The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Say Farewell to the Dark Half of the Year

This meditative journey is one you can read ahead of time, and then recall as you meditate, or you can record yourself reading it aloud, and listen to it as a guided meditation later on. You can even read it aloud as part of a group ritual. The ideal place to perform this meditation is somewhere outside -- try to pick a day that's warm, or at the very least sunny. Go out in your garden, or sit under a tree in a park, or find a quiet spot near a stream.



Visualize yourself walking along a path. You are traveling through a forest, and as you walk, you notice that the trees are covered with the vibrant hues of autumn. There are reds, oranges, and yellows everywhere. A few leaves have fallen on the ground beside you, and the the air is cool and crisp. Stand for a moment, and take in the scent of fall.



As you continue down the path, you see the sky getting darker. The air has become more brisk, and the leaves are gently falling around you. Soon, the trees are bare, and there is a crunching sound beneath you. When you look down, the leaves are no longer bright with autumn's colors. Instead, they are brown and brittle, and there is a light touch of frost on them. Winter has arrived. Breathe deeply, so that you can smell and taste the difference in the air.



The darkness is full now, but above you there is a full moon lighting your way. A snowflake falls in front if you, drifting down ever so slowly. Soon another drifts down, and another. As you walk further, the snow begins to fall heavily. The crunch of your feet on the leaves is muffled, and soon you can't hear anything at all. A blanket of pure white snow covers the forest floor, and everything is quiet, and still. There is a sense of magic in the air -- a feeling of being in some other, special place. The real world has vanished with the sun, and all that remains now is you, and the darkness of winter. The snow glistens in the moonlight, and the night is cold. You can see your breath before you in the moonlit air.



As you continue through the forest, you begin to see a faint glimmer of light ahead. Unlike the silvery light of the moon, this is red and bright. You are beginning to get colder now, and the idea of warmth and light is promising. You walk on, and the red light draws closer. There is something special about it, something of relief and change and warmth.



You walk through the snow, up a steep path, and the snow is now up to your knees. It is becoming more difficult to travel, and you're cold. All you want, more than anything, is a warm fire, and some hot food, and the companionship of your loved ones. But it seems that there is nothing but you and the snow and the night. It seems as though the light has grown closer, and yet is still unreachable. Eventually, you give up -- there's no reaching it, and you just keep walking through the snow.



As you come over the hillside, though, something happens. The forest is no longer surrounding you -- in fact, there are only a few trees left on this side of the hill. Off in the distance, to the east, the sun is rising. You continue on the path, and the snow fades away. No longer are you walking through great drifts -- instead, you are on a muddy track, crossing an open field. In the meadow are tiny buds. Grass is peeking up from the dead, brown earth. Here and there, a cluster of bright flowers appears beside a stone, or beside the path. As you walk, the sun rises higher and higher, bright and orange in its glory. Its warmth embraces you, and soon your night of cold and darkness is forgotten.



Spring has come, and new life abounds. Flowers and vines are beginning to grow, and the earth is no longer dead and brown, but vibrant and fertile. As you walk in the sun's warmth, you realize that winter has truly left you, and that you are renewed and reborn once more.



Stand and bask in the light for a few minutes. Meditate on what sort of abundance you are looking forward to this season. Think about what you will plant in your own garden, and what new life you will bring forth.

In many traditions of Paganism and Wicca, days of the week are very important aspects of effective spellcasting. For example, spells to do with abundance or prosperity could be done on Thursday, because it is associated with riches and desire. When casting a spell concerning business or communication, one might prefer to work on a Wednesday due to its associations. [/p] While not all traditions follow this rule, when you're doing any sort of magical working, always be sure to document the day of the week you're performing the spell. You might be surprised later on to see some connections![/p]

Sunday

Color: Yellow & gold

Planet: Sun

Metal: Gold

Deities: Brighid, Helios, Ra

Gemstones: Quartz crystal, diamond, amber, carnelian

Herbs & Plants:Marigold, sunflower, cinnamon

Associations: Agriculture, beauty, hope, victory, self-expression and creativity





Monday

Color: Silver, white, light blue

Planet: Moon

Metal: Silver

Deities: Thoth, Selene

Gemstones: Pearl, opal, moonstone

Herbs & Plants: Wintergreen and other mints, catnip, comfrey, sage, chamomile

Associations: Childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, intuition





Tuesday

Color: Red and orange

Planet: Mars

Metal: Iron

Deities: Lilith, Mars, Aries, the Morrighan

Gemstones: Garnets, ruby

Herbs & Plants: Thistles, holly, coneflower, cactus

Associations: War and conflict, enemies, initiation, marriage and protection





Wednesday

Color: Purple

Planet: Mercury

Metal: Mercury (Quicksilver)

Deities: Odin, Hermes, Mercury, Athena, Lugh

Gemstones: Adventurine, agate

Herbs & Plants: Aspen trees, lilies, lavender, ferns

Associations: Business and job-related issues, communication, loss and debt, traveling and journeys





Thursday

Color: Royal blues, greens

Planet: Jupiter

Metal: Tin

Deities: Thor, Zeus, Jupiter, Juno

Gemstones: Turquoise, amethyst, lapis lazuli

Herbs & Plants: Honeysuckle, oak trees, cinquefoil

Associations: Honor and family loyalty, harvests, clothing and riches, fealty





Friday

Color: Pink, aqua/blue-green

Planet: Venus

Metal: Copper

Deities: Freya, Venus, Aphrodite

Gemstones: Coral, emerald, rose quartz

Herbs & Plants: Strawberries, apple blossoms, feverfew

Associations: Family life and fertility, sexuality, harmony, friendship, growth





Saturday

Color: Black, dark purple

Planet: Saturn

Metal: Lead

Deities: Saturn, Hecate

Gemstones: Apache tear, obsidian, hematite

Herbs & Plants: Thyme, mullein, cypress

Associations: Agriculture and creativity, fortune and hope, protection and banishment of negativity

Many Wiccans and Pagans use crystals and gemstones in workings, because every stone is connected to some aspect of the human experience. Different traditions attribute various therapeutic and magical properties to each stones, but you can learn which correspondences work best for you. While this is by no means a comprehensive list of every stone in existence, you can use this as a reference point and add to it in your own notes. Write down any workings you do in your Book of Shadows so you can keep track of your results later on.

Agate

Common Name: Agate

Appearance: Brown or gold, sometimes found banded, or in greens or blues

Element(s): Earth

Healing powers: Connected to brow chakra and matters of the mind; used in workings related to energy, depression, mental health

Magical uses: Brings about truth and new perspectives, memories and healing, overcoming loneliness or sadness

Other Info: Various forms include Moss Agate and Lace Agate



Amber

Common Name: Amber

Appearance: Light yellow to orange, sometimes found in shades of green

Element(s): Fire

Planetary connection: Sun

Healing powers: Used to treat eyesight disorders, afflictions of the throat

Magical uses: Provides clarity and confidence, strength and protection

Other Info: Amber is not truly a stone, but a resin





Amethyst

Common Name: Amethyst

Appearance: Purple/violet form of quartz crystal

Element(s): Water

Astrological connection: Aquarius, Pisces

Healing powers: Connected to the crown chakra, used in treatment of depression and anxiety, stress relief

Magical uses: Use in rituals for sharpening the mind and enhancing intuitive powers; also can be an aid in cleansing and clearing sacred space





Bloodstone

Common Name: Bloodstone

Also known as: Heliotrope

Appearance: Green, speckled with reds and golds

Element(s): Fire

Planetary connection: Mars

Healing powers: Connected to matters of the blood, such as hemorrhaging, menstrual cycles, circulatory system

Magical uses: General healing, but also used in workings related to money and abundance, fertility

Carnelian

Common Name: Carnelian

Appearance: Red/orange to brown, often streaked with white

Element(s): Grounding

Healing powers: Associated with treatment of impotency and infertility, also believed to stop nose bleeding or hemorrhaging

Magical uses: Use in magical shielding, or as a talisman against psychic attack

Diamond

Common Name: Diamond

Appearance: Colorless or white, sometimes streaked with yellows

Element(s): Air, Fire

Planetary connection: Sun

Healing powers: Can be used for fertility issues, reproductive health, sexual dysfunction

Magical uses: Use for rituals involving meditation and intuition, scrying, astral travel

Garnet

Common Name: Garnet

Appearance: Deep red to purple

Element(s): Fire

Deity connection: Persephone

Healing powers: Connected to the root chakra, garnets can be used in healing of reproductive disorders and regulating the menstrual cycle

Magical uses: Strongly tied to women's bodies, the garnet is associated with moon magic; also used in rituals to balance the spiritual with the physical body

Other info: In some traditions, a garnet obtained through deceit brings a curse upon the person who possesses it, until returned to the legal owner

Hematite

Common Name: Hematite

Also known as: Paint ore, Iron rose

Appearance: Silvery-gray, shiny black to brown

Element(s): Fire

Planetary connection: Saturn

Healing powers: Connected to healing of inflammation and blood disorders, treatment of infection and fevers

Magical uses: Use for workings involving protection, particularly of home or property; also an excellent stone for willpower and confidence, problem solving, psychic awareness

Jade

Common Name: Jade

Also known as: Tremolite

Appearance: Pale green, sometimes white, pink or gray

Element(s): Earth

Healing powers: Connected to healing of the internal organs such as the kidneys or spleen; also used to balance the humors of the body and promote longevity

Magical uses: Symbolic of pure love, serenity, innocence and truthfulness

Jasper

Common Name: Jasper

Also known as: Egyptian marble

Appearance: Usually a brownish-red color, often contains streaks of white

Element(s): Earth

Healing powers: Can be used in therapy for cancer and other debilitating diseases, blood disorders

Magical uses: A great stone for grounding and centering after a ritual, also used to bring luck and good fortune





Many Wiccans and Pagans use crystals and gemstones in workings, because every stone is connected to some aspect of the human experience. Different traditions attribute various therapeutic and magical properties to each stones, but you can learn which correspondences work best for you. While this is by no means a comprehensive list of every stone in existence, you can use this as a reference point and add to it in your own notes. Write down any workings you do in your Book of Shadows so you can keep track of your results later on.

Lapis Lazuli

Common Name: Lapis Lazuli

Also known as: Lazurite

Appearance: Shades of blue, from pale to deep; usually spotted or banded

Element(s): Water

Healing powers: Used to treat depression and lift the spirits, also connected to brow chakra and brain disorders

Magical uses: Workings involving altered consciousness, trance work, meditation, connection with the divine





Moonstone

Common Name: Moonstone

Also known as: Cylon Opal

Appearance: White to colorless, sometimes found in pale blues; looks a bit like Opal in some cases

Element(s): Water

Planetary connection: Moon

Deity connection: Any goddess with a triple aspect - Diana, Selene, Hecate

Healing powers: Anything related to female reproduction, childbirth, menstrual cycles

Magical uses: Can be used in workings related to wisdom and intuition, Goddess-focused rituals

Obsidian

Common Name: Obsidian

Appearance: Glassy and black, shiny to smoky along edges

Element(s): Fire

Healing powers: Draws toxins from the body, particularly the liver; can be used in energy work at the base of the feet to pull toxins downwards; also protects soft or gentle people from abuse and harm

Magical uses: Excellent for use in scrying and intuition, also for workings involving women's mysteries or the subconscious self

Opal

Common Name: Opal

Appearance: Found in many shades, ranging from opaque and pale to dark grays or blues, usually speckled with multiple colors

Element(s): All four

Healing powers: Because it contains many of the colors found in other stones, opal works as a substitute for other crystals; usually used in emotional and spiritual healing rather than physical

Magical uses: Protection, enhancing magical workings, opal absorbs the energy around it, whether positive or negative

Quartz, Rose

Common Name: Quartz, rose

Appearance: Pale pink, usually opaque

Element(s): Air

Healing powers: Connected to heart chakra, issues of love and relationships

Magical uses: Any workings related to love and friendship, both giving and receiving love; relief of emotional issues

Other info: Rose quartz will fade over time if left in the sun

Quartz, White

Common Name: Quartz, white

Appearance: Clear to opaque white

Element(s): All

Healing powers: Because it's clear, white quartz can disperse light in any color, which connects it to all seven chakras

Magical uses: Use in any healing ritual, connecting with the Divine, workings related to intuition or spiritual growth and development

Other info: Sometimes called the "Ice of Eternity"





Sapphire

Common Name: Sapphire

Appearance: Various shades of blue, from pale to dark, sometimes found in white or yellow

Element(s): Water

Planetary connection: Mercury

Astrological connection: Libra

Healing powers: Connected to throat chakra, disorders of the respiratory system and breathing problems

Magical uses: Use in rituals involving prophecy, contacting spirit guides

Tiger's Eye

Common Name: Tiger's Eye

Also known as: Bull's Eye

Appearance: Brownish-tan or gold with black banding

Element(s): Fire

Planetary connection:

Healing powers: Enhances overall energy, general physical health

Magical uses: Use for courage and protection rituals

Turquoise

Common Name: Turquoise

Appearance: Various shades of blue, often speckled or banded in black

Element(s): Water

Healing powers: Treatment of stomach disorders, eye ailments, broken bones; use for chakra alignment

Magical uses: Brings about wisdom, intuition, and healing

Candle magic is one of the simplest forms of spell casting. Considered sympathetic magic, it's a method which doesn’t require a lot of fancy ritual or expensive ceremonial artifacts. In other words, anyone with a candle can cast a spell. After all, remember when you were a child and you made a wish before you blew out the candles on your cake? Same theory, only now instead of just hoping, you're declaring your intent (and by now you've probably stopped hoping for a pony). If you think about it, the birthday-candle ritual is based on three key magical principles:



Decide on a goal

Visualize the end result

Focus your intent, or will, to manifest that result



What Sort of Candle Should I Use?

