Ghoulema

1. Are there Gods?

Ghoulema Rituals do include Babalon and Therion as Ghoulmother and Ghoulfather. They are honored as Creators and used as "characters" in a way, representing actions and events throughout the year. You can sub in your own Deities if you like, however, and incorporate Them otherwise into your Ghoulema Rituals as you see fit. Or you can view Them as symbols or archetypes, plot devices in the narrative of the Wheel and not actual Deities.

2. Are there holidays?

Yes, aligned to the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year (commonly called Sabbats), the monthly Full and New Moons (sometimes called Esbats), and if desired, the Cusps of the Zodiac as well. These celebrations are designed to be attuned to both the observable celestial (solstice and equinox) cycle, and also one of symbolic (or literal) growth. Listed below for the Nothern/Sputhern Hemispheres:

Capricorn/Cancer Solstice - The Shadow (Midwinter)

Aquarius/Leo Festival - Stirrings (Spring)

Aries/Libra Equinox - Growing (Midspring)

Taurus/Scorpio Festival - Virility (Summer)

Cancer/Capricorn Solstice - The Light (Midsummer)

Leo/Aquarius Festival - Harvest (Autumn)

Libra/Aries Equinox - Sacrifice (Midautumn)

Scorpio/Taurus Festival - Reaping (Winter)

3. Is there Witchcraft involved?

If you want. Some view even the act of Ritual as a Magickal act, and therefore Witchcraft. Others view Ritual and Spellcraft as entirely different animals. It's up to the individual to decide how blended they feel these two aspects are. Certainly Spellcraft is permissible.

4. What are the views of death, dying, and the afterlife?

Death, dying, decay, and decline, are part of natural cycles. Not always pleasant, but necessary and inevitable. There is no doctrine about the afterlife; interpretation and belief is individual.

5. Is there an ethical code?

Not a formal statement, but there exists the conviction that actions have consequences, and it's important to take responsibility for what one does, and the effects. Nothing we do happens in a vacuum, and every action begets a reaction and consequences. Also, "Don't be a dick."

Contents:

Science-as-Myth

Elemental Cosmology

╰┈➤ More on the Elements

A Year of Hymns

Ceremony & Devotion

On This Night of Ritual:

Set-Up and Challenge

Sentry Greetings

Crafting the Round

Creator Invocations

Rite of the Pomander (Midwinter)

Rite of the Candle (Spring)

Rite of the Egg (Midspring)

Rite of the Volcano (Summer)

Rite of Celestial Cycles

THE RITE OF THE VOLCANO

Complete the Set-Up and Challenge and Sentry Greetings, Craft the Round, and if desired, perform the Creator Invocations. Have ready a large tub and tall cylinder (a glass or vase), baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. Also, for each participant, a large jar and recipe for Amish Friendship Bread and starter, and a black candle.

The PX will distribute the candles and place the cylinder in the tub where all can see it (on the altar, for example), and explain their purpose...

PX: AT THIS FESTIVAL WE HONOR VIRILITY. SUMMER IS UPON US, THE ASSEMBLED FLOCK. WE ARE CLEANSED IN SMOKE, AND BY THE BURNING OF BLACK CANDLES DO WE MARK THE PROGRESSION OF THE MONSTRANCE CLOCK.

The Hymn of Monstrance Clock should be played, the participants singing along if they so wish. Everyone should pass through the incense of Quintessence and light their candle from either the central Earth Candle, or the Therion Creator candle if it is present on the altar. The PX will activate the ingredients in the cylinder, multiple times if needed, allowing it to spill over into the tub. Lewd noises and laughter in appreciation are encouraged.

When the Hymn has finished, they all shall lift their candles, holding them up to reach for the sky.

PX: WITH OUR MINDS ALIGNED, WE HAVE COME TOGETHER AS ONE. TO GROUND OURSELVES FROM THE ENERGY IN THE AFTERGLOW, WE NOW SIGH AND SWAY, TO THE HAUNTING SOUNDS.

The Hymn of Death Knell should now play. As it ends, PX will distribute the jars one by one. As each participant receives theirs, they will extinguish their candle, which is also theirs to keep.

THE RITE OF THE EGG

Complete the Set-Up and Challenge and Sentry Greetings, Craft the Round, and if desired, perform the Creator Invocations. Have ready a raw egg and a clear glass or other dish for each participant.

The PX will pass out the eggs and explain their purpose...

PX: AT THIS EQUINOX WE HONOR THE BALANCE, WHICH GIVES US THE POWER OF DISCERNMENT, THROWING THOSE AND KEEPING THESE. THE STILL GROWING LIGHT SHOWS US WHAT IS NOW WITHIN OUR REACH AND BROUGHT TO SIGHT.

