The Esbats
Preparing Your Altar
• Candles are blue-white-orange or green-white-red.
• Incense may be bay, sandalwood or frankincense.
• Have any spell work materials ready on the altar.
Full Moon Esbat Rite
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
The circle is about to be cast and I freely stand within to greet my Lady and my Lord.
Take center candle (there are either three in a candelabra or one before each section of the altar) and light each candle of the circle moving north, then east, south, and west, and say:
(N) I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate and strengthen the circle.
(E) I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and enliven the circle.
(S) I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate and warm the circle.
(W) I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate and cleanse the circle.
Take athame in hand upraised and begin circle at north. Move around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
I draw this circle in the presence of the Goddess and the God where they may come and bless their child, (name).
Lower the athame at the north, and as you walk around the circle, envision a blue light shooting out from the point and forming the circle boundary, and say:
This is the boundary of the circle. Only love shall enter and leave.
Return to altar and ring bell three times. Place point of athame in the salt and say:
Salt is life and purifying. I bless this salt to be used in this sacred circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names).
Pick up salt bowl and use tip of athame to drop three portions of salt into the water bowl and set salt bowl back in its place. Stir three times with athame and say:
Let the blessed salt purify this water that it may be blessed to use in this sacred circle. In the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), I consecrate and cleanse this water.
Take the salted water bowl in hand and sprinkle water from it as you move deosil around the circle (N-E-S-W-N) and say:
I consecrate this circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names). The circle is conjured a circle of power that is purified and sealed. So mote it be!
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around the circle to cense it; return censer to altar. Take anointing oil and make a Solar Cross ringed by a circle on your forehead, and say:
I, (name) am consecrated in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), in this their circle.
If working with family members or a Green-focused coven, open a door in the circle with the athame now for all to enter. Use anointing oil to trace a Solar Cross in a circle on their foreheads as each person enters, having said some kind of greeting, such as the Wiccan, “I come in perfect love and perfect trust.” Then close the door with the athame. The text is for solitary use but may be thus altered for family or coven participation. The envisionings are suggestions only.
Take the wand and hold it aloft, with both arms open and upraised, at the north of the circle (envision a powerful bull arriving) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Earth, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I have body and strength, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the east, raise up wand (see devas, fairies, or an eagle in flight) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Air, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I breathe and think, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the south, raise up wand (see a dragon) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Fire, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I consume life to live, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the west, hold wand aloft (see an undine, a sea serpent, or a dolphin) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Water, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I feel and my heart beats, we are kith and kin!
Return to altar and use wand to draw in the air above the altar the symbol of infinity (an 8 lying on its side), the sign of working between the worlds. Set wand on altar , raise up athame in both hands overhead, and say:
Hail to the elementals at the four quarters! Welcome Lady and Lord to this rite! I stand between the worlds with love and power all around!
Set down athame and pick up goblet of wine. Pour a little into the cauldron. This is a libation to the Divine in which they are honored by offering to them the first draught, then you take a sip. You may prefer to have a bowl specifically for the libation. Ring bell three times. Raise the wand in greeting, and say:
I, (Craft or working name), who am your child, stand between the worlds and call upon my Lady and my Lord, (names), to hold communion with me.
Ring bell three times and say:
If it harms none, do what you will. Thus runs the Witch’s Rede. Once more I affirm my joy of life and union with the Lady and the Lord. I honor the God and the Goddess, (names), for the favors they have bestowed upon me, and ask their blessings upon me. (Instead of the Rede, you could say, “I acknowledge that what I send returns to me and conduct my Craft accordingly,” or address your own thoughts.)
Set the salted water on the pentacle, hold the athame over it, and say:
Great Mother, bless this creature of water and of earth to your service. May I always remember the cauldron waters of rebirth and the many forms and beings of the blessed earth. Of water and earth am I.
Hold water bowl aloft and say:
Great Mother, I honor you! [You are showing your respect for the Lady and the element that represents her in this ritual.]