Most practitioners of Wicca will tell you that, much like a few other aspects of life, size really isn't important.



In fact, really big candles may be counterproductive -- a candle that takes too long to burn down can be highly distracting to someone working a spell that instructs you to wait until the candle burns out on its own. Typically, a short taper candle or a votive candle work the best. In some cases, a spell might call for a specific type of candle, such as a seven-day candle or a figure candle, which may represent a particular person. One of the most popular candles, believe it or not, is in fact the little menorah candles which are sold by the box in the kosher section of the grocery store. They're about 4" long, white, unscented, and thin -- perfect for spell work.



You should always use a brand new candle for spell work -- in other words, virgin materials. Don't use the candles that you burned at the dinner table or in the bathroom yesterday for spell work. In some magical traditions, once a candle is burned it picks up vibrations from things around it -- in other words, a used candle is already tainted by vibrations, and so will lead to a negative or ineffective magical outcome.



When it comes to colors, you may wish to have a variety on hand for different magical purposes. Typically, color correspondences for candle magic are as follows:



Red: Courage and health, sexual love and lust

Pink: Friendship, sweet love

Orange: Attraction and encouragement

Gold: Financial gain, business endeavors, solar connections

Yellow: Persuasion and protection

Green: Financial gain, abundance, fertility

Light Blue: Health, patience and understanding

Dark Blue: Depression and vulnerability

Purple: Ambition and power

Brown: Earth-related or animal-related workings

Black: Negativity and banishment

White: Purity and truth*

Silver: Reflection, intuition, lunar connections



* Note that in many Pagan traditions, it is acceptable to use a white candle in place of any other color.



Using Your Candle in Ritual

After you've selected a candle, you'll want to oil it or dress it before burning. This is a method by which you'll establish a psychic link between you and the candle itself. In other words, you're charging the candle with your own energy and personal vibrations, and projecting your intent into the wax before you burn it. To dress a candle, you'll need a natural oil -- many practitioners like grapeseed because it has no smell. Another option is to use special candle magic oils from one of the Wiccan supply stores. Begin at the top of the candle, and rub the oil downward to the middle. Then, begin at the base of the candle and rub the oil up towards the middle, ending where the first coating of oil left off. In some traditions of Wicca, the anointing is done just the opposite way -- start in the middle and work your way towards the two ends.



If your working calls for herbs to be used as well, roll the oiled candle in the powdered herbs until it is coated all the way around.



The most basic form of candle magic uses a piece of colored paper that matches the intent of your candle. Decide what your goal is, and write it on the piece of paper -- just for an example, let's say we're going to do a money working. Write down your intent -- something like I will become financially prosperous. In some traditions, you would write your intent in a magical alphabet, such as Theban or Enochian. Because this is a money-oriented working, we would select either a gold or green piece of paper, and a candle of the same color. As you write down your goal, visualize yourself achieving that goal. Think about the different ways in which your goal might manifest -- could you be getting a raise at work? Perhaps someone who owed you money will arrive out of the blue to repay their debt.



Once you've written down your goal, fold the paper, concentrating on your intent the whole time. Some people like to say a small incantation as they do this -- if you're one of those people, this is a good place to do it. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. You can use something as simple as:



Extra money come my way,

I could use a little cash today.

Extra money come to me,

As I will, so it shall be.



Place one corned of the folded paper into the candle's flame and allow it to catch fire. Hold the paper as long as possible (without burning your fingers) and then place it in a fire-safe bowl or cauldron to burn the rest of the way on its own. Allow the candle to burn out completely. When the candle has burned out completely, dispose of it, rather than saving it to use again for another working. Usually there's not much left of a candle except a stub of wax, and you can either bury it outdoors or throw it away in whatever manner you choose.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using other peoples’ spells -- and in fact there is an entire industry devoted to publishing books full of them -- there are times when you may wish to use your own. It may be that you can’t find what you’re looking for in a book, or you might just feel a need to use original material. Whatever your reasons, it’s not as hard as you may think to write your own spells if you follow this very simple formula.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Figure out the goal or intent of the working. What is it you wish to accomplish? Are you looking for prosperity? Hoping to get a better job? Trying to bring love into your life? What is the specific aim of the spell? Whatever it may be, make sure you're clear on what it is you want -- "I will get that promotion on Friday!"



Determine what material components you’ll need to achieve the goal. Will the working require herbs, candles, stones? Try to think outside the box when you’re composing a spell -- remember that magic relies heavily on symbolism. There’s nothing wrong with using unusual ingredients in a working -- Hot Wheels cars, chess pieces, bits of hardware, sunglasses and even old DVDs are all fair game.



Decide if timing is important. In some traditions, moon phase is crucial, while in others it’s not significant. Generally, positive magic, or workings that draw things to you, is performed during the waxing moon. Negative or destructive magic is done during the waning phase. It may be that you feel a certain day of the week is best for the working, or even a certain hour of the day. Don’t feel obligated to drown yourself in the details, though. If you’re a person who feels confident doing magic on the fly without worrying about timing, then go for it.



Days of the Week



Figure out what wording or incantation -- if any -- will be verbalized during the working. Are you going to chant something formal and powerful, calling upon the gods for assistance? Will you simply mutter a poetic couplet under your breath? Or is it the sort of working where you can simply ponder the Universe in silence?



Put all of the above together into a workable form, and then, in the immortal words of the Nike commercial, Just Do It.



Tips:

Despite this being a very bare-bones and simple way of looking at spell construction, it does work effectively. You may wish to keep a magical journal or make notes in your Book of Shadows during the spell construction phase, and then keep track of results as they begin to manifest.



If a working hasn't begun to manifest within a few weeks -- some traditions say within 28 days, a lunar month -- you may want to stop and revisit the working. Figure out what variables may need to be changed.



The Universe has a quirky sense of humor, so make sure anything you cast a spell for is worded correctly. In other words, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it!



Remember that magic is a tool and a skill set, but some common sense should prevail as well. You can cast all day to get yourself a job, but your chances of success are greatly reduced if you haven't pounded the pavement and sent out copies of your resume!

What You Need:

Intent

Supplies

Your Book of Shadows, if you use one

The Book of Shadows (BOS) is used to store information you'll need in your magical tradition. Many Pagans and Wiccans feel a BOS should be handwritten, but some use a computer to store information as well. Bear in mind that a BOS is considered a sacred tool, which means it is an item of power that should be consecrated with all of your other magical tools. Copy spells and rituals into your BOS by hand – this will not only transfer energy to the writer, but it also helps you to memorize the contents. Make sure you write legibly enough that you’ll be able to read your notes during a ritual!







Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

To make your Book of Shadows, begin with a blank notebook. A popular method is to use a three-ring binder so items can be added and rearranged as needed. If you use this style of BOS, you can use sheet protectors as well, which is great for preventing candle wax and other ritual drippings from getting on the pages! Whatever you select, your title page should include your name. Make it fancy or simple, depending on your preference, but remember that the BOS is a magical object and should be treated accordingly. Many witches simply write, “The Book of Shadows of [your name]” on the front page.





What format should you use? Some witches are known to create elaborate Books of Shadows in secret, magical alphabets. Unless you’re fluent enough in one of these systems that you can read it without having to check notes or a chart, stick with your native language. While a spell looks beautiful written out in flowing Elvish script or Klingon lettering, the fact is that it’s just hard to read unless you’re an Elf or a Klingon.





When it comes to the contents of your personal BOS, there are a few sections that are nearly universally included.







Laws of your coven or tradition: Believe it or not, magic has rules. While they may vary from group to group, it’s a really good idea to keep them at the front of your BOS as a reminder of what constitutes acceptable behavior and what doesn’t. If you’re part of an eclectic tradition that doesn’t have written rules, or if you’re a solitary witch, this is a good place to write down what YOU think are acceptable rules of magic. After all, if you don’t set yourself some guidelines, how will you know when you’ve crossed over them? This may include a variation on the Wiccan Rede, or some similar concept.





A dedication: If you’ve been initiated into a coven, you may want to include a copy of your initiation ceremony here. However, many Wiccans dedicate themselves to a God or Goddess long before they become part of a coven. This is a good place to write out who you are dedicating yourself to, and why. This can be a lengthy essay, or it can be as simple as saying, “I, Willow, dedicate myself to the Goddess today, June 21, 2007.”



Gods and Goddesses: Depending on what pantheon or tradition you follow, you may have a single God and Goddess, or a number of them. Your BOS is a good place to keep legends and myths and even artwork concerning your Deity. If your practice is an eclectic blend of different spiritual paths, it’s a good idea to include that here.





Correspondence tables: When it comes to spellcasting, correspondence tables are one of your most important tools. Phases of the moon, herbs, stones and crystals, colors – all have different meanings and purposes. Keeping a chart of some sort in your BOS guarantees that this information will be at the ready when you really need it. If you have access to a good almanac, it’s not a bad idea to record a years’ worth of moon phases by date in your BOS.





Sabbat rituals: The Wheel of the Year includes eight holidays for most Wiccans and Pagans, although some traditions do not celebrate all of them. Your BOS can include rituals for each of the Sabbats. For example, for Samhain you may wish to create a rite that honors your ancestors and celebrates the end of the harvest, while for Yule you may want to write down a celebration of the winter Solstice. A Sabbat celebration can be as simple or complex as you wish.





Other rituals: If you’ll be celebrating each full moon, you’ll want to include an Esbat rite in your BOS. You can use the same one each month, or create several different ones tailored to the time of year. You may also wish to include sections on how to cast a circle and Drawing Down the Moon, a rite that celebrates the invoking of the Goddess at the time of the full moon. If you’ll be doing any rites for healing, prosperity, protection, or other purposes, be sure to include them here.





Herbs: Ask any experienced Pagan or Wiccan about a specific herb, and chances are good that they’ll expound on not only the magical uses of the plant but also the healing properties and history of use. Herbs are often considered the core of spellcasting, because they’re an ingredient that people have used for literally thousands of years. Put together a section in your BOS for herbs and their uses. Remember, many herbs should not be ingested, so it’s important to research thoroughly before you take anything internally.





Divination: If you’re learning about Tarot, scrying, astrology, or any other form of divination, keep information in here. When you experiment with new methods of divination, keep a record of what you do and results you see in your Book of Shadows.





Sacred texts: While it’s fun to have a bunch of new shiny books on Wicca and Paganism to read, sometimes it’s just as nice to have information that’s a little more established. If there is a certain text that appeals to you, such as The Charge of the Goddess, an old prayer in an archaic language, or a particular chant that moves you, include it in your Book of Shadows.





Magical recipes: There’s a lot to be said for “kitchen witchery,” because for many people, the kitchen is the center of hearth and home. As you collect recipes for oils, incense, or herb blends, keep them in your BOS. You may even want to include a section of food recipes for Sabbat celebrations.





Spell workings: Some people prefer to keep their spells in a separate book called a grimoire, but you can also keep them in your Book of Shadows. It’s easier to keep spells organized if you divide them up by purpose: prosperity, protection, healing, etc. With each spell you include, make sure you also leave room to include information on when the working was performed and what the outcome was.





The biggest dilemma with any Book of Shadows is how to keep it organized. You can use tabbed dividers, create an index at the back, or if you’re really super-organized, a table of contents in the front. As you study and learn more, you’ll have more information to include – this is why the three-ring binder is such a practical idea. Some people choose instead to use a simple bound notebook, and just add to the back of it as they discover new items.







You may want to use one notebook for information copied from books or downloaded off the Internet, and another for original creations. Regardless, find the method that works best for you, and take good care of your Book of Shadows. After all, it’s a sacred object and should be treated accordingly!







Tips:

If you find a rite, spell or piece of information somewhere else, be sure to note down the source. It will help you keep organized, and you'll start to recognize patterns in authors' works.





Add a section that includes books you've read, as well as what you thought of them. This way, when you get a chance to share information with others, you'll remember what you've read.





What You Need:

Notebook or binder

Pens and Paper

Sheet protectors (optional)

So you've decided you're ready to do a magical working... but you're not sure which herbs are the best ones to use. Use this list as a reference point to determine which herbs, plants and flowers are the best choices for your purposes.



