THE BARDIC YEAR Ritual for Wiccan groups - by the White Bard 1991-92 CE --------------------------------------------------------------- The following are suggested rituals within the four major calendar celebrations. They are written from a Wiccan standpoint, using Celtic traditions, and take the form of Mystery Plays that (sometimes) are -not- fully explained (!). Try not to explain them to the participants, but rather allow them to act upon the participants in a subliminal, emotional fashion. That is, after all, what they are designed to do. Note: "%" marks "stage directions" N:earth W:water E:air S:fire The BARD should stand to the WEST, unless otherwise specified in the ritual. --------------------------------------------------------------- YULE RITUAL: 21 December -by the White Bard Materials: a very small, just sprouted potted plant. a candle for each covener present. a MOTHER. She should wear a blue garment, if possible. a MAIDEN, dressed in white. a Crown of Light, made from three, six, or nine candles. a BARD/GREEN MAN. % The ceremony for the Lesser Sabbats should be written by newer % members of the coven, as part of their learning. At an appropriate % place in the ceremony, the following should be inserted: % Here begins the Yule Mystery. ALL light shall be % extinguished, all fires put out, save that in the South. % The Bard/Green Man shall lie on his back in the East, as % if dead. % The HPS shall say: HPS: Darkness covers all. The Old King is dead, and there is no warmth for the Mother. The days are short, and the nights are long. COVEN: Give us Light! HPS: The Maiden wanders the Earth, Maiden no more, but soon to be Mother. The Earth is cold, and there is no place for her to give birth. COVEN: Give us Light! HP: Mother, give us the Child of Promise! The Lord Of Life strains to be born! COVEN: Give us Light! MOTHER: I seek a place to rest, and give birth. % The Mother should wander about the inside of the circle, as if % looking for something, and not finding it. She should act very % tired, and project a sense of urgency. % She then goes to the East, and assumes the Goddess pose, standing, % arms and legs spread in the form of a five-pointed star. % There shall be a pause, and the Bard/Green Man shall then quietly % rise up, and stand behind the Mother. If it seems appropriate, the % more primitive symbolism of him crawling out from between the legs % of the Mother may be used. He should be carrying a lit candle, or % some other source of light. BARD/GREEN MAN: Cunning and art I do not lack, But -always- Her Cauldron brings me back! % The Bard/Green Man shall take his lit candle, and proceed to re-light % the corner candles, moving deasil, and any other fires within the circle. % The just-sprouted potted plant is picked up by the Mother and held in % front of her during this candle-lighting. % The Bard/Green Man shall then take the plant from the hands of the Mother, % bring it to the center of the circle, and raise it above his head, saying: BARD/GREEN MAN: Here is the Promise, that is always fulfilled. % The plant is then passed around the circle, and given to the Mother, who % should take it home and water and nurture it thru the year, if possible. % The Maiden shall then take the place of the Mother, and the Mother shall % return to her place within the circle. % Here ends the Yule Mystery. --------------------------------------------------------------- CANDLEMAS (IMBOLC) RITUAL: 2 February -by the White Bard Materials: a candle for each covener present. a MAIDEN, dressed in white. a Crown of Light, made from three, six, or nine candles. a BARD/GREEN MAN. a DARK LORD, dressed in dark clothing, and holding a dark cloak. % The place of ritual should be set up, away from the % gathered participants. % It is more than a good idea to manage bathrooms and such like % before the circle is closed. This Mystery is not something any % of the participants should miss out on! HPS: Go we now to the sacred place And stand within the sacred space Turn your minds to sacred things And dance with me unto the ring! % HP and HPS lead the coven to the place of ritual by a % spiral dance, ending in a circle around the altar. The % cauldron should be at the south. The Bard/Green Man % dances at the end of the line. A good song to sing here % is "Lord Of The Dance." HPS: Come we forth, with the Spiral Dance Within the Lady's radiance To celebrate the Sun's rebirth To renew life, to warm the Earth Earth and Water, Fire and Air I invoke the Goddess there! This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky I invoke the God on high This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! % The corners shall be called thusly, that all may hear, but % shall not be called until the HPS reaches that corner on her % circumnabulation. EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower, Airy ones of healing power I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power Thus I invite you to this tower I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! WEST: Western ones of water's flow Help to guard us here below I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern fame Bless and guard our Power's fane I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! % The HPS shall move to each corner, and say, following each % corner's crying as she moves to the next: HPS: So I cast and consecrate This Circle of the small and great: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea, By Fire and Water, Earth and Air, By the Lord, and Lady Fair! By Love and Joy and Work and Play, All things harmful cast away! By lightening's flash, and rain's soft fall, By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: (Cast the Circle: Blessed be!) % On her return to the first corner she shall change the last % line above, and say: The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be! % The callers of the corners shall return their tools to the % altar, and then shall join the circle at their corners. -------------------------------------------------- % Here begins the Candlemas (Imbolc) Mystery: % The Maiden shall step forth, and say: MAIDEN: This is the time of Brigid, the Patron of Poets and Fire, and of Healing. HPS: This is the time of new beginnings, when the Mother has become Maiden. HP: The days have turned, and grow longer, and the Sun-child is growing to His strength. BARD/GREEN MAN: I have been a wave upon the sea, And a spark in the firelight. I have been a fish in the ocean. I have been a Thought within a Word, And a Word within a Deed. I was cast away, and found again. I have been made of flowers And of cold steel and brass. Fire and ice are alike unto me. I have been the narrow blade of a sword That kills without cutting. And the Void is my homeland. I have been in Caer Sidi In the Spiral Castle of Glass. And the letters on the Standing Stones Are no secret from me. I have been in Annwyn And Tir na n'Og, I have danced the Spiral Dance, And drunk from the Hierlas at daybreak. I have ridden beneath two ravens And served in the kitchen, And all places are alike unto me. I have been a child And now I come into my strength! I invoke the Land, the dear Land, the Earth our Mother! MAIDEN: The cycles of the Moon have taken their course, and I am in my Maidenhood. The stars are kindled, and I dance in their light. DARK LORD: Thy home is with me thru the long months of Winter, and the Earth shall lie fallow and bare. % The HPS shall then light the candles of the Crown of Light, % and shall approach the Maiden, who is now standing in the East, and % place it upon her head. % She shall now, in company with the Bard/Green Man, circumnabulate the % circle, and the coveners shall light their candles from her crown. % The Bard/Green Man shall return to his normal place within the circle % and the Maiden shall place the Crown of Light on the altar. % The Maiden shall then approach the Dark Lord, and kneel before him, % and he shall say: DARK LORD: As it always is, always was, and always shall be. Come to my Kingdom. % Here he shall place the dark cloak around her, and they shall retire % to the West. % Here ends the Candlemas Mystery. ----------------------------------------------------------------- % A normal cone-of-power may be raised, for growth and healing: HPS: In a ring we all shall stand Pass the Power, hand to hand. HP: As the Sun is given birth Build the Power; root to Earth HPS: Pass the Power, hand to hand Bless the Lady, bless the Land HP: Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies Bless the Power that never dies! % The above four verses should be repeated three times, (or % as many times as needed) and then the HPS should say: HPS: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree: Let the Power flow out and free! % All should release, at this point. ------------------------------------------------------ % Such coven business as must be transacted may be done here. % This is a good time to bless candles for use during the coming year. % This is also a good time for initiations. ------------------------------------------------------ % The Circle is opened. HPS: Thus I release the East and West Thanks to them from Host to Guest Thus I release the South and North With "Blessed Be' I send them forth! The Circle's open, dance we so Out and homeward we shall go. Earth and Water, Air and Fire Celebrated our desire. The Sun's returned to banish dark The Earth awakes to sunlight's spark. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, Our circle's done; and Blessed Be! COVEN: Blessed Be! % All spiral dance out from the Circle. --------------------------------------------------------------- EOSTAR RITUAL: (Spring Equinox) -by the White Bard Materials: a MAIDEN, who shall be dressed in white, covered by a black (or other dark material) cloak, preferably with a hood drawn over her head. No white of her garment should show. a BARD/GREEN MAN, who shall either recite or sing his Song Of Calling, preferably accompanied by an approp- riate musical instrument (drum, flute, harp, guitar) % The ceremony for the Lesser Sabbats should be written by newer % members of the coven, as part of their learning. At an appropriate % place in the ceremony, the following should be inserted: % Here begins the Eostar Mystery: % Bard and Maiden shall stand together in the North, with the HP % between them. MAIDEN: I have been in the Kingdom of the Dark Lord, Where no Sun shines. But now I shall return to the green of Earth, And all things shall rejoice with me. BARD/GREEN MAN: Follow me forth from the Dark Lord's Hall And show that Love will conquer all! % Bard moves to the East, and shall sing his Song of Calling: % Song of Calling may be whatever the Bard feels appropriate. % The below listed song is a suggestion only, and is used with % the author's permission: THE BARD'S SONG (c) copyright 1990 W. J. Bethancourt III (Tune: "Dublin City") BARD: As I walked out one quiet evening At the hour of twelve at night Who should I meet but a fair young maiden Combin' her hair by candle light; Lassie, I have come a-courtin' Your kind favours for to win And if you'd heed my petition I would be your Paladin... (CHORUS) Gather roses in the Springtime Gather roses while ye may, Time is passing; roses wither; Winter comes; we're here -today-. % Bard moves to the South, Maiden moves to the East. BARD: Have you seen the dew a-formin' On the grass at early morn? Have you seen the forest quiet, Or a stag that's barely born? Have you seen the dawn a-breakin' O'er the Western Ocean's tide? Have you felt my heart a-beatin' When it's held close to your side? (CHORUS) Gather roses in the Springtime Gather roses while ye may, Time is passing; roses wither; Winter comes; we're here -today-. % Bard moves to the West, Maiden moves to the South. BARD: I can give no gold or silver, I can give no fields of land, I can give no servants brisk To wait on you both foot and hand; I can give you wide roads callin' Wind and Rain, and Moon and Sun, Songs to sing, and love and laughter, Dresses made of plain home-spun. (CHORUS) Gather roses in the Springtime Gather roses while ye may, Time is passing; roses wither; Winter comes; we're here -today-. % Bard moves to the North, Maiden moves to the West. BARD: Come dance with me upon the greensward In the moonlight, in the Spring. Dance with me within the forest Dance with me within the ring! Earth below us, stars above us, Fire and water by our side, Dance with me within the moonlight, Dance with me, and be my Bride! (CHORUS) Gather roses in the Springtime Gather roses while ye may, Time is passing; roses wither; Winter comes; we're here -today-. % Bard moves to the Center, Maiden moves to the North. % The HP shall try to hold her back, by holding her dark cloak, % but she shall unclasp it, and move to the center, leaving the % HP holding the cloak, revealing herself dressed in white, and % shall stand beside the Bard. MAIDEN: I have been in the Kingdom of the Dark Lord, Where no Sun shines. But now I return to the green of Earth, And all things shall rejoice with me. % The HPS shall crown the Maiden with a wreath of flowers. % Here ends the Eostar Mystery. --------------------------------------------------------------- THE DAY OF THE FOOL: April 1 -by the White Bard % This day is not in the traditional cycle, but should not be % omitted by those of the Bardic Path. There is no "set" ritual, % but this is the time for satire and general foolery by all. % A good thing to do here is to have a simple gathering, perhaps % a pot-luck, choose a King and/or Queen of Fools, and have a % good party. See the German Fasching or Mardi Gras for hints. --------------------------------------------------------------- BELTANE RITUAL: May Day -by the White Bard Materials: One cauldron, filled with water a wreath of flowers for the MAIDEN the Maiden should wear white, if possible two wooden swords (optional) a fire, as close to the ground as possible A BARD/GREEN MAN (note: if you have no Bard, then a male to act as Green Man should be chosen either by lottery, or by the Maiden. The Maiden is, of course, free to request a specific person to act as Green Man even if there is a Bard available to the coven.) candles for all, if possible ***************************************** % The place of ritual should be set up, away from the gathered % participants. % It is more than a good idea to manage bathrooms and such like % before the circle is closed. This Mystery is not something any % of the participants should miss out on! HPS: Go we now to the sacred place And stand within the sacred space Turn your minds to sacred things And dance with me unto the ring! % HP and HPS lead the coven to the place of ritual by a % spiral dance, ending in a circle around the altar. The % cauldron should be at the south. The Bard/Green Man % dances at the end of the line. HPS: Come we forth, with the Spiral Dance Within the Lady's radiance To celebrate the Year renewed And praise the Powers, with gratitude. Earth and Water, Fire and Air I invoke the Goddess there! This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky I invoke the God on high This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! % The corners shall be called thusly, that all may hear, but % shall not be called until the HPS reaches that corner on her % circumnabulation. EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower, Airy ones of healing power I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power Thus I invite you to this tower I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! WEST: Western ones of water's flow Help to guard us here below I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern fame Bless and guard our Power's fane I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! % The HPS shall move to each corner, and say, following each % corner's crying as she moves to the next: HPS: So I cast and consecrate This Circle of the small and great: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea, By Fire and Water, Earth and Air, By the Lord, and Lady Fair! By Love and Joy and Work and Play, All things harmful cast away! By lightening's flash, and rain's soft fall, By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: (Cast the Circle: Blessed be!) % On her return to the first corner she shall change the last % line above, and say: The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be! % The callers of the corners shall return their tools to the altar, and then shall join the circle at their corners. -------------------------------------------------- % Here begins the Beltane Mystery BARD or GREEN MAN: Thus I invoke the Lady White To come to us this sacred night. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, I show you a Mystery! % The Maiden shall stand beside the HP, who shall hold a % wooden sword. The Bard/Green Man shall approach them, also % carrying a wooden sword, and shall, in mime, challenge the % HP. They shall strike their swords together in three sets % of three blows, then Bard/Green Man shall strike the HP, with % the last blow of his sword, who shall fall as if dead. % (Note: This can be played as a Morris Dance, if so wished.) % If no Maiden and Bard/Green Man are used, then the above combat % may be eliminated, and the HP and HPS shall enact the Mystery. % The HPS' part shall then be spoken by the participants. % The Maiden moves to the East. The Bard/Green Man moves to the % North. HPS: Cunning and art she did not lack But aye his whistle would fetch her back! MAIDEN: Oh, I shall go into a hare with sorrow, sighing and mickle care And I shall go in the Lady's Name Aye, until I be fetched hame! BARD/GREEN MAN: Hare, take heed of a swift greyhound Will harry thee all these fields around For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Maiden moves to the South. The Bard/Green Man moves to the % East. HPS: Cunning and art she did not lack But aye his whistle would fetch her back! MAIDEN: Yet I shall go into a bee With mickle fear and dread of thee And flit to hive in the Lady's Name Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! BARD/GREEN MAN: Bee, take heed of a red, red cock Will harry thee close thru door and lock