Magickal Tools Weapons of the Craft

Consecrating Other Working Tools


Place tool on pentacle, and lay right hand(s) on it, saying:
"Aradia and Cernunnos, deign to bless and to consecrate this White-Hilted knife (or whatever) that it may obtain the necessary virtue through you for allacts of love and beauty."

Magus sprinkles, Witch censes. Then say:

"Aradia and Cernunnos, bless this instrument prepared in yourhonour." (if Scourge or Cords, add "... that it may serve for a goodcause and end and for your glory.")

Again Magus sprinkles and Witch censes. (Hand tool to new owner as you would asword or Athame, with a Fivefold Salute.)

All these weapons should be presented to the new owner with Salute. If a WitchQueen, the downward pointing triangle as in the First Degree Initiation. End ceremony with Fivefold Salute. The new owner should immediately use the new instruments, i.e. form Circle with Sword, then Athame, incise something withWhite-Handled knife, exhibit Pentacle to Four Quarters, cense to Four Quarters,use Cords and Scourge; and should continue to use all of them in a Circle as often as possible, for some time.

To mark out a new Circle, stick sword or Athame in ground, make a loop in cord,and slip over; then, using cord, mark out a circle, and later mark it with apoint of sword or Athame. Always renew the Circle with sword or Athame whenabout to use, but have it marked so that you always retrace it in same place. Remember the Circle is a protection, a guard against evil influences, and to prevent power created from dispersing; but the Witch, not being evil, may enterand leave freely. But in Art Magic, it is a barrier against forces raised, andwhen once in the Magus may not leave without great danger. If any great danger is manifested it would be advisable to take refuge in the Circle; but ordinarily sword or Athame in hand is perfect protection against anything. Those who make these tools must be purified, clean and properly prepared. When not in use, all tools and weapons should be put away in a secret place; and itis good that this should be near your sleeping place, and that you handle them each night before retiring.

The Working Tools

There are sometimes magical supply shops, so unless you are lucky enough to begiven or sold tools, a poor witch must extemporise. But when made you should beable to borrow or obtain an Athame. So having made your circle, erect an altar.Any small table or chest will do. There must be fire on it (a candle will suffice), and your book. For good results incense is best if you can get it,but coals in a chafing dish burning sweet-smelling herbs will do. A cup if youwould have cakes and wine and a platter with the deigns drawn into same in ink,showing a pentacle. A scourge is easily made (note, the scourge has eight tailsand five knots in each tail). Get a white-hilted knife and a wand (a sword is not necessary). Cut the marks with Athame. Purify everything, then consecrate your tools in proper form and ever be properly prepared. But ever remember, magical operations are useless unless the mind can be brought to the properattitude, keyed to the utmost pitch.

Affirmations must be made clearly and the mind should be inflamed with desire.With this frenzy of will you may do as much with simple tools as with the most complete set. But good and especially ancient tools have their own aura. They do help to bring about that reverential spirit, the desire to learn and developyour powers. For this reason witches ever try to obtain tools from sorcerers,who being skilled men make good tools and consecrate them well, giving them mighty power. But a great witch's tools also gain much power; and you should ever strive to make any tools you manufacture of the finest materials you can obtain, to the end that they may absorb your power the more easily. And of course, if you may inherit or obtain another witch's tools, power will flow from them.

Making Tools

It is an old belief that the best substances for making tools are those tha tonce had life in them, as opposed to artificial substances. Thus, wood or ivory is better for a wand than metal, which is more appropriate for swords orknives. Virgin parchment is better than manufactured paper for talismans, etc. And things which have been made by hand are good, because there is life in them.

Athame & Sword

Consecrating an Athame or Sword

Lay Athame (or sword) on pentacle preferably by and touching another consecrated weapon. The man asperges them with consecrated salt and water, whereupon the woman picks up the weapon to be consecrated and passes itthrough the incense smoke and replaces it on the pentacle. Both lay their right hands upon the weapon and press down, saying:

Both: "I conjure thee, O Athame (Sword), by these names, Abrahach, Abrach,Abracadabra, that thou serves me for a strength and d efense in all magical operations against all mine enemies, visible and invisible. I conjure thee anew by the Holy Name Aradia and by the Holy Name Cernunnos; I conjure thee, O Athame (Sword), that thou serves me for a protection in all adversities; so aid me now!"
Again the man asperges, and the woman censes, and the weapon is returned to the pentacle, saying:

Both: "I conjure thee, O Athame (Sword) of Steel, by the Great Gods and Gentle Goddesses, by the virtue of the heavens, of the stars and of the spirits who preside over them, that thou mayest receive such virtue that I may obtain the end I desire in all things wherein I shall use thee, by the power of Aradiaand Cernunnos."

The Partner gives the Fivefold kiss unto the owner of the weapon. If the owneris not present, or if the weapon is jointly owned by them both, the man willgive the Fivefold Kiss to the woman. For the final kiss upon the mouth, theweapon is suspended between their breasts, held there by the pressure of theirembrace. As they separate, the owner of the weapon immediately uses it torecast the Circle, but without words.

