This BOS is made entirely from items submitted by either myself (I have indicated in the table of contents when the information is gathered from another book of shadows such as The Riders of the Crystal Winds Book of Shadows which does appear within these pages in its entirety The code *RCW* is the indication of the afore mentioned text.)or the author(s)( persons who have sent items to the BOS) mentioned in the Book these are items that are of usefulness to all and can be used and reused. All Items submitted will fall under copyright. Items may be printed by any Pagan but, not sold All other printing and or distribution is a copyright infringement. In other words before you grab ask. If you print and distribute these items give credit to the author of the item. Questions?

INVOCATION TO FREYJA

"Freyja, Of the many names, Join us.
 Freyja, Of the golden tears, Join us.
 Freyja, Daughter of Njord, Join us.
 Freyja, Wife of Od, Join us.
 Freyja, Sister of Freyr, Join us.
 Freyja, Mother of Hnoss, Join us.
 Freyja, Claimed by Thrym, Join us.
 Freyja, Driver of cats, Join us.
 Freyja, Goddess of Fertility, Join us.
 Freyja, Who shares the slain with Odin, Join us.
 Freyja, Who taught the Aesir Magick, Join us.
 Freyja, Lender of Falcons' Flight, Join us.
 Freyja, Mistress of Brisingamen, Join us.
 Freyja, Mistress of Folkvang, Join us.
 Freyja, Mistress of nature, Join us.
 Freyja, Your servant _______ calls you! Come to me NOW!"
 
 
 

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INVOCATION TO FREYR

"Freyr, Son of Njrd, Join us.
 Freyr, Husband of Gerdr, Join us.
 Freyr, Brother of Freyja, Join us.
 Freyr, Father of kings, Join us.
 Freyr, Whose sword would fight for itself, Join us.
 Freyr, Who gave his sword for Gerdr, Join us.
 Freyr, Patron of married couples, Join us.
 Freyr, Most beautiful of Gods, Join us.
 Freyr, Whose tooth-gift was Alfheimr, Join us.
 Freyr, Master of Gullinbursti, Join us.
 Freyr, Owner of Skidbladnir, Join us.
 Freyr, Slayer of Beli, Join us.
 Freyr, Master of Frodi's Peace, Join us.
 Freyr, Who directs Man's good fortune, Join us.
 Freyr, Who brings fruitful seasons, Join us.
 Freyr, Your servant _______ calls you! Come to me NOW!"
 
 

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INVOCATION TO BRIGIT

"Brigit, Wise One,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Lady, Smithy,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Triple Goddess,
 We, your children, ask your presence.
 Brigit, Wise One,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Lady, Smithy,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Triple Goddess,
 We, your children, ask your presence.
 Brigit, Wise One,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Lady, Smithy,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Triple Goddess,
 We, your children, ask your presence, NOW."

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 INVOCATION TO HERNE

"Herne, Winter Lord,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Horned One, Hunter,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Woodland Spirit,
 We, your children, ask your presence.
 Herne, Winter Lord,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Horned One, Hunter,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Woodland Spirit,
 We, your children, ask your presence.
 Herne, Winter Lord,
 We, your children, call to you.
 Horned One, Hunter,
 We, your children, invite you here.
 Woodland Spirit,
 We, your children, ask your presence, NOW."
 

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INVOCATION TO THORR

"Thorr, Red-beard, Join us.
 Thorr, Son of Jord, Join us.
 Thorr, Brother of Frigg, Join us.
 Thorr, Father of Mdi, Join us.
 Thorr, Father of Magni, Join us.
 Thorr, Father of Thrdr, Join us.
 Thorr, Husband of Sif, Join us.
 Thorr, Jtunn bane, Join us.
 Thorr, Foe of Irmungandr, Join us.
 Thorr, Who bears Marriage Hallower, Join us.
 Thorr, Who bears Death Hallower, Join us.
 Thorr, Who wields Mjllnir, Join us.
 Thorr, Defender of Asgard, Join us.
 Thorr, Thunderer, Join us.
 Thorr, Storm Lord, Join us.
 Thorr, Your servant _______ calls you! Come to me NOW!"

