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Oestara Ritual Outline
This is a ritual I have used when in circle with folks of Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions. it follows a pretty standard (and traditional) outline but could be modified for more eclectic practices.
1) Bless the water and salt. 2) Cast the circle. 3) Smudge & asperge the circle.
4) Quarter Calls
East Come ye spirits of the east, powers of air, sail on golden wings of dawn. Blow away the staleness of winter. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
South Come ye spirits of the south, powers of fire, bring the heart of noon to warm our days. Coax the seeds from the womb of the earth. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
West Come ye spirits of the west, powers of water, let our souls flow with the beauty of your tides. Bless the land with dew-filled mornings. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
North Come ye spirits of the north, powers of earth, hold us rooted by tree and flower. Bring us the beauty of your lush green meadows. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
HP: Prince of Light, Lord of spring, you wax to the fullness of youth and bless the world with your bright spirit. Join us in this sacred circle. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
HPS: Great Mother who gives our world form, as your web of life renews the earth, light that spark within us to awaken our souls. Join us in this sacred circle. Be with us this night.
All: Be with us this night.
(The flowerpot is on the altar. HPS gives each participant a few seeds.)
HPS: Hold the seeds in your hand, and cup your other hand over it. Close your eyes. At the winter solstice we made wishes and set forth intentions for the New Year. Now it is time to bring those wishes and intentions into the physical world. Let your energy flow into the seeds. Once you have clearly visualized what you want, open your eyes and place the seeds in the pot.
(Once everyone has put their seeds into the pot, HPS places the pot in the center of the circle.)
HPS: The intentions of the individual have now become the goal of the whole. Now we will summon forth the energy of the earth to energize the seeds we have planted.
(Everyone joins hands at the wrists. Slowly circle and chant:)
ALL: Gaia rising, Gaia rising, Mother of Love, Mother of Life.
(Once the energy reaches its peak, release it into the sky.)
HPS: May the Spring bring growth, may what we plant here come to fruition. So mote it be!
All: So mote it be.
(Everyone sits on the floor to ground and prepare for Cakes and Ale. HPS blesses the Cakes and Ale.)
6) Cakes and Ale
7) Dismiss of the Watchtowers
HPS: Great Mother, we ask that your blessings remain in our hearts and that we live in harmony with all that dwells on this earth. We thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
HP: Lord of the spring and budding new life, we welcome the growth and beauty that you bestow upon the greening land. We thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
North: Spirits of the north, of earth that brings for new life, we thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
West: Spirits of the west, of waters that nourish the land, we thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
South: Spirits of the South, of fire that provides new beginnings, we thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
East: Spirits of the east, of air and precious breath, we thank you for your presence this night. Go if you will, stay if you must. We bid you farewell.
All: We bid you farewell.
8) Close the circle.
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