Sabbats and Sabbaths

Yule Ritual

Posted on December 18, 2023 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did last night at The Welcoming Circle. Feel free to adapt it to your context. Good Yule!

PROTECTION OIL (David Taliesin)
7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil
1/4 cup olive oi

As we begin our journey toward the light, may the light within shine brighter and brighter.

CASTING THE CIRCLE

Elements of the east,
place of air, the breath of life,
that which we cannot see
but which fills us with inspiration,
be with us now.

Elements of the south,
place of fire, heat of heart’s blood,
that which courses through us,
filling us with passion
and infusing us with life-giving heat,
be with us now.

Elements of the west,
place of water, shape-shifting,
that which constantly moves and transforms,
nurturing creativity
and gifting us with fresh vision,
be with us now.

Elements of the north,
place of grounding, place of birth,
fierce winter land of ice and cold,
endings and beginnings,
always calling us home,
be with us now.

Ancient mother of Midwinter,
Frau Holle, Frigg, Skadi, Cailleach,
Watcher over life and death,
The one who rebirths the world,
Be with us on this longest night!
See us through the dark hours
And stand with us
As dawn births the promise of new life.
Hai and welcome!

EVERGREEN MEDITATION—David Taliesin

Place the evergreen tree handout in front of you, along with some colored markers. Have participants spend some time in silence and reflect on what you’d like to “hang on your tree” during the winter months ahead of us. Since this is a time to turn inward, think about what you need to make you stronger. Do you have any goals/activities for rest/recharging your batteries? Write these words as ornaments on your tree.

DISMISSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, as the days grow shorter keep us grounded and surround us with people who make us feel nurtured and loved. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the West, Elemental Powers of Water, as the days grow shorter keep us feeling positive and peaceful. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the South, Elemental Powers of Fire, as the days grow shorter keep our minds focused on the sacred work you call us to do during this season. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the East, Elemental Powers of Air, as the days grow shorter, clear all the clutter and distraction of this season so that we may focus on what’s necessary and important. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Great Spirit, who is known to us by many names, Ancient Mother of Midwinter, as the days grow shorter, help us to learn the benefits and blessings of the darkness. Use this time in our lives to make our world a better place. We bid you farewell.

Our Circle is now 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.

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Great Wheels of Fire

Posted on December 13, 2023 by David Taliesin

Imbolc is the celebration of the first stirrings of spring after the dark days of winter. Ancient Pagans celebrated the holiday by lighting ritual fires to lure back the sun. One of the most popular customs among the Celts was to have a young woman, representing the maiden aspect of the goddess Brigid, enter the ritual area carrying a circle of lit candles. This circle is a symbol of the Wheel of the Year that Brigid is slowly turning toward spring. Thanks to their Norse brothers and sisters, the wheel was eventually worn on the young woman’s head. This tradition originated in the Norse celebration of Yule.

If all this sounds familiar to my Christian readers, we have another connection with our Pagan friends! As early at the 4th century, Scandinavians and some Italian Christians celebrated St. Lucia Day on December 13 which was considered to be the the shortest day of the year before our calendars were radically reformed in the 16th century. This Christian feast day commemorates Lucia of Syracuse who allegedly brought food to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. It is said she wore a candlelit wreath on her head so she could carry as much food as possible. It’s also interesting to note that the Roman goddess of light was named Lucina. So we may have another transformation of a goddess into a Christian saint like we see with Brigid.

There is a lovely Italian carol entitled “Santa Lucia” that is sung on St. Lucia Day. One of the English translation I came across is as follows:

The silver star shimmers on the sea,
The wave is peaceful, the wind is favorable.
Come to my sprightly little boat,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

With this breeze so sweet,
Oh, how lovely it is to be on a boat!
Come on passengers, come away!
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Amid the sails, supper is ready
On this night so serene.
With no demands, with no desires,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

This sea so calm, this wind so dear,
Makes the sailor forget his troubles.
And he is shouting cheerfully,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Oh sweet Naples, oh blessed land,
Where Creation wished to smile!
You are the realm of harmony,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

A great book that helped me make some of these connections is Sabbats: A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways by Edain McCoy. It is filled to interesting rites, crafts, activities and history that surrounds the eight sabbats observed by most modern Wiccans.

