Full Moon ~ Basic Ritual Format

Merry Meet,

As I will be working on my Moon entries monthly, I thought it would be useful to have a quick-reference linked into each post.  This ritual format does not include any correspondence or symbolism, it is just what it says on the tin - a basic ritual format.  Now, as Dorothy Morrison is one of my favourite witchy authors and I find that I can connect to her writing so easily I've used her wording in this post.  There are many versions of each section of this ritual available in many books and on many websites, you can also write your own - this tends to have a more personalised link with yourself and you may find that you will connect easier or faster with your own writings.

Full Moon

Ritual Format

Preparation

Be sure that you have all items required before starting anything: Tools, incense, candles, offerings, decorations etc.  Cleanse the sacred space and yourself, physically and mentally.

Format
 

¶      Light the candles and incense and then purify (I do this with blessed salt water and an incense stick & feather) and cast the Circle. 

 

¶      Call the Guardians/Watchtowers/Elements/Elementals (just one, my preference is the elements) for protection and to witness. 

 

¶      Now is the time to ground and centre yourself, this can be done in silence, maybe some relaxing music or a short meditation – a friend of mine (Acantha) has a chakras activity that she performs before and after all magical activity, where as I enjoy some relaxing music or chants to get into the mindset required for Circle.  Whichever works for you, this is the time to do it.  

¶     Be specific about what the Circle is for, in this instance it’s for the Full Moon, which is where I will say something like:

This is a place not a place

In a time not a time

This Circle is sealed

By the words of this rhyme

And floating in balance

‘Twixt both worlds tonight

I shall worship the Mother

And bathe in Her light.

¶      Invite the Goddess into the Circle by saying something like:

Mother Goddess of both Moon and Star

Who rules all planets near and far

Who rules all Earth and all within

Who sets the time our lives begin 

Who brings us happiness and mirth

Who gives us value and self-worth

With every loving touch She gives

Unto this plane on which we live

Please descend now from above

And touch this Circle with Your love

Please join us in this sacred rite

O Mother, bring Your love and light

¶      Wait until you feel Her presence and then chant the Charge of the Goddess.  This one is a favourite of mine:

I am the harmonious tune of the songbird
And the laughter of a gleeful child.
I am the bubbling sound of the running brook
And the scent of the flowers wild.

I am the floating leaf upon the breeze
And the dancing fire in the forest glade.
I am the sweet smell of rains upon the soil.
And the rapture of passion when love is made.

I am the germination of seed in the Spring
And the ripening of wheat in the Sun.
I am the peaceful depth of the twilight
That soothes the soul when day is done.

I am found in the twinkling of an aged eye...
And found in the birth of a newborn pup...
Yes...Birth and Growth and Death, am I
I am the gracious Earth, on whom you sup.

I am your sister, your mother, the wise one.
I wrap you gently in the warmth of my love.
That which you seek you shall find within:
Not without...not below...not above!

Remember always, my children, be reverent.
Be gentle, loving and kind to each other
And hold sacred the Earth and its creatures:
For I am the Lady: Creatrix and Mother!

¶     Invoke Her to fill your Spirit with the Full Moon

O Gracious Goddess of the Moon

Mother of Creation

Please grace me with Your presence now

Accept my invitation

Come from the starry heavens now

As Your Mysteries I embrace

I ask You, Mother, come to me

Descend upon this space

¶      This is when to perform your ritual or spells, when you are done, hold the cake before you and bless them by saying something like:

I conjure You, O meal of grain

Who sprouted in both Sun and Rain

Whose ancient seed fulfils us all

And gains new life where ever it falls

I bless You in this Circle round

That Your abundance may abound

And feed our world continuously

As I will, so mote it be

¶      Take a bite from the cake and say “Blessed Be.” then place it back on the altar in the offerings area.  Move on to the wine/juice in the same manner as before, saying something like:

I conjure You, O fruit of vine

Who grew with Wind and Rain and time

From nothing nut the light of Sun

And light of Moon when day was done

I bless You in this Circle round

That Your abundance may abound

And feed our world continuously

As I will, so mote it be

¶      Take a sip from the cup and say “Blessed Be.” then place it back on the altar in the offerings area. 

¶      Now is the perfect time to sit and visualise your workings coming to light.

¶      Thank and release the Goddess by saying something like:

Mother Goddess of both Moon and Star

Who rules all planets near and far

Who rules all Earth and all within

Who sets the time out lives begin

Who brings us happiness and mirth

Who gives us value and self-worth

With every loving touch She gives

Unto this plane on which we live

We thank You for Your presence here

And hold You in our hearts so dear

And with our love now, You may go

Or stay, if You should deem it so

¶      Release the guardians and close the Circle

¶      Leave the offerings on the altar over night (if possible) and then lay them outside for the wildlife and plants to feast from

Reference: Dorothy Morrison

☮ ❤ & ツ