WICCANING CEREMONY
08:32 Aug 21 2012
Times Read: 979
WICCANING CEREMONY
Adapted by Coven Synchronos from Fitch, Ed - Magical Rites from the Crystal
Well, and other sources
Casting the Circle
The participants stand in a circle around a central altar, holding hands. The
priest, carrying incense (representing Fire and Air), and priestess, carrying
salt water (representing Water and Earth), walk around the inside of the circle,
starting in the North, saying as they go:
Oh, thou Circle, be thou a meeting place of love and joy and truth, a shield
against all wickedness and evil, a rampart of protection for all those who stand
herein. Wherefore we do bless and consecrate thee in the names of the Lady and
Lord.
Invoking the Quarters
Each officer in turn faces the appropriate direction, holdings up his/her right
hand and says the following - other participants may join in:
Officer of the North:
Ye Mighty Ones of the North,
Powers of Earth,
We do summon, stir and call thee up
to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Officer of the East:
Ye Mighty Ones of the East,
Powers of Air,
We do summon, stir and call thee up
to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Officer of the South:
Ye Mighty Ones of the South,
Powers of Fire,
We do summon, stir and call thee up
to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Officer of the West:
Ye Mighty Ones of the West,
Powers of Water,
We do summon, stir and call thee up
to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Welcoming
Parents come forward with
Priestess:
We gather together today as a circle of friends to welcome one of our own back
to the community. In past lives we have lived, loved, and fought together. It is
with great rejoicing that we greet one who has returned: .
Priest:
Her spirit is one with us, as she has shown by choosing to reincarnate in this
time and place. But her body is new, and must be introduced to the ways of our
people.
Priestess:
There are many paths, and each must find her own; therefore we do not seek to
bind to one path while she is still too young to choose. Rather we ask
the Goddess and the God, who know all paths and to whom all paths lead, to
bless, protect and prepare her through the years of her childhood; so that when
at last she is truly grown, she shall know without doubt or fear which path is
hers and shall tread it gladly.
Priest:
Until that time, we ask now that the elemental powers watch over her.
Elemental Blessings
Parents and proceed around the Circle to each Direction, starting in
North.
Priestess:
O mountains of the North
Who bring forth stability, steadfastness and balance,
we ask your blessings on ;
May your creatures guard and guide her on her true path.
Priest:
O winds of the East
Who bring forth intellect, knowledge, and wisdom,
we ask your blessings on ;
May your creatures guard and guide her on her true path.
Priest:
O warm sun of the South
Who brings forth energy, strength and growth,
we ask your blessings on ;
May your creatures guard and guide her on her true path.
Priestess:
O deep waters of the West,
Who bring forth cleansing, healing, and love,
we ask your blessings on ;
May your creatures guard and guide her on her true path.
The Charge to the Parents
Parents and return to the center of the Circle, where they are addressed
by the Priest and Priestess:
Priestess:
As we have asked the Gods to guard and guide while she grows, so too do
the Gods and rely on you, her chosen parents, to uphold your
responsibilities to her.
Priest:
I bid you both to give
The finest and deepest of training.
Yet make not her life one of tedious labor,
For the young must also learn the joy of life.
Priestess:
I bid you both to give
A home of love, warmth, and gentleness.
If you have differences, resolve them with moderation,
so that her world will feel secure.
Priest:
I bid you both to respect
As an individual, for she is unique.
Remember that a small frame and child's ways
often cover an excellent mind
That in later years many will honor.
Priestess:
I bid you both to always give
A fair hearing to .
Have patience as she learns and asks.
Remember that you yourselves once ran her path.
Priest:
I bid you both to give her
New horizons, new challenges,
And freedom to try for the joy of the attempt,
so that may go so far
As her own mind and spirit will lead.
Priestess:
Do you each swear to undertake these
Responsibilities to the best of your abilities?
Parents:
We do
The Charge to the Community
The Priestess addresses the other participants:
have accepted these responsibilities in their new lives as a
family with . But a family does not stand alone. Without the presence and
support of a community, they cannot give their child all that she needs to grow
strong and balanced. As their relatives and friends, will you accept the task of
providing a supportive community to this family?
All:
We will
Priest:
The Goddess and God have blessed her;
The Lords of the Watchtowers have acknowledged her;
We her family and friends have welcomed her;
Therefore, shine peace on !