For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Maiden moves to the West. The Bard/Green Man moves to the % South. HPS: Cunning and art she did not lack But aye his whistle would fetch her back! MAIDEN: Yet I shall go into a trout. With sorrow and sighing and mickle doubt And show thee many a merry game Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! BARD/GREEN MAN: Trout, take heed of an otter lank Will harry thee close from bank to bank For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Maiden moves to the North. The Bard/Green Man moves to the % West. HPS: Cunning and art she did not lack But aye his whistle would fetch her back! MAIDEN: Yet I shall go into a mouse And haste me unto the Miller's House There in his corn to have good game Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! BARD/GREEN MAN: Mouse, take heed of a white tom-cat That never was baulked of mouse nor rat For here come I in the Lady's Name And -thus- it is I fetch thee hame! % Bard/Green Man walks to Maiden and takes her hand. They % both move to the Cauldron, and face HPS. HPS: Cunning and art she did not lack But aye his Song has fetched her back! Old Winter's dead, the Lady reigns And Summer has returned again! % Bard/Green Man and Maiden both wet their hands with water % from the Cauldron, and sprinkle it on the HP, who comes to % life again. HP: Cunning and art I do not lack But aye Her Cauldron will bring me back! % Bard/Green Man and Maiden both move to, and jump, the fire. % Here ends the Beltane Mystery. % Note: This Mystery is the more historically correct "Great Rite." ------------------------------------------------ % If there is a May Pole, it should be erected by the men -only- at % this point, and all dance around it, alternating male and female % to raise the cone of power as outlined below. % A normal cone-of-power may be raised, for growth and healing: HPS: In a ring we all shall stand Pass the Power, hand to hand. HP: As the year is given birth Build the Power; root to Earth HPS: Pass the Power, hand to hand Bless the Lady, bless the Land HP: Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies Bless the Power that never dies! % The above four verses should be repeated three times, (or % as many as needed to fully wrap the pole) and then the HPS % should say: HPS: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree: Let the Power flow out and free! % All should release, at this point. ------------------------------------------------------ % Such coven business as must be transacted may be done here. ------------------------------------------------------ % The Circle is opened. HPS: Thus I release the East and West Thanks to them from Host to Guest Thus I release the South and North With "Blessed Be' I send them forth! The Circle's open, dance we so Out and homeward we shall go. Earth and Water, Air and Fire Celebrated our desire. Winter's cold is gone away Now it is the Day of May. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, Our circle's done; and Blessed Be! COVEN: Blessed Be! % All spiral dance out from the Circle, jumping the fire as % they go. HP and HPS lead, with Bard/Green Man and Maiden % taking care of bringing the Bel Fire into camp. Allow the Bel % fire to burn out on its own, if possible, otherwise put it % out with the water from the Caldron. Disposal of the water % otherwise should be to pour it at the roots of a tree. % All participants may take fire from the Bel Fire to take home % with them, cook over, or whatever, before it is extinguished. ------------------------------------------------------------- MIDSUMMER RITUAL: (Summer Solstice) -by the White Bard Materials: a GREEN MAN, dressed in green, bearing a leafy branch. Small cakes, and a drink of some sort, preferably apple based. For covens that use alcohol, mead would be ok, too. % The ceremony for the Lesser Sabbats should be written by newer % members of the coven, as part of their learning. At an appropriate % place in the ceremony, the following should be inserted: HPS: This is the time of the Green Man; the Jack-of-the-Green; the Spirit of the Wood. Call him what you will, Robin Hood, Herne, or even Pan, this is His time! Rejoice in Summer! % The Green Man should rush into the circle, laughing and leaping. % It would be appropriate for him to carry a leafy branch, with % which to strike (lightly) the young women of the coven. % He shall then approach the cakes and drink, and pick one of each % up, hold them up to the coven, and say: GREEN MAN: Behold the fruits of the Mother! HP/HPS: Blessed be the food that nourishes us! % All should sit, and eat, and have a nice, quiet party of some sort! ------------------------------------------------------------- LAMMAS RITUAL: 1 August -by the White Bard Materials: one person should be chosen by the HP to play LUGH, who shall walk with an obvious limp. He may use a crutch, or a cane if he so chooses. ***************************************** % The place of ritual should be set up, away from the % gathered participants. % It is more than a good idea to manage bathrooms and such like % before the circle is closed. This Mystery is not something any % of the participants should miss out on! HPS: Go we now to the sacred place And stand within the sacred space Turn your minds to sacred things And dance with me unto the ring! % HP and HPS lead the coven to the place of ritual by a % spiral dance, ending in a circle around the altar. HPS: Come we forth, with the Spiral Dance Within the Lady's radiance To celebrate the Season's turn To Autumn, when the leaves will burn Earth and Water, Fire and Air I invoke the Goddess there! This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky I invoke the God on high This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! % The corners shall be called thusly, that all may hear, but % shall not be called until the HPS reaches that corner on her % circumnabulation. EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower, Airy ones of healing power I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power Thus I invite you to this tower I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! WEST: Western ones of water's flow Help to guard us here below I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern fame Bless and guard our Power's fane I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! % The HPS shall move to each corner, and say, following each % corner's crying as she moves to the next: HPS: So I cast and consecrate This Circle of the small and great: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea, By Fire and Water, Earth and Air, By the Lord, and Lady Fair! By Love and Joy and Work and Play, All things harmful cast away! By lightening's flash, and rain's soft fall, By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: (Cast the Circle: Blessed be!) % On her return to the first corner she shall change the last % line above, and say: The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be! % The callers of the corners shall return their tools to the altar, and then shall join the circle at their corners. -------------------------------------------------- % Here begins the Lammas Mystery HPS: Thus I invoke the Lady White To come to us this sacred night. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, I show you a Mystery! % A small meal of bread and some form of beverage should be % laid out, and all should partake. As all are eating, Lugh % shall approach the circle, and say: LUGH: Merry meet to all! May I enter the circle? HPS: And what talent do you have, that we do not? LUGH: I am a Smith, to make tools and weapons. HPS: We have Govannon, to make our tools and weapons. Go away. LUGH: I am a Shaman, to offer the Sight Within. HPS: Any of us can do that. Go away. LUGH: I am a Farmer, to grow your food. HPS: We have the Young God and the Maiden, to set our food to grow. We have no need of you. Go away. LUGH: I am a Warrior, to defend you. HPS: We have those of the Warrior Path, and their valor is unquestioned. Go away. LUGH: I am a Bard, to sing you songs and make you merry. HPS: We have a Bard. Go away. LUGH: I have Wisdom to impart. HPS: We have the Old God and the Crone. Go away. LUGH: I am a Fisherman, to harvest the waters. HPS: Any of us can catch fish. Go away. LUGH: I am a Satirist and maker of jokes, to give laughter. HPS: The Fool gives us humor. Go away. LUGH: But do you have one who is ALL of these? For I am Lugh, the Ruler, the Singer, the Long-Sighted, the Craftsman, and all Talents are as ONE with me. HPS: This we do not have, indeed, and you are Lugh Samildanach. Enter and be welcome! % The HPS shall open the circle and Lugh shall enter and be seated % with the company. Lugh shall -limp- when he walks, and shall % walk, and sit, in obvious pain. % He should look around him, as if expecting something. % If none within the circle asks why he is limping, or otherwise % expresses concern, the Maiden shall say: MAIDEN: Sir, why do you limp? Are you injured? LUGH: You have asked The Question, and I thank you. Seek you the Cauldron of Healing, the Cauldron of Cerridwen, for my time grows short, but from it I shall be re-born. ---------------------------------------------------- % Here ends the Lammas Mystery % A normal cone-of-power may be raised, for growth and healing: HPS: In a ring we all shall stand Pass the Power, hand to hand. HP: As the year is given birth Build the Power; root to Earth HPS: Pass the Power, hand to hand Bless the Lady, bless the Land HP: Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies Bless the Power that never dies! % The above four verses should be repeated three times, (or % as many as needed) and then the HPS should say: HPS: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree: Let the Power flow out and free! % All should release, at this point. ------------------------------------------------------ % Such coven business as must be transacted may be done here. ------------------------------------------------------ % The Circle is opened. HPS: Thus I release the East and West Thanks to them from Host to Guest Thus I release the South and North With "Blessed Be' I send them forth! The Circle's open, dance we so Out and homeward we shall go. Earth and Water, Air and Fire Celebrated our desire. As Autumn leaves fall as the rain The seasons' turning, once again. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, Our circle's done; and Blessed Be! COVEN: Blessed Be! % All spiral dance out from the Circle. Lugh shall follow % at the end of the line. ------------------------------------------------------------- RITUAL: (Fall Equinox) -by the White Bard Materials: An OLD KING % The ceremony for the Lesser Sabbats should be written by newer % members of the coven, as part of their learning. At an appropriate % place in the ceremony, the following should be inserted: % The Old King shall move in a feeble manner to the West, and say: OLD KING: I am aged, and I approach my Time. Help me, lest I die! CRONE: There is no help for you, for all must travel that road. % The Old King shall then turn to the assembled coven, and say: OLD KING: Seek ye the Cauldron! Seek ye the Grail! It shall heal me And bring me forth again. % Here a song may be sung, and "John Barleycorn" would be most % appropriate: JOHN BARLEYCORN -Traditional There were three men come out of the West Their fortunes for to try, And these three men made a solemn vow: John Barleycorn should die! John Barleycorn should die! (nb: 4th line of each verse is sung twice) They plowed, they sowed, they harrowed him in, Threw clods upon his head, And these three men made a solemn vow: John Barleycorn was dead! CHORUS: Fa la la la, it's a lovely day! Sing fa la la lay oh! Fa la la la, it's a lovely day! Sing fa la la lay oh! They let him lie for a very long time 'Til the rain from Heaven did fall, Then Little Sir John sprung up his head, And so amazed them all! They let him stand 'til Midsummer tide, 'Til he grew both pale and wan, Then Little Sir John he grew a long beard, And so became a man! They hired men with the sythes so sharp To cut him off at the knee They rolled him and tied him about the waist, And used him barbarously! They hired men with the sharp pitchforks To pierce him to the heart, And the loader he served him worse than that, For he tied him in a cart! They wheeled him around and around the field, 'Til they came to a barn, And there they made a solemn mow Of poor John Barleycorn, They hired men with the crab-tree sticks To strip him skin from bone And the Miller he served him worse than that: For he ground him between two stones! They have wheeled him here and wheeled him there And wheeled him to a barn, And they have served him worse than that They have bunged him in a vat! They have worked their will on John Barleycorn But he lived to tell the tale; For they pour him out of an old brown jug, And they call him home-brewed ale! Here's Little Sir John in a nut-brown bowl, And brandy in a glass! And Little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl Proved the stronger man at last! For the huntsman he can't hunt the fox Nor loudly blow his horn, And the tinker can't mend kettles nor pots Without John Barleycorn! ------------------------------------------------------------- SAMHAIN RITUAL: 31 October -by the White Bard Materials: one cauldron, filled with water CRONE: This should be an older female. OLD KING: This should be a person chosen by lottery, or by whoever is acting as Crone. It can be enacted by the HP if needed. BARD/GREEN MAN: If the coven has no Bard available, then a Green Man should be chosen by lottery, or by whoever is acting as Maiden. It can be enacted by the HP, if needed. ------------------------------------------------ % The place of ritual should be set up, away from the gathered % participants. This is not something that people should miss, % so make sure that potty break is taken care of before the % circle is cast. HPS: Go we now to the sacred place And stand within the sacred space Turn your minds to sacred things And dance with me unto the ring! % HP and HPS lead the coven to the place of ritual by a % spiral dance, ending in a circle around the altar. The % cauldron should be at the south. The Old King dances at % the end of the line. HPS: Come we forth, with the Spiral Dance Within the Lady's radiance To mark the turning of the year The door to Winter now is here. Earth and Water, Fire and Air I invoke the Goddess there! This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky I invoke the God on high This night we are Between the Worlds To celebrate the year unfurled! % The corners shall be called thusly, that all may hear, but % shall not be called until the HPS reaches that corner on her % circumnabulation. EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower, Airy ones of healing power I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power Thus I invite you to this tower I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! WEST: Western ones of water's flow Help to guard us here below I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern fame Bless and guard our Power's fane I do summon, stir and call you See these rites and guard this circle! Come to us and heed our call! By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: Come to us; and Blessed Be! % The HPS shall move to each corner, and say, following each % corner's crying as she moves to the next: HPS: So I cast and consecrate This Circle of the small and great: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea, By Fire and Water, Earth and Air, By the Lord, and Lady Fair! By Love and Joy and Work and Play, All things harmful cast away! By lightening's flash, and rain's soft fall, By the Power that made us all; By the Power that blesses Thee: (Cast the Circle: Blessed be!) % On her return to the first corner she shall change the last % line above, and say: The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be! % The callers of the corners shall return their tools to the % altar, and then shall join the circle at their corners. -------------------------------------------------- % Here begins the Samhain Mystery: OLD KING: Thus I invoke the Lady White To come to us this sacred night. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, I shall show you a Mystery! % Bard/Green Man and Maiden join hands, facing each other. % The Maiden speaks to the Bard/Green Man: MAIDEN: Lord of Life, hail Land-Master! God of grain that grows and dies Rising reborn, full of richness; Fallow fields shall yet be fertile -- Spring sap runs as stirs your manhood Bless barren earth, bear fruit again! % The Bard/Green Man speaks to Maiden: BARD/GREEN MAN: Snow-shoes striding, hail swift Huntress! Wild one, free and willful Goddess Bow and blade you bear beside you, Finding food to fend off hunger -- Winter will not leave us wanting; Give good hunting, grant us skill. % The Old King moves to the West. The Crone moves to the % North. HP: Cunning and art he did not lack But aye her whistle would fetch him back! OLD KING: Yet I shall go into a trout. With sorrow and sighing and mickle doubt And show thee many a merry game Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! CRONE: Trout, take heed of an otter lank Will harry thee close from bank to bank For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Old King moves to the South. The Crone moves to the West. HP: Cunning and art he did not lack But aye her whistle would fetch him back! OLD KING: Yet I shall go into a bee With mickle fear and dread of thee And flit to hive in the Lady's Name Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! CRONE: Bee, take heed of a red, red cock Will harry thee close thru door and lock For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Old King moves to the East. The Crone moves to the South. HP: Cunning and art he did not lack But aye her whistle would fetch him back! OLD KING: Oh, I shall go into a hare with sorrow, sighing and mickle care And I shall go in the Lady's Name Aye, until I be fetch-ed hame! CRONE: Hare, take heed of a swift greyhound Will harry thee all these fields around For here come I in the Lady's Name All but for to fetch thee