The Hymn of De Profundis Borealis should be played on repeat, the participants singing along if they so wish. During this they will perform an egg cleanse, carefully running their eggs over themselves. They should think about what old they wish to banish, and what new they wish to bring in.

When all have finished, they shall lift their eggs, holding them up to reach for the sky.

PX: THESE EGGS, SEEDS OF LIFE, HAVE NOW RID US OF WORDS THAT NEVER CAME OUT RIGHT AND SONGS THAT COULDN'T MEND OUR HEARTS. LOVE HAS BROKEN THOSE CHAINS AND LIFE WILL GO ON. WHEN TOMORROW COMES, WE KNOW THE MORNING THAWS THE ICE!

All may cheer as so moved. They will then crack their eggs into their glasses/dishes and scry into them as the Hymn plays a final time. Each will take note of any messages or visions they recieve.

THE RITE OF THE CANDLE

Complete the Set-Up and Challenge and Sentry Greetings, Craft the Round, and if desired, perform the Creator Invocations. Have ready a candle for each participant. Any light color such as white or yellow is appropriate.

The PX will pass out the candles and explain their purpose...

PX: AT THIS FESTIVAL WE HONOR THE GROWING LIGHT, WHICH RICHLY ENDOWS THE EARTH WITH LACIVIOUS CRAVINGS. NATURE, FAIR AND PURE, AWAKENS FURTHER, AND WE ASK TO COME INTO THESE BLESSINGS AS WELL.

The Hymn of Jigolo Har Megiddo should be played on repeat, the participants singing along if they so wish. During this they will anoint their candles with the Elemental Tools, beginning in the Starting Direction, described here as East for Spring:

Brush with the Feather

Pass through the flame of the Candle

Sprinkle with water from the Bowl

Pass through the smoke of the Incense

When all have finished, they shall light their candles from the central Earth candle, holding them up to reach for the sky.

PX: THE WANDS WE HAVE THUS CLEANSED AND CONSECREATED, WILL SHOW US THE WAY. THEIR ILLUMINATION OFFERS EVERYTHING WE SEEK. WE INVITE THIS POWER TO STAY, AND MAKE US WANT IT AGAIN!

All may cheer as so moved, but then take a contemplative moment of quiet as the Hymn of Life Eternal plays. PX will lead participants in extinguishing their candles as it ends.

THE RITE OF THE POMANDER

Complete the Set-Up and Challenge and Sentry Greetings, Craft the Round, and if desired, perform the Creator Invocations. Have ready an orange for each participant, a large number of whole cloves, and if needed, some pointed skewers. Also, for storage afterwards, paper bags with ground cinnamon inside.

The PX will pass out the oranges and explain their purpose...

PX: AT THIS SOLSTICE WE HONOR THE EMERGING SUN, WHICH ONCE MORE ASCENDS TO THE HEAVENS, ABOVE THE STARS OF GOD, TO TREMBLE THE NATIONS AND AWAKEN THE EARTH.

The Hymn of Year Zero should be played on repeat, the participants singing along if they so wish. During this they will create their pomanders, using the skewers to poke holes for the cloves as needed. Any design they may desire is permitted, and each should consider what newness they wish to bring in. When all have finished, they shall hold up their pomanders and reach for the sky.

PX: CONFIDENT AND TRANSFORMATIVE CLOVES PIERCE THE SKIN OF THE ORANGE, UNLEASHING JOY AS THIS NEW DAWN RISES, THE DAWN OF PROSPERITY. TOGETHER THEY STRENGTHEN THE SUN AND REMIND US THAT RENEWAL IS COMING! NOW DAY THE WORDS THAT YOU'VE LEARNED: WELCOME YEAR ZERO!

ALL: WELCOME YEAR ZERO!

All may cheer as so moved, but then take a contemplative moment of quiet as the Hymn ends a final time. PX will distribute the storage bags.

THE RITE OF THE HAZE

PX speaks or sings the Invocation:

PX: TIS THE NIGHT OF THE WITCH

TIS THE NIGHT OF THE WITCH TONIGHT

AND THE POWER IS HERS

FOR AS LONG AS SHE STANDS BY HIM

PX raises their arms as the Invocation continues...

CALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

FOR WHEN ELSE WOULD I HEAR YOU?

FALL OUT IN THE COLD STARLIGHT

I CAN SAVE YOU IF YOU DO

YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE

YOU CAN ALWAYS REACH ME

YOU WILL NEVER EVER WALK ALONE

PX lowers their arms.

