Rites of Passage Rituals

[aiyanna]

- A Wiccan Funeral Ritual
This is a very touching funeral ritual. The decesed is honoured by friends, family and coven-mates in a long ritual intended to help the decesed pass over and to help those left behind to remember him in life and remember that they will all be reincarnated one day.

www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccan-funeral.txt

[aiyanna]

Birthing Dedication From "Magickal Rites from the Crystal Well"
by Ed. Fitch

Holding the child to face the heavens say:
O Lady of the starry heavens, wise All-Father, behold this lovely child, (name).
Conceived and brought forth in love.
Bless and protect him/her and grant the gifts of wisdom, inspiration and wonder.

Holding the child to face the ground say:

Hail Earth, Mother of all.
This is my infant, my love, and my jewel.
Bless and protect him/her, granting your enduring and eternal strength and steadfastness.
May he/she ever have a spirit that seeks the stars and roots deep within thy loving breast.

Hold the child close to your heart and join heartbeats.

www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/birthwiccaning.html

[aiyanna]

Babies are the cause of special concern in everyone's life. This ritual is for those Women who have decided to keep their babies or who have decided to name them before giving them to another Mother.

Form a Circle in the usual manner. Draw the Goddess into a Woman baby and the God into a boy. The "Charge" from any traditional Book of Lights follows the Naming and replaces "The Truth". Male adults may be present if you use the name of the Goddesses for the First Degree Circle.

www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/wiccaningnaming.html
The youngest member of the Coven bathes the little Woman in lightly salted consecrated water. The Handmaiden should assist her if the youngest member is herself tiny.

The Kore then anoints the baby and the High Priestess carries the baby into the Circle. The Kore cuts the Circle and performs all the duties of the High Priestess when forming the Circle after the baby's bath. The Handmaiden acts the part of the Kore. The Messenger acts the part of the Handmaiden lighting her own maiden candle at noon or the day before if necessary. The High Priestess sits at the foot of the Altar with the baby. She whispers in her left ear and tells her everything that is going on and why.

Do not include "The Dance" in the formation of the Circle. Perform the Libation with the Sabbat Cakes. Make one without Marijuana for the baby and the baby's mother if she is nursing. Mark them clearly, drawing a picture of the baby on it with food coloring.

Give the baby a taste of wine to drink (just a drop) from the Cup during the Libation. The toasts are for the health and well being of the baby.
After the Libation, the Mother of the little Woman retrieves her baby. She stands with her back to the Altar holding the baby so the infant can see the Altar over her Mother's shoulder. Of course, the baby must be awake for this part of the ritual. Babies being the individuals that they are, are not necessarily cooperative.
If you can't gently rouse the baby, then perform this part of the ritual with the Mother holding the baby with both of them facing the Altar.

The Mother says: BABY OF MY BODY CHILD OF MY SOUL WOMEN IN THIS TINY BODY I LOVE YOU
I GIVE YOU THE NAME OF _____________ UNTIL YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN
Everyone applauds and toasts the new born child.
Don't close The Circle.
Let the party continue.

[aiyanna]

Author's Note: This is the text of the Wiccaning ritual Carol and I used for our baby. We were lucky enough to have three other covens in the area to join with us in welcoming Arnie to the world. It seemed to be well received.

Remember that the ceremony is more for the adults than the child! It is more important to make sure that the feelings come through than to follow a set form. The Wiccaning ceremony is:

* a reminder that the child has chosen to be born to you;
* an introduction to the physical and spiritual aspects of the world by meeting the elementals and the Lord and Lady;
* a naming ceremony;
* the parents verbalizing their feelings by stating vows (very important IMHO);
* community building by allowing all present a chance to verbalize their feelings.

Cast Circle

Priestess:
We gather together 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:
His spirit is one with us, as he has shown by choosing to reincarnate in this time and place. But his body is new, and must be introduced to the ancient ways of our people.

Parents hold child facing north. Priestess moves to the north holding salt.

Priestess:

I call to the North
Powers and creatures of Earth
Greet this child,
And give him your blessings.

Sprinkle baby with salt. Parents then hold child facing East. Priest moves to the east with censer.

Priest:

I call to the East,
Powers and creatures of Air.
Greet this child,
And give him your blessings.

Cense child. Parents then hold child facing south. Priest moves to the south with the sword (or wand).

Priest:

I call to the South,
Powers and creatures of Fire.
Greet this child,
And give him your blessings.

