Wiccan Rites of Passage

Table of Contents

Wiccan Rites of Passage - An Introduction___________________________________2

Wiccaning_____________________________________________________________________3

Coming of Age Rituals___________________________________________________________5

Menarche_____________________________________________________________________6

Male Rite of Passage____________________________________________________________8

Female Rite of Passage Lady Shyra_______________________________________________10

Handfasting__________________________________________________________________15
Season/Month_______________________________________________________________15
Day/Hour___________________________________________________________________15

A Handfasting Ritual___________________________________________________________16

Divorce Rite__________________________________________________________________19

Croning – What is it?___________________________________________________________20

A Croning Ritual______________________________________________________________21

Entering the Wise Age__________________________________________________________23

The End of Menstruation_______________________________________________________25

Funeral Rites_________________________________________________________________26

Last Rites – Keep It Legal_______________________________________________________27

At The Moment Of Death_______________________________________________________33

The Formal Ritual_____________________________________________________________34

A Wiccan Funeral Ritual_______________________________________________________35

The Funeral Ritual_____________________________________________________________36

Wiccan Rites of Passage - An Introduction

Passage Rituals recognize and celebrate the various transitions of our lives.
When Passage Rituals are celebrated and held as important to the individual,
the family, and the community, they fill a gaping void in our lives. They give
a true perception of connectedness to the community, a sense of personal
achievement, and a recognition of increasing individual responsibilities. All
of these aspects serve to help the individual grow to maturity with an
understanding and acceptance of personal accountability, as well as an
acknowledgement of and respect towards one's family, ancestors, and God(s).
Given the widespread feelings of disenfranchisement among the many segments of
today's world, perhaps it's now time to turn towards these Passage Rituals
again; to celebrate more than birthdays and weddings, and extend recognition of
loss to more than simply funerals.

Wiccaning : Dedication and protection of an Infant

Coming of Age : Menarche - Male Rite - Female Rite
Handfasting : Handfasting Ritual - Divorce Rite
Cronehood : Croning Ritual - Coming of Age - End of Menstruation
Funeral Rites : Last Rites - Memorial for Children - At the moment of Death -
The formal Ritual - A Wiccan Funeral Ritual
Wiccaning

The Rite of Wicanning welcomes a new baby into the Pagan Community to which his
parents belong. Sometimes also known as a Paganing Ceremony, Naming Ceremony,
or Dedication, this ritual does not bind the child to the Wiccan religion.
Instead, it's purpose is to seek the Lady's protection for and blessings upon
the child, confers the parents' chosen legal and/or secret name for the child,
and introduces the child to the community through a joyous celebration.

In this respect, the Rite of Wiccaning is similar to a "Christening" in the

Catholic Church; however, it is not the same as "baptism." Wiccans feel very
strongly towards freedom of choice, especially religious choice, and this
freedom extends even to their children. Pagan children will be reared according
to their parents' tradition, but will also be familarized with other Paths as
part of their religious instruction. At puberty or shortly thereafter, the
child will usually be given a choice of dedicating herself to the God and the
Goddess, choosing another religious path to follow, or declaring herself
unready to make a decision at that time. The child is still welcomed into the
children's circles if he/she so desires, but may not participate in adult
circles until he/she has made a decision regarding his/her chosen Path.

In ideal situations, the community as a whole, and the Guardian Parents (should
the parents so choose to name these) in particular, form a protective circle of
love, support, and guidance around the child. The child is taught that she may
turn to anyone within the community for assistance, and the Guardian Parents
stand ready to assume parental responsibility if anything should happen to the
natural parents. In this way, the child grows up with the security of love and
support all around him/her.

Dedication and Protection of an Infant

Magical Rites from the Crystal Well, Ed Fitch, Lewellyn Publications, 1987)

On the first night after a baby is born, or the same night that the birth takes
place, the mother or father (or the midwife, if she is a close friend or
relative) should take the infant out under the stars. The child should first be
held up to the heavens, saying:

O Lady of the Starry Heavens, Wise All-Father, Behold this lively child (name).
Conceived and brought forth in love.

Bless and protect him/her And grant the gifts of wisdom, Inspiration, and wonder.

Place the child on the ground briefly, saying:

Hail Earth, Mother of All. This is my infant, my love And my jewel.

Bless and protect him/her, Granting your enduring and eternal strength and
steadfastness. May he/she ever have a spirit That seeks the stars, And roots deep
within thy loving breast.

One should then clasp the child close and look about for a few minutes, for
those who are gifted with second sight are often able at this time to see
prophesies for the child or the mother.
Coming of Age Rituals

As we and our children grow older, we of the Old Religion are reclaiming
ceremonies that acknowledge and celebrate our children's growth towards
adulthood. This is an area fraught with indecision for some parents, however.
How do you celebrate a Wiccan ritual for a child "coming of age" when you've
kept your children at arm's length to your religion out of fear of the majority
rule?

In ancient tribal societies, rites were often based on age. When a child grew
to the age specified by the tribe, s/he underwent the ritual. Upon successful
completion, the child was declared an adult and all rights and responsibilities
of adulthood were conferred upon the child. This age of adulthood was most
often keyed towards puberty.

Today, our children are entering puberty at earlier and earlier ages. For
example, it's not unusual to find a girl beginning to menstruate at 8 or 9.
Children barely into their early teen years (if even that), are having children
of their own. The physical development our children's bodies have raced light
years ahead of their emotional development. Place blame where you will: hormone-
laced beef, food irradiation, nurture vs nature, ozone depletion, or the
chemicals and minerals spewing into our air, water, earth, or food, the fact
remains that the old ways don't work in today's modern society.

Most of society's remedies for the ills of today rest in a resurgence of shame
and guilt. These concepts are abhorred within the Craft. Instead, we seek to
root within our children the foundation of the Craft, namely, awareness and joy
and personal responsibility. In having a well developed sense of personal
responsibility, a child will naturally respect the rights, privileges, life and
property of others, as well as of themselves and what they own. In knowing
awareness and joy, the child learns appreciation and respect for the world
around him/her.

