It is important to have a clean and clear work space. Before beginning any ritual, clear the area of all clutter and dirt, to avoid attracting scattered energy. Take time to dust and vacuum the area you will be working in. Smudging the area with sage or cedar will help clear and purify the area. Asperging with herb blessed water works just as well. Once your area is cleansed, it is wise to gather all items and tools that will be needed during ritual.
Purification and Cleansing of Self:
To prepare yourself for ritual, take a bath using herbs or oils. If there is no time for a full bath, at least wash your hands and face. A few minutes of solitary meditation is recommended as well. Be certain to dress in comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, or if preferred, go
sky clad !
Set Up Altar:
It is now time to set up the altar. Lay the altar cloth of appropriate color on your work space and
decorate with seasonal or magickal items that reflect the nature of your work. Everything you need for your ritual or magickal workings should be in place before continuing.
Creating Sacred Space:
By creating sacred space, we enable ourselves to be in a place "between the worlds". We are
somewhat removed from the mundane world, which allows us to be relaxed and to attain deeper
states of consciousness. There are various means to creating sacred space. One such method is to cast a circle. This circle exists on the boundaries or ordinary time and space. It is between the worlds of the seen and unseen. Time is no longer measured; it becomes fluid, a swirling pool. The rules of Nature are all that apply within the circle and powers within us and the Goddess and the God are revealed. The act of casting is meditative and each gesture made, each tool used, each power invoked, awakens an aspect of ourselves. When a circle is cast, an energy is created. Not only is the circle created to keep negative energy out, but to keep the power in so that it can rise to a peak. Many Witches ground and center before casting a circle.
Calling the Quarters:
The quarters refer to the elements of nature honored my Witches and Pagans. The four elements of Earth, Fire, Water and Air correspond to each of the four directions, East, South, West and North. Each of the directions are ruled by higher beings, known as Guardians and are associated with 'lower'
beings we call, the Elementals. These spiritual beings bring the powers of the elements and add power and dignity when invited into circle. Often times, I will call my totem animal spirits that relate to each of the directions for extra protection and guidance when doing meditative or journey work.
To Call the Quarters
Stand at the altar facing East and salute the sky and earth. Still
facing the Eastern corner, light a candle or acknowledge a symbol
of this direction, then raise hands and call out:
"Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East,
Powers of Earth!
I invoke you and call you,
Fields of fertility,
Come!
By the earth that is her body,
Send forth your strength,
Be here now!"
Move to the South, light candle (acknowledge symbol) and call out:
"Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South,
Powers of Fire!
I invoke and call you,
Spark of life,
Come
By the fire that is Her spirit,
Set forth your flame,
Be here now!"
Move to the West, light candle (acknowledge symbol) and call out:
"Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West,
Powers of Water!
I invoke you and call you,
Maker of rain,
Come!
By the waters of Her living womb,
Send forth your flow,
Be here now!"
Move to the North, light candle (acknowledge symbol) and call out:
"Hail, guardians of the Watchtowers of the North,
Powers of Air!
I invoke you and call you,
Winds of ice,
Come!
By the air that is Her breath,
Send forth your light,
Be here now!"
Return to altar, facing East, raise arms in greetings
"This sacred space is now blessed and protected,
In the name of the Ancient Ones.
May they guide and protect me,
Their blessed child, on my magickal journey.
I am between the worlds,
Beyond the bounds of time,
Where night and day,
Birth and death,
Joy and sorrow,
Meet as one."
Invoking the Gods:
By invoking the Gods, we are asking for assistance, guidance, and blessings for our ritual. Some
traditions call upon the many different aspects of the Goddess and God by name and others simply refer to them as the Lady and Lord. Not all witches call on the Gods to aid them. When I am doing any type of ritual work (ie: honoring the sabbats, self-healing, or other personal rites) I invoke the deities. However, much of my magickal work is done without benefit of circles or intentionally asking for assistance from the Gods or elements. I know that the Gods are with me in every moment of every day, and are present with or without my invitation. When asking for aid from the deities, any prayer, song or poem can be used as an invocation.
Invocation
"Goddess, bring the body of God into my being
that like Him I may shine and be loved by you.
Lend me earth and water, air and fire-
fill me with these elements, these powers of creation,
that I may tend them because they are your garden,
and that I may be safe in this work,
and happy and one with you.
So mote it be."
Body of Ritual or Magickal Workings:
The actual ritual can be one of spontaneity or planned in advance. For more elaborate workings,
obviously it is wise to have the ritual written and planned, before beginning. Often, some rituals can be done without any planning at all. Be certain of your intent when planning, writing and preforming any ritual that includes spellwork.
Grounding:
Grounding is a means of returning the energy or power that has been raised during ritual, back to the Earth. In doing this, we are able to return to a "normal" state of mind as well, which is important in order to function safely in the mundane world.
Blessings to the Gods:
It is important to give thanks to any divine being that has been present in your circle. A simple
devocation is respectful and clearly states that the ritual is complete.
Devocation
"Holy Mother,
Thank you for your presence
For your gifts
For your light.
Lord,
Thank you for your presence
For your knowledge
For your love.
I ask for your blessings as you depart.
Hail and farewell.
Blessed Be!"
Dismissing the Elements:
As with the deities, any Elemental, Directional Spirit or Otherworldly Being should be dismissed with respect and blessings.
To Dismiss the Elements
Beginning in the East and following a clockwise direction face each
of the four directions, extinguish the directional candle and say
aloud:
"Guardians of the East, Powers of Earth, depart in peace with my
thanks.
May there always be harmony between us.
Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, depart in peace with my
thanks.
May there always be harmony between us.
Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, depart in peace with my
thanks.
May there always be harmony between us.
Guardians of the North, Powers of Air, depart in peace with my
thanks.
May there always be harmony between us."
Returning to the altar in the East, say aloud:
"To all beings, both visible and invisible, I ask for your
blessings as you depart,
may there be peace between us now and forever.
Salute the sky and then the earth and say:
Blessed be the magick of this sacred space,
may it flow through and around me always."
Opening Sacred Space:
After the Gods have been thanked and the Elements, dismissed, the circle may be opened. The ritual is over, but the work you have done will be with you always.
To Open the Circle
Cut the circle backwards, beginning in the East.
"The circle is open, yet ever it remains a circle.
Around and through me always flows magickal power."
