#ritual script

Guidelines

Thank you, everyone, for coming to Kindred Circle’s gathering. 

Please feel free to place items on the altar or in the basket to be charged by the energy of our circle. 

There will be opportunities for personal sharing during our time together. Please know that sharing is always optional, and you are always welcome to pass if you wish. 

We seek to honor sacred space and help all of us feel welcome and safe by respecting the confidentiality of our circle and avoiding cross-talk.

Introductions

Let’s begin by introducing ourselves with our name, pronouns, and a brief response to the following question: “What is a project that you’re currently planting the fertile seeds of?”

Grounding

We gather tonight to honor and connect with the energies of the Cold Moon, allowing ourselves the comfort of this time together and with sacred Spirit. 

I invite you to take a moment to get comfortable for a brief grounding meditation. Close your eyes if you wish, or you may prefer to gaze at our altar. When you are ready, take a couple of deep breaths.

Speak a little more slowly and allow brief pauses so that people can absorb and connect with the meditation instructions.

Gently press the soles of your feet into the ground, and imagine the energy of the Earth flowing into you. Breathe in the energy, and exhale the mundane that you carry with you. Feel your roots reach into Mother Gaia’s core, and take in her stability and healing.

Once you feel that your energy is stable and positive, sense the weight of your body as it rests in your chair. Feel how you are supported by the earth beneath you, and fed by the life-giving sun above. Take another deep breath, bringing your awareness back into your body. Wiggle your fingers and your toes, and gently open your eyes.

Circle Casting

To cast the circle, we will sing the following three times together: “We are a circle, within a circle, with no beginning and never ending.” Please stand as you’re able.

As I form the sacred circle with my wand, envision a warm, bright light of protective and healing energy forming as a giant sphere around the group. 

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form circle deosil around the group with wand (x1) to the pace of the chant

Invocations

Please stand as you’re able and willing as we invoke the elemental spirits at the cardinal directions. We will begin facing East, then turning South, West, North, and Center. Caller for the East, please start us off when you feel ready. 

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light red candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light blue candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light green candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light white candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Ritual Intention Statement, Meaning & Symbolism 

Beltane, also known as May Day, Walpurgis (WAAL-pr-guhs) Night, and Floralia (flo-RA-li-a), marks the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. The name and festival Beltane are Gaelic in origin, derived from the words “Bel,” meaning “bright,” and “Tene,” meaning “fire,” as well as the Sun god and Goddess Belenus (bell-in-uss) and Étain (AY-teen). Beltane is considered to be the oldest holiday in Gaelic tradition, dating back to at least the 10th century. 

In modern Pagan practices, Beltane represents the Sacred Union between the Mother Goddess and Horned God, conceiving the Harvest Child. The phallic maypole and yonic wreath of flowers and ribbons represent their Rite. As such, Beltane has become a time for fertility and sexuality, and it’s also associated with creativity and love. Bonfires represent fertility, protection, and the longer days of summer, and crops, beauty, and creativity continue to grow.

Beltane is also associated with fairies of Gaelic lore, specifically the Aos Sí (ace SHE). The veil is thinnest at this time, much like at Samhain (SAA-wn), allowing them to pass through. The Aos Sí (ace SHE) were appeased with offerings of food and drink to prevent their troublesome natures and in hopes that they would grant wishes.

Along with Beltane, we also celebrate May’s Full Moon tonight. Also known as the Flower Moon in Algonquin due to the abundance of blooming flowers, and the Milk Moon in Old English due to the frequent milking of cows. The Full Moon is the time for celebration and gratitude toward yourself and others, along with harnessing your inner magick.

The Flower Moon, under the sign of Scorpio, is heavily associated with many of Beltane’s themes. It’s time to embrace your passion and sensuality, and to connect with your beauty and self-love. In addition, it’s also time to explore the darker parts of yourself and delve into your shadows, allowing personal growth and positive change as we reach the midpoint of the year and start to see our intentions manifest. Fertility doesn’t strictly refer to sex, but can also indicate that new plans are in action.

A variety of deities are associated with both Beltane and the Flower Moon. Of them, notable gods and goddesses are Pan and Aphrodite from Hellenic polytheism, Flora and Diana from Roman mythology, as well as Cernunnos (care-NEW-noes) and the Green Man from Celtic paganism.

The fires of Beltane and the Flower Moon ignite our internal passion, and it’s time to use it to enjoy the pleasures of life, as well as promote our growth.

Meditation

Now, I encourage you to get comfortable as we enter a meditative state. Slowly inhale through your nose, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this a few more times, and let your eyes flutter shut as we prepare to enter the theatre of the mind.

It’s a warm spring afternoon. The sky is cloudless as the Sun shines above, illuminating the prairie you stand in. The earth feels warm and tender underneath your bare feet. Wiggle your toes in the grass and feel the wildflowers in various colors tickle your toes and ankles. The fresh breeze smells of roses and honeysuckle, and birds chirp in nearby shrubs.

You spot a circle of people partaking in a dance before you. Colorful dresses and tunics flow in the wind, and flower crowns of daisies and daffodils sit on their heads. They cheer and sing, their voices floating on the wind. As you approach, those nearest you smile kindly and open their arms to welcome you to join in. You enter and hold their hands, quickly feeling joy and warmth. You turn with them, the energy transferring from hand to hand.

