Rituals                 

These are some of my favorite rituals from my Book of Shadows. They work for me and I am sharing them with you now. I hope they will do for you as they have for me.

A Healing Spell

Wrap thee in cotton 
Bind thee with love 
Protection from pain 
Surrounds like a glove. 
May the brightest of blessings 
Surround thee this night. 
For thou art cared for, 
Healing thoughts sent in flight... 

House Blessing
Assemble: 
1. Salt & Water 
2. Incense (fire and air) 
3. Milk & Honey 
4. Oil (for anointing) 
5. Wine (for offering) 
6. Bells, Pots, Pans, Whistles, etc. 
Cast a circle in the main room (livingroom) and after casting, visualize the circle expanding to include the entire house. Call upon the spirits and energies living in the house (or apartment). Invite those who will be harmonious with the new household and its energies to remain. Invite/ask those who will be happier elsewhere to depart. Release all "energies" not compatible with the new household. (This may be expressed as a "release" in order to unbind anything that may be stuck.) 
Then call upon, greet, and invite ancestors, patron deities, and all harmonious spirits and energies to dwell in the house as they please. 
Gather up the pots, pans, and all the noise-makers. Go to each door and window, not forgetting the fire-place and dog-door, making as much racket as humanly possible-to shoo out anything unwanted. (This is hysterical fun, and also raises lots of energy for the next important step.) Go again throughout the house and at each portal (door, window, etc.) sprinkle salt-water and cense, saying: "By the Elements I purify and charge this portal." Then anoint the portal with milk and honey, saying: "By Milk and Honey I ensure prosperity and peace within this place." Finally, anoint the portal with oil, saying: "With Oil I seal this portal and protect all within." At the front door a special prayer is said, asking the guardian deities (God & Goddess) to freely grant entry to all friends and loved ones, and to prevent passage (turn aside) to any who would do harm." Then, if it's a house-pour wine across the width of the threshold; if it's an apartment anoint the threshold with light touches of wine. 
The house-holders then each take a sip of wine, leaving some as an offering to the Gods, and the Circle should be closed. The remaining wine, milk, and honey should be offered to the Gods. (In our case to the fruit tree and the oak tree in our yard.) 
Addenda: This is very effective if done as part of a house-warming party, followed by much feasting. It has also been done very effectively by two people. It only takes about 30 minutes to do a large house. You can take the time. 
Do make certain to "ground" afterward, by closing the circle and by eating. This ritual can "stir" up everybody and make the house feel full of "buzzy" energy. 
House Blessing Notes 
In the spirit of house blessings, and because I'm basically a kitchen witch at heart, and like little projects over serious ritual, I offer some selections gleaned from Cunningham's The Magical Household. I'm typing these without permission but with the hope that they'll inspire you to pick up the Cunningham book, because it's wonderful stuff...:> 
For the doorway: 
* Suspend over the door a fresh sprig of dill, tied with a blue cord (or red, if you prefer), to prevent those who mean you harm from entering. 
* Cross two needles, and stick into or tie onto a corner of your doormat, to prevent evil from entering. 
* Grind Dragon's Blood herb into a powder and sprinkle it on door and window sills, to protect your house from harm. 
"Witch Bottles" 
* Powder some more Dragon's Blood herb with a small quantity of sugar and salt, and place in a small corked or screw-lidded bottle. Shake and seal with red wax, then place it where it won't be found (or at least not easily seen). This will ensure harmony and peace within the house. 
* Place three new needles, three new pins, and three new nails in a glass jar. Fill with salt and shake vigorously nine times. Seal with white wax and place in kitchen cupboard where it will not be seen. This protects your food from contamination. 
* Gather rosemary, along with several needles and pins, into a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or cork. When full, pour in red wine and shake. Seal with black or red wax, and place in an inconspicuous place in the apartment. If you own your own house, bury this at the furthestmost corner of your property. The book also adds this: 
As you're filling the jar, say these words... 
"Pins, needles, rosemary, wine, 
In this witch's bottle of mine; 
Guard against harm and enmity; 
This is my will; so Mote it Be!" 
Personally, I'm not hip on anything but, "Hey, Gods? It's me again", but I know, I'm CONSIDERABLY less formal than most! 
An Anti-Theft Sachet 
Mix caraway, rosemary, juniper berries, and elder leaves or mistletoe, and place into white square of cloth. Tie with white yarn and hang prominently. I'd assume either at the place you think thieves are most likely to enter-this being an anti-theft sachet-or at every entrance and doorway. This will require more cloth and more herbs, but most of the above are fairly inexpensive. 
Finally, on Moving Day itself: 
Bring two things into the house first: a small amount of salt, half to be scattered upon crossing the threshold, and a small loaf of bread. Break the bread into as many pieces as you have people moving in, with one extra piece for the gods' portion. Sprinkle a dash of salt on each piece; share, when you have a moment. (I'd say have water on hand as well-at the very least, to clear the salt!) Next, bring in an apple and do the same thing-Cunningham recommends a fruit and cheese basket-I'd stick with just the apple and maybe a few slices of cheddar, or something. Lastly, bring in a sturdy chair and place it either near the apple and bread bits, or facing the door. This ensures that you will never know poverty, for there is bread and salt, hunger, for there is fruit (and cheese), and instability (for there's your stable chair guarding the door. After that, heave and lift until you're moved in! 
A Note: I think ritual is very important, and I do admire rituals I've picked up here and those I've found on my own. In the long run, though, I know myself well enough to think that if I have to wait for a certain day and have a certain robe on, or need a special tool or altar lay-out, it'll never happen. But I can put my hands on needles, pins, wine and spices at virtually any time, and can easily make up witch's bottles for the shelves and cupboards, sachets for the windows, and incenses for household protection and cleansing. These simple items can have just as much power as just about any major ritual, and are sometimes easier to "whip up" for the busy pagan...:> 
Cleansing Incense 
* 2 parts Dragon's Blood 
* 1 part Valerian Root 
* 1 part Sulfur 
* 1 part Asafetida 
In conjunction with any banishing ritual this WILL remove ANY psychic or magical impression from your home. Then you can start fresh filling it with the energies you want. It may sound strange but it works! (Though it WILL GAG a Maggot!) 
Invocation