Anxiety: Valerian, skullcap



Beauty: Rosemary, witch hazel, avocado, catnip, ginseng



Business: Hawthorn, sandalwood, basil, frankincense



Courage: Cedar, mullein, tonka bean, cinnamon, yarrow, thyme



Depression: Catnip, dandelion, honeysuckle, goldenrod, hazelnut, mugwort, lavender, saffron, shepherd's purse, coltsfoot



Employment/jobs: Bay leaf, bergamot, pecan



Fortune/luck: Anise, hazel, holly, pomegranate, snakeroot, cinquefoil, basil, clover



Friendship: Orange, lemon, sweet Annie, vanilla



Gambling/games: Chamomile, Buckeye



Healing: Apple blossom, lavender, barley, comfrey, eucalyptus, fennel, chamomile, goldenseal, feverfew, horehound, allspice, olive, rosemary, rue, sandalwood, wintergreen, peppermint



Intuition: Sage, tobacco leaf



Legal issues/justice: Chamomile, hickory, High John root



Love: Allspice, apple blossom, bleeding heart, catnip, lavender, periwinkle, peppermint, tulip, violet, daffodil, clove, yarrow, marjoram, basil, fig, valerian, endive



Lust: Allspice, cinnamon, clove, dill, foxglove, vanilla, ginseng, yohimbe



Money/prosperity: Bay leaf, basil, chamomile, clover, cinquefoil, tonka bean, Buckeye, myrtle, apple, sunflower, pennyroyal



Prophecy: Jasmine, mint, mugwort, sage, rose, tobacco leaf, heliotrope



Protection: Aloe vera, hyssop, asoefetida, mandrake, heather, holly, mugwort, onion, wood betony, valerian, sandalwood, snapdragon, fleabane, mustard, garlic, foxglove, dill, mistletoe



Sleep: Comfrey, lavender, rosemary, thyme



Strength: Oak, acorns, bay leaf, thistle, yarrow



Wisdom: Rowan, hazel, sage

In addition to -- or instead of -- holding a monthly Esbat rite, some Wiccan and Pagan groups prefer to have a season-specific full moon ceremony. During the autumn months, the harvest season begins with the Corn Moon in late August, and continues through September's Harvest Moon and the Blood Moon of October. If you'd like to celebrate one or more of these moon phases with a ritual specific to the harvest, it's not hard. This rite is written for a group of four people or more, but if you needed to, you could easily adapt it for a solitary practitioner.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Try to hold this ritual outside. Fall nights are usually crisp and cool, and a perfect time for outdoor rituals. Ask each member of the group to bring an item to place on the altar -- something that represents the bounty of the harvest. Decorate the altar with these seasonal goodies. Some ideas would be:



A basket of apples

Gourds, squashes, or small pumpkins

Indian corn

Colorful leaves

Stalks of grain or wheat



You'll want to include quarter candles*, as well as a cup of wine or cider. If you're including Cakes and Ale as part of your celebration, place your cakes on the altar as well.



Assign a member of the group to call each quarter. Each person should stand at their assigned quarter holding their unlit candle (and a lighter or matches), and facing the altar. If there are more than four of you present, form a circle.



Some traditions choose to begin rites facing east, while others prefer the north. This ritual begins with the calling of the north quarter, but you can adjust or adapt it based on the needs of your own tradition.



The person in the north quarter lights their green candle, holds it to the sky, and says:



We call upon the powers of Earth,

and welcome you to this circle.

May the fertile soil of the land bring us

prosperity, abundance, and the bounty of the land,

in this time of harvest.



Place the candle on the altar.



The person to the east should light her yellow candle, hold it to the sky, and say:



We call upon the powers of Air,

and welcome you to this circle.

May the winds of change bring us wisdom and knowledge

in this season of abundance and bounty.



Place the candle on the altar.



Moving to the south, light the red candle and hold it to the sky, saying:



We call upon the powers of Fire,

and welcome you to this circle.

May the shining light of this season's moon

illuminate our way through the coming winter.



Place the candle on the altar.



Finally, the person to the west lights the blue candle, holds it to the sky, and says:



We call upon the powers of Water,

and welcome you to this circle.

May the rains bring with them

a bountiful season of growth.



Place the candle on the altar.



Have everyone in the circle join hands and say:



We gather tonight by the light of the moon,

to celebrate the season, and rejoice.

May the next turn of the Wheel bring us love

and compassion, abundance and prosperity,

fertility and life.

As the moon above, so the earth below.



Go around the circle, passing the wine or cider. As each person takes a sip, they should share one thing they are looking forward to in the coming month. Do you hope to manifest financial independence? Develop your intuitive powers? Or are you perhaps hoping to grow your relationships? Now is the time to state your intent.



Take a moment to reflect on the bounty of the season. When everyone is ready, either move on to your next ceremony -- Cakes and Ale, Drawing Down the Moon, healing rites, etc. -- or end the ritual.



Tips:

* Quarter candles are colored candles based on the colors of the four cardinal directions: green for north, yellow for east, red to the south and blue in the west.

What You Need:

Candles for each of the four quarters

A cup of wine or cider

Symbols of the harvest to decorate the altar

Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, is celebrated in many ways around the world. It is a day of balance, with equal amounts of darkness and light, but soon, winter will arrive. In some Wiccan traditions, it marks the time when the Sun King descends into the underworld, from which he will be reborn at Yule.



In many pantheons, the apple is a symbol of the Divine. Apple trees are representative of wisdom and guidance. This apple ritual will allow you time to thank the gods for their bounty and blessings, and to enjoy the magic of the earth before the winds of winter blow through.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- a basket of gourds or small pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, acorns, vines, grapes or blackberries. You'll also need a pair of orange candles to symbolize the harvest, a cup of cider or wine, and an apple.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.



Light your harvest candles. Face the altar and hold the apple in both hands. If you can do this rite outside, raise the apple up to the sky, and feel the wisdom and energy of the gods coming to you. Say:



The apple is sacred, a symbol of the gods,

and holds the knowledge of the ancients inside.

Tonight I ask the gods to bless me with their wisdom.



Slice the apple in half across the middle. Where the seeds are, you will see a five-pointed star. Place the two halves in the center of your altar.



Say:



Five points in a star, hidden inside.

One for earth, one for air, one for fire,

one for water, and the last for spirit.



Turn to the north, arms raised to the heavens, and say:



The world passes from light into darkness,

and the golden fields of the earth bring the promise

of food and nourishment through the winter.



Face east, and say:



I stand on the threshold of the darkness,

and know that the summer breezes give way to autumn chill,

which bring forth the blazes of color in the trees.



Next, turn to the south and say:



I call upon the wise ones, the ancient gods,

as the sun moves away and fire fades,

to be replaced with the chill of the night.



Finally, face west, and say:



I will reflect on the guidance of the gods,

and let the cool autumn rains wash over me,

cleansing my heart and soul.



Raise the cup of wine or cider to the sky, and toast the gods. Say:



The wild god returns this night to the belly of the Mother.

The mother goddess tonight becomes the Crone.

As the Wheel of the Year turns, the earth dies a bit each day.

I willingly follow the old gods into the darkness,

where they will watch over me, protect me, and keep me safe.



Sip from the cup, and as you drink your wine or cider, think about the power and energy of the Divine, in whatever aspect you choose to honor.



Extinguish one of the candles, and say:



The wild god has gone to rest in the Underworld.

I look to the darkness for renewal and rebirth.



Extinguish the other candle, and say:



The mother goddess has entered her most powerful stage.

She is the Crone, the wise one, and I ask for her blessing.



Stand in the darkness for a moment. Reflect upon all the changes that are to come, and those things that will stay constant. Feel the energy of the gods as you connect to them, and understand that even though winter is coming, the light will return again.



When you are ready, end the ritual.



Tips:

Leave the apples on your altar overnight, and the next morning, put them in your garden as an offering to the earth.

Feel free to replace the wild god and mother goddess with the names of deities from your own tradition.

What You Need:

A pair of orange candles.

A cup of cider or wine.

An apple and something to cut it with.

Demeter and Persephone are strongly connected to the time of the Autumn Equinox. When Hades abducted Persephone, it set in motion a chain of events that eventually led to the earth falling into darkness each winter. This is the time of the Dark Mother, the Crone aspect of the triple goddess. The goddess is bearing this time not a basket of flowers, but a sickle and scythe. She is prepared to reap what has been sown.



The earth dies a little each day, and we must embrace this slow descent into dark before we can truly appreciate the light that will return in a few months.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

This ritual welcomes the Dark Mother, and celebrates that aspect of the Goddess which we may not always find comforting or appealing, but which we must always be willing to acknowledge. Decorate your altar with symbols of Demeter and her daughter -- flowers in red and yellow for Demeter, purple or black for Persephone, stalks of wheat, Indian corn, sickles, baskets. Have a candle on hand to represent each of them -- harvest colors for Demeter, black for Persephone. You'll also need a chalice of wine, or grape juice if you prefer, and a pomegranate.



If you normally cast a circle, or call the quarters, do so now. Turn to the altar, and light the Persephone candle. Say:



The land is beginning to die, and the soil grows cold.

The fertile womb of the earth has gone barren.

As Persephone descended into the Underworld,

So the earth continues its descent into night.

As Demeter mourns the loss of her daughter,

So we mourn the days drawing shorter.

The winter will soon be here.



Light the Demeter candle, and say:



In her anger and sorrow, Demeter roamed the earth,

And the crops died, and life withered and the soil went dormant.

In grief, she traveled looking for her lost child,

Leaving darkness behind in her wake.

We feel the mother's pain, and our hearts break for her,

As she searches for the child she gave birth to.

We welcome the darkness, in her honor.



Break open the pomegranate (it's a good idea to have a bowl to catch the drippings), and take out six seeds. Place them on the altar. Say:



Six months of light, and six months of dark.

The earth goes to sleep, and later wakes again.

O dark mother, we honor you this night,

And dance in your shadows.

We embrace that which is the darkness,

And celebrate the life of the Crone.



Take a sip of the wine, and savor the taste upon your lips. If you are doing this rite with a group, pass it to each person in the circle. As each person drinks, they should say:



Blessings to the dark goddess on this night, and every other.



As the wine is replaced upon the altar, hold your arms out in the Goddess position, and take a moment to reflect on the darker aspects of the human experience. Think of all the goddesses who evoke the night, and call out:



Demeter, Inanna, Kali, Tiamet, Hecate, Nemesis, Morrighan.

Bringers of destruction and darkness,

I embrace you tonight.

Without rage, we cannot feel love,

Without pain, we cannot feel happiness,

Without the night, there is no day,

Without death, there is no life.

Great goddesses of the night, I thank you.



Take a few moments to meditate on the darker aspects of your own soul. Is there a pain you've been longing to get rid of? Is there anger and frustration that you've been unable to move past? Is there someone who's hurt you, but you haven't told them how you feel? Now is the time to take this energy and turn it to your own purposes. Take any pain inside you, and reverse it so that it becomes a positive experience. If you're not suffering from anything hurtful, count your blessings, and reflect on a time in your life when you weren't so fortunate.



When you are ready, end the ritual.



**You may wish to tie this rite into a celebration of the Harvest Moon.

What You Need:

A candle to represent Demeter

A candle to represent Persephone

Wine or grape juice

A pomegranate (and a bowl)

Lugh was known to the Celts as a god of craftsmanship and skill -- in fact, he was known as the Many-Skilled God, because he was good at so many different things. In one legend, Lugh arrives at Tara, and is denied entrance. He enumerates all the great things he can do, and each time the guard says, "Sorry, we've already got someone here who can do that." Finally Lugh asks, "Ah, but do you have anyone here who can do them ALL?"



Take the opportunity this day to celebrate your own skills and abilities, and make an offering to Lugh to honor him, the god of craftsmanship.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Before you begin, take a personal inventory. What are your strong points? Everyone has a talent -- some have many, some have one that they're really good at. Are you a poet or writer? Do you sing? How about needlecraft, woodworking, or beading? Can you tap dance? Do you cook? How about painting? Think about all the things you can do -- and all of the things you'd like to learn to do, and the things you'd like to get better at. Once you sit down and think about it, you might be surprised to realize how accomplished you really are.



Decorate your altar with items related to your skill or talent. If your skill relates to something tangible, like sewing or jewelry-making, put some of your craft supplies on the altar. If it's an ability to DO, rather than MAKE, such as dancing or singing, put some symbol of your ability on your altar. Do you have a favorite outfit you wear when you dance? A particular song lyric that you know you're fabulous with? Add as many items as you like to your altar.



You'll need a candle to symbolize Lugh, the god. Any harvest color is good, because he came up with the idea of a grain festival to honor his foster mother, Tailtiu. Place the candle on your altar in the center. Feel free to add some stalks of grain if you like -- you can combine this rite with one honoring the harvest, if you choose.



Lammas Harvest Ritual



Light the candle, and take a moment to think about all the things you are good at. What are they? Are you proud of your accomplishments? Now's your chance to boast a little, and take some pride in what you've learned to do. Announce your own talents in the following incantation. Say:



Mighty Lugh, the many-skilled god,

he who is a patron of the arts,

a master of trades, and a silver-tongued bard.

Today I honor you, for I am skilled as well.