Replace the water bowl in the proper place on the altar. Place censer on the pentacle, hold athame over it, and say:
Great Father, bless this creature of fire and of air to your service. May I always remember the sacred fire that dances within every creation and hear the voices of the Divine. Of fire and air am I.
Raise the censer aloft and say:
Great Father, I honor you!
Return censer to the proper place on the altar. Raise the cup of wine aloft and say:
Power and grace; beauty and strength are in the Lady and the Lord both. Patience and love, wisdom and knowledge. I honor you both!
Pour a libation into the cauldron and take a sip of wine. Stand at the altar, facing north, open arms upraised and feet apart, say:
Behold the Great Lady, who travels the sky; the stars shine around her and light up the night.
Take up wand and say:
Lovely Lady known by so many names, but known to me as (names), with (God’s names) at your side, honor and reverence I give to you and invite you to join with me on this, your special night. Descend, my Lady, and speak with your child, whom you have named (name, if given a working name or Craft name).
At this time you may hear her speak something pertinent to you, or if you needed guidance on a matter, she will instruct you. Replace the wand on the altar. You may now do any spell work, divinations, consecrations, etc. at this time.
Consecration of a Tool
Tools used in the practice of the Craft may be consecrated to that purpose, although this is not a necessity, as any kitchen witch will attest. The tool is placed on the altar and should be used soon after consecration to soak up some energy from the ceremony. You should have a red candle on the altar that will be lit from the center candle representing both of the Deities, and also a bowl of fresh water (not salted).
Inscribe the tool with magical signs and runes indicating somewhere your Craft (not your working) name. Consecrate by the elementals (earth, air, fire, and water) by touching the tool to the pentacle; passing it through incense smoke; passing it through the flame of the red candle; and sprinkling it with water from the bowl, saying:
In the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), I consecrate this (name of item) to be used in my practice of the Craft. I charge this by the Element Earth (touch the pentacle); by the Element Air (pass through smoke); by the Element Fire (pass through flame); and by the Element Water (sprinkle with water). This tool is now by powers bond to aid me in my work. So mote it be!
With arms spread and upraised, say:
You are the mother of All; maiden, mother, and crone. You are at life’s beginning and at its end. You dwell within us all for you are life and love, and thus do you make me life and love. With love are we united, one to another. So mote it be!
Cakes and Wine—Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that which sustains me! May I ever remember the blessings of my Lady and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of their union promote life. Let the earth be fruitful and let her wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to the cake in the offering dish and say:
This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the body, mind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the cake, finish the wine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (names), may I remember that without them I would have nothing. So mote it be!
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I am blessed by your sharing this time with me, watching and guarding me, and guiding me here and in all things. I came in love and I depart in love.
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Love is the law and love is the bond. Merry did I meet, merry do I part, and merry will I meet again. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again! The circle is now cleared. So mote it be!
Kiss the flat of the blade and set the athame on the altar. Take up the snuffer and so to the north quarter, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Earth. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the east, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Air. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the south, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Fire. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the west, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Water. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Return to altar and set down snuffer. Raise up arms and say:
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace! You aid in my work, whisper in my mind, and bless me from the Otherworld, and there is harmony between us. My blessings take with you. The circle is cleared.
Take up athame, go to the north quarter, point athame down and move widdershins (counter-clockwise) around circle (N-W-S-E-N), envision the blue light drawing back into the athame and say:
The circle is open yet the circle remains as its magical power is drawn back into me.
When you return to the north having walked the circle, raise up the athame so the blade touches your forehead and envision the blue light swirling around back into you. Return to altar and say:
The ceremony is ended. Blessings have been given and blessings have been received, may the peace of the Goddess and the God remain in my heart. So mote it be!
Set down the athame. Put away all magical tools and clear the altar except for candles or any objects that need to burn out or work for a stated time (such as candle magic). The cauldron or libation bowl contents are poured onto the earth (if not out in the yard, then into a flowerpot containing soil and perhaps a hardy, leafy green plant).
