Esbat Rituals

Esbats or the days we observe the moon are very special times for us.
Some like myself observe all phases of the moon and others only the 
full moon. This is a personal choice for each practitioner of the 
craft.  

A few notes about spell work and Esbats. When we get into spell work 
it will be important to note that the time between new moon and full 
moon is the time to start new projects and the time from Full moon to
New moon to end and banish.  The waxing and waning moons are good time
to practice new skills related to the moon cycle you are in.

Divination work is also enhanced during the Esbats.  Now is a good 
time to start looking for a Tarot deck  and or a set of Runes we will
be going over them in the future and a good deck can run 15 to 20 dollars
runes between 20 and 40. So best to start looking and saving now if 
you plan to use them so you can budget for them. 
Now on to this weeks lesson.

For all the following rituals you will need:

	Your magical tools and altar Supplies.
        Alter cloths for the moon you will be working with
       ( yellow,  red, green, and black. White can always be substituted)
	Incense type will be defined for each ritual

The Ritual for Esbat starts as you would for erecting your sacred 
space so I have included it here again in case it may not have made 
it into your book of shadows. The Esbat part of the ritual replaces 
part '10' of the sacred space ritual. Divination and spellwork is also
done as part of this 10th section after the moon is observed.

Do the Esbat for this week's Moon and write your experiences. Let me 
know what you experienced. What you learned. And as always any Questions
you may have

New Moon
Black Alter Cloth
Incense  Primary: White Sage
Incense Secondary: Red Cedar, Damiana

A. Read charge of the Goddess and Charge of the God
B. Say the following with meaning. 
   ( In time you may wish to right your own declaration)

Tonight we stand under the dark moon, the new moon.
Tonight we remember all things die, and all things are reborn
Tonight we see the Lady of heavens die and be reborn
Tonight we know all things start and end

The Dark Moon is the time between death and rebirth,
The time between endings and beginnings.
The time when nothing and everything exists
It is the time of Questions and answers, the meditation moon

We are here to great the Dark Moon
We are here to let go of that which hinders us
We are here to accept that which will help us
We are here to be transformed by the will of the heavens

C. Everyone sit in the circle. The leader speaks the folowing  softly 
   (if Solitaire think to your self)

Close your eyes…..Feel yourself breath……in…..out….in …..out
Fell yourself relax…..your head …..shoulders…chest….arms…legs….
Visualize yourself in a forest glade….the moonless night sky….
Visualize a woman glowing of moonlight ageless enter the glade….
See her walk up to you…..see her place her hand on your chest…..
Her's is a healing touch…feel all the fear, remorse, and negativity 
you have carried the last month slip away at the touch…..
Let yourself let go of problems and place them in her hands.
Feel that which is not needed in yourself be washed away by the touch…
..breath in..out …..in …out  (stay like this about 3 to 5 minutes)

See the woman smile at you and embrace you….. feel yourself being 
revitalized….renewed….were the was fear is now hope and faith…anger 
is replaced with love…regret and guilt with peace…you are filled with 
love and life….

Thank the woman…..speak with her…..when you are done open your eyes.
you will know and remember all that you have seen.

D. Share your experiences if you are comfortable to do so.
E. Any spell work
F. Any divination work
G. Goto section 11



Waxing  Moon

Yellow Alter Cloth
Incense  Primary: Jasmine
Incense Secondary:  any spring flower

A. Read charge of the Goddess and Charge of the God
B. Say the following with meaning. 
   (In time you may wish to right your own declaration)

We stand between the Dark Moon and the full Moon
The lady is the Maiden, the Lord a Lad
We stand in a time of youth. A time of new beginnings
A time of growth.. a time to begin new Ideas, a time to build


C. Everyone sit in the circle.  Paper is handed out The leader says
   (if solitaire you get some paper and a pencil and think to yourself)

 On the paper write what areas of your life need strengthening and
 what projects you are starting with the waxing moon. When you are 
 done fold them and place them in the caldron.

