Eostre

Vernal Equinox

Eostre Ritual (Vernal Equinox, Ostara/Eastara)

(Northern Hemisphere: ~ March 21st; Southern Hemisphere: ~ September 21st)
Preparation:

A Symbol of the Wheel is on the altar, flanked with burning candles, or with fire in come form - torches, or small tripods with fire in their cups.
The Symbol of the Wheel may be a plain disc, or an eight spoked wheel, or the pentacle. Alex and Maxine Sanders used a circular mirror with a broad frame, also circular, decorated as a twelve-pointed star.
In the centre of the Circle is either a cauldron full of inflammable material,or (out of doors) a bonfire ready to be lit.
HPS casts the Circle.
HPS then stands in the West, and the HP in the East, both with carrying wands.
HPS: "We kindle this fire today
In the presence of the Holy Ones,
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear of aught beneath the Sun
But the High Gods.
Thee we invoke, O Light of Life;
Be thou a bright flame before us,
Be thou a guiding star above us,
Be thou a smooth path beneath us;
Kindle thou within out hearts
A flame of love for our neighbors,
To out foes, to our friends, to our kindred all,
To all men on the broad earth;
O merciful Son of Cerridwen,
From the lowliest thing that lives’,
To the Name which is highest of all."

HPS then draws invoking pentagram before the HP and then hands the Wand to him,together with the scourge.
The Maiden strikes a light and hands it to the High Priest, who lights thecauldron or bonfire. He (carrying a wand) and the High Priestess (carrying asistrum) lead the dance, with the rest following in couples. Each couple mustleap over the fire. The last couple over the fire before it goes out must be well purified. The man must then give a fivefold kiss to each of the women, asthe women to the men, or any other penalty the HPS shall decide.

Cakes and wine shall follow.