~*First Day of Fall, Fall Equinox*~

September 22nd

 

Autumn Equinox

 

Preparation:

A dish holding an ear of corn should be placed on the altar, covered by a cloth.

The Ritual:

The opening is performed as usual.  After the Witche's Rune, the coven sit along the edge of the Circle, facing inward.  The Maiden takes the covered dish from the altar and places it in the center of the Circle.  She then returns to her place.

The High Preistess says,

"Now is the time of balance, when Day and Night face each other as equals.  Yet as this season the Night is waxing and the Day is waning, for nothing ever remains without change, in the tides of Earth and Sky.  Know and remember, that whatever rises must also set, and whatever sets must also rise.  In token of this, let us dance the Dance of Going and Returning!"

The High Priestess and High Priest lead the dance.  They dance slowly widdershins hand in hand, but with the ring of witches not closed.  The High Priestess slowly leads inwards in a spiral motion, until all are close to the center.  The High Priestess stops and gestures to all sit in a ring around the dish.  She says,

"Behold the mystery:  in silence is the seed of wisdom gained."

She removes the cloth from the dish.  All meditate on the ear of corn for a few moments.

The High Priestess then rises and goes to the East candle.  The High Priest goes to the West candle.  Facing each other, the High Priestess raises both her hands in blessing to the High Priest, who returns the gesture.  They then rejoin the coven, and lead them in a slow dance deosil, spiraling outwards.  When they are near the outside edge of the Circle, the High Priestess takes the hand of the last witch in line, closing the Circle.  She speeds up the dance until all are out of breath.  She then calls, "Down!" , and the coven sits.  The dish of corn is replaced on the altar by the Maiden, and the Great Rite is performed as usual.

All information contained on this page is from my personal Book of Shadows.