hame! % The Old King moves to the North. The Crone moves to the East. HP: Cunning and art he did not lack But aye her whistle would fetch him back! OLD KING: Yet I shall go into a mouse And haste me unto the Miller's House There in his corn to have good game Ere that I be fetch-ed hame! CRONE: Mouse, take heed of a white she-cat That never was baulked of mouse nor rat For here come I in the Lady's Name And -thus- it is I fetch thee hame! % Crone walks to Old King and takes his hand. He falls as if % dead. HPS: Cunning and art he did not lack But aye Her Song has fetched Him back! Summer's gone, the Lady reigns And Winter has returned again! % Maiden wets her hands with water from the Cauldron, and % sprinkles it on the Old King, who comes to life again. OK: Cunning and art I do not lack But aye Her Cauldron will bring me back! % The Crone and Old King shall join hands, facing each other, % and say: CRONE: One-eye, Wanderer, God of wisdom, Hunt-lord, hail, who leads the hosting! Nine nights hanging, knowledge gaining, Cloaked at crossroads, council hidden. Now the night, your time, is near us -- Right roads send us on, Rune-winner. OLD KING: Every age your eyes have witnessed; Cauldron-Keeper, hail wise Crone! Rede in riddles is your ration -- Wyrd-weaver at the World-tree's root. Eldest ancient, all-knowing one, Speak unto us, send us vision! % Here the HPS should say: HPS: We remember our dead; our loved ones gone to the Summerland before us. Give them peace and joy. ALL: Blessed be! % If there is time enough, the HPS and/or a selected member(s) of the % coven should read aloud the "Roll of Martyrs." Note: This listing % is copyrighted, and used by the author's permission. % The reader shall say: READER: Never again the Burning Times! Let us remember our dead, good and bad, innocent and guilty: % Follows is the Roll of Martyrs. This may be read aloud, or may be % placed in written form upon the altar as the above words are said. Adamson, Francis: executed at Durham, England, in 1652 Albano, Peter of: died in prison circa 1310 Allen, Joan: hanged at the Old Bailey, London, England, in 1650 Allen, Jonet: burned in Scotland in 1661 Amalaric, Madeline: burned in France in mid-1500's Ancker, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Andrius, Barthelemy: burned at Carcassonne, France in 1330 Andrius, Jean: burned at Carcassonne, France in 1330 Andrius, Phillippe: burned at Carcassonne, France in 1330 Arnold, (first name unknown): hanged at Barking, England, in 1574 d'Arc, Joan: burned at Rouen, France, on 30 May, 1431 (note: the witchcraft charge in this case was -implied- and not specific) Ashby, Anne: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Askew, Anne: burned for witchcraft 1546 Audibert, Etienne: condemned for witchcraft in France, on 20 March 1619 Aupetit, Pierre: burned at Bordeaux, France, in 1598 Babel, Zuickel: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Babel, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Baker, Anne: executed in Leicester, England, in 1619 Balcoin, Marie: burned in the reign of Henry IV of France Balfour, Alison: burned at Edinburgh, Scotland, on 16 December, 1594 Bannach, (husband) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Bannach, (wife) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Barber, Mary: executed in Northhampton, England, on 22 July, 1612 Barker, Janet: burned in Scotland in 1643 Baroni, Catterina: beheaded and burned at Castelnovo, Italy, on 14 April, 1647 Barthe, Angela de la: burned at Toulouse, France, in 1275 Barton, William: executed in Scotland (year unknown) Basser, Fredrick: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Batsch, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Bayerin, Anna: executed at Salzburg, Austria, in 1751 Beaumont, Sieur de: accused of witchcraft on 21 October, 1596 Bebelin, Gabriel: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Beck, Viertel: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Beck, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Belon, Jean: executed in France, in 1597 Berger, Christopher: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Berrye, Agnes: hanged at Enfield, England, in 1616 Bentz, (mother) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Bentz, (daughter) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Beuchel, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1581 Beutler, (first name unknown) beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Bill, Arthur: executed in Northhampton, England, on 22 July, 1612 Birenseng, Agata: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 25 June, 1594 Bishop, Briget: hanged at Salem, New England on 10 June, 1692 Bodenham, Anne: hanged at Salisbury, England, in 1653 Bonnet, Jean: burned alive at Boissy-en-Ferez, France, in 1583 Boram, (mother) (first name unknown): hung at Bury St Edmunds, England, in 1655 Boram, (daughter) (first name unknown): hung at Bury St Edmunds, England, in 1655 Bolingbroke, Roger: hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn, England, on 18 November, 1441 Boulay, Anne: burned at Nancy, France, in 1620 Boulle, Thomas: burned alive at Rouen, France, on 21 August, 1647 Bowman, Janet: burned in Scotland in 1572 Bragadini, Mark Antony: beheaded in Italy in the 1500's Brickmann, (first name unknown) beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Brose, Elizabeth: tortured to death in the castle of Gommern, Germany, on 4 November, 1660 Brown, Janet: burned in Scotland in 1643 Browne, Agnes: executed in Northhampton, England, on 22 July, 1612 Browne, Joan: executed in Northhampton, England, on 22 July, 1612 Browne, Mary: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Brooks, Jane: hanged in England on 26 March, 1658 Brugh, John: burned in Scotland in 1643 Buckh, Appollonia: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1581 Bugler, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Bulcock, John: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Bulcock, Jane: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Bull, Edmund: hanged at Taunton, England, in 1631 Bulmer, Matthew: hanged at Newcastle, England, in 1649 Burroughs, George: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 August, 1692 Bursten-Binderin, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Calles, Helen: executed at Braynford, England, on 1 December, 1595 Camelli, Domenica: beheaded and burned at Castelnovo, Italy, on 14 April, 1647 Canzler, (first name unknown) beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Carrier, Martha: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 August, 1692 Caveden, Lucia: beheaded and burned at Castelnovo, Italy, on 14 April, 1647 Cemola, Zinevra: beheaded and burned at Castelnovo, Italy, on 14 April, 1647 Corey, Martha: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Corey, Giles: prssed to death at Salem, New England, on 19 September, 1692 Corset, Janet: killed by a mob at Pittenweem, Scotland, in 1704 Challiot, (first name unknown): murdered at St. Georges, France, in February, 1922 Chalmers, Bessie: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland, 1621 Chambers, (first name unknown): died in prison, in England, in 1693 Chamoulliard, (first name unknown): burned in France, in 1597 de Chantraine, Anne: burned as a witch in Waret-la-Chaussee, France, on October 17, 1622 Chatto, Marioun: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland 1621 Ciceron, Andre: burned alive at Carcassone, France, in 1335 Cockie, Isabel: burnt as a witch, at a cost of 105 s. 4 p., in England 1596 Cox, Julian: executed at Taunton, England, in 1663 Couper, Marable: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 Craw, William: burned in Scotland in 1680 Crots, (son) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Cullender, Rose: executed at Bury St Edmunds, England, on 17 March, 1664 Cumlaquoy, Marian: burned at Orkney, Scotland in 1643 Cunningham, John: burned at Edinburgh, in January, 1591 Cunny, Joan: hanged in Chelmsford, England, in 1589 Deiner, Hans: burned at Waldsee, Germany (year unknown) Delort, Catherine: burned at Toulouse, France, in 1335 Demdike, Elizabeth: convicted, but died in prison, in Lancaster, England, in 1612 DeMolay, Jacques: Grand Master of the Templars, burned in France on 22 March 1312 Desbordes, (first name unknown): burned in France, in 1628 Deshayes, Catherine: burned on 22 February, 1680 Device, Elizabeth: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Device, James: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Device, Alizon: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Doree, Catherine: executed at Courveres, France, in 1577 Dorlady, Mansfredo: burned at Vesoul, France as being the Devil's banker, on 18 January, 1610 Dorlady, Fernando: burned at Vesoul, France as being the Devil's banker, on 18 January, 1610 Dormar, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 October, 1586 Douglas, Janet: burned at Castle, Hill, Scotland, on 17 July, 1557 Drummond, Alexander: executed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1670 "Dummy" (name