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AN ISSIAN CIRCLE CASTING

Circle casting adapted by Matrika of PAN - the ORIGINAL Psychic
Awareness Network BBS at 1-703-362-1139
 
ADAPTED from the Community of Isis Rites in Salem MA.
for use by the Moonchildren Coven
 
This requires the use of a duly consecrated wand, a chalice, an
athame and a container for salt and water - NON - plastic PLEASE -
on your altar as well as 2 candle sticks with candles in them and an
incense burner for stick or hanging incense.  You should work robed
or nude as you prefer. In the 4 directions you should have either air
(as incense) or fire (as candle - lit, of course, and preferably red)
in
the east - according to your tradition.  The OTHER element - the one
not used in the east - in the south, again according to your tradition.
( i prefer air-east- wand, fire-south - athame, personally - but I
realize there are differences in tradition.

THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF A CIRCLE IS THE FINAL SAY IN ANY RITE -
SO ALWAYS FOLLOW THEIR TRADITIONS.

A bowl - again NOT plastic - of water in the west and some rocks or
a dish of salt in the North for earth.
 
IF you wish you may lay a circle of salt on the floor, leaving a gate
for the priest/ess to enter and leave for the temple purification or
you may visualize the circle coming as electric blue light out of your
athame point as you cast it.  after s/he returns from purifying the
outer perimeter, the gate would be closed and the circle cast (after
the directions are called) by pointing the athame (or the sword) at
the salt and charging it instead of casting into the air.  The gate
would be closed by completing the circle of salt.
 
Okay, I am writing this as used by a person working alone, but the P
or PS in parenthesis is how it would be done if done by a couple.  PS
is the female and P is the male.  THis is the IDEAL form of the rite.
 
(PS) picks up bowl of salt and bowl of water on alter.   (P) picks up
athame and places it point down in the water and says "SALT is pure,
let this salt be pure and let it purify our rites as we use it in the
service of the Lady and the Lord?

ALL- SO MOTE IT BE

(PS) pours some of the salt into the water.  (P) stirs it with his
athame and says:
     "May this sacred salt purify this water so it may be used in this
service of the Lord and Lady, throughout this rite, in any way
     and at any time we
     may wish to use it."

ALL- SO MOTE IT BE
 
(PS) takes the salt-water and sprinkles it about the perimeter of the
circle (outer) saying the following while walking WIDDERSHINS (to
banish) or counter-clockwise:
     "Salt and water where I cast thee
     No spell or unknown purpose be
     Unless in full accord with me
     and as I will SO MOTE IT BE"
 
She returns to the circle.  The (P) then takes the incense burner - if
a swinging one - or the burning stick of incense and goes around the
circle deosil saying:
      "ever as we walk in the ways may we feel the presence of the
      Lady and the Lord We know that in all we do they are ever with
us       They abide in us and we in them forever.  No disharmony or
      imbalance can be entertained for purity, harmony and balance are
the dwellers within and without us:
      For good do we strive and
      for good do we live
      Love unto all things
      SO be it forever
      Love is the law and Love is the bond
      Blessed be the Lady and the Lord"

All - SO MOTE IT BE
 
He returns to the circle.  He then picks up his wand and goes to the
East, raising it high he invokes the element of air visualizing either
the ruler of that element as he understands that being OR a yellow
pentacle can be substituted.  I like to imagine a weeping willow tree
budding in the spring being moved by the gentle breezes through the
center of the pentacle - as if through the center of a window.  ( IF
YOU USE FIRE IN THE EAST- SUBSTITUTE VISUALIZATION HERE WITH
THE ONE I GIVE IN THE SOUTH AND CHANGE THE INVOCATION
ACCORDINGLY)
     "Hail to thee
     Lord of the Watchtower of the EAST
     element of air (fire?)
     We invite your presence and your power in our circle and
     our magick this night.
ALL- SO MOTE IT BE

(P) - Welcome and Blessed be

ALL- BLESSED BE
 
Go to the south and repeat this visualizing either your conception of
the ruler of the watchtower for the south OR a red pentacle - I like
to "see" a campfire through it's center, as if through a window.
Repeat invocation with raised wand substituting  OF THE SOUTH
and ELEMENT OF FIR#E
 
Go to the WEST and repeat this visualizing either your conception of
the ruler of the watchtower of the west OR a BLUE pentacle - I like
to see a mountain stream or the ocean through the center of it, as if
through a window.  Repeat invocation making suitable changes of
direction and element in it.
 
Go to the North and repeat the process visualizing either your
conception of the ruler of that watchtower OR a Green pentacle - I
like to see Mountains rising up in the distance through the middle of
it, again as if through a window.
 
He returns to the altar and replaces the wand.