Posted in Brigid, Imbolc, Wheel of the Year, Yule | Tagged Brigid, Imbolc, Spirituality, St. Lucia, Wicca | 1 Comment

Samhain Divination: The Pentacle Tarot Spread

Posted on October 29, 2023 by David Taliesin

Since the veil between the worlds is thin this time of year, Samhain is known as a good time to do divination work. My favorite spread as of late is the Pentacle Spread which includes the four elements, a spirit card, and a significator card. There are several variations of this spread so you have to use the one that “works” for you and your particular spiritual path. I’ve been told I read the cards like a witch because I connect Air with the suit of Wands and Fire with the suit of Swords. Many flip these correspondences around but this approach has always made the most sense to me.

As with all things Wicca, there is no “right” way to read the cards. It’s an intuitive process so you have trust your judgement. Experiment and see what happens. I did two amazing readings last night with this spread and think you’ll enjoy working with it as well. Samhain blessings!

MY PENTACLE TAROT SPREAD

Center: Querent’s Significator – What are they asking about? Have the Querent look at all the cards in the deck and choose the one that most resonates with them.Explain the meaning of the card to them and see if it fits the question they want to ask.Place this card face up in the center and shuffle the deck.When it feels ready ask the Querent to cut the cards and deal them clockwise in the order of air, fire, water, earth and spirit.

Top Right: Air – Intuition/creativity. Represents the SPIRITUAL. What is your gut/intuition telling you? Is it positive or negative? Qualities associate with this suit are enthusiasm, adventure, risk-taking and confidence. Wands involve the intellect, learning, teaching, knowledge, enlightenment, divination. The mind working to discern from a spiritual perspective.

Bottom Right – Fire – Will/energy. Represents the MENTAL. Fire can create or destroy. How are you feeling about making decisions at this point? Qualities associated with this suit are will, action, passion and energy. It’s capable of separating good from evil, truth from falsehood. Swords involve acting with power and decisive action.

Bottom Left – Water – Emotion. Represents the EMOTIONAL. Qualities associated with the suit are intuition, desire, feelings and relationship patterns. Cups involve intuition and are “heart centered.”

Top Left – Earth – Stability/security. Represents the PHYSICAL. What is grounding/rooting you? Is it nurturing or keeping you from moving forward? Qualities associated with this suit are money, prosperity of all kinds, and physical health. Pentacles involve practicality, security, prosperity of all kinds, and physical health.

Top – Spirit – The Whole Self. This is what everything is leading up to. This is the goal the elemental spirits are pointing toward.

Posted in Samhain, Tarot | Tagged pentacle spread, Samhain, Tarot | 2 Comments

Remembering a Man I Never Met…Talking to My Ancestors

Posted on October 27, 2023 by David Taliesin

muertosaltar14 — Dia de los Muertos Altar

Henry was my great grandfather who emigrated to this country with his wife many years ago. Together they learned English, lived through the Great Depression and found a way to raise 10 healthy, happy children. Although I never met him face to face, I have always felt connected to him ever since the day I saw his picture on my grandmother’s bedroom dresser. She told me he was a wonderful father who loved music and adored his kids. He had a zeal for life that never faded, even when he and his family were going through the toughest of times.

During the month of October I construct an ancestor altar in the style of Day of the Dead. It has pictures of departed loved ones, with Henry front and center. It also includes fresh flowers, candles and calaveras (skeleton figurines engaged in everyday activities). Every time my family sits down for supper, we light the candles and dine with our ancestors. At other times I meditate in front of the altar, burn a little mugwort (which attracts the spirits) and ask Henry to give me the wisdom and strength I need to face the challenges of the coming year. I know some people might think that’s strange, but I find it comforting and uplifting.

Ancestor veneration is practiced throughout the world in some form in every culture. Unfortunately, it has mostly fallen out of favor in the United States. Yet if there was ever a time for us to revive this spiritual practice, it is most certainly now. Our world is a mess with violence surrounding us one every side. Our environment is also in peril and we need all the advice and strength we can get from our ancestors to help us navigate these perilous times.

As we approach the celebration of Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve, All Saint’s Day, or Dia de los Muertos (depending upon your spiritual path), many of us believe the veil between us and those on the other side is thinnest. It is the perfect time to commune with our beloved dead and draw strength from them. If you’ve never constructed an ancestor altar before, start small. Use the top of a dresser or a shelf in a book case. Include pictures of those you wish to remember, along with small mementos, a candle, and maybe some fresh flowers or incense. Use this altar as a place to meditate and pray in the coming weeks and see what wisdom the beloved dead have to offer you!

