How to Use Runes for Divination

How to Use Runes for Divination
By J.M. Willhite, eHow Contributor

Rune stones have been used for centuries as a divining tool. Rune stones fall into the same family as the tarot and pendulum. Each rune stone is

inscribed with a symbol that has a meaning. Some individuals use their own interpretations for the symbols, while others take the more traditional

approach. Whichever way you wish to pursue, be sure to be at least familiar with the symbols and meanings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Set of rune stones
Flat surface
Pen/pencil (optional)
Paper (optional)
Single Stone Reading

1.Clear and focus your mind. Hold the bag of stones in your receptive hand.
2.With the fingers of your receptive hand, "shuffle" the stones in the bag to mix them up.
3.Either mentally or aloud, ask your first question and take a stone from the bag. Read the symbol inscribed on the stone. If you need further clarification,

take another stone from the bag and interpret its symbol. If you find that you need yet another stone for clarification, you may want to return all the stones

to the bag and rephrase your question.
4.If you are taking notes on the reading, be sure to write down the date, time and place of the reading and what kind of reading was used (ie: single stone

reading).

Four Stone Reading
1.Clear and focus your mind. Hold the bag of stones in your receptive hand and concentrate on your intent.
2.With the fingers of your receptive hand, "shuffle" the stones in the bag to mix them up.
3.Either mentally or aloud, ask your question. Remove four stones, one at a time, from the bag. Read each stone's inscription before you place it on the

flat surface where you are working.
4.From left to right, lay out the stones that you have chosen. The first stone represents past influences, second stone represents current influences, third

stone represents future influences and the fourth represents the overall energies/lessons if all behaviors remain unchanged.
5.Once again, if you are taking notes on the reading, be sure to write down the date, time, place and type of reading (ie: four stone reading).

Read more: How to Use Runes for Divination | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4441206_use-runes-divination.html#ixzz17LD2ktV5

Tips & Warnings

Before approaching this reading, you may wish to ask Spirit, or whichever Divinity you feel most comfortable working with, to guide your reading. If you

invite Spirit, remember when the session is done to thank Spirit for the guidance received.
Once you have become comfortable working with the runes, you can experiment and discover your own types of layouts. Just as working with the tarot,

you can discover those spreads that work best for you.
Same as with other tools of divination, remember to cleanse and charge your stones before each use and to cleanse them following each use.
Do not attempt this or any other working if you are under the influence of a controlled substance. You need to approach this with a clear and focused

mind.


Read more: How to Use Runes for Divination | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4441206_use-runes-divination.html#ixzz17LD9KEXI

Self Dedication

How To Perform a Self Dedication Ritual

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
See More About:

For many modern-day Pagans and Wiccans, being part of a coven is not an option. You may not live around any other people who share your beliefs, or perhaps you haven’t yet found the group that’s right for you. Or maybe you’ve just decided you enjoy being a solitary, eclectic practitioner. That’s fine, too. However, one of the benefits of being part of a coven or grove is the initiation process. This is a formal ceremony in which one dedicates oneself to the group and to the gods of the tradition. If you don’t have a group or High Priest to initiate you, what do you do?

Quite simply, you can self-dedicate.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varied
Here's How:

    By the very definition of the word, you can’t initiate yourself, because to initiate requires more than one person. But what you CAN do is dedicate yourself to your path and to the gods you have chosen to follow. For many people, doing this as part of a formal ritual helps to cement their relationship with the Divine. Some people choose to wait until they have studied for a year and a day before having a formal self-dedication rite. It’s entirely up to you.

    You may want to wait until the time of the new moon to perform this self-dedication, because it is a time of new beginnings. Bear in mind that self-dedication is a commitment you are making; it should not be done at random or without significant thought beforehand.

    This goal of this rite is to bring the dedicant closer to the Divine, as well as to declare your connection to your spiritual path.

    You should perform this ritual skyclad, if at all possible. Find a place that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. Turn off your cell phone and send the kids out to play if you have to. You will need the following items:
      
        Blessing oil
        Half a teaspoon of salt
        A white candle

    Begin by grounding yourself. Find your inner peace, and become good and relaxed. Shut out all the things from your mundane life that distract you -- forget for a while about paying the bills, your son’s baseball practice, and whether or not you fed the cat. Focus only on yourself, and the tranquility you’re entitled to.

    When you’re ready to proceed, sprinkle the salt on the floor or ground, and stand on it.