Your hands release at the height of the energy, and you each dance independently. You use all the power you gathered to dance. Shaking your arms and legs, headbanging, spinning around, whatever brings you the most joy. You dance and dance until you’re worn out, then lie down in the grass and stare at the sky.

You regain your breath, breathing in and out deeply. As the Sun begins to set, the sky has turned from bright blue to shades of pink, purple, and orange. The Sun God begins to depart, taking the youthful energy of the day with Him. The Moon Goddess now enters, bringing the serenity of the night sky and stars. The people you danced with under the Sun lie on the ground with you, softly humming a hymn to welcome Her presence.

The Moon is Full and bright, Her light cascading down onto the prairie. Her soothing glow comforts you, and as you bathe in Her light, you feel yourself renewed with beauty and love for yourself and the others around you. The stars shine with Her, adorning the sky with constellations.

As you lie in the grass, think of what you’ve achieved in the past weeks. What has served you well, and what is ready to be released? The Moon offers Her guidance, helping cultivate your internal growth as She passes through Her many phases. But don’t forget that the power for change lies within you.

Wait in silence for 60 seconds.

You gently close your eyes as you lie in the grass after freeing the unwanted and thanking your achievements. It is time for rest and recovery after a long day with the God and Goddess. You are safe from all danger, protected by those Above and Below. You drift off into a reverie, awaiting what the next day brings.

As we end this meditation, center yourself and take another deep breath. Feel your feet ground you as you return to this plane. Once you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

Cone of Power

The Cone of Power is an extension of our Circle’s energy, often visualized as a silver cone of energy. It’s a container of our inner strength and purpose, and in magical workings, we raise and direct our energy toward our goals. Our Cone will be harnessed with a chant, as follows. Let’s practice a few times until we get the hang of it.

ALL: Goddess and God

Moon and Sun

We link hands

And become One

Let’s now connect hands, right over, left under. As we chant, I invite you to visualize the energy flowing clockwise through our circle as the chant grows in speed and power. Once the cone of power has reached its peak, we’ll call release to send our energy out into the universe.

Repeat louder & faster until energy is built, then call release.

Workings 1 - Maypole Dance

As I mentioned earlier, dancing around the Maypole is a Beltane tradition that dates back to before the Middle Ages in Europe, and we’ll be bringing that tradition to life today! Everyone, grab a ribbon from the Maypole.

Let each person take a ribbon.

Every other person will go left, and the others will go right. (Help turn people to face the right way if needed.) The aim is to weave up and down around each other as we turn in a circle so that the ribbons will tie up around the Maypole! It can get really chaotic, but that’s the fun of it. 

Offer to test dance out by starting slowly. When ready, begin Maypole Dance playlist and dance until ribbons are completely tied around Maypole.

Simple Feast

Now that we’ve released our energy, it’s time to ground back into the material plane. For ale, we have bubbly,  ________________ provided by ________________, and still, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have ________________ for cakes, provided by ________________.

Pass around cakes, cups, and drinks with a volunteer.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Blessed be!

Workings 2 - Manifestation Ribbons

As this is the Full Moon, we’ll let go of the old, but this time on ribbons for a Beltane twist! If anyone would like a copy, I have a guide to ribbon colors and their meanings. Cut yourself a ribbon that connects to your intention for the coming weeks.

Allow time for people to cut ribbons and grab pens.

Feel the ribbon in your hands. Think of what the color means to you and your goals for this lunar cycle phase. Imagine untying the ribbon from a physical representation of your previous intention, freeing the energy into the world. When you're ready, write your manifestation on the ribbon and hold onto it for now.

Light the bonfire.

Bonfires are another Beltane tradition used as a method of protection and purification. Historically, Gaelic people walked livestock between two bonfires and sprinkled ashes over crops. The Fire element is also associated with transformation, making it the perfect method for releasing intentions! As you toss your ribbon into the fire, visualize its Sacred power freeing the energy, ready to return to the cycle of the Moon and Earth.

Let everyone toss ribbons into bonfire.

Check-Ins / Sharing Final Thoughts

Before we close the circle, I’d like to open the floor for anyone who may wish to share, whether it be a poem, song, chant, anecdote, or story in the theme of tonight’s ritual, or anything from your personal experience tonight that you wish to share in this sacred space of community. 

Once it seems nobody else wishes to share, thank everyone for sharing with the group and for being here tonight.

Devocations

Let’s stand once more to close the circle together. We will move in reverse order of how we called in the quarters, starting with the Center, then North, and so on.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish white candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish green candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish blue candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish red candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Circle Closing

May the circle be open, but unbroken, may the love of the Goddess be ever in your hearts. Merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again! 

ALL: Blessed be!

Closing Statements

Thank you for coming, everyone! Please join us for fellowship and gathering, along with drinks and snacks.

Bibliography

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Amanda. “Flower Moon Magic: The Stunning Full Moon of May 2025.” Thepeculiarbrunette.Com, 1 Nov. 2025, www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/the-flower-moon-meaning-and-rituals/.

Arina. Ribbon Colors to Make Wishes at Beltane. 30 Apr. 2021. Tumblr, https://swm-grimoire.tumblr.com/post/649920725689466880/beltane-blessings-to-you-all-and-happy-midspring. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane Correspondences. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31666003614457079/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. 26 Apr. 2024. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PA1mtrXD8/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AVkyPjJ1KAjMZ2BVc5oVO1WzroMTbntG-SAaAezJAzJLiPyQxGAUb-E/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane.