These rites offered here are few in number. We are just now beginning to
recognize the need for them, and attention is slowly being turned towards their
creation for the children of this generation of Pagan parents. There is a
fervent hope, especially in the girls' rites, that we can imbue our young girls
with the knowledge of and belief in themselves as special, worthy, and
intelligent. If we can accomplish this, we give them a vital personal
foundation on which to base their own decisions regarding sexuality, marriage,
children, and career; and the strength and courage to fight discrimination
wherever they encounter it.
Menarche

A Menarche can change a scary, unpleasant experience into a ritual that makes
the girl feel special. The first thing to remember: the focus is the girl--she
must be the center of attention, and she must be consulted on what and who she
wants for this ritual--emphasis should be placed on her being a woman, women's
mysteries, women's responsibilities. Chose the first full moon after the girl's
first period for the ritual (that or quarter moon)--or when the girl wants it.

You want to invite any adult women the girl wants, the girl's Goddess-Mother,
and any friends of hers that are also of age. Decorate depending on the girl's
taste, with an emphasis on moon decorations/party decorations. Get a cake,
candles--make it festive and special! Incense/candles, again, the girl's choice-
-but white/red are the traditional colors.

To give the men something to do, you can have them help in decorating, and
making up the pot-luck dinner, tea, or picnic lunch for after the ritual (I
like this idea because it allows Dad and friends to give the girl a gift even
though they're not going to be there). Otherwise, tell dad and friends to go to
a sports bar for the evening.

All the women invited should bring gifts (gifts related to womanhood, not
menstruation gifts!)--small gifts, magical, adult gifts (like a mirror, a
special herbal tea, a diary, or a tarot deck). Mom, buy the girl (and or let
her pick out) a moon, crystal, goddess or pentagram pendent for herself. Place
that on the altar. (A new dress, ritual robe, etc., might be in order for the
occasion as well). If the girl is 10 or 11, face painting or dressing up might
be a part of this celebration.

The ritual can take place wherever the girl likes--it's her show. One menarche
I heard about was a hot tub party, another occurred on the beach, another up
along a hiking trail in the woods. Near water is a good idea.

The night or that morning before, it's time to have that mother-daughter chat.
I know she already knows it all, but tell her again just the same. Let her know
where the contraceptives are, let her know if she can have sex in your home--
what your rules are, how you feel about it (BE HONEST), let her know about the
dangers of unprotected sex, including pregnancy--remind her that she's not old
enough to drive, vote or leave home, but she is old enough to have a baby.

Now that she is a woman, she will have new, adult privileges, but she will also
have new and very serious responsibilities--not getting pregnant until she's
wants to, until she's ready, is one of them. Let her know that you're there for
her, that she can come to you.

After that, the girl might like to meditate till the ritual, or go through a
self-cleaning ritual.
After the circle is cast (an all goddess circle--goddesses for the quarters--
emphasizing the goddess), each woman, one by one, should welcome the girl into
womanhood and hand her their little gift. Each gift should be opened and talked
about.

After the gift-giving, the girl's new pendant should be passed round, and each
woman should talk about her first time, offer advise, a secret, a funny story--
words short and sweet, upbeat; then they should bless the pendant. Once the
pendant has been passed round, Mom, who should be last, says her thing, and
then hangs it round the girl's neck.

The HPS should then question the girl as to whether she understands the
responsibilities of Womanhood. After the girl answers, the HPS should then
present the girl to the Goddess as a new woman, a reflection of the goddess. At
that point, the girl should say something.

Other things you can do: A Tarot reading for the girl or a scrying, dancing,
singing, storytelling. End with a very positive cone of power--celebrating the
girl's womanhood (and then have that picnic).
Male Rite of Passage

Child/ren are outside the circle when it is cast. The child/ren must ask the
"guardian of the circle" (if you have one, if not then the circle itself) to be
allowed into the circle. A door is opened in the circle to allow them in.

HPS : Why have you come before us?

FATHER : We have come to ask a boon of this coven. We ask the coven to
recognize our children. We ask for help in raising them within the Pagan faith;
to help us teach them to walk hand in hand with the Gods.

HPS : Are you willing to accept assistance?

MOTHER : Yes. We wish to raise the children within the paths of Old and realize
that this is a hard task. So we are willing to accept any assistance from this
Coven.

HPS : You have asked for us to recognize your children and to aid you in their
training; is there anyone who believes this request should not be honoured?

Objections stated here! (if any) HPS : (children's names here) come stand with
us in the presence of the Lord and Lady. Know that you are loved by them. So by
Their blessing may you always walk within Their Love.

As we celebrate the Birth of the Lord, the bringer of Light, as He emerges from
the darkness; so too have these children walked in darkness. May they now be
reborn into the light.

HP/HPS : Lead the children to the Altar and allow them to light their candles
from the Altar.

HP : (Children's Names) Listen to the Mother/Guardian Keeper of the West for

She/He holds the Waters of Life. Drink long and often from the well.

HPS : Guardian of the West recognize and guard these children. Fill them with
the joys of life. Children do you have a question? (if they do, let them ask it
and answer them honestly)

(Children's names) Listen to the Crone/Guide for She/He is Holds the Wisdom of
life. Listen well to Her/His stories and teachings.

HP : Guardian of the North recognize and guard these children. Guide them with
your knowledge. Children do you have a question? (again if they do let them ask
it and answer honestly)

Hp/Hps present gifts either from the parents and/or the circle to aid the
children on the path. These may be charms / pendants (as they were in this
case) to protect the children, or things such as tarot, runes, books, etc.
which the children may use as they grow within the path.

PARENTS : (to children) We do pledge to honour and respect you. We will love
and protect you; teach you and learn from you. And when the time comes to let
you fly we will let you go. However, we will be there whenever you need us.
This is our oath to you. ( I feel that any or all of the coveners may give this
pledge to the children)

Bless and welcome the children with a group hug.

Female Rite of Passage Lady Shyra

Circle area will be cleansed and Circle constructed and consecrated in the
usual manner. Altar will sit just West of Center of Circle to symbolize both
the emotional aspects of the ritual, as well as the death/ rebirth aspects.
Added to altar arrangement will be the Celebrant's two white candles, as well
as the two candles to be exchanged. Also on the altar will be a mirror sitting
behind and between the two white candles. Symbolic gifts will be placed beside
the altar -- the mother's to the North symbolizing steadfastness, grounding,
caution, and wisdom of the elder. The Celebrant's will be to the South of the
altar, symboling the fire, passion and impetuousness of youth.

Guardian of the East

Hail to thee, Ancient ones of Air! Blow soft around us this night That the
restrictions and pains of childhood Will be but memories in the mind of the
adult.

Guardian of the South

Hail to thee, Ancient ones of Fire! Lend to us this night your passion and
strength Envelope us in your warmth, That the fires of youth may be tempered
within thee.