Diana of the Rounded Moon, 
The queen of all enchantments here, 
The wind is crying through the trees, 
As we invoke thee to appear. 
The cares of day departed are, 
The realm of night belongs to thee; 
And we in love and kinship join 
With all things that are wild and free. 
As powers of magic round us move, 
Now let time's self dissolve and fade. 
Here in place between the worlds 
May we be one with nature made. 
Thy consort is the Horned One, 
Whose sevenfold pipes make music sweet. 
Old Gods of life and love and light 
Be here as merrily we meet! 
For ye circle's round we tread, 
And unto ye the wine we pour; 
The sacred Old Ones of this land, 
Ye we invoke by ancient lore - 
By magic moon and pagan spell, 
By all the secrets of the night, 
Dreams and desires and mystery, 
Borne on the moonbeam's silver light. 
Now may we hear, or may we see, 
Or may we know within the heart, 
A token of true magic made, 
Ere from this circle we depart. 
(Pause...) 
O goddess-queen of night, 
O Horn'ed One of might, 
In earth and sky and sea 
May peace and blessing be! 
Invocation of the God and Goddess

Part One: The Preparations 
[Priest, Priestess, Bard and Quarters begin standing in circle just outside the circle that will be consecrated for the ritual. Other participants begin outside of circle and will later enter through South gate. Customarily, East and North are male, South and West female.] 
The Warning 
[The Bard moves to center of circle and addresses all.] 
"We gather tonight to open the veil between the worlds. 
This is not safe - To pass beyond that threshold we must leave behind the protections of the mundane world. We must remove the veils which disguise us and lay aside the jewels which dazzle our eyes. We must take the risk of Seeing, and of being Seen. 
For our protection we rely upon the Lord and the Lady, whose Children we are. Any who are not ready to approach Them in reverence, love and trust should leave now. 
[Pause] 
Those of you who have chosen to walk this path, prepare yourselves to meet God and Goddess. 
[Bard remains in center.] 
2.Claiming the Circle 
[East takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.] 
"In the name of the Lady of Light, and in my own name, 
I claim this circle as a place of Men. 
Let all who enter be bound to speak, and hear, the Truth. 
So mote it be." 
[West takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.] 
"In the name of the Sacred King, and in my own name, 
I claim this circle as a place of Women. 
Let all who enter be bound to Perfect Love and Trust. 
So mote it be." 
[South takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.] 
"In the name of the Lord of the Greenwood, and in my own name, 
I claim this circle as a place of Nature 
Let all who enter be bound to the sacred web of life. 
So mote it be." 
[North takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.] 
"In the name of the Queen of Heaven, and in my own name, 
I claim this circle as Sacred Space. 
Let all who enter be opened to the presence of God and Goddess. 
So mote it be." 
Marking the Circle 
[All sing Listen to the Lord and Lady while Priest and Priest mark circle. When finished Priest and Priestess stand before alter in North, facing South.] 
The Challenges 
[East and West move to South gate and form Arch with athames. North crosses to South gate. Participants enter through South gate one at a time and are challenged at knife point by North and South, then shown to places by Bard.] 
Who seeks to join this fellowship? 
Will you support and defend your companions on this quest? 
Do you swear to use that which you learn in this circle only in service of the light? 
Are you ready to meet the Mother and Father of All life? 
Then enter and be welcome. 
[Comment: This took several minutes, but the effect of the delay was positive rather than negative. The lengthy challenge process acted to center and focus the entire circle.] 
5.Sealing the Circle 
[Bard speaks from center.] 
We have stepped beyond time, to a place not of earth. In the presence of the Lord and Lady, we join together and are one. 
[Bard crosses to take place in circle, then takes hand of next person deosil and says We are one. Each participant takes the hand of the next repeating We are one until the whole circle is joined. When the circle is complete, the Bard announces again We are one!] 
Part Two: The Mystery 
Pathworking 