Notes: If possible, lay sword with an already consecrated sword or Athame. I tshould, if possible, be consecrated by both a man and a woman, both of whom are initiated, and both naked as drawn swords. During consecration, press down on sword/Athame hard with consecrated sword/Athame. If possible, partake of Cake sand Wine first, then Magus should sprinkle with water, Witch should cense in First Conjuration, then sprinkle and cense and conjure again with Second Conjuration. If true sword and Athame are available, a sword and Athame can be consecrated at the same time in which case Magus should press with sword on sword, and Witch with Athame on Athame, and new sword and Athame should touch .In any case, when finished the weapon should be handed to new owner with Fivefold Salute, and should be pressed against the body for a time to get the aura; and it should be in as close connection as possible to the naked body forat least a month, i.e. kept under pillow, etc. Do not allow anyone to touch or handle any of your tools until thoroughly impregnated with your aura; say six months or as near as possible. But a pair working together may own the same tools,which will be impregnated with the aura of both.

Yule & Winter Solstice

Yule Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: ~ December 22nd; Southern Hemisphere: ~ June 21st)

Preparation:

Let all be properly prepared and purified.
In the centre (or just south of the centre) of the Circle stands the Cauldron of Cerridwen wreathed about with pine boughs, holly, ivy and mistletoe and therein is laid a balefire of nine woods: rowan, apple, elder, holly, pine,cedar, juniper, poplar and dogwood.
The altar is decorated as is the Cauldron and bears two red candles as well asan unlit red candle or torch for each covener present. There should be no otherlight except the altar candles and those about the Circle.


HP casts the Circle, calling forth the Ancient Ones to bear witness.
HP draws down the moon upon the HPS and then lights the balefire.
HP then moves to the north, before the altar, as the HPS stands in the south with the coveners in a circle, alternately man and woman, about the Cauldronbetween them.
The Circle now moves slowly deosil once about the Circle. As each passes the HPS they kiss her upon the cheek; as they pass the HP, he hands each one acandle which is lit from the balefire.
Coveners dance slowly deosil as the HP calls:

HP: "Queen of the Moon, Queen of the Sun,
Queen of the Heavens, Queen of the Stars,
Queen of the Waters, Queen of the Earth,
Bring to us the Child of Promise!
It is the Great Mother who gives birth to Him;
It is the Lord of Life who is born again.
Darkness and tears are set aside when the Sun shall come up early.
Golden Sun of hill and mountain,
Illumine the land, illumine the world,
Illumine the seas, illumine the rivers,
Sorrows be laid, joy to the world!
Blessed be the Great Goddess,
Without beginning, without ending,
Everlasting to eternity.
Io Evoe! Heh! Blessed be!"

All raise their tapers high and repeat twice the last line.

HPS joins the dance, leading it with a quieter rhythm.
The burning cauldron is pushed into the centre and the dancers jump over it inman and woman couples. The last couple over the fire should be well purified,three times each, and may pay an amusing forfeit as the HPS may ordain.

Cakes and wine follows and, after the Circle has been closed, much merriment, feasting,dancing and games

Samhain

Samhain Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: October 31st; Southern Hemisphere: April 30th)

Preparation:

Balefire in centre
Two black candles upon the altar
A red candle in each of the Quarters
A wreath of autumn flowers and the crown of the Horned One are upon the altar.
All Coveners are properly prepared, naked and bound.
All are purified by the scourge.

HPS erects the Circle. The HP says:
HP: "Oh Gods, beloved of us all,
bless this our Sabbat that we,
thy humble worshippers,
may meet in love, joy and bliss.
Bless our rites this night
with the presence of our departed kin

Facing north with arms upraised, coveners hand-linked in a semicircle behind him, the HP invokes the Horned One.

HPS bearing a priapus wand then leads the Coven in a meeting dance, slowly, to the Witches' Rune. HP gives each an unlit candle and brings up the rear of thedance. The candles are each lit from the balefire before the outward spiral.
When it is done, the HPS assumes the Goddess position saying:

HPS: "Dread Lord of the Shadows, God of Life and Bringer of Death !
Yet as the knowledge of thee is death, open wide, I pray thee, the gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones, who have gone before, return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must, O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, theGiver of Peace and rest, we will enter they realms gladly and unafraid; for we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones, we will be reborn again by thy grace, and the grace of the Lady Cerridwen.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones, and may wemeet, and know,
and remember, and love them again ! Descend, we pray thee, on thy High Priestand Servant, N..."

HPS goes to the HP and, with wand, draws the five-point star upon his breast and upon the crown of the Horned God. HP kneels and HPS places the crown uponhis head. Fresh incense is cast into the crucible. HPS strikes the bell and HPsays:
HP: "Here ye my witches,
Welcome to our Great Sabbat.
Welcome we the spirits
Of our departed kin."

HPS strikes bell. Witches walk slowly around the Circle.
HPS fills chalice with wine and hands it to HP who drinks and then says:
HP: "In humility, as the Horned One asks,
I beg my witches drink."
HP takes chalice to first witch, giving it with his right hand whilst takingthe taper with his left (kiss), then extinguishing the taper before acceptingback the chalice. Repeat with each witch present. HP then says:
HP: "Listen, my witches, to the words of the Horned One,
Drink, dance and be merry in the presence of
the Old Gods and the spirits of our departed kin."
Coveners partake of cakes and wine.
Dances and games follow closing of Circle.
Great Rite, if at all possible, by High Priestess and High Priest if no other.
Merry meet, merry part.

Mabon

Mabon Ritual (Autumn Equinox)

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

The altar is decorated with the symbols of autumn: pinecones, oak sprigs ,acorns, ears of grain, etc.
After the Circle has been cast, the coven stands in a ring facing inwards, men and women alternately. The High Priest stands to the west of the altar and the High Priestess to the east, facing each other.

