INTRODUCTION

Begin the ritual by saying the following:

Tonight is Samhain which, for some, signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another. The Ancestors are very close and they have been journeying with us faithfully through this pandemic. Tonight, we quiet ourselves in order to listen to the wisdom they have to share with us. They, too, faced trials and tribulations. Some of them faced pandemics even more deadly than COVID-19.

And so we pause to gather whatever spiritual and material provisions we need to navigate the dark times we are facing. May the Ancestors and Sister Moon illumine our path so that we may walk into this new year stronger and braver than we’ve ever been before.

CASTING THE CIRCLE

If you have a besom, ceremoniously sweep the area where you’re going to cast your circle in a clockwise direction. While sweeping, say the following words:

Dark Spirits fly away. Let only peace and love remain.

Then walk around the perimeter of your circle with your wand or athame in a clockwise direction. Say the following words.

We cast this circle as a sacred space where nothing may enter that seeks to do us harm. It is protected by the Guardians, Ancestors and Elemental Spirits whom we now invite to join us in the circle.

CALLING THE QUARTERS

All in the circle face each direction as it is called. Say the following words.

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air, keepers of wisdom and mystery, whisper into our ears all that we need to know. May the cool fall breezes that rustle the leaves beneath our feet point us in the direction we need to go. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire, purifiers of heart and mind, burn away all clutter and confusion from our minds so that we may see the way forward with absolute clarity. May the bonfires of fall that give us light and warmth, bring comfort to our weary souls tonight. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water, vessels of peace and compassion, may our thirst for justice and equality be quenched. May the fall rains which nourish the roots of the trees, give strength to grow the dreams you have planted in our hearts. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth, stewards of hearth and home, gather around us the community we need to make us feel safe and loved. As the fall harvest continues, we ask you to bring about a harvest of good things into our lives, Hail and welcome!

Everyone face toward the center of the circle.

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer,
We learn to see in the dark.
We search for the deep, hidden mysteries of the Divine Presence,
And dine at Lady Wisdom’s table of intuition and creativity.
Great Spirit, who is known to us by many names,
Be with us tonight. We are blessed by your presence.
Hail and welcome!

This is the time to do whatever rituals you have planned for the evening. Here are a few suggestions:

Cord Magic—Take three strands of yarn, one of each color (black, white, and red). Very slowly, twine them together. You can braid them or simply knot them together. Tie at least three knots. If you want to use more knots, do so in multiples of three. Work your love into the yarn. Think about the people and resources you need to weave into your life in order to remain strong during this pandemic. When you have finished, hold the yarn between your palms and send energy to your loved ones. They will feel your warmth.

Shamanic Drumming— Drumming is a time-honored tradition in many spiritual paths. For me, it can keep the body busy and focus the mind so that the wisdom of the blessed dead can come through more clearly. There is lots of literature regarding how to do this. Have paper and pen ready in case any wisdom comes through you need to write down.

Inner Wisdom Dialogue— This is a difficult exercise for some people. For others it is life changing.

1. Begin by closing your eyes and focusing on your breath. Try to rid the body of any tension you may be feeling and attempt to clear your mind.
2. When you are ready, open your eyes, grab a pencil and start writing. The easiest way to start is with a question you are struggling with at this point in your life. Write down the answers you receive and continue the conversation.
3. When doing this exercise, the key to success is you cannot stop writing and you cannot pause to think. You should let the conversation flow without censoring any of it.
4. Some people ask me if this exercise is only talking to yourself. My experience with this discipline is that is the wisdom gained from this kind of meditation comes from a deep wisdom source that is part us and part spirit. Some people gain incredible insights from this discipline that surprise and astonish them.

CLOSING THE CIRCLE

All in the circle face each direction as it is called. Say the following words.

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Everyone face toward the center of the circle.

Blessed Ancestors who watch over us
In ways both hidden and revealed;
Whose love surrounds us,
And whose encouragement warms our hearts;
Thank you for your presence in our circle tonight!
Stay if you will, Go if you must!
We bid you farewell!

Great Spirit whose hidden wisdom
Has been revealed to us tonight,
We give you thanks.
Give us strength to act upon what we have learned,
And illumine the dark days of autumn
With your insight and creativity.
Stay if you will. Go if you must,
We bid you farewell!

BENEDICTION

The Wheel of the Year is making yet another transit
As we celebrate Samhain.
We are poised at a time which is an ending,
And yet it is also a new beginning.
As it was and ever shall be,
We look back at times remembered,
And we look forward to times yet to come.

And now the circle is open but never unbroken
Because it is a circle woven in love.
Whatever energy is left in this space
We return to the earth with a spirit of gratitude.
Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Copyright ©2021 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com. Please feel free to adapt this ritual for your own personal ritual use but don’t repost an altered version of it online. Thank you!