Dress in black, dark colors, or go skyclad, especially if solitary and the weather/setting permit.
The altar should be draped in black or another deep color such as purple or midnight blue.
A single black candle is lit upon the altar.
A scrying glass, runes, tarot deck, or other things for divination may be inside the circle for use during this time.
Incense such as Sage, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Frankincense, and/or Dragonsblood may seem particularly appropriate. (Just about anything heavy seems appropriate to me, but some of these are �traditional� for such things as wisdom and an increase of �psychic powers� or sensitivity.) I like frankincense and myrrh blends. Typically I use my miniature cauldron to hold charcoal (it�s quite fireproof) and I burn natural herbs or resin
Sit before the lit candle and breathe the incense deeply, allowing your mind to clear and calm itself. Perform a grounding exercise. When you feel well grounded, proceed.
(Inscribe the circle with your hand or athame or whatever method you use)
I call upon Earth, ruler of the North-
May my foundation be always strong.
I call upon Air, ruler of the East-
May my mind always be sound.
I call upon Fire, ruler of the South-
May I always rule my passions.
I call upon Water, ruler of the West-
May I see my True Self with compassion.
May the gods bear witness of my rite and be welcome.
So mote it be!
I am here in the fullness of the dark of the Moon, to celebrate the Crone, the face of age and wisdom.
Let my heart be open to the lessons of the Dark Goddess
Let my eyes see the Truth
Let my ears hear her words
Let my mind know her wisdom
Let my feet walk in her path, the path that speaks of endings and leads to new beginnings.
Let my hands prove my learning.
(For a group ritual:
Let us not fear age, the sign that we have lived.
Though the world may claim that beauty lies only with the young, let us leave that ignorant idea behind. Let us leave behind our childhood when it is time and embrace our maturity in its time.
Let us proceed along the path of wisdom and leave behind folly that we may truly know ourselves.)
I embrace the Crone, the fulfillment of my time in this life.
I embrace the terrible aspects of myself that I might control them.
I embrace pain, that I may become strong.
I embrace strength, that I may use it well.
I embrace power and the Will to use it.
I embrace change, so that I may grow.
I embrace wisdom, however it might come to me.
I embrace the Crone, fulfillment of my time in this life.
Sit within the circle and allow your mind to quiet again. Reflect on ways you may bring aspects of this ritual to your life, how to embrace the Crone. See things that you do that are counter-productive. See them, own them, and commit to letting them go.
You may wish to perform some type of divination at this time.
Stay and meditate as long as you wish.
I bless the gods who have attended my rite. May you go when you will in peace.
I bless Water, ruler of West.
Go in peace.
I bless Fire, ruler of South.
go in peace.
I bless Air, ruler of East.
Go in peace.
I bless Earth, ruler of North.
Go in peace.
(Take up the circle and release the power as you chose.)
This circle is open and but unbroken. So mote it be!
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