unknown; he was deaf-and-dumb): killed by a mob at Sible Hedingham, England, on 3 August, 1865 Duncan, Gellie: hanged in Scotland in 1591 Dunhome, Margaret: burned in Scotland (year unknown) Dunlop, Bessie: burned at Castle Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1576 Duny, Amy: executed at Bury St Edmunds, England, on 17 March, 1664 Dyneis, Jonka: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 Easty, Mary: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Echtinger, Barbara: imprisoned for life at Waldsee, Germany, on 24 August, 1545 Edelfrau, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Edwards, Susanna: hanged at Bideford, England in 1682 Einseler, Catharina: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 6 July, 1581 Erb, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 March, 1586 Eyering, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Fian, John: hanged at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1591 Fief, Mary le: of Samur, France, accused of witchcraft, on 13 October 1573 Fleischbaum, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Flieger, Catharina: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 6 July, 1581 Flower, Joan: died before trial, at Lincoln, England, 1619 Flower, Margaret: executed at Lincoln, England, in March, 1619 Flower, Phillippa: executed at Lincoln, England, in March, 1619 Foster, Anne: hanged at Northhampton, England, in 1674 Fray, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 12 June, 1587 Fray, Margaret: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 25 June, 1594 Fynnie, Agnes: burned in Scotland in 1643 Gabley, (first name unknown): executed at King's Lynn, England, in 1582 Galigai, Leonora: beheaded at the Place de Grieve, France, on 8 July, 1617 Garnier, Gilles: burned as a werewolf in Dole, France 1574 Gaufridi, Louis: burned at Marseilles, France, at 5:00 pm on 30 April, 1611 Geissler, Clara: strangled at Gelnhausen, Germany circa 1630 Georgel, Anna Marie de: burned at Toulouse, France, in 1335 Geraud, Hughes: burned in France in 1317 Gering, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Glaser, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Glover, Goody: hanged at Salem, New England, in 1688 Gobel, Barbara: burned at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1639 Goeldi, Anna: hanged at Glaris, Switzerland, on 17 June, 1782 Goldschmidt, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Good, Sarah: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 July, 1692 Grandier, Urbain, burned at Loudon, France, on 18 August, 1634 Goodridge, Alse: executed at Darbie, England, in 1597 Gratiadei, Domenica: beheaded and burned at Castelnovo, Italy, on 14 April, 1647 Green, Ellen: executed in Leicester, England, in 1619 Greensmith, (first name unknown): hanged in Hartford, New England, on 20 January, 1662 Greland, Jean: burned at Chamonix, France, in 1438, with 10 others Grierson, Isobel: burned in Scotland in March, 1607 Gutbrod, (first name unknown:) beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Haan, George: burned at Bamberg, Germany, circa 1626, with his wife, daughter, and son Hacket, Margaret: executed at Tyburn, England, on 19 February, 1585 Hamilton, Margaret: burned in Scotland in 1680 Hafner, (son) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hammellmann, Melchoir: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hamyltoun, Christiane: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland 1621 Hans, David: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hans, Kilian: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Harfner, (first name unknown): hanged herself in the prison of Bamberg, 1628-1629 Harlow, Bessie: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland 1621 Harrisson, Joanna, and her daughter: executed in Hertford, England, in 1606 Harvilliers, Jeanne: executed in France, in 1578 Haus, (wife) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hennot, Catherine: burned alive in Germany in 1627 Henry III, King of France: assassinated on 1 August, 1589 Hewitt, Katherine: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Hezensohn, Joachim: beheaded at Waldsee, Germany, in 1557 Hibbins, Anne: hanged in Boston, Massachusetts on 19 June, 1656 Hirsch, Nicodemus: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hoecker, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hofschmidt, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Holtzmann, Stoffel: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hofseiler, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Hoppo, (first name unknown): executed in Germany in 1599 How, Elizabeth: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 July, 1692 Hoyd, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 24 November, 1586 Huebmeyer, Barbara: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 11 September, 1589 Huebmeyer, Appela: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 11 September, 1589 Hunt, Joan: hanged in Middlesex, England in 1615 Hunter, Alexander: burned at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1629 Huxley, Catherine: hanged at Worcester, England in the summer of 1652 Isel, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 7 November, 1586 Isolin, Madlen: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 6 July, 1581 Jacobs, George: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 August, 1692 Jenkenson, Helen: executed in Northhampton, England, on 22 July, 1612 Jennin, (first name unknown): burned at Cambrai, France, in 1460 Jollie, Alison: executed in Scotland, in October, 1596 Jones, Katherine: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 Jones, Margaret: executed in Charlestown, North America, on 15 June, 1648 Jordemaine, Margery: burned at Smithfield, England, on 27 October, 1441 Junius, Johannes: of Bamberg, executed as a witch, on 6 August, 1628 Jung, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Kent, Margaret: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland 1621 Kerke, Anne: executed at Tyburn, England, in 1599 Kleiss, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 30 October, 1586 Kless, Catharina: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 12 June, 1587 Knertz, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Knor, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Knott, Elizabeth: hanged at St. Albans, England, in 1649 Kramerin, Schelmerey: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Kuhnlin, Elsa: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1518 Kuler, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Lachenmeyer, Waldburg: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 5 July, 1585 deLarue, (first name unknown): burned at Rouen, in 1540 Lauder, Margaret: burned in Scotland in 1643 Leclerc, (no first name given): condemned for witchcraft, in France 1615 Lakeland, (first name unknown): burned at Ipswich, England, in 1645 Lamb, Dr.: stoned to death by a mob at St. Paul's Cross, London, England, in 1640 Lambrecht, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Leger, (no first name given): condemmned for witchcraft in France, on 6 May, 1616 Liebler, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Lloyd, Temperance: hanged at Bideford, England in 1682 Louis, (first name unknown): executed at Suffolk, England, in 1646 Lowes, John: hanged at Bury, England, about 1645 Lutz, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Macalzean, Euphemia: burned alive in Scotland for witchcraft, on 25 June, 1591 Marigny, Enguerrand de: hanged in France in 1315 Marguerite, (last name unknown): burned at Paris, France, in 1586 Mark, Bernhard: burned alive at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Martin, Marie: executed in France, in 1586 Martin, Susannah: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 July, 1692 Martyn, Anne: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Mayer, Christina: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 October, 1586 Mazelier, Hanchemand de: arrested at Neuchatel, Germany 1439 Meath, Petronilla de: burned as a witch, the first such burning in Ireland, on 3 November, 1324 Meyer, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Mirot, Dominic: burned at Paris, France, in 1586 Morin, (first name unknown): burned at Rouen, in 1540 Mossau, Renata von: beheaded and burned in Bavaria, Germany, on 21 June, 1749 Mullerin, Elsbet: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1531 Mundie, Beatrice: tried for witchcraft in Inverkiething, Scotland 1621 Napier, Barbara: hanged in Scotland in 1591 Nathan, Abraham: executed at Haeck, Germany, on 24 September, 1772 Newell, John: executed at Barnett, England, on 1 December, 1595 Newell, Joane: executed at Barnett, England, on 1 December, 1595 Newman, Elizabeth: executed at Whitechapel, England in 1653 Nottingham, John of: died in custody, Coventry, England, 1324 Nurse, Rebecca: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 July, 1692 Nutter, Alice: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Oliver, Mary: burned at