THE (PS) takes up hers and invokes the Deities:
"HAIL TO THEE LORD AND LADY" (Substitute aloud or silently the
names you are using for the Goddess and the God here - with non-
initiates, some prefer to use the generic "Lord and Lady" out loud,
keeping the names by which the inner circle of initiates know Them
a secret.  This is also a good idea to use when you have members of
several traditions present who may not agree on what names are
used for them) "We invite your presence and power in our circle and
our magick this night".
 
ALL - SO MOTE IT BE

(PS) - WELCOME AND BLESSED BE
ALL - Blessed be
 
She then replaces her wand on the altar and picks up her athame or
the coven sword and casts the circle - either straight out,
visualizing blue light coming from it's point - or, if a circle of salt
is used, straight DOWN at the salt, to charge it.

THIS IS DONE DEOSIL, OF COURSE. (clock-wise - just like the censing
of the circle was done earlier! the ONLY time widdershins is used is
the
salt-water banishing / cleansing to prepare for circle casting and in
opening the circle)
 
First casting - " I conjure this circle, a mighty Psychic rampart that
turns back ANY excess positive or negative energy which may come
to do us harm"

ALL - SO MOTE IT BE
 
Second casting - "I cast this circle, a place that is not a place, a
time that is not a time, a sacred place between the worlds, a place
to commune with eternity (or THE LADY AND THE LORD)"
 
All - SO MOTE IT BE
 
Third casting - "I charge this circle, a place of perfect love and of
perfect trust where all may know peace profound"

ALL- SO MOTE IT BE
 
SHE RETURNS TO THE ALTAR.  If a bell is used (brass or silver ONLY
please) she rings it and says "Now is the circle cast"

All - SO MOTE IT BE
 
The circle then perform the full-moon rite, raising the power and
drawing down the energy into themselves by whatever rites they use
and Magick is performed as is appropriate and necessary OR the
ritual for one of the 8 sabbats is performed - a much lighter and
informal occasion - according to the time and purpose of the circle.
 
The cakes and ale/wine (I substitute APPLE juice or SPRING water,
as I am allergic to alcohol) are consecrated by the athame in the
chalice
 
NOTE - the cakes should be as natural as possible, HAVE SOME
RESPECT! Please no twinkies or oreos - I've seen some "people" do
that!

Circle closing

The (P) takes up his wand and goes to the 4 quarters, beginning at
the north and going widdershins, where he raises his wand at each
and dismisses the rulers of the elements thusly:

     " Farewell to thee
     Lord of the watchtower of the (direction)
     element of (name element)
     We thank you for our presence and power
     in our circle and our magick this night"

ALL - SO MOTE IT BE
(P) - MERRY PART AND BLESSED BE

ALL - BLESSED BE
 
As he does this, he visualizes whatever he visualized earlier and
then "sees" it fading out. When he has done all 4 quarters he replaces
his wand on the altar

THE (PS) picks hers up and raises it high says "FAREWELL TO THE
LORD AND LADY" (again names may be substituted silently or aloud)
"WE thank you for your presence and your power in Our circle and our
magick this night".

All - SO MOTE IT BE
(PS) - GO IF YOU MUST, STAY IF YOU WILL and BLESSED BE

ALL- BLESSED BE
 
She then picks up her athame (or sword ) and pointing it either in the
air or at the salt, whatever she did before, she walks widdershins
and as she opens the circle she pictures in her mind's eye the
electric blue light fading out or being reabsorbed by the tool she
carries as she says:.
 
"THE CIRCLE IS OPEN, YET REMAINS UNBROKEN "

ALL - SO MOTE IT BE

(PS) MERRY PART AND BLESSED BE

ALL - BLESSED BE (they all hug each other in many circles here )
 
(candles are snuffed on altar here - never blow out candles) If bell
is used, she rings it and says THE CIRCLE IS NOW OPEN
Note - our circle in New England, which met only for the Sabbats
except for it's leadership which did the full-moons themselves as it
was a training coven, tended to use a lot of chanting and simple
ritual drama to raise energy as we worked in a very confined space.
Other methods can be used. In full-moon work I like active deep-
meditation or guided trance and chanting because of size of space
available to me at this time.  However many covens also use the
dance, the cords, the great rite - actual or symbolic, and other
methods.  Always remember there is NO one right path.
 
There is also no one right way of casting a circle.  Different
traditions differ greatly.  The main body of this rite is that used by
the community of Isis - but I have added invocations at the circle
cleansing that I like which come from Al Manning (for the salt-
water) and Ray Buckland (for the censing of the circle).   The
blessing of the salt and water are also from Ray Buckland's
teachings - I prefer his method, because of it's clarity of intent, to
the one I learned here so I use it.
 