[Priest moves to center and leads all in pathworking. After preliminary relaxation and centering, the working takes the participant first to four symbols - a living tree, a sword, a cup, and a standing stone - each of which holds a message for the visitor. Then the participants journey to an ancient clearing around a weathered stone alter where, in times long past, their ancestors honored the Lord and Lady. In that holy place, the participants call the Guardians of the Quarters, then prepare to invoke the Lord and Lady.] 
[Comment: The actual invocation of the Lord and Lady follows without transition, inviting the participants to continue to experience it in the ancient clearing.] 
Calling the Lord and Lady 
[Priestess joins Priest in center. Priestess invokes the Lord. Other celebrants invoke Lord and/or Lady as they feel inspired. Priest closes invocations by invoking the Lady. All invocations end with Come join with us. which is repeated by all.] 
Chant: 
Priestess begins chant alone, all join in after first time through. Participants should stand, clap and dance as they feel moved.] 
Isis, Osiris, Woden and Freya; Lord and Lady, Brigid and Lugh 
[Chant builds in power to be cut off at peak by Bard striking staff on the ground.] 
Readings 
[During chant East and West have stepped outside circle and deliver readings from opposite sides of circle. Bard is at center. Bard speaks.] 
Hear now the words of the Great Mother who is called Isis, and Freya, and Brigid, and many other names. 
[West speaks.] 
Think not that I am far from you, for you can see my visage in the moon, and hear my voice upon the wind. 
I am the silence of the sea, and the secret of the standing stones. 
I am the beauty of the green earth, and the mystery of the stars. 
I am the Mother of all things, and the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. 
I am the source of your beginning, and I am the fulfillment of your desire. 
[Bard speaks.] 
Hear the words of the All Father who is called Osiris, and Woden, and Lugh, and other names beyond counting. 
[East speaks.] 
You know me not, but I am with you. My face is the sun, and my voice the thunder. 
I am the strength of the forest, and the keenness of the sword. 
I am the rune giver; the patient teacher; the revealer of secrets. 
I am the warrior, the defender of the weak and the companion of heroes. I am the Horned One. I am the gateway to the Mysteries, and I am Mystery itself. 
[West speaks.] 
Arise and come unto us, for mine in the womb that bore thee and the breast that nursed thee. Your joy is our joy, and your sorrow, our sorrow. We would teach you the ways of healing, and the joys of love, for our law is love unto all beings. We give the knowledge of the eternal spirit, and beyond death we give peace and reunion with those who have gone before. We would lead you to love and to freedom. Call on us, and we will show you the hidden paths. 
[East speaks.] 
Follow my white stag into the deep forest. There is mystery in the wild places, and a path that leads between the worlds. 
The path is not easy, for it leads to that which cannot be given by another. 
Those who would share our freedom must create it anew within their own hearts. 
But no one who walks that path walks alone. Fear not to call on us, for we have not forgotten our Children. 
Great Rite 
[Priest and Priestess take positions in center of circle, Priest kneeling with chalice, Priestess standing with athame. Priest makes spontaneous prayer to Lord and Lady. Priestess prays and/or responds on behalf of Lord and Lady, customarily ending with So mote it be as she lowers the athame. 
[Comment: a common theme here is to invite the Lord and Lady to join with us as they join with each other, but sensitivity to the inspiration of the moment is the prime concern.] 
Blessing 
[All sing We all come from the Goddess as Priest and Priestess circle group, touching and offering a blessing to each in turn. When all have received a blessing, Priest and Priestess return to circle and all join hands. Priest and Priestess signal end to song by returning to center.] 
Part Three Closing 
Thanking the Lord and Lady 
[Priest thanks Lady, Priestess thanks Lord.] 
Return to Mundane Consciousness 
[Priestess return to circle. Priest resumes pathworking in ancient clearing, thanks quarters and draws participants back into normal consciousness. Priest returns to circle.] 
Opening the Circle 
[Bard moves to center and addresses all.] 
The rite is ended, the circle is open, may the blessing of the Lord and Lady be with you all. So mote it be. (All respond.) 