If you’re like me you will discover that you won’t want to dismantle this altar after the month of October comes to an end. Personally, I reluctantly take the big altar down but I also construct a smaller one in my office where it remains for the rest of the year. It is a visual reminder that our ancestors and Ancient Ones are always with us, building us up and cheering us on every step of the way!

Posted in Samhain | Tagged All Saint's Day, Ancestor Altar, Day of the Dead, Samhain | 5 Comments

Divination Ritual for Samhain

Posted on October 26, 2023 by David Taliesin

Here is the ritual we did to close this past Sunday’s Welcoming Circle at Asheville Raven and Crone. It’s one possibility for the upcoming celebration of Samhain or can be used any other time as well.

SAMHAIN DIVINATION RITUAL

ANOINTING WITH OIL (David Taliesin)
Divination oil from Asheville Raven & Crone

May the Ancestors impart their wisdom to you tonight.
May the Great Spirit make clear what is hidden from your sight.

CASTING THE CIRCLE (David Taliesin)
Use sacred smoke such as incense as you go around the circle chanting the following. You may use a feather to waft the smoke if you like.

Dark spirits fly away, so only peace and love remain.

CALLING THE QUARTERS (Llewellyn Sabbat Essentials)

Hail to the element of Air,
To the elementals that make the wind blow
And the weather flow.

Hail to the Guardian of the watchtower of the East, Raphael.
Watch over this circle that we may have cause for joy in learning,
And protection from injury.
Hail and welcome!

Hail to the element of Fire,
To the elementals that make fire dance
And the heat warm.

Hail to the Guardian of the watchtower of the South, Michael.
Watch over this circle and protect us from all harm!
Hail and welcome!

Hail to the element of Water,
To the elementals that stir from within.

Hail to the Guardian of the watchtower of the west, Gabriel.
Watch over this circle, and guide our awareness
To what will benefit our consciousness!
Hail and welcome!

Hail to the element of Earth,
To the elementals that give us our quiet.

Hail to the Guardian of the watchtower of the North, Uriel.
Watch over this circle, and guide us safely through this journey!
Hail and welcome!

Everyone face toward the center of the circle. (David Taliesin)

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,
And dine at 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!

A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED DEAD (Llewellyn Sabbat Essentials)

Hail matriarchs! Hail patriarchs!
Come here, remember with us,
remember yourselves,
as grandmothers, grandfathers,
as mothers, fathers,
as uncles, aunts,
as sisters, brothers,
as daughters, sons.

We remember you with stories
of warriors, of peacemakers,
of healers, of teachers,
of farmers, of city builders,
of poets, of philosophers,
of people we loved.

In memories of you dwell living feeling.
This is your spark, eternal—an ember cherished,
a light passed from one generation to the next.

A PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE (from the Jewish Yom Kippur Liturgy)

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
So long as we live, they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

DIVINATION ACTIVITY FOR THE NIGHT (David Taliesin)

Begin with the Druidic Tone Chant oh-ee-ah to fill the circle with energy. Have them select an image that speaks to them from the select images from the Tarot deck. They do not have to know what the card means. Tell participants to simply meditate on the image and write down what comes to mind. Allow time for sharing before losing the circle.

CLOSING (Llewellyn Sabbat Essentials)

Hail Uriel, Guardian of the watchtower of the North,
To its midnight elementals and the forces of calm and quiet!
We thank you for your protection, and release you on your way!
We bid you farewell.

Hail Gabriel, Guardian of the watchtower of the West,
To its twilight elementals and to the forces of depth and feeling!
We thank you for your stirrings, and release you on your way!
We bid you farewell.

Hail Michael, Guardian of the watchtower of the South,
To its zenith elementals and to the forces of heat and change!
We thank you for your protection, and release you on your way!
We bid you farewell.

Hail Raphael, Guardian of the watchtower of the East,
To dawntide elementals and to that which stirs and whispers!
We thank you for your protection, and release you on your way!
We bid you farewell.

CLOSING CONTINUED (David Taliesin)

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!

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!

BENEDICTION FOR THE ANCESTOR VIGIL (Byron Ballard)

In this season of honor and love,
Of forgiveness and hauntings,
Give a thought to those who are still traveling
The shadowed road of grief.
Tend them as you can
And tend your own grief as you travel with them.