Guardian of the West

Hail to thee, Ancient ones of Water! Wash over us with thy loving embrace That
the sorrows of days long past Can give way to new understanding.

Guardians of the North

Hail to thee, Ancient ones of Earth! Stand firm with us in our purpose this
night, That from the youth shall grow the adult Full of purpose and wisdom.

Invocation to the Lady

Blessed Lady of a Thousand Names, You who art Maiden, Mother and Crone. Grant
that this night the bindings of childhood will be broken And the bond between
mother and daughter be strengthened. For the two, as so reflected throughout all
creation, Are but images of thee in thy divine Trinity. Blessed Be.

In honor of thee do I pour this toast, and drink this wine.

Invocation to the Lord

Great Lord, Ancient one of the fields and Consort to our Lady, We ask that thou
wouldst give a measure of your love and protection to she who will soon join the
battles of this life. Fill her with the knowledge of thee as sancutary And grant
that peace may follow her always.

In honor of thee do I pour this toast, and drink this wine.

Chalice is then passed to each of the coveners to share in the toast.

Drawing Down the Moon

Priestess/Mother stands facing the moon with hands upraised and palms turned
upwards, cupwise. Drinking in the Lady's essence, she says:

PRIESTESS/MOTHER:

Come to me and fill me with thy light Enter me, shine in me your fullness That I
may use your power for my good, And for the good of All.

When appropriate, she blesses all within the Circle, and the rite that is about
to me performed. Then, nodding to the Father of the Celebrant, says:

PRIESTESS/MOTHER

Bring forth your daughter, that she might, this night, cross the threshold of
adulthood.

Father brings the Celebrant to the Eastern Gate.

MOTHER:

Is this the daughter I bore so many years before? Nay, it cannot be... for she
was but a child when last I held her.

DAUGHTER:

Mother, I am your child; now grown and ready to throw away the things of
childhood. Years it has been since my moonflow began and I became a woman. Now
it is time that this is recognized.

MOTHER:

Very well, lead the child into the center of the Circle. There to have her sit
in silence.

Covener leads Celebrant to the center of the Circle, while mother recloses the
Circle. She then joins her daughter in the Circle's center.

You sit now in the Center of the Circle; that which is known as the Cauldron of
Hecate; the point of transformation; the mother's womb, where beginnings end
and endings re-begin, saying :

I have heard your words, and weep for them. Tears of both joy and sorrow. It was
my body that cried out in pain and joy as you were born. It was my mind that
went in circles to provide for us. It was my heart that broke when that which
you wanted I could not give you. But always did you have my love... and always
shall you carry that love with you.

Behold in me the Three-Fold Goddess She who is One in Three - Maid, Mother, and
Crone One in Three, as she is in you and all women, And as you and they are in
her. Look upon her and know her, That you, too, may be whole.

So I ask thee truly, art thou ready to face the woman within thee? To see within
thee the light and dark, and fear no more the dark? To accept that which you
are, and strive for that which you can become? To leave behind the things of
childhood, But to continue to love and nurture the child which lives in all
adults?

(Celebrant has answered accordingly to each of the questions, at which time the
Mother now exhorts the Celebrant to stand and face the altar.)

MOTHER:

Daughter, I ask you now to look deep within the mirror. See yourself reflected
there. Look into your eyes and know yourself. Repeat after me: "I come to
commune with my Soul."

DAUGHTER:

I come to commune with my Soul.

MOTHER:

Look into the reflection of your eyes, and name one thing about yourself that
you love.

(Celebrant and Mother will continue this, alternating between what the
Celebrant thinks is both good and bad within her.)

After the last question, the Mother then says:

MOTHER:

Daughter, within thee is both light and dark. Know always your shadow side. If
something is there which offends thee horrible, give it up. For others to love
you as an adult, you must love yourself first. And loving yourself means giving
up any self-hatred you've carried over from young years. Now is the time to cut
these things from thy life. They are the bonds of childhood which have held you
limited. Free yourself from them, and know that thy spirit flies free.

Now look again into the mirror. Look at yourself with love. See the Goddess
shining within thee. She is strong; no man has dominion over her. She knows
herself and loves herself. She will give herself to those who are worthy of her
affections, and turn from those who try to debase her. Let the Goddess within
thee shine through thee, that the nobility and strength of woman is clear for
all to see.

Now, come with me.

Mother embraces daughter and leads her to each of the four quarters. After each
challenge, the Celebrant must answer as she sees fit, and asks the Guardian's
Blessing. The Covener at each gate will then bless the Celebrant, and offer a
gift for adulthood, such as strength, courage, etc... or a physical gift
pertinent to the rite and Gate.

Covener at Eastern Gate:

Hold! I am the wild wind and fury of the storm! That which buffets thee without
shelter. How will you survive?

Covener at Southern Gate

Hold! I am fire and passion That which will consume thee with lust. How will you
survive?

Covener at Western Gate

Hold! I am floods and weeping and gnashing of teeth. I am lonliness and

frustration. How will thee survive?

Covener at Northern Gate

Hold! I am chaos and turmoil Plans gone wrong and dreams that die. How will thee
survive?

Mother faces daughter (Priestess mode ON here).

I am the Lady, thy Mother. I shall be with thee no matter how far thou shalt
roam. And when lonliness besets thee, Thou needs only gaze upon the moon, To see
my face and my love reflected there to you.

Father approaches daugher and turns her to face him.

I am he who is father to thee now. I shall stand behind and beside thee always.
And when lonliness besets thee, Thou needs only to step out into sunlight To feel
my warmth and love within thee.

Mother takes daughter by hand and returns to the altar. Daughter picks up her
gift of childhood and presents it to the mother, saying:

This I do give you as a symbol of childhood now behind me. Hold it and cherish
it as you remember me.

Mother picks up her gift of adulthood and presents it the Celebrant, saying:
This I do give you as a symbol of your adulthood, and my recognition of it. Hold
it and cherish it as you remember me.

Draw a pentegram above the celebrant, with an affirmation at each of the five
points:

Point one: In the name of Inanna, Queen of Heaven Point two: In the name of
Athena, warrior Goddes, but also of Peace Point three: In the name of Astarte,
warrior Goddess, and protector of young females Point four: In the name of
Diana, she of the bow and arrow, Goddess of Light Point five: Do I bless thee,
and call thee "Woman". May their strenth and independence, their love and
virtue, be thine all the days of thy life.

I recognize the child in you no more, but for only the child who lives in all
of us.

Mother stands with a space between her and her daughter and presents the new
adult to the coven.

