Basic Esbat Outline
1. Bathe and Robe
2. Prepare Sacred Space
3. Cleanse members and enter circle
4. Grounding (can be done prior to entering circle)
5. Cast Circle
6. Call Elements
7. Call Deity
8. Energy Build/Workings
9. Cakes and Ale
10. Knowledge Share
11. Release Deity
12. Release Elements
13. Open Circle
14. Ground (eat, drink, and make merry)
NOTES: Nothing is ever set in stone. All rituals are subject to improvisation and the use of alternate words and invocations. This has been presented here as a very basic example of our format and what methods are used in ritual.
After all have been cleansed and entered the circle, those leading ritual should guide the group through a brief grounding exercise. Alternately, all may agree that this will be done prior to ritual at home while bathing, or while waiting outside the circle.
Grounding
See yourself as the connecting piece between the Earth below you and the Sky high above you.
The energy flows through you and warms your body.
Feel that warmth move up you feet and wash over your head making your skin tingle and your muscles relax.
It moves over you until it meets in your center creating a charged ball of orange colored energy in your solar plexus.
Feel how that energy now belongs to you. Use it well and wisely.
Casting the Circle
One of those leading the ritual will take their wand and turn three times around the circle. All present should visualize a divine blue energy flowing between each person in the circle and from the end of the wand.
First pass - I call upon the ancient power of the Old Ones of our people to aid me in lifting the veil.
Second pass - May we create the sacred circle where magick happens and mysteries are revealed.
Third pass - Let us move now between the worlds so we may walk among the mists once more.
Standing in center - The circle is cast. What we have created let no other put asunder.
Calling the Elements
Four volunteers at each corner will call forth the elements. Visualization is very helpful when evoking the elements. See beings or spirits that remind you of the elements and their properties.
EAST
Spirits of the East,
Wild, Winged Ones,
Soaring with wisdom,
By the ancient power
Of the Old Ones
I call you to join your kin
In this sacred space.
Lend insight and knowledge to our spirits.
Welcome Spirits of the East.
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
SOUTH
Spirits of the South,
Fiery, Passionate Ones,
Lighters of creation,
By the ancient power
Of the Old Ones
I call you to join your kin
In this sacred space.
Illuminate and intensify our workings.
Welcome Spirits of the South.
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
WEST
Spirits of the West,
Cleansing and Pure Ones,
Bringers of emotion,
By the ancient power
Of the Old Ones
I call you to join your kin
In this sacred space.
Wash away negativity and bring clarity to our circle.
Welcome Spirits of the West.
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
NORTH
Spirits of the North,
Earthen, Green Ones,
Teachers of mysteries,
By the ancient power
Of the Old Ones
I call you to join your kin
In this sacred space.
Gift this ritual with your stability and strength.
Welcome Spirits of the North.
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
Calling Deity
Different deities may be chosen depending on season or moon month. There are also many invocations that can be said instead of the following general ones. There may also be an actual invoking of Deity by drawing down the moon into a woman and the invoking of the god into a man.
Gracious Goddess,
Creator of all that is wild and free,
Mother of woman and man,
Descend, I pray
Upon my circle round.
Bless us with your ancient power.
Welcome Great Mother!
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
Glorious Horned One,
Master of forest and beast
Father of woman and man,
Descend, I pray
Upon my circle round.
Bless us with your ancient power.
Welcome Horned Lord!
All: HAIL AND WELCOME
Energy Build/Workings
All building of energy will occur at this time followed by any healing or magickal workings.
Cakes and Ale
It is traditional to include a communion in ritual. This act is far older than Christianity and was performed by our Pagan ancestors the world over.
Cakes: Breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, granola, etc.
Ale: Beer, wine, mead, cider, water, juice, etc.
Both cakes and Ale
Great Mother,
Bless this food of your fertile bounty.
May it nourish body and spirit.
Blessed be.
All: BLESSED BE
Cakes
By the body of the Earth
Which is our nurturing Mother
I bless these cakes (food) of Her bounty.
Blessed be.
All: BLESSED BE
Ale
In memory of the Dying God
Who bares many names and faces
I bless this ale (liquid) of His sacrifice.
Blessed be.
All: BLESSED BE
Knowledge Share
While eating of our cakes and ale we take time to exchange information learned and insight gained since our last gathering. It is okay to bring printed information for all to have for their personal use and reference.
Release Deity
We thank you, Gracious Mother Goddess, for your presence in our circle. Go is you must, stay if you will, but be always in our hearts. In love, we bid you a fond farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Glorious Horned One, we thank you for your presence in our circle. Go if you must, stay if you will, but be always in our hearts. In love, we bid you a fond farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Release Elements
Spirits of the North. We thank you for strengthening our ritual. In love, we bid you farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Spirits of the West. We thank you for cleansing our circle. In love, we bid you farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Spirits of the South. We thank you for shedding light on our workings. In love, we bid you farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Spirits of the East. We thank you for lending your insight to our spirits. In love, we bid you farewell.
All: HAIL AND FAREWELL
Opening the Circle
We have walked between the worlds And mingled with the mists. I thank the Old Ones for their guidance.
The circle is open, but ever unbroken.
So Mote it Be!
All: SO MOTE IT BE!
Ground excess energy by placing your palms on the earth or standing firmly on the ground and reaching up to the sky. See the energy you do not need returning to the sources of Earth and Sky. Now go eat and have fun chatting with friends.
