the Rite of Self-blessing
The Pagan Self-Belssing is perhaps the first ritual that should
be tried by a newcomer into the mysteries. It is a lovely
and simple ceremony that is likely to evoke deep feelings of
inner harmony and peace within any person.
The mother invoked in the Self-Blessing Ritual is the
Female Principle of the universe manifested as the Moon Goddess.
This deity should be seen as the female aspect of God the
Absolute. Because God the Father has been overemphasized
in the past two thousand years it is important now to honor
the Mother Goddess, to reestablish balance and harmony between
the two aspects of the godhead. This cosmic duality, observed
by magic, is also exemplified in the major ceremony of witchcraft
known as the Opening of the Circle.
The Pagan Self-Blessing is one of a group of rituals conceived
by a society of neopagans known as the Pagan Way. The aim of the
Pagan Way is to spread the roots and teachings of paganism in
modern society, as they believe that the way of the pagan can
save the world. This group practices white magic and is quite
actively opposed to black magic. Their philosophy is simple
and easy to understand and their rituals excel in clarity and
poetic beauty, as the Self-Blessing exemplifies.
This ritual should be performed during the new noon, but
it is not limited to that phase. Need, not season, determines
the performance. There is real power in the Self-Blessing;
it should not be used other than in time of need and should
not be done promiscuously.
The purpose of the ritual is to bring the individual into
closer contact with the Godhead. It can also be used as a
minor dedication, when a person who desires dedication has no one
who can dedicate him. This self-blessing ritual may also be
used as a minor exorism, to banish any evil influences which
may have formed around the person. It may be performed by any
person upon himself, and at his desire.
Perform the ritual in a quiet place, free from distractions,
and nude. You will need the following:
1. Salt, about one-quarter teaspoon.
2. Wine, about an ounce.
3. Water, about one-half.
4. Candle, votive or other.
The result of the ritual is a feeling of peace and calm.
It is desirable that the participant bask in the afterglow
so that he may meditate and understand that he has called the
attention of the Godhead to himself, asking to grow closer
to the Godhead in both goals and in wisdom.
When you are ready to begin, sprinkle the salt on the floor
and stand on it, lighting the candle. Let the warmth of the
candle be absorbed into the body. Mix the water into the wine,
meditating upon your reasons for performing the self-blessing.
Read the following aloud:
BLESS ME, MOTHER, FOR I AM THY CHILD.
Dip the fingers of the right hand into the mised water and
wine and anoint the eyes
BLESSED BE MY EYES, THAT I MAY SEE THY PATH.
Anoint the nose.
BLESSED BE MY NOSE, THAT I MAY BREATHY THY ESSENCE.
Anoint the mouth.
BLESSED BE MY MOUTH, THAT I MAY SPEAK OF THEE.
Anoint the breast.
BLESSED BE MY BREAST, THAT I MAY BE FAITHFUL IN THY WORKS.
Anoint the loins.
BLESSED BE MY LOINS, WHICH BRING FORTH THE LIFE OF MAN AS THOU
HAST BROUGHT FORTH ALL CREATION.
Anoint the feet.
BLESSED BE MY FEET, THAT I MAY WALK IN THY WAYS.
Remain...and meditate for a while.
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