Ritual in Theory and Practice

Page 18

SPIRIT

 

Begin by discussing the nature of the Samhain festival. Like all Sabbats Samhain has many aspects one can talk about, depending upon where you wish to put your emphasis. As you gain experience you will find new facets of this and other ceremonies, for they will become more and more personal to you -they will open to you as a flower to the dawn and share with you their deeper meanings. In discussing the nature of Samhain you might say something like:

 

"We come together this night to celebrate the great feast of Samhain: Summer's End. Now begins the Winter of the Year, when the world turns to cold and death, and we turn inward and contemplate our lives and goals. It is the Involution of the Year, a time for visions and introspection, a time for rest and rejuvenation of the world's energies. On this night of all nights we honor those who have gone before, the Beloved Ancestors. They are always with us, for the bonds of love and loyalty are not severed by death but endure and even strengthen from life to life and between. But at this time we are most conscious of the Ancestors and spirit Guides who help and aid us through the year, and this night we especially honor them. Now too, beneath the Patronage of the Great Crone Goddess, the Arch Witch, we are conscious of the magic in our lives, and our own ability to transform and renew: even as She transforms and renews through the cycle of death and incarnation. For some the Veil is thin from birth, but on this night the Veil is thinned for us and we are all more magical, more able to hear the messages of Spirit. Let us make good use of this."

 

Proceed now to your Act of Power.

 

ACT OF POWER: Ancestor Circle

 

Samhain is the festival at which we honor the Ancestors. Some groups make more of this aspect of the holiday than others, depending often depending upon the strength of the group members relationship with their Ancestors. Some Wiccans are very strongly connected to their Ancestors, and honor them daily, often receiving clairvoyant messages from them on a regular basis. Other Wiccans feel very disconnected from their Ancestors. However whether we all have people we love who are among the spirits, and at this time of year it always good to honor them.

 

For this Act of Power you will need one candle for each person present –small birthday candles or emergency candles are best. You will also need a place to put the candles after they are lit –a bowl of earth in which they can be stuck upright, a cast-iron cauldron or something similar, or lots of little candle holders.

 

Make a special Ancestor altar. This can be a place set aside on the normal altar, or a separate altar unto itself. The Ancestor altar should have room for the candles, which will ultimately be placed here, as well as room for an offering. It can be nice to ask people to bring photos of their Ancestors to place upon the altar as well, or special tokens representing them. You should also have one larger candle on the Ancestor altar.

 

Begin by passing out the small candles to all present. Now address the idea of Ancestors. You might say something like:

 

“On this night of all nights, when the Veil between the Worlds is at its thinnest, we honor those who have gone on before: The Beloved Ancestors.

 

“Ancestors are those who have shaped us and made us what we are: some are physical ancestors, family members now Crossed Over: others are spiritual ancestors, people to whom we are not related by blood but through love, who have shaped us through their example and actions: they have made us what we are, and we honor our spiritual tie to them.

 

“Think now of your Ancestors: The people in spirit whom you wish to honor and with whom you wish to remain linked. They are here. They are always here, wherever we are: for in the Otherworld there is neither space nor time as we know it, and the spirits are not limited by either. Think of your particular Ancestors. Imagine them here in this room, standing among us. See them clearly and hold them in your hearts as we proceed:

 

“Beloved Ancestors –we address you. Honored ones, beloved and holy ones, we know that you are always with us. Sometimes we can hear your voices, sometimes we cannot, but we know you are here: We call upon you and ask you to be with us. On this night, set aside for you, we honor and remember you especially. Dear ones, accept from us this offering, in token of our love and our respect.”

 

Now, light the large candle on the Ancestor altar. Then make an offering to the Ancestors: Perhaps a libation of water or wine, and/or an offering of flour or corn meal. As you offer each, hold it up, and imagine a shower of light pouring into it, filling it with energy.

 

Now proceed. Tell the people what they need to do –you might put it this way:

 

“One by one we will approach the altar. When your turn comes, think of your Ancestors and light your candle in their honor, then place it in the receptacle and leave it to burn for them. Speak to them –address them with words or with your heart –they will know.”

 

Now go first, so that the others see. Light your candle. Address your Ancestors, aloud or silently. Then place your candle in the cauldron, bowl of earth, or candle holder as the case may be. Then step to the side, progressing in a deosil fashion. The next person will follow, then the next. As each person lights their candle and moves on, the group will slowly progress around the Circle clockwise until arriving back in their original positions.

 

Now join hands and begin a chant. If you are so inclined, you can also dance as you chant. A good chant might be:

 

“Spirits! Beloved Spirits! Loved ones who have Gone Before!

Parted from us! Yet still with us! Connected to us -forever more!

 

Oh our soul lives many lifetimes –yet the bond of love endures!

For the veil could never dim the light of a soul as bright as yours!

 

Spirits! Beloved Spirits! Loved ones who have Gone Before!

Parted from us! Yet still with us! Connected to us -forever more!”

 

“Beloved Ancestors, we pray that our offerings have found pleasure in your eyes, and that you will keep us always in your hearts, even as we keep you in ours. We think of you always, and honor our connection to you throughout the year, but at this time of year we are all the more aware of you and all the more anxious to thank you for your contributions tour lives. Dearest Ancestors, may the Blessing Be upon you! So Mote It Be!”

 

ALL

“So Mote It Be!”

 

Now continue with the ritual.