    Light your white candle, and feel the warmth of the flame. Look into the glow of the fire and think about what goals you have for yourself on your spiritual journey. Think about your motivations for performing this self-dedication.

    Stand before your altar, and say:

    I am a child of the gods, and I ask them to bless me.

    Dip your finger into the blessing oil, and with eyes closed, anoint your forehead. Some people do this by tracing a pentagram on the skin with the oil. Say:
    May my mind be blessed, so that I can accept the wisdom of the gods.

    Anoint the eyelids (be careful here!) and say:

    May my eyes be blessed, so I can see my way clearly upon this path.

    Anoint the tip of your nose with the oil, and say:

    May my nose be blessed, so I can breathe in the essence of all that is Divine.

    Anoint your lips, and say:

    May my lips be blessed, so I may always speak with honor and respect.

    Anoint your chest, and say:

    May my heart be blessed, so I may love and be loved.

    Anoint the tops of your hands, and say:

    May my hands be blessed, so that I may use them to heal and help others.

    Anoint your genital area, and say:

    May my womb be blessed, so that I may honor the creation of life.

    Anoint the soles of your feet, and say:

    May my feet be blessed, so that I may walk side by side with the Divine.

    If you have specific deities you follow, pledge your loyalty to them now. Otherwise, you can use simply “God and Goddess”, or “Mother and Father”. Say:

    Tonight, I pledge my dedication to the God and Goddess. I will walk with them beside me, and ask them to guide me on this journey. I pledge to honor them, and ask that they allow me to grow closer to them. As I will, so it shall be.

    Take some time to meditate. Feel the afterglow of the ritual, and feel the energy of the gods around you. You have brought yourself to the attention of the Divine, so they will be keeping an eye on you. Accept the gift of their wisdom.

What You Need:

    Blessing Oil (see link above)
    Salt
    A white candle
    A quiet place

To Be a Witch

To Be a Witch-

By Tonia Brown aka Ziller aka Starkraven Madd.
(shared by Carl Eaton)

To be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to Be Magick, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not just on it.
To be a witch is to be truly free!

How to Raise a Pagan Child

How to Raise a Pagan Child
By an eHow Contributor

Many Pagan parents wonder when and how they should begin teaching their children about the Pagan path. As soon as your child is born she is ready to learn. Your child is born into this world with a keen memory of the god/goddess and all she needs is for you to provide an environment where she can flourish.

Difficulty:
    Moderate

Instructions
1.Lead by example. To raise a good pagan you should be a good pagan. Show tolerance to others and teach your child to love and honor all living things.
2.Follow your child's lead. Answer her questions; she will let you know when she wants to learn and how much she is ready to know. Don't give her more information than she can handle at one time.
3.Include your child in group rituals and Sabbat celebrations if she is interested in participating. The whole Pagan belief system is against forcing your beliefs on another. Always teach with love.
4.Teach your child to be accepting of people's differences. This world is a wonderful place because there are so many different types of people.
5.Accept your child no matter what religion she decides to practice when she grows up. Every person has a right to choose her own path and, as a Pagan and a parent, you should love her unconditionally. Remember that teaching your child the ways of the Pagan path has allowed her to grow up to be a responsible and caring adult.

Read more: How to Raise a Pagan Child | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2083875_raise-pagan-child.html#ixzz1XtBFCGqs

Draconic Magick

Draconic Magick

 The Study Of Dragon Magick.

---

What is Dragon Magick? 

Dragon Magick could be defined as using the aid of a Dragon while working magick.  The power of Dragons can be a great influence not only in one's magickal working, but in day to day life as well.