Part of the circle closing was also adapted from Starhawk. Many
people like to elaborate on the invocations at the quarters and
present them in poetic formats, as they do with the invocation of
the Lord and Lady.
 
 

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CIRCLES, WHY USE THEM?
MEL WHITE

They say that the longest journey begins with a single step.  So, too,
the exploration of Magickal studies begins with a single step.
Though the first step in a physical journey is often self-evident, the
First Step on a Magickal journey is often not quite so clear.  While
formally organized groups often have a path of lessons to instruct
newcomers, the solitary or isolated student is often left standing in
perplexity on this broad plain of knowledge, wondering just where in
the heck to begin. And wondering, too, if it's "okay" to start just
anywhere.
 
While it's true that studies can begin in any direction that attracts
you, the necessary first step must be learning to make psychic
shields. There are "Things of the Dark" out there.  There are any
number of explanations for what these things might be-- ghosts,
demons, or simply uncontrolled urges of the subconscious mind. In
truth, it doesn't matter what they are. What does matter is that
their effect is very real and unless they are put under your control,
they will drag you over the borders of sanity into psychosis. You are
most vulnerable to them while you're in an "open" trance or
meditative state. That's why the wise practitioner always begins by
taking steps to define exactly what will be permitted through the
portals of their "psychic shields"-- no matter how simple the ritual.
And this, in
a nutshell, is what "protective magic" is about.
 
There are a number of ways to do this.  The most common is to begin
by drawing a circle (around a group or yourself) and invoking the one
or more protective powers. Generally, this is done by candlelight, in
front of an altar that holds certain magical objects. The circle may
be further "secured" and "cleared" by using salt, salt water, rum,
incense, or some other method.   You may be wearing a special robe
and will have taken a bath ( or performed a cleansing ritual) earlier.
The powers that protect you will be called on and THEN you will
begin your ritual.
 
Is it psychological?  Absolutely!  Is there a reason why protection
rituals always take this form?  Positively!  Let's take a step back
and see what you're actually doing and how the process works--
from a psychological standpoint-- and how to use this knowledge to
help you refine your circles to enhance your rituals.

Psychologists and psychics alike view the mind's structure as a
three-part entity: The ego (that which you think of as yourself), the
superego (the "higher self") and the Id (the child within).  The Id is,
in a sense, a computer. Like most computers, it operates on the
"garbage in-garbage out" principle. There's an old superstition "as
you name something, so will it become." Tell yourself that you're
very unlucky and your id will obligingly give you bad days by
enhancing any negatives in your environment. Tell yourself that you
are clumsy, and your id-computer will obligingly arrange for you to
break a leg while stepping off the sidewalk.  The bad news is that
the Id can't make a judgement as to whether or not this is a good
idea.  It only knows that it's received these "instructions" and must
carry them out.  The good news is that you can actually
program/reprogram this portion of your mind.
 
You begin programming this Internal Servant of yours by first
drawing its attention to what you want done and then explaining
what you need done in a simple and clear manner.   Repeating the
instructions in a chant help fix the goals for the Id-- rhymed chants
seem to be easier for it to process. Each time you perform the ritual
and repeat the chant, the programming is strengthened.  Never mind
that your ego and superego understand that you're going to program
the child-like Id.  It works just the same.
 
To direct the Id's attention to the process, you first have to impress
it. Using special tools and clothing alert it that something unusual is
going on and that it must pay attention.  Acquiring hard-to-obtain
items, drawing symbols, performing a symbolic sacrifice (donating
money, say, to a good cause) are all ways of reinforcing the Id's
impression that this ceremony is very special and that the result
will be very powerful.  Organized, meaningful symbols, speak to your
subconscious mind in ways it understands, reinforcing the goals you
have set.
 
Drawing the circle itself establishes boundaries within your
environment ("The rest of the world can do what it likes Out There.
All within this circle is in MY control!"). Purifying the circle and
consecrating it (sprinkling water which has been blessed and salt
added) further enforce your territory, defining the borders where you
are "safe".  Nothing can enter this area except what you invite inside.
You further tighten these borders by calling on certain Powers.

You can call on any powers you like.  Some use traditional Christian
images. Others call up deities from the religion they are most
comfortable with. And many people use the thought/image of a beam
of light that represents either God/Goddess (whichever one they
like) OR The power of light and life and goodness in the Universe.

The number of powers called as guardians varies.  You may choose to
invoke one powerful being to protect your circle. Or you might call
on the Universal Being/Light AND four guardians (one for each
quarter of the compass). A third approach is to use a guardian for the
four quarters of the compass and no higher being.  There is no
"absolutely correct" system; the correct system is the one that YOU
are comfortable with.
 