All:
So Mote It Be
Cakes and Wine
Priest and Priestess take up the chalice and loaf of bread, each holding one in
his/her left hand and placing his/her right hand over the one held by the other,
and say:
Lady and Lord, bless this food, symbolic of your bounty, that in sharing it we
affirm our common bond.
Cakes and wine are passed around the Circle, each person taking a bite/sip, then
passing on to the next person saying, "Blessed Be" , along with a kiss if
desired.
Closing
All join hands as the Priest and Priestess walk around the Circle, saying:
Ye Mighty Ones of the North, East, South, and West,
We thank You for attending,
And ere You depart to your blessed Realms,
We say: Hail! and Farewell!
The Priest and Priestess join hands with the celebrants, and all say:
The Circle is open, but yet unbroken - Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet
again!
GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER RITUAL
22:57 Aug 18 2012
Times Read: 986
GUARDIAN OF THE WATCHTOWER RITUAL
Ok...now we get into summoning elementals/calling the guardians of the watchtowers
It's important that you read all the information I've provided in order to have a better understanding of this part of a ritual.
Written By: House Shadow Drake
In Wicca, guardians known as Watchtowers are called. These guardians are summoned in each of the four corners or directions of the circle: East, South, West, and North. They are set there to guard and protect the circle. The origin of the Watchtowers is in Cabbalistic magick. This calling of the Watchtowers usually takes place during what is known in Wicca as "Calling the Quarters."
Traditional Witchcraft does not utilize the calling of Watchtowers; it does however, call Guardians. These Guardians are often the spirits with whom a person feels comfortable with and has developed some form of a relationship with. Possible guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or other spirtual entity with which the person is familiar with.
Some traditions call Guardians, whereas others do not. Guardians are often called to protect the sacred area. As many traditions do not have specific boundaries for their sacred area, the guardians can roam the area freely and protect the area from unwanted influences. In general, they are not necessary, but still a good idea.
In some traditions they are known as the Old Ones. Those who were the fathers and the mothers of the Beginning, The Spirits who Were, before the first spirit. Some traditions say that the Watchers are an ancient race who have evolved beyond the need for physical form, or that they are our own ancient ancestors who have passed beyond the circle of rebirth. Other traditions hold that they are the Adjatti or "eyes" of the Lord and Lady of the realms of night.
Nowadays in Wicca the Watchers are simply thought to be the Elementals, creatures of pure elemental energy. Each element has its own: Sylphs for Air, Salamanders for Fire, Undines for Water, and Gnomes for Earth.
By whatever name they are called these beings are considered by most Witches to be the representatives and Witnesses of our most sacred rites. They play a part in the Initiation rituals of most covens that use systems of Degrees. The Portals through the barriers or veils between this world and the otherworld(s) are guarded and maintained by these beings. They are considered the court of final recourse and are called the 'Lords of Karma'. Many Witches believe that any act of magic is judged by these Guardians and is permitted or denied based upon their careful assessment. This is why the new initiate is introduced to the Watchers at the end of the First degree initiation - so that they can keep an eye on him/her, so to speak.
It may be that the Watchers represent the space-time parallel of the Witch's own magical nature. Four key magical or sacred points in space and time which anchor and balance our world in the same way as the four spirit bodies, the Mind, the Soul, the Heart and the Body are bound together at the Solar Plexus chakra with the Spirit of the Witch.
In Magick, we have a close attunement to the classical elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). We recognize this in our rituals by incorporating each of the elements into them in several ways: First we use a symbolic representation of the elements on our altars and to strengthen and consecrate our circles, then we acknowledge each of the elements during our circle casting through the four quarters.
To represent the elements on our altar we can either use four distinct representations or combine them (salt water for earth and water, incense for air and fire). And as outlined in the elemental correspondences we start our circle in the east since it represents the morning, birth and start of our day.
The watchtowers are physical representations of each of the elements. We invite the guardians to join our circle so that we may have a balance of energies with us. The four classical elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water each represent qualities we can invite into our lives: Strength and Protection, Inspiration and Critical Reasoning, Passion and Drive, Wisdom and Empathy. When we summon the element we can state the qualities we wish to bring into the circle for this particular rite.