The High Priestess recites:

HPS: "Farewell, O Sun, ever-returning Light,
The hidden God, who ever yet remains,
Who now departs into the Land of Youth
Through the Gates of Death
To dwell enthroned, the Judge of Gods and men,
The horned leader of the hosts of air -
Yet even as he stands unseen about the Circle,
So dwelled he within the secret seed -
The seed of newly-ripened grain, the seed of flesh;
Hidden in earth, the marvelous seed of the starts.
In him is Life, and Life is the Light of man.
That which never was born, and never dies.
Therefore the wise weep not, but rejoice."

HPS hands HP the wand, and picks up a sistrum; they lead the dance three timesaround the altar.
The Candle Game is played, followed by cakes and wine and any other games theHigh Priestess decides on.

The Candle Game

The men form a ring facing inwards, either sitting or standing. The women standin a ring outside them, standing on something if too short. The men pass alighted candle from hand to hand, deosil, while the women lean forward and tryto blow it out.
The man who holds it when it is blown out gets three flicks of the scourge fromthe successful blower, and must give her the Fivefold Kiss in return. Thecandle is relit and the game proceeds.

Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh (Lammas) Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: August 2nd; Southern Hemisphere: February 2nd)

Poles should be ridden in a ring dance about the Coven stead.
And sing the Ancient Call. The casting of the Circle follows.
HPS traces the Five Point Star before the Coven, saying:
HPS:"O Mighty Mother of us all, Mother of all things living,
give us fruit and grain, flocks and herds and children
to the tribe, that we may be mighty. By thy Rosy Love, do thou descend upon thy servant and priestess here."
HPS draws down the Moon upon herself and all salute Her.
After a brief silence for contemplation, the Ceremony of Cakes and Winefollows.

Midsummer

Summer Solstice (Midsummer) Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: ~ June 21st; Southern Hemisphere: ~ December 22nd)

The cauldron, filled with water and decorated with flowers, is placed before the altar. HPS casts the Circle and then stands before the Cauldron, wandupraised. HP stands in North behind the altar; coven is in a circle, facinginwards, alternately man and woman.

HPS says:
HPS: "Great One of Heaven, Power of the Sun,
We invoke thee in thy ancient names -
Michael, Baalin, Arthur, Lugh, Herne;
Come again as of old into this thy land.
Lift up thy shining spear of light to protect us.
Put to flight the powers of darkness.
Give us fair woodlands and green fields,
Blooming orchards and ripening corn.
Bring us to stand upon thy hill of vision,
And show us the lovely realms of the Gods."
HPS traces an invoking pentagram upon the HP with her wand. He comes deosilabout the altar, picking up his own wand and the scourge. He plunges the wandinto the cauldron and holds it up, saying:

HP: "The Spear to the Cauldron, the Lance to the Grail,
Spirit to Flesh, Man to Woman, Sun to Earth."
Saluting HPS with wand, he joins the Coven in their circle. HPS picks up asprinkler and stands by the cauldron, saying:

HPS: "Dance ye about the Cauldron of Cerridwen, the Goddess, and be yeblessed with the touch of this Consecrated water; even as the Sun, the Lord ofLife, arises in his strength in the sign of the Waters of Life."
HP leads a slow circle dance deosil about the Cauldron. As each passes, HPSsprinkles them with water from it.
Cakes and wine follow and dances, rites and games as the HPS shall direct. Abalefire may be lit and leaped.

Beltane Ritual

Beltane Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: May 1st; Southern Hemisphere: October 31st)

Preparation:
Two white candles are on the altar with a wreath of spring flowers.
Quarter candles are green.

HPS leads the coven, riding poles if possible, about the Coven stead with aquick, trotting step, singing:
All: "O do not tell the priests of our Art,
For they would call it sin;
But we will be in the woods all night,
A-conjuring summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
For women, cattle and corn,
For the sun is coming up from the south
With oak and ash and thorn."
A ring dance follows after which the HPS casts the Circle.
HP draws down the Moon upon the HPS.
All are purified in sacrifice before Her.
She then purifies the HP at her own hands.
All partake of Cakes and Wine, followed by feasting and dancing and singing,and the Great Rite, if at all possible, in token or truly.

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.

Imbolc

Imbolc

Candlemas Ritual

(Northern Hemisphere: February 2nd; Southern Hemisphere: August 2nd)

The HPS, carrying the Wand, leads the coveners with a dance step to the chosen site.
The Volta Dance follows; in other words, lively dancing in couples.
HPS casts the Circle in the usual way.
HP then enters the Circle, with a Sword in his right hand and a Wand in his left. He lays these on the altar.
HP now salutes the HPS with the Fivefold Kiss.
She says 'Blessed Be' and gives him the Fivefold Kiss in return.
HP assumes the God position before the altar as the HPS invokes:
HPS: "Dread Lord of Death and Resurrection,
Of Life, and the Giver of Life;
Lord within ourselves, whose name is Mystery of Mysteries;
Encourage our hearts,
Let the Light crystallise itself in our blood,
Fulfilling us of resurrection;
For there is no part of us that is not of the Gods.
Descend, we pray thee, upon thy servant and priest."

Any initiations to be done are done at this point.
The ceremony of Cakes and Wine follows.
The Great Rite is done if at all possible.
Feasting, dancing and games follow the closing of the ritual

For the Initiate

For the Initiate

O Thou who hast declared intent to become one of us,
hear then that which thou must know to do:
Single is the race, single of men and of Gods,
from a single source we both draw breath
but a difference of power in everything keeps us apart
for we are as nothing by the Gods stay forever.

Yet we can, in greatness of minds,
be like the Gods.

Though we know not what goal by day or in the night,
Fate has written that we shall run beyond all seas,
and earth's last boundaries.