Invocation of the WatchTowers

East (Invocation) 
Facing East: "Guardians of the watchtower of the east, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come to us now on the cool breath of Autumn's sigh which heralds the advent of Winter and the close of harvest time. Breathe into us the spirit of the pure joy of life. So mote it be!" 
Responsorial: "So mote it be!" 
Air (Invocation) 
(Celebrant with the incense burner symbolizing the element of air) : "I am everywhere. I fill the fleshy pouches of your lungs, I stir all things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree. I cool you with my breezes and destroy you with my storms. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise? " 
East (Banishment) 
Facing East: "Guardians of the watchtower of the east, return now to the brisk Autumn breezes which are brimming with the excitement of the year's climax. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!" 
Responsorial: "Hail and farewell!" 
South (Invocation) 
Facing South: "Guardians of the watchtower of the south, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the cook fires and smokehouses where food is being made ready for the coming cold months. Kindle within us the flame of spiritual awakening. So mote it be!" 
Responsorial: "So Mote it Be!" 
Fire (Invocation) 
(Celebrant with the candle symbolizing the element of fire): "I live in the guarded embers of campfires and the pilot lights of stoves, I spring from the lightning and the hands of men, I warm you and I destroy you. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise?" 
South (Banishing) 
Facing South: "Guardians of the watchtower of the south, return now to the dying fires of Autumn's heat soon to give way to Winter's chill. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!" 
Responsorial: "Hail and farewell" 
West (Invoking) 
Facing West: "Guardians of the watchtower of the west, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the rainbow hued morning dew that covers the fields, and is soon to be frost. Asperge us with your diadems and water our deepest roots that we may find peace of mind. So mote it be!" 
Responsorial: "So mote it be!" 
Water (Invocation) 
(Celebrant with the water vessel symbolizing the element of water): "I rise from the moist crevices of the Earth, I beat on the shores of Her body, I fall from the skies in silver sheets. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise? " (Celebrant asperges the circle with water) 
West (Banishing) 
Facing West: "Guardians of the watchtower of the west, return now to the Autumn rains which cool the Earth's fevered brow baked in the heat of Summer afternoons. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!" 
Responsorial: "Hail and farewell!" 
North (Invoking) 
Facing North: "Guardians of the watchtower of the north, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the fertile bosom of our Blessed Mother Earth, and nourish us so that our hopes may grow to fruition. So mote it be!" 
Responsorial: "So mote it be!" 
Earth (Invocation) 
(Celebrant with the salt vessel symbolizing the element of earth): "I am your Mother. From me come the fruit and grain and animals which feed you. I am your support, and my pull on your bodies keeps you held firmly to me. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise?" 
North (Banishing) 
Facing North: "Guardians of the watchtowers of the north, return now to the Earth where worms burrow deeper and seeds nestle awaiting the long sleep of Winter. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!" 
Responsorial: "Hail and farewell!" 
Invocation of the Moon Goddess

Diana, queen of night, 
In all your beauty bright, 
Shine on us here, 
And with your silver beam 
Unlock the gate of dream; 
Rise bright and clear. 
On earth and sky and sea, 
Your magic mystery 
Its spell shall cast, 
Wherever leaf may grow, 
Wherever tide may flow, 
Till all be past. 
O secret queen of power, 
At this enchanted hour 
We ask your boon. 
May fortune's favor fall 
Upon true witches all, 
O Lady Moon! 




The Center Point

The methods that I use involve putting oneself in the center of the Three Realms, constructed as a triskele. The first is a movement meditation that I call "The Center Point." It involves both movement and a breathing pattern used to time the movement. Breathing is, ideally, timed to the heartbeat. Three each beat is one count. Breathing pattern is to inhale for 3, hold for 1, exhale for 3, hold for 1. 
Movement is slow, rhythmic and deliberate. Each movement has its own meaning. 
Start standing erect, arms relaxed at your sides. 
Close your eyes and relax. Clear your mind, concentrating on your breathing, and listening to your heart beat. Breathe in and out in the 3-1-3-1 pattern three times as you allow yourself to relax. 
As you breathe in the fourth time, raise your hands from your sides and cover your heart with your palms, one over the other - you are at the center of the world. 
Exhale, moving smoothly to one knee, placing your palms on the ground in front of you - you stand firmly upon the Land. 
Inhale as you rise to your feet. As you stand, move your hands behind you as far back as you can comfortably reach at waist or hip height. Your hands should be cupped as though you are holding liquid. 
Breathe out, moving your hands in an arc around you until they meet in front of you at about the level of your navel - the Sea always surrounds you. 
Breathing in, move your hands back to your sides, holding them slightly away from your hips with your palms flat, facing forward and your fingers spread open. 
Exhale as you raise your arms above you in a smooth curve over your head until the tips of your thumbs and index fingers touch -the Sky spreads itself above you. 
Inhale again, lowering your hands in front of you until they are once again cupped over your heart - you are at the center of the Three Realms. 


