83 lines
4.0 KiB
Plaintext
83 lines
4.0 KiB
Plaintext
Pagan Ritual for Basic Use
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(by Ed Fitch)
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A circle should be marked on the floor, surrounding those who will
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participate in the ceremony. An altar is to be set up at the center of the
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circle. At the center of the altar shall be placed an image of the
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Goddess, and an incense burner placed in front of it. Behind the image
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should be a wand fashioned from a willow branch. Candles should be set
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upon the altar ... a total of five, since on is to be set at each quarter
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and one will remain on the altar during the rite.
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When all the people are prepared they shall assemble within the
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circle. The woman acting as priestess shall direct the man who acts as
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priest to light the candles and incense. She shall then say:
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"The presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere,
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Throughout many strange, magical,
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And beautiful worlds,
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To all places of wilderness, enchantment, and freedom."
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She then places a candle at the north and pauses to look outwards,
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saying:
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"The Lady is awesome,
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The Powers of death bow before Her."
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The person closest to the east takes a candle from the altar and
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places it at that quarter, saying:
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"Our Goddess is a Lady of Joy,
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The winds are Her servants."
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The person closest to the south takes a candle from the altar and
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places it at that quarter, saying:
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"Our Goddess is a Goddess of Love.
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At Her blessings and desire
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The sun brings forth life anew."
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The person closest to the west takes a candle from the altar and
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places it at that quarter, saying:
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"The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady,
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The mysteries of the depths are Hers alone."
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The priest then takes the wand, and starting at the north, draws it
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along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:
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"The circle is sealed, and all herein
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Are totally and completely apart
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From the outside world,
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That we may glorify the Lady whom we adore.
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Blessed Be!"
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All repeat: "Blessed Be!"
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The priest now holds the wand out in salute towards the north for a
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moment and then hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in salute.
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She motions to the group to repeat the following lines after her:
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"As above, so below ...
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As the universe, so the soul.
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As without, so within.
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Blessed and gracious one,
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On this day do we consecrate to you
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Our bodies,
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Our minds,
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And our spirits.
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Blessed Be!"
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Now is the time for discussion and teaching. Wine and light
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refreshments may be served. When the meeting has ended, all wil stand and
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silently meditate for a moment. The priestess will then take the wand and
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tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north and going clockwise
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around the circle, while saying:
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"Our rite draws to its end.
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O lovely and gracious Goddess,
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Be with each of us as we depart.
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The circle is broken!"
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