Litha Ritual

• incense
• incense burner
• chalice of water
• salt
• pentacle
• dagger or sword
• four Element candles
• chalice of wine
• wand
• red candle, set to the right of the cauldron
• cup of water, set in the cauldron
• green or blue candle, set to the left of the candle

With casting the circle as your basic starting point, perform the same ritual illustrated in the Basic Sabbat Ritual, inserting the following steps where the Ritual states, "proceed with your planned spellwork or ceremony..."

Light the green candle to the left of the cauldron, and say:

Green forests Mother, bless this water, I do ask.
Great One of the stars, spinner of fates,
I give honor to you, and call upon you in
Your ancient names, known and unknown.

Light the red candle to the right of the cauldron, and say:

Mighty Sun God, god of fertility and plenty,
Be here with me now, I do ask.
I give honor to you, and call upon you in
Your ancient names, known and unknown.

Raise your arms over the cauldron, and say:

This is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess.
The touch of its consecrated water blesses and renews,
Even as the rays of the Sun nourish and bless all life.

Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, making wishes as you do so. Or set the candles on the floor and carefully, slowly walk between them.

Dip the forefinger of your power hand into the cauldron water and trace a pentagram on your forehead. Kneel before the altar to rededicate your life to the Old Gods. Say:

I will serve the Great Goddess and give
Reverence to the Great God. I am a pagan,
A stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly
Balanced upon the earth, yet open to the
Winds of the heavens, and enduring through time.
May the Old Gods witness my words!

Place the wine chalice on the pentacle for a few moments, then lift it high, saying:

Honor to the Old Gods!
Merry meet, and merry part,
And merry meet again!

Drink the wine, saving some to be put outside for the little people.

Refer to the Basic Sabbat Ritual at this time for the standard closing or departure ritual, commencing where the Ritual states, "when everything is completed..."

SOURCE: Joelle's Sacred Grove, as taken from Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway