East, Element of Air
Winds of Inspiration and Intelligence
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of east.
South
Stand facing the south. Try to visualize the attributes of fire: the summer's heat, the rutting stag, and passion and fertility. Visualize the colout of south: red. Then say:
Lords of the South, Element of Fire
Flames of Passion and Creativity
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of south.
West
Stand facing the west: Try to visualize the attributes of water: the autumn rain, the creatures of the sea, and the mysteries of death and rebirth. Visualize the colour of the west: blue. Then say:
Lords of the West, Element of Water
Waves of emotional balance and healing
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of west.
North
Stand facing the North. Try to visualize the attributes of earth: the winter's chill, dark fertile forests, and growth and protection. Visualize the colour of north: green or black. Then say:
Lords of the North, Element of Earth
Stones of Stability and Grounding
I thank you for attending this, my rite tonight
And I bid you, Hail and Farewell!
Draw the closing pentagram of north.
Spirit
Come into the center of the circle, and say:
Spirit, all encompassing element that binds the other elements into one, that connects us with the powers of unity, the God and Goddess and the web of Wyrd, I thank you for joining me here this night and I ask that you remain with me always.
13. Circle Closed
The 'Three Times Pass' is used again, to cleanse and consecrate the circle as well as to also release the magic. Say:
First Pass: This circle is cleansed
Second Pass: This circle is consecrated
Third Pass: And this circle and its magic is released. So mote it be!
First Pass: This circle is cleansed
Second Pass: This circle is consecrated
Third Pass: And this circle and its magic is released. So mote it be!