When all the papers are in the caldron the leader continues as he/she
burns the paper in the caldron and says.  

divine spirit of the universe, gods spirits and angels….
you know what areas in our lives need strengthening and which 
new tasks we have started that require help. We send them to 
you in the smoke that you may help us to obtain what we need 
to strengthen ourselves and succeed in our goal. Aid us as we 
take the action needed to continue to grow and prosper in life 
and out tasks. We ask this  be within the will of the heavens. 
So Mote it be


D. Any practicing or new spells, or magical skills. 
   (when doing this declare to the gods and watchtowers 
   that this is practice so you may learn. Not the real thing.  
   It has been my experience that letting the powers that be know 
   I am practicing a new skill lets them create an atmosphere 
   beneficial and safe for learning and practicing new skills. 
   Kind of like a simulator)

E. Any spell work
F. Any divination work
G. Goto section 11


Full Moon
Read Alter Cloth
Incense  Primary: White Sage
Incense Secondary: Red Cedar, Damiana

A. Read charge of the Goddess and Charge of the God
B. Say the following with meaning. 
(In time you may wish to right your own declaration)

Tonight we stand under the Full Moon.
Tonight we remember all things grow into maturity and become fertile
Tonight we see the Lady of heavens a woman the great Mother
Tonight we know all things come from and return to her

The Full Moon is the time fertility and life,
The time of passions and conception of Ideas.
The time when any thing is possible
It is the time of dreaming , the goddesses moon

We are here to great the Full Moon
We are here to celebrate the life given to us
We are here to accept that which will help us
We are here to be transformed by the will of the heavens

C. Everyone sit in the circle. The leader speaks the folowing  
softly (if Solitaire think to your self)

Close your eyes…..Feel yourself breath……in…..out….in …..out
Fell yourself relax…..your head …..shoulders…chest….arms…legs….
Visualize yourself in a forest glade….the moonshine full in the night sky….
Visualize a woman glowing of moonlight ageless enter the glade….
See her walk up to you…..see her the mother…..
Her's is a healing touch…A mothers touch…… let go of problems and 
place them in her hands…. Feel that which is not needed in yourself 
be washed away by the touch…..breath in..out …..in …out  thank the 
woman…..speak with her…..when you are done open your eyes . you will
 know and remember all that you have seen.

D. Share your experiences if you are comfortable to do so.
E. Any spell work
F. Any divination work
G. Goto section 11

Waning  Moon

Blue Alter Cloth
Incense  Primary: Myrrh
Incense Secondary:  Cedar, Mugwort, and St John's Wort

A. Read charge of the Goddess and Charge of the God
B. Say the following with meaning. 
(In time you may wish to right your own declaration)

We stand between the Full Moon and the Dark Moon
The lady is the crone, the Lord a Sage
We stand in a time of old age. A time of wisdom
A time of ending.. a time to contemplate, a time to banish


C. Everyone sit in the circle.  Paper is handed out The leader says 
(if solitaire you get some paper and a pencil and think to yourself)

On the paper write what areas of your life you need to be rid of 
and what projects you are finishing with the waning moon. When you 
are done fold them and place them in the caldron.

When all the papers are in the caldron the leader continues as he/she
burns the paper in the caldron. and says

divine spirit of the universe, gods spirits and angels….
you know what areas in our lives need to be ended or are coming
 to completion, give us the strength to end that which needs to 
be ended and complete those tasks that need to be completed. 
Banish from us that which would harm us. We send all this to you 
in the smoke that you may help us to obtain what we need. 
Aid us as we take the action needed to rid us of that which we 
must be rid of so we can continue to grow and prosper in life 
and out tasks. We ask this  be within the will of the heavens. 
So Mote it be


D. Any practicing or new spells, or magical skills. Any spell work
E. Any divination work
F. Goto section 11

Erecting your sacred space

now you are ready to erect your sacred space. This is were you do your
magical work, meditations, prayer, devotions, seasonal and lunar observances,
divination,  healing, and Spell work. words in Parentheses are the changes 
for those who live South of the Equator.

1.   enter the circle from the east(west if South of the Equator) walk 
     around clockwise to the west (east) side of the alter. Turn and face 
     the east (west).  Do the breathing grounding and centering rituals.

2.   Light the puck candle. with it light the center candle. 
     blow out he puck candle

3.   BANISHING RITUAL

     walk around your circle vocally or silently broadcasting mentally 
     {as your situation allows} in a demanding manor, conviction 
     and belief in your words says the folowing, as you slowly walk 
     around the circle clapping your hands.

