A Celebration Ritual

This was done to celebrate the reforming CUUPS community in Lexington

The quarters are set up with symbols of the elements as offerings. In the appropriate quarters should be: Sage, Witch Fire (Fire-inna-bowl, Rubbing Alc, and Epsom Salt), Water,
Salt/Fruit.

On the altar, there should be candles, and possibly 'tools'. There should be symbols of each of the elements on the altar. We will use both materials gathered on-site, and any personal
materials brought by the participants. Other than objects to be 'Charged',
offerings should be left on the site after ritual is completed, so organic matter is
probably best.

The ritual begins with heartbeat drumming, to continue thru all, the drummer
should be in the circle, near altar/north.

The leader invokes the Quarters and offers gifts to them on arrival. The leader invites
the appropriate Vettir, Spirits, Devas, and Guardians.

The group casts the circle, communally. From the east point, each offers their left hand
to the next on left, saying:
"From hand to hand the circle is cast".
Leader, or East, when finally re-joined affirms with:
"We are between the worlds"
[Ritual-note, this order of casting is intended to allow the powers
that be time to come and join in the circle, rather than watch outside. The
circle isn't so much intended to block out the environment, as to
shift human perceptions to other planes.]

Leader says:

"Tonight, the moon is full, and the time of the balance of light and
dark is upon us. We ask that tonight be a time of unity, an acknowledgment of the
reciprocal ties between we who walk about, and those who go in other ways. Tonight, we all are met to honor the spirits of this place, the spirit of our community and the spirit of this time.
We ask that they all be well disposed towards us, as we thank them for their aid.

Look now. See with your inner eye. We're surrounded by the Powers that
Be. Diana rises. The Forest Calls.  The Stream Tumbles.  Life surrounds us. See it. Call it.

Let each one offer to associate honorably with those who dwell here, those who we call; Devas's of Plants
Devas of Animals
Spirits of Land
Spirits of Water
Spirit of Air
Spirits of the Shifting Light

Here are gifts. Let us be made strong thru you."

[Here, the participants go around the circle, starting with the leader or East. Individuals each can comment on perceptions, covenant with locals and make individual offerings, as desired. I'd recommend that 'regulars' or leaders be the first few, to model the appropriate behavior. Their comments should focus the group on the cause for celebration. Multiple cycles around the circle, are possible, as needed.]

Leader says:

"Thank you all Fire, Air, Earth, Water; Spirits great and small; Lady of the Moon. We are the better for your being. Aide us now and in future, as we undertake to hold to you. Now we return to the middle world, remembering your strength, your aide, your blessings.
We return to the middle world.

Our circle is open but unbroken.
Hail and Fair well North and Earth
Hail and Fair well West and Water
Hail and Fair well South and Fire
Hail and Fair well East and Air
Hail and Fair well all gathered here.
Blessed be."

[Offerings either remain in place, or are scattered as appropriate]