Cass. “May 2024 Witch Guide.” Tumblr, 29 Apr. 2024, greenwitchcrafts.tumblr.com/post/749095783179206656/may-flower-moon.

Cass. “May 2025 Witch Guide.” Tumblr, 1 May 2025, www.tumblr.com/greenwitchcrafts/782339622055362560/may-flower-moon?source=share.

“A Detailed History of Beltane.” Beltane Fire Society, 25 Mar. 2015, beltane.org/a-detailed-history-of-beltane/.

“Full Flower Moon.” Tumblr, 4 May 2020, www.tumblr.com/the-hearth-witchery/617223448647876608/full-flower-moon?source=share.

Gladheart, Friday. The Practical Witch’s Almanac 2024. Microcosm Publishing, 2023.

Grant, Ember. The Second Book of Crystal Spells: More Magical Uses for Stones, Crystals, Minerals ... and Even Salt. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd, 2016.

Hadas, Julia Halina. The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick: Your Complete Guide to Enhancing Your Magick with the Power of the Moon. Adams Media, 2024.

Jordan, Krystle. “Beltane Celebration: Fires, Faeries, & Love.” The Wholesome Witch, 10 Apr. 2021, www.thewholesomewitch.com/beltane-correspondence-guide/.

Kiernan, Anjou. The Ultimate Guide to the Witch’s Wheel of the Year: Rituals, Spells & Practices for Magical Sabbats, Holidays & Celebrations. Fair Winds, 2021.

NicGarran, Bree. “Flower Moon - May 22-23, 2024.” Tumblr, 21 May 2024, www.tumblr.com/breelandwalker/751111279922528256/flower-moon-may-23-2024?source=share.

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Swanner, Rebecca. “May Full Moon: Spiritual Meaning and Rituals for the Flower Moon.” The Pagan Grimoire, 1 Mar. 2026, www.pagangrimoire.com/may-full-moon-meaning-rituals-flower-moon/.

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Guidelines

Thank you, everyone, for coming to Kindred Circle’s gathering. 

Please feel free to place items on the altar or in the basket to be charged by the energy of our circle. 

There will be opportunities for personal sharing during our time together. Please know that sharing is always optional, and you are always welcome to pass if you wish. 

We seek to honor sacred space and help all of us feel welcome and safe by respecting the confidentiality of our circle and avoiding cross-talk.

Introductions

Let’s begin by introducing ourselves with our name, pronouns, and a brief response to the following question: “What is one thing that gives you courage, especially in these hard times?”

Grounding

We gather tonight to honor and connect with the energies of the New Moon, allowing ourselves to be rejuvenated by the spark of the fire within ourselves and each other.

I invite you to take a moment to get comfortable for a brief grounding meditation. Close your eyes if you wish, or you may prefer to gaze at our altar. When you are ready, take a couple of deep breaths.

Speak a little more slowly and allow brief pauses so that people can absorb and connect with the meditation instructions.

Gently press the soles of your feet into the ground, and imagine the energy of the Earth flowing into you. Spring is blooming, allowing growth and action within us. Breathe in the energy, and exhale the mundane that you carry with you. Feel your roots reach into Mother Gaia’s core.

Once you feel that your energy is clear and positive, sense the weight of your body as it rests in your chair. Feel how you are supported by the earth beneath you, and fed by the energetic moon above. Take another deep breath, bringing your awareness back into your body. Wiggle your fingers and your toes, and gently open your eyes.

Circle Casting

To cast the circle, we will sing the following three times together: “We are a circle, within a circle, with no beginning and never ending.” Please stand as you’re able.

As I form the sacred circle with my wand, envision a warm, bright light of protective and healing energy forming as a giant sphere around the group. 

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form circle deosil around the group with wand (x1) to the pace of the chant

Invocations

Please stand as you’re able and willing as we invoke the elemental spirits at the cardinal directions. We will begin facing East, then turning South, West, North, and Center. Caller for the East, please start us off when you feel ready. 

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light red candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light blue candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light green candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light white candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Ritual Intention Statement, Meaning & Symbolism 

The New Moon this month is under the sign of Aries, the Ram. The New Moon is the opportune time for new intentions and projects, cultivating growth within yourself and around you. Aries is the beginning of the astrological cycle, and the New Moon begins the next iteration of the lunar cycle. Beginnings are afoot tonight!

The New Moon in Aries brings forth a strong surge of energy, providing space for action, confidence, and ambition. It’s a fresh start that allows us to break free of our previous limitations and pursue our goals. 

This incoming energy can manifest differently for each of us, depending on our personal goals. For some, it can include taking on a leadership position in a new project. For others, it can be the time to finally tackle that task you’ve been procrastinating over and over. No matter what resonates with you, now is the time to achieve it!

Gods and Goddesses associated with strength, passion, and ambition are near during this time. For example, you may feel called to Ares and Athena from Hellenic Polytheism, Brigid from Celtic paganism, and Freya from Norse mythology. Their intelligence, passion, and power guide us during these turbulent times, helping us persevere.

As the New Moon rises above, bask in Her darkness and strength as you gather the energy to venture forth.

Meditation

Now, I encourage you to get comfortable as we enter a meditative state. Slowly inhale through your nose, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this a few more times, and let your eyes flutter shut as we prepare to enter the theatre of the mind.