Alternately we summon, stir or call forth each of the elements depending on how we wish to envision them. Calling forth is done for real beings, Stirring is done for raw elemental energies and Summoning is done for a representation of those energies. Regardless these energies should be treated as real and with great respect for they are here to assist in our rites.
Basic Quarters
Draw an invoking pentagram for the direction and visualize a representation of that element and say: "Hail and welcome guardian of the watchtower of the direction and keeper of the element of element. I do hereby summon, stir and call you forth to witness, guard and protect this rite. Mark well what we do here. Hail and Welcome."
Gifts of the Quarters
Draw an invoking pentagram for the direction and visualize a representation of that element and say: "Hail and Welcome guardian of the direction and keeper of the powers of element. I summon, stir and call you forth. Bring to us your gifts of gifts."
Some examples of gifts: (Air) inspiration, discernment, (Fire) passion, energy, (Water) mystery, intuition, (Earth) protection, strength.
This elemental information was gathered from here http://www.ladybridget.com/w/elements.html
Some say that you should not call upon the elements themselves in a circle, rather call upon the Guardians of the elements - also called the Mighty Ones - the evolved beings who direct and guide the elemenal powers. The elements can be playful and capricious, so call upon the Guardians to watch over them. So, when we are calling in the attributes of fire, we call only for the attributes, and not for the fire itself to come to our circle.
If you talk with experienced witches, you will certainly hear some stories of how an element was called so strongly (or not dismissed properly) that it caused a flood, or pipes to burst, or a fire to occur - by calling on the Guardians of the elements rather than the elements themselves, we seek to avoid such "accidents". We seek rather for the qualities of fire, and not for fire itself, in other words.
I have also been asked what is the difference between an element and an elemental. An elemental is a manifestation of the spirit of the element and can be used to personify, so to speak, that element. Thus, sylphs are used to represent air, in that they are of the air and they fly. Similarly salamandars are the elemental of fire, and when you gaze into a fire you can certainly see them there racing about the logs and playing peek-a-boo with each other. Undines are quick moving, wet and slithery creatures that can undulate in the water, and likewise Gnomes are slow moving , green and brown creatures that love plants and rocks and can speak with them. You can also call upon the elementals in your magickal workings, but do some research and meditate and communicate well with them before doing so. They can be helpful if you have an affinity for them, or they can be troublesome if you are not able to communicate effectively and clearly exactly what you wish them to accomplish for you. This can take time and practice.
Now I'll include different rituals to call the elements/watchtowers/guardians
Go to the eastern quarter of the circle. Light the Red(Yellow) candle and hold your hand up in greeting. (You may also salute the element with your dagger, sword, or wand):
I call upon you, powers of Air,
to witness this rite and to guard this circle.
In the southern quarter light the White(Red) Candle and greet the element:
I call upon you, powers of Fire,
to witness this rite and to guard this circle.
Move to the west; light the gray(Blue) candle and hold up your hand in greeting:
I call upon you, powers of Water,
to witness this rite and to guard this circle.
End by going north; Light the black(green) candle and greet the element:
I call upon you, powers of Earth,
to witness this rite and to guard this circle.
Move back to the central altar, and stand facing east. Raise your arms in greeting:
This circle is bound,
With power all around,
Between the worlds,
I stand with protection at hand.
Proceed with your planned spellwork ceremony....
(To close the circle at the end, perform this AFTER every ritual)
When everything is completed, hold your hand or dagger over the altar and say:
By the powers of the Ancient Gods,
I bind all power within this circle into this spell.
So mote it be!
When you are ready to end the ritual, go to the East and extinguish the Red(Yellow) Candle. Say:
Depart in peace, O powers of Air.
My thanks and blessings.
Go to the South and extinguish the White(Red) candle. Say:
Depart in peace, O powers of Fire.
My thanks and Blessings.
Go to the West and put out the grey(Blue) candle. Say:
Depart in peace, O powers of Water.
My thanks and blessings.
Finish by going to the north and put out the Black(Green) candle. Say:
Depart in peace, O powers of Earth.
My thanks and blessings.
Return to the altar in the center and say:
To all beings and powers of the visible and invisible,
Depart in peace. May there always be harmony between us.
My thanks and blessings.
Cut the circle counter clockwise with your dagger/sword to release all remaining traces of power for manifestation. Say:
The circle is open, yet ever it remains a circle.