I am deft with a needle,

strong of voice,

and paint beauty with my brush strokes.*





*Obviously, you would insert your pride in your own skills here.



Now, consider what you wish to improve upon. Is your tennis-playing out of whack? Do you feel inadequate at bungee jumping, yodeling, or drawing? Now's the time to ask Lugh for his blessing. Say:



Lugh, many-skilled one,

I ask you to shine upon me.

Share your gifts with me,

and make me strong in skill.





At this time, you should make an offering of some sort. The ancients made offerings in exchange for the blessings of their gods -- quite simply, petitioning a god was a reciprocal act, a system of exchange. Your offering can a tangible one: grain, fruit, wine, or even a sample of your skillwork -- imagine dedicating a song or painting to Lugh. It can also be an offering of time or loyalty. Whatever it is, it should come from the heart.



Say:



I thank you, mighty Lugh, for hearing my words tonight.

I thank you for blessing me with the skills I have.

I make this offering of bread and wine* to you

as a small token of honor.



*Or whatever else you may be offering.



Take a few more moments and reflect on your own abilities. Do you have faith in your skills, or do you deflect compliments from others? Are you insecure about your abilities, or do you feel a surge of pride when you sew/dance/sing/hulahoop? Meditate on your offering to Lugh for a few moments, and when you are ready, end the ritual.



Tips:

If you are performing this rite as part of a group, family or coven setting, go around in a circle and have each person take their turn to express their pride in their work, and to make their offerings to Lugh.



What You Need:

A candle to represent Lugh

Symbols of your skill or talent

An offering of some sort

In some Wiccan traditions, Lammas is the time of year when the Goddess takes on the aspects of the Harvest Mother. The earth is fruitful and abundant, crops are bountiful, and livestock are fattening up for winter. However, the Harvest Mother knows that the cold months are coming, and so she encourages us to begin gathering up what we can. This is the season for harvesting corn and grain, so that we can bake bread to store and have seeds for next year's planting.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

This ritual celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and the cycle of rebirth, and can be done by a solitary practitioner or adapted for a group or coven setting. Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- sickles and scythes, garden goodies like ivy and grapes and corn, poppies, dried grains, and early autumn foods like apples. If you like, light some Lammas Rebirth incense.



Have a candle on your altar to represent the Harvest Mother -- choose something in orange, red or yellow. These colors not only represent the blaze of the summer sun, but also the coming changes of autumn. You'll also need a few stalks of wheat and an un-sliced loaf of bread (homemade is best, but if you can't manage, a store-bought loaf will do). A goblet of ritual wine is optional.



If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.



Light the candle, and say:



The Wheel of the Year has turned once more,

and the harvest will soon be upon us.

We have food on our tables, and

the soil is fertile.

Nature's bounty, the gift of the earth,

gives us reasons to be thankful.

Mother of the Harvest, with your sickle and basket,

bless me with abundance and plenty.



Hold the stalks of wheat before you, and think about what they symbolize: the power of the earth, the coming winter, the necessity of planning ahead. What do you need help planning right now? Are there sacrifices you should be making in the present that will be reaped in the future?



Rub the stalks between your fingers so a few grains of wheat fall upon the altar. Scatter them on the ground as a gift to the earth. If you're inside, leave them on the altar for now -- you can always take them outside later. Say:



The power of the Harvest is within me.

As the seed falls to the earth and is reborn each year,

I too grow as the seasons change.

As the grain takes root in the fertile soil,

I too will find my roots and develop.

As the smallest seed blooms into a mighty stalk,

I too will bloom where I landed.

As the wheat is harvested and saved for winter,

I too will set aside that which I can use later.



Tear off a piece of the bread. If you're performing this ritual as a group, pass the loaf around the circle so that each person present can take off a small chunk of bread. As each person passes the bread, they should say:



I pass to you this gift of the first harvest.



When everyone has a piece of bread, say:

As the grain dies, it transforms to bread,

and brings us life through the winter.

We bless this bread, and it blesses us in return,

and we are thankful for the gift of the harvest.







Everyone eats their bread together. If you have ritual wine, pass it around the circle for people to wash the bread down. Once everyone has finished their bread, take a moment to meditate on the cycle of rebirth and how it applies to your own life - physically, emotionally, spiritually. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, close it or dismiss the quarters at this time. Otherwise, simply end the ritual in the manner of your tradition.



What You Need:

A candle to represent the Harvest Mother

Stalks of wheat

A loaf of bread

Ritual wine (optional)

In many traditions of Wicca and Paganism, there is a great deal of focus on the Goddess. Sometimes, there's so much attention to the feminine that the masculine aspects get overlooked. By welcoming the God of your tradition, you can honor the men who have impacted your life -- whether they raised you, loved you, or are being brought up by you. This simple rite also offers your boys a chance to get out there and dance, and to celebrate the masculine within themselves.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 60 minutes

Here's How:

Prior to the ritual, make a headdress for each male that will be present. This can include horns, antlers, branches, feathers, and other symbols of fertility and masculinity. Headdresses are fairly simple to make - use a strip of heavy fabric or cardboard cut to size, and just glue items on it. If your boys are younger, this is a fun craft project. Assign one male to act out the part of the Horned God in the ritual.



Also, give each member of the group some sort of noisemaker -- drums, rattles, bells, etc.



This is a ritual best performed in a group, either as a family or coven. If you normally cast a circle or call the Quarters in a ceremony, do so at this time. Light a red or gold candle in the center of your altar to represent the Sun.



The High Priestess (HPs) or whoever is leading the ritual should face the sun, and say:



We are here as a family (or coven)

On this longest of days.

The power of the Sun is above us,

and its heat and strength reminds us

of the power of the God.



At this point, the group members should shake their rattles, bang their drums, ring their bells. Do so slowly, almost at the tempo of a heartbeat.



The HPs continues:



The God is strong and powerful,

he is virile and fertile.

He is the Lord of the Hunt,

the King of the Forest,

and with the Goddess, together they create Life.



At this point, speed up the beat of the drums and rattles just a bit.



We honor the God today, and celebrate

the masculine within him.



The HPs goes on and says:



I call upon the Horned God!

Cernunnos, Herne, Apollo!

We ask you to honor us with your presence!



Now the drumming should speed up even more. The man or boy chosen to be the Horned God leads the male members of the group around the altar clockwise in a dance, keeping up with the rhythm of the drums and rattles. As the males circle the altar, they should move faster each time.



Allow the men and boys to dance around the altar as many times as they like. As the dance gets faster, the music will get faster too, until there is a palpable hum of energy. This sensation is often indicative of the presence of the Divine. Let the music run its course -- it will end when it's ready to end, and at that time, the dance should stop too.



Once the dancing and drumming has ceased, the HPs should call out:



Horned one, God of the Hunt,

Lord of the Forest!

We honor you tonight, on this longest day.

We celebrate the men in our lives,

those who raised us,

those who love us,

those that we are raising.

We honor them in Your name.





Each member of the group, both male and female, may make an offering at this time. If you have a fire burning, through your offerings into the flames. If you don't have a fire, place your offerings on the altar instead.



Take a few moments to reflect upon the balance of male and female in your life, and in the world. Think about the men you have known, and those you will know in the future. Recognize the qualities that make them honorable and worthy of your love.



When you are ready, dismiss the quarters or close the circle.



Tips:

Decorate your altar with the colors of midsummer -- golds and reds and yellows. You'll also want a candle in one of those colors.

If you don't have drums, rattles or bells, clap your hands or clack two sticks together!

What You Need:

A headdress for each male present

Drums, rattles, bells

A candle in red, gold or yellow

The Summer Solstice, known to some as Litha, Midsummer, or Alban Heruin, is the longest day of the year. It’s the time when the sun is most powerful, and new life has begun to grow within the earth. After today, the nights will once more begin to grow longer, and the sun will move further away in the sky.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Approximately 60 minutes

Here's How:

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, consecrate a space, or call the quarters, now is the time to do so. This ritual is a great one to perform outside, so if you have the opportunity to do this without scaring the neighbors, take advantage of it.



Begin this ritual by preparing the wood for a fire, without lighting it yet. While the ideal situation would have you setting a huge bonfire alight, realistically not everyone can do that. If you're limited, use a table top brazier or fire-safe pot, and light your fire there instead.



Say either to yourself or out loud:



Today, to celebrate Midsummer, I honor the Earth itself. I am surrounded by tall trees. There is a clear sky above me and cool dirt beneath me, and I am connected to all three. I light this fire as the Ancients did so long ago.



At this point, start your fire.



Say:



The Wheel of the Year has turned once more

The light has grown for six long months

Until today.



Say:



Today is Litha, called Alban Heruin by my ancestors.

A time for celebration.

Tomorrow the light will begin to fade

As the Wheel of the Year

Turns on and ever on.



Turn to the East, and say:



From the east comes the wind,

Cool and clear.

It brings new seeds to the garden

Bees to the pollen

And birds to the trees.



Turn to Face South, and say:



The sun rises high in the summer sky

And lights our way even into the night

Today the sun casts three rays

The light of fire upon the land, the sea, and the heavens



Turn to face West, saying:



From the west, the mist rolls in

Bringing rain and fog

The life-giving water without which

We would cease to be.



Finally, turn to the North, and say:



Beneath my feet is the Earth,

Soil dark and fertile

The womb in which life begins

And will later die, then return anew.



Build up the fire even more, so that you have a good strong blaze going.



If you wish to make an offering to the gods, now is the time to do it.



Say:



Alban Heruin is a time of rededication

To the gods.



The triple goddess watches over me.

She is known by many names.

She is the Morrighan, Brighid, and Cerridwen.

She is the washer at the ford,

She is the guardian of the hearth,

She is the one who stirs the cauldron of inspiration.



I give honor to You, O mighty ones,

By all your names, known and unknown.

Bless me with Your wisdom

And give life and abundance to me

As the sun gives life and abundance to the Earth.



Say:



I make this offering to you

To show my allegiance

To show my honor

To show my dedication

To You.



Cast your offering into fire.



Conclude the ritual by saying:



Today, at Litha, I celebrate the life

And love of the gods

And of the Earth and Sun.



Take a few moments to reflect upon what you have offered, and what the gifts of the gods mean to you. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, dismantle it or dismiss the quarters at this time.



Allow your fire to go out on its own.



What You Need:

A place to build a fire

An offering to the gods (optional)

Sure, Ostara is a time to celebrate spirituality and the turning of the earth, but there's no reason we can't have a good time with it as well. If you've got kids -- or even if you don't -- this simple rite is a great way to welcome the season using some things that are readily available in the discount stores at this time of year!



Bear in mind, this is meant to be fun and a little bit silly. If you think the Universe has no sense of humor, click the Back button on your browser immediately to exit this page.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 20 minutes

Here's How:

For this ritual, you'll need the following:



A bag of jellybeans

Marshmallow Peeps -- chicks, bunnies, etc.

A chocolate rabbit for each particpant

A glass of milk for each participant

Arrange your ritual supplies on your altar so they look pretty. Kids can do this -- typically the chocolate rabbits end up in the center, surrounded by an army of Peeps and several rings of jellybeans. A quick note -- you might want to perform this ritual well in advance of mealtime, or all the kids will be too full of candy to eat a real dinner.



First, give everyone present a handful of jellybeans. Point out the different colors in the jellybeans, and what they can represent. As you call out each one, eat the jellybeans in that color. Feel free to be a bit goofy. Say something like:



Behold, little jelly eggs, small symbols of the season,

How we adore you!

Green is for the grass that springs from the land! (eat all the green jellybeans)

Yellow is for the sun shining above our heads! (eat all your yellow jellybeans)

Red is for the tulips that grow in our garden! (eat your red jellybeans)

Pink is for Aunt Martha's new Easter hat! (eat your pink jellybeans)





Purple is for the crocuses that sprout along our driveway! (eat the purple ones)…



Continue this until all the colors are gone -- if you really want to have some fun, make the kids take turns naming off the colors and what they mean to them. When they're all gone, call out:



Hail! Hail! to the mighty jelly bean of Spring!



Next, hand out the marshmallow Peeps. As you do, say:



Behold the Peep! The Peep is life, brought back in the spring!

Little Peep chickens, we honor you! (bite the Peep chicks)

Little Peep bunnies, we honor you! (bite the Peep bunnies)…



Continue this until the Peeps are all gone -- it's probably a good idea to limit each kid to just two or three Peeps at the most. When the Peeps have all vanished, call out:



Hail! Hail! to the mighty Peeps of Spring!



Finally, distribute the chocolate rabbits. Say:



Behold the great chocolate rabbit!

As he hops through the land, he spreads joy and happiness!

O, how we adore the chocolate rabbit and his great big chocolate ears! (eat the rabbit's ears)

Praise the chocolate rabbit, and his delicious chocolate tail! (eat the rabbit's tail)

Honor this chocolate rabbit, and his chocolate hoppity legs! (eat the rabbit's legs)

He is a wonderful rabbit, and he is special indeed! (eat the rest of the rabbit)



When the rabbits are all gone, say:



Hail! Hail! to the mighty chocolate rabbit of Spring!