Take time to choose the guardians of your circle carefully.  You
should select guardians (gods or animals or some form of life) which
have a deeper meaning to you and whose qualities are in harmony
with your goals. For the new student, it's best to have all your
Powers and Guardians from the same belief system/religion/mythic
universe so that the symbols will be consistent and not confuse the
Id.
 
You CAN use people-- saints, movie actors, figures from favorite
books as guardians. DO, however, pick someone who's dead or non-
existent. The dead can't argue with your interpretation of them,
whereas the living may be highly offended to be approached as gods/
guardians).
 
As your studies continue, you will find that your totems or guardians
change.  This is to be expected; as you explore new realms in your
studies, you may find you need guardians who deal with very specific
areas to strengthen and guide you in these new fields.
 
But don't make the mistake of assuming that you'll become so
powerful that you will never need the protection of the psychic
shielding circle in some form.  And don't assume that you will not
need a circle for "positive" magicks such as healing.  Open is open--
and open is vulnerable.  And circles strengthen and protect you by
defining what psychological influences will be allowed to work with
you.
 
 
 
 
 

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[The following wedding ceremony was written to provide for Pagans
who  must of necessity be wed in the presence of the  uninitiated
who  are  not  pagan and are perhaps unaware that the  bride  and
groom are pagan. Replace the words Bride and Groom below with the
names of the happy couple. This ceremony was used by both my wife
and  myself and by my sister and her husband.  They modified  the
text  at the point below where it says "loving each other  wholly
and completely" to add the phrase "forsaking all others" as  they
are into monogamy.  Either version works beautifully, I recommend
the participants rewrite where necessary to form a legal contract
that  they  can  and  will keep.  It is easy to  avoid  being  an
oathbreaker  if  you only swear to that you  will  keep  and
avoid swearing to something just because the other party wants it
or because it might be "expected" by the family. Notice: parts of
this ritual were cribbed from the writings of others. I apologize
in  advance  for  failure  to reference  sources  but  after  the
fifteenth rewrite we had forgotten where we got the text and what
was and what was not original to us.  I doubt if there are quotes
from  other sources longer than paragraph length and thus  should
not  be a copyright problem.  If you see something that is yours,
please send me mail and I will reference you in the  future.  Our
thanks to those who paved the way. --Ryan Hunter]
 
[PRIEST] We have come together here in celebration of the joining
together of ____bride______ and ____groom______.  There are
many
things to say about marriage. Much wisdom  concerning the joining
together  of  two  souls,has come our way through  all  paths  of
belief,  and from many cultures.  With each union, more knowledge
is gained and more wisdom gathered.  Though we are unable to give
all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope
to  leave  with them the knowledge of love and its strengths  and
the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time.   The law of
life  is love unto all beings.    Without love,  life is nothing,
without love,  death has no redemption.  Love is anterior to Life,
posterior  to  Death,   initial of Creation and the  exponent  of
Earth.   If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
 
Marriage  is  a bond to be entered into only  after  considerable
thought  and reflection.  As with any aspect of life,  it has its
cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs.  With
full understanding of this,  Groom and Bride have come here today
to be joined as one in marriage.

Others would ask,  at this time, who gives the bride in marriage,
but,  as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and
taken,  I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she  has
her family's blessing.
 
Bride,   is   it  true that you come of your own free  will   and
accord?
 
[BRIDE] Yes, it is true.
 
[PRIEST] With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany
you.
 
[FATHER] She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all
of her family's blessings.
 
[PRIEST] Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that
which I am about to say.
 
Above you are the stars,  below you are the stones,  as time doth
pass, remember...
 
Like  a  stone should your love be firm like a star  should  your
love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect
guide you in your marriage,  let the strength of your wills  bind
you  together,  let the power of love and desire make you  happy,
and  the  strength of your dedication make  you  inseparable.  Be
close,   but  not  too  close.    Possess  one  another,  yet  be
understanding.   Have patience with one another,  for storms will
come, but they will pass quickly.
 
Be free in giving affection and warmth.  Have no fear and let not
the  ways of the unenlightened give you unease,  for God is  with
you always.
 
Groom,  I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have
this right.   If it be your wish,  say so at this time  and place
your ring in her hand.
 
[GROOM] It is my wish.