Beyond the Spring of night and the Heaven's vast expanse
there lies a majesty which is the domain of the Gods.

Those who would pass through the Gates of Night and Day to that sweet place,
which is between the world of men and the domains of the Lords of the OuterSpaces,
know that unless there is truth in thy heart,
thy every effort is doomed to failure.

HEAR THEN THE LAW:
That thou love all things in nature.
That thou walk humbly in the ways of men and the ways of the Gods.

Also it is the law that contentment thou shall learn, through suffering,
and from long years, and from nobility of mind and of purpose.

FOR THE WISE NEVER GROW OLD.
Their minds are nourished by living the daylight of the Gods
and if among the vulgar some discoveries should arise
concerning some maxims of thy belief in the Gods so do thou, for the most part,keep silent.

For there is a great risk of those who straightaway vomit up that which theyhast not digested.
And when someone shall say to thee, thou knows naught and it bites thee naught,
then knows thou that thou hast begun the work.

And as sheep do not bring their food to the shepherd to show how much they have eaten
but digesting inwardly their provender do bear outwardly wool and milk,
even so, do not display the maxims to the vulgar,
but rather the works that flow when they are digested.

Third Degree Initiation

Third Degree Initiation

HPS sit upon the altar, facing South, in the Osiris position. (See diagram for the correct god forms below Osiris in the X of the LVX), HP kneelsbefore her, kisses both knees, extends arms along thighs, and adores. HP then fetches filled chalice and celebrates Wine and Cakes. HP again kneels before HPS, kisses knees and extends arms in adoration as before. Both rise.
HP: 'Ere I proceed with this sublime rite, I must beg purification at thy hands.'
HPS takes up a red cord and binds his arms, then taking up the cable-tow, leads him once about the Circle.
HP kneels facing altar

HP rises and is unbound whereupon he binds HPS as she bound him, leads herabout the Circle and scourges her as she kneels before the altar.

HPS rises and HP takes her by the cable-tow to each Quarter in turn, saying:
HP: 'Here ye, Mighty Ones of the East [South/West/North]: the twice consecrated and holy N..., High Priestess and Witch Queen [High Priest and Magus], is properly prepared, and will now proceed to erect the Sacred Altar.'
HP unties HPS and says:
HP: 'Now again I must beg purification'

HPS binds him, leads him about the Circle and scourges him kneeling before the altar, as before.
He stands and is unbound and says:
HP: 'Now I must reveal a great mystery.'
HPS stands before altar in God position.
HP gives her Fivefold Salute [After he kisses feet, HPS opens into Goddess position, still holding scourge and Athame].
HPS then sets scourge and Athame aside and lives in the middle of the Circle with her head to the East and her womb in the shekinah point. HP kneels beside her facing North. [At each point marked (s) below he kisses her womb unless instructed otherwise]. HP says:
HP: 'Assist me to erect the ancient altar,
At which in days past all worshipped,
The Great Altar of all things;
For in old times, Woman was the altar.
Thus was the altar made and placed;
And the sacred point was the point within the centre of the Circle.
As we have of old been taught that the point within the centre
is the origin of all things,
Therefore should we adore it. [S]
Therefore whom we adore we also invoke,
by power of the Lifted Lance. [touch phallus]
O Circle of Stars [S]
Whereof our father is but the young brother [S]
Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space,
Before whom time is bewildered and understanding dark,
Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love. [S]
There by seed and root, by stem and bud,
by leaf and flower and fruit, Do we invoke thee,
O Queen of Space, O dew of light,
Continuous one of the heavens [S]
Let it be ever thus, that men speak not of thee as one, but as none;
And let them not speak of thee at all, since thou art continuous.
For thou art the point within the circle [S]
which we adore, [S]
The fount of life without which we would not be, [S]
And in this way are erected the Holy Twin Pillars. [kiss breasts, left thenright]
In beauty and in strength were they erected,
To the wonder and glory of all men.'

[If the Great Rite is to be actual, non-participants leave, sealing gate behind.]
HP: 'O Secret of Secrets,
That art hidden in the being of all lives,
Not thee do we adore,
For that which adored is also thou.
Thou art That, and That am I. [S]
I am the flame that burns in the heart of every man,
And in the core of every star.
I am life, and the giver of life.
Yet therefore is the knowledge of me the knowledge of death.
I am alone, the Lord within ourselves,
Whose name is Mystery of Mysteries.'
HP now kisses HPS in the Sigil of the Third Degree
SEE BELOW FOR SIGIL DIAGRAM
and then lays his body gently over hers, saying:
HP: 'Make open the path of intelligence between us;
For these truly are the Five Points of Fellowship -
Foot to foot,
knee to knee,
Lance to Grail,
breast to breast,
lips to lips.
By the great and holy name Cernunnos;
In the name of Aradia;
Encourage our hearts,
Let the light crystalise itself in our blood,
Fulfilling of us resurrection.
For there is no part of us that is not of the Gods.'
HP rises and goes to each Quarter in turn saying:
HP: 'Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East [South/West/North];
the thrice consecrated High Priestess greets you and thanks you.'

Formula of LVX in Godform

The Sigil of the Third Degree

The badge of the Third Degree

Second Degree Initiation

Second Degree Initiation

HPS casts Circle as usual. Esbat rite is followed to end of Invocation of the Horned God.