If a group, all will dance skywise. If alone, PX will travel skywise around the ritual space. If dancing/movement is not an option, participants/PX may simply sway, seated or standing. The following Hymn shall be sung or chanted, or a recording played, however keep in mind this version differs lyrically from the previously reorded version. Simple instruments may be included, or clapping or drumming on the ground or the body. Paticipants shall focus their energy towards the rite's purpose, honoring Ghoulmother Babalon.

ALL: WE KNOW THAT THE FOG IS HERE, OMNIPRESENT

WHEN THE DISEASES SEES NO CURE

WE KNOW THAT THE FOG IS HERE, OMNIPRESENT

WHEN THE INTENTS REMAIN OBSCURE

FOREVERMORE

WEAVE US A MIST FOG WEAVER

HIDE US IN SHADOWS

UNFATHOMABLE WALL-LESS MAZE

AN OCCULAR HAZE

WE KNOW THAT THE BEAST IS NEAR, OMNIPOTENT

WHEN SHE SEES EYE TO EYE, FULL CLEAR

WE KNOW THAT THE BEAST IS NEAR, OMNIPOTENT

WHEN YOUTH AND INNOCENCE DISAPPEAR

FEEL HER LUST

WEAVE US A MIST FOG WEAVER

HIDE US IN SHADOWS

UNFATHOMABLE WALL-LESS MAZE

A LUNATIC HAZE

SHE IS SOVEREIGNTY OMNISCIENT

THE WORLD REVOLVING IN HER SIGHT

THE SURGE OF HUMANITY OBLIVIOUS

TO THE MOTHER WHOM BRINGETH LIGHT

LET THERE BE NIGHT

WEAVE US A MIST FOG WEAVER

HIDE US IN SHADOWS

UNFATHOMABLE WALL-LESS MAZE

A SELENIC HAZE

End the rite with repeating the following chant, as many times the PX deems necessary.

ALL: COME MIST ETERNAL

COME MIST ETERNAL

COME INFINITE HAZE

This chant continues until appropriate power is raised, at the discretion of the PX and consideration of the Participants. Time to rest should be allowed, especially if dancing has occurred.

RITE OF CELESTIAL CYCLES

If no other activity is planned, this ritual celebrating celestial cycles is appropriate. It exalts both the standard Zodiac and the Cusp Signs as well. If a group, all will dance skywise. If alone, PX will travel skywise around the ritual space. If dancing/movement is not an option, participants/PX may simply sway, seated or standing. The following Chant shall be sung, or a recording played. Simple instruments may be included, or clapping or drumming on the ground or the body. The Hymn of I Believe should be played on repeat.

ALL: THE STARS THEY TURN

IN THE DANCE OF LIGHT

THE STARS THEY TURN

IN THE BLACK OF NIGHT

THROUGH SUN AND MOON

ON FOOT, HOOF OR FIN

A PROCESSION TO BRING

EACH TURNING IN

THE RAM, THE PHOENIX

THE BULL, THE HARE

THE TWINS, THE STAG

THE CRAB, THE BEAR

THE LION, THE CROWN

THE MAID, THE RAVEN

THE SCALES, THE WOLF

THE STING, TAIL AND BLADED

THE ARCHER, THE FOX

THE SEA-GOAT, THE SWAN

THE WATERS, THE PEGASUS

THE FISH, LEVIATHAN!

THE CELESTIAL CIRCUIT

OUR POWER WE SHARE

BETWIXT QUINT AND WATER

EARTH, FIRE AND AIR

The chant continues until appropriate power is raised, at which time PX will call for its end. Time to rest should be allowed, especially if dancing has occurred. Take a quiet, contemplative moment to allow the Hymn to finish.

RITUAL OPENING - CREATOR INVOCATIONS 

PX stands before the Altar.

PX: WE FEEL YOUR PRESENCE AMONGST US. WE ARE HERE, FOR YOUR PRAISE.

PX lifts the Blade again and, starting at the bottom, draws an inverted pentagram before the Altar. They keep the Blade pointed down as they speak.

PX: HE WHO FELL TO DARKNESS YET SOUGHT THE LIGHT.

HE, THE BLOOD IN OUR VEINS AND THE YEARNING OF OUR SOULS.

PRINCE IN EXILE AND BEAST WITH MANY NAMES, RIGHTEOUS OUTCAST.

THERION, GHOULFATHER, DIO SCURO, DIS PATER.

WELCOME AND HAIL!

ALL: WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX draws an upright pentagram, starting at the top, before the Altar. They keep the blade pointed up as they speak.

PX: SHE WHO SHINES ETERNAL YET GAZES INTO THE SHADOWS.