River of Life Meditation

Find a comfortable place where you can relax and be completely quiet...relax...allow your thought snow to just come and go...come and go...and take a deep breath in and hold it...(pause)...now gather up the tension in your body, and release it as you exhale...take another deep breath, and as you exhale, let go of anybody else's energy or thoughts you may be carrying...and breathe in new energy...breathe in new possibilities...and allow your body to fill with lightness...feel it becoming lighter and lighter as you relax more and more...relaxing deeply...going deeper...feeling very light now...so light you could almost float away... 
And as you relax, imagine a beautiful colored mist is swirling up around you, billowing up around you into a cushiony, soft, cloud of energy...and you are resting completely upon this cloud...and you are safe...as you breathe in and out, let your thoughts just come and go...relaxing more and more...and the cloud of energy now lifts you up into the air and carries your down into your own inner world...down between the boundaries of time and space...to a place of timeless beauty and infinite possibilities...floating down now, going deeper and deeper, leaving the outer world and its concerns far behind, as you drift and float on this beautiful cloud...going further and further...down below you is a rock, a giant rock...and the cloud gently and effortlessly lands upon the rock and you step off it, as the cloud swirls back into a mist and disappears for now... 
Stand upon this rock now, and feel the strength of it under your feet...and as you turn around, you look out upon a great river...flowing as far as you can see...seeming to come from some infinite place...and disappearing into an infinite place, a flowing, endless river of energy...this is the river of all life waters...all of life draws upon the life-force that moves through its steaming currents...look closely at the water...what color is it? it may look like liquid light to you...look deeply into it, and sense the power and depth of the river...what sound does it make as it courses through its channels?...as you stand securely upon your rock, notice and fragrance...and bend down and cup your hands in the living water, and splash some of it on your face...feel the life giving force on your skin...take a sip of the water...allow the river of life to nourish you... 
Now relax a moment upon the rock...and bring into your mind the magical intention that never seemed to go anywhere...what were you trying to accomplish?...what was the basic intention you had?...what was the emotion behind the intention?...feel the energy of that emotion moving onto the palms of your hands now...feel the energy glowing...pulsating...breathe and allow your intention that you're still clinging to externalize...the energy of it is now shimmering, glowing...swirling into a sphere...allow all of your desire to flow into this sphere...and allow this sphere to appear to you however it appears...and just observe what you see...you may see pictures or symbols emerging within the sphere...whatever you see is fine... 
When your sphere is completely filled with the last of your desire, emotion, and intention, hold it aloft...feel the power of it in you hands, a globe of power that you can now release...and look out into the river of life...watch as its currents of possibility flow for ever and ever, as far as you can see...and whenever you're ready, with as much and as little force as you need, throw the pulsating sphere into the river...and give this intention to the life force of this great river...watch as the sphere touches the water...and gradually disappears into the current... 
Take a deep breath...as the sphere disappears the last of your intention and emotion and desire merges with the source of all life, from which it originally came...and leaves you... 
Now complete any business here that you need to finish...take a few moments to enjoy the flowing river of life, and know that the possibilities it nourishes can bring miracles into you life too... 
Take another deep breath, and notice the colored mist is once again swirling around you...billowing up underneath you to form a beautiful cloud of cushiony energy, which is lifted up into the air, with you upon it...relaxing into the cloud you are returning the way you came...lifting up through time and space, coming back from the inner world...coming up...further and further...floating and drifting back...coming back...bringing you all the way back into your body now, into this room...brining your attention completely back into this time and place...take a deep breath and begin to re-orient yourself to the outer world...and when you're ready, count to three..., and on the count of three open your eyes, and return feeling relaxed, alert and at peace. 

As always, change any of the wording or images in this meditation if it suits your purpose better. The important part is just to finally and completely let go of your intention, so that the energy can be recycled in whatever form the creative force and your own consciousness will allow. Out of this release, new lives, new opportunities, and new magical opportunities are born! 