Give everyone a glass of milk, and raise your drinks in a toast to these three symbols of the season.



To the jelly beans!

To the Peeps!

To the chocolate rabbit!

We drink in your honor!



Drink your milk, and sit back to enjoy the sensation of being stuffed with ritual candy.



What You Need:

Jelly beans

Peeps

Chocolate rabbits

Milk

Ostara is a time of balance. It is a time of equal parts light and dark. At Mabon, we have this same balance, but the light is leaving us. Today, six months later, it is returning. Spring has arrived, and with it comes hope and warmth. Deep within the cold earth, seeds are beginning to sprout. In the damp fields, the livestock are preparing to give birth. In the forest, under the canopy of newly sprouted leaves, the animals of the wild ready their dens for the arrival of their young. Spring is here.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

For this ritual, you'll want to decorate your altar with symbols of the season. Think about all the colors you see in nature at this time of year -- bright daffodils, crocuses, plump tulips, green shoots -- and incorporate them into your altar. This is also a time of fertility in the natural world -- the egg is the perfect representation of this aspect of the season. Symbols of young animals such as lambs, chicks, and calves are also great altar adornments for Ostara.



In addition, you'll need the following:



Three candles -- one yellow, one green, and one purple

A bowl of milk

A small bowl of honey or sugar

Perform this ritual outside if at all possible, in the early morning as the sun rises. It's spring, so it may be a bit chilly, but it's a good time to reconnect with the earth. If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now.



Begin by taking a moment to focus on the air around you. Inhale deeply, and see if you can smell the change in the seasons. Depending on where you live, the air may have an earthy aroma, or a rainy one, or even smell like green grass. Sense the shift in energy as the Wheel of the Year has turned. Light the green candle, to symbolize the blossoming earth. As you light it, say:



The Wheel of the Year turns once more,

and the vernal equinox arrives.

Light and dark are equal,

and the soil begins to change.

The earth awakes from its slumber,

and new life springs forth once more.



Next, light the yellow candle, representing the sun. As you do so, say:



The sun draws ever closer to us,

greeting the earth with its welcoming rays.

Light and dark are equal,

and the sky fills with light and warmth.

The sun warms the land beneath our feet,

and gives life to all in its path.



Finally, light the purple candle. This one represents the Divine in our lives -- whether you call it a god or a goddess, whether you identify it by name or simply as a universal life force, this is the candle which stands for all the things we do not know, all those things we cannot understand, but that are the sacred in our daily lives. As you light this candle, focus on the Divine around and within you. Say:



Spring has come! For this, we are thankful!

The Divine is present all around,

in the cool fall of a rain storm,

in the tiny buds of a flower,

in the down of a newborn chick,

in the fertile fields waiting to be planted,

in the sky above us,

and in the earth below us.

We thank the universe* for all it has to offer us,

and are so blessed to be alive on this day.

Welcome, life! Welcome, light! Welcome, spring!



Take a moment and meditate on the three flames before you and what they symbolize. Consider your own place within these three things -- the earth, the sun, and the Divine. How do you fit into the grand scheme of things? How do you find balance between light and dark in your own life?



Finally, blend the milk and honey together, mixing gently. Pour it onto the ground around your altar space as an offering to the earth**. As you do, you may wish to say something like:



I make this offering to the earth,

As thanks for the many blessings I have received,

And those I shall some day receive.



Once you have made your offering, stand for a minute facing your altar. Feel the cool earth beneath your feet, and the sun on your face. Take in every sensation of this moment, and know that you are in a perfect place of balance between light and dark, winter and summer, warmth and cold -- a time of polarity and harmony.



When you are ready, end the ritual.



Tips:

* Instead of "the Universe", feel free to insert the name of your patron deity or the gods of your tradition here.

** If you're doing this rite indoors, take your bowl of milk and honey and pour it in your garden, or around your yard.

What You Need:

Three candles - yellow, green and purple

A bowl of milk

A small bowl of honey or sugar

Seasonal decorations for your altar

No one really likes to clean, but we all know we feel better when our physical space is tidy. It's one of life's necessary chores. Start your spring off with a good thorough cleaning, and then follow that up with a spiritual cleansing. This is a great ritual to perform at Imbolc -- remember that for many of our ancestors, washing came only a few times a year, so by February, a house was probably smelling pretty ripe. Pick a bright sunny day to do a clean sweep, and then invite friends and family to join you in a blessing of your home.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

First, do a complete physical cleaning of your house. Put on some music and thoroughly clean every room. Strip sheets off the beds, turn the mattresses, dust every surface, and vaccuum every floor. Sort through those piles of paper on your desk, and get rid of things you don't need to keep; file everything else. Gather up the kids' toys and put them in baskets for easy storage. If you need to get rid of things, do it now -- set aside a box for charity and put gently used items in it. Set aside another box for trash, and see if you can fill it up!



Once your house is clean -- and this assumes you did the kitchen as well -- it's time to have some fun. Call up some friends and invite them over for a potluck. Cook up some Imbolc-themed comfort foods, such as Braided Bread or Beer Battered Fish & Chips, and have a small potluck celebration. Ask each guest to bring a small token to bless your house -- pebbles, shells, interesting bits of wood, beads, etc.



You'll also need the following"



A bowl of water

Some sea salt

A smudging bundle of sage or sweetgrass

A blue candle

Some Blessing Oil

A bowl or bag



Begin at the front door -- it is, after all, where you welcome guests into your home -- and go through the house in a sunwise direction (clockwise). Ask your guests to help you by smudging the perimeter of each room with the salt, sage, candle flame and water. You may wish to say some sort of incantation as they do this, something like:



With the purifying power of water,

with the clean breath of air,

with the passionate heat of fire,

with the grounding energy of earth

we cleanse this space.



As you pass from room to room, anoint each door and windowsill with the Blessing Oil by tracing the shape of a pentagram or other symbol of your tradition. This prevents anything negative from crossing into the home. If you like, you can offer a small incantation as you do this, something like:



May the goddess bless this home,

making it sacred and pure,

so that nothing but love and joy

shall enter through this door.



Finally, once you've gone through the house, ask each of your guests to deposit their blessing token in your bowl or bag. Keep it in a place of honor in your home -- on the mantel or in your kitchen is a good idea. Gather around the dinner table, break out the goodies, and enjoy a feast with your friends and family!



Tips:

* If you don't have Blessing Oil, you can use rosemary oil instead. Make your own by infusing fresh rosemary in grapeseed or flaxseed oil.

What You Need:

Some sea salt

Imbolc is a time when the Wheel of the Year has reached a crossroads between light and dark. The earth is about to quicken, and yet no one knows exactly what lies ahead of us. There are twists and turns on the path to come, although where it leads is anyone's guess.



Among her many aspects, Brighid is considered a goddess of the crossroads. She is said to be able to see where we've been, and where each road might take us, should we choose to follow it. A Brighid's Cross unites the four elements, and creates paths which travel in the four directions. Because of this, Imbolc is an ideal time for divination. Not sure where your headed this year, or what choices lie before you? Let Brighid help guide you as you weave a crossroads of your own in her honor.

As you create a Brighid's Cross as part of this divination, ask her to inspire you, and guide you towards the right path in the coming months.



For this divination, you'll want to find a place where you can be alone and undisturbed. If it's warm enough, try to get outside, perhaps out in the woods where two paths intersect. Before you begin, read the instructions here on how to Make a Brighid's Cross. Have all your supplies on hand prior to beginning your divination ritual.



Begin by closing your eyes, and thinking about where you've been in the past year, spiritually, emotionally, even physically. What things have you done that bring your regret? What things have brought you joy? Is there anything you wanted to do, but didn't get a chance to? Picture yourself wandering along a path, out of the past and into the present. Let your mind roam freely, and visualize yourself approaching a crossroads. Perhaps it's a place in a forest, where a pair of deer trails run together. Maybe it's in the mountains, where streams intersect. Or maybe you picture yourself out in a wide open space, with roads connected in the middle of nowhere.



Regardless, see yourself at that crossroads. You are at the center, and branching out from where you stand are many paths. Each leads in a different direction. Each path will take you to something new. Begin creating your Make a Brighid's Cross, and as you weave the straws together, think about what may lie in each direction. As you look out over your choices, thinking about which way to travel, Brighid herself is standing beside you. Continue weaving your cross, and watch her. She points out one of the roads.



When you've finished your cross, close your eyes once more, and meditate on the path which Brighid indicated for you. What lies in that direction? Is it something familiar and comforting? Something new and unknown? Focus on the cross you've made, and let this newly chosen path inspire you. Know that it will ultimately bring you to something good and positive and strong.



When you've finished, you may wish to make an offering to Brighid as a gesture of thanks for her guidance.

Imbolc is typically around the time when we're all getting cabin fever -- it's cold, we're snowed in, and frankly, we're all a bit tired of winter. This simple ritual is a fun one to do with your family on a snowy day, but can also be performed by a single person. The best time to do it is when you have a fresh layer of snow on the ground, but if that's not possible, never fear. Find a big pile of snow to work in.



Try to time the rite so you begin it just before dinner -- you can actually start it while your meal is cooking.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Prepare a collection of things to make noise with -- bells, clappers, drums, etc. Make sure each person has one form of noisemaker. You'll also need a candle in the color of your choice (tall enough to stick in the snow), something to light it with (like a lighter or matches), and a bowl.



Go outside, and create a symbol of spring in the snow. You could draw a picture of the sun or some flowers, rabbits, anything that means spring to your family. If you have a lot of space, feel free to make it as big as you like. Another option is to have each person make their own symbol in the snow.



One family member calls out:



Old man winter, it's time to go!

Take with you these piles of snow!



The other family members stomp around the symbol in a circle through the snow, banging their drums, ringing their bells, and chanting:



Melt, snow, melt!

Spring will soon return!



Light the candle, and place it in the center of the circle. Say:



A flame, a fire, all the warmth it brings,

melt the snow, cold be gone, welcome back the spring!



The rest of the family stomps through the snow once more, in a circle, making lots of noise and chanting:



Melt, snow, melt!

Spring will soon return!



Leave the candle to burn out on its own. Fill your bowl with snow and take it back inside with you. Place it in the center of your table and eat your meal. By the time you're done, the snow should be close to melted (if you have to, put it near the stove to hurry things along).



Hold up the bowl, and say:



The snow has melted! Spring will return!



Make lots of noise with your bells and drums, clapping and whooping it up. Use the melted snow water to water a plant, or save it for ritual use later on.



Tips:

If you have too much snow for the candle to stand in, place it on a stump or rock instead.

What You Need:

Bells, drums, rattles, noisemakers

A candle & lighter

A bowl

Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.



** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:



Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)

Something to light your candles with

A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles

Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron



Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.



If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.



Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:



Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.

In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.



Light the second candle, saying:



I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.



Light the third candle. Say:



This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.

That which is outside, shall stay without.

That which is inside, shall stay within.



Light the fourth candle. Say:



I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.



Light the fifth candle, saying:



Like fire, light and love will always grow.

Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.



Light the sixth candle, and say:



I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.



Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.



Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,

cover me in your shining light.

I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am

made pure.



Take a few momemnts and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damanged.



When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.



What You Need:

Seven candles, white and red, and something to light them with

A bowl or cauldron with sand in the bottom

This ritual is designed for a group of individuals, but could easily be adapted for a solitary practitioner. Imbolc is the time between Yule and the Spring Equinox, the halfway point in the dark months of the year. It's the time when the days suddenly seem to be getting longer, and the snow is beginning to melt, showing us small patches of earth and green. At this time of returning spring, our ancestors lit bonfires and candles to celebrate the rebirth of the land.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Honor Brighid at Imbolc -- Group Ritual

Here's How:

In many areas of the Celtic world, this was the fire feast of Brighid, the Irish goddess of hearth and home. She is the keeper of the flame, the protector of the home, and a goddess of holy wells and springs. At Imbolc, we acknowledge her many aspects, especially that of her role as a deity of transformation. As the world awakes from the dark slumber of winter, it is time to cast off the chill of the past and welcome the warmth of spring.



Set up your altar with the symbols of Brighid and the coming spring -- a Brighid's cross or dolly, potted daffodils or crocuses, white and red yarn or ribbon, young fresh twigs, and lots of candles. Also, you'll need an unlit candle for each participant, a candle to represent Brighid herself, a plate or bowl of oats or oatcakes, and a cup of milk.



If you normally cast a circle in your tradition, do so now. Each member of the group should hold their unlit candle before them.



The HPs says:



Today is Imbolc, the day of midwinter.

The cold has begun to fade away,

and the days grow longer.

This is a time in which the earth is quickening,

like the womb of Brighid,

birthing the fire after the darkness.



The HPS lights the Brighid candle, and says:



Bright blessings at midwinter to all!

Brighid has returned with the sacred flame,

watching over home and hearth.

This is a time of rebirth and fertility,

and as the earth grows full of life,

may you find abundance on your own path.

Imbolc is the season of lambing, of new life,

and a time to celebrate the nurturing and warmth of Brighid.