" Begone spirits that would cause harm or mischief.{3 times}"
     " you are banished from this place. {3 times}"
     " soon the gods will be called and the circle erected, 
       leave or suffer their wrath. {3 times}"

4.   Return to your space on the West Side of the Alter

5.   SALT WATER PURIFICATION RITUAL

     Pick up the saltwater water bowl. Say" with water from the west"
     (the direction of the element) pour the water into the empty bowl
     set the now emptied bowl down.
     
     Pick up the Salt bowl and say " And Salt of the Earth" set bowl down
using your Athaeme put 3 knifetips of salt in the water. stir clockwise
     and say "I do start the creation of the purifying water of life"
     
     Place the Athaeme back in it's spot. 
     
     Pick up the salt water. hold it in both hands. Let all the negativity in 
     you weal up like a stream. as you exhale visualize it leaving you and 
     entering the bowl. know and believe that the spiritual confines of the 
     bowl is big enough to hold all you negative feelings. When you feel 
     purged of negativity. think of things that make you happy. let the 
     positive feelings now swell in you as a river as you exhale let them
     flow from you into the bowl. Dissolving and transforming the negative 
     energy already their into positive cleansing energy. able to purge the 
     negativity and convert the negative into the positive.

     Place your hand over the top of the bowl raise it over your head and 
     ask you higher power to bless the water. when you feel ready bring 
     the bowl to your lips and take a drink. Feel the water cleans you on 
the inside removing all impurities from in your body. 
     {if others are with you share the bowl with them}

     Dip your finger in the bowl and sprinkle some of the water on the alter 
     saying "With Salt and Water I Purify the alter"

     Sprinkle the ground and say "With Salt and Water I Purify the ground 
     on which the circle will be cast"

     Taking the bowl walk round the circle to the east. sprinkle 
     any animals in the room. (west if south of the Equator)

     Sprinkle the water towards the east (west) say "With Salt and Water
     I purify the east (west)"

     Move clockwise to the south(north) and say "With Salt and Water 
     I Purify the South(North)"

     Continue to the West and North (east and South) and purify those 
     directions like the east and south.

     Return to your spot on the west(east) side of the alter. set the 
     bowl down at the end of the night you will pour it out outside 
     on the earth to help the earth.

     
6.   INCENSE PURIFICATION RITUAL

     Light the puck candle. with it light your incense saying 
     " with the embers of fire, and the smoke of Air"

     Pick up the incense  wave the smoke to you and say " With fire and 
     air I cleansed the outside of the body as Salt and water has cleansed 
     the inside" {do this to any who are present wave the incense over 
     any animals in the room}

     Walk with the incense to the east (west) side of the room. Starting 
     with the Incense waist level and moving the incense to the top of 
     your head draw a large pentacle wit the incense smoke. stab the 
     center of the pentacle with the incense and say " with fire and 
     air I charge the East (west)"

     Continue to the other cardinal Points and charge the directions. 
     then return to the west(east) side of the Alter. put the incense
     on the alter in it's place

7.   CALLING THE WATCHTOWERS 

     take up the Athaeme in your dominant hand  walk around the circle 
     to the east(west)  feel the Athaeme as part of your hand. direct 
     your own energy into the dagger. as a blue light even if you can 
     not see it know it is there. As you draw the penticlal starting 
     from your left waist going up towards your head. say the following
     in an inviting Voice
     " Hail, Watchtower Guardian of the East(West)"
     " Spirit of Air"
     " Come be with me {us if more than one} in this circle"
     " Protect me, Guide me and teach me"
     " Join us now"
     " Come honorable one"

     Do this call at every Quarter saying the appropriate direction 
     and element for each Quarter  i.e. South (north) spirit of fire, 
     West(east) spirit of water, north (South) Spirit of Earth.
    
Return to the west (east) side of the alter place the Athaeme back 
     in it's space.

8.   CALLING THE GODS/GODDESSES

     the call her is generic. as you grow in the craft you may tailor 
     the calling to the gods/desses as you choose.


     Light the puck candle from the center candle. Go to the East(West)
     Say in an inviting voice to the east.
     " Hail Gods, Goddesses, angels and spirits of the East(west)"
" Come join us in our circle let this Light be a beacon in which 
       to guide you" 
     Light the Yellow Candle

     Go to the South Use the same invitation as above 
     Light the Red candle. and so on for the remaining Quarters.