Candidate, properly prepared (in centre of Circle), is bound and blindfolded, as in the First Degree, but with the addition of a blue cord bound about the knees. Hierophant leads Candidate to each: Quarter in turn, proclaiming:

H: 'Hear ye O Mighty Ones of the East [South/West/North], N..., a duly consecrated Priest[ess] and Witch is now properly prepared to be made a High Priest and Magus [High Priestess and Witch Queen].'

Candidate is returned to centre, facing altar. Coven links hands and thrice circle.

The Candidate is now assisted to kneel and rebound securely, facing altar.Hierophant says:
H: 'To attain to this sublime degree, it is necessary to suffer and bepurified. Art thou willing to suffer to learn?'
C: 'I am.'
H: 'I purify thee to take this great Oath rightly.'
The bell is run thrice and purification follows: 3, 7, 9, 21 (=40) strokes.Scourge and bell are returned to the altar as Hierophant says:
H: 'I now give thee a new name, N... What is thy name?' [giving light smack orpush]
C: 'My name is N...'

Each member of the Coven in turn gives Candidate a light swat or push, asking:
'What is thy name?'
Candidate responds to each with his/her new name. When all have put the question, all return to their places and H administers the Oath, saying:

H: 'Repeat thy new name after me: I, N...., swear upon my mother's womb, and by mine honour among men and my Brothers and Sisters of the Art, that I will never reveal, to any at all, any of the secrets of the Art, except it be to a worthyperson, properly prepared, in the centre of a Magic Circle such as I am now in; and that I will never deny the secrets to such a person, if he or she has been properly vouched for by a Brother or Sister of the Art. All this I swear by my hopes of salvation, my past lives and my hopes of future ones to come; and Idevote myself and my measure to utter destruction if I break this my solemn oath.'

Kneeling,  H places left hand under Candidate's knee and high hand upon his/herhead to form the Magickal Link and concentrates long enough to fully charge C,saying:
H: 'I will all my power into thee.'

The Candidate's knees and ankles are now unbound, and he/she is assisted to rise. H takes up oil and anoints C at pubes, right breast, left hip, right hip, leftbreast and above pubic hair again, saying:
H: 'I consecrate thee with oil.'

And again with wine, saying:
H: 'I consecrate thee with wine.'

And lastly kisses Candidate in the same pattern:
H: 'I consecrate thee with my lips, High Priest[ess] and Magus [WitchQueen]."
The blindfold and cable-tow are now removed and the Initiate is congratulated by coveners.
H takes up Magic Sword from altar, saying:
H: 'You will now show the use of each of the Working Tools in turn. First theMagic Sword.' (S)

(Initiate silently redraws Circle and returns Sword with an S)
H: 'Second the Athame' (S)

(Initiate again recasts Circle in silence. S)
H: 'Third, the White-Hilted Knife' (S)

(Initiate inscribes pentagram in new white candle. S)
H: 'Fourth, the Wand' (S)

(Initiate circumambulates presenting the Wand to each Quarter. S)
H: 'Fifth, the Cup' (S)

(Initiate consecrates wine; may be assisted by H. S)
H: 'Sixth, the Pentacle' (S)

(Initate consecrates cakes; may be assisted by H. S)
H: 'Seventh, the Cords' (S)

(Initiate, with help from Partner, binds H, as (s)he was bound to take this degree. S)
H: 'Eighth, the Scourge. For learn, in Witchcraft you must ever give as you receive, but ever triple. So where I have thee three, return nine; where I gave seven, return twenty-one; where I have thee nine, return twenty-seven; where I have thee twenty-one, return sixty-three.'

(Initiate gives 9, 21, 27, 63 = 120 strokes with Scourge)
H: 'Thou hast obeyed the Law. But mark well, when thou receives good, soequally art thou bound to return good threefold.'
H is unbound and assisted to rise, then leads Initiate to each Quarter in turn,saying:
H: 'Hear ye, Mighty Ones of the East [South/West/North]: N... has been duly consecrated High Priest[ess] and Magus [Witch Queen].'
H leads Initate back to centre of Circle, saying:
H: 'Having learned this far, you must know why the Wicca are called the HiddenChildren of the Goddess.'
Proceed with the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess. Generally Initiate and Hierophant act the appropriate parts. H appoints Narrator and Guardian.

The second degree is often badged by an inverted pentagram, this symbolises the Horned God and also the decent into the underworld.

First Degree Initiation

First Degree Initiation

People:

* Hierophant (H) (Initiator)
* Candidate (C)
* Hierophant's Working Partner (P)
* Summoner (S) (Hierophant does his part if S unavailable)
* High Priestess (HPS) (actually H or P, depending on gender)

Needs:

* blindfold
* nine foot red cord
* short white cord
* oil
* scourge
* all ordinary esbat requirements

Preparation:

C stands outside Circle to NE, blindfolded and bound by members of the oppositegender.
Wrists are bound together in back by middle of a nine-foot red cord, knotted infront at throat with ends hanging down front as cable-tow.

A short white cord is fastened to the right ankle with ends tucked in so as notto trip C up, saying:
"Feet neither bound nor free"
HPS casts Circle. Opening ritual is followed to the end of Drawing Down The Moon, but the Charge is not yet declaimed.

S fetches Sword (or Athame) from the altar, and opens a gate in NE.
S, H and P face C, and S issues the Challenge:

S: "O thou who stand on the threshold between the pleasant world of menand the dread domains of the Lords of the Outer Spaces, hast thou the courage to make the assay?"

Placing point of blade against C's heart, S continues:
S: "For I say verily, it were better to rush on my blade and perish, than make the attempt with fear in thy heart."
C: "I have two passwords; Perfect Love and Perfect Trust"
S: "All who have such are doubly welcome"

H: "I give thee a third to pass thee through this dread door."
H grasps C above waist with H's left arm, kisses C on the lips, and swings Cinto the Circle with H's body, from behind.

