| Triggering of the Spell ALL grab the Initiate quickly and hoist him or her completely into the air (if possible), chanting the Initiate's new name over and over again, as fast as possible, as they carry him or her three times quickly around the circle. When they return to the starting point, they set him or her down, face-down, and press him or her firmly into the ground. Gradually the pressure relents to gentle massage. Through all of this they continue chanting the Initiate's new name falling off in volume and speed as the pressure relaxes. HIGH PRIEST/ESS: "Know that the hands that have touched you are the hands of love." Removes the Initiate's blindfold and helps him or her up. "In the Burning Times, when each member of the Coven held the lives of the others in her hand, this would have been kept, and used against you should you endanger others. But in these happier times, love and trust prevail, so take this (hands the Measure to the initiate), keep it or burn it, and be free to go or stay as you please." Follow-Through and Earthing of Power HIGH PRIEST/ESS hands the sword to the initiate and leads him or her to the West where they both kneel. The Initiate salutes, and the High Priest/ess announces: "Behold restless spirits of Water -- I bring before you <new name>, who has been consecrated as Priest/ess and Witch!" Repeats at South, East, and finally North. ALL (including High Priest/ess and Initiate) join hands in the circle. HIGH PRIEST/ESS: "Thank you spirits of the Mighty Dead, Spirits of the Four Elements, and awesome Lord and Lady for hallowing our circle. Go or stay as you will - our circle is ended." ALL ground and center, then absorb the power of the circle and return it to the Earth beneath their feet. HIGH PRIEST/ESS (after a suitable pause): "Our lovely rite draws to its end. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. Blessed Be!" ALL: "BLESSED BE!" |
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