Norwich, England, in 1658 Orchard, (first name unknown): executed at Salisbury, England, in 1658 Osborne, (husband) (first name unknown): killed by a mob at Tring, Herefordshire, England, in 1751 Osborne, (wife) Ruth: killed by a mob at Tring, Herefordshire, England, in 1751 Osburne, Sarah: died in prison at Boston, Massachusetts, 10 May, 1692 Oswald, Catherine: burned in Scotland in 1670 Paeffin, Elsa: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1518 Pajot, Marguerite: executed at Tonnerre, France, in 1576 Paris, (first name unknown): hanged at St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1569 Parker, Alice: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Parker, Mary: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Palmer, John: hanged at St. Albans, England, in 1649 Pannel, Mary: executed in Yorkshire, England, in 1603 Pearson, Alison: burned in Scotland on 28 May, 1588 Peebles, Marion: burned in Scotland in 1643 Peterson, Joan: hanged at Tyburn, England, in April, 1652 Pichler, Emerenziana: burned at Defereggen, Germany, on 25 September, 1680 (her two sons, aged 12 and 14, were also burned two days later) Poiret, (first name unknown): burned at Nancy, France, in 1620 Pomp, Anna: executed at Lindheim, Germany, in 1633 Porte, Vidal de la: condemned at Riom, France, in 1597 Powle, (first name unknown): executed at Durham, England, in 1652 Prentice, Joan: hanged in Chelmsford, England, in 1589 Preston, Jennet: executed in York, England, in 1612 Pringle, Margaret: burned in Scotland in 1680 Procter, John: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 August, 1692 Pudeator, Anne: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Quattrino, Dominic: burned at Mesolcina, Italy, in 1583 Rattray, George: executed in Spott, Scotland, in 1705 Rattray, Lachlan: executed in Spott, Scotland, in 1705 Rauffains, Catharina: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 7 November, 1586 Reade, Mary: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Redfearne, Anne: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Reed, Wilmot: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Reich, Maria: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 5 July, 1585 Reid, John: hanged himself in prison, in Scotland, in 1697 Reoch, Elspeth: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 Robey, Isobel: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Rodier, Catala: burned alive at Carcassone, France, in 1335 Rodier, Paul: burned alive at Carcassone, France, in 1335 Rohrfelder, Margaret: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 24 August, 1585 Rosch, Maria: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 6 July, 1581 Rosseau, (no first name given), and his daughter, (no name given) of France, accused of witchcraft on 2 October 1593 Rue, Abel de la: of Coulommiers, France, accused of witchcraft on 20 July, 1592 Roulet, Jacques: burned alive for being a were-wolf, at Angiers, France, in 1597 Rum, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Russel, Alice: killed by a mob at Great Paxton, England, 20 May, 1808 Rutchser, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Rutter, Elizabeth: hanged in Middlesex, England in 1616 Sailler, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 24 August, 1585 Sampsoune, Agnes: tried, strangled, and burnt for a witch in Scotland 1591 Samuels, (family): three members condemned for witchcraft in Warboys, England, on 4 April, 1593 Sawyer, Elizabeth, hanged at Tyburn, England, on 19 April, 1621 Scharber, Elsbeth: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1581 Schneider, Felicitas: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 March, 1586 Schnelling, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 11 September, 1589 Schutz, Babel: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schwaegel, Anna Maria: beheaded at Kempten, Germany, on 11 April, 1775 Schwartz, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schenck, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schellhar, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schickelte, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schneider, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schleipner, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Schuler, (first name not known): burned at Lindheim, Germany on 23 February, 1663 Schultheiss, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 March, 1586 Schwarz, Eva: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1581 Schwerdt, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Scott, Margaret: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Scottie, Agnes: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 Sechelle, (first name unknown): burned at Paris, France, in 1586 Smith, Mary: hanged at King's Lynn, England, in 1616 Stadlin, (first name unknown): executed in Germany in 1599 Steicher, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Steinacher, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Steward, William: hanged at St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1569 Stewart, Christian: strangled and burned in Scotland, in November, 1596 Stolzberger, (son) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Stolzberger, (wife) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Stolzberger, (granddaughter) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Stubb, Peter: executed as a werewolf near Cologne, Germany, in 1589 Stuber, Laurence: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Sturmer, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Style, Elizabeth: died in prison, at Taunton, England, in 1664 Seiler, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Silberhans, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Steinbach, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Stier, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Stadelmann, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 7 November, 1586 Sutton (mother) (first name unknown): executed in Bedford, England in 1613 Sutton, Mary: executed in Bedford, England in 1613 Thausser, Simon, and his wife (no name given): burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1518 Thompson, Annaple: burned in Scotland in 1680 Tod, Beigis: burned at Lang Nydrie, Scotland, on 27 May, 1608 Treher, Anna: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 5 July, 1585 Trembles, Mary: hanged at Bideford, England in 1682 Trois-Echelles (pseud.): executed at Paris, France, in 1571 (or 1574) Tungerslieber, (first name unknown) beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Turner, Ann: murdered in England, in 1875 Uhlmer, Barbara: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 24 August, 1585 Upney, Joan: hanged in Chelsford, England, in 1589 Utley, (first name unknown): hanged at Lancaster, England, in 1630 Valee, Melchoir de la: burned at Nancy, France, in 1631 Vallin, Pierre: executed in France, in 1438 Valkenburger, (daughter) (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Vaecker, Paul: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Vickar, Bessie: burned in Scotland in 1680 Wachin, Ursula: burned at Waldsee, Germany, in 1528 Wagner, Michael: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Wagner, (first name unknown): burnt alive at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Wallace, Margaret: executed in Glascow, Scotland, in 1622 Wardwell, Samuel: executed at Salem, New England, on 22 September, 1692 Waterhouse, (first name unknown): hanged in Dorset, England in 1565 Wanderson, (wife 1) (first name unknown): executed in England, in January, 1644. Wanderson, (wife 2) (first name unknown): executed in England, in January, 1644. Weir, Thomas: burned between Edinburgh and Leith, Scotland, on 11 April, 1670 Weiss, Agatha: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 9 October, 1586 Weydenbusch, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Whittle, Anne: executed in Lancaster, England, in 1612 Wildes, Sarah: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 July, 1692 Willard, John: executed at Salem, New England, on 19 August, 1692 Willimot, Joan: executed in Leicester, England, in 1619 Wilson, Anne: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Wirth, Klingen: beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Wirth, Trauben: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 5 July, 1585 Wright, Mildred: hanged at Maidstone, England, in July, 1652 Wuncil, Brigida: burned at Waldsee, Germany, on 6 July, 1581 Wunth, (first name unknown): beheaded at Wurzburg, Germany, 1628-1629 Younge, Alse: hanged in Connecticut, North America, on 26 May, 1647 Yullock, Agnes: burned in the north of Scotland in 1622 THE UNKNOWNS 8000 "Stedingers" killed on 27 May, 1234 180 burned for witchcraft at Montwimer, France, on 29 May, 1239 36 Knights Templar died under torture in France, in October, 1307 54 Knights Templar burned in France, on 12 May, 1310 39 Knights Templar burned in France, on 18 March 1314 "Some" burned at Kilkenny, Ireland, 1323 200 + burned at Carcassonne, France, between 1320-1350 