S (or P if no S) closes the gate.

H leads C to each Quarter in turn, saying:
H: "Take heed, ye Lords of the East (South/West/North) that N... is properly prepared to be initiated a priest[ess] and witch."
H leads C back to centre of Circle (via East) while coven dances around singing:
"Eko, eko Azrak, (etc)..."
...over and over, meanwhile pushing C back and forth among them, until H callsa halt.

P then rings bell three times as H turns to C to stand before the altar, withC's back to the altar (i.e. facing South if altar is in North).

H stands in centre of Circle, facing C (and altar). H says:
H: "In other religions, the postulant kneels, while the priest towersabove. But in the Art Magical we are taught to be humble, and we kneel towelcome her/him and we say:[kneels]
'Blessed be thy feet, which have brought thee in these ways;' [kiss right foot,then left foot]
'Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar;' [kiss right knee,then left knee]
'Blessed be thy womb/phallus, without which we would not be;' [kiss abovepubes]
'Blessed be thy breasts/breast, erected in beauty/formed in strength;' [kissright breast, then left breast]
'Blesses be thy lips, that shall utter the sacred names.' [kiss on lips][rises]
'Now we are going to take your measure.

H, aided by another witch of the same gender, stretches a button thread from the ground by C's foot to the crown of C's head and cuts it there with Athame or bolline.

Measure C once about the forehead with the cut thread and knot at the point o foverlap, again about the heart starting from the same end [knot], and lastlyabout the hips across the genitals knot]. The measure is wound and placed upon the altar.

H asks:
H: 'Before thou art sworn, art thou ready to pass the ordeal and be purified?'
C: 'I am.
H, aided by another witch of the same gender, helps C to kneel, head andshoulders bowed forward. The loose ends of the short cord are unwounded and C'sankles bound securely. The cable tow is fastened to the altar. H fetchesscourge from altar as P rings bell three times, saying:
P: 'Three'
H: scourges C firmly, but tenderly, thrice.
P says, but doesn't ring bell:
P: 'Seven...Nine...Twenty-one'

And each time H scourges C with the number of strokes P has names, and allshould be light, yet firm, save only the very last which may sting somewhat asa reminder that H has been deliberately restrained. H then says:
H: 'Bravely thou hast passed the test. Art thou ready to swear that thou wiltalways be true to the Art?'
C: 'I am.'
H: 'Art thou ever ready to help, protect and defend thy brothers and sisters ofthe Art, even though it should cost thee thy life?'
C: 'I am.'

H: 'Then say after me: I, N..., in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of myown free will and accord, most solemnly swear, without any reservation in mewhatever, that I will ever keep a secret, and never reveal, the secrets of the Art, except it be to a proper person, properly prepared within a Circle such as I am now in. This I swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measurehas been taken; and may my weapons turn against me if I break this my solemn oath.'
H and other witch of same gender help C to feet. P fetches anointing oil and chalice of wine. H moistens fingertip with oil saying:
H: 'I hereby sign thee with the Triple Sign. I consecrate thee with oil...'

H touches moistened finger to just above pubes, right breast, left breast, and above pubes again. H moistens fingertip with wine and anoints the same threeplaces, saying:
H: 'I consecrate thee with wine...'
H: 'I consecrate thee with my lips... [kiss as above]
Priest[ess] and witch.'

C is now unbound and the blindfold removed by H and assistant of same gender. The New Initiate is welcomed by coven, then presented with the Working Tools. As each tool is names, H takes it from the altar and passes it to the Initiate with a kiss. As each tool is finished with, the assistant takes it from the Initiate with a kiss and replaces it upon the altar.

H says:
H: 'Now I present to thee the Working Tools.

First, the Magic Sword. With this, as with the Athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles, dominate, subdue and punish all rebellious spirits and daemons,and even persuade angels and good spirits. With this in thy hand, thou artruler of the Circle.

Next I present the Athame. This is the true witch's weapon and has all thepowers of the Magic Sword.

Next I present the White-hilted knife. Its use it to form all instruments usedin the Art. It can only be used in a Magic Circle.

Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control certain angels andgenii to whom it would not be meet to use the Magic Sword.

Next I present the Cup. This is the vessel of the Goddess, the Cauldron of Cerridwen, the Holy Grail of Immortality. From this we drink in comradeship,and in honour of the Goddess.

Next I present the Pentacle. This is for the purpose of calling up appropriatespirits.

Next I present the Scourge. This is the sign of power and domination. It is also used to cause purification and enlightenment. For it is written: "To learn you must suffer and be purified." Art thou willing to suffer tol earn?'
C: 'I am.'

H: 'Next and lastly I present the Cords. They are of use to bind the sigils of the Art; also the material basis; also they are necessary in the Oath.
I now salute thee in the name of Aradia, newly made priest[ess] and witch." [kiss]

H and P now face the new Initiate and deliver the Charge.

The Initiate may consecrate her/his Athame here; [s]he must consecrate itbefore using it.

Cakes and wine.

The Initiate is now presented to each Quarter in turn by the H, saying:
H: 'Hear ye Mighty Ones of the East [South/West/North]; N... has been consecrated priest[ess], witch and hidden child of the Goddess.'
[to north declaim: 'Hear ye Mighty Ones of the North; Boreas, thou guardian ofthe Northern portals; thou powerful God, thou gentle Goddess; N...(etc)]

Close Circle.