Solitary Moon Rite

This rite may be used for either New or Full Moon. The difference is in your meditation and mental attitude in preparation. Remember that the New Moon is a time of outward work and thought, building to the peak which is the Full Moon. At the Full Moon, you should be preparing to lessen the outward flow of energy, bit by bit, until the period before New Moon, during which you are passive, building a pool of energy within you, in preparation for the New Moon. 
The altar should be placed in the center of the ritual area. On it should be placed a rose or stick of incense on the eastern side, a red votive candle to the South; a cup of water on the West, and a bowl of salt or living plant on the North. 
Around your ritual area, you should place an unlighted candle at the cardinal point of each direction. 
To begin your rite, enter your darkened temple, carrying one burning candle, white or lavender, with you. Place it on the center of your altar, sit, and meditate on the meaning of the rite. When you feel the time is right, stand, and go to the eastern point, carrying with you, the burning taper. Light the votive at the eastern point and go to the southern, picturing, as you do, an arc of pure strong light curving from one candle to the next. Continue to the West, and then to the North, lighting the candles as you go, and then walk to your eastern candle again, having formed a circle of protective light surrounding the area in which you worship. 
Return to the center of the circle, replace the candle on the altar, and say: 
My Lady of the Moon, who is called Diana, Artemis, Levanah, Isis and by any other names, I come to you to bring you my love and my devotion. May you grant me the joy of your presence. 
Mentally divide the room into four quadrants by visualizing a line of silvery moonlight from the southeast to the northwest, and from the northeast to the southwest. Go the East, taking with you the rose or incense. Say: 
Sweet Goddess, the gentle breeze is the touch of your loving hand, the wind of storm a reminder of your strength. The sound of the trees in the wind is your voice, and the fragrance of flowers borne on the wind is your gift of beauty. 
Place the rose next to the votive candle, then stand there as you picture the quadrant filling with moonlight. See the moonlight streaming quietly and gently into the room, filling the quadrant from center point to the edge of your circle. 
When this is complete, take the red candle to the South. Place the gift and see the quadrant fill with moonlight. Say: 
Most loved Lady, the light of the candle is a guide along our path leading to you; its warmth the reassurance of your presence and your love. The light of the Sun is the knowledge you impart to us, driving out ignorance and those things which can survive only in darkness. 
At the West: 
Lovely One, the quiet pool is the serenity of your being. The vast sea where life began on this planet is the vast sea of your being whence all life came; its waves are the ebb and flow of the universe you rule. 
At the North: 
Goddess of all, the fertility of the earth is a sign of your fertility, whence all life rose. The solidity and permanence are still of it are still less than yours. The Earth's fertility feeds our bodies, and your fertility feeds our souls. 
Go to the center of your temple, which is now filled with moonlight. 
Everything in the circle is touched by it, blessed by it, including you. Sit down and feel this moonlight around you. Know that it is the Goddess. Realize that you are in the center of a sphere of light that is half above and half above and half below where you sit. Begin to breathe slowly and evenly, deep breaths that penetrate your whole body. When this rhythmic breathing becomes natural, imagine that the moonlight by which you are surrounded enters you, fills you entirely. 
With each exhalation of your breath, some of the essence of yourself leaves your body, and with each inhalation, the light enters you. You are being filled ever so gently with this beautiful light. This light, which is the presence, the being of the Goddess, is within you as well as without. With each breath, you are less yourself and more the Goddess. 
When you are filled with light, filled with the Goddess, the shell of your body fades away. You have no body; there is nothing to separate you from the entire being of the Goddess. Nothing exists but the being of which you are apart. You have ceased to be a separate entity. You are nothing and everything. All that was, that is, and all that will be, you are. 
Enjoy this feeling as long as you like. When you feel it is time, picture the outer shell of your physical body reforming, becoming solid again. It is being built out of the Universe of which you are a part. 
Now, as you continue your slow deep breathing, see the moonlight flowing out of your body, as gently and slowly as it entered. As it flows out, realize there is a difference. Because you have become one with the Goddess, with the Universe, your being has changed. As the moonlight flows out of your body, it takes with it a part of that which was yourself, now part of the Goddess, and leaves behind a part of the Goddess, forever now part of you. You become yourself again, solid as you were, but changed. You are surrounded by the presence of the Goddess, which now contains a part of yourself . 
Move again to the East. As you speak, and after, picture the moonlight in that quadrant flowing back to its source, leaving that quadrant as it was. 
Do this at each quadrant, until all the moonlight has returned to the Moon. 
At the East: 
My Lady, guide my thoughts. Let them lead always closer to you. 
At the South: 
Gracious Goddess, guide my actions. Let them always help and never harm others or myself. 
At the West: 
Lovely One, guide my emotions: Let them be healing and touched always by you. 
At the North: 
Sweet Goddess, let my mind always be fertile and strong, that I may grow always toward you. 
Return to the East to complete the circle and say: 
Queen of Heaven, I thank you for your presence, both now and always. My love and devotion are yours. Blessed be! 
All spirits who have joined me tonight may depart, with my love. Return to your proper places. 
Walk again around your circle, but this time counterclockwise, extinguishing the quadrant guards as you go, and at the same time, mentally erasing the white line which surrounded your circle. When the candles are out and the circle gone, rap on your altar and say: 
The rite is ended. 