Around and through me always flows its magical power.
2. Here is a second way:
TAKE UP THE ALTER BELL AND STARTING AT EAST RING THE BELL AND SAY :
I SUMMON STIR AND CALL YE, OH MIGHTY ONES OF THE EAST,
GREAT GUARDIAN SPIRITS OF WISDOM
WITNESS THESE RITES AND GUARD THIS CIRCLE.
I SUMMON STIR AND CALL YE, YE MIGHTY ONES OF THE SOUTH
GREAT GUARDIAN SPIRITS OF WISDOM
WITNESS THESE RITES AND GUARD THIS CIRCLE.
I SUMMON STIR AND CALL YE, YE MIGHTY ONES OF THE WEST
GREAT GUARDIAN SPIRITS OF WISDOM
WITNESS THESE RITES AND GUARD THIS CIRCLE.
I SUMMON STIR AND CALL YE, YE MIGHTY ONES OF THE NORTH
GREAT GUARDIAN SPIRITS OF WISDOM
WITNESS THESE RITES AND GUARD THIS CIRCLE.
TAKE UP THE CENSER AT THE ALTER AND RAISE IT SAYING :
IN THE HEIGHT AND IN THE DEEP WATCH AND WARD ETERNAL KEEP.
and when ready to close it :
Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun,
My thanks to Thee, my magic's done.
Earth and water, fire and air,
I thank thee for thy love and care.
Merry meet and merry part,
In love and trust, by magick's art.
This magick circle now is open
3. here is a third: (these next 3 are from here http://www.angelfire.com/games3/ladyashmon/ele.html)
East
Hail, Guardians of the airy East as Bearers of knowledge and learning,
We invoke you and call upon you,
Breath of our mother.
With sword and censer,
Witness and protect our woven Circle.
Come, be with us now!
South
Hail, Guardians of the fiery South,
as Bearers of will and healing,
We invoke you and call upon you
Spirit of our mother
With wand and flame,
Witness and protect our woven circle.
Come, be with us now!
West
Hail, Guardians of the watery West
as Bearers of love and courage,
We invoke you and call upon you,
Tears of our mother.
With chalice and bowl,
Witness and protect our woven circle.
Come, be with us now!
North
Hail, Guardians of the earthen North,
as Bearers of growth and wisdom,
we invoke you and call upon you
Body of our mother.
With pentacle and stone,
Witness and protect our woven circle.
Come, be with us now!
Center
Our circle woven,
Now we lie between worlds,
Beyond time and place,
Transformed and transcendended,
Within the soul of our mother,
The ritual begins.
4. Here is a cool seasonal one:
Seasonal Elemental Invoke
East
Hail spring, nature’s birth, and blossoms first kiss of sun. You’re warm eastern wind carrying life’s bounty upon its wings. We call upon your youth and knowledge, skill and learning, to watch over and join our circle. So the earth blooms.
South
Hail summer, nature’s ripening, blossoms turn to luscious fruit. You’re scorching southern heat healing and destroying all of life. We call upon your energy and spirit, healing and will, to watch over and join our circle. So the earth grows.
West
Hail autumn, nature’s harvest, fruit’s ripening to maturation. You’re cool waters raining tears of love and sorrow. We call upon your intuition and emotion, courage and daring, to watch over and join our circle. So the earth withers.
North
Hail winter, nature’s slumber, life’s death. You’re bitter cold quieting the world around. We call upon your creativity and growth, sustenance and wisdom, to watch over and join our circle. So the earth sleeps.
Center
Hail the year past and future. The spirit and the void. This is a time that is not a time, in a place that is not a place, on a day that is not a day. So mote it be
5. Here is a quick simple one:
Earth and Water
Surround my body.
Air caress my skin.
Fire burn, and spirit bright,
Let this spell begin.
6. Here is another:
Hail to the East, Ancient Ones of Air
Bringers of Vision and Intellect
Honor us with your presence here
We welcome you!
Hail to the South, Ancient Ones of Fire
Bringers of Ambition and Courage
Honor us with your presence here
We welcome you!
Hail to the West, Ancient Ones of Water
Bringers of Emotion and Change
Honor us with your presence here
We welcome you!
Hail to the North, Ancient Ones of Stone
Bringers of Strength and Growth
Honor us with your presence here
We welcome you!
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