Pagan Ritual for Basic Use 
                                         (by Ed Fitch) 
           
          A circle  should be marked  on the floor,  surrounding those  who will
          participate in the  ceremony.  An altar is to be  set up at the center
          of the circle.  At the center of the altar shall be placed an image of
          the  Goddess, and an incense burner placed in front of it.  Behind the
          image should be a wand fashioned from a willow branch.  Candles should
          be set upon the altar ...  a total of five, since  on is to be set  at
          each quarter and one will remain on the altar during the rite. 
           
                    Whenall the people areprepared they shallassemble within the
          circle.  The woman acting  as priestess shall direct the man  who acts
          as priest to light the candles and incense.  She shall then say: 
           
                   "The presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere, 
                    Throughout many strange, magical, 
                    And beautiful worlds, 
                    To all places of wilderness, enchantment, and freedom." 
           
                    She then places  a candle at  the north and  pauses to  look
          outwards, saying: 
           
                   "The Lady is awesome, 
                    The Powers of death bow before Her." 
           
                    The personclosest to theeast takes acandle from thealtar and
          places it at that quarter, saying:  
           
                   "Our Goddess is a Lady of Joy, 
                    The winds are Her servants." 
           
                    The personclosest tothe southtakes a candlefrom thealtar and
          places it at that quarter, saying: 
           
                   "Our Goddess is a Goddess of Love. 
                    At Her blessings and desire 
                    The sun brings forth life anew." 
           
                    Theperson closest tothe west takesa candle fromthe altar and
          places it at that quarter, saying: 
           
                   "The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady, 
                    The mysteries of the depths are Hers alone." 
           
                    The priestthen takes thewand, andstarting at thenorth, draws
          it along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying: 
           
                   "The circle is sealed, and all herein 
                    Are totally and completely apart 
                    From the outside world, 
                    That we may glorify the Lady whom we adore. 
                    Blessed Be!" 
           
               All repeat: "Blessed Be!" 
           
                    The priestnow holdsthe wandout in salutetowards thenorth for
          a  moment and then hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in
          salute.  She motions to the group to repeat the  following lines after
          her: 

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                   "As above, so below ... 
                    As the universe, so the soul. 
                    As without, so within. 
                    Blessed and gracious one, 
                    On this day do we consecrate to you 
                    Our bodies, 
                    Our minds, 
                    And our spirits. 
                    Blessed Be!" 
           
                    Now is the time for discussion and teaching.  Wine and light
          refreshments may  be served.   When  the meeting  has ended,  all will
          stand and silently  meditate for a  moment.   The priestess will  then
          take the wand and tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north
          and going clockwise around the circle, while saying: 
           
                   "Our rite draws to its end. 
                    O lovely and gracious Goddess, 
                    Be with each of us as we depart. 
                    The circle is broken!" 








































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