From The Real Witch's Handbook by Kate West
The main themes of the Sabbat are the fire festival of Bel and its
associated fertility rites. The Goddess takes on her role of Mother, the God
descends to rule beside his Queen and so the celebration of this union of
fertility takes place through the Great Rite.
By far the most obvious way of celebrating Beltane in a traditional
way is to perform the Great Rite. For this you will need a Chalice of wine
and an Athamé. As in preceding rituals, you will need to find a time and a
place where you will be undisturbed.
Ask for the support of the elements and then visualize the Goddess in her
robes as Mother, warm and caring, strong and full of grace, and ask her to
be present at your rite. Visualize the God as a young man full of strength
and energy and ask him also to be with you.
Take your Chalice and hold it in both hands in front of you at eye level.
Focus on the image of the Goddess and say, “Behold the Chalice, symbol of
the Goddess, the Great Mother who brings fruitfulness and knowledge to all.”
Put the Chalice down and take your Athamé. Hold this in both hands in front
of you, blade pointing upwards, also at eye level, and, focusing on the
image of the God, say, “Behold the Athamé, symbol of the God, the All Father
who brings energy and strength to all.”
Then change the position of your Athamé so that you are holding it blade
downwards in your right, or strong, hand, take the Chalice in the other
hand, and lowering the blade into the wine, say, “Joined in union together,
they bring life to all.”
Kiss the handle of your Athamé, say, “Blessed Be,” and then put it down.
Next take a sip of your wine whilst meditating on the roles of the Goddess
and the god at this time of year.
After you have finished, remember to thank the elements and the Goddess and
the God. Any remaining wine can be drunk as part of your feasting or, if you
prefer, you may take it outside and pour it on the ground as a libation.