Mabon is also known as the Witches’ Thanksgiving, so what better ritual to do than one of gratitude?
This is a ritual written by Scott Cunningham for a solitary worshiper. I’ve altered a few things slightly because I think it can easily lend itself to Mabon and even to a group ritual. Have everyone light a candle of their own, have more than one bowl, if necessary, or do it outside in a pond (just please don’t leave your candles in the pond!).
Supplies needed:
A large white or pink bowl; personally, I like to use a large, clear glass bowl
A white candle (or two if you need one for wax drippings; also, you could use floating candles)
A lighter with a long reach
Water
Fresh flowers (Scott Cunningham calls for white, but for a Mabon twist, how about fall mums?)
A piece of white cotton cloth; maybe hemp cloth would be better as you’ll be burying this cloth at the end of the ritual
Put the bowl on your altar or a table.
Cast a circle, if you wish.
Adhere the white candle to the middle of the bowl with warmed beeswax or with drippings from another white candle. This is to keep the candle from moving when you add the water to the bowl.
Gently pour water into the bowl and float the flowers. If using floating candles, pour the water first, then add the candles and the flowers.
Light the candle. If doing this with a group, have everyone light a candle.
Visualize your reason for this gratitude ritual. Though this ritual was not written for Mabon, at this time you can think about what the harvest means to you, both physically and spiritually. There’s food on your table, maybe you’re getting a promotion at work, maybe you’ve just gotten a new job, maybe you’ve learned new things about the Craft, or simply gotten more in tune with your beliefs. Think of all the things you’re grateful to the Goddess and God for. Using both hands, touch the water and say these or similar words:
Lady of the Moon, of the stars and the Earth;
Lord of the Sun, of the forests and the hills;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Waters, of flowers and the sea;
Lord of the Air, of horns and of fire;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Caves, of cats and snakes;
Lord of the Plains, of falcons and stags;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Look into the candle’s flame, then down into the water. Blow gently upon the water’s surface and watch the flowers’ movements. Meditate. Commune. Thank.
When you’re finished, take the petals from the water and wrap them in the cloth. Close the circle, if you cast one. End your rite of thanks by quenching the candle’s flame, pouring the water onto the ground, and burying the flowers in the Earth. It is done.
Adapted from Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
Read Full Post »