PLACE A SHEAF OF WHEAT, AND SOME FRUIT ON THE ALTAR.

CAST A CIRCLE, RECITE THE BLESSING CHANT AND INVOKE THE GODDESS AND GOD.

STAND BEFORE THE ALTAR, HOLDING ALOFT THE SHEAF OF WHEAT.

Now is the time of the first Harvest, when the bounties of nature give of themselves so that we may survive. O God of the ripening fields, Lord of the Grain, grant me the understanding of sacrifice as you prepare to deliver Yourself under the sicle of the Goddess and journey to the lands of the eternal summer. O Goddess of the dark Moon teach me the secrets of rebirth as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.

RUB THE HEADS OF THE WHEAT WITH YOUR FINGERS SO THAT THEY FALL ONTO THE ALTAR. LIFT A PIECE OF FRUIT AND TAKE A BITE, SAVOURING THE FLAVOUR.

I partake of the first harvest, mixing its energies with mine that I may continue my quest for the starry wisdom of perfection. O Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun, gracious ones before whom the stars halt their courses, I offer my thanks for the continuining fertility of the Earth. May the nodding grain lose its seed to be buried in the Mother's breast, ensuring rebirth in the warmth of the coming Spring.

EAT THE REST OF THE FRUIT

CELEBRATE THE SIMPLE FEAST, THEN CLOSE THE CIRLCE AND THANK THE GODDESS AND GOD FOR THEIR ATTENDANCE.