Feasting (and in our case, a birthday celebration) follow.

Quarters are thanked, and blessings are asked of the Lord and Lady upon the
group, as well as the Celebrant.
Handfasting

Handfasting is a rite in which the Old Gods bless and hallow a Union of two or
more people. It is a sacred marriage. Some people have called it a temporary or
trial marriage. It is not always a permanent union. The participants decide
beforehand how long they will agree to be committed. The traditional commitment
is "a year and a day", but other popular vows include "so long as love shall
last" and also "for all lifetimes."

Some people renew the vow every year. Other couples simply part and go separate
ways in life. Still others have a ritual to mark the ending of the Handfasting
commitment. It has also become popular to follow a Handfasting a year and a day
later with a legal wedding.

Season/Month
Although Beltane is becoming a popular time to hold Handfasting
rites, May has traditionally been considered an unlucky month in which to wed,
since that is the Gods' sacred marriage month. (It seems kind of like upstaging
the Goddess on Her wedding day). This custom predates the Christianization of
Pagan rites. It explains why June is such a popular month for weddings. I
suggest you wait until the waxing moon in June. Samhain is also becoming a
popular time for Handfasting Rites.

Day/Hour
The best day and time of the week to perform a Handfasting rite is
either Monday or Friday at the first hour after sunrise or the first hour after
sunset (but do cross reference this with the placement of the Moon and other
astrological factors.) The worst days are Tuesday and Saturday, any time. If
you can't make a Monday or Friday wedding, then at least try to perform the
rite during the Magickal hour of Venus or the Moon.
A Handfasting Ritual

PRIEST : We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of

bride and groom. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom
concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all
paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is
gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this
knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the
knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that
comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is
nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life,
posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn
no more in life, let it be this. Marriage is a bond to be entered into only
after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has
its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trialsand its triumphs. With full
understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be joined as one
in marriage.

Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a
woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if
she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.

Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?

BRIDE : Yes, it is true.

PRIEST : With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.

FATHER : She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her
family's blessings.

PRIEST : Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am
about to say.

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass,
remember; Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love
be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your
marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of
love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you
inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be
understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they
will pass quickly.

Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of
the unenlightened give you unease, for the Gods are with you always.

Groom, I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have this right. If
it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand."
GROOM : It is my wish.

PRIEST : Bride, if it be your wish for Groom to be bound to you, place the ring
on his finger. (places ring on Groom's left ring finger)

Bride, I have not the right to bind thee to Groom, only you have this right. If
it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.

BRIDE : It is my wish.

PRIEST : Groom, if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you, place the ring
on her finger. (places ring on Bride's left ring finger)

(to Groom) Repeat after me:

I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit of the Gods that reside within
us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides
within my heart, take thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my
spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess
thee and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in
the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely
without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life
and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to
change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy
ways as I respect myself.

(to Bride)

I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of the Gods that reside within
us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides
within my heart, take thee, (Groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my
spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee,
and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the
purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely
without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life
and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to
change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy
ways as I respect myself.

PRIEST (hands chalice to the groom, saying) : May you drink your fill from the
cup of love.

(Groom holds chalice to bride while she sips then bride takes chalice and holds
it to groom while he sips. The chalice is then handed back to the Priest who
sets it on the table. Next the Priest takes the plate of bread, giving it to
the groom. Same procedure repeated with bread, groom feeding bride and bride
feeding groom.)

By the power vested in me by the Gods, I now pronounce you husband and wife for
a year and a day. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding
light unto you.
Divorce Rite

Here is the circle of trust The Circle of Healing The circle that spirals into
new life

(couple circles to each direction) As a couple, we say our goodbyes to Air May we
now learn kinder words for each other

As a couple, we say our goodbyes to fire May the spirit of anger subside to a
spirit of warmth

As a couple, we say our goodbyes to water May the tears and rage wash away as our
spirits are cleansed

As a couple, we say our goodbyes to earth we lift out sour seeds planted and turn
the soil, ready for a fresh start

Lady of the Moon, of the Tide, and of Woman we invoke you Come bless this parting
of ways!

Lord of the Sun Horned hunter Lord of Man We invite you - be part of this parting!

Couple takes each others' hands: says woman to man: I release you from your vows
to me Go with the gods, walk in peace May you find love anew when your heart
desires it

Man to woman: I release you from your vows to me Go with the gods, walk in peace
May you find love anew when your heart desires it

Let go of hands (a 3rd witness can hold up ribbon & cut) and now this couple is
parted offer bowl of wine partake now of healing & fresh beginning drink deep, be
healed

(moment of silence, goodbyes to deity, goodbyes to the elements, couple walks out,
on opposite sides of circle)
Croning – What is it?

The Crone's title was related to the word crown and she represented the power
of the ancient tribal matriarch who made the moral and legal decisions for her
subjects and descendants. It was the medieval metamorphosis of the wise woman
into the witch that changed the word Crone from a compliment to an insult and
established the stereotype of malevolent old womanhood that continues to haunt
elder women today. (Barbara Walker, The Crone )

Women are beginning to awaken to the realization that turning Crone doesn't
mean one is on death's door. Nor does it mean the end of power, beauty, and
sexuality. Celebrating the Crone is all about understanding and accepting that
one is now at the threshold of the fulfillment of female life experience and
wisdom - that one is now becoming a fully actualized woman. While this time of
life is often the most feared and disregarded in today's society, it is
paradoxically the richest in feminist potential.

Many women are supplementing medicines and therapies prescribed by doctors with
herbs, minerals, foods, and healing techniques as taught for centuries by the
wise women of many lands. We are creating a new society for ourselves; a
society that is redefining women in terms of intellectuality, wisdom,
creativity, and strength rather than through age, hair color, and body weight.
A Croning Ritual

Items : A crown for the Crone/Elder--go for sweet grass and/or flowers Either
rainbow candles or a white and a black candle A cauldron! (Symbol of the Crone)
Wine (or some other appropriate drink) Pictures to pass around of the
Crone/Elder, of key points in their life. A special gift for the Crone/Elder: A
traditional crone gift would be a crystal or crystal ball, or a special
cauldron or, if they are very herbal minded, a "lab" in which to mix and make
their own herbal potions, or a special medicine pouch.

In addition, each guest should bring a small, personal gift (A bottle of

essential oil, a special candle--or each guest can give of themselves,
presenting a song, a dance, a poem).

You might also want to have a special, Croning cake topped with little black
candles.