Dragons are often called on as guardian spirits. They make for exceptional allies who can be called on in times of need, for protection or guidance. Dragon Magick, like all magick is made up in its base form from the five main elements that exist throughout the known universe, Fire, Wind, Earth, Air and Spirit. When using Dragon Magick you are in fact calling forth an element in its Dragon form. Each element and its Dragon has certain magickal qualities, moods and purpose. Each also has positive and negative traits which much be dealt with. Male and female dragons may appear to represent any element, however, Fire and Air are positive energies while Water and Earth are negative energies. It is a form of magic reaching the essence, the wisdom of the Dragons. It is a branch of magic, a specialization. Dragon magic it is said, is one of the oldest magical workings in the world. 
What is a Dragon Guide?
A Dragon guide is a  form of spirit guide. What is a spirit guide? The Indians have long found a connection within nature, a guardian that follows them through life, once found to remain by their side. There are many different forms of guidance people reach for. Some people follow Jesus or God, various ancient Gods and Goddesses, Celtic, Egyptian, Norse, Roman. Others reach to Fairies or Angels, Dolphins so why not Dragons?. Tarot, Runes, Crystal Balls, even the Bible, all these are used for the purpose of reaching what most believe is a higher being, a force of ascendance. At some point in their lives most people, even if they do not admit it, look beyond into the mists of spirituality for help, advice or guidance in whatever form they believe in. 
In no way is Dragon magic easy or simple. It requires great inner strength and immense patience to walk the path of the Dragon. They are part of the energy found all around us. You may never see them but you may, eventually, feel their presence. This will take time and much practice. A Dragon befriends only to those who are deemed to be worthy and will only show themselves if they are sure that they can trust you.. Dragons are long-lived and with age comes wisdom and patience. Dragons are creatures of wisdom and knowledge, and provided great protection and can lend great power when needed. If you take the time to forge a friendship with Dragons they can become the best companions you would ever want.
Connecting With Dragons
Be aware though that not everyone is supposed to work Dragon Magic. Before you consider working with dragons, take some time to look at yourself. Do you like dragons for who they are, or are you just interested in power? Think carefully of why you want to seek out the Dragons.
To reach a Dragon, first you need to set aside the science and believe in your heart and mind that the essence of Dragons is out there, we just have to learn to reach it, connect with it. If you do not really believe in something, can you really connect with it, or even, why try?
Once you embarked upon this magical path, you find yourself changing, adapting to their thoughts and ways, learning to see things in a new light through new eyes. The relationship of the seeker to the Dragons is similar to that of teacher and student. They teach and strengthen you so you may wield greater power with greater wisdom. They are vast and timeless, wise beyond our imagination and wildest dreams. We have to learn to listen to learn. Be wary though with what work you want to do with them, Dragons will not work with silly things like love spells or anything of the sort, Dragons prefer to work with Protection and Healing Magic.

---

To Attract A Dragon Companion

NOTE
You cannot force a dragon to befriend you, nor can you chose what your companion will look like or what their personality will be. All you can really do is invite dragons into your life and make them feel welcome. The dragons chose who they work with rather than the other way around. If you have been interested in dragons for a while and have collected some dragon images, toys, statues etc, there is a chance that there is already a dragon or two hanging around your room or house.

Inviting a Dragon Companion

Choose a time when you will not be disturbed, disconnect the phone, if possible disconnect the doorbell. Being interrupted during any ritual is really annoying and can cause for energy to be lost.

Sit on the floor and imagine and stress or worry flowing out of you and through the floor (or into the ground if you are doing this outside). Once you feel that it has all drained out of your body, imagine a protective bubble forming around you. One of the easiest ways to do this is to imagine a small bubble just in front of your chest then let it expand to surround you. You might not be able to see this bubble, especially if its the first time of using it, but know that it is there protecting you.

The next step is to invite a dragon to be your companion. Mentally project the desire to contact and make friends with a dragon. Be confident but don’t shout your intention. Then either in your mind or out loud say this, or something similar, “I am (name), I walk the path of dragons. In love, trust, and friendship I invite you into my life and into my home.” Add anything else you wish to say and keep projecting welcoming thoughts.

Don’t expect to feel a companion right away, it can take quite a while before they feel you are ready for them. Sit for a while longer incase they do wish to make their presence known. If you wish to keep the protective bubble around you imagine new energy flowing though it and the old energy going back into the ground. Then you can slowly get up and carry on as normal. You can repeat this ritual as you like until you feel the dragons are in your life.

---

---

Summon A Dragon

Items you will need

2 black candles
2 other candles (colour of element e.g. fire-red)
Concentration
Belief

Casting Instructions for ' Summon A Dragon'

Warning: You MUST cast at least one form of protective magic before you do this spell. It is extremely dangerous as it opens a beast gate (A gate to a dimension full of all the beasts you can imagine and more)

Steps:
1: Place the black candles at north and south
2: Place the element colour candles at eats and west
Sit in the middle of the candle range.
Concentrate on locked gates. Imagine a key in your hand and chant:
''I have the key, I have the power,
The gates shall open at the (seventh) hour,
A dragon shall rise, and be my friend,
We shall both live until the end''

Seventh is in brackets because it is changeable.
This is just when you want your dragon to come through.
That is the time when you need the protection. This is also an immortality spell.

