by MoonIvy

Erecting the Temple:

(clasping hands, in unison)

With clasped hands we go around,
erecting a temple where family and friends can be found,
Inside its embrace a mother we find,
dear parents who are so loving and kind
 
 

Calling the Quarters:  from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

East:
I bring light and air in at the east, to brighten our temple and cleanse it with wind.

South:
I bring light and fire in at the south, to brighten our temple and give it warmth.

West:
I bring light and water in at the west, to brighten our temple and cleanse it from evil.

North:
I bring light and earth in at the north, to brighten our temple and give it foundation.
 
 

New Moon Rite:  from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, segmented by Moon Ivy

Fire Caller:  Dark is the night as we reach this turning point.  Here is a time of death, yet a time of birth.

Earth Caller:  Endings and beginnings.

Water:  Ebbing and flowing.

Air:  Let us give of our strength and in return see rebirth.

All:  Behold, the Lady of Darkness, Mother, Grandmother.  Old yet ever young.

Earth:  Hear me! Honor me and love me now and always

Water:  As the wheel turns we see birth, death and rebirth.  Know, from this, that every end is a beginning.

Fire:  Every stop a fresh starting point.

Earth:  Maiden, Mother, Crone--I am all of these and more.

Air:  Whenever you have need of anything call upon me.  I, and my Lord are here--for I abide within you all.  Even at the darkest of times, when there seems no single spark to warm you and the night seems blackest of all, I am here, watching and waiting to grow with you in strength and in love.

Water:  I am she who is at the beginning and the end of all time.  So mote it be.

All:  So mote it be.
 
 

Mabon Ritual  original
 

Fire:  Most of the harvest is in.  Your belly is swollen with child and I have provided the best I know how.  It is time for me to go, for I am weak and I am surely dying.

Earth:  Fear not my love, for death is not eternal, it is but a resting place for a short while.  I will see you again in the face of this dear child I carry within.

Air:  The wheat, apples, and beans are stored away for winter.  I have harvested enough to keep you and our baby healthy through the darkest of winter.

Water:  I have prepared for us a feast, won't you dine with me before you make your journey?

(We dine on the food before us.)

Fire:  Let us not forget to give to others about us, so that their journey will be easier.

(Go outside and offer food to the wild little things that are storing for winter, or traveling to warmer climates.)

Air:  Dear Lady, do not weep for me, for you are never alone.  In the forest you will feel my presence and remember my firey embracy.  Feel your stomach and remember the life we have created and how I will return--young and robust as ever.

Earth:  We have so very much to be thankful for.  It is before His journey I see what I have taken for granted.  Let all life give praise for what we have.
 

(The following is taken from Edain McCoy's The Sabbats:  A New Approach to Living the Old Ways)

Water:    Bountiful Mother Earth, whose dark
              womb has brought forth this munificence
              we see before us, we humbly thank you
              for your gift of sustenance which
              nourishes our bodies and minds.
              Lord of the harvest, wise and giving,
              we praise your generosity in providing
              this feast which gives us strength and endurance.
              Lord and Lady, our blessings this year have been many.
              We thank you for...

(Enumerate your blessings here, whatever you wish to offer thanks for.  Or, if you are in a group, allow everyone to speak in turn offering personal prayers.)

           ...And for all those blessings and gifts
              which in the hustle and bustle of daily
              living we have overlooked and taken for granted,
              we most gratefully thank you now.
              May your praise be sung by your adoring and thankful children
              So mote it be!

(Ideas:  We may want to donate something to the Goodwill or Salvation Army, or our time to an old folks' home in the the spirit of thanksgiving.)
 
 

Clearing the Temple:  from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

Earth:  We came together in love and friendship, let us part the same way.  Let us spread the love we have known in this circle outward to all, sharing it with those we meet.

(All coveners raise their athames.)

Water:  Lord and Lady, our thanks to your for sharing this time together.  Our thanks for watching over us; guarding and guiding us in all things.  Love is the Law and Love is the Bond.  Merry did we meet, merry do we part, merry may we meet again.

All:  Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again.

Fire:  The Temple is now cleared.  So mote it be!

All:  So mote it be!

(All kiss their athame blades.  They then move about the Temple to kiss one another farewell.)