The Elder should make a special cleansing ritual before the actual ritual. Call
on the Quarters, and the gods--as decided on by our Elder -- who/what they want
there.

HP/S States purpose of ritual. Bringing forward the Elder/Crone to be seated in

a place of Honor to the North, likely before the Altar.

Now, at this point, there are several things that can be done. I would suggest
a bottle of wine (or other appropriate drink) passed around OR pass round a
black candle OR the pictures of our Crone/Elder. As they're passed around, each
person relates a story about our Crone/Elder, and asks the Crone/Elder for a
memory about a time in their life. This is the essence, after all, of the
Croning; that our Crone/Elder has gone through every state, that they are all
ages, and yet beyond all.

Or, you may make the ritual short and simple by getting right to the "Croning"
itself--our Crone/Elder kneels before the HP/S who, with appropriate (and
short!) words, then crowns him/her (if kneeling is a problem, the HP/S can make
sure they are "higher" than the crone/elder--up on a step or stone--and set the
crown upon their head that way).

"The paths you have walked have presented you with many options. Your life has
been rich with experience, and filled with both sorrow and joy. Your teachers
have gone on, and now you must assume their role. There are many who look to
you now, eyes filled with wonder, hearts open, ready to learn. Now you must
decide whether or not to honor your own teachers by following their steps. You
possess more than just the answers. You have learned the questions."

After our Elder/Crone has been crowned, they are reseated, and each person
comes forward, bowing or dropping to a knee, and gives them a croning gift,
explaining it's significance; they should then rise and bless the crone as they
might a baby in a Wiccaning, only with more whimsical wishes ("may you win the
Nobel Prize"), and exchange with him/her a kiss and hug.

Last should be the HP/S, presenting to the Crone/Elder his/her crystal/Crystal

ball/cauldron/medicine bag.

Crone/Elder should say a few words, and then lead everyone in raising up the
cone of power: new, ageless, reborn energy to be sent out. Then, open the
circle and party!
Entering the Wise Age

(Holy Book of Women's Mysteries, Part Two; Zsuzsanna Emese Budapest)

This ritual occurs when a woman has reached the point in her life when her
Saturn has returned twice to her natal point. This happens to everybody at the
age of 56. Saturn is the teaching planet, slow and complete; we celebrate the
effects of this celestial event on the woman's life by the Croning ritual.

Call a party for the young Crone, friends and relatives can cooperate with the
invitations. Try to have some entertainment as well; invite a woman who plays
an instrument or recites poetry. When all arrive, the group holds hands in a
circle and sings a song to unify the group soul.

Lady Lady listen to my hearts song Lady Lady listen to my hearts song I will
never forget you, I will never forsake you, I will never forget you, I will
never forsake you!

After a couple of rounds of this, when the time is right, the priestess of the
event steps out to address the rest. This priestess can be anyone who loves the
new Crone.

Priestess:

We gathered together to celebrate (name) becoming 56 years old, and entering

the Wise Age. Her proper title is from now on among women "Young Crone".

Who is the Crone you ask? A Crone is a woman who has reached wisdom in her
heart, who is called on in disputes to arbitrate, who is called on in despair
to sooth the wounds, a young Crone who is everybody's older sister.

Who else is the Crone you ask? a young Crone is the Goddess in her third
aspect; she is Magera, she is Hecate, she is the Goddess of unbound power.

Folklore has it that Crones bring good luck when you see them on the streets,
if they smile on you, you will have a very good day. They appear in important
times to show the grace of the goddess. Crones' wishes must be respected for
the Goddess demands this from the younger generation.

Crones enjoy special favors, their magic is stronger, their spells are faster,
their loves are stronger.

All assistants :

Bless you (name) with good health, happiness, and long life!

Now the youngest of the group starts a circle of white candles, previously set
out in the middle of the room; 56 of them, one for each year of the Crone's
life. Others can help after the Nymph starts. the woman priestess has a bell
with which she will ring out 56 times again for each year that has passed. If
the Crone would like to give a speech, here is a good place to do it.

When the circle of light is done, the Young Crone steps into it and the bell
tolls out 56 times, after which a round of applause from everyone is heard.
Congratulations and good wishes are showered on the woman in the circle. As a
special feature, the young Crone receives her Crone Jewel. This jewel can be a
broach, a necklace, a ring; as long as it has a nice purple stone in it. The
color of purple is that of synthesis. It is a royal color, a learning color,
and a powerful color.

Priestess:

I present you with your Crone Jewel, to remind you that you are our teacher,
our beloved sister, and Crone of the Goddess.

Young Crone:

I traveled the road from my mother's breasts to Cronehood. I thank the Goddess
for the good seasons that passed, and, oh, I toast the good seasons to come!
Blessed be!

All enjoy the party, dance, perform, enjoy.

The End of Menstruation

(Holy Book of Women's Mysteries, Part Two; Zsuzsanna Emese Budapest)

Form a circle and create an altar in the middle with four red candles and four
yellow candles. Prepare it with red roses if you can, and white or yellow
flowers. Use a Maiden Goddess for your center piece, Athena image, or Dianna,
or Artemis. Raise energy through a song or humming. When the energy is raised
(you will know when), let one of the friends act as priestess.

Priestess:

We gather together to commemorate the withdrawal of the flowing bloods from our
friend. We ask the Great Mother to bless our sister with good health, vitality,
and gladness. Let the flow act through the younger women now, let this woman
rest, she has finished her part as the Goddess of the Bloods. She is now the
Goddess of the great achievements.

Celebrant now lights her four red candles.

Celebrant:

I light this first candle for the bloods that are gone. And the second one for
the children and health that flow brought me (omit if not applicable). The
third red candle for the flowerings of my womanhood, and fourth for the labors
ended in glory.

Priestess:

I release you, and the Goddess of the Red. I accept you, said the Goddess of
the Yellow Ray. I call you into my wisdom to grow in, I call you like a new
Maiden, into my sciences, into my knowledge, into dreams to be manifest!

Celebrant lights her four yellow candles now.

Celebrant:

I light this first yellow candle for the release from the Reds. This second one
for the flowering of my skills. This third one for friends and support, and the
fourth one for the blessings from above!

Now the circle can sing songs, entertain each other, share food and drink,
exchange gifts with the celebrant. When the candles reach their natural end,
cast them into a living body of water and don't look back.

All assistants :

Blessed Be! It is done!

