Beltaine Ritual

This is a very detailed type of Coven ritual that I found from Kate West's book The Real Witches' Coven. I love her books. A definite recommendation.

Preparations

• A cloak
• A jester's hat and staff with bells and ribbons
• Crowns and robes for the May Queen and King
• A list of fun activities to be done during the ritual

 

Once everyone has arrived for the ritual, write everyone's names down on slips of paper (except for the High Priestess and Priest). Place the papers into a basket or a hat. The first female name pulled from the hat becomes the May Queen, and she in turn chooses her May King. The first male name pulled becomes the Jester. Two other sets of names, male and female are chosen from the hat to become the Lords and Ladies in waiting.

Place two chairs as thrones, on either side of the altar, leaving a space between them for the Jester to stand.

Cast the Circle

Take up the Athamé and facing East, the direction of the Rising Sun, take a moment to center yourself and begin to cast the Circle. Visualize a white light coming from the tip of the athamé and with arms straight out, turn the blade point out, slowly turning clockwise the light following you.
When you return to the East bring the athamé back to you and say:
“As above, so below." As you say this, visualize the light going above you and below you forming a perfect sphere.

Calling the Quarters

East

“From the East, I call the fresh breeze,
Gentle new winds, new ideas, inspiration.
Join me now, if you please.”

Light some incense and place it in an incense holder in the east.

South

“From the South, I call the life-giving flame,
Warm sun, creativity, passion.
Come to me now with no shame.”

Light a candle and place it in a pretty candleholder in the south.

West

“From the West, I call the endless sea,
Waters of life, deep emotions, love.
Come tonight to be with me.”

Sprinkle a little water on the ground in the west and place the chalice in the west.

North

“From the North, I call Mother Earth,
Standing stones, fertility, stability.
Come witness this rebirth.”

Leave a pretty rock in the north as an offering.

Sabbat Explanation

Priestess

"Welcome. This is the festival of Beltaine, the Great Festival of Fire and Fertility. Now is the time when the Goddess sheds Her robes of the Maiden, and takes on those of the Mother. Now the God stands at Her side, and rules as Her Consort, and their marriage is for the fertility of all the land."

Priest

Priestess

"This is the festival of the Fire God Bel, known also as Belennos, Beli-Mawr, Belinus, and by other names from times and places far away. In times past, the old hearth fires would be extinguished and a new flame sparked from the embers. Two fires would be lit on a high point where they could be seen by all. Livestock would be driven between them and the people would leap them to purify, strengthen and bring fertility to all."

Priest

"This is a time of great joy, a time to love, sing, dance and make merry, for the Old Ones lead us in the dance of life. Blessed Be."

The Ritual

After the explanation, everyone should join hands and dance around the Circle, with the High Priestess in the center. They can chant as they go if you wish. Once the chanting and dancing have finished, the High Priestess will stand between the chairs in front of the altar and call forward the female chosen to be the May Queen.

Priestess

"Now is the time when the Goddess sheds Her robes of the Maiden, and takes on those of the Mother, and the God descends to be by Her side. For joined together they bring forth life, fruitfulness and fertility to all. Blessed be!"

All:

"Blessed Be!"

Priestess

"Tonight in celebration of the marriage of the Goddess and God, we call forth (name of the chosen May Queen) to be our May Queen."

May Queen steps forward and the Priestess continues:

"We robe her and crown her and do her honor."

The lords and ladies in waiting place the robe around her shoulders and the crown on her head, and lead her to her throne, where she sits. Then each person in the circle steps forward (taking care to walk clockwise around the circle) and bows to her saying:

"Hail to the Queen of May!"

The May Queen then stands and addresses the coven:

"As Queen of May it is my right and my privilege to select the King who will sit beside me. And so I call (the name of her chosen May King) to step forward and take his place by my side."

The chosen May King then steps forward, and the Lords and Ladies in waiting hand the robe and crown to the May Queen, who crowns and robes her King and leads him to his throne. Before he sits, he turns to the May Queen and says:

"Gracious Lady, I give thanks to thee for this honor. I am glad that we shall rule this night together."

He kisses her and they both take their seats. Then each person in the circle steps forward (taking care to walk clockwise around the circle) and bows to her saying:

"Hail to the King of May!"

The King then rises and says:

"This is the night of Beltaine, the feast of the marriage of the Goddess and the God so it is fit that we have someone to take charge of our celebrations. I call upon (name of the Jester) to step forward."

The King sits and the Jester steps forward and kneels before the King and Queen. The Queen says:

"Bring forth his cap and bells, that all may know him for our Jester!"

The Lords and Ladies in waiting bring the Jester's cloak and crown and dress him. They give the staff to the Queen, who hands it to the Jester. The Jester then rises and says:

"I thank thee, my King and Queen for this honor. For it is known that the Jester is the Fool, and the Fool is the first, for we are each the Fool when we start out. Hence all must obey his wishes."

The Jester then dances around the circle generally playing up to his title. He may tickle the Coveners, or hit them softly with balloons, etc. Once he has completed the circuit he returns and stands between the King and Queen. He takes the list of activities, and selects who will do what. (No one should be exempt from the games, not the King, Queen, Priest or Priestess. Once the activities are completed, the Jester calls for a halt,

"The day draws on and the games are over. Now we turn to our King and Queen and ask their Blessings upon us."

The Jester then takes his place to the left of the Queen, and the King and Queen celebrate the Rite of Cakes and Ale, supported by the Priest and Priestess.

Release the Quarters

North

“In the North, I thank the Spirit of Earth
For being here and witnessing the beginning of a new birth.”

Kiss the rock and leave it as an offering to the Gods.

West

“In the West, I thank the Spirit of the Sea
For being here and bringing new life to me!”

Pour the rest of the water out on the ground as an offering to the Gods.

South

“In the South, I thank the Spirit of Fire
For being here and sparking my desire!”

Snuff the candle.

East

“In the East, I thank the Spirit of Air
For being here and teaching me to dare!”

Hold the feather up and blow it away to the east.

Take Down the Circle

Feasting and Social Hour