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The altar should be decorated with symbols of autumn, pine
cones, oak sprigs, acorns, or ears of corn, and should have
fire or burning incense on it as usual. After usual purification,
the people stand round, men and women alternately. Magus at
west of altar in God position.
High Priestess stands at east
of altar, facing him, and reads the incantation.
"Farewell, O Sun, ever returning
light. The hidden god, who ever yet remains. He departs to
the land of youth, through the gates of death, to dwell enthroned,
the judge of gods and man. The horned leader of the hosts
of air. Yet, even as stand unseen about the circle the forms
of the Mighty Lords of the Outer Spaces,. So dwelleth he,
'the lord within ourselves'. So dwelleth he within the secret
seed, the seed of new reaped grain, the seed of flesh, hidden
in the earth, the marvellous seed of the stars.
'In him is life, and life
is the light of men [John 1:4],' that which was never born
and never dies. Therefore the Wicca weep not, but rejoice."
The High Priestess goes to
the Magus with a kiss. He lays aside Athame and scourge, and
kisses her. The High Priestess hands him her wand, which should
be Phallic, or a branch tipped with a pinecone, Or a riding
pole, or a broomstick (anciently the thyrsus). They lead the
dance, she with a systrum or rattle, he with wand, the people
falling in behind them, dancing three times round the altar.
Then the candle game is played.
Cakes and wine.
Great Rite if possible.
Dances and games.
Next:
The Sabbat Rituals: Winter Solstice
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