Funeral Rites

Wiccans, and Pagans in general, vary widely in their views as to what happens
after death. However, we tend to all agree one one thing: Death is a doorway
into a new life. Our thoughts and lack of emphasis on death is disconcerting to
members of other religions, and it's often misinterpreted to mean that we don't
believe in life after death. In a way, this is correct; for our emphasis is
actually on life after birth.

For us, Life is represented as a circle, a form which has neither a starting
nor ending point. Each quarter of the circle flows naturally into the next
experience, and each turn of the circle, or wheel, brings new permutations of
those experiences. In this way, we learn and grow - eternally.

The "Wheel of the Year", a Wiccan calendar of Sabbat celebrations, corresponds

to how we view our lives, both on a physical level of "life, death, and
rebirth," and as a metaphysical outline towards our own spiritual growth.
Briefly, in keeping with the Wheel of the Year, we start life in darkness, grow
to the peak of maturity, and decline until we once again greet the darkness
before rebirth. Death, therefore, is not an end. It is simply a transition
between births; a change of form.

Most Pagans believe in some variation of reincarnation or transmigration. Many

of us Wiccans believe we cross over to "Summerland," a place of rest and peace
where we are reunited with ancestors and friends who have passed before us, but
have not yet traveled on. Here, we renew bonds, review our past lives, and set
out lessons to experience and learn in the next life. Here, we know and
understand all connections and all mysteries, and we rest in the peace and
beauty of the Blessed Lady.

On a practical note, it is important for Pagans who strongly wish to have a

Pagan funeral rite to make those wishes known to family and friends. Please
remember, funerals are for the living; they are not necessarily a final
statement on your lifestyle and/or beliefs. Funerals help those left behind to
accept the loss of your love, friendship, and guidance, and to begin to work
through the mourning stages. If a Christian funeral is important to the family
for their grieving process, why deny them that? It is a simple thing to have
Pagan clergy, friends, and coven hold a separate memorial service celebrating
your birth into new life, and allowing themselves the right to grieve in their
own way for the loss of your influence in their lives.
Last Rites – Keep It Legal

The most difficult problem that pagan folk run into when one of their members
dies is that responsibility for their last rites goes to the next of kin. It is
a painful reality that devout pagans often end up being buried in a Christian
(or other religious) service, because the family is the one legally entitled to
bury them. Their pagan friends have no such rights.

SO! If you are a pagan, and you have certain wishes as to your last rites, it's
time to arrange things LEGALLY, so that those who will respect your wishes will
be in charge. Otherwise, your family is going to claim you and bury you as they
want you buried, not as you or any of your pagan family know you would want to
be buried.

Decorations : White candles, white altar, flowers (white is the color of death
and mourning in many countries;

but in this case, it is also a reminder of rebirth; in this rite, we're going
to focus on that).

Items : A picture of the loved one - A vase of flowers - A pitcher of water and
a basin, to be set up just outside the circle for ritual "hand-washing." - The
Ashes for burial if this is a burial rite as well. - Drums/musical instruments

Other Ideas : One thought is to have a cauldron filled with earth, and a bowl
filled with seeds. Have each person plant a seed in the cauldron.

Cleansing : Each person, using the urn of water, should rinse their hands just
before entering the circle. This unifies the mourners and it emphasizes the
quiet, special feel of the ritual.

Cast the Circle You might want to use callings for the quarters created/used by
the loved one, and call upon his/her favored deities, as well as the God and
Goddess.

Purpose : HP/S states that all are here "to remember ________name,
born_________, died____________. He/She has gone on to Summerland and now
awaits rebirth."

Body : Starting with a meditation or a song is always good at such times.

Meditations on one's own personal death, or on a last communication with the
loved one, or on a remembrance of past lives would be good. You might have slow
drumming or soft music. I would then pass round the photo, have each person
look at it, hold it before them so that it is facing the rest of the group, and
relate a favored anecdote about the person. This can also be done with a bottle
of booze if you wish to make it more of a wake, or with a special talisman of
the person.
If this is a burial as well, then all should head out to the area where the
ashes are to be scattered (or the body buried) and there should be a rite at
this point, as well. People may wish to bury with the person certain items--a
wand or, if the loved one was a tarot reader, a deck of cards. People may wish
to say good-bye.

The HP/S should have a final word before the circle is opened. With everyone
holding hands, she should speak to/of the Goddess, of the turning of the Wheel,
of rebirth, of this person now gone, and how we will all meet them again to
enjoy, once again, their many wonderful qualities.

The HP/S should add that, in the loved one's place, she offers everyone a
flower to take home as a farewell gift. She should then open the circle. Hugs
should be exchanged.
Memorial for the Children Who Weren't (Ritual by Gypsy and StormRider)

Cleansing

Creature of fire and creature of air, take this circle into your care. Creature
of water and creature of earth, hold us, protect us, grant us rebirth.

Cast the Circle

The Circle is cast. We stand between the worlds.

East :

Guardians of the eastern watchtower, spirits of air, creatures of thought and

communication, we bid you join us and protect this circle from all peril
approaching from the east.

South :

Guardians of the southern watchtower, spirits of fire, creatures of faith and

will, we bid you join us and protect this circle from all peril approaching from
the south.

West :

Guardians of the western watchtower, spirits of water, creatures of dreams and

emotion, we bid you join us and protect this circle from all peril approaching
from the west.

North :

Guardians of the northern watchtower, spirits of earth, creatures of strength

and endurance, we bid you join us and protect this circle from all peril
approaching from the north.

Center :

Guardians of the central watchtower, spirits above and below, the spirit of
humanity, creatures of identity, we bid you join us and protect this circle from
all peril from within.

Invoke the Goddess:

Great Mother, by your thousand names we call upon you. Persephone, Queen and
Mother of the Dead, we ask that you witness this rite.

Invoke the God:

Horned One, by your thousand names we call upon you. Hades, King and Father of
the Dead, we ask that you witness this rite.

Drawing Down the Goddess (Priest):

We call upon the goddess of perfect Love, who purifies the seas in which worlds
are born, and brings to flood and ebb the rivers flowing beneath all manifest
being. Behold now in her Image, crowned with the deepest glory of the sunset,
robed in blue and green and silver. We call upon the Goddess who sets the stars
in motion upon the endless mirror of night. Behold her now, Lady of the silver
Wheel, crowned with silver and crystal, robed in deepest black. As Guardian of
the Deepest Mysteries of Death and Birth she opens now the Way, and fills the
Circle with her blessing, her power, and the unseen presence. Listen...listen
for her heartbeat. Feel her warm and gentle breath as she enters the circle. Be
still, and listen.