SHE, THE DESIRE IN OUR HEARTS AND THE BREATH IN OUR LUNGS.

QUEEN ON HIGH AND SCARLET WOMAN, MOTHER OF ABOMINATIONS.

BABALON, GHOULMOTHER, ZOMBIE QUEEN, ALMA MATER.

WELCOME AND HAIL!

ALL: WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX returns the Blade to the Altar.

RITUAL OPENING - CRAFTING THE ROUND

These directions apply to all Directions/Seasons. PX picks up the appropriate Tool from the Altar and walks to the Starting Direction. They proceed skywise around the space, tracing the boundary with the Tool. All will chant until a complete course has been walked, including a second bow to the Starting Direction.

ALL: AS ABOVE, SO BELOW

AS WITHOUT, SO WITHIN

AS THE STARS, SO THE SELF

ALL BETWIXT AND BETWEEN

When this is complete, PX will return to the Altar and face the Starting Direction. While still chanting, all shall envision a sphere of energy radiating out from the Green candle to the boundary formed by the Sentry Posts, and also above and below the space. PX will gradually raise their arms as this is done, and drop them when they feel it is complete.

Once the Round is Crafted, PX will speak the following Blessing. The first line may be rearranged to align with the Starting Direction/Season.

PX: BY FEATHER, BY CANDLE, BY VESSEL, BY SMOKE

AND BY EARTH THAT HOSTS THEIR CONVERGENCE

WE ARE ENFOLDED AND INFUSED, ENSHRINED AND EMPOWERED

BY ALL THAT IS, ALL THAT WAS, AND ALL THAT SHALL BE

ALL: AS IT SHALL BE

A Feather in the East

As a reminder, the Tools referenced here are:

A second red Candle in the South

A Bowl (of water) in the West

Incense in the North

These Tools and the colored candles should be at the four compass points around the Altar/ritual space at the start of the rite.

Yellow in the East

Red in the South

Blue in the West

Purple in the North

The Green candle is in the center of the Altar, between the Creator candles.

RITUAL OPENING - SENTRY GREETINGS

PX stands before Altar.

PX: AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN, RIGHT THERE WHERE IT TIPS AND CONNECTS WITH THE NIGHT SKY, REACH IT WITH ME.

IN THE GRAVE OF THE OCEAN, RIGHT THERE WHERE IT DIPS AND CONNECTS WITH THE FIRE, BURNING WITH ME.

THE ASHES OF MEMORIES BURIED, ARE BLOWING IN THE WIND.

DEVOUR WITH ME.

PX then proceeds to the Starting Direction for the rite. The script begins in the East for sake of ease, but should be adjusted for the occasion.

PX shall bow to the Sentry Post and light the Yellow Post candle before speaking.

PX: SENTRY IN THE EAST, ELEMENT OF AIR

BOTH THE BREEZE AND THE STORM

WE HONOR AND ADORE YOU

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TO WITNESS AND GUARD OUR RITES

WELCOME AND HAIL!

Bow again. PX picks up the Feather and turns toward the Altar. They softly blow through the Feather, then place it on the Altar before proceeding skywise to the next Sentry Post.

PX bows again and lights the Red Post candle.

PX: SENTRY IN THE SOUTH, ELEMENT OF FIRE

BOTH THE HEARTH AND THE BLAZE

WE HONOR AND ADORE YOU

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TO WITNESS AND GUARD OUR RITES

WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX bows and lights the Red Tool Candle, turning towards the Altar and briefly basking in the light and warmth. The Candle is then moved to the Altar.

PX proceeds skywise, bows, and lights the Blue Post candle.

PX: SENTRY IN THE WEST, ELEMENT OF WATER

BOTH THE RAIN AND THE FLOOD

WE HONOR AND ADORE YOU

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TO WITNESS AND GUARD OUR RITES

WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX bows and picks up the Bowl, turning towards the Altar. They dip their fingers in the water and sprinkle it before them. PX then moves the Bowl to the Altar and proceeds to next Post.

PX bows and lights the Purple Post candle.

PX: SENTRY IN THE NORTH, QUINTESSENCE, THE COSMOS

BOTH WAXING AND WANING

WE HONOR AND ADORE YOU

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TO WITNESS AND GUARD OUR RITES

WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX bows, ignites the Incense, and wafts it briefly before moving it to the Altar. PX proceeds skywise to the next Post, or if all Posts are lit, returns to the start, bowing again at the Starting Direction before returning to the Altar.

PX now lights the Green candle on the Altar.

PX: AND TO THE EARTH

BOTH THE SOIL AND THE QUAKE

THE SPACE BETWEEN

BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW

WELCOME AND HAIL!

