Tools:
In addition to your m'jyk-l tools you will need:
· A Red Altar Cloth
· A Wicker Basket
· A Red Apple
· Assorted Fruits and Vegetables of the Second Harvest
(Berries, Squash, Corn, etc)
· A Bell
· A Fallen Tree Branch*
· A Boline
· A Sprig or Two of Ivy
· An Autumn Blend Incense
· Any other Personal items of choice
Preparation:
Sweep area,
moving in a deosil (clockwise) manner. Outline your Circle with
a red cord, low vibration stones, or various Harvest items such
as wheat, corn, beans, etc. Set up your altar and place the red
altar cloth over it. At center top, place the wicker basket, filled
with the assorted fruit and vegetables. Place the apple and the
boline on your Pentacle or a plate. Place the tree branch to the
right of the basket. Place the rest of your tools and props according
to your personal preference. Take a shower or bath for purity.
Sit quietly and meditate to ground and center. When you are ready,
begin by playing some soothing music associated with the Sabbat
and your ritual.
Cast
the Circle and call Quarters:
Pick up your Wand in your right hand, face your altar, and with
arms stretched out above your head, say:
"I honor Thee, Autumn Queen, and Thy
consort, the God of the Harvest.
The Wheel has once more turned, and the change of season begins.
What will be is. What was will be.
The Equinox is upon us, and the time to reflect, at hand.
All time comes together, here and now in this sacred space.
And I, but a moment in time, feel the change as I pass From one
season to the next.
The Second Harvest has been reaped, and the time of rest is deserved.
Go now My Mother and slumber.
Go now My Father and dream of re-birth.
I shall be here to greet Thee on Your return."
With arms still out-stretched lower your head and close your eyes.
Contemplate what you have just spoken. When ready, open your eyes
and lower your arms. Pick up the apple and place it in the center
of the Pentacle/plate. Cut it crosswise with the Boline, to reveal
the natural pentagram at it's core. Then lift half the apple,
pentagram up, as if in offering, while saying:
"As the Wheel turns, the seasons pass,
and the years give 'way To the next,
Guide me most Wise Ones,
Lest I forget
Every beginning has an ending
And every ending is a new beginning."
Take a bite of the apple. Put the rest aside to share later with
the wildlife. Pick up the tree branch and shake once at each direction,
starting with North, saying:
"As
the days grow colder, and the nights last longer,
May I remember the summer past.
With
sunlight fading, and hearth inviting,
My memories will warm my soul.
From a season of hard work and hard play,
I hear Mother's voice calling me forward.
While I rest, shall She lull me, with songs of a dream,
As close to Her bosom I cling."
Face the altar and hold the branch out in front of you with both
hands, saying:
"With memories of the summer, least
I never forget,
And aspirings for the colder months to come,
Least I never stop striving,
I honor Thee with this symbol of Nature,
Keeping it and Thee in my home and heart,
That I may see it and pause,
To reflect on the Ancient Mysteries,
Leading me to a better understanding of myself,
And of others, and all that is Life."
Put the tree branch on the altar, into the basket of fruit so
that it sticks out, back in your direction. Contemplate on the
various memory symbols that you have attached to it. Also contemplate
on the various projects for autumn and winter that you have attached
to it. Close your eyes and feel the seasons pass within the circle
from summer to autumn. When ready, say:
"Between the worlds I stand in this
sacred place.
All time is here and now.
As I leave this circle, the season shall have changed,
And I will have changed with it.
May I use the short time of Winter Finding
To draw the strength and power from within
As I quest for vision, understanding, and peace."
Pick up the sprig(s) of ivy, and wrap around your arms, from the
elbow to the wrist. Pick up the Bell with your right hand, and
ring thrice, to toll the passing of the first 3 seasons of the
year. Now place it in your left hand and ring once to usher in
the 4th and last season of the year. Place the bell on the altar
and the ivy in your cauldron (for burning later). Say:
"In Life is Death, and in Death is
Life.
The Sacred Dance goes on and on
From whence we came, we shall return,
And come again.
Seasons pass, and pass again,
The circle stays unbroken
Heed the words of your child, here,
Through Your wisdom I have spoken."
It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings
would include those for protection, wealth, security, and self-confidence.
If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then
release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Find an appropriate
place in your home to display the decorated tree branch.
*Find
a fallen tree branch. It need not be a large one, for it will
adorn your altar, then go on display in your home. The more smaller
offshoots from the main branch, the better. Mine has four, which
I think is awesome! Next, take a couple of pine cones, small shells,
dried flowers, or any other item that reminds you of the late
spring-summer months. With some string, tie each to the offshoots.
Also take yarn or ribbon of yellows, oranges, reds, and gold and
tie one end to the offshoots. Then, on very thin strips of (colored)
paper, write down some projects to work on during the upcoming
' dark ' months. Wrap these around the offshoots (like little
cocoons) and tie closed with silver thread. These you will open
over the next couple of months when you start feeling lethargic
or without a sense of direction. I tie on a couple of small bells,
to add some ambiance to my ritual...
**This
ritual and the accompanying activity planner are dedicated to
MadaRua, as she gracefully transcends from one season of Life
to the next. Our prayers and blessings are with you...
--Adapted
by Akasha Ap Emrys to share with all her friends and those of
like mind--
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection
wicca.com. All rights reserved. http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabonrit.htm
