A Solitary Spring Equinox Rite

This season our local ADF Grove cancelled our public seasonal ritual performance for, I think, the first time in our history. We've had a couple of weather-related close calls, but this is the first time that we simply won't hold a rite, thanks to the COVID 19 problem.

Here is a reasonably simple rite that can be done at a family dinner table, or alone. It requires a few candles, a bowl of water and a couple of simple symbolic props

I will take the strength of the land for our own, and let growth and the rising light overcome ill.

A Family Table Rite  for Spring

In addition to service for the food, arrange the Center of the table, as desired, with four good candles, one shorter than the others, and an attractive bowl of clean water. If desired a decorative Tree symbol completes the array. A piece of silver or quartz crystal might be present to drop into the water, and incense is good, if tolerable for a meal-table. Also have present a preferred beverage, or two, to receive the Blessing.

• With all prepared, the kin join hands, and breathe together in silence for a moment.

• The Head of the Table lights the short candle, drops the silver into the Water, and speaks:

We come together to celebrate the turning of tides, the rising of light, the balance of the rolling wheel. In the name of the Earth Mother and the Spirit of the Grain, Let us seek blessing.

• All recite:

The Fire, the Well, the Sacred Tree

Flow and Flame and Grow in me

By Land, Sea and Sky, Below and On High

Let the Water be blessed and the Fire be hallowed.

• It is good to formally cleanse– pass the water, or sprinkle all – pass incense if do-able; this may be light-hearted.

One simple charm (spoken three times) is:

By the Might of the Waters and the Light of the Fire

Let this meal/table/gathering be blessed!

An offering is given, saying:
• Where Fire and Water Meet, Where Land and Sea and Sky are joined
There is the Sacred Center, The Crossroads of Worlds.
We light the Fire of Welcome, we draw water from the Holy Well,
And to the Gods of Crossroads we offer,
That this place be a sacred place, a between place,
A place of meeting for mortals and the spirits.
 Let the Roads be open, let the voice be heard, let the Gates be Open!

• The Head, or another, lights the three tall candles in turn as all recite:

Oh all you Holy Beings of the Worlds, In all your might

We call you, whether unnamed or by name, By these three lights

(light one tall candle)

Beloved Dead, you travelers, gone before, To you in love

(light one tall candle)

Oh wond’rous spirits of this land we call, To you in awe

(light one tall candle)

And every shining god, in every heart, To you in honor true

Love, awe and honor, these we light

With these three flames here, burning bright

And bid the spirits bide with us in peace.

The Spring Charm:
For this charm have a stone from the surrounding land (or a small bowl of dirt), a handful of seed-wheat or corn, Two offerings of incense are also ready

The Head, or another, begins:

• Light and Dark in balance, turning; Year comes forth from Winter, changing
Shoots come forth from mud and soil, kits and young are birthed, as well
Sing we springtime one and all, as all the land rejoices.
Unto the landfolk we give honor, remember we your sleep and waking
Give us your blessing in the planting, and multiply it in the reaping
As spring brings summer and the harvest

The stone or soil is taken up and held as the charm is said. The stone or soil may be passed around the table for each to contemplate, if desired.
• To the Mother of All we make our prayer, and likewise give this offering.
An incense offering is made
Many named, who upholds every path, womb of grain and final tomb
Let your power be growth in the season of growth.
Let water run free, and soil be rich and quenched
Let sun be warm and winds kind, and the storm bring the protection of the Thunderer
Earth Mother, you are the Womb of Spring
Be for us the Mother of Peace

The Corn, in a bowl, is elevated, or passed around the table, saying:
• To the Spring Thunderer we make our prayer, and likewise give this offering
An incense offering is made
Thunder-wielder, who wakes the seed and guards the corn
Let your power be growth in this season of growth.
Shake the sky, rumble the ground, and let no good seed stay sleeping
Lightning charge the air, and guard against all ill; keep safe the Beloved Mother.          
Thunderer, you are the Hammer of Spring
Be for us the Shield of Protection

This charm can be said or sung three times, or until all the tokens have returned.

So turn, turn, from dark to light
We stand in place ‘tween left and right
One hand is winter, one is spring
Between is each and every thing.

All recite or sing the prayer of sacrifice, and a final offering of incense might be given.
• Hear us Holy Ones
Offering we give to all
In Honor, Reverence, and Joy
Accept our sacrifice, we call

A daring and confident host might choose to draw an omen at this time. Many will be happy simply to proceed to the Blessing:

The Head of the Table, or another recites:

• The lights are lit, and the feast is ready. Let the blessing be poured for us all.

The prepared drinks are poured, and a single passing-cup is raised, or everyone raises their cup, and recites:      

Let this be blessing, poured for us, from the Holy Powers.

Let it be wisdom, let it be strength, let it be love, between us, true.

Let the World be soil, in which our hearts sprout and bloom and bear.
Let the Season be life, and energy, and strength for the growing
Mother of All, Thunder-Champion, we ask your blessing on these cups.

• All drink, then bide a moment in silent unity.

• The Head begins closing, saying:

• So we accept the blessing of Spring! To all those who have come at our call, All who have given us their blessing, to all those who bide with us in Spring, we give thanks. We bid you go in peace, if you will, or stay at our sides in blessing. Spirits, we thank you!

The Gatekeeper is thanked and the gate closed, saying:

• Keeper of Gates, Lord of Ways, for keeping the crossroad, we give you our thanks.

Now let the Fire be but flame; Let the Well be but water

Let all be as it was before; Save only for the magic we have made.

Let the gates be closed!

Then all recite the Great Blessing:

• We offer our thanks to the Mother of All.

We offer our thanks to the Gods, Dead and Spirits.

May the Three Sacred Kins bring joy to all beings, and renew the ancient wisdom.

To the Fire, Well and Tree we offer our thanks.

May Wisdom, Love and Power kindle in all beings, and renew the ancient wisdom.

To the Earth, Sea, and Sky we offer our thanks.

May the ancient wisdom be renewed, and may all beings know peace, joy and happiness

In all the worlds.        So be it!

• The Head concludes, saying:
Let us keep gratitude in our hearts for this blessing, for this labor, for this good food we are about to eat, in the light of the Holy Ones.
Holy Ones, we thank you (all repeat)
Let’s Eat!