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This is a very beautiful ceremony to be performed by a priestess. Anyone that is close and trusted my conduct the ceremony. I do feel that it should be done by a female, my opinion. HPS stands for High Priestess.
Cast a Circle
HPS: Spring is come
The lambing begun
Out of the Earth, out of the Air
Out of the Water, out of the Fire
A child is born.
Welcome we now [child's name]!
The child is dipped in a cauldron of warm water, and then wrapped in a shirt of the opposite sex. The child is taken in arms and address by the HPS:
Do not forget, what seems the most different from you is not different, but a part of yourself, a mirror to your deepest
nature.
She offers child to the quarters:
East: Let the air come
That bears the hawk
That brings the clouds
And the life-giving rain.
Let the air come now
To be a friend and guardian
To [child].
South: Let the fire come
That shines in the sun
That shines in the heart
And opens the womb.
Let the fire come now
To be a friend and guardian
To ...
West: Let the water come
That freshens the pool
That moves with the moon
And boils in the cauldron
Let the water come now
To be a friend and guardian
To ...
North: Let the earth come
That gives the grain
That is flower an dfruit
And the deep hidden caves.
Let the Earth come now
To be a friend and guardian
To ...
The HPS tucks child in a willow basket lined with virgin white linen, tucking the cloth under the child's chin. The basket is handed to the mother, who holds it toward the HPS & the father
HPS says:
"Lord of Grain" while placing a loaf of bread on the cloth
"Mother of Milk" while placing cheese next to the bread
"Fire of immortality" whirling taper of fire 3 times over basket
Mother stands holding the basket in her arms. The father holds his hands as high as he can reach over the basket, while the HPS lays her hands upon the earth beneath it. Slowly, with barely perceptible movement, they bring their hands closer together as an expectant warbling hum rises among the gathering. As their hands meet the basket, signifying the meeting of heaven and earth, shrieks & skirls of excitement burst from every mouth. The pagan baptismal is complete, the
survival of the child as assured as the community's magic can make it.
Close the Circle
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