Touch baby with the flat of the blade (or wand). Parents then hold child facing the West. Priestess moves to the west with the chalice.

Priestess:

I call to the West,
Powers and creatures of Water.
Greet this child,
And give him your blessings.

Sprinkle baby with water. Priest and Priestess return to Altar, parents and child stand on the other side of the altar.

Priestess:

Woden and Freya, Lord and Lady,
We bring this young child before You,
Asking that You embrace him in body and spirit.
Protect and guide him upon his path,
and witness that we accept him into out community
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.

Priest:
(parent's names), have you chosen a Wiccan name for your child?

Parents:
Yes, -------

Priestess:
(baby's mundane name), your parents have chosen (------) to be your Pagan name until you come of age. You have honored them by being born to them. Now, they return the honor with these vows:

Parent's state their vows to the child; generally to love and respect and protect the child and to be an all around good parent.

Priest:
The Lord and Lady, the watchtowers, and all present bear witness to the naming of this child, and to the vows made by his parents. It is time for the community to welcome (------). Greet him and give him your blessings.

Priest and Priestess give their blessings, then parents take the baby around to meet the rest of the Circle and receive their blessings.

Priestess:
As adults coming into the Craft, we tend to emphasize the rite of initiation into the mysteries. Yet, as important as that is, initiation is only one of many rites of passage to be experienced in a lifetime. (------) has experienced his first rite of passage and his first Circle. May the Gods grant that the members of this community will be there to guard and guide him as he grows to reach other rites of passage.

Cakes and Ale or close Circle

Written by: Coven of the Fertile Earth
C.O.F.E.
PO Box 174
Mechanicsville, VA 23111-0174
Permission is granted to distribute, use and adapt for personal use.

[aiyanna]

The Induction Into A Pagan Family

A right of passage, the Pagan Rite has been practiced since the earliest of Celtic times. Each religious belief has it's own method of induction. Christianity performs baptismal ceremonies, a Hebrew family performs a brisk, and the pagan family performs the Pagan Rite or Paganing Ritual.

The rite can be performed on a new born, a child adopted into a pagan family, or for an adult who wishes to formally step upon the path of pagan spirituality. It is a formal presentation or dedication of the child to the God/Goddess. However, the Pagan Rite does not permanently bind a child to the path of the parent. Rather it allows the child to chose through his or her free will the future of their spirituality.

The Pagan Rite is designed to establish a spiritual base in the child's life. Petitioning aid and guardianship, making a vow to the God/Goddess that the parents will steer the child into the positive path he or she is meant to take in this life time.

Pagan children are brought to an altar of old deities in much the same way as mainstream children are brought to their church or synagogue. The child is anointed, presented to the gathering and ending with a celebration of family and friends. A confirmation of faith, what most pagans call 'The Coming of Age', takes place when the child reaches their teen years and is considered old enough to make their own spiritual decisions. Because of the age difference, many new pagans prefer to take part in the 'Coming Of Age' rite, instead of the Pagan Rite.

The Pagan Rite
Any pagan ritual or ceremony should be performed within a circle. The circle represents the flow of life, the ever ending circle of growth. This ceremony is written for the solitary couple. However, the 'leadership' tasks of the father, can be conducted by a Shaman, or coven Priest or Priestess.

The Altar:
An altar is placed in the northern sphere of the circle. You'll need:

* A large white candle.
* 2 smaller candles (tapered candles are best). The colors can represent the triple Goddess, the cycles of life, or the alchemical elements or the colors of the closet Sabbat festival.
* Candle holders, matches and a candle sniffer to extinguish the ritual candle.
* A chalice filled with blessed water and a small ceremonial dish.
* A small decorative towel.
* Oil for anointing the child. Rose oil is preferred.
o For a new born, the oil should be diluted 1 to 3 parts with baby oil so as not to create any skin irritations.
* A masculine tool, such as a wand, or athame.
* A ceremonial broom
* A rope made of natural fibers to define the ritual circle. The rope should be able to encompass an areas 5-6 feet in diameter. Or larger if guests will be joining you inside the circle.

The Circle:
The parents or guardians should cast the circle.

* Fold the cotton rope in equal halves to find the center.
* The parents stand outside the position of the circle, laying the center section on the ground and on the outside of the altar.
* Moving in opposite directions, the parents lay the remainder of the rope on the ground, until the circle is defined and the ends are aligned together in the south.
* A small opening should be left to allow the parents and the child a means of entry into the circle.
* If you want to make a circle big enough to also encompass any guests, family members or witnesses, you can. Just make sure you have a large enough continuous rope. Otherwise, your guests can stand along the outside of the circle.


Enter The Circle:
Once the circle has been laid, the mother should take the child in her arms, or by the hand. The father stands before the entry way and states the intent of the gathering.

* In the name of the God/Goddess, I "state your name", and my partner "state the mothers name", enter this sacred circle for the purpose of honoring a new life and welcoming "state the baby's name" into our spiritual family.
* The father stands to one side and allows the mother and child to enter the circle first.
* If any guests are to enter, now is the time for them to do so.
* When everyone is inside, the father enters the circle, placing a ceremonial broom across the opening, closing the circle to set and protect the divine ritual space.


Evoke the God/Goddess:
You can use the generic Maiden, Mother, Crone and God, or you can evoke a specific deity of your choosing. But the Gods must be present to bless the child.

* Both parents can stand or kneel before the altar.
* Together, hold the baby and verbally present the child to the deities.
* State the child's given legal name, then magikal or craft name.
o It is customary for the child to use this magikal name in ceremonies and ritual until their Coming of Age ritual. At that time, the child can choose to retain the name given here, or create their own.
o It is important to give some serious thought to the magikal name you are bestowing on the child. Names are very important to the Celts, and carry with them a great deal of energy. The name should reflect the child's characteristics, or your hopes for the child's future.
* The presentation might go something like this:
"Great Spirits, In this sacred space, we present to you "child's legal name", who we welcome into our magikal family as "the child's magik name". We ask for your blessings, as we dedicate him/her to you as a child of the Old Ways. This blessing we ask, will not bind him/her to this spiritual path, nor do we invoke our will upon him/her. Rather it is an act of love, for "the child's name", to be blessed, protected and guided until he/she is wise enough to choose a spiritual path and place for him/herself."
* The father should light one of the small candles to represent the flame of life that has been lit within the child.
* Hold the child up for the blessing from the God.
o The father should take the athame, or which ever masculine tool you choose. Hold it up to the God until you feel his presence and energy merge with the athame.
o Lightly place the tool upon the crown of the child's head.
* Give the blessing to the God
"Through the Great Spirit 'state the God's name', we give you the blessings of strength, perseverance and truthfulness. We bestow upon 'child's name', the qualities of kindness, mercy and unconditional love. We present you with a loving family, cherished friends and kinship with nature. We bless you with knowledge, loyalty and the gifts of communication and expression. Blessings be to The."


Anoint the Child:
Replace the athame upon the altar. The parents should switch roles at this point. The father takes the child and mother takes the oil from the altar.

* The mother pours a small amount of oil from it's container into the ceremonial dish. Then add a small amount of the blessed water from the chalice.
* As you mix the ingredients, state your intent:
"To the Great Spirits of 'state the names of the Goddess', I ask for your blessing of this water of life, and oil of spirit. Please allow the two mix in balance and ease, in divine purpose and filled with the light and love of your hands".
* The Mother, lights the second small candle to represent the light of the divine spirit which shines through the innocence of the child.
* Set the ceremonial dish within reach, but still on the altar.
* Take your right hand and dip your finger tips into the mixture.
* Place the oil on the soles of the child's feet, then on top from the ankles to the toes.
* Give the blessing:
"In the name of the Maiden, I bless 'the child's magik name' your feet that they might always walk along the straight and blessed path. Blessings be to The".
* Dip your fingers again and place the water on the womb or genital area of the child.
* Give the blessing:
"In the name of the Mother, I bless your center of creation and creativity, that you might be fruitful and abundant in all your endeavors within this life. Blessings be to The".
* Dip your fingers a third time and place the mixture upon the child's forehead.
* Give the blessing:
"In the name of the Crone, I bless your mind that it might always seek knowledge, truth and wisdom so might grow to spiritual enlightenment. Blessings be to The."
* Set the chalice, dish and oil to one side of the altar and dry your hands with the small towel.
o Later, as your cleaning up, you might pour the remainder of the mixture from the dish on the towel. Set it in a clean area where it can dry, then use it as a fragrance enhancer in the child's dresser or closet or even a hope chest if you have prepared one.


Spiritual Dedication:
Holding the child together again, each parent places their free hand upon the base of the candle they lit during the ceremony.

* Give the blessing:
"Little 'the child's magik name', you are now one of the magikal folk. May you forever be surrounded by their love and support, and always know you may turn to your God or Goddess in time of need or thanksgiving. With our love and devotion we stand watch over your path as the tools and guides of the Great Spirits, this is our vow of love and responsibility."
* Each parent lifts their candle and together lit the larger white candle in the center.
* Set the individuals candles back on the altar and state
"Blessings be to The".


Family Presentation and Closing:
Together the parents turn from the altar and present the child to the guests and family who might be present. If you are home alone, don't forget the family pets (if there are any) should also be presented out of respect. If you are alone, you can exit the circle.

* The father lifts the ceremonial broom and escorts mother and child out of the ritual space.
* Turn back to the circle and state:
"Our thanks and gratitude to the forces that be present, to the Lord and Ladies, the guides and guardians. We close this sacred circle and return this space back to it's original state. Blessings be to all."
* Step back from the circle.


The ceremony is now concluded, but you still have some clean up to do. Mom should care for the child and Dad should snuff out the 2 small candles. The larger candle should be placed on a mantle or as a center piece on the dining room table for a small celebration meal. The candle should be allowed to burn for a minimum of 1 full hour. But do not leave the candle un-attended. When it's time to extinguish the flame, snuff it out with the candle snifter.

Clean up your ritual space and altar. Then join in a celebration of life and spirit.

Blessings be to you and yours.

A Paganing Rite Page

[aiyanna]

WICCANING CEREMONYS

www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccaning.txt

www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccaning-2.txt

www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccaning-3.txt

www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccaning-4.txt

[aiyanna]

Child Blessing Ritual
Copyright © AllWitch.com. All Rights Reserved



Many parents - and indeed, many of our own clergy - prefer not to perform a name giving ceremony (sometimes called a Wiccaning) until the child is old enough to decide their own spiritual path. Instead, we perform a non-formal ceremony soon after the child's birth. Those present are only the High Priestess, the child and the parents - this is not a gathering, but a presentation of the child to the deities. This is a beautiful, short ceremony, usually performed at midnight on the first full moon after the child's birth, in an open space such as by the ocean or in the countryside. If you have decided on a formal naming ceremony however, click here to see our ritual for this.

The only equipment you need is a solution of blessed salt and water.

HPS - In the name of the great Mother and Father, welcome (name) to this life. May this be the start of a time that is filled with love, compassion, strength and beauty. May you be protected in the knowledge that you are being watched and cared for, and may you choose your path joyously

I call upon (deity) to be your special protector and guardian, may he/she be with you through rise and fall and be the foundation upon which you build your dreams, the rock that comforts you in times of need and the river that cradles you on your journey through life. I bless you with this salt and water, and with the sign of the pentagram (trace pentagram) in the names of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit, and in the name of the mighty Father who will protect and guide you, and the great Mother from whom you have come and to whose womb you must someday return.

Welcome, child, welcome to the world

[aiyanna]

WICCANING
Copyright © 2001 AllWitch.com. All Rights Reserved

We prefer not to perform this ceremony until the child is old enough to express a wish to follow this spiritual path, but if parents do want a Wiccaning for a younger child or baby we usually agree. Two or more patrons are selected, one of each gender, to act as Patrons to the child, or "god and goddess father/mother". Please note that although the celebrant here is the High Priestess, the High Priest can also take the duties. Our tradition, apart from the High Priest and High Priestess, is non-hierarchical, so we do not have representations of the elements.

The circle is cast in the usual way. (Click here for our circle casting)

HIGH PRIESTESS - this gathering has been called for, in the presence of the Lord and Lady, under the guidance of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, to present this child to the universe, to ask for the love and protection of all forces present. Who are the parents of this child?

PARENTS - We are

HIGH PRIESTESS - do you bring this child freely , in perfect love and perfect trust, to be presented to the God and Goddess?

PARENTS - We do

HIGH PRIESTESS (if child is old enough to speak) - (child's name) do you understand the path you are about to tread, do you accept it freely and without force?

CHILD - I do (goes to High Priestess)

HIGH PRIESTESS - It is here in childhood that we most feel the love and power of the universe, the miracle that has brought this child here today, the ever-changing cycle of life. From here, the child will grow in the love of all those that are gathered. (Child's name), may you live a life that is full, one that will meet its full potential, and one that will not harm or infringe on another. May your strength and courage protect you in misfortune, and may your heart sing in the happy times. May you be blessed with wisdom, health and happiness. Who are the patrons of this child?

PATRONS (jointly) - I am

HIGH PRIESTESS - Do you promise, in the names of the God and Goddess and in the presence of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, to care for this child, physically, spiritually and emotionally in loco parentis should the need arise? Do you promise to love and protect this child, for as long as you exist on this earth and in this incarnation?

PATRONS (jointly) - I do

HIGH PRIESTESS - (presents child to Goddess) - Wise Lady, mistress of the night, earth and water, bless this child and take her in your care. Through rise and fall, be close to her and guide her path, love and protect her. (Anoint in blessed water - sign of pentagram on top of head) Great Goddess, Mother of all, take this child (name) unto your womb, keep her safe from harm and wrongdoing from this day and throughout her life.

HIGH PRIESTESS - (presents child to God) Mighty Lord, master of the day, air and fire, bless this child and take her in your care. Through rise and fall, be close to her and guide her path, love and protect her. (Anoint in blessed salt - sign of pentagram on top of head) Great God, Father of all, take this child (name) into your arms, keep her safe from harm and wrongdoing from this day and throughout her life.

HIGH PRIESTESS - (presents child to elements) - (North) Spirit of the (Earth), guardian and protector, take this child (name) under your gaze. Let her know right from wrong, let her be protected and safe, and let her be free in heart, thought and deed without harming another. Spirit of the (Earth), accept this child.

MOTHER - (or own words) Child of my womb, I promise to care for you and protect you fiercely. You who have been placed into my care shall not want for love. From the darkest night to the brightest day, from the deepest ocean to the densest wood, I shall be with you as mother, ally and friend. I do not promise that there will not be tears, or times when we do not understand each other, but even when we are worlds apart, physically or emotionally, I will love you. You have the depth of me from this moment on.

FATHER - (or own words) Child of my seed, I promise to defend and protect you, to the death if I have to. You who have been placed into my care shall not want for love. From the darkest night to the brightest day, from the deepest ocean to the densest wood, I shall be with you as father, protector and friend. I do not promise that there will not be tears, or times when we do not understand each other, but even when we are worlds apart, physically or emotionally, I will love you. You have the depth of me from this moment on.

HIGH PRIESTESS - (Recites Charge) (Blesses feast) (Passes feast to parents and patrons) - Drink this wine of the goddess and cake of the god in honour of this child. Take this child from here. Remember your sacred vows today, and may you go in perfect love and perfect trust. (Releases circle)

[aiyanna]

PREGNANCY RITUAL
Copyright © 2001 AllWitch.com. All Rights Reserved

INCENSE - Thyme and coriander

DEITY - Decima and Hathor

OIL - Elder

STONE - Moonstone, Mother-Of-Pearl, Turquoise

The circle is cast as usual. (Click here for our circle casting)

High Priestess - It is from the great Mother we are born, and it is to her that we must someday return. This woman, daughter of the Goddess, holds within her own womb the spirit of a new life, a new incarnation with which she has been entrusted. (Trace pentagram of oil on forehead) May you be blessed and protected in this time of great joy (eyes) With this oil, I bless your eyes be opened to see that greatest of mysteries, the miracle of new life. (heart) With this oil I bless your spirit, which embraced that which now grows within you. (womb) With this oil I bless your womb, which has created and will sustain this soul (feet) With this oil, I bless your feet, which will take you on your path and guide that of your child.

High Priestess (gives the mother-to-be the Moonstone) - this moonstone represents the Maiden, the first three months of gestation. In the name of Isis, I bless this stone to guard you throught the first trimester.

High Priestess - (gives the mother-to-be the Mother-of-Pearl) this Mother-of-Pearl represents the Mother, the second three months of gestation. In the name of Diana, I bless this stone to guard you throught the second trimester.

High Priestess (gives the mother-to-be the Turquoise) - this turquoise represents the Crone, the last three months of gestation. In the name of Hathor, I bless this stone to guard you throught the final trimester.

High Priestess - Keep these gifts safe, and pass them to the child when s/he is brought to the goddess after birth, to keep and protect him/her not only through gestation, but throughout a lifetime. In the name of the Great Mother, I bless this woman, that she may enjoy good health throughout her pregnancy, that her child is kept safe and protected, and that she may be safely delivered when her time comes. Isis, Diana, Hathor, protect this woman.