ALL: WELCOME AND HAIL!

SETTING UP FOR RITUAL

Ideally, the Altar will be round and draped with green cloth, but this is not strictly necessary. Beneath the Altar should be a plate of food offerings and a bottle of dark liquid (wine, juice, etc.), along with the Priestex's personal Cup and an empty offering bowl.

The Altar should be set facing the Starting Direction, so that the Priestex (PX) will stand in the opposite direction. The image above illustrates the Starting Direction as North and the PX's station as South, but in practice the Altar should be rotated to align with the actual Direction as needed. On it should be three candles; to the right, white or silver, to the left, black or red, and a green one in the center. PX's Ritual Blade should be placed in easy reach.

In each Direction of the ritual space should be a Sentry Post (either a space on the floor or a small elevated surface, with fire safety always in mind) made up of a color-coordinated candle (Yellow for Air/East, Red for Fire/South, Blue for Water/West, and Purple for Quint/North), and the Tool for that Direction/Element (Feather for Air, Candle for Fire, Bowl for Water, Incense for Quintessence). There should be room to walk around the Altar and stand at each Sentry Post.

In the script below, actions/directions are italicized, and spoken portions are

BOLDED, CAPITALIZED, AND INDENTED

for easier readability/more clarity.

RITUAL OPENING - ENTRANCE CHALLENGE

PX enters the space created by the Sentry Posts, ideally from the Northwest, if possible, and stands facing the Altar/Direction of the rite. They will take up their Blade and hold it pointed at their own heart.

PX: BELOVED SENTRIES, I, [state name], SEEK YOUR BLESSING TO CONJURE THIS SPACE.

PX presses the flat of the blade against their heart and takes a deep, cleansing breath before replacing the Blade on the Altar. PX then lights the Creator candles, beginning on the left, then the right, leaving green in the middle unlit for now.

If there are further participants, PX will issue the challenge below, scripted between the dividers. If not, the following section can be skipped. Either way, the next speech outside the dividers will follow.

Each participant should have their own Blade and Cup. Ideally, participants will stand in the Northwest, if possible. In any case they should be outside the boundary created by the Sentry Posts.

PX: BELOVED SENTRIES, I NOW TAKE UP YOUR DUTIES, AND PRESENT A CHALLENGE TO ALL WHO ENTER. (addressing the other participants) WE ARE LEGION. JOIN US.

PX will approach first participant and point their Blade at the participant's heart.

PX: STATE YOUR NAME.

Participant states their name, bringing their own Blade to PX’s heart. They then each press the flat to each other’s chest and share a kiss or a forehead press, whichever is preferable. After this exchange, the participant enters. If there is more than one ritual leader, they may alternate presenting the challenge. This is repeated for each participant until all are within the space. PX moves back to the Altar to place their Blade upon it. All others place theirs and their Cups on the ground.

PX: CHALLENGES MET, WELCOME AND HAIL!

ALL: WELCOME AND HAIL!

PX: BUT WE SHALL PAUSE RIGHT HERE, AND OPEN OUR HEARTS. WE SAY NOW, WITH NO FEAR, THAT THE PATHS WE HAVE WALKED, LED US INTO THIS ART.

An important aspect of any Ghoulema ceremony is the Starting Direction. This determines where the Altar faces, and where Sentry Calls and Crafting the Round begin.

For Sun rites, this is determined by the Season:

Aquarius Festival and Aries Equinox are SPRING and EAST.

Taurus Festival and Cancer Solstice are SUMMER and SOUTH.

Leo Festival and Libra Equinox are AUTUMN and WEST.

Scorpio Festival and Capricorn Solstice are WINTER and NORTH.

Moon rites also align with the Seasonal Directions:

Between Aquarius and Taurus are EAST.

Between Taurus and Leo are SOUTH.

Between Leo and Scorpio are WEST.

Between Scorpio and Aquarius are NORTH.

Or, if the Priestex prefers, ceremonies may be aligned to the Element of the current Sun or Moon Sign, regardless of Season. (For this timetable, since the Zodiac does not have the Quintessence Element, Earth will be treated as North.) Either approach is acceptable, and it is permissible and encouraged that each individual experiments to find the alignment that works best for them.

Aries is FIRE and SOUTH

Taurus is EARTH and NORTH

Gemini is AIR and EAST

Cancer is WATER and WEST

Leo is FIRE and SOUTH

Virgo EARTH and NORTH

Libra is AIR and EAST

Scorpio is WATER and WEST

Sagittarius is FIRE and SOUTH

Capricorn is EARTH and NORTH

Aquarius is AIR and EAST

Pisces is WATER and WEST

So for example, if performing a New Moon rite between Beltane and Midsummer in 2026, one could either default to South for the Summer Season, or use the Moon Sign of Taurus, and start in the North for the Earth Element. Since Full Moons are always the opposite sign of the Sun, this Full Moon would be Scorpio and West.