You stand on the edge of a forest. The night sky is dark, the wind blowing crisply through the trees. The air has a slight chill to it from where you stand. You feel it on your skin, and you listen to it drift through the grove.

As you listen closely, you hear the sound of people coming from deep within the woods. Your instinct calls you to follow, and you see the path ahead, leading to the faint voices in the center.

Your feet instinctively know the way, feeling their way through the fresh grass and soft dirt. Trees around you are beginning to bloom, and geraniums and dandelions grow at your feet. While the Moon doesn’t provide Her light this evening, She watches over you as you make your way deeper through the trees.

Finally, you reach the clearing at the center of the forest. A group of people stands around a fire, chanting and swaying with the flames. Two of them break off to let you enter, and you join their hands. As the chanting swells, you feel the energy course through you, your blood burning with passion. The fire wavers in the wind, the embers and flames forming images of what you seek this night. Look in the flames, search for your Self and your confidence.

Wait in silence for 60 seconds.

The combined energy transfers from one hand to another, making its way around the circle. You raise your hands as you get lost in the chant, the red and orange fire reflecting against white robes. Each person knows their intention with their being, raising their vigor to bring it into reality

As you feel your body filled with renewed energy, you see the image of a phoenix in the fire. It rises into the sky toward the Moon, and its strength is passed onto you as sparks mark its trail. You are reborn under the New Moon, and the year ahead is waiting for you. As you regain your breath, you feel rejuvenated and filled with a sense of intention and inspiration. Sit with this feeling, and embrace it.

Wait in silence for 30 seconds.

You begin to make your way back to the entrance of the forest. Your intuition knows the way, as always. As you find your way home, you gaze up at the Moon one last time. She is there, and always will be. She is yours to call upon, Her blessings unending.

As we end this meditation, center yourself and take another deep breath. Feel your feet ground you as you return to this plane. Once you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

Workings

Tonight’s ritual working is going to be a bit of a two-parter! The New Moon in Aries is a great time for candle magick, so we’re going to combine that with our usual intention-setting.

Our first step is to set our intentions and put them down on paper. If you had a vision in the fire during the meditation, I highly encourage you to use it as the basis for your intention, but it’s not mandatory. Your intention should be something to bring to fruition at the Full Moon, continuing the cycle of rebirth.

Pass around papers and pens, pause to let group write.

Now, for the candle magick aspect! I have some candles to pass out, along with some carving tools.

Pass around candles and carving tools.

This New Moon is all about “I am” statements, so setting your highest Self and embarking on the path to achieving it. So, “I am creative,” or “I am brave.” Look at your intention again and choose a characteristic of your Self that best suits it. If my intention is to successfully give a presentation in class, and that’s normally something that gives me anxiety, I’ll carve “I am confident” into the candle.

Pause to let group carve candles.

Take the candles home with you, and burn them when it’s time for your intention to activate! I recommend burning them all the way down to let the intention carvings release, but fire safety always comes first. Do what you’re comfortable with.

Now, fold up your intention papers and place them in the cauldron. We’ll light it at the end of the ritual, releasing our intentions into the night.

Cone of Power

The Cone of Power is an extension of our Circle’s energy, often visualized as a silver cone of energy. It’s a container of our inner strength and purpose, and in magical workings, we raise and direct our energy toward our goals. Our Cone will be harnessed with a chant, as follows. Let’s practice a few times until we get the hang of it.

ALL: Ancient Lady, Ancient Moon 

Rising now above us

We gather in Your sacred grove 

Asking that You bless us.

Let’s now connect hands, right over, left under. As we chant, I invite you to visualize the energy flowing clockwise through our circle as the chant grows in speed and power. Once the cone of power has reached its peak, we’ll call release to send our energy out into the universe.

Repeat louder & faster until energy is built, then call release.

Simple Feast

Now that we’ve released our energy, it’s time to ground back into the material plane. For ale, we have bubbly,  ________________ provided by ________________, and still, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have ________________ for cakes, provided by ________________.

Pass around cakes, cups, and drinks with a volunteer.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Blessed be!

Check-Ins / Sharing Final Thoughts

Before we close the circle, I’d like to open the floor for anyone who may wish to share, whether it be a poem, song, chant, anecdote, or story in the theme of tonight’s ritual, or anything from your personal experience tonight that you wish to share in this sacred space of community. 

Once it seems nobody else wishes to share, thank everyone for sharing with the group and for being here tonight.

Devocations

Let’s stand once more to close the circle together. We will move in reverse order of how we called in the quarters, starting with the Center, then North, and so on.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish white candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish green candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish blue candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish red candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Circle Closing

May the circle be open, but unbroken, may the love of the Goddess be ever in your hearts. Merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again! 

ALL: Blessed be!

Closing Statements

Thank you for coming, everyone! Please join us for fellowship and gathering, along with drinks and snacks.

Bibliography

Ariel. “New Moon in Aries: Meaning, Rituals, and Correspondences.” Soft Spirituality, 21 Feb. 2025, softspirituality.com/2025/02/21/new-moon-in-aries/.

Gladheart, Friday. Practical Witch’s Almanac 2024: Grow Your Craft. Microcosm Publishing LLC, 2023.

Guerreros, Donna. “The New Moon In Aries : I AM - The Power of Self and Intention Setting .” Donna Guerreros, Donna Guerreros, 13 May 2023, www.donnaguerreros.com/new-blog/the-new-moon-in-aries-i-am-the-power-of-self-and-intention-setting.