Solitary Imbolic Ritual

On your altar should be placed a circle of 13 stones and, within the circle of stones, a circle of 13 candles. Within the circle of candles should be spread some maize - i.e. corn meal - and in that a waxen female candle to symbolize the Goddess on your altar. On the eastern side of the altar should be placed a small sheaf of grain with a candle inserted inside it. 
You should dress in your usual ceremonial garb for Magickal rites or skyclad, as you prefer. 
Retire to bathe in salt-water (use sea salt) before the ritual. As you do so picture the water cleansing the soul and spirit, just as it cleanses the body. When you have dressed, anoint yourself with a holy oil. When you have prepared yourself, sit in a dim quiet place and light a candle - ONE THAT IS NOT BEING USED IN THE RITES - and meditate on how at this time of year the Goddess in her fiery aspect AS LIGHT was welcomed back into the Temples and the Homes of the land. 
Take this candle and walk slowly to your altar. Place it in the circle of the 13 candles. Then light the two altar candles, which are separate from the circle of lights also, and the incense. (Incense should be stick or powdered incense on charcoal in a swinging burner.) Then light all the quarter candles in the 4 directions, starting in the east and going clockwise. 
Cast your circle in the usual manner, but Invoke the Goddess with the following: 
"Sacred womb, giver of the secrets of Life, Mother of all that exists in the Universe, I ask your guardianship of this gathering and your assistance in my work. I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy. SO MOTE IT BE" 
And Invoke the God in the following manner: 
"Fire of the sky, guardian of all that exists in the Universe, I ask your guardianship of this gathering and your assistance in my work. I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy. SO MOTE IT BE" 
(Continue with the circle casting if it is not already finished) 
Light the 13 candles and then the Goddess candle in the center and say: 
"Warm and quickening Light awaken and bring forth beauty for thou art my pleasure and my bounty LORD and LADY OSiRIS AND ISIS" (or you may substitute whatever names your circle uses for the God and the Goddess - or those you personally prefer) 
Reflect a moment on the coming of the light and offer up the incense. 
Say 
"O ancient Ones Timeless Goddess and Sacred King who art the heralds of springtime and it's bounties be with me now in celebration 
Hail to Osiris and Isis 
Harvest giver and blessed Lady 
Let this be a time and a place sacred to your power and your beauty 
SO MOTE IT BE" 
Light the candle in the sheaf of grain and hold it up with the loaf of bread in the other hand and say (or the cakes - whatever you or your tradition uses for the cakes and wine/juice ceremony) 
"My Lord and Lady, as the seed becomes the grain, so the grain becomes the bread, Mark the everlasting value of our seasons and their changes. " 
Break a piece of the bread or cakes off and burn it as an offering in the central candle. 
Then say: 
"In the deepest Icy Winter the seed of the Earth lies deep within the womb of the Great Mother. The Spring brings the heat of the Father and with their joining comes new life. The completion of the cycle brings food to the children of the world. As I taste the food I shall know the wisdom of the cycles and be blessed with the food of wisdom throughout my life" 
Consecrate cakes and wine/juice in the usual manner and partake of them, but first raise your chalice or drinking horn and say: 
"Hail to thee ISIS 
Hail to thee Osiris 
For thou art blessed" 
After this commune in meditation with the Lord and lady for a while, then close the circle in your usual manner. 


