Going to actually do a ritual with someone this year. My friend Rhea. Im excited and nervous. Never practiced with someone else before. Scared too lol. But I also can't wait. Anywho I just wanted to give you guys the simple ritual we are going with (since this is our first together). We are planning out what we are going to have on our altar at the moment hehe. Well gotta run, my boyfriend is staring at me. He wants the computer!! hehe
By Mrs. B.
For many domestic witches, finding time to celebrate the sabbats can
be a challenge, even in the summer months. Between keeping the little
witchlets busy and out of trouble, or schlepping them to camps and
activities, or just trying to find the time to do all the usual things
we have to do between work and home, finding time to fit in a sabbat
ritual can be tough!
Many times we forget that honoring the seasons and deity do not have
to be a huge celebration, full of casting circles, fancy rituals and
huge feasts. Of course the sabbats can be one or all of those things,
but do they have to be? Of course not. Honoring the change of season can
be as simple as a candle lit, a prayer said, and a toast made. Just 5
minutes out of your day to reconnect with your beliefs, your deity and
the earth.
For Lammas, I created a simple ritual that can be done alone or with
family or friends, with minimal fuss, and in just a few minutes. Of
course, feel free to use and/or change the words for your own private
use.
Supplies you’ll need:
-
Bread (Home baked, store bought, heck, a cookie will do in a pinch)
-
Wine (or beer, mead, fruit juice – you know you have a juice box in there somewhere!)
-
A candle (A summer color is appropriate: gold or yellow, though white
always works. Also appropriate? Anything that smells like baked goods –
cinnamon, sugar cookie, etc..)
-
Optional: anything season that you’d like to set out, such as summer
flowers, things harvested from your garden, a corn dolly, etc.), an
appropriate incense.
Find a quiet place to sit for a moment, or gather around your table
if sharing the ritual with others. Have your bread, wine and candle in
front of you (don’t forget something to light the candle with). Take a
quick moment to think about what Lammas means to you, and what it has
meant to those who have followed the season through times past. It’s the
first harvest, time to offer bread in thanks for the prosperity of the
crops.
Light your candle (and incense if you are using it). Take a bite of the bread and a sip of the wine.
Say these words (or others, as you like):
On this first day of August, I light a candle to celebrate the harvest.
As the wheel of the year turns and the days start to grow
shorter, I honor the Lord and Lady (or the seasons, or your specific
deity) and thank them for the blessings and prosperity they have brought
to me this year.
I honor those who came before me, and all things living on this earth.
Eat more of the bread, drink more of the wine, being sure to save the
last bits as a sacrifice to the earth. Later pour them outside, in your
garden, under a tree or into a potted plant.
If you have the time, sit for a few minutes and meditate before
snuffing the candle. As you go about your day, keep negative thoughts at
bay and try to mentally tally all the wonderful things that have come
into your life this year.
Have a wonderful Lammas, however you choose to celebrate!