PAUSE

The Goddess speaks (Priestess):

I am the Dark Mother. I am the Blood Mother. I am the Queen of all Creation,
and I am the Guardian of the Graveyard. I have given birth to planets, to
stars, to entire galaxies. All that is may call me Mother. Yet I have also
birthed the empty husks of dead worlds, and seen the lightless voids in the
universe where my children did not thrive. I have known the pain of losing a
child unborn, or unconcieved, or of watching the dead body of my child emerge
from between my thighs. My heart has stopped suddenly when I realized that my
newborn child's cries had stopped. I, who am the Mother of all - I who am the
Great Goddess - have cried bitter tears over the loss of my children. And to
you who have shared in such loss, I say this:

YOU DID NOT KILL YOUR CHILD!

Your seed is not poisonous... Your womb is not a house of death.

Your child's life ended before it was truly begun. But you did not kill your
child. There is no blame. You gave all you could to your child, and now the
child is gone. You did nothing wrong. The child did nothing wrong. There is no
blame.

Every parent, even before the birth of the child, has dreams for the child,
hopes of how the child will be treated and how the child will treat others. And
each parent has a storehouse of love for each child.

In time you may find that your hopes and dreams, dulled by pain and
disappointment, will fade. But do not let that love fade.

Do not do as others may tell you, and give this love to your other children. Do
not do as others may tell you and dedicate this love to the creative works of
your hands and of your mind. This love is a gift your child has given to you;
use it wisely. Do not waste it where it is not needed. Save and cherish this
love as love for yourself. Love your body, your mind, your soul. Learn to
accept yourself. For the sake of your child, love yourself.

Look to the stars at night and know that they are your brothers and sisters.
They know your grief, and will help you bear your anger and fear. Look to the
Sun and see the bright face of the Lord of Light; He will always be there to
warm you against the shivering cold of loss. Look to the Moon and see Me; I
will always be there to share your sorrow and to hold you when the pain is too
much.

But look, too, within yourself, to find the God and Goddess within you, and to
find the love that makes you whole. Feel the fulness of all the love you have
within you. And know that your child loves you still.

PAUSE

Chant (begun slowly):

In balance with the moon and the sun and the earth To my soul and body I will
give rebirth.

PAUSE

EAST

Spirits of the east, we thank you for your presence here tonight and for the
qualities of thought and communication with which you have endowed this circle.
Go in peace.

SOUTH

Spirits of the south, we thank you for your presence here tonight and for the
qualities of faith and will with which you have endowed this circle. Go in
peace.

WEST

Spirits of the west, we thank you for your presence here tonight and for the
qualities of love and compassion with which you have endowed this circle. Go in
peace.

NORTH

Spirits of the north, we thank you for your presence here tonight and for the
qualities of patience and strength with which you have endowed this circle. Go
in peace.

CENTER

Spirits of the center, bright spark of the self, we thank you for giving us the
wisdom, the will, the love, and the patience to partake of the energy of this
circle.
Great Mother, we thank you for your love and understanding. Be with us always.

Horned One, we thank you for your strength and compassion. Be with us always.

Take down the circle.

The circle is open, yet unbroken. Go with love in your hearts.

At The Moment Of Death

((c) Samuel Wagar, POB 2205, Clearbrook, British Columbia, V2T 3X8 CANADA 1994 c.e. Permission hereby granted for
reprinting for free distribution or use in classes in Witchcraft taught for free so long as this notice is included. Any other
use is violation of my copyright.)

There are two great poles around which the Wiccan religion revolves: Sex and
Death. Although we have numerous rituals for marriages and for the celebration
of the great moments of life we have none that I am aware of for the final
great Initiation, the moment of death. So I've written one - this is taken from
the latest version of the P4P Tradition Book of Shadows.

Typically those who love a person who is dying will be aware that the moment of
their death is approaching, even if the dying person is unaware. Even in the
case of sudden accidental death there is an interval where those who are with
the dying person will be aware of their situation, although they may not be
able to mark the moment of death due to their own pain, fear and grief.

So, though this brief ritual may be performed by a loved one of a dying person,
or by any person, it is more likely to fall under Ministry and to be performed
by a Priestess/Priest visiting the hospital or the home to help through the
transition.

I believe that there is some part of a person that survives death, which may
undergo changes in the realm of the Goddess prior to being reborn into another
body. This part of the person strips off personality and memory more or less
rapidly along with its body but it may need assistance in doing so as death
occures.

There is no doubt that the person who is dying is experiencing a variety of

things, which a death ritual needs to address - the dissolution of personality,
the loss of contact with the body, the loss of the family and friends, the
fear, the wonder and the awe of this transformation, and the presence of the
Goddess and the Ancestors.

And those who are with them, their family and friends ideally, are experiencing
terror and confusion, grief, fear at their own mortality. They will also
experience the coming of Death and the warmth or cool of the soul leaving the
body behind. And what the Priestess says will also have to partly address their
feelings (although she will have time with them after the death to comfort
them).
The Formal Ritual

PRIESTESS:

(Takes the hand of the dying person gently, and looks into their eyes, or into
their face if the eyes are closed. )

You are dying. None should ever die alone. I am here to share your death and to
journey with you. There is only love, the greatest Mystery. I reach behind my
fear. I open my heart and my eyes in the light of this love. I will go as far
on this journey with you as I can. I will not abandon you.

She should breath deeply and centre herself and enter a state of light trance.
And she should follow the spirit of the dying person as deeply as she can.

The Goddess is taking you back now, the Great Mother. She will be with the
people left behind, providing strength and comfort. You are not abandoning
them. You will leave behind your work. You will give up all of your ties to
your family. You will give up sex, and even gender. You cannot be a woman or a
man and enter the other world. You will leave behind your body. None who have
bodies can pass into the other world. You will become nothing. You will float
on the endless waves of the Goddess' womb. You will drift in the warm emptiness
at the centre. Nothing will be left but the Will to be reborn.

If possible the Priestess will remain with the dying person until she is dead.
At the moment of her death say the following:

Journey on now, sister. We will follow when we can. May you be born again at
the same time and in the same place as those you knew and loved in this life.
May you know them again and love them again.

And now the Priestess' task must be to comfort the living.

A Wiccan Funeral Ritual

((c) Samuel Wagar, POB 2205, Clearbrook, British Columbia, V2T 3X8 CANADA 1994
c.e. Permission hereby granted for reprinting for free distribution or use in
classes in Witchcraft taught for free so long as this notice is included. Any
other use is violation of my copyright.)