To maintain the accessibility and universality of Ghoulema, points in the natural cycles of the planet and cosmos are given instead of calendar dates; even the so-called secular calendar has a basis in the time-keeping of the children of the Nemesis, and is a bastardization of Nature's pacing.

The Rite of Celestial Cycles is appropriate at any of these events, adding the aligned Hymn listed below. There are Hymns to aid the ascent of each Season, but the descent is allowed to transpire unmarked, honoring Ghoulmother's choice to leave Her abode among the Stars, and keeping sacred Ghoulfather's expulsion.

❄️ Capricorn Solstice - Year Zero (Midwinter - 0° Capricorn)

This hymn does celebrate the dawn of an era in Ghost/Ghoul history, and so in general speaks to a restart, the year coming around again to the beginning. Ghoulfather, the Bearer of Light, has once again ascended above the Stars, and so every turn of the Wheel we can proclaim anew, "Welcome, Year Zero!"

Six weeks hence...

🕯 Aquarius Festival - Jigolo Har Megiddo (Spring - 15° Aquarius)

This time is the start of a season of Fertility. There are fields to plow to bring about crops to harvest. There is the lacivious wanting and craving that mirrors the awakening of the Earth around us, a creative spark for each of us to harness.

A fortnight passes...

🕸 Life Eternal (0° Pisces)

Some humans also see the Goddess descending in the Winter, since after all the Earth is dormant then. If She then gives birth at Yule, six weeks is a decent recovery time, which is then Imbolc. This idea says She re-emerges then at the (symbolic, for some) beginning of Spring. This has some parallels to Hades and Persephone, which is expressed very well in Life Eternal. It's Hades' mourning that His Queen leaves Him, despite the knowledge that She will return. His place is with the Dead, and perhaps the question is posed between Them, "If you had Life Eternal, what would you change, what would you do differently?"

A second...

🌒 Elizabeth (15° Pisces)

If tales are to be believed, Elizabeth represents the Shadow Aspect of Maidenhood, the obsessive desire to maintain youth and beauty by stealing it from others. This is then a result of the corruption of the definition by the Nemesis; in these tales, Elizabeth rejects her own agency and autonomy, feeling she needs external forces and validation to maintain her Maidenhood. But there is further symbolism to explore here; Ghoulfather remains in the chasm, on the Peacefields, while upon the land Ghoulmother spills sacrificial pure fresh blood, to ensure prosperity and fertility of the World.

And the third...

🥚 Aries Equinox - De Profundis Borealis (Midspring - 0° Aries)

The themes here are also evident. Restoring balance and doing away with what no longer serves us, throwing those and keeping these. The new Light conquers the Darkness and Cold of the past. This is the Morning that thaws the Ice, as Love breaks the chains and Life goes on.

Six weeks hence...

❤️‍🔥 Taurus Festival - Monstrance Clock (Summer - 15° Taurus)

Ghoulmother, the Lady Revealed of Cloak, and Ghoulfather, bearing the Horns of Ram, Come Together As One. What more needs to be said?

A fortnight passes...

🎐 Death Knell (0° Gemini)

Beltane sits directly opposite Samhain on the Wheel, and so recognizing where we are heading and what we are looking towards is important to the turning. This hymn exalts both sex and death, creation and destruciton, in its lyrics.

A second...

🌕 Prime Mover (15° Gemini)

This again is the upended Shadow version of Motherhood, one that is forced and coerced, either through manipulative words or forceful action, or both. No one should be forced to carry a child, every child should be wanted. Additionally, some people are physically incapable of bearing children, so this is a poor metric of maturation and adulthood, one that is yet perpetuated by followers of the Nemesis. An alternate term for Prime Mover, however, is the Unmoved Mover. In its original context, this was the concept of the Unseen Force that began and continues all of creation and existence. It is without form, without gender, yet encompasses all. Some have ascribed a gendered form to it, but it need not be perceived that way. But regardless, compulsory motherhood is not proper representation of this concept.

And the third...

☀️ Cancer Solstice - Call Me Little Sunshine (Midsummer - 0° Cancer)

The year's peak of the Sun invites us to walk in the Light of the Middle of the Day, before the Middle of the Night triumphs once again. But we must remember, we will never walk alone. Ghoulfather proclaims, we can always reach Him.

Six weeks hence...