Hadas, Julia Halina. The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick: Your Complete Guide to Enhancing Your Magick with the Power of the Moon. Adams Media, 2024.

“New Moon in Aries - April 1, 2022.” Lunalux Botanicals, 31 Mar. 2022, lunaluxbotanicals.com/blogs/journal/new-moon-in-aries-april-1-2022.

Russell, Davy. “New Moon In Aries.” Moon & Leaf Magic, moonleafmagic.com/new-moon-in-aries/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Swanner, Rebecca. “How to Work with the New Moon in Aries: Meanings, Rituals, and Journal Prompts.” The Pagan Grimoire, 17 Mar. 2026, www.pagangrimoire.com/new-moon-in-aries-meaning/.

Guidelines

Thank you, everyone, for coming to Kindred Circle’s gathering. 

Please feel free to place items on the altar or in the basket to be charged by the energy of our circle. 

There will be opportunities for personal sharing during our time together. Please know that sharing is always optional, and you are always welcome to pass if you wish. 

We seek to honor sacred space and help all of us feel welcome and safe by respecting the confidentiality of our circle and avoiding cross-talk.

Introductions

Let’s begin by introducing ourselves with our name, pronouns, and a brief response to the following question: “What is one thing you need to reflect on either before or in the New Year?”

Grounding

We gather tonight to honor and connect with the energies of the Cold Moon, allowing ourselves the comfort of this time together and with sacred Spirit. 

I invite you to take a moment to get comfortable for a brief grounding meditation. Close your eyes if you wish, or you may prefer to gaze at our altar. When you are ready, take a couple of deep breaths.

Speak a little more slowly and allow brief pauses so that people can absorb and connect with the meditation instructions.

Gently press the soles of your feet into the ground, and imagine the energy of the Earth flowing into you. Breathe in the energy, and exhale the mundane that you carry with you. Feel your roots reach into Mother Gaia’s core, and take in her stability and healing.

Once you feel that your energy is stable and positive, sense the weight of your body as it rests in your chair. Feel how you are supported by the earth beneath you, and fed by the life-giving sun above. Take another deep breath, bringing your awareness back into your body. Wiggle your fingers and your toes, and gently open your eyes. 

Circle Casting

To cast the circle, we will sing the following three times together: “We are a circle, within a circle, with no beginning and never ending.” Please stand as you’re able.

As I form the sacred circle with my wand, envision a warm, bright light of protective and healing energy forming as a giant sphere around the group. 

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form circle deosil around the group with wand (x1) to the pace of the chant

Invocations

Please stand as you’re able and willing as we invoke the elemental spirits at the cardinal directions. 

We will begin facing East, then turning South, West, North, and Center. 

Caller for the East, please start us off when you feel ready. 

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light red candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light blue candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light green candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light white candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Ritual Intention Statement, Meaning & Symbolism 

December’s Full Moon is often referred to as the Cold Moon. The name originates from multiple Indigenous American traditions, reflecting the harsh, cold nights that typically occur around this time of year. Other names given to it include the Long Night’s Moon, due to its proximity to Winter Solstice, the Oak Moon, and the Yule Moon. Winter has arrived with its bitter winds and long nights, and the moon is our guide through the pitch-black darkness.

In the cocoon of the night, the Cold Moon provides us with the space to step back and reflect upon the past year. What were your successes, but also your downfalls? But remember to give yourself grace. Use the past 12 months as stepping stones for the upcoming year, a foundation to adapt to any challenges that may arise. 

The darkness provides a shadow, allowing for the introspection required for magick, such as shadow work and spiritual path exploration. Discover your inner strength and peace, and shed the things that weigh you down. The Cold Moon is under Gemini, which helps you find balance, harmony, and healthy communication.

In accordance with themes of death, rebirth, and change, the gods and goddesses of the Cold Moon include Hekate, Persephone, Athena, and Hades of Hellenic polytheism, Osiris and Hathor of Kemetic paganism, and Minerva of Roman mythology. The circle of life spins forevermore, and they watch over us as we make our way around it.

As the Full Moon rises above, bask in Her light and wisdom as you prepare for the cold weeks ahead.

Meditation

Now, I encourage you to get comfortable as we enter a meditative state. Slowly inhale through your nose, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this a few more times, and let your eyes flutter shut as we prepare to enter the theatre of the mind.

It’s a chilly night. Snow covers the ground and the needles of the trees around you as you stand on the edge of a dark forest. You wrap your cloak tighter around you, the wool providing warmth to help you brave the cold. You feel something becon you toward the center of the forest. A soft voice calls you from deep within. Come, my child, it whispers on the wind, join me in the shadow of the woods.

You follow the bright light of the Full Moon above, Her glory illuminating the path. Branches and snow crunch under your boots as robins flit from tree to tree above your head. You hear your breath and see the fog it creates on the wind as you progress deeper and deeper through the forest.

The scents of pine, cedar, and fir float on the air. It’s soothing, mixing with the scent of fresh, crisp snow. The trees, tall and aged, glow under the moonlight. They’ve seen the cold of Winter and phases of the Moon for centuries upon centuries, unwavering in their strength.

Finally, you reach the clearing in the heart of the trees. Standing in the middle is a large mirror made of black obsidian, framed by a weaving pattern of cast iron. Sit down, my child. The mirror calls to you, louder than before, and you’re pulled to sit down comfortably in front of the mirror. Your spine straightens just so as the roots of your body reach down into the Earth, your energy exchanging with the world around you.