At this time, the HPs takes the cup of milk, and offers a sip to Brighid. You can do this either by pouring it into a bowl on the altar, or by simply raising the cup to the sky. The HPs then passes the cup around the circle. As each person takes a sip, they pass it to the next, saying:



May Brighid give her blessings to you this season.



When the cup has returned to the HPs, she passes the oats or oatcakes around in the same manner, first making an offering to Brighid. Each person takes a bit of the oats or cakes and passes the plate to the next, saying:



May Brighid's love and light nurture your path.



The HPS then invites each member of the group to approach the altar, and light their candle from the Brighid candle. Say:



Come, and allow the warmth of Brighid's hearth

to embrace you.

Allow the light of her flame

to guide you.

Allow the love of her blessing

to protect you.



When everyone has lit their candle, take a few moments to meditate on the warmth and nurturing nature of the goddess Brighid. As you bask in her warmth, and she protects your home and hearth, think about how you will make changes in the coming weeks. Brighid is a goddess of abundance and fertility, and she may help you guide your goals to fruition.



When you are ready, end the ceremony, or move on to other rituals, such as Cakes and Ale, or healing rites.



What You Need:

A candle for each member of the group

A Brighid candle

A bowl or plate of oatcakes or oats

A cup of milk

In addition to -- or instead of -- holding a monthly Esbat rite, some Wiccan and Pagan groups prefer to have a season-specific full moon ceremony. During the chilly winter months, the season begins with the Long Nights Moon in mid-December, and continues through January's aptly-named Cold Moon and the Quickening Moon of February. If you'd like to celebrate one or more of these moon phases with a ritual specific to winter, it's not hard. This rite is written for a group of four people or more, but you can easily adapt it for a solitary practitioner.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

While it may be too cold to hold this ritual outside, it's also possible to keep a group warm with a good fire, at least for a while. Don't feel bad, though, if you have to hold the rite inside. Ask each member of the group to bring an item to place on the altar -- something that represents the season. Decorate the altar with these goodies. Some ideas would be:





A basket of pinecones, fir boughs, mistletoe or holly

Cranberries and nuts

Bright suns and stars

Cinnamon

Ribbons in seasonal colors



You'll want to include quarter candles*, as well as a cup of wassail or other seasonal drink. If you're including Cakes and Ale as part of your celebration, place your cakes on the altar as well.



The person in the north quarter lights their green candle, holds it to the sky, and says:



We call upon the powers of Earth,

and welcome you to this circle.

You hold the seeds within you, warm and deep,

waiting for the return of daylight.

Keep the roots of life sacred within your womb,

until it is time for growth to begin once more.



Place the candle on the altar.



The person to the east lights the yellow candle, raises it to the sky, and says:



We call upon the powers of Air,

and welcome you to this circle.

The whirling winds of winter

bring snow and cold to our hearths and homes.

They also bring with them change,

opportunity, and renewal as they blow.



Place the candle on the altar.



Moving to the south, light the red candle and hold it to the sky, saying:



We call upon the powers of Fire,

and welcome you to this circle.

May you keep us safe, and warm our homes,

the spirit of the sun.



Place the candle on the altar.



Finally, light the blue candle to the west, and hold it to the sky, saying:



We call upon the powers of Water,

and welcome you to this circle.

Snow and ice, sleet and rain,

wash away that which we no longer need.



Place the candle on the altar.



Have everyone in the circle join hands and say:



We gather tonight to rejoice by the light of the moon.

We celebrate the season of darkness,

knowing that the next turn of the Wheel will bring light.

We use this time of darkness for thought,

introspection, and growth.

As the moon above, so the earth below.



Go around the circle, passing the wassail. As each person takes a sip, they should share one change they plan to make in the coming months. Now is a good time to make plans for future, with the coming change of seasons -- what goals have you set for yourself? How will you make them manifest?



Take a moment to reflect on darkness of the season, and know that without it, there can be no light. When everyone is ready, either move on to your next ceremony -- Cakes and Ale, Drawing Down the Moon, healing rites, etc. -- or end the ritual.



Tips:

* Quarter candles are colored candles based on the colors of the four cardinal directions: green for north, yellow for east, red to the south and blue in the west.

What You Need:

Candles for each of the four quarters

A cup of wassail or other seasonal drink

Symbols of the season to decorate the altar

The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the year -- and that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. It was a time of celebration, and for rejoicing in the knowledge that soon, the warm days of spring would return, and the dormant earth would come back to life.



On this one day, the sun stands still in the sky, and everyone on earth knows that change is coming.



Because this is a festival of fire and light, feel free to use lots of candles and lights, solar symbols, bright colors, or even a bonfire. Bring light back into your home and your life.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Like any Sabbat, this festival works well if paired up with a feast. Celebrate the sun's return by preparing all kinds of winter foods -- whip up a batch of cornbread, a pot of buttered rum, plum pudding, cranberry dressing, game stew, etc. Have the whole family eat together prior to the ritual. Clean up, and when you're done, cover your table or altar with candles. Use as many as you like; they don't have to match. In the center, place a sun candle** on a riser, so it's above the rest. Don't light any of the candles just yet.



Turn off all the other lights, and face your altar. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.



Face the candles, and say:



The wheel of the year has turned once more,

and the nights have grown longer and colder.

Tonight, the darkness begins to retreat,

and light begins its return once again.

As the wheel continues to spin,

the sun returns to us once more.







Light the sun candle, and say:



Even in the darkest hours,

even in the longest nights,

the spark of life lingered on.

Laying dormant, waiting, ready to return

when the time was right.

The darkness will leave us now,

as the sun begins its journey home.





Beginning with the candles closest to the sun candle, and working your way outward, light each of the other candles. As you light each one, say:



As the wheel turns, light returns.



Repeat this until all the candles are lit and burning. Then say:



The light of the sun has returned to us,

bringing life and warmth with it.

The shadows will vanish, and life will continue.

We are blessed by the light of the sun.



Take a moment to think about what the return of the sun means to you. The return of the light meant many things to different cultures. How does it affect you, and your loved ones? When you're ready, go through the house and turn all the lights back on. If you have children, make it a game -- they can yell out, "Welcome back, light!"



If you're not too full from dinner, have some eggnog and cookies on standby, and take the time to bask in the light of your candles and eat some treats. When you're done, extinguish the candles from the outside of the altar working towards the center, leaving the sun candle for last.



Tips:

** A sun candle is simply a candle you've designated to represent the sun in ritual. It can be in a sunny color -- gold or yellow -- and if you like, you can insribe it with solar sigils.



If you like, you can do this ritual on the morning of Yule. Cook a big breakfast with lots of eggs, and watch the sun rise. If you do this, you can eliminate all the candles except the sun candle. Allow the sun candle to burn all day before you extinguish it.



What You Need:

Lots of candles, including a sun candle

A feast with lots of winter-themed food

Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for some Wiccans, it's a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female. It's also easily adaptable to a small group of people.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Perform this ritual on the evening of the Winter Solstice. If you normally wear a ritual robe or ceremonial gown, do so -- and feel free to embellish for the season! Consider a crown of holly, a special Yule-themed robe, or adding holiday bling to your existing robe. Sparkly is good! Decorate your altar with a Yule log or tree (although obviously the tree might have to go on the floor, rather than the altar itself), lots of seasonal symbolism, and candles -- after all, Yule is a celebration of light.



You'll also want to have some holiday incense on your altar. Frankincense, cinnamon, myrrh -- all are appropriate to the season; don't light it just yet, though. Finally, have two candles in seasonal colors.



If you normally cast a circle, do so now.



To begin the ritual, sit on the floor near your altar -- don't light the candles just yet. Take a few moments to remember what it was like for our ancestors at this time of year. The harvest had been brought in, and they knew that in a few months, their stockpiles of food would be running low. It was the season of Death, the time when the earth went dormant once more, sleeping until the spring returned. Our ancestors knew that despite the darkness of this night, soon the light would return to the earth, bringing with it life. This night, the Winter Solstice, welcomes back the Sun, the ultimate giver of light.



Light the first candle, and say:



Tonight is the night of the Solstice,

the longest night of the year.

As the Wheel turns once more, I know that

tomorrow, the Sun will begin its journey back to us.

With it, new life will begin,

a blessing from Earth to her children.



Light the second candle, and say:



It is the season of the winter goddess.

Tonight I celebrate the festival of the winter solstice,

the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth.

As the Wheel of the Year turns once more,

I honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.





Light the remaining candles on the altar at this time, and if you have decorative holiday lighting, turn it on. Return to your place at the altar, and face the holiday tree or Yule log. Raise your arms up to the tree, and say:



Today I honor the god of the forest,

the King of nature, who rules the season.

I give my thanks to the beautiful goddess,

whose blessings bring new life to the earth.

This gift I offer you tonight,

sending my prayers to you upon the air.







Light your incense, and if you'd like to make an offering of food, bread, or something else, do so now. As the smoke of the incense rises to the night sky, meditate on what changes you'd like to see before the next Sabbat. Reflect upon the time of the season. Although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the soil. What new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? When you are ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon.



Tips:

If you don't have a ritual robe, you can take a cleansing bath before the rite, and then wear a simple cotton or other organic material. Another option would be to make a robe as a Yule gift to yourself!

What You Need:

A pair of seasonally-colored candles

Incense in a Yule-themed scent

Candles, lights, and sparkly things as you like!

Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for some Wiccans, it's a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more -- it's a time to bid the Crone farewell, and invite the Maiden back into our lives. This ritual can be performed by a group of four or more -- clearly, it's designed for at least four females, but if you don't have that many, don't sweat it -- improvise, or allow one woman to speak all the roles.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

First, set up a Yule tree near the north side of your altar. Decorate it with lights and symbols of the season. Cover the altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders. The oldest female present should take on the role of High Priestess (HPs) to lead the ceremony.



Of the other women present, one represents the aspect of the Maiden, another the Mother, and a third the Crone. If you're really into ceremony and symbolism, have the Maiden wear a white robe and stand in the east. The Mother can wear a red robe and stand to the south, while the Crone dresses in a black robe and veil, and takes her place to the west of the altar. Each holds one of the three white candles.



If you normally cast a circle, do so now.



The HPs says:



It is the season of the Crone, the time of the winter goddess.

Tonight we celebrate the festival of the winter solstice,

the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth.

As the Wheel of the Year turns once more,

we honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.





The Maiden then takes her candle and holds it while the HPs lights it for her. She then turns to the Mother and lights the Mother's candle. Finally, the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone. The High Priestess then says:



O Crone, the Wheel has turned once more.

It is time for the Maiden to claim what is now hers.

As you lie down for the winter, she is born once again.



The Crone removes her veil and hands it to the Mother. The Mother then places it on the Maiden's head. The Crone says:



The days will now get longer, now the Sun has returned.

My season has ended, yet the season of the Maiden begins.

Listen to the wisdom of those who have come before you,

and yet be wise enough to make your own way.





The Maiden then says:



Thank you for the wisdom of your years,

and for seeing the season through to its end.

You have stepped aside that the new season may begin,

and for this we give you honor.





The High Priestess once again takes over, and says:



All changes as new life is born,

and the dead fades away, back into the earth.

The Wheel of the Year turns once more,

ever changing, and yet always constant,

as the cycle continues once more.

O Goddess of Winter, cast your eyes upon us this night,

as the solstice approaches.

Grant us love, wisdom, strength, and peace,

and blessings upon the Earth.







At this time, the High Priestess should invite anyone who wishes to make an offering to the Goddess to come do so -- offerings can be placed on the altar, or if you're outdoors, in a fire. The HPs concludes the rite by saying:



We make these offerings tonight,

to show our love to you, O Goddess.

Please accept our gifts, and know that

we are entering this new season with joy in our hearts.







Everyone present should take a few moments to meditate upon the time of the season. Although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the soil. What new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? When everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon.



Tips:

If you have an all-male group, you could revise the rite so that it focuses on the battle of the Oak King and the Holly King, rather than the Crone and the Maiden.

If there's no room for a tree, use a Yule Log instead.

What You Need:

Three white candles

An altar decorated for the season

If your family enjoys ritual, you can welcome back the sun at Yule with this simple winter ceremony. The first thing you'll need is a Yule Log. If you make it a week or two in advance, you can enjoy it as a centerpiece prior to burning it in the ceremony. You'll also need a fire, so if you can do this ritual outside, that's even better. As the Yule Log burns, all members of the family should surround it, forming a circle.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

If you normally cast a circle, do so at this time.



This first section is for the adults – if there is more than one grownup, they can take turns saying the lines, or say them together:



The Wheel has turned once more, and

the earth has gone to sleep.

The leaves are gone, the crops have returned to the ground.

On this darkest of nights, we celebrate the light.

Tomorrow, the sun will return,

its journey continuing as it always does.

Welcome back, warmth.

Welcome back, light.

Welcome back, life.



The entire group now moves deosil – clockwise, or sunwise – around the fire. When each member has returned to his or her original position, it is time for the children to add their part. This section can be divided amongst the children, so that each gets a chance to speak.



