OPENING CEREMONY FOR A GROUP
PRIEST: Why do we here meet?
PRIESTESS: To form the Circle.
PRIEST: Why is the Circle to be formed?
PRIESTESS: To aid us in our search for Light.
PRIEST: How is the Circle to be formed?
PRIESTESS: In the Name and with the help of the Divine Lord and Lady.
PRIEST: How many form the Circle?
PRIESTESS: Four or more and One at the center.
PRIEST: Who stands in the West?
WEST: I stand in the West.
PRIEST: What is your duty there?
WEST: To see that the gate herein is guarded; to aid the Divine Forces manifested in the element of air to join our circle.
PRIEST: By what name are you known?
WEST: I have been known by many names.
PRIEST: By what name shall we know you?
WEST: Huntress and lady of the West.
PRIEST: Blessed be the Goddess of the Hunt; the Ruler in the West.
PRIEST: Who stands in the North?
NORTH: I stand in the North.
PRIEST: What is your duty there?
NORTH: To see that the gate herein is guarded; to aid the Divine Forces manifested in the element of water to join our circle.
PRIEST: By what name are you known?
NORTH: I have been known by many names.
PRIEST: By what name shall we know you?
NORTH: Mother and Lady of the North.
PRIEST: Blessed be the Mother Goddess; the Ruler in the North.
PRIESTESS: Who stands in the South?
SOUTH: I stand in the South.
PRIESTESS: What is your duty there?
SOUTH: To see that the gate herein is guarded; to aid the Divine Forces manifested in the element of fire to join our circle.
PRIESTESS: By what name are you known?
SOUTH: I have been known by many names.
PRIESTESS: By what name shall we know you?
SOUTH: Hunter and Lord of the South.
PRIESTESS: Blessed be the God of the Hunt; the Ruler in the South.
PRIESTESS: Who stands in the East?
EAST: I stand in the East.
PRIESTESS: What is your duty there?
EAST: To see that the gate herein is guarded; to aid the Divine Forces manifested in the element of earth to join our circle.
PRIESTESS: By what name are you known?
EAST: I have been known by many names.
PRIESTESS: By what name shall we know you?
EAST: Lawgiver and Lord of the East.
PRIESTESS: Blessed be God the Lawgiver; the Ruler in the East.
PRIEST: (Performing the gesture ‘PRAISE THE GODS’) Divine Lord and Lady we ask your help in forming this Holy Circle and in accomplishing the task for which it is made. In your Name we pray, amen.
ALL: So mote it be.
PRIEST: Let the circle be formed.
ALL: (Walking sunwise around the circle.) Blessed be this circle and all therein. (Repeated for three circuits then stop so everyone is standing in their original places.)
PRIEST: Goddess of the Hunt, you will perform your duty in the West and see that the gate therein is properly sealed and guarded.
WEST: (Performing the gesture ‘PRAISE THE GODS’ facing the altar, then make the ‘SIGN OF AIR.’ Pick up the Dagger and turn to face the West. Raise the Dagger towards the heavens.) In the Name of the Divine Lord and Lady (Lower the Dagger to shoulder level.) and by the powers of air (Trace the Blazing Star in the air before you.) I do hereby banish and eliminate all evil and contamination from this circle. (Make three banishing gestures.) Be gone, be gone, be gone. Watcher in the West guard well this gate and allow none to pass except those who are truly dedicