Fall Equinox  A. The Circle is cast. It is time to turn the wheel. It is now the seventh phase of the eight fold solar cycle. The sun has entered Libra, the air sign of balance and peace. This is a festival of life, honoring the harvest. This is also a festival of loss, for the corn and wheat are cut down, the squash is gathered, and the leaves fall. Even the sun begins to die. This ritual is to celebrate the harvest and the earth. At Spring Equinox, light and dark are in balance, but now dark is gaining. The last of the harvests have been gathered and we give thanks for Mother Earth's bounty and our abundance.
B. We conjure a circle of power, energy, truth, and vision . We conjure our sacred space between the visible and invisible plains. We recognize the 12 faces of our Universe as an expression of Mother. May the dynamic spirit of Aries be with us. May the spiritual forces between heaven and earth flow freely as Cancer protects this sacred place. We feel the energy of Pisces' compassion. We are grounded by Taurus persistence and stability. May the quick mental powers of Gemini aid the projection of our thought. As we children of the Earth stand surrounded and protected by the warmth of our Mother's love, let our circle sparkle with the creativity and splendor of Leo. Feel the energy of Virgo's organization and purpose. Bring Libra's balance to all polarities within this space that we may truly appreciate the wholeness of life. Let the sting of the Scorpion bring death to all negative, limiting thoughts and attitudes that keep us from our true nature, that keep us from our highest purpose. May our spirits soar, light as the feathers of an Eagle, with all the inspiration and enthusiasm of the Archer Sagittarius. With the practical ability of Capricorn transmute our goals and dreams into reality. In the spirit of Aquarius may we ever seek Truth.
C. May we merge and be one with the Great Spirit. As these are our thoughts that we will, so mote it be! Let us invoke the elements:
1. Oh Spirit of Earth: Grant a sacred strength to my path that I may follow its way up rightly and without fear.
2. Oh Spirit of Air: Grant a sacred wind to be upon my path that evil's dark vapors be dispersed and the breath of life rise fresh and pure.
3. Oh Spirit of Fire: Grant a sacred flame to illuminate my path that I might know and understand whence I came, where I am, and whither I am bound.
4. Oh Spirit of Water: Grant a sacred stream to flow along my path that I might cleanse away the dust of each day's journey, rest, and arise refreshed to begin the journey anew. D. Together we invoke the Great Spirit, in all it's aspects, God and Goddess: All - Nameless one, Eternal, who is found in all things. Creator of the Dance, be alive within us. You have many names and are ever-changing. You appear everywhere and within all circles of the seasons. Spirit of all life be radiant within us, engulf us with your Love. Let us see with your eyes, hear with your ears, breathe with your nostrils, touch with your hands, and kiss with your lips. Open our hearts! Let us live free, joyful, and wise. Let us sing your praise And do your will.
E. Let us begin ritual observance: The last harvest has been completed. The bounties of nature have given themselves so that we may survive the winter. We feel the energies change, shifting, as life prepares to retreat and winter slowly advances Oh Great Spirit grant us the understanding of your sacrifices and life's great mysteries. Oh Goddess teach us the secrets of birth, death and rebirth as the seasons come and go, and come. We partake of the last harvest, mixing its energies with ours that we may continue our quest for the starry wisdom of perfection. Oh Great Spirit, in your many names and forms, we offer our thanks for the continuing fertility of Mother Earth. May the nodding grain loose its seeds to Mother's breast, ensuring rebirth in the Spring.
F. Let us eat the the fruit to remind us of your ever abundance. Let us take communion with Mother Earth, experiencing her contracting and expanding energies in the endless cycle of life and death followed by rebirth. Let us - Take a few dry leaves, symbolizing the transition, and crumple them into our basket. Bite into an apple, symbolizing life, and savoring it's flavor.
G. Let us understand the Elysian Mysteries. This is the time of the Elysian Mysteries when Persephone descends into the Underworld to reign as Queen until summer returns. Like Persephone, we too must face the darkness within ourselves and in the coming winter. We must go within to "Know Thyself". This is the first Elysian Instruction. Let us give thanks for the squash and corn. Each ear of corn reminds us that the "Seed of Wisdom is Gained in Silence". This is the second Eleusinian Instruction. Let us take a few minutes for personal contemplation by honoring Mother Earth with a silent meditation.
(Silence) H. Let us sing and dance as part of the blessing and celebration of life. (Music and Drums)
All - Let us bless the source of life that brings forth bread from the Earth. Let our lives be a blessing to the Earth that sustains us, and to all creatures that, like us, call this planet home.
All - Hail Earth, Mother of All! May your fields increase and flourish, your forests grow and spread, and your waters run pure and free! O Earth Mother accept our commitment to honor and respect you, and to keep you pure!
I. Let us close our circle by giving thanks. - Let us thank God and Goddess.
- Let us thank Mother Earth and the four elements.
- Let us thank the Great Spirit.
- Let us thank each other for our circle,
- For light and love.
- For night and change.
- For spiritual growth.
J. Oh Great Spirit, we ask for your blessing as we depart. All - To all beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace. May there always be harmony between us. Our thanks and blessings. Hail and farewell! Blessed be!
K. Let us open our circle. All - Our circle is open, yet unbroken. May the peace, love and joy of the God and Goddess be in our hearts always. Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again. Blessed be!
|
