Good Wiccan Sabbaths, Holy Days, Holidays & Rituals

Autumnal Equinox Ritual – Lighting of the Fire

Leader begins:

“This is a festival of transition, now the summer is gone and winter approaches. The Goddess is maturing and full of new insights and the God is aging and wise. Now things are different and the world is about integrity and fulfillment. The sun wanes and the moon shines down on a calm planet. “We celebrate this new balance on this festival as the sun goes to sleep.”

All light their matches and chant 3 times.

CHANT:
“Farewell to the sun
“A new world has begun”

Autumnal Equinox – Autumnal Equinox Ritual – Magic Wands

Follow this by each person taking some of the autumnal leaves they have brought and throwing them in the fire leader says:

“We have seen the beauty of the trees changing leaves and know that change is eternal.”

“The wood of the willow is sacred and holds all of the mysteries of the ages.

“We see how the wood becomes flame, and flame becomes ash, and ash becomes soil, and soil becomes a tree.”

The leader takes loose sage and/or cedar incense and throws it into the fire. It should send up a shower of sparks.

“Let each one take a branch of willow and hold it over the flames so that smoke envelopes the wood. As you hold the branch in the smoke break off each end until you have just the piece you wish to remain as your wand. Release the remaining pieces into the flame to continue the wheel of life.”

You may use an Athame or garden clippers to help cut the wood if it is thick. Once this is done, the leader recites a blessing.

“Goddess and God we thank you for your abundant gifts of the season and the spirit.

“Bless these wands to our use and make them a reminder of the mysticism that is ever present around us.”

Autumnal Equinox – Autumnal Equinox Ritual – Weaving

Leader begins:

“Now it is time to take all the pieces of the past year as they have presented themselves and ponder how all the disparate pieces fit together into one life. Help each other find weave and find the pieces that belong.”

Each person takes 3 different types of string or cord and begins to braid them together adding shells or beads as they see fit – until they have enough to fit comfortably over the wrist when the ends are tied together.

“Once you are done – you may keep the bracelet you have made or exchange it with another person.

“As you look at the bracelet – see how the different types of twine intermingle and make up the whole. Just as our lives are filled with a myriad of disparate pieces – different friends and acquaintances, different experiences, different jobs, different loves, different homes – they all make up this thing called you. Gather up all the pieces of your life and hold them together at this moment and cherish them. Realize at this passing of light into dark that somehow it all makes sense and there is a reason for you to be here and now.”

Autumnal Equinox Ritual – The Darkness Approaches

Leader begins:

“We all must take individual responsibility for change in the world and in our lives. We each have secrets that hold us back from doing so. Before the world becomes dark and scary – we must release the old and renew our commitment to our spiritual rebirth. Write whatever binds you on the paper: fear, guilt, anger obligation, regret. Be as short and sweet or lengthy and specific as you want.”

Give all the opportunity and time to write.

“Concentrate all your fear anger, guilt, etc. on the paper. Now we will throw the paper into the fire and release it. If the entire paper does not burn – make sure at least the words you have written do.”

Autumnal Equinox Ritual – Cone of Energy

The cone of energy is built as all chant as the papers burn.

CHANT:
“Fire bind it.
“Let no one find it.”

The group may chose to continue to chant, play percussion and dance around the fire to raise the cone of energy at this point until seems an appropriate time to break off into individual spinning. Another chant often sung to raise the cone of energy is:

CHANT:
“She changes everything she touches
“And everything she touches changes.”

Autumnal Equinox Ritual – Inner Vision

Let the energy calm down naturally as people tire from dancing and chanting. As the energy subsides, let all stand (or sit) and sway with their eyes closed. Let the moment that just happened have a chance to make its way inward for each individual. Take deep breaths and allow a resonant tone to happen with each extended exhalation.

CHANT: “Ohm” or “Aum”