Projection Spell

Ban! Ban! Barier That None Can Pass, 
Barrier Of The Gods, That None May Break, 
Barrier Of Heaven and Earth That None Can Change, 
Which No God May Annul, 
Nor God Nor Man Can Loose, 
A Snare Without Escape, Set for Evil, 
A Net Whence None Can Issue Forth, Spread for Evil, 
Whether It Be evil Spirit, or evil Fiend, or Hag-Demon, or Ghoul, or Robber-Sprite, 
Or Phantom, or Night-Wraith, or Handmaid of the Phantom, 
Or Evil Plague, or Fever-Sickness, or Unclean Disease, 
Or That Which May Do Harm in Any Form or Fashion 
Which Hath Attacked the Shining Waters of Ea, 
May the Snare of Ea Catch It; 
Or Which Hath Assailed the Meal of Nisaba, 
May the Net of Nisaba Entrap It; 
Or Which Hath Broken The Barrier 
Let Not the Barrier of the Gods, 
The Barrier of Heaven and Earth, Let It Go Free; 
Or Which Reverenceth Not the Great Gods, 
May the Great Gods Entrap It, 
May the Great Gods Curse It; 
Or Which Attacketh the House, 
Into a Closed Dwelling May They Cause It To Enter; 
Or Which Circleth Round About, 
Into a Place Without Escape May They Bring It; 
Or Which is Shut In By the House Door, 
Into a House Without Exit May They Cause It To Enter; 
With Door and Bolt, a Bar Immovable, 
May They Withhold It; 
Or Which Bloweth In at the Threshhold and Hinge, 
Or Which Forceth a Way Through Bar and Latch, 
Like Water May They Pour It Out, 
Like a Goblet May They Dash It to Pieces, 
Like a Tile May They Break It; 
Or Which Passeth Over The Wall, 
Its Wing May They Cut Off; 
Or Which Lieth in a Chamber, 
Its Throat May They Cut; 
Or Which Looketh In at a Side Chamber, 
Its Face May They Smite; 
Or Which Muttereth In a Chamber, 
Its Mouth May They Shut; 
Or Which Roameth Loose In an Upper Chamber, 
With a Basin Without Opening May They Cover It; 
Or Which at Dawn is Darkened, 
At Dawn To a Place of Sunrise May They Take It. 
Out With You! Spirits of Fear, Spirits of Death! 
Give Way to the Sun and the Moon! 
For This is a Place Made Safe! 
Bright Blessings and Peace Upon Us! 
And All Who Reside Here, 
Let None Enter Here Unbidden, 
Keep Harm and Fear Far from This Place, 
May God and Goddess Bless Us! 
So Mote It So! 
So Mote It Be! 
"This should be performed on the night of the full moon, and is a very intricate spell. All portals and doorways should be open, including closet doors and windows, Then, as you start, close every closet and cabinet door, making the sign of the banishing pentacle with your wand, your athame, or your hand (a stick of patchouli incense may be substituted). Music should be light. Use a goodly amount of commanding incense as well as patchouli and sandalwood. Once you have done the closets and cabinets, go from window to window outlining the banishing pentagram on each one, and close AND LATCH each window. Remember to close and latch your fireplace, as well, perhaps burning some incense there. Once the windows are secured, do inside doors, then when you reach the entry ways, state the last ten lines. If performed correctly, you will notice the difference in atmospheres from the outside compared to the inside, the moment you walk into the house or apartment." 
-Avon, Sysop, Sanctuary BBS 
Okay, that's how I got it. Here's what happened when we performed it. 
I had pulled one of my partners into this with me, and we did it the night after the full moon, being as how we didn't get home in time the night OF the full moon (being across town and having to stay the night as our friends were very tired). We also didn't use patchouli incense, as I dislike it, opting for sandalwood instead with the commanding incense. Several times, though I had talked to said partner about what to do when I was speaking, I still had to pause in the recitation to tell him what to do. So, there were breaks in concentration. WITH ALL THIS, we still got an apartment that feels much happier. This building, just since we moved in a year and a half ago, has seen an ax murder on the lower floor, a shooting on the upper floor where we are, two police break-ins on drug raids, several shootings in the back alley, and two stabbings on the sidewalk near the building. Bad vibes. Now it's better. 
Here's the downfalls-if you can call them that. 
This is supposed to, at least how I interpret it, clear out EVERYTHING in your house to start fresh. We had a ghost cat before. We still have her now. Also, we now have two dark brown, heavily fanged...THINGS...hovering in my kitchen, worshipping my fridge. You think I'm kidding. I'm not. Scared the hell out of me when I first noticed them; eventually, I broke down and went into the kitchen. When they didn't attack, I moved near the fridge. "It's a refrigerator," I said. They gave back a sort of sub-vocal "Wow..." I opened said fridge. "It's still a fridge," I said. They looked in; seemed even more impressed. I have NO idea why. Also, once I looked down from my computer, feeling watched, and noticed another dark brown thing, all rags and big feet and big eyes. His whole being radiated shock and surprise when I looked down; again, I caught a sort of sub-vocal "WHAT??!!??", and he vanished. Poof. That's been it, but it's interesting. Did these slip in due to the changes or due to the lack of concentration? No harmful thing is in this apartment now; of that I'm sure. So how are these new residents explained? 
Anyway, that's it. Hope you have fun with it...:> 


Air Meditation

It is dawn. I find myself in a forest filled with Aspen trees. I raise my eyes and look for the sky, but the boughs looming overhead hide it from my view. As I look up, feel the cool breeze of spring brush my face, and hear the sound of the rustling leaves. Blowing, laughing from the east, Eurus brings thoughts of renewal and life. I follow the wind further into the soft shadows of the forest, inhaling deeply the strong scent of the trees. I smell, too, the wafting hints of fragrant incense. I follow where my senses lead me and come to a small clearing circled by burning censers filled with sweet-smelling oils. Toward the east end of the circle is a staff. I walk over to the place and sit on the ground before it. I take the staff into my hands and close my eyes. First come swirling colors of white then yellow then fading darker into lavender. Then, out of the swirling fog of colors come dozens of small, lithe figures who swirl around as if carried on the wind itself. They dance around my head and body, swirling around as if caught in a dance to unheard music. Then, taking my attention from the spirits of the air, I look up to find further figures emerging from the mist. First comes a woman with the beauty of the dawn. As she steps forward, each of the four winds, in turn, hasten from around here and fly, one to each of the four corners of the earth. As she fades, there comes another whose form seems insubstantial, and seems to constitute both the image of a woman and a cow at the same time. I look closely the attempt to solidify one form, but I cannot. As this image fades, I am presented with the forms of two women who immediately remind me of the nighttime sky. One glows with the pale light of the full moon, and her eyes hold the fullness of hidden knowledge. The other, whom also seems to radiate cool starlight, seems to embody the possibilities of many lifetimes. In due course, these figures too fade and I am left with only the mist of the elemental world of air. Suddenly, three male figures issue from the mist. They seem to be three aspects of one man, but each's attributes differ. The first glows with the light of the moon, seeming to be its protector. The second and third appear almost identical, except that one has a winged helmet and shoes. As I sit and study the sameness and difference of the three, they begin to fade, as does the fog. When the mist clears, I find myself sitting within the circle still clutching the staff in my hands. I place the staff once again on the ground and rise. I thank the element of air, and all it is associated with for sharing with me its wisdom, and leave the circle.