A 'graduation' party should follow.

Invocation to Cernunnos

Invocation to Cernunnos

HPS and HP turn to salute altar with the Horned God's salute as HP says:
HP: "Great God Cernunnos, return to earth again!
Come at my call and show thyself to men.
Shepherd of Goats, upon the wild hill's way,
Lead thy lost flock from darkness into day.
Forgotten are the ways of sleep and night -
Men seek for them whose eyes have lost the light.
Open the door, the door which hath no key,
The door of dreams, whereby men come to thee.
O Mighty Stag, O answer to me!"

Both: "Akhera goiti - akhera beiti!" (lowering their hands)

The Descent of the Goddess

The Descent of the Goddess

Roles:
* Narrator (N)
* Goddess
* Lord of Death (D)
* Guardians

Needs:
* Veils, jewellery
* Horned Crown
* Sword
* Scourge

She who will portray the Goddess removes her necklace and places it upon the altar, donning veils and jewellery in its stead.

He who will portray the God dons the Horned Crown and stands before the altar with scourge and blade in the God position.

(S)he who portrays the Guardians bears the Sword.

Each will act out their parts as the Narrator reads:

N: "In Ancient times, our Lord, the Horned One, was as he still is, theConsoler, the Comforter, but men knew him as the dread Lord of Shadows -lonely, stern and just.
Now our Lady the Goddess had never loved, but she would solve all theMysteries, even the mystery of Death; and so she journeyed to the Underworld.

The Guardians of the Portal challenged her:
"Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels;
for naught mayest thou bring with thee into this our land."

So she laid down her garments and her jewels, and was bound, as are all who enter the Realms of Death, the Mighty One.

Such was her beauty, that Death himself knelt and kissed her feet, saying:
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.
Abide with me; but let me place my cold hand on thy heart."

She replied:
"I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things that I love and takedelight in to fade and die?"

Death replied:
"Lady 'tis age and fate, against which I am helpless.
Age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I givethem rest and peace, and strength so that they may return. But thou! Thou artlovely. Return not; abide with me!"

But she answered:
"I love thee not!"

Then said Death:
"An thou receives not my hand upon thy heart, thou must kneel to Death's scourge."
"It is fate - better so,"
She said. And she knelt, and Death scourged her tenderly.
And she cried:
"I feel the pangs of love."

And Death raised her, and said:
Blessed be!"

And he gave her the Five-fold kiss, saying:
"Thus only mayest thou attain to joy and knowledge."
And he taught her all his Mysteries, and they loved and were one.
And she taught him her mystery of the sacred cup which is the cauldron ofrebirth.
And he gave her the necklace which is the circle of rebirth, and taught her all the magic’s.
For there are three great events in the life of man: Love, Death and Resurrection in the new body; and Magic controls them all.
For to fulfill love you must return again at the same time and place as the loved one, and you must meet, and know, and remember, and love them again. Butto be reborn, you must die and be made ready for a new body; and to die, you must be born; and without love, you may not be born; and this is all the Magic’s."

it may be prudent to understand the legend of Persephone

The Witches Rune

The Witches Rune

Darksome night and shining moon,
Hearken to the witches' rune.
East, then south, west then north,
Here I to call them forth.
Earth and water, air and fire,
Work ye unto my desire.
Wand and Pentacle and Sword,
Hearken ye unto my word
Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife,
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the Witches' Blade,
Come ye as the charm is made
Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell,
Lend your aid unto the spell.
Horned Hunter of the Night,
Work my will by magic rite.
By all the power of land and sea,
As I do will, so mote it be.
By all the might of moon and sun,
Chant the spell and be it done.

Casting a very basic circle

Casting a Circle Basic Witchcraft

You will need:
* Altar
* 2 x Altar candles
* Water bowl
* Salt dish
* Pentacle
* Censer
* Athame
* Bell
* Presence Lamp
* 4 x Quarter candles
* Sword (optional)
* Candle snuffer (optional)
Additionally, you will all need to be fit to enter into the presence of the Gods; you will need to start in the dark.
The Ritual Leader (RL) will wait until it feels like time to begin, then rises:

i. Lighting of the Candle
RL: "I light this Candle (lights Presence Lamp)
in the name of that ancient presence,
which is, was, and ever shall be
male, female, all-knowing, all-powerful
and present everywhere.
And in the names of the four Mighty Ones,
the rulers of the elements,
may power and blessing descend
in this hour upon this place
and those gathered here."
RL lights the two altar candles, the charcoal, and the four quarter candlesfrom the Presence Lamp.

ii. Exorcism of the Water
RL kneels before the altar and places the Water bowl upon the Pentacle.
RL purifies the water by plunging the tip of his/her Athame into the water,saying:
RL: "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from
thee all the impurity and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen"

note that salt is not consecrated or exorcised as it is already a consecrated creature

iii. Blessing of the Salt
RL sets the Water bowl aside and in its place sets the Salt dish upon the Pentacle.
RL touches salt with tip of Athame, saying:
RL: "Blessings be upon thee, O Creature of Salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth from thee, and let all good enter within.
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, that thou mayest aid me.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."
Using the tip of the Athame, RL takes three measures of salt and puts them into the water, then stirs deosil three times with the Athame, saying:
RL: "But ever mind that as water and salt purifies the body,
so the scourge purifies the soul. So mote it be!"