Preparing Your Altar
• Candles are: blue-white-orange or green-white-red.
• Incense may be bay, sandalwood or frankincense.
• Have any spell work materials ready on the altar.
New Moon Esbat Rite
Sweep circle area; lay out circle and altar items; bathe and robe. Light incense and altar candles. Ring bell three times and say:
The circle is about to be cast and I freely stand within to greet my Lady and my Lord.
Take center candle (there are either three in a candelabra or one before each section of the altar) and light each candle of the circle moving north, then east, south, and west, and say:
(N) I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate and strengthen the circle.
(E) I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and enliven the circle.
(S) I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate and warm the circle.
(W) I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate and cleanse the circle.
Take athame in hand, upraised, begin circle at north and move around the circle north to east to south to west, and say:
I draw this circle in the presence of the Goddess and the God where they may come and bless their child, (name).
Lower the athame at the north, and as you walk around the circle, envision a blue light shooting out from the point and forming the circle boundary, and say:
This is the boundary of the circle. Only love shall enter and leave.
Return to altar and ring bell three times.
Place point of athame in the salt and say:
Salt is life and purifying. I bless this salt to be used in this sacred circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names).
Pick up salt bowl and use tip of athame to drop three portions of salt into the water bowl and set salt bowl back in its place.
Stir three times with athame and say:
Let the blessed salt purify this water that it may be blessed to use in this sacred circle. In the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), I consecrate and cleanse this water.
Take the salted water bowl in hand and sprinkle water from it as you move deosil around the circle (N-E-S-W-N) and say:
I consecrate this circle in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names). The circle is conjured a circle of power that is purified and sealed. So mote it be!
Return the water bowl to the altar and pick up censer; take it around the circle to cense it; return censer to altar. Take anointing oil and make a Solar Cross ringed by a circle on your forehead, and say:
I, (name), am consecrated in the names of the Goddess and the God, (names), in this their circle.
If working with family members or a Green-focused coven, open a door in the circle with the athame now for all to enter. Use anointing oil to trace a Solar Cross in a circle on their foreheads as each person enters, having said some kind of greeting, such as the Wiccan, “I come in perfect love and perfect trust.” Then close the door with the athame. The text is for solitary use but may be thus altered for family or coven participation. The envisionings are suggestions only.
Take the wand and hold it aloft, with both arms open and upraised, at the north of the circle (envision a powerful bull arriving) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Earth, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I have body and strength, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the east, raise up wand (see devas, fairies, or an eagle in flight) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Air, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I breathe and think, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the south, raise up wand (see a dragon) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Fire, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I consume life to live, we are kith and kin!
Lower wand and move to the west, hold wand aloft (see an undine, a sea serpent, or a dolphin) and say:
I call upon you, Elemental Water, to attend this rite and guard this circle, for as I feel and my heart beats, we are kith and kin!
Return to altar and use wand to draw the symbol of infinity (an 8 lying on its side) in the air above the altar, the sign of working between the worlds. Set wand on altar , raise up athame in both hands overhead, and say:
Hail to the elementals at the four quarters! Welcome Lady and Lord to this rite! I stand between the worlds with love and power all around!
Set down athame and pick up goblet of wine. Pour a little into the cauldron. This is a libation to the Divine in which they are honored by offering to them the first draught, then you take a sip. You may prefer to have a bowl specifically for the libation. Ring bell three times. Raise the wand in greeting and say:
I, (Craft or working name), who am your child, stand between the worlds and call upon my Lady and my Lord, (names), to hold communion with me.
Ring bell three times and say:
If it harms none, do what you will. Thus runs the Witch’s Rede. Once more I affirm my joy of life and union with the Lady and the Lord. I honor the God and the Goddess, (names), for the favors they have bestowed upon me, and ask their blessings upon me. (Instead of the Rede, you could say, “I acknowledge that what I send returns to me and conduct my Craft accordingly,” or address your own thoughts.)