The person to be buried should be buried wrapped in a cloth. Her body should
decompose as quickly as possible to nourish other life. It may not be legally
possible to be buried like this and so burial of ashes from a cremation would
be preferable to a hermetically sealed casket.

People should be encouraged to make their wills long before death specifying
the style of their burial. It is extremely important for people whose families
do not approve of their religious choice that they specify in detail these
matters and appoint a Wiccan or a lawyer, not a non-Wiccan family member, as
executor of the will. There are three parts to the ritual - parts one and three
preferably to be performed in a hall and publicly, part two at the graveside.
Only the closest friends, coven-mates and family should be at the graveside.

This ritual is for cases when the dead person was not comforted and assisted at
the moment of death. Even under the best circumstances the spirit will
sometimes remain partly tied to the corpse, in a state of greater or lesser
awareness and confusion and pain, for a period of time unless assisted to
journey on. And so the dead person is a primary guest at the funeral, because
she may very well need to be there. In addition, the members of her family and
coven and her friends can assist her in journeying on - and themselves in
grieving - by acknowledging her and blessing her.
The Funeral Ritual

Part 1:

The Priestess and Priest, dressed in green and black respectively, shall
conduct the ceremony. Their assistants, dressed in red and black, shall assist,
act as ushers.

The ritual space will be prepared as follows: cleared of furniture, with a

candle at each of the cardinal directions and two flanking the main altar. The
corpse should be laid out at the main altar. Sweep and Cast the Circle as
usual. (As the mourners wait at the edge to the ritual space, the Priestess
shall sweep out the Circle widdershins (counter-clockwise) while concentrating
and grounding. She shall replace the broom by the main altar, pick up the sword
and cast the Circle widdershins while saying:

Priestess

This is a place which is not a place in a time which is not a time halfway
between the worlds of the Gods and of mortals.

Bring people into the Circle as usual. (The Priestess takes the Priest by the
hands and pulls him into the Circle. They turn in a half-turn widdershins as he
comes in and then he pulls in the next person and so on until everyone is in
the Circle, after which she takes up the sword and closes off the doorway left
in the Circle through which people had entered.)

Call the directions widdershins, beginning with West. The assistants should do
this and the directions should have been assigned ahead of time.

West:

As the sun sets So our friend has left us The water of our tears like the salt
water of the sea, and like the water of our mothers' womb, blesses this Circle.

South:

As life is a day So our friend has passed into the night The fire of our life,
the memories and courage, the strength given to us by our friend blesses this
Circle.

East:

As all that falls shall rise again So our friend will be reborn The air we
breath, this treasure of our life, the compassionate caring we give each other
blesses this Circle.

North:
As the Earth forms us So our friend shall return to the earth Our Mother feeds
us, and clothes us. She gives us everything and in the end she takes our bodies
back. And earth blesses this Circle.

Drawing Down The Moon and Sun

The Priestess and Priest recognize the presence of the Gods in the Circle and
specifically heighten their own awareness of the presence of the divine, acting
from the divine part of themselves through the ritual.

PRIEST:

You are the Goddess, as are all women. You give birth. You feed the children from
your own body. And You take them back for a new birth. World without end, eternal
creation.

PRIESTESS:

And you are the God, as are all men. You are born. You live and You die, only to
be born again. All-Father, All-Destroyer, ruler of the land of the dead.

TOGETHER:

Birth and death. Over and over and over.

The Priestess turns and addresses the corpse:

You are dead. None should ever die alone. I am here to help you with your
death.

There is only love, the greatest Mystery. I reach behind my fear. I open my
heart and my eyes in the light of this love.

Our lives are formed of many others and we form other lives in turn. And when
we are here with you after you die we honour your life.

There is only love. The love of the Goddess gives birth to the universe. The
love of our parents gives birth to us. The love of our friends and family
sustains our life. Kindness, love, and pleasure - we are formed from these and
we form each other. When we die we leave them behind us.

You have left your family. You have left sex, and even gender. You cannot be a
woman or a man and enter the other world. You have left behind your body. None
who have bodies can pass into the other world.

The Goddess is taking you back now, the Great Mother. Her womb is the Earth
that will recieve your body, your body is a seed now, a seed of other lives.

In a sacred space we have gathered to honour you and to give you some things to
take on the journey with you.

PRIEST - addresses the Circle:

Please come up now if you can and speak to your dead. Tell her/him whatever you
need to. Help in the journey into death.

Addresses the corpse:

I will remember you at Samhain and bless you then.

The Circle will chant, quietly while everyone who wishes to comes to the main
altar and talks to the dead person:

We all come from the Goddess and to Her we shall return like a drop of rain
falling to the ocean

We all come from the Horned One and through Him we are reborn corn and grain,
corn and grain all that falls shall rise again.

When everyone who wishes to has talked the Priestess will say:

Priestess

Journey on now, sister. We will follow when we can. May you be born again at
the same time and in the same place as those you knew and loved in this life.
May you know them again and love them again.

And now the body will be ceremoniously wrapped and the Circle ended. The
Directions will be dismissed as the body is being wrapped with the following:

East - The sun will rise again.

South - Life continues

West - Love is all that we can be sure of.

North - Only the mother is eternal.

A pillar candle shall be lit after the body is wrapped and left to burn while
the crowd files out of the Circle.

The ushers will direct people to food and drink and quiet conversation to
continue while the Priestess, Priest and the dead person's coven-mates and
closest people proceed to the grave with the body.

When they have finished their private part of the ritual they will rejoin
everyone else for a reception at which stories of noteable things done by the
dead person and prayers are offered up.

PART TWO
The grave has been dug and prepared. A Circle will be cast around the grave and
the directions called as follows:

East: We welcome the spirits of the ancestors and the honoured dead not yet
reborn.

South: We welcome our heroes and inspiration.

West: We welcome the Ancestors to incarnate in our children and grandchildren

and in our families.

North: We welcome our deaths and our lives.

The body is gently lowered into the grave.

Priestess and Priest bless food and drink:

It is not we that bless this food and drink But it which blesses us. In its
nature it nourishes our bodies and in sharing food and drink we create community.

Each person takes a drink and pours some into the grave, eats something and
places part in the grave. When all have finished the grave is filled in.

The directions are dismissed quietly with an informal thanks. The mourners head
back to the reception.

A glass of wine and some cakes are left behind at the grave side.