Close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and empty your mind. The sounds of the forest still completely, as if they did so just for you. You listen to the mirror, allowing yourself to slowly enter a trance state. Now, look into my darkness. You obey the mirror, softly gazing upon its inky black reflection. Observe, my child. What do you see?  As you gaze in the mirror, take note of any shapes, objects, or ideas that appear with you. Keep your mind open to the messages the Universe is sending out to you. Breathe.

Wait in silence for 60 seconds.

The mirror’s reflection begins to ripple, the images slowly fading away. The wind picks up again, and you hear the hooting of a Snowy Owl in the distance. Take these messages with you, my child. They will be of use to you in the months to come. You bow your head in respects to the scrying mirror, and turn to exit out the way you came.

Before you can exit the clearing, however, two glowing eyes stare out from you within the darkness, positioned before a tree. You think someone is here with you, a deity or spirit, but you rub your eyes to clear your vision. Upon reopening them, it’s revealed to be a stag, the antlers blending in with the long branches. It looks at you for a few more seconds before making its way back into the woods, leaving hoofprints in the snow.

These hoofprints, along with the Moon and Her shining light, guide your way out. As you leave the crisp air behind and make your way toward home, remember to hold onto what you saw this fateful night.

Workings

As part of our ritual, we’re going to do some interactive work! The Full Moon is the perfect time for divination, along with giving yourself some gratitude and self-congratulations. I invite each of you to pull a card from my rune deck.

Walk around with deck fanned and allow each person to pull one card.

Inspect the card. Look at the imagery in the artwork. If you wish, read its description from the booklet on the altar. Now, take this information in. Use the card as the basis for your self-reflection on the past year. It’s time to be grateful for your achievements and celebrate even the smallest wins.

Pass around papers and pens.

As you listen to your inner voice, take a paper and pen from the basket. Write your intention for the year ahead, based on the one about to end. Focus on what you need from the deepest part of your soul, what will serve you well as we power through the snow and wait for Spring to bloom. Once you’ve written your intention, fold it up and place it in the cauldron. We’ll light it at the end of the night, releasing our intentions into the night.

Cone of Power & Grounding

The Cone of Power is an extension of our Circle’s energy, often visualized as a silver cone of energy. It’s a container of our inner strength and purpose, and in magical workings, we raise and target our energy towards our goals. Our Cone will be harnessed with a chant, as follows. Let’s practice a few times until we get the hang of it.

ALL: Ancient Lady, Ancient Moon 

Rising now above us

We gather in Your sacred grove 

Asking that You bless us.

Let’s now connect hands, right over, left under. As we chant, I invite you to visualize the energy flowing clockwise through our circle as the chant grows in speed and power. Once the cone of power has reached its peak, we’ll call release to send our energy out into the universe.

Repeat louder & faster until energy is built, then call release.

Simple Feast

Now that we’ve released our energy, it’s time to ground back into the material plane. For ale, we have bubbly,  ________________ provided by ________________, and still, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have our Nilla Wafers, provided by ________________.

Pass around wafers, cups, and drinks with a volunteer.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Blessed be!

Check-Ins / Sharing Final Thoughts

Before we close the circle, I’d like to open the floor for anyone who may wish to share, whether it be a poem, song, chant, anecdote, or story in the theme of tonight’s ritual, or anything from your personal experience tonight that you wish to share in this sacred space of community. 

Once it seems nobody else wishes to share, thank everyone for sharing with the group and for being here tonight. 

Devocations

Let’s stand once more to close the circle together. We will move in reverse order of how we called in the quarters, starting with the Center, then North, and so on.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish white candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish green candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish blue candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish red candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Circle Closing

May the circle be open, but unbroken, may the love of the Goddess be ever in your hearts. Merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again! 

ALL: Blessed be!

Closing Statements

Thank you for coming, everyone! Please join us for fellowship and gathering, along with drinks and snacks.

Bibliography

“December Cold Moon – @greenwitchcrafts on Tumblr.” Tumblr, 2 Dec. 2024, www.tumblr.com/greenwitchcrafts/768758759364476928/december-cold-moon?source=share.

December Correspondences “Oak Moon.” Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/32228953578435825/. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

“December Full Moon II (Monochromatic).” Book of Shadows, 5 Dec. 2022, cybercatdesigns.com/blog/december-full-moon-ii-monochromatic/.

“December Full Moon – @ambersgrimoire on Tumblr.” Tumblr, 26 Apr. 2023, www.tumblr.com/ambersgrimoire/715704638200070144/december-full-moon?source=share.

Fields, Kitty. “Full Cold Moon Spiritual Meaning, Magic, and Rituals.” Otherworldly Oracle, 31 Jan. 2025, otherworldlyoracle.com/full-cold-moon-meaning/.

“Full Cold Moon – @the-Hearth-Witchery on Tumblr.” Tumblr, 2 Dec. 2019, www.tumblr.com/the-hearth-witchery/189431872446/full-cold-moon?source=share.

“Full Cold Moon – December.” Journeying to the Goddess, 28 Dec. 2012, journeyingtothegoddess.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/full-cold-moon-december/.

Gladheart, Friday. The Practical Witch’s Almanac 2024 Grow Your Craft. Microcosm Publishing, 2023.

Halina Hadas, Julia. The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick. Adams Media, 2024.