May the road be traveled with some little light.
Hail, the Traveler!
What is remembered, and honored, lives.

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.

Posted in Samhain, Tarot | Tagged Divination, ritual, Samhain | Leave a comment

Samhain/All Hallow’s Eve Soul Cakes

Posted on October 25, 2023 by David Taliesin

The Soul Cake is part of traditional Samhain/All Hallows Eve festivities in the British Isles. The cakes are flat and round, scented with saffron, mixed spices and currants.During the 19th and early 20th centuries children would go ‘souling’ on Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve), All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2) where they would request alms or soul cakes with the following song:

“A soul, a soul, a soul cake.
Please god missus a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry,
Any good thing to make us merry.
Up with your kettles and down with your pans
Give us an answer and we’ll be gone
Little Jack, Jack sat on his gate
Crying for butter to butter his cake
One for St Peter, two for St Paul,
Three for the man who made us all.”

In earlier times the poor would go to prosperous houses, offering to say prayers for departed loved ones. In return, they were given these round cakes and sometimes food and money as well. Soul Cakes are a wonderful example of a Pagan tradition that made it’s way into Christianity virtually unscathed. If you’ve never made them before, they are absolutely delicious. Here is my favorite recipe for Soul Cakes. They freeze well so you can make them ahead!

Soul Cakes
For the dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground fresh if possible
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground fresh if possible
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp of saffron (optional)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup raisins (or currants if you are able to get them)

For the Glaze:
1 egg yolk, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the flour, the nutmeg, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Mix well with a fork.

Crumble the saffron threads into a small saucepan and heat over low heat just until they become aromatic, taking care not to burn them. Add the milk and heat just until hot to the touch. The milk will have turned a bright yellow. Remove from heat.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a medium bowl with a wooden spoon (or use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment). Add the egg yolks and blend in thoroughly with the back of the spoon. Add the spiced flour and combine as thoroughly as possible; the mixture will be dry and crumbly.

One tablespoon at a time, begin adding in the warm saffron milk, blending vigorously with the spoon. When you have a soft dough, stop adding milk; you probably won’t need the entire half-cup.

Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and knead gently, with floured hands, until the dough is uniform. Roll out gently to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a floured 2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out as many rounds as you can and set on an ungreased baking sheet. You can gather and re-roll the scraps, gently.

Brush the souls cakes liberally with the beaten egg yolk. Add currants in the shape of a cross and press them firmly into the dough. Bake for 15 minutes, until just golden and shiny.

Posted in Samhain | Tagged All Hallow's Eve, All Saint's Day, Samhain, soul cakes | 1 Comment

Samhain Ancestor Ritual

Posted on October 16, 2023 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did to close last night’s gathering at The Welcoming Circle. Feel free to adapt it for yourself or your group. It was written by Tree Higgins, my co-facilitator who died last year. We did it in her honor and memory.

SAMHAIN DIVINATION RITUAL

Calling of Quarters —Tree Higgins

Hail, Guardian of the East! Keeper of sacred winds
that carry our love beyond this realm.
Hail, Guardian of the East, stand and protect this sacred circle!

Hail, Guardian of the South! Bearer of the Phoenix
who dies in fire and is reborn of his own ashes!
Hail, Guardian of the South, stand and protect this sacred circle!

Hail, Guardian of the West! Keeper of all the rivers of crossing!
Hail, Guardian of the west, stand and protect our sacred circle!

Hail, Guardian of the North! Keeper of the earth
from whom all things rise and all things return!
Hail, Guardian of the North, stand and protect our sacred circle!

Anointing—Tree Higgins

I will now anoint those who are willing so that the light once shared with the departed
may shine for awhile here.

(While anointing) Let the love you have been given
and the love you gave
be the light that shines through the Veil.

Ancestor Ritual—Tree Higgins

The Veil is thin and our departed loved ones near.
We stand here and now to honor those
who have passed from our sight but not our hearts
and to honor our ancestors whose sacrifices and choices
made it possible for us to be here today.

We will take a moment in silent reflection for those we have lost. (PAUSE)

I will give each of you a paper to write a name of the beloved dead on so it can be offered up in reverence and honor. If you need more than one paper, please help yourself. (Hands out papers and pens)

When you are ready, you may bring it to the candle and burn it. Whisper your words to the one on the other side of the Veil as you release the scraps of paper.