     Bring the Puck candle to the flame of the center candle and say
     "Divine Spirit of the Universe, nameless and holy one, join us
      in our circle"

     Light the dark candle and say " Gods Goddesses spirits and angels of the
     under world who would keep us from harm, Come Join us in our 
     circle, let this light be a beacon in which to guide you."
     
     Light the small white candle and say " Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, and 
     angels of Balance come join us in our circle. let this light be a 
     beacon in which to guide you"

     
9.  DECLARING THE CIRCLE ERRECTED

    I/We come in perfect and love and trust. let us pass a hug and kiss 
    in perfect love and trust {If by yourself give yourself a hug}

    I/we are between the worlds  between reality and spirit, 
    between the darkness and the light let none leave without good 
    and just cause.

   Note for this reason that I usual visualize the outside of the circle 
   to encompass more than the room I am using when casting it so The
   kitchen and bathroom are both accessible to me this concession made 
   sense and was practical. if you don't think so just wait until 
   your in a three hour circle and are thirsty and have to pee.

   this is the time I usually take about 5 to 10 minutes to let the 
   gods and everyone called arrive. in my group those of us that 
   smoke cigarettes smoke. some may say this is not appropriate for 
   the circle. oh well I look at it in the area the tabacoo is an herb
   burned or spirituality and conversing with the gods. and that's why were
   in the circle. so  in my circles we smoke. yours may be different.

   this time can also be filled with talking about what your doing 
   singing or jotting notes about the ritual so far into your 
   ritual diary

10. Here is were you do your magical work, meditations, holiday observance,
    dedications, any magical work.  the remainder of this step is the 
    dedication ritual for your sacred space.  just to keep the lesson going.
    remember you can substitute any magical working as part of step 10


    In strong and inviting voice say the following

    " In the presence of the Gods, the Watchtowers, Spirits and Angels"
"I dedicate this circle and space as my sacred Space"
"My space to come in Prayer, in meditation, and in my magical workings"
    " I petition the watchtowers to keep it safe for me. coming even when
      not summoned if trouble threatened me or mine"
    " I petition the divine to bless this place that my work may 
      please the divine"
    " I petition the gods/ goddesses spirits and angels to help guide
      and teach me in my magical workings that I not profane this place"

     Take up the liquid for the offering and take a drink then Pour 
     some in the offering Bowl. take a cookie and eat it then place 
     a cookie in the offering Bowl  and say
    "Let this sharing of food and drink signify the partnership 
     of I and the in this My sacred space"

     {because the offering i.e... cakes and ale is part of the dedication 
     ritual you will bypass step 11 cakes and ale}

     After the closing of the circle bury the contents of the 
     offering bowl outside

11  CAKES AND ALE

    take the liquid for the cakes and ale {some have alcohol, juice I use soda
    because I do not drink} hold it up and say " the water of life from
    the female part of life" take a drink {pass to Other} pour some in the
    Offering Bowl.

    Take a cookie {I like using cookies for the cakes. this is a matter of 
    personal preference I know a lady who uses mini salads for this} eat it
{Pass to Others}  and say "From the grains and crops of the Male side 
    of life" Place some in the offering Bowl.

    Say "as the gods have given us these to sustain us we make them an
    offing to them in hanks and gratitude for our lives."

    After the circle is closed bury the contents of the bowl outside to 
    help the earth

12. Closing the circle.

    Now the work is done and it is time to say good by to your guests.

    DISMISSING THE WATCHTOWERS  VERY IMPORTSNT NEVER FORGET TO DO THIS

    Go to the east(west) draw the pentacle starting at your left hip up 
    to your right shoulder and say " watchtower guardian of the east. 
    Thank you for coming you are free to go. May peace be 
    between us always.

    Do this in order to the remaining Quarters.

    Dismissing the gods

In the center of the circle in a strong and friendly voice say. 
    Gods, goddesses, Spirits and angels  thank you for coming, we have
    finish. you may come and go as you will may peace be between us always.

    Declaration of circle closed

    The Circle is now closed yet always part of us may we leave here as 
    friends and merry we meet merry we part.

    Snuff out the candles and remaining incense that are burning turn on
    the lights. Put your tools away if your alter can not be a permanent
    one.

    Take the remaining saltwater and the offering bowl outside. 
    Bury the contents of the offering Bowl. cover then pour the remaining 
    salt water around the site in a circle.

    Clean your tools that are used for food and drink and put everything away
    were it is supposed to go.

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