“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Guide to Scrying.” The College of Psychic Studies, 24 Feb. 2022, www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/enlighten/guide-to-scrying/.

NicGarran, Bree. “Cold Moon - December 14-15 2024 – @breelandwalker on Tumblr.” Tumblr, 14 Dec. 2024, breelandwalker.tumblr.com/post/769797184953712640/cold-moon-december-15-2024.

Panthera. “What Is The Cold Moon? - December’s Full Moon.” Feralwood Witch, 24 June 2024, feralwoodwitch.com/cold-moon/.

Swanner, Rebecca. “December Full Moon: Spiritual Meaning for the Cold Moon.” The Pagan Grimoire, 13 Oct. 2025, www.pagangrimoire.com/december-full-moon-meaning-rituals-cold-moon/.

Vandervort, Sierra. “A Witch’s Guide to the Cold Moon: Meaning, Rituals & More.” The Local Mystic, 13 Feb. 2025, thelocalmystic.com/cold-moon/.

Wigington, Patti. “Celebrating December’s Full Long Nights Moon.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 25 June 2019, www.learnreligions.com/long-nights-moon-2562392.

Samhain is the final harvest before winter when the veil between the physical and spirit worlds is thinnest. Celebrated alongside Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saint’s Day, Samhain marks the end and beginning of the Wheel of the Year as we enter the darkest half of the year.

Samhain, as we know it to be currently, originates from ancient Celtic traditions. It was celebrated in the British Isles as the “night between years,” when the dead walked among mortals. The most important of the four Celtic festivals was a time to take stock of crops before the frost and honor the ancestors. 

Many of our modern Halloween traditions come from old Celtic traditions. The aos sí (ace SHE), fairy-like spirits, were left food and drink outside to avoid their mischief, such as killing livestock during the winter. People went door-to-door in costumes to blend in with the aos sí and collected offerings, a predecessor to trick-or-treating. Rather than pumpkins, turnips were carved with faces to symbolize the spirits crossing over and ward off malevolent ones.

There were several Celtic deities and entities who were and still are associated with Samhain. The Pooka, a shapeshifting Irish figure often depicted as a dark horse with fiery eyes, roamed the countryside, causing mayhem, and was a bringer of both good and bad fortune. Cerridwen, the cauldron-keeper Welsh triple goddess of the underworld, and The Morrigan, the Irish triple goddess of war, death, and fate, were both commonly associated with Samhain due to their associations with the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

Samhain has become a tradition among modern pagans and is included in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. The most important of the four greater Sabbats it’s a time to reconnect with ancestors, such as decorating altars with candles and mementos of loved ones who have passed. Divination, a typical ancient Celtic Samhain practice, is also a modern activity. Samhain is also an excellent time for shadow work and exploring your unconscious self.

In modern Wiccan practices, Samhain is associated with the Crone, the final of the Triple Goddesses. She’s one to go to for advice and teaches us that sometimes we need to let go to move on. The God of Samhain, The Horned One, is the animal that dies so we may eat and survive the winter. Gods and Goddesses not from Celtic lore but still associated with Samhain include Persephone, Hades, and Hecate from Hellenic tradition, Anubis and Osiris from Kemetic mythology, and Freya, Hel, and Odin from the Norse path.

Take this time to connect with the past, present, and future as the Wheel of the Year turns once more.

Bibliography

Gavin, Sophie. “Samhain - Celtic Festival of Spirits and Transformation.” Celtic Fusion ~ Folklore Clothing, Celtic Fusion ~ Folklore Clothing, 6 Mar. 2024, celticfusiondesign.com/blog/samhain-celebrating-the-celtic-festival-of-spirits-and-transformation.

Kiernan, Anjou, and Leslie Olson. The Ultimate Guide to the Witch’s Wheel of the Year: Rituals, Spells & Practices for Magical Sabbats, Holidays & Celebrations. Fair Winds, 2021.

“Origins in Samhain.” 13 Things, www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7448.html. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.

“Samhain (Samain) - The Celtic Roots of Halloween.” Newgrange.Com, www.newgrange.com/samhain.htm#:~:text=In%20Celtic%20Ireland%20about%202%2C000,allowing%20spirits%20to%20pass%20through. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.

“Samhain.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Oct. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain.

“Samhain: 13 Facts about Halloween’s Celtic Roots.” OghamArt, 31 Oct. 2022, oghamart.com/blogs/news/samhain-halloween-celtic-roots.

Meditation

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the air come in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take a moment to center yourself.

You find yourself at the entryway to a lush forest in the middle of the night. There is a light dusting of snow on the ground and the pine trees in front of you, and a slight chill to the air that leaves goosebumps on your skin, but not too cold that it becomes uncomfortable. You feel pulled to enter the forest, a gentle energy calling you from deep within the woods. You make your way in, the snow and branches crunching under your footsteps.

As you venture through the forest, you see small shrubs and tiny, white primroses beginning to bloom. The plants line your pathway as you find your way, helping you along. As you go deeper, you encounter a fork in the path. As you ponder which way to go, the voice that called you into the forest calls you again. You look up and notice a white owl standing on a branch leading to one of the paths, and it hoots, beckoning for you to follow.

You follow the owl, its wings almost angelic as it flies from tree to tree. Come with me, you feel it say as it leads you. It acts as a guide, preventing you from straying from the path. The trees thin out as you continue, and you reach the opening of a glade. The owl stops and turns its head towards the open space. Here we are, you hear in your mind.