[PRIEST]  Bride,   if  it be your wish for Groom to be bound   to
you,  place the ring on his finger.  (places ring on Groom's left
ring finger)
 
Bride  I  have not the right to bind thee to Groom only you  have
this right.   If it be your wish,  say so at this time  and place
your ring in his hand.
[BRIDE] It is my wish.
[PRIEST] Groom,  if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you,
place   the   ring on her finger.(places ring on   Bride's   left
ring finger)
 
(to Groom) Repeat after me:
 
I,   (grooms full name),   in the name of the spirit of God  that
resides  within us all,  by the life that courses within my blood
and  the love that resides within my heart,   take thee  (bride's
full  name) to my hand,   my heart,   and my spirit,   to be   my
chosen  one.  To desire thee and be desired by thee,  to  possess
thee,  and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught
can  exist in the purity of my love for thee.   I promise to love
thee wholly and completely without restraint,  in sickness and in
health,  in plenty and in poverty,  in life and beyond,  where we
shall meet, remember, and love again.  I shall not seek to change
thee in any way.   I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people,
and thy ways as I respect myself.
 
(to Bride)
I  (bride's full name),   in the name of the spirit  of  God that
resides  within  us  all,   by the life that courses  within   my
blood,  and  the  love that resides within my heart,  take  thee,
(Groom's full name) to my hand,   my heart,   and my spirit to be
my  chosen one.   To desire and be desired by  thee,  to  possess
thee,  and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught
can  exist in the purity of my love for thee.   I promise to love
thee wholly and completely without restraint,  in sickness and in
health,  in plenty and in poverty,  in life and beyond,  where we
shall meet, remember, and love again.  I shall not seek to change
thee in any way.   I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people,
and thy ways as I respect myself.

[PRIEST]
(hands  chalice to the groom,  saying:) May you drink  your  fill
from the cup of love.
 
(Groom  holds  chalice to bride while she sips then  bride  takes
chalice and holds it to groom while he sips.  The chalice is then
handed  back to the Priest who sets it on the  table.   Next  the
Priest  takes the plate of bread,  giving it to the groom.   Same
procedure  repeated  with bread,  groom feeding bride  and  bride
feeding groom.)
 
By the power vested in me by God and the State of Alabama,  I now
pronounce you husband and wife.  May your love so endure that its
flame remains a guiding light unto you.

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TOOLS:  Drinking Horn
        Hammer (Mjollnir)
        Sword
        Pentacle/Stone
        Bowl of Salt
        Water
        Censer & Incense

CELEBRANTS:
        White Priestess (Skadi)
        Gold Priest     (Freyr)
        Red Priestess   (Freyja)
        Red Priest      (Heimdallr)
        Black Priestess (Vala)
        Black Priest    (Odin)

Procession, consisting of Soulers (any small number) and White
Mare.

Skadi takes the sword around the circle with these words:

        SHARP BRIGHT STEEL THE CIRCLE SCRIBES;
        CARVING, CLEAVING WORLD FROM WORLD.

Freyja banishes the circle with the hammer and these words:

        MANKIND'S FRIEND, BY MJOLLNIR'S MIGHT
        BANISH BEINGS THAT BODE US ILL!

She stands in the center and to each quarter and above and below she
makes the Hammer-Sign, saying,

        HOLY HAMMER, HALLOW AND HOLD US.

Vala seals the circle, carrying pentacle and bowl of salt, saying,

        STOUT STONE SHIELD US, SHUT THE CIRCLE.

Skadi asperses the circle (Vala follows with censer) with these
words:

        BE ALL BLESS'D WHO BIDE HEREIN,
        BY STONE AND SEA, BY STORM AND SUN.

Now Heimdallr takes the sword and calls the quarters as follows:

        WISDOM'S WAIN,  EAST WIND I CALL THEE!
        THOUGHTS THY THANES  THAT THRIVE IN NEWNESS.
        BREATHE AND BLESS,  BLOW ALL CLEAN;
        WATCH AND WARD,  O WIND OF MIND.

        SUMMER'S SAVOUR,  SOUTH WIND COME NOW!
        BRIGHT THE BLESSINGS  YOU BEAR WITH YOU.
        STRONG OF SPIRIT,  SUN-LIKE FIRE;
        WATCH AND WARD,  O WIND OF SOUL.

        WILD AND WET,  WEST WIND I SUMMON!
        SEA-SPRAY BEARING,  SINGING, SHOUTING;
        BEATS THE EARTH'S BLOOD  IN THY BREAST;
        WATCH AND WARD,  O WIND OF HEART.

        WHITE WITH WINTER,  NORTH WIND, WAKEN!
        STONE'S STRENGTH BRINGING,  SNOW-CLOAKED WIND.
        FROM THE FROST-REALMS,  FRESH AND CHILL,
        WATCH AND WARD,  O WIND OF FORM.

The Priestesses and Priests stand opposite each other, and each one
of the pair invokes the other, as follows:

Skadi (to Freyr)
        LORD OF LIFE, HAIL LAND-MASTER!
        GOD OF GRAIN THAT GROWS AND DIES
        AND RISES REBORN, FULL OF RICHNESS;
        FALLOW FIELDS SHALL YET BE FERTILE --
        SPRING SAP RUNS AS STIRS YOUR PHALLUS --
        BLESS BARREN EARTH, LET IT BEAR AGAIN!

Freyr (to Skadi)
        SHOW-SHOES STRIDING, HAIL SWIFT HUNTRESS!
        WILD ONE, FREE AND WILLFUL GODDESS,
        BOW AND BLADE YOU BEAR BESIDE YOU,
        FINDING FOOD TO FEND OFF HUNGER.
        WINTER WILL NOT LEAVE US WANTING;
        GIVE GOOD HUNTING, GRANT US SKILL!

Freyja (to Heimdallr)
        STANDING STEADFAST, HAIL FAR-SEER!
        WATCHFUL ONE, ON RAINBOW WAITING,
        HORN AT HAND TO ROUSE THE HEROES,
        NEWS YOU KNOW FROM NINE WORLDS OVER.
        PEOPLE'S PARENT AND OUR PATRON,
        OPEN OUR EYES TO ALTERED SIGHT.

Heimdallr (to Freyja)
        VANIR BRIDE, HAIL VISION-GIVER!
        CAPPED IN CAT-FUR, CLOAKED IN FEATHERS,
        DRUMMING FOR THE DANCE OF DREAMS,
        YOU HASTE TO HUNT OUT HIDDEN THINGS.
        SCANT NOW THE SCREEN THAT HINDERS SIGHT;
        LET US LEARN THE LORE OF TRANCE-WORK.

Vala (to Odin)
        ONE-EYE, WANDERER, GOD OF WISDOM,
        HUNT-LORD, HAIL, WHO LEADS THE HOSTING!
        NINE NIGHTS HANGING, KNOWLEDGE GAINING,
        CLOAKED AT CROSSROADS, COUNCIL HIDDEN.
        NOW THE NIGHT, YOUR TIME IS NEAR US --
        RIGHT ROADS SEND US ON, RUNE-WINNER.

Odin (to Vala)
        EVERY AGE YOUR EYE HAS WITNESSED,
        CAULDRON-KEEPER; HAIL, WISE CRONE!
        REDE IN RIDDLES IS YOUR RATION --
        WYRD-WEAVING AT THE WORLD-TREE'S ROOT.
        ELDEST ANCIENT, ALL-KNOWING ONE,
        SPEAK SECRETS TO US, SEND US KENNING.

Odin reminds everyone what the festival is about, as follows:

Odin:   SO COMES THE SOULS'-DAY.  SUMMON FOR FEASTING
        ANCESTORS, ANCIENTS, HONOURED AND BLESSED;
        LET IN BELOVED ONES, LEND THEM YOUR BODIES --
        WHOM DO YOU HALLOW?  HAIL THEM BY NAME!

Allow a few minutes for everybody to name the ancestor they want
to welcome.  Then Vala gives this admonition:

Vala:   AS ANCIENT ELDERS YOU LEARN FROM AND HONOUR,
        LET NOT THE LIVING ONES MOULDER ALONE.
        NEAR IS THEIR KNOWLEDGE  NEARER THAN SPIRITS',
        SEEN WITHOUT CEREMONY, SIMPLY FOR ASKING.

Both:   GRANDMOTHERS, GRANDFATHERS, GREAT BE THEIR BLESSINGS
        PAST ONES AND PRESENT  WE DANCE THEM ALL POWER!

All the Celebrants but Heimdallr form a circle facing outward;
Heimdallr goes to the West, and all say:

        WIDE ARE THE WORLDGATES; NOW THE WIGHTS WANDER.
        WELCOME WITHIN ARE THE DEAD WHO WERE OURS;
        REST FROM RIDING HERE, REVEL AND FEAST HERE;
        COME IN, OLD KINSFOLK, KEEPERS OF WISDOM!