(After they bring forth the scraps of paper)

We send these with respect and love to the other side of life.
We send joy for the good things we shared,
honor for the struggles we shared
that ultimately made us stronger
and we send that sense of wonder
that connected us when you were here
and still endures now that you have moved on.

Hail the Ancestors who made us.
Hail the dead who loved us and with thanks
we now let you go again on your new paths.

Blessed be those who remain here with us now.
Blessed be those gone beyond.
We can all walk in balance now.

Releasing the Quarters—Tree Higgins

Hail, Guardian of the North! We thank you for your watch.
We release you now. Please go freely on your way.

Hail, Guardian of the West! We thank you for your watch.
We release you now. Please, go freely on your way.

Hail, Guardian of the South! We thank you for your watch.
Please go freely on your way.

Hail, Guardian of the East! We thank you for your watch.
Please go freely on your way.

Now the circle is open but it is never unbroken
because ti is a circle woven in love.
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!

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Thurisaz: A Giant Is Coming Your Way!

Posted on September 29, 2023 by David Taliesin

Thurisaz (ᚦ) is a rune that hearkens back to the Norse stories of the Jǫtnar (giants) who dwelt in realm of Jǫtunheimr. I was recently the recipient of this kind of energy and, trust me, it’s not pretty. The Old English morphed the meaning of this rune into Thornuz (thorn) but I think this does Thurisaz an injustice. We’re not talking about a tiny pin prick. We’re talking about Godzilla ransacking Tokyo.

Thurisaz symbolizes that trouble is coming your way which threatens to disrupt your way of life. Proceed with caution knowing that you’ll need defensive weapons and protection to combat whatever is attacking you. Hold your ground and seek help from the Higher Powers who are more than willing to assist you.

When I drew this rune, I laughed a little because the damage had already been done. It merely confirmed what I had just experienced over the past week. That being said, I also found it to be a hopeful message from Óðinn because I was trying to blame myself for what was set into motion. I clearly sensed the Divine telling me, “None of this is your fault.” This helped me to let go of the guilt I was carrying as well as my over-analyzing of the situation regarding what I could have done differently in order to avoid this from happening. It allowed me to objectively survey the wreckage and figure out a way forward.

You will find lots of interpretations of this rune online and in books that may differ from mine. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective to this ancient divination tool by writing about how I see the energy of the runes playing out in my personal experience. I hope you find it helpful, and stay tuned for more runes!

P.S. I also wrote a series of rune poems to help me learn their meaning.

David Taliesin Rune Poem:
The giant THURISAZ is headed your way,
So stand your ground and muster your strength,
Defend whatever you hold dear.
Proceed with caution and have no fear!

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality, Runes | Leave a comment

Oktoberfest, Rally Day and Mabon

Posted on September 21, 2023 by David Taliesin

DSCN1724 — Hofbräuhaus Hall Oktoberfest in Munich

Several years ago, while I was on vacation in Munich, I got the opportunity to attend the city’s infamous Oktoberfest. The best way I can describe it is a county fair on steroids! There are amusement rides for the kids, booths selling all kinds of yummy foods and trinkets and, of course, the beer halls. These halls are enormous and can seat thousands of people. I had lunch in the hall sponsored by the Hofbräuhaus which is one of Munich’s oldest breweries. The place was decorated with hops from floor to ceiling. Beer flowed freely, the band played traditional German music, the food was incredible, and there was lots of singing and celebrating. Oktoberfest is a celebration of life in all its exuberance. It’s a time to give thanks and enjoy the company of family and friends. A German friend of mine remarked that Oktoberfest and the Christmas Markets are the two times of the year Germans give themselves permission to set aside the formalities of their culture and really let their hair down. Trust me, they know how to throw a party.

No matter what culture we are a part of, there is something about this time of year that calls us to come together as a tribe and give thanks. Perhaps, it’s because in older times the harvest was mostly completed and the hard work of farming was coming to an end. It was a time to preserve and store food for the hard winter months ahead as well as give thanks to the Divine for the bounty of the land. Unfortunately, this year we’re going to have to get creative due to the coronavirus. Large gatherings are not even a remote possibility. They even cancelled Oktoberfest in Munich so you know these are dangerous time we live in. Hopefully, we can all find a way to observe this changing of seasons even if it is on a smaller scale than usual.