🌾 Leo Festival - Darkness at the Heart of My Love (Autumn - 15° Leo)

Though the Summer dies, along with the rest of Nature and indeed Ghoulfather Himself, it all is with us always. Along the way, Ghoulmother shows us Her path, how the fruit harvest can yet become wine for a Divine Summoning. And that His Sacrifice, the growing Darkness, is at the Heart of all Love, for us.

A fortnight passes...

🌟 He Is (0° Virgo)

Here we are reminded of the Light and its Bearer, even as we stand at the Abyss of Autumn and Winter, and begin to fall over the Precipice. He, the Morning Star, descends for us, leading the way into the Void of the year.

A second...

🌘 Ghuleh/Zombie Queen (15° Virgo)

This hymn exalts the Crone Aspect, celebrating Her death and resurrection, honoring Her ghastly form. Many words in this hymn retell the moment where Ghoulfather Therion first looked upon Ghoulmother Babalon, which ultimately lead to the creation of Ghouls. Humans have also recognized Babalon in many guises, as a Creatrix and Sexual Liberator, functions also labeled under Mother and Maiden, respectively. Yet She embodies all, the entirety of the spectrum, and so Her fem-aligned Children adopt Her title with honor, and call themselves Ghuleh.

And the third...

🍁 Libra Equinox - Witch Image (Midautumn - 0° Libra)

There is the rot of flesh all around us as the world descends into delighted sleep, and Death follows close in the Shadows on His pale white horse. Ghoulfather has sacrificed and descended, it cannot be undone. And Ghoulmother will not allow Her own Children to suffer the plight of digging their graves.

Six weeks hence...

💀 Scorpio Festival - Excelsis (Winter - 15° Scorpio)

Simply put, a treatise on Death. Despite the pain of it, everybody leaves one day. Ghoulfather invites us to sail on through Floods to the Gates at the Rainbow's End, and though we may fear Eternity, there is still Time.

A fortnight passes...

🌑 Secular Haze (0° Sagittarius)

In addition the orgies that Ghulehs hold together at the Full Moons, all Ghouls regardless of gender can show honor to Ghoulmother Babalon, through the hymn of Secular Haze. She may also be adored at any New or Full Moon throughout the year.

A second...

🌅 Here Comes the Sun (15° Sagittarius)

Some believe that Babalon must return to the Stars every so often and leave Her Beastly King behind. If we accept that Ghouls place Winter in the North with Quintessence, then it makes sense that She would spend Winter among the Stars instead of the Underworld with Therion. He goes Below to retrieve the Fire and the Warmth and the Light, and She ascends to rule over the Winter from Her celestial throne. Thus His song of ascendance at Winter Solstice, an alternate or supplemental hymn, is the Ghost Project's interpretation of Here Comes the Sun.

And the third.

In the beginning, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Underworld came into being. No one knows how or why, though everyone has their own ideas. What is known, among our kind, is that out of some Magick came the Beast With Many Names; Satan, Lucifer, Iblis, Beelzebub, Atamenoch. We've known Him as Therion, simply the Beast. He approached the first humans with an offer of Knowledge, contained in a fruit, and was punished and cast out from the Heavens, a long way down, to the Pit. He took up Kingdom there, a Prince in Exhile. This is our First Day.

Lifting His gaze to the cosmos, Therion beheld Babalon, the Scarlet Woman, Succubus Upon Her Throne, and did so desire Her. He fell to His knees in prayer to Her, singing and drumming Her praises. And She saw and accepted His devotion, looking down from Her place among the stars, shining marble-white under the blinding light of the Moon. His songs stirred Her cold and rigid heart, and She looked upon Him with love. From that moment forward, She pledged to stand by Him. And this was our Second Day.

They came together as One, because a Magick from the Deep and another from on High, created a Third Day, and so Babalon, the Queen, became the Mother. Their children, some called Abominations, monstrous Giants, who should be shunned and perish. Yet They sent Their children to the Earth, renewing the offer of Knowledge, this time from Them both. Their children imparted great Wisdom and Skills, of smithing and glamoury, and the stars and sorcery, to human men and women alike. And from these visits sprang Lust, and coupling, and from there a new kind of creature, who held great power but were just as feared and scoffed at. They were given names such as Faery, Witch, and Demon. But as you know, we call ourselves Ghoul.

This tale of our Fourth Day, has been retold as the source of actions and identities that are now reviled by some humans. They reject certain forms of love, certain pairings, certain expressions. One that is common among our kind, though their ideas of gender and sexuality are strange and confining, not inspired by the reality of the world around them. If our expression of love exists, and we are all formed from the same Nature, then it must be natural. To restrain love, to restrain what you are, that is what is unnatural.