Set the salted water on the pentacle, hold the athame over it, and say:
Great Mother, bless this creature of water and of earth to your service. May I always remember the cauldron waters of rebirth and the many forms and beings of the blessed earth. Of water and earth am I.
Hold water bowl aloft and say:
Great Mother, I honor you! (You are showing your respect for the Lady and the element that represents her in this ritual.)
Replace the water bowl in the proper place on the altar. Place censer on the pentacle, hold athame over it, and say:
Great Father, bless this creature of fire and of air to your service. May I always remember the sacred fire that dances within every creation and hear the voices of the Divine. Of fire and air am I.
Raise the censer aloft and say:
Great Father, I honor you!
Return censer to the proper place on the altar. Raise the cup of wine aloft and say:
Power and grace; beauty and strength are in the Lady and the Lord both. Patience and love; wisdom and knowledge. I honor you both!
Pour a libation into the cauldron and take a sip of wine. Stand with head bowed and arms crossed over chest; chant the name of the Goddess (such as Hecate), then proceed:
As (names you use for the Goddess) known, this is the moon of my Lady as crone, Lady of darkness, of wisdom, of mysteries shown. The wheel turns through birth, death, and rebirth, and every end is a new beginning. You are the passage from life to life. You are she who is at the beginning and the end of all time. You, with your Lord (God’s name) at your side, abide in us all. So mote it be!
Enjoy a moment of reverent silence to consider the mysteries and your special closeness to the Goddess of the Witches. You may now do any spell work appropriate for the new moon.
Cakes and Wine—Ring bell three times. Feet spread and arms upraised, say:
I acknowledge my needs and offer my appreciation to that which sustains me! May I ever remember the blessings of my Lady and my Lord.
Feet together, take up goblet in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower the point of the athame into the wine and say:
As male joins female for the benefit of both, let the fruits of their union promote life. Let the earth be fruitful and let her wealth be spread throughout all lands.
Lay down the athame and drink from the goblet. Replace the goblet on the altar and pick up the athame. Touch the point of the athame to the cake in the offering dish and say:
This food is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord given freely to me. As freely as I have received, may I also give food for the body, mind, and spirit to those who seek such of me.
Eat the cake, finish the wine, and say:
As I enjoy these gifts of the Goddess and the God, (names), may I remember that without them I would have nothing. So mote it be!
When all is finished, hold athame in your power hand level over altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I am blessed by your sharing this time with me; watching and guarding me, and guiding me here and in all things. I came in love and I depart in love.
Raise up athame in a salute and say:
Love is the law and love is the bond. Merry did I meet, merry do I part, and merry will I meet again. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again! The circle is now cleared. So mote it be!
Kiss the flat of the blade and set the athame on the altar. Take up the snuffer and go to the north quarter, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Earth. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the east, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Air. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the south, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Fire. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Go to the west, raise up arms, and say:
Depart in peace, Elemental Water. My blessings take with you!
Lower arms and snuff the candle, envision the Elemental Power departing. Return to altar and set down snuffer. Raise up arms and say:
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible, depart in peace! You aid in my work, whisper in my mind, and bless me from the Otherworld, and there is harmony between us. My blessings take with you. The circle is cleared.
Take up athame, go to the north quarter, point athame down and move widdershins (counter-clockwise) around circle (N-W-S-E-N), envision the blue light drawing back into the athame, and say:
The circle is open yet the circle remains as its magical power is drawn back into me.
When you return to the north having walked the circle, raise up the athame so the blade touches your forehead and envision the blue light swirling around back into you. Return to altar and say:
The ceremony is ended. Blessings have been given and blessings have been received, may the peace of the Goddess and the God remain in my heart. So mote it be !
Set down the athame. Put away all magical tools and clear the altar except for candles or any objects that need to burn out or work for a stated time (such as candle magic). The cauldron or libation bowl contents is poured onto the earth (if not out in the yard, then into a flowerpot containing soil and perhaps a hardy, leafy green plant).