63 burned at Toulouse, France, in 1335 8 burned at Carcassonne, France, in 1352 31 burned at Carcassonne, France, in 1357 67 burned at Carcassonne, France, between 1387-1400 1 burned at Berlin, Germany, in 1399 "Several" witches burned alive at Simmenthal, Switzerland, circa 1400 "Several" burned at Carcassonne, France, in 1423 200 + executed in the Valais, France between 1428-1434 167 executed in l'Isere, France, between 1428-1447 16 executed in Toulouse, France, in 1432 8 executed in Toulouse, France, in 1433 150 executed in Briancon, France, in 1437 3 burnt in Savoy between 1446 and 1447 7 killed at Marmande, France, in 1453 1 burned at Locarno, Italy, in 1455 "Many" burned in Arras, France in 1459 2 burned in Burgundy, France, in 1470 3 burned at Forno-Rivara, Italy, in 1472 2 burned at Levone, in Italy, in 1474 5 burned at Forno, Italy, in 1475 12 women and "several" men burned at Edinburgh, in 1479 4 burned at Metz, Germany, in 1482 48 burned at Constance, between 1482-1486 2 burned at Toulouse, France, in 1484 2 burned in Chaucy, France in 1485 1 died in prison, at Metz, Germany 1488 3 executed at Mairange, Germany, on 17 June, 1488 2 executed at Mairange, Germany, on 25 June, 1488 3 executed at Chastel, Germany, on 26 June, 1488 3 executed at Metz, Germany, on 1 July, 1488 1 executed at Salney, Germany, on 3 July, 1488 2 executed at Salney, Germany, on 12 July, 1488 3 executed at Salney, Germany, on 19 July, 1488 1 executed at Brieg, Germany, on 19 July, 1488 2 executed at Juxney, Germany, on 19 August, 1488 5 executed at Thionville, Germany, on 23 August, 1488 1 executed at Metz, Germany, on 2 September, 1488 1 executed at Vigey, Germany, on 15 September, 1488 1 executed at Juxney, Germany, on 22 September, 1488 1 executed in France circa 1500 30 burned in Calahorra, Spain, in 1507 1 burned in Saxony, Germany, in 1510 60 burned in Northern Italy, in 1510 500 + burned in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1515 2 burned in Besancon, France, in 1521 64 burned in Val Camonica, Italy between 1518-1521 100 burned in Como, Italy, in 1523 1000 + in Como, Italy, in 1524 900 executed by Nicholas Remy (years unknown, about 15 years total) "A large number" executed at Saragossa, Spain, in 1536 7 burned at Nantes, France, in 1549 1 burned at Lyons, France, in 1549 3 burned alive at Derneburg, Germany, on 4 October, 1555 1 burned alive at Bievires, France, in 1556 5 burned at Verneuil, France, in 1561 17,000 + in Scotland from 1563 to 1603 4 burned at Potiers, France, in 1564 1 burned at St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1569 "Many" burned in France in 1571 1 burned at St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1572 70,000 killed in England after 1573 "Several" executed in Paris, France, in 1574 80 executed in one fire at Valery-en-Savoie, France, in 1574 3 executed in Dorset, England, in 1578 36 persons executed at Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1578 18 killed at St. Oses, England, in 1582 "Several" burned in Mesolcina, Italy, in 1583 368 persons killed for witchcraft between 18 January, 1587, and 18 November, 1593, in the diocese of Treves. 1 burned at Riom, France, in 1588 133 persons burned in one day at Quedlinburg, in Germany, in 1589 48 burned in Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1589 2 burned at Cologne, Germany in 1589 54 burned in Franconia in 1590 300 burned in Bern, Switzerland, between 1591-1600 1 burned in Ghent, Holland, in 1591 9 executed in Toulouse, France, in 1595 1 burned in Ghent, Holland, in 1598 24 burned in Aberdeen, Scotland, circa 1598 77 burned in Vaud, Switzerland, in 1599 10 -daily- were burned (average) in the Duchy of Brunswick between 1590-1600 20 executed (other than those listed by name above) in the reign of King James VI and I of England. 40,000 executed between 1600-1680 in Great Britain 205 burned at the Abbey of Fulda, Germany, between 1603-1605 "Several" witches executed in Derbyshire, England, in 1607 24 burned + 3 suicides in Hagenau, Alsace, in 1607 "A number of women" burned at Breehin, Scotland, in 1608 1 burned alive by a mob at St. Jean de Liuz, France, circa 1608 18 killed at Orleans, France, in 1616 9 hanged at Leicester, England, in 1616 8 hanged at Londinieres, France, in 1618 "Several" witches condemned at Nerac, France, on 26 June, 1619 200 + executed at Labourt, France, in 1619 2 executed at Bedford, England, in 1624 56 executions at Mainz, Germany, between 1626-1629 77 executions at Burgstadt, Germany, between 1626-1629 40 executions at Berndit, Buttan, Ebenheit, Wenchdorf and Heinbach, Germany, between 1626-1629 8 executions in Prozelten and Amorbach, Germany between 1626-1629 168 executions in the district of Miltenberg, Germany, between 1626-1629 85 burned in Dieburg, Germany, in 1627 79 burned at Offenburg, Austria, from 1627-1629 274 executed in Eichstatt, Germany in 1629 124 executed by the Teutonic Order at Mergentheim, Germany in 1630 900 executions at Bamberg, Germany, between 1627 and 1631 22,000 (approx) executed in Bamberg, Germany between 1610 and 1840 1 hanged at Sandwich, in Kent, England, in 1630 3 executed at Lindheim, Germany in 1631 20 executed in Norfolk, England, on evidence of Matthew Hopkins, before 26 July, 1645 29 condemned, on the evidence of Matthew Hopkins, at Chelmsford, England, on 29 July, 1645 150 killed in England in the last six months of 1645 2 executed at Norwich, England, in 1648 14 hanged at Newcastle, England, in 1649 220 + in England and Scotland, on evidence of a Scottish Witch- finder, circa 1648-1650 2 killed by a mob at Auxonne, France, in 1650 30 burned in Lindheim, Germany, between 1640-1651 900 killed in Lorraine, France (years unknown) 30,000 (approx) burned by the Inquisition (not all may have been witches) 3-4000 killed during Cromwell's tenure in England 102 burned in Zuckmantel, Germany, in 1654 18 burned at Castle Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1658 85 executed at Mohra, Sweden, on 25 August, 1670 71 beheaded or burned in Sweden between 1674-1677 90 burned at Salzburg, Austria, in 1678 11 burned at Prestonpans, Scotland, in 1678 36 executed in Paris, France, in 1680 "Several" burned at Rouen, France, in 1684-1685 3 executed (Suzanna, Isle and Catherine (last names unknown) at Arendsee, Germany, in 1687 36 burned at Nordlingen, Germany between 1690-1694 5 burned at Paisley, Scotland, on 10 June, 1697 9 persons burned at Burghausen, Germany, all under 16 years of age, on 26 March, 1698 1 burned at Antrim, Ireland, in 1699 "Many" burned at Spott Loan, Scotland, in 1705 2 persons killed in the Trentino, Austria, between 1716 and 1717 1 executed in France, in 1718 2 persons, a mother and daughter, burned in Scotland, in 1722 13 burned at Szegedin, Hungary, in 1728 1 burned at Szegedin, Hungary, in 1730 13 burned alive at Szegedin, Hungary on 23 July, 1738 3 burned at Karpfen, Germany, in 1744 3 burned at Muhlbach, Germany, in 1746 1 executed at Szegedin, Hungary, in 1746 1 executed at Maros Vasarheli, (nation unknown), 1752 100 + executed at Haeck, Germany between 1772 and 1779 2 burned in Poland in 1793 "Several" burned in South America during the 1800's 1 shot by a policeman at Uttenheim, Germany, on suspicion of being a were-wolf, in November, 1925 1 murdered in Pennsylvania in 1929 for a total of 236,870 known but to the Goddess. HPS: Let them have peace. ALL: Blessed be! % Here ends the Samhain Mystery. ---------------------------------------------------- % A normal cone-of-power may be raised, for growth and healing: HPS: In a ring we all shall stand Pass the Power, hand to hand. HP: As the season turns again Power flows from friend to friend HPS: Pass the Power, hand to hand Bless the Lady, bless the Land HP: Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies Bless the Power that never dies! % The above four verses should be repeated three times, or as % many times as needed, and the HPS shall then say: HPS: By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree: Let the Power flow out and free! % All should release, at this point. ------------------------------------------------------ % Any needed coven business may be transacted here. ------------------------------------------------------ % The Circle is opened: HPS: Thus I release the East and West Thanks to them from Host to Guest Thus I release the South and North With "Blessed Be' I send them forth! The Circle's open, dance we so Out and homeward we shall go. Earth and Water, Air and Fire Celebrated our desire. We think of those in Summerland Who dance together, hand in hand. By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree, Our circle's done; and Blessed Be! COVEN: Blessed Be! % All spiral dance out from the Circle, led by HP and HPS. ****************************************************** These ceremonies are free of copyright, and are released for use by any who so wish to. Thanks go to "Mr. Wiz" for his research, and to the person who originally wrote the dialog (freely adapted here) used in the Samhain Mystery. ******************************************************* *end of Bardic Cycle (Wiccan)*