As you step into the open space, you are greeted by a large lake. The light of the Moon ripples off of the waves, and you are shown Her Divine energy. The Moon glows, radiating Her gentle, guiding power. It radiates from the lake, filling you with calming energy. Come, My child, she calls to you. In Her Full Mother phase, She invites you to come near the waters. Be Blessed by my energy. You take off your shoes and dip your toes into the water, chilly but filled with cleansing power. 

Think of what you yearn most for, and look into My waters. You look into the water, watching your reflection in the waves. You see your reflection morph into your manifestations, the successes to come as the Full Moon shows Her strength. You feel your body rejuvenated, not only by the power of the Moon Goddess but also by your own strength and will to meet your accomplishments. You are Blessed by Her, full of renewed power for the coming year.

My chosen animal will guide your way home, She says. Do not forget your blessing, and feel My energy with you every day. You thank the Moon Goddess for her guidance and energy, bowing your head in respect. You step out of the water and slip your shoes back on. The water The Moon cleansed you with is not uncomfortable or soaking your shoes. The owl hoots once more and flaps its wings, calling for you. You follow it through the grove, the Moon’s guiding light shining as you return from where you came.

As we end this meditation, center yourself and take another deep breath. Feel your feet ground you as you return to this plane. Once you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

Chant & Calling the Quarters

We’ll sing “We Are a Circle” now. Feel free to stand, but don’t feel pressured to.

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form circle deosil around the group with wand (x1) to the pace of the chant

Now, to call the quarters.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light yellow candle

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light red candle

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light blue candle

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light green candle

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light white and black candles

ALL: Hail and welcome.

The Meaning of the Moon

February’s Full Moon, also known as the Snow Moon, is named for the time of year when snow is typically at its heaviest. It’s also known as the Quickening Moon due to many animals expecting birth and the “quickening” of the Earth below our feet in the spring, or the Hunger Moon, because of the difficulty of finding food during the harsh winter months. While the nights are getting shorter, winter is not yet behind us. 

Nonetheless, it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings, courage, and self-reflection. It’s a time to mark the completion of a cycle and meditate on what you’ve done not only successfully, but where to improve in the future. The Snow Moon shows there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and the warmth of spring in the coming months will bring new joy.

The Snow Moon for 2024 is under Virgo, symbolizing purification, healing, and grounding. The energy around you changes with the Moon’s phases, allowing for further growth and banishment of negative energy. Spring is on its way, and the old thought patterns of 2023 are now behind us. 

Writing and organization are also key themes. You may have felt the urge to pick up a paper and pen or clean your workspace, which is typical and encouraged! It’s an excellent time to start Spring cleaning and make your home and hearth comfortable as we await the colorful blooms that Ostara will bring in March.

As displayed in the Triple Moon Goddess, the Full Moon is the Mother. According to Jung’s theory of the Collective Unconscious, the Mother is a symbol of the Divine Feminine, filled with nurturing, loving, and compassionate energy. Examples of the Mother include the Goddesses Demeter and Selene from the Hellenic pantheon, Ceres from Roman mythology, or the Badb from Celtic lore. The archetype persists in Pagan influences and other religious influences in pop culture, such as Selûne from The Forgotten Realms or The Dolorosa from Homestuck. (Author's note: I know The Dolorosa is based on The Virgin Mary, but She still embodies the Mother archetype)

As the Earth slowly awakens around us for the changing seasons, She is there to guide us. The Mother represents growth, new life, and the love of all creatures on Earth. Though it may seem slow, new life is beginning to bloom. Her earthly womb is fertile, and the Spring will offer birth to all manner of flora and fauna. As the Full Moon rises above, Her Grace will continue to bloom.

Cone of Power

Now, for the Cone of Power. Stand if you’re able, with hands linked. Left hand under, right hand over.

ALL: Ancient Lady, Ancient Moon 

Rising now above us 

We gather in Your sacred grove 

Asking that You bless us.

Repeat louder & faster until energy is built, then call release.

Drawing Cards & Intentions

Full Moons are a time particularly suited for divination and connected to the Fae, as it was thought they’d be particularly active under the light of the Full Moon. I invite each of you to pull a card from my Fairy Tarot deck.

Walk around with deck fanned and allow each person to pull one card.

Inspect the card. Look at the imagery in the artwork. Read the description at the bottom of the card. Now, take this information in. Think of how it applies to your accomplishments this past Moon cycle and what you want to manifest in the future. It’s time to be grateful for yourself and your power and celebrate big and small events. 

Pass around papers and pens.

With these in mind, take a paper and pen and write your intention for the coming weeks. It can be anything. For example, good health, time for relaxation, or the energy you need for practicing your Craft at home. Once you’ve written your intention, fold it up and place it in the cauldron. We’ll light it at the end of the night.

Simple Feast

It's time for cakes and ale. We have unleaded, ________________ provided by ________________, and leaded, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have ________________ for cakes, provided by ________________.

Pass around wafers, cups, and drinks.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Dismissing the Quarters & Farewell

Now, to thank the quarters.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish green candle

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish blue candle

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish red candle

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish yellow candle

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish white and black candles

ALL: Hail and farewell.

The Circle is open, yet the Circle remains as its magical power is drawn back into us. 

ALL: Merry meet, and Merry part, and Merry meet again! So mote it be.

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