Book Of Shadows Book 1 - LadyDragonPoet (well read books txt) 📗

is the marriage of equals.

The Celebrant turns to face the Witnesses directly. If there are no Witnesses within the Circle, this address will be omitted.

CELEBRANT: (to Witnesses)

You have heard this man and this woman declare of their own free will and in the presence of the Five Sacred Things their pledge to share the rest of their lives with each other, and to honor the other above all as long as love shall last. In our faith, no oath could be more binding. I ask you to remember that this man and this woman, your friends, have made this pledge and that in witnessing this, you have a duty to remind them of this day if ever they should stray from their professed intent.

CELEBRANT: (to Bride and Groom)

In the presence of the Five Sacred Things, and three times over, you have each of your own free will professed your wish to share the rest of your lives with each other and to honor each other above all in front of three witnesses.

It is not for anyone here to judge your decision. I will say only that the Laws of Karma, and you yourselves, can judge how well you each honor your pledge.

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you shall be the warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness,
And may your days be good and long upon this Earth.

An it harm none, so mote it be!

The CELEBRANT unbinds their hands. The BRIDE and GROOM join the CELEBRANT as they walk widdershins around the circle, stopping at each cardinal point. Meanwhile, the two WITNESSES get the broom and proceed to the point in the circle so that the BRIDE and GROOM will jump the broom facing the audience.

CELEBRANT:

(turning to the North)

We thank you, spirits of Earth, spirits of the North, for coming to witness this declaration. Let your strength and constancy be theirs for as long as they desire to be together.

(turning to the West)

We thank you, spirits of Water, spirits of the West, for coming to witness this declaration. Grant these two the deepest of love, richness of body, soul and spirit.

(turning to the South)

We thank you, spirits of Fire, spirits of the South, for coming to witness this declaration. Give their love and passion your own all consuming ardor.

(turning to the East)

We thank you, spirits of Air, spirits of the East, for coming to witness this declaration.With your breath of life, join the bonds between these two and tie them tightly.

The Circle is no more, yet is unbroken.
All from air into air, let the misty curtain part.
All is ended, all is done
What has been must now be gone!
What is done by ancient art
Must merry meet and merry part

AND MERRY MEET AGAIN!

The WITNESSES crouch down, and hold the broom a LITTLE BIT off the ground. The CELEBRANT leads the chant:

JUMP THE BROOM!

as the BRIDE and GROOM make a running start and jump the broom on their way out.
Generic Pagan Funeral For A Elder Woman

Generic Pagan Funeral For A Elder Woman


(as written, to be conducted by a group of Priestess, Priest, chief mourner and possibly other coven members as attendants, i.e. ushers.)

The room (perhaps of a funeral home) is decorated with evergreen boughs and roses. This supposes there is a casket, but may be adapted if there is a picture only of the deceased.

Before anyone comes into the room, the priest and priestess may cast a circle, summon the quarters and invoke the Lady and Lord.

As the mourners enter, they will be greeted at the door (and portal to the circle) by the Priest and Priestess. When all are seated, the priestess


begins.

PRIESTESS: (adapted from the "Decent of the Goddess," in the Farrars' Witches Bible Complete )

There are three great events in the life of a person: love, death and resurrection to a new life. Of these love is the most important. For by love and in fulfillment of it, we may again be joined with our families and friends, remembering and loving them again. Death cannot take away love or our loved ones.

Without love there is no birth, without birth no death, without death no rebirth. This is the miracle of love.

PRIEST:




----(name of Chief mourner, here a son), loving son, all here feel your sorrow and with you honor ----(name of deceased).

Nearest relative or chief mourner tells about the persons life and accomplishments. Others may speak also. When this is finished, the priest continues.

PRIEST:(adapted from memorial service of "Magical rites from the Crystal Well")

For a while we have lost one who is dear to us, but it is only for a time and we should not be sorrowful. There is a reason to be here and a reason to go when we have fulfilled the tasks of a life's work. Dying is only a way of forgetting, of resting, of returning to the eternal source to be renewed and made strong.



PRIESTESS:(adapted from the rite of the Three-Fold-Goddess in the Witches Bible)

Behold a woman who has been three women. First a girl full of dreams and hope. Then a mother who brought forth life and gave love. Finally an elder, rich in knowledge and experience. Her journey is ended and a new one begun. Let us bid her farewell and entreat all her loved ones who have gone before her to greet and guide her on her way.

The priest may then instruct the mourners to bid a personal farewell if they desire, then proceed to the foyer or otherwise outside the room. This is the traditional time to play the departed loved one's favorite song or hymn. Again, some attendant should be at the portal to see all out of the circle. The priest, priestess and perhaps the chief mourner may then thank the Gods, release the quarters and open the circle.

Some refreshment in the outer area might be available to help the people ground a bit. The pall bearers may then return and carry the casket to the conveyance.

At the grave side, salt or ashes, water and wine, and aromatic oil may have been poured to bless the site.

"We wish you all love and happiness. Do not forget us. We will not forget you. We find our peace and hope in the sure and certain knowledge that we shall meet again and at that time we will celebrate in perfect love."

After the casket is lowered, the chief mourner throws earth upon the grave.

This is again a traditional time for all to eat together. This helps in grounding.

Imprint

Publication Date: 01-04-2012

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To my Dragon Poet the magic in my life