iv. Casting the Circle
RL draws a circle, continuous from north deosil unto north with the Sword (orAthame), saying:
RL: "I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou be
a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones;
a meeting place of love and joy and truth;
a shield against all wickedness and evil;
a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain
the power that we raise within thee.
Wherefore do I bless thee, and consecrate thee,
in the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."
(If others are without, a gate is opened, and they are now brought into theCircle with a kiss, and the Circle is resealed.)

v. Consecration of the Circle with the Four Elements
RL takes up the consecrated water and asperses the Circle with his/herfingertips, from north deosil unto north; and then touches each person withinwith the water, being touched in turn by his/her working partner (or another ofthe opposite sex to RL, if available). Water bowl is returned to altar.
RL Then takes up the censer, and likewise censes the Circle from north unto north.
Lastly, RL takes around the Presence Lamp (or a candle lit from the Presence Lamp and returned to it).

vi. Calling the Mighty Ones
All stand and salute the East. RL stands in front of group facing East. Maiden(M) stands at back of group with the Bell. M rings Bell.
With Athame, RL draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram, saying:
RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and guard theCircle!"
All turn and face South. RL and M move to corresponding positions; others just turn in place. M rings bell.
With Athame, RL draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram, saying:
RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"
Similarly, in West:
RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water;
Lords of Death and Initiation;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"
And in North:
RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth;
Boreas, thou Guardian of the Northern Portals;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"
All turn back to the East and salute.
Now all turn to North again. M rings Bell.

RL says:
RL: "Ye Mighty Ones,
Lords of the Watchtowers of the Universe,
Dread Lords of the outer spaces,
Thou powerful God, thou gentle Goddess,
We invite you to our meeting.
(pause)
O thou Loving Cerridwen,
O thou Mighty Cernunnos,
we gather (or 'I stand') before you
to ..." (state intent)
The Circle is now cast and Perfect.

Closing the Circle Basic Wicca

When the Circle's work is done, the Ritual Leader (RL) goes to the East, Athame in hand, salutes, and draws a banishing earth pentagram, saying:
RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air, we thankyou for attending our rites; and ere ye depart to your beauteous realms, we bidthee Hail and Farewell..."
All: "Hail and Farewell!" (RL extinguishes Quarter Candle)
Repeat for the remaining Quarters, addressing each with the titles by which itwas invoked.
RL thanks and says goodbye to the God and Goddess (Words to be Decided, andextinguishes the altar candles.
RL then thanks and dismisses any spirits who have gathered.
RL: "The Circle is open but unbroken. Merry meet, merry part and merrymeet again."
RL extinguishes the Presence Lamp, saying:
RL: "This rite is ended!"
All: "So mote it be!"

Charge of the Goddess and God

The Charge of the Goddess

High Priest (HP) stands to High Priestess' (HPS) left; both face Coven.

HP: "Listen to the words of the Great Mother; she who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite,Cerridwen, Cybele, Arianrhod, Isis, Dana, Bride and by many other names. At her altars the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice."

HPS: "Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better itbe when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adorethe spirit of me, who am Queen of all the witcheries. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise. For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mind also is joy on earth; for my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure you highest ideal; strive ever towards it; let naught stop you or turn you aside.

"For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth, and mine is the cup of the wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality. I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal;and beyond death, I give peace and freedom and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand aught in sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the earth."

HP: "Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feetare the hosts of heaven, and whose body encircles the Universe."

HPS: "I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the heart of man, call unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who giveslife to the universe. From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return; and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine inner most divine self be enfolded within the rapture of the infinite.
"Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
"And thou who thinkest to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knows the mystery; that if that which thou seek theefind not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold, I havebeen with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."

The Charge of the God

HPS: "Listen to the words of the of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris, Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Herne, Lugh and by many other names."

HP: "My Law is Harmony with all things.
Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the earth that is the body of Cernunnos that is the eternal circle of rebirth.I give the knowledge of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of regeneration and renewal.
I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth."

HPS: "Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirsthe winds, whose voice calls the seasons:"

HP: "I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun amongthe clouds and the secret of the flame
I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me
For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings.
Through me all things must die and with me are reborn.
Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals.
Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you.
For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings."

The Rede

Bide the Witches Redes ye must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust;
Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give;
Form the Circle thrice about,
To keep unwelcome spirits out;
Bind fast the spell every time,
Let the words be spoke in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much;
Deosil go by waxing moon,
Sing and dance the Witches' Rune;
Widdershins go by waning moon,
Chant ye then a baleful tune;
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss hand to her times two;
When the moon rides at peak,
Herat's desire then ye seek.

Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door and trim the sail;
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss them on the mouth;
When the wend blows from the West,
Departed souls have no rest;
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them quick, burn them slow;
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or cursed you’ll be;
When the wind begins to turn,
Soon Beltane fires will burn;
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log, the Horned One rules.

Heed the flower, bush or tree,
By the Lady blessed be,
When the rippling waters floe,
Cast a stone - the truth you'll know;
When ye have & hold a need,
Hearken not to others' greed;
With a fool no seasons spend,
Or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part,
Bright the cheeks, warm the heart;
Mind the threefold law ye should,
Three times bad and three times good;
Whenever misfortune is endows,
Wear the star upon your brow;
True in troth ever ye be.

Left they love prove false to thee.
'Tis by the sun that life be won,
And by the moon that change be done;
if ye would clear the path to will,
Make certain the mind be still;
what good be tools without Inner Light?
What good be magic without wisdom-sight?
Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill -
An it harm none, do what ye will

Many a witch subscribe to the threefold law of return, this is most wise.
It should be noted that I personally will deal out with a return of sevens for those who trangress this mage.