Samhain

Ritual
Haste, haste, no time to waste, we're off to the Sabbat so do't be late

Dancing deosil around the circle beating a drum or singing

Now is a time for great change as we leave the light and enter into the darkness
Yet we fear not the dark, we enter gladly with our hearts open
For we know the wheel must turn
At this time of the year the gates swing back and forth
The door between worlds is open and we can call our loved one, our ancestors to pass and join with us
We invite them to celebrate with us

We are in the space between
For this day belongs neither to the old year nor to the new
With no distance between years there is no distance between worlds
As our wheel turns, Samhain celebrates the passsing of summer, and the beginning of winter
The passing of our Lady and a time to welcome our Lord

The cauldron is lit, offerings are made by either placing them on the altar, libation dish or into the cauldron. If the offering is food, usually a small part is offered up, the rest is shared in celebration as time is taken out to reflect on the year past and the year ahead.

Dearest Goddess we graciously thankyou for the happiness of summer past
For the crops that grew, the love that prospered
For the friendships made and the fun had

Dearest Lord we worship you for what is to come
You are the beginning as well as the end
The spark of life that is in me or the darkness of death
It is you who is the gate keeper
Yet there is no need to fear you
You are forever gentle
The touch of the stars, the breath of the breeze
In the harshnest of winter ahead you will be with us
Within and without this cirlce
You will bring things to pass

Now time is taken out to write a new years resolution, what you wish to accomplish in the year ahead. This can be kept as a reminder or placed into the fire.

With our Lady at his side, may he lead us through hardships
May he bring us hope and into the light
So mote it be

The bell is rung nine times. Samhain is followed by Cakes and Ale until the temple is cleared.