Here is a simple ritual that can be used by a small group or solo practitioner for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we all have things to be thankful for. Blessed be!

GRATITUDE RITUAL

ANOINTING (David Taliesin)

Gratitude Oil
1/4 cup olive oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil

May your heart overflow with gratitude
For every blessing you’ve received this autumn.

CALLING THE QUARTERS (David Taliesin)

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Powers of Air, we are grateful for the intuition and creativity you breathe into our weary souls, reviving us once again. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Powers of Fire,
we are grateful for the passion and determination
you ignite in our minds,
setting us ablaze with decisive action.
We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Powers of Water,
we are grateful for the love and peace
that flows into our stressed out lives,
giving us a feeling of shalom and well-being.
We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Powers of Earth
we are grateful for the stability and security
you provide in our lives,
giving us a firm foundation to stand on.
We re honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Great Spirit, Nurturing Gaia,
who is known to us by many names,
we are grateful for the many blessings
you manifest in our lives.

We are not aware of all of them
but, tonight, help us to remember
and appreciate all that you do for us.
May we let go of negativity and embrace
a perspective of blessing and abundance.
We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Gratitude Ritual [Gratitude-Wheel, Gratitude Handout]

Light a green or gold candle before you begin this exercise. I used colored markers for bolder expression on the page.

Tonight, each of us is going to construct a gratitude wheel or mandala. In the center of the page are the words “I am grateful for…” What I would like you to do is creatively list whatever gives you joy and makes you feel empowered and blessed. The words you choose can radiate out form the center of the page like spokes on a wheel or whatever arrangement is pleasing to you. Don’t do this exercise quickly. Spend some times in silence and really think about it. We’ll have some open space for conversation for those who would like to share their experience of this activity. Blessed be!

CLOSING (David Taliesin)

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

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

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Powers of Fire,
we thank you for your passionate and wise presence
in our circle and in our lives.
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 creative and intuitive presence
in our circle and in our lives.
Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Great Spirit, Nurturing Gaia,
Who guides us on the journey of life
And bless us abundantly in ways seen and unseen,
We thank you for your presence
in our circle and in our lives.
Stay if you will. Go if you must, We bid you farewell!

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.

Written by David Taliesin, ©2022, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com