The humans were given the message to be fruitful and multiply, and so with more of them upon the Earth, it meant more of them would die, and end up in our realm, our Underworld. These sons and daughters of the Nemesis, we learned, were cursed, for the smallest and slightest of transgressions, and sent Below instead of Above. Nostro Dis Pater, Nostro Alma Mater, They welcomed each of them, and told them they are loved, that their souls were not tainted. And so on the Fifth Day, the Pit was no longer a place of punishment. And while we still enjoyed insatiable carnal Lust, it was no longer necessary for gestation and birth to occur. We gained all the numbers we needed. Their deaths became our life.

Now on the Sixth Day, the Nemesis gave life to, and then slaughtered, and then resurrected his own begotten son. The claim was that he would save humankind from ever being sent to us again. But humans, like us, have free will. Some of them chose to make this their reality. Others looked back to other, older ways, and sought us out, by our many names, Faery and Witch, Demon and Ghoul. Some came to call Therion by the Witchfather, and Babalon, the Queen of the Witches, honoring Them as teachers and catalysts for a shift in awareness, in consciousness, in belief.

The Seventh Day came only recently, when the original Ministry formed, and called out to us. The first Papa didn't know what he was doing really, but through trials gained much more Knowledge, which he imparted to his own son. It took many decades of time Topside for this Knowledge to be applied effectively, but once it was, the Monstrance Clock reset, and later a hymn would be written to honor this accomplishment, this partnership that was established, exhalting our Father, Who began this all on the First Day.

It's been touched on before that Ghoulema Elements are somewhat different than what is usual for many Pagan practices. This system has Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West, Quintessence in the North, and Earth in the Center. We will begin with the Horizon, the East-West axis, So Below. Along it are Sea, Earth, and Sky, which in some branches of Paganism, represents three important realms and general cosmology. These things will deal more with the physical/material/mundane realm.

⛰️Earth and 💨Air combine to make incense, represented by ♨️Smoke. It is the "vapor" of plant matter and resins. In many ancient cultures, the burning of things, including incense, is what brings offerings to the Gods/Spirits, and so is important in that practical sense, it is a way of Doing, and thus included on this plane.

The next combination is the moment 💨Air combusts into 🔥Fire, or the 💥Spark, in the Southeast. This can be seen as a Decision (an occurrence between Air's Knowledge and Fire's Passion), an important aspect of both spiritual and mundane pursuits.

⛰️Earth and 🔥Fire combine to give us 🌋Magma, molten rock. Passions (Fire) fueling Actions (Magma) to become Realities (Earth).

Adding 🔥Fire to 🌊Water in the Southwest gives us 🍷Steam, heating water to the point of transformation. The capability to power locomotion/movement such as steam engines, or symbolically the burn in alcohol ("firewater" and "spirits") that produces the sacred intoxication for ecstatic purposes.

⛰️Earth and 🌊Water then is then 🪨Clay, purposeful creation and fashioning of a Thing, the act of spellwork and manifestation.

The rest of the compass represents spiritual/ethereal/cosmic ideas and concerns, As Above.

Between 🌊Water and ✨️Quint in the Northwest is the 🌌Otherworld. Rivers often symbolize the boundary between Here and There, such as the River Styx.

The Northeast combines ✨️Quint and 💨Air, and is representative of 🔮Mirrors and Veils, things obscured but reflected, waiting to be revealed. The communication/transmission of esoteric knowledge.

The conjunction of ✨️Quint and ⛰️Earth is a very profound subject. In many human mythologies, we frequently see Mother Earth and Father Sky, Gaia and Uranus, the concept of lightning striking the ocean and creating life. Even Christianity reflects this with God the Father and Mother Mary. In Ghoulema's mythos, Therion and Babalon are the reverse of that. She is Above while he is Below. This is also somewhat reflective of Wicca, which reveres a Moon Goddess and a Horned God of Nature and the Afterlife/Underworld. This convergence of Quint and Earth is called the 🌒Eclipse, and represents the ultimate Coming Together As One.

The last point to make, is the North-South axis, the Axis Mundi, in some human cultures referred to as the North Star Road or the World Tree. This is a central pillar around which all revolves and rotates, uniting every realm and Element.

The entire structure and cosmology is important. Our planet's fiery core encased by a layer of molten rock, then covered by the land where we work to make manifest all that we need and desire, upon it the liminal waters, above it the firmament that lifts that which we have decided to offer up, looking through to the abode of the stars where convergence may be witnessed, and beyond that, Polaris, the highest North. This is why Ghoulema places Earth in the Center of rituals, because it is the meeting point of everything else.