Shadows go away, darkness is no more,

as the light of the sun comes back to us.

Warm the earth.

Warm the ground.

Warm the sky.

Warm our hearts.

Welcome back, sun.



Finally, each member of the group should take a moment to tell the others one thing that they are thankful for about their family – things like “I am happy that Mom cooks us such wonderful food,” or “I’m proud of Alex because he helps people who need it.”



When everyone has had a chance to speak, walk sunwise once more around the fire, and end the rite. If possible, save a bit of this year's Yule log to add to the fire for next year's ceremony.



What You Need:

A Yule Log

Family and friends to share the ceremony

Samhain is a time like no other, in that we can watch as the earth literally dies for the season. Leaves fall from the trees, the crops have gone brown, and the land once more becomes a desolate place. However, at Samhain, when we take the time to remember the dead, we can take time to contemplate this endless cycle of life, death, and eventual rebirth.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

For this ritual, you'll want to decorate your altar with symbols of life and death. You'll want to have on hand a white candle and a black one, as well as black, red, and white ribbon in equal lengths (one set for each participant). Finally, you'll need a few sprigs of rosemary.



Perform this rite outside if at all possible. If you normally cast a circle, do so now.



Say:



Samhain is here, and it is a time of transitions.

The winter approaches, and the summer dies.

This is the time of the Dark Mother,

a time of death and of dying.

This is the night of our ancestors

and of the Ancient Ones.



Place the rosemary on the altar. If you are doing this as a group ceremony, pass it around the circle before placing on the altar. Say:



Rosemary is for remembrance,

and tonight we remember those who have

lived and died before us,

those who have crossed through the veil,

those who are no longer with us. We will remember.



Turn to the north, and say:



The north is a place of cold,

and the earth is silent and dark.

Spirits of the earth, we welcome you,

knowing you will envelope us in death.



Turn to face the east, and say:



The east is a land of new beginnings,

the place where breath begins.

Spirits of air, we call upon you,

knowing you will be with us as we depart life.



Face south, saying:



The south is a land of sunlight and fire,

and your flames guide us through the cycles of life.

Spirits of fire, we welcome you,

knowing you will transform us in death.



Finally, turn to face the west, and say:



The west is a place of underground rivers,

and the sea is a never-ending, rolling tide.

Spirits of water, we welcome you,

knowing you will carry us through the ebbs and flows of our life.



Light the black candle, saying:



The Wheel of the Year turns once more,

and we cycle into darkness.



Next, light the white candle, and say:



At the end of that darkness comes light.

And when it arrives, we will celebrate once more.



Each person takes a set of ribbons -- one white, one black, and one red. Say:



White for life, black for death,

red for rebirth.

We bind these strands together

remembering those we have lost.



Each person should then braid or knot their three ribbons together. As you do so, focus on the memories of those you have lost in your life.



While everyone is braiding or knotting, say:



Please join me in chanting as you work your energy and love into your cords:



As the corn will come from grain,

All that dies will rise again.

As the seeds grow from the earth,

We celebrate life, death and rebirth.



When everyone has finished braiding and chanting, take a moment to meditate on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Is there someone you know who reminds you of a person you've lost? Have you ever looked into a baby's eyes and seen your late grandfather looking back?



Finally, ask everyone to take their knotted ribbons home with them and place them on their personal altar if they have one. That way, they can be reminded of their loved ones each time they pass by.



Tips:

Rosemary is used in this rite because although it seems to go dormant over the winter, if you keep it in a pot you'll get new growth in the spring. If there's another plant you'd rather use, feel free.

What You Need:

Ribbon in black, red and white

A white candle and a black one

Rosemary

By Samhain, the Goddess has entered her incarnation of Crone. She is the Old One, the earth mother, the wise one we turn to when we need advice. She teaches us that sometimes we must let go in order to move on. The God, at Samhain, is the Horned One, the stag of great antlers, the god of the wild hunt. He is the animal that dies so that we may eat, and the grains and corn that once lived in the field before our harvest. We can honor these late-fall aspects of both the Goddess and the God in one ritual.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Begin by casting a circle, if your tradition requires it. Prior to starting the ceremony, place three sheaves of corn or wheat around the ritual space. You'll also need a statue or other image of the God and of the Goddess at the center of your altar. Around the statues, place five candles -- red and black to represent the dark aspect of the Goddess, green and brown to symbolize the wild God, and white for the hearth and home.



Place a plate of dark bread, enough for each person present, near the center of the altar, along with a cup of wine or cider. Circle the altar. The youngest person present will act as the Handmaiden, and the oldest as the High Priest (HP) or High Priestess (HPs). If you're performing this rite as a solitary, simply take on both parts. The HPs lights the red and black candles, and says:



A pair of candles is lit

in honor of the Goddess.

She is Maiden and Mother throughout the year

and tonight we honor her as Crone.



Next, the HPs lights the brown and green candles, saying:



A pair of candles is lit

in honor of the God.

He is wild and fertile and animal

and tonight we honor him as the Horned God.



The Handmaiden takes the bread and walks the circle with the plate, allowing each person to tear off a chunk. As they do so, she says:



May the blessings of the Goddess be upon you.



The cup of wine or cider is passed around, and each person takes a sip. As they do, the Handmaiden should say:



May the blessings of the God be upon you.



The Handmaiden then lights the fifth candle, for the hearth, saying:



This candle is lit

in honor of hearth and home.

The mother and father, the Goddess and God,

watch over us tonight as we honor them.



The HPs then takes over, saying:



We light these five candles

for the powerful Goddess

and her mighty horned consort, the God,

and for the safety of home and hearth.

On this, the night of Samhain,

when the Goddess is a wise Crone,

and the God is a wild stag,

we honor them both.



The Handmaiden says:



This is a time between the worlds,

a time of life and a time of death.

This is a night unlike any other night.

Ancient ones, we ask your blessing.

Goddess, great Crone, mother of all life,

we thank you for your wisdom.

Horned God, master of the wild hunt, keeper of the forest,

we thank you for all that you provide.



At this time, the rest of the group may also say thanks. If you wish to make an offering to the God and Goddess, now is the time to place it upon the altar.



Once all offerings have been made, and thanks given, take a moment to meditate on the new beginnings of Samhain. Consider the gifts that the gods have given you over the past year, and think about how you might show them your gratitude in the coming twelve months. As the old year dies, make room in the new year for new things in your life. You may not know yet what's coming, but you can certainly imagine, dream and hope. Tonight, this night between the worlds, is the perfect time to imagine what things may come.



End the ritual in the way called for by your tradition.



Tips:

Decorate your altar with symbols of the God -- antlers, acorns, pine cones, phallic symbols -- and representations of the Goddess, such as red flowers, cups, pomegranates, etc.

If your tradition honors a specific pair of male and female deities, feel free to substitute their names in this ritual wherever it says God or Goddess.

What You Need:

Five candles, in red, black, brown, green and white.

A loaf of dark bread

A cup of cider or wine

Speaking to the Dead:

Although traditionally a seance is a good way to communicate with those who have crossed into the spirit world, it's also perfectly fine to talk to them at other times. You may find yourself walking into a room and suddenly reminded of someone you've lost, or catching a whiff of a familiar scent. For me personally, every February I find myself picking over birthday cards and thinking to myself how funny my grandfather would find this one or that one. I make a point of telling him about them, even though he died in 2002. You don't need a fancy or formal ritual to speak to the dead. They hear you.



How Do We Know They're Listening?:

In some spiritual paths, one may be viewed as crazy -- or at the very least, a little bit daffy -- if they speak to the dead. But think of the people you know who have lost a spouse, particularly one they were married to for a long time. Many of them will tell you they talk to their deceased loved one. We can ask them for assistance, for companionship, or just for them to hear our words. Chances are good that if you ask, your life will change significantly.



What Can We Say to Them?:

Ask anyone who's lost a loved one, and there's a good chance they have something they didn't get to say. Whether it's "I love you", "I forgive you," or just plain old, "I really miss you," there's nearly always something we wanted to say but never got around to. When you talk to the dead, share with them the things in your life that are important. Maybe you need to let Grandma know that you're finally going to have that baby girl she'd been hoping for. Or perhaps you need to tell Cousin Joe you're sorry you broke his iPod. Whatever it is, if it's on your mind say it. Only then will you be able to move on.



An Altar to the Ancestors:

In many cultures, ancestor worship is an ancient practice. Although traditionally found more in African and Asian societies, more and more Pagans of European heritage are beginning to embrace this idea. After all, we all want to know where we came from. You can build an altar to honor your ancestors, featuring photos, heirlooms, and even a family tree sheet. Leave it up all year long, or set it out at Samhain. This is a good time to perform a ritual for Honoring the Ancestors.



Why on Samhain?:

Why hold a Dumb Supper on Samhain? Well, it's traditionally known as the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. It's the night when we know for sure the dead will hear us speak, and maybe even speak back. It's a time of death and resurrection, of new beginnings and fond farewells.



Menus and Table Settings:

Your menu choices are up to you, but because it's Samhain, you may wish to make the traditional Soul Cakes, as well as serving dishes with apples, late fall vegetables, and game if available. Set the table with a black cloth, black plates and cutlery, black napkins. Use candles as your only source of light -- black if you can get them.



Realistically, not everyone has black dishware sitting around. In many traditions, it's perfectly acceptable to use a combination of black and white, although black should be the predominant color.



Host/Hostess Duties:

When you're hosting a Dumb Supper, clearly the point is that no one can speak --- and that makes a host's job very tricky. It means you have the responsibility of anticipating each guest's needs without them communicating verbally. Depending on the size of your table, you may want to make sure each end has its own salt, pepper, butter, etc. Also, watch your guests to see if anyone needs a drink refill, an extra fork to replace the one they just dropped, or more napkins.



Other Samhain Rituals:

If the idea of a Dumb Supper doesn't quite appeal to you -- or if you know darn well that your family can't be quiet for that long -- you may want to try some of these other Samhain rituals:



Celebrate the End of the Harvest

Honor the Ancestors at Samhain

Samhain Ritual for Animals

Hold a Seance at Samhain



The Dumb Supper:

In some Pagan and Wiccan traditions, it has become popular to hold a Dumb Supper in honor of the dead. In this case, the word "dumb" refers to being silent. The origins of this tradition have been fairly well debated -- some claim it goes back to ancient cultures, others believe it's a relatively new idea. Regardless, it's one that's observed by many people around the world.



When holding a Dumb Supper, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. First of all, make your dining area sacred, either by casting a circle, smudging, or some other method. Turn off phones and televisions, eliminating outside distractions.



Secondly, remember that this is a solemn and silent occasion, not a carnival. It's a time of silence, as the name reminds us. You may wish to leave younger children out of this ceremony. Ask each adult guest to bring a note to the dinner. The note's contents will be kept private, and should contain what they wish to say to their deceased friends or relatives.



Set a place at the table for each guest, and reserve the head of the table for the place of the Spirits. Although it's nice to have a place setting for each individual you wish to honor, sometimes it's just not feasible. Instead, use a tealight candle at the Spirit setting to represent each of the deceased. Shroud the Spirit chair in black or white cloth.



No one may speak from the time they enter the dining room. As each guest enters the room, they should take a moment to stop at the Spirit chair and offer a silent prayer to the dead. Once everyone is seated, join hands and take a moment to silently bless the meal. The host or hostess, who should be seated directly across from the Spirit chair, serves the meal to guests in order of age, from the oldest to youngest. No one should eat until all guests -- including Spirit -- are served.



When everyone has finished eating, each guest should get out the note to the dead that they brought. Go to the head of the table where Spirit sits, and find the candle for your deceased loved one. Focus on the note, and then burn it in the candle's flame (you may wish to have a plate or small cauldron on hand to catch burning bits of paper) and then return to their seat. When everyone has had their turn, join hands once again and offer a silent prayer to the dead.



Everyone leaves the room in silence. Stop at the Spirit chair on your way out the door, and say goodbye one more time.

A séance is an event that can either be fantastic, or a real mess. Which one it is will depend on how much preparation goes into it. With a little bit of planning and thought ahead of time, you can pave the way for your séance to go smoothly. Certainly, it's a good idea to expect the unexpected -- after all, the dead are hardly predictable -- but by setting yourself a few guidelines in advance, you can make sure that everyone has the best experience possible.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Plan your guest list: Figure out how many people you're going to have -- and make sure the space you're using will allow them all. If your living room only seats eight people comfortably, don't invite fifteen! Also, be sure that everyone attending is open-minded to the spirit world. People who are adamantly "non-believers" bring a certain amount of negative energy, and this can be disruptive. You may also find that it adversely effects your communication with the spirits during your séance.



Create a Spirit-Friendly Atmosphere: Most people like to conduct a séance at a round or oval table, but if neither is available, don't worry. Drape the table with fabric or sheets -- some people prefer light colors to attract "friendly" spirits, but it's a matter or personal preference. If you use incense, be sure that no one in your group is allergic to it. Place incense somewhere away from the table, rather than on the table itself. Candles are a nice addition as well -- not only do they provide some visibility, but there's a school of thought that believes spirits are attracted to heat and light sources.



Common Sense: Help everyone get comfortable by offering refreshments before you begin. Make sure that guests will be respectful of the spirits, and of other guests. Turn off all cell phones. If anyone needs to go to the bathroom or have a smoke, do so before you begin. Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature -- remember that spirit activity can cause some fluctuation in levels of cold or heat. Once everyone is seated, you can help everyone relax by doing a short guided mediation, offering a prayer, or casting a protective circle, if your tradition requires you to do so.



During the Seance: Although many people like to do this, you don't have to hold hands to raise energy. In fact, if a séance goes on too long, it can get downright uncomfortable. Whoever is acting as the leader of the séance -- the medium -- should ask the spirits to join the group. If there is a specific spirit you are trying to contact, ask for them by name. For example, now would be the time to say, "Dear Auntie Gertrude, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening." In some séances, spirits are summoned by chanting -- this will be up to your medium to decide on.



As long as the spirits seem willing to reply, you can carry on a question and answer session with them. Bear in mind that spirits respond in many different ways. Sometimes there will be a tangible reaction -- a tap, a thump, a soft breeze. Other times -- particularly if you have a room full of very psychically gifted people -- the spirit may choose to respond through another person. This may be the medium, or any other guest. The individual may simply "get a message" to pass along, which they would then share, such as, "Your Auntie Gertrude wants you to know she isn't in pain any more."



Party Time: Sometimes, particularly if you have a group of psychically gifted individuals as guests, you may get several spirits arriving all at once, chattering away. This is not cause for alarm, but it does take some managing, because they've all got something to say. Treat it like you would any other conversation with a large group of people -- let each spirit get their turn to deliver the message they came with, and then move on to the next one. Also, bear in mind that not all spirits are from departed humans -- deceased pets may also have a message to pass along.



Unwanted Entities: Just like at any other party, sometimes a séance will bring an uninvited guest. In this case, when you have a spirit that seems malevolent or mischievous, someone needs to let them know they're unwelcome. Typically, this will be the medium who is leading the séance, who will usually say something like, "You are not wanted here, but we thank you for your presence. Now it is time for you to move on."



If an entity arrives that seems angry or hostile and will not leave, no matter what you do, end the séance. Chances are good that it's been attracted to someone in your group who is dysfunctional.



Closing the Door: When you're done with the séance, it's important that guests thank the spirits for coming to visit. After all, you would do so if you had living guests drop in!



If one of your attendees seems to have slipped into a trance or a sleep-like state during the séance, allow them to return gradually, on their own. Do NOT shake them awake. Chances are they'll have a message for someone once they're back among the group.



Close the séance by telling the spirits farewell, thanking them, and asking them to move along. You may want to offer a small blessing or prayer as a way of ending the formal séance, but bear in mind that some spirits like to hang around after the séance has officially finished. If they do, it's okay. They're probably just curious, and they may return to visit you later in the evening during a dream sequence.



Tips:

Before you begin your seance, smudge the area with sage or sweetgrass for ritual cleansing.

Make sure you've eliminated potential distractions, such as children or ringing telephones. Interestingly, many pets seem to come and go through spirit activity without causing any disruption. Cats in particular tend to be very curious about what's going on.

Your guests may wish to bring an object that belonged to a deceased person, as a way of strengthening the connection. Photographs are also good links to the dead.

For many modern Pagans and Wiccans, there has been a resurgence of interest in our family histories. We want to know where we came from and whose blood runs through our veins. Although ancestor worship has traditionally been found more in Africa and Asia, many Pagans with European heritage are beginning to feel the call of their ancestry. This rite can be performed either by itself, or on the third night of Samhain, following the End of Harvest celebration and the Honoring of the Animals.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

First, decorate your altar table -- you may have already gotten it set up during the End of Harvest rite or for the Ritual for Animals. Decorate your altar with family photos and heirlooms. If you have a family tree chart, place that on there as well. Add postcards, flags, and other symbols of the country your ancestors came from. If you're lucky enough to live near where your family members are buried, make a grave rubbing and add that as well. In this case, a cluttered altar is perfectly acceptable -- after all, each of us is a blend of many different people and cultures.



Have a meal standing by to eat with the ritual. Include lots of dark bread, apples, fall vegetables, and a jug of cider or wine. Set your dinner table, with a place for each family member, and one extra plate for the ancestors. You may want to bake some Soul Cakes.



If your family has household guardians, include statues or masks of them on your altar. Finally, if a relative has died this year, place a candle for them on the altar. Light candles for other relatives, and as you do so, say the person's name aloud. It's a good idea to use tealights for this, particularly if you have a lot of relatives to honor.





Once all the candles have been lit, the entire family should circle the altar. The oldest adult present leads the ritual. Say:



This is the night when the gateway between

our world and the spirit world is thinnest.

Tonight is a night to call out those who came before us.

Tonight we honor our ancestors.

Spirits of our ancestors, we call to you,

and we welcome you to join us for this night.

We know you watch over us always,

protecting us and guiding us,

and tonight we thank you.

We invite you to join us and share our meal.



The oldest family member then serves everyone else a helping of whatever dishes have been prepared, except for the wine or cider. A serving of each food goes on the ancestors' plate before the other family members recieve it. During the meal, share stories of ancestors who are no longer among the living -- this is the time to remember Grandpa's war stories he told you as a child, tell about when Aunt Millie used salt instead of sugar in the cake, or reminisce about summers spent at the family homestead in the mountains.



When everyone has finished eating, clear away all the dishes, except for the ancestors' plate. Pour the cider or wine in a cup, and pass it around the circle (it should end at the ancestor's place). As each person recieves the cup, they recite their genealogy, like so:



I am Susan, daughter of Joyce, the daughter of Malcolm, son of Jonathan...



and so forth. Feel free to add in place names if you like, but be sure to include at least one generation that is deceased. For younger family members, you may wish to have them only recite back to their grandparents, just because otherwise they can get confused.



Go back as many generations as you can, or (in the case of people who have done a lot of genealogy research) as many as you can remember. You may be able to trace your family back to William the Conqueror, but that doesn't mean you have it memorized. After each person recites their ancestry, they drink from the cider cup and pass it to the next person.



A quick note here -- many people are adopted. If you are one them, you are fortunate enough to be able to choose whether you wish to honor your adoptive family, your biological family, or a combination of the two. If you don't know the names of your birth parents or their ancestry, there's nothing wrong with saying, "Daughter of a family unknown." It's entirely up to you. The spirits of your ancestors know who you are, even if you don't know them yet.



After the cup has made its way around the table, place it in front of the ancestors' plate. This time, a younger person in the family takes over, saying:



This is the cup of remembrance.

We remember all of you.

You are dead but never forgotten,

and you live on within us.



Take some time to meditate on the value of family, how fortunate we are to be able to know the connections of kin and clan, and the value of heritage. If your family has a tradition of music or folktales, share those as a way to wrap up the ritual. Otherwise, allow the candles to burn out on their own. Leave the plate and cup on the altar overnight.



Tips:

If you didn't do a separate ritual for animals, you can add photos and candles for deceased pets to your family altar.

If you like, you may wish to follow this ritual with a Seance.

What You Need:

Items to represent your family members

A meal to eat

A cup of cider or wine to drink

Candles

This ceremony is designed to honor the spirits of the animals - both wild and domestic. Man's relationship with animals goes back thousands and thousands of years. They have been a source of food and clothing. They have protected us from the things that lurk in the darkness. They have provided comfort and warmth. In some cases, they have even raised and nurtured our discarded children, as in the case of Romulus and Remus. If you have animals in your home -- pets or livestock -- this is their night. Feed them before you feed the humans in your family. Put some food out for any wild animals that may happen by as well.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

If you have a pet that has passed away during this last year, you may want to include a photo or keepsake of them on your table during this rite.



Prepare a stew for your family that includes small amounts of as many different meats as you may have available -- beef, pork, game, chicken, etc. If your family is vegetarian or vegan, designate a non-meat ingredient to represent each animal and adapt the ritual as needed, eliminating lines that reference the eating of animals. When your stew is ready, gather the family around the altar table you prepared during the previous night's Harvest End Ritual.



Place the stew pot in the center of the table, with a large serving spoon or ladle. Make sure you have some good dark bread to eat as well. Each member of the family should have a bowl and spoon handy. Say:



Samhain has come, and it is the end of the Harvest.

The crops are in from the fields,

And the animals are preparing for the coming winter.

Tonight, we honor the animals in our lives.

Some have died that we may eat.

Some have provided us with love.

Some have protected us from that which would do us harm.

Tonight, we thank them all.



Go around the family in a circle. Each person should take a scoop of stew from the pot and place it in their bowl. Younger children may need an adult's help with this. As each person gets their helping, say:



Blessed are the animals,

Those who die that we may eat.

Blessed are the animals,

Those we love and who love us in return.



When every family member has their stew, each takes a piece of bread. As they do, say:



As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn,

The harvest has ended, and the grain has been threshed.

The animals sleep for the winter.

We thank them for their gifts.



Take your time finishing your meal. If you have pets, don't be surprised if they come visit while you're eating your stew tonight -- animals tend to be very aware of the spiritual plane! If there is any stew left over, leave some out for the spirits. Any extra bread can be thrown outside for the wild animals and birds.



Tips:

If you want to mix a bit of stew in with your pet's everyday food, it's a good idea to check with your veterinarian first.

What You Need:

An altar table

A pot of stew

Some hearty dark bread

Samhain represents, among other things, the end of the harvest season. If you haven't picked it by Samhain, you probably won't be eating it! The gardens have died off by now, and where we once saw lush green plants, there is nothing left but dry and dead stalks. The perennials have shut down for the season too, going dormant so that they may return to us in the spring. Animals are brought in from the fields for the winter -- and if you've ever had a spider come wandering into your living room one chilly October night, you know that even the insects are trying to find a place to stay warm.



Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

If we had lived a few hundreds of years ago, we would not only have brought our cows and sheep in from the pastures. Most likely we'd slaughter a few of them, as well as some pigs and goats, smoking the meat so it would last through the cold months. Our grain that we picked back at Lughnasadh has been baked into bread, and all of our herbs have been gathered, and hang from the rafters in the kitchen. The harvest is over, and now it's time to settle in for winter with the coziness of a warm fireplace, heavy blankets, and big pots of comfort food on the stovetop.



If you want to celebrate Samhain as the time of harvest's end, you can do so as a single ritual, or as the first of three days of ceremony. If you don't have a permanent altar in place, set up a table to leave in place for the three days prior to Samhain. This will act as a your family's temporary altar for the Sabbat. Decorate the altar with symbols of late fall, such as:



Skulls, skeletons, grave rubbings, ghosts

Harvest food such as pumpkins, squash, root vegetables

Nuts and berries, dark breads

Dried leaves and acorns

A cornucopia filled with an abundance of fruit and veggies

Mulled cider, wine, or mead



To begin your ceremony, prepare a meal for the family -- and this is something that everyone can get involved in. Put emphasis on fruits and vegetables, and wild game meat if available. Also make sure you have a loaf of a dark bread like rye or pumpernickel and a cup of apple cider or wine. Set the dinner table with candles and a fall centerpiece, and put all the food on the table at once. Consider the dinner table a sacred space.



Gather everyone around the table, and say:



Tonight is the first of three nights,

on which we celebrate Samhain.

It is the end of the harvest, the last days of summer,

and the cold nights wait on the other side for us.

The bounty of our labor, the abundance of the harvest,

the success of the hunt, all lies before us.

We thank the earth for all it has given us this season,

and yet we look forward to winter,

a time of sacred darkness.



Take the cup of cider or wine, and lead everyone outside. Make this a ceremonial and formal occasion. If you have a vegetable garden, great! Go there now -- otherwise, just find a nice grassy spot in your yard. Each person in the family takes the cup in turn and sprinkles a little bit of cider onto the earth, saying:



Summer is gone, winter is coming.

We have planted and

we have watched the garden grow,

we have weeded,

and we have gathered the harvest.

Now it is at its end.



If you have any late-fall plants still waiting to be picked, gather them up now. Collect a bundle of dead plants and use them to make a straw man or woman. If you follow a more masculine path, he may be your King of Winter, and rule your home until spring returns. If you follow the Goddess in her many forms, make a female figure to represent the Goddess as hag or crone in winter.



Once that is done, go back inside and bring your King of Winter into your home with much pomp and circumstance. Place him on your table and prop him up with a plate of his own, and when you sit down to eat, serve him first.



Begin your meal with the breaking of the dark bread, and make sure you toss a few crumbs outside for the birds afterwards. Keep the King of Winter in a place of honor all season long -- you can put him back outside in your garden on a pole to watch over next spring's seedlings, and eventually burn him at your Beltane celebration.



When you are finished with your meal, put the leftovers out in the garden. Wrap up the evening by playing games, such as bobbing for apples or telling spooky stories before a bonfire.



What You Need:

A table to use as your Samhain altar

Decorations that represent the late autumn season

A meal with lots of veggies, fruit, and bread

A cup of wine or cider