Historically, both Christians and Pagans have their own forms of some kind of fall ritual observance. Many Southern Churches where I live celebrate something called Rally Day. It’s usually held the first or second weekend after Labor Day and is a time when most churches kick their activities into full gear. Sunday School resumes after a summer break and attendance goes up in worship because vacation time is over. Many churches have a Pot Luck lunch on Rally Day or a special time for celebrating and catching up with friends. It’s the antiseptic version of Oktoberfest that has been filtered through our American Puritan heritage. It also has its roots in our Pagan past as is reflected in a familiar hymn of the season:

Come ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home:
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied:
Come, to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

Harvest Home, which is also called the Ingathering, is a traditional English harvest festival that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Like Oktoberfest, it’s a time of singing, dancing and decorating the town with symbols of the harvest. My Wiccan friends call this festival Mabon which is named after the Welsh God, Mabon, the son of Earth Mother goddess Modron. They mark the holiday with feasting and enjoying seasonal foods like apples, pomegranates and root vegetables. From a spiritual perspective, Mabon is a time to reflect on the previous year, giving thanks for our successes (i.e. the things we have harvested) and assess which crops, projects, or dreams didn’t come to fruition. It’s a time to let go of that which no longer serves a useful purpose in our lives, so that we create space for something new to grow.

There is tons of information available on the origins and celebration of Mabon, so I won’t repeat it here. What interests me the most is how the Fall Equinox calls us all to give thanks and celebrate, no matter what our culture or spiritual path. It’s one of the times of the year when nature’s message to us appears to be heard and received by all.

Posted in Mabon, Wheel of the Year | Tagged Ingathering, Mabon, Oktoberfest | Leave a comment

Mabon Ritual

Posted on September 20, 2023 by David Taliesin

I’m back. Sorry I’ve been away for so long. Here’s the ritual we did to close this past Sunday’s Welcoming Circle at Asheville’s Raven & Crone. We meet the third Sunday of every month, 4:30pm.

REAPING AN ABUNDANT SPIRITUAL HARVEST

MABON INCENSE—Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials: Mabon

Pinch dried marigold/calendula
Pinch dried spearmint
Pinch dried sage
2 to 3 cloves or a small pinch of ground clove

Mix together and store in a jar in a cool, dry place. Use a pinch of it on a charcoal briquet as we journey toward Mabon.

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin
Incense all four directions with the following chant. Use a feather or feather wand to waft the smoke in each direction.

May the harvest be plentiful in our lives
So that we may be agents of change and transformation
In our community and in our nation.

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

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 the clutter and confusion from our lives so that we may have absolute clarity regarding your will for our lives. 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 the dreams you have planted in us. 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!

As we draw closer to Mabon, the Fall Equinox, things come into balance, day and night, light and dark, God and Goddess. As we journey into the dark time of the year, May the Divine bring balance into our lives and into this Circle. We are honored by your presence and draw strength from you.

Hail Demeter and Lugh, Mabon and Osiris.
Hail Parvati and Tammuz, Freyr and Dagon,
Hail all harvest gods and goddesses
Who see us into the dark half of the year,
We bid you welcome!

The Circle is cast. We are in protected space.
May we use this time to gather what we need
For the journeys which lie ahead. Blessed be!

MEDITATION ON BALANCE [Activity Sheet and then discuss]

CLOSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

We ask the Divine Presence, who is known to us by many names, to help us find balance in our lives May the Fall Equinox inspire to to take the steps necessary to accomplish this task. We also thank the God and Goddess for the wisdom and insight we have received tonight. We thank them for this Circle, and for those who made the choice to join us and create space for holy conversation.
Blessed be!

We turn to the North and give thanks for the Guardians and Ancestors who dwell there. May the Spirits of Earth keep us grounded in the days ahead and surround us with people who make us feel safe and loved. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

We turn to the West and give thanks for the Guardians and Ancestors who dwell there. May the Spirits of Water calm our fears, and increase our ability to be compassionate to the struggles of others. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

We turn to the South and give thanks for the Guardians and Ancestors who dwell there. May the Spirits of Fire give us the energy and motivation we need to accomplish the goals we have set tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

We turn to the East and give thanks for the Guardians and Ancestors who dwell there. May the Spirits of Air blow through our lives, filling them with magic and mystery. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Posted in Mabon | Tagged balance, Mabon, ritual | 1 Comment