 Heimdallr cuts the Soulers' Procession into the Circle on "Come in",
and moves to stand with the other Celebrants while the Soulers
dance slowly around singing:

        WELCOME WINTER, WANING SEASON,
        NOW WITH NIGHT THE NEW YEAR COMES;
        ALL WHO HONOUR ELDER KINSFOLK
        DANCE THE DEAD TO EARTHLY DRUMS.
        SOULS RESPECTED SAFEGUARD LIVING
        HOUSE WE'LL HOLD, AND HALLOW HEARTH;
        BLESSINGS BE ON THOSE WHO BIDE HERE,
        AND INDEED ON ALL THE EARTH!

The Celebrants begin also to circle, dancing in character, starting
widdershins then spiraling in and out to end deosil, as in the
meeting dance, while the Soulers encourage the outer circle to dance
also.  The intent should be for luck in the new year, and better
connection with our Ancestors (as well as better treatment of our
Elders!).  WE ARE THE OLD PEOPLE, and BLOOD OF THE ANCIENTS are
appropriate and may be sung in polyphony...

As the providers of food, FREYR and SKADI bring forward the feast.
Some food should be laid out for the ancestors, and people should be
encouraged to let the ancestors use their senses for a while to enjoy
the food with them.  The Soulers in particular should receive Soul
Cakes.  A strong magical gesture would be for people to bring
forward canned and other non-
perishable food (which can be later given to a food bank or similar
organization).

Freyr speaks as follows:
        CAKES TO US CARRY, CORN FROM THE STOREHOUSE;
        WINE DEFIES WINTER, WARM WITH CAUGHT RIPENESS;
        MILK MADE TO CHEESES, MEAT DRIED AND SALTED;
        LAST OF THE LAND'S FRUITS ERE THE LONG SLEEP.

Skadi speaks as follows:
        GOOD NUTS AND GAME-FOOD ARE HUNTERS' GUERDON;
        SLEEPING EARTH'S SECRETS YIELD TO THE SEEKER
        TRUE BURIED TREASURE: ONIONS, POTATOES
        FOREST SHALL FEED US WHILE THE FIELDS REST.

Both say (if there is to be food donation):
        ALL WHO HAVE AUGHT TO OFFER, NOW BRING IT;
        WIGHTS, BEAR YE WITNESS  WORK WITH THE GIVERS.
        FEEDING OUR FELLOWS, LET US BE FED SO,
        SOPS FOR THE SPIRIT OR SUP FOR THE FLESH.

[If there is to be scrying and divination, it should be done now in a
quiet space marked off as separate from the feasting-place.  FREYJA
and HEIMDALLR lead the scrying and VALA and ODIN lead rune-work,
with the following optional speeches:

Heimdallr:
        LET THE LOTS TUMBLE, LOOSING THEIR LEARNING;
        WORD-WOOD AND WIT-STONES, WON THROUGH ORDEAL.
        COME UP AND CAST THEM, WHILE WORD IS CLEAREST
        AUGERS MAY ANSWER   AUGHT THE YEAR HOLDS.

Freyja: WIDE ARE THE WORLDGATES, WINDOWS ARE OPEN;
        SIGHTS MAY BE SEEN NOW, ELSETIMES BUT SCARCELY.
        CRYSTAL AND CAULDRON   CAPTURE THE VISION;
        MYSTERY'S MEANING   SPEAKS TO THE MINDFUL.]

Note: it is entirely appropriate for partying to go on inside the
sacred circle (people can get up and move around), so that the Dead
have the opportunity to enjoy their day before we bid them farewell;
the circle should be cast large, with this in mind.  The only
constraint is to open in sufficient time to clean up the hall before
the rental time runs out. The circle is opened as follows:

Heimdallr:
        TO WATCHING WINDS, WE WISH FAIR WANDERING;
        FAN US SWEET FRAGRANCE; HAIL, FAREWELL!

ALL:    TO SLEEPLESS SOULS, WE WISH SWEET RESTING;
        FRIENDS WILL KEEP FAITH; FAREWELL NOW!

        GODS AND GODDESSES, GO WITH PRAISES!
        FINISHED OUR FESTIVAL; HAIL, FAREWELL!

Celebrants ground with this formula:
        AS FROM THE EARTH OUR ENERGY COMES,
        INTO THE EARTH THE EXCESS FLOWS;
        EARTH AND ALL EMPOWERED ALIKE
        BE IT SO!

Skadi:  SEE: THE CIRCLE IS SEVERED THUS [she cuts]
        MERRY MEET, MERRY PART, MERRY MEET AGAIN!

B*B
Leigh Ann
ThelemaNet - Hail Eris! * (415) 548-0163 (Opus 1:161/93)