---

water dragon protection
Items you will need

-clear quartz crystal
-to be near a body of water (pond, lake, the sea etc)

Casting Instructions for ' water dragon protection'

hold the crystal and say the following-

Water dragon I summon thee
To protect me from those that wish to harm me,
Water dragon I need you in this hour
Give me your strength and your power
Water dragon I summon thee
Protect me now so mote it be.

---

SUMMONING THE GREAT DRAGON

Items you will need

12 stones
campfire
knife


Casting Instructions for ' SUMMONING THE GREAT DRAGON'

Find twelve stones of similar size and place them in a circle and put fire wood in it. Start a campfire. Take twelve more stones and place them around you in a circle. Sit down and take a knife and trace a triangle with it. Stare at the triangle until dusk and then stab the center. After that, stare at the dusk sky, then into the fire. Say; ''Great dragon, I waken you from your sleep!'' Wait for the rush. Then get inspired from the feelings. 

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To Call a Dragon

Oh, Hear Me Dragon

Of Crystal Bright.

Oh Great Dragon

Teach Of The Light.

Be Truth

Show The Way Light Of Youth

*****Dragon Plea*****

Oh Dragon Here,

Of Purest Fire, Full Of Love

Lifting Higher, And Higher

Come To Me,

Oh, Dragon Of Light

Oh, Thou Of Truth

Lift Me Higher, This Hour

Let This Be Our Desire

To Be As One, To Work Together

Deep In Love

And Happy Forever.

---

Asking a Dragon For Protection


Occasional Protection 

Gentle Guardian wise and strong

keep it as it doth belong.

Safe within thy charge and care,

the current problem to fare.

No harm to come or ill to befall,

Guarded and safe through it all!

Long Term Protection

Dragon brave and dragon wise,

let nothing escape your eyes.

I summon you from your hidden lair,

(name)is entrusted to your care.

Permit no harm to come to (name) within your sight,

in your presence let all evils take flight.

No baneful creature born of flesh or spirit,

may touch (name) nor even come near it.

Let those that would bring harm,

be filled with fright and alarm 

---

Call for The Blessings of the Dragons
Set up your altar so that it faces east. Make sure that it is known that you are not to be disturbed once your circle is cast.
Go to the east of your magickal space, and with your sword in your power hand, "draw" your magickal circle on the floor around the ritual area. To do this, point the sword at the floor and visualize great flames shooting from it. Move clockwise around the circle with this flame; end it by overlapping the ends of the circle in the east. While you draw this circle, say : By dragon power, this circle is sealed.
Return to the altar. Point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say :
Dragons of Spirit, highest of dragons and most powerful, bless this altar with your fire. Let us be one in magick, O dragons great and wise.
Set the water chalice on the pentacle. With the wand in your power hand, circle the chalice 3 times clockwise with the wand and say :
Air, Fire, Earth, bring power forth. Water of land and sea, purified be.
Hold the chalice up, and say :
Draconis! Draconis! Draconis!
Sprinkle the water from the chalice lightly around the Circle, beginning and ending in the east.
Set the dish of salt on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say :
Water, Air, Fire, hear my desire. Salt of Earth and sea, purified be.
Sprinkle a few grains of salt to each corner of the altar. Circle the incense burner three times with the wand, and say:
Fire of dragons, fire of Earth,
You are purified. Bring power forth.
Circle the incense and herbs three times clockwise with the wand. Say :
Incense magickal, incense bold, Awake the dragons, as of old. I call you purified.
Put a small amount of incense onto the burning coals in the incense burner. Lift the burner by the chains and touch it lightly to the pentacle. Lift it high over the altar, and say : Draconis! Draconis! Draconis!
Then carry the incense burner clockwise around the Circle, beginning and ending in the east. Return it to the altar.
Kneel before the altar with the sword held in both hands. Mentally dedicate yourself to the study of dragon magick. Project your interest and love of dragons as strongly as you can. Continue this for several minutes. Then rise, point the sword at the dragon pentacle, and say :
Behold, all dragons and rulers of dragons, I am (magickal name), a magician who seeks dragon magick. With (name of sword) in my hand, I enter the realms of the dragons, Not for physical battle, but for knowledge and power. I greet you, O dragons ancient and wise, And await your blessing and guidance.
Continue holding the sword outstretched until you feel the blessings of the dragons.
When the power of the blessing has lessened, lower the sword. Still holding the sword in your power hand, take the dragon pentacle in your other hand and go to the east. Point the sword at the eastern position and hold up the dragon pentacle facing outward. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say :
From Sairys, ruler of the eastern dragons fair, Comes now the wondrous power of Air.
Feel the power of Air entering your body. When the flow stops, go to the south. Hold up the pentacle again. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword and say :
From Fafnir, ruler of dragons of the south, Comes cleansing Fire from dragon mouth.
Feel the power of Fire entering your body. When the flow of power stops, go to the west. Again hold up the pentacle, and draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say :
From Naelyan, ruler of dragons of the west, Comes the power of Water, three times blest.
Draw into yourself the power of Water. Go to the north. Hold up the pentacle, and draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say :
From Grael, ruler of dragons of the north, The power of Earth does now come forth.
Draw into yourself the power of Earth. Return to the altar. Set aside the sword and dragon pentacle. Add the herbal incense to the incense burner.
(At this point in your ritual, insert the proper chants and workings for the particular spellworking or meditation that you have chosen.)
If you have a problem that you have not been able to solve by physical means or by magick, you may ask the dragons at this time for advice. They will be able to give you new insight into ways of solving it. Continue to feel their power and direction as you write down the instructions.
When finished with the spellworking, tap the staff three times and chant :
I thank you, dragons old and wise, Of Earth and Fire, Water, Skies, For sharing wisdom here with me. As we will, so shall it be.
Always approach dragons as equals, not as a force to be ordered around or conquered.
Set the wine chalice on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand, and say : Cup of power, cup of might, Dragon magick, be here this night.
Drink the wine (or juice, if you wish to substitute), saving some to be poured outside on the ground later as an offering to the dragons. (If it is not possible to pour the offering outside, leave it on the altar for an hour or so.)
Now is an excellent time to chant and use free-form dancing. Invite the dragons to share in the raised energy and your joy of being a magician. Talk to them about your hopes and dreams. And listen to see if they have suggestions or words of encouragement for you. This is an opportunity for close friendships to be formed.
To close the ritual, take the sword and go to the east. Draw a banishing pentagram
with the sword, and say : Go in peace, dragons of the East. And return again in the ritual hour.
Go to the south, draw a banishing pentagram with the sword, and say : Go in peace, dragons of the South. And return again in the ritual hour.
Go to the west, draw a banishing pentagram with the sword, and say : Go in peace, dragons of the West. And return again in the ritual hour.
Finish by going to the north. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword, and say : Go in peace, dragons of the North. And return again at the ritual hour.
Return to the altar. Raise both arms and say :
Farewell to you, O dragons fair,
Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.
Together we make magick well
By power deep and dragon spell.
In peace go now. Return once more
To teach me magick and ancient lore.
Draconis! Draconis! Draconis!
Cut the Circle with a backward sweep of the sword across the boundary line. Extinguish the altar candles, and clear the altar of all tools. 

Found http://www.goth-witch.webspace.virginmedia.com/Dragon_Magick.htm

Book of Shadows Blessings

A few book of shadow blessings I found on a site http://www.spellcentral.com/

BOOK OF SHADOWS BLESSING

Preparation: At the time of the Full Moon, take your Book of Shadows (one that 
hasn't been written in yet) and some incense (pennyroyal, anise or rue) outside. 
Ritual: Under the light of the Full Moon, draw a pentagram on the first page and under this write the following information: date, time, place, your magical name (and sigil if you have one), the moon's phase and any other info you feel is important. Hold the book up to the Moon and say: 

"Here as the Full Moon shines upon me, 
Bless this Book I've made tonight. 
I humbly ask this of thee, 
Underneath your most sacred light.

BOOK BLESSING 2

Hearken as the Witch's word 
Calls the lady and the lord 
Moon above and earth below 
Sky's cool blue and sun's hot glow 
In this right and ready hour 
Fill these pages with thy power 
May no unprepared eye to see 
The secrets which trusted be 
To I who walk the hidden road 
To find the hearthstone's calm abode 
Guardians from the four directions 
Hear me and lend thy protection 
May these truths of Earth and skies 
Shaded be from prying eyes 
But to the witches whose map this be 
May the way be plain to see 
And through all the coming ages 
May we find home in these pages 
So mote it be! 

BOOK BLESSING 1

I will serve the Great Goddess, 
And give reverence to the Great God, 
I am a Pagan, A stone in the ancient circle, 
Standing firmly, Balanced on the earth, 
Yet open to the winds of heaven, 
And enduring through time, 
May the old gods witness my words

BOS BLESSING

For no one else's eyes to see, 
Except for those dear to me. 
Protect this book in your light, 
Through the day and through the night. 
Protect this book of which I speak. 
Protect this book to the highest peak.
  

Ritual for Drawing Down the Moon

Ritual For Drawing Down The Moon


To draw power into yourself, to channel wisdom from a higher source.

There are many versions of this goddess-focused ritual and it can be used to draw power into yourself and, if you wish, to channel wisdom from a higher source. You can use it either for a specific purpose or for increasing your spiritual awareness and it can be used by both men and women.

You may wish during this ritual to focus on a specific lunar goddess form in her full moon aspect. The most famous one still central to modern Wicca is Diana, Roman goddess of the Moon, the hunt and
fertility. Though, like her Greek counterpart, Artemis, she was worshipped originally as the maiden aspect of the Moon, in time she came to represent the full moon also.


Sometimes the Triple Lunar Goddess of modern Wicca is represented by the classical deities, Diana (the Greek Artemis), Selene and Hecate, being maiden, mother and wise woman or crone.


Isis, the Egyptian goddess who was both Moon Goddess and mother of the Sun, is also a potent focus.


If you are going to use a specific goddess form, study images of her in the days before the ritual or if you have a favourite statue hold it for a few minutes before bedtime. I have a wooden figure of the Moon Mother Goddess sold to me by a Moroccan guy who said she was a patroness of his village.
Whether that was a sales pitch or not, I still associate her with palm trees and a brilliant Moon in a cloudless sky. However, you may prefer to tune directly into the physical light of the silver Moon as a source of power.


You can carry out this ritual either alone or with a group. Though traditionally it is the High Priestess
who draws down the Moon into herself and then channels wisdom, each member can absorb the power in his or her own way and experience the connection between the individual divine spark and
the collective Divinity. The ritual I have given can easily be adapted for either a lone practitioner or a group. If there is no Moon visible because of adverse weather conditions, you can use mirrors and candles to draw down the power.


* Surround what is to be your circle with silver candles. In the centre, place a mirror flat on a table or the altar so that the Moon is reflected within it. Have a single, large, silver candle near the centre of the circle so it can also shine within the mirror. If you cannot position the mirror so that the Moon is seen within it, place additional silver candles close to create a light within it (before the ritual experiment with white candles that you can use around the home afterwards).


* If you are working in a group, each person in the ritual should stand in front of (but not too close to)their personal candle.


* Light the central candle and then take a lighted taper from it to the northernmost candle and light it, saying:


Thus do we light the circle of the Moon.


(If you are working in a group, pass the taper to the person standing at the candle, who will light it and say the words.)


* Continue in this way, re-lighting the taper if necessary from the central candle, until the entire circle of candles is alight.


* Now focus on the mirror and the light of the Moon or candle and say:


Goddess of the Moon, [name one or more], Silver Mother, come to full increase, enter now those who
seek your inspiration and healing light.


* Chant:
Come down, O Mother, fill the sky with thy orb, come now, come, come within.


This may develop into a song or a slow rhythmic circle dance around the mirror, as you whisper the words on the wind.
* Project the moonlight, actual or visualised, so that it fills the mirror and creates a brilliant sphere of light around, over and beyond the candles, so that you (or the group) are within the sphere of the
Moon.


* As the power builds, circle and chant:
Within the Moon, within the power, within the Moon, now at this hour, we are the Moon.


* At this point there is silence and stillness. Then, one by one if you are in a group, speak words of wisdom, inspired by the light.


* When this is done, sit quiet in the light of the Moon or candle.


* Working widdershins from the last candle to be lit, the candles can be extinguished slowly, saying at each one:


May the light remain within as the circle is uncast without.


* Leave the central candle burning as you write and burn wishes in it, written with a silver pen on dark paper.


* Finally, light a small, silver candle on a cake and if you are working in a group, wish everyone present a happy Moonday. It is said that the first birthday candles were lit on moon-shaped cakes on the festival of the lunar goddess Artemis and as they were blown out, wishes were sent to her that they might be answered.