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FIRE FESTIVAL OF SAMHAIN
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This is the time of reflection, the time to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing" (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life.
The Beloved Dead are those we've loved who've passed on from this realm. We celebrate these ancestors every year at Samhain. We grieve together and we often communicate directly with them, as well.
The Mighty Dead are a bit different. The Mighty Dead are said to be those practitioners of our religion who are on the Other Side now, but who still take great interest in the activities of Witches on this side of the Veil. They have pledged to watch, to help and to teach. It is those Mighty Dead who stand behind us, or with us, in circle so frequently.
Santeria Hallowmas Ritual
The altar is decorated with orange and gold flowers of calendula - known as flowers of death.
A skull candle or candle holder should be on the altar.
Incense, candles and asperges are used.
Priestess:
Bless me, Queen of Eternal Life
Help me, Saints and Angels and ye Mighty Dead.
Hear me, Lonely Souls and Restless Spirits
I conjure thee in the name of our Goddess and Eternal Crone
Holding
the skull image candle, Priestess salutes the four corners. Finally facing
north, she holds the candle above her head and chants:
Come one, come all
Our Lady commands thee
Obey me, her Servant and Child.
Speak with me, o my Brethren
Our Mother desires it.
She
lowers the skull image candle and returns it to the altar. In silence, the
adepts await a sign from the dead. Any strange sound or animal cry is counted a
token of their presence. When the signal is heard,
Behold, thou hast come as befits good children of the best mother
We welcome you by the names by which we knew you -
Everyone
at once whispers the names of their dead ones, over and over, until messages are
received. When all is over,
Thank you, our brethren. May our Lady bless you. Go in peace.
Genuflects
three times to each corner
Many thanks, O Mighty Dead and Blessed Saints for helping us. Go in peace.
Prostrates
before altar
Many thanks to thee, Lady Goddess, our Mother the Crone. Give us your blessing.
Skull
candle is passed around circle, then buried as a symbol of the wisdom that will
stay with the clan.