The ~~INN~~ at the ~*Grove*~

~*Candlemas*~

Lady Day, Imbolg

February 2nd

A Grand Sabbat

Preparation:

Two women of the coven should be selected by the High Priestess for this rite: one for the role of the Maid and one for the role of the Crone. The High Priestess plays the role of the Matron. You should prepare a "Crown of Stars" for the Matron (a cap with birthday candles affixed along the rim works well, or seasonal holiday lights strung alog the edge of the cap). A corn doll, dressed as a woman, is also traditionally used in this rite. A wand and two candlesticks are also needed for this ritual. Some green branches or flowers should be near the altar, as well as a small bunch of dried branches. You should also have a broomstick by the altar and a small cauldron with a candle burning in it, to the South. Near the cauldron should be a few sprigs of mistletoe.

The Ritual:

Perform the regular opening ritual with the following exceptions; the High Priest does not perform the Drawing Down of the Moon, and he also does not perform the Cernunnos invocation. The Charge is also not spoken yet.

After the Witches' Rune, all witches present should dance back to back around the Circle. The High Priestess stops the dancing after a short while, and the coven should sit around the edge of the Circle facing inwards. The High Priest stands with his back to the altar, and the High Priestess stands facing him.

The High Priest gives the Priestess the Fivefold Kiss, and then takes the wand in his right hand and the scourge in his left, with his wrists crossed.

The High Priestess performs the invocation:

"Dread Lord of Death and Resurrection,

Of Life, the Giver of Life;

Lord within ourselves, whose name is Mystery of Mysteries,

Encourage our hearts,

Let thy Light crystallize itself in our blood,

Fulfilling of us our resurrection;

For there is no part of us that is not divine.

Descend, we beg thee, upon thy servant and priest."

The High Priest draws teh Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the air towards the High Priestess, and says:

"Blessed Be."

He steps aside and the High Priestess, with all the women of the coven, lays the corn doll and the phallic wand beside each other in the center of the Circle. The heads should be facing the altar. The two candlesticks are placed on each side of the doll and wand, and the candles are lit. The High Priestess and the women stand around the doll and wand and chang three times:

"The Goddess is come, the Goddess is welcome!"

Picture� Karen Ann Hallion.

All right reserved!

The High Priest now lays the wand and scourge on the altar. The two women selected as the Crone and the Maid now walk up to stand on either side of the High Priestess (as Matron), with their backs to the altar. The Crown of Stars is placed upon the head of the Matron by the High Priest, and it is lit. He then, with the Maid, places the bunch of dried branches into the hands of the Crone. Then, he gives the flowers to the Maid.

The High Priest goes to the South Quadrant and faces the three women. He says:

"Behold the Three-Formed Goddess;

She who is ever Three: Maid, Matron, and Crone;

Yet she is ever One.

Without Spring there can be no Summer,

Without Summer, no Winter,

Without Winter, no new Spring."

He then recites the entire Charge. When he finishes, the Maid takes the broom and ritually sweeps deosil around the Circle. The Matron and Crone walk behind her. When she is finished, she replaces the broom and all three women return to their places before the altar.

The High Priest turns around and kneels in front of the cauldron. He picks up each of the sprigs of mistletoe in turn and lights them with the candle. After each one is lit, he blows out the flame and places them in the cauldron. As he is performing this ritual, he declaims:

Picture� Victoria Anne Martyn.

All Rights Reserved.

"Thus we banish winter,

Thus we welcome spring;

Say farewell to what is gone,

And greet each living thing,

Thus we banish winter,

Thus we welcome spring!"

The High Priest goes to the Matron and blows out the Crown of Stars, removing it from her head. As this happens, the Maid lays down her flowers, and the Crone puts down her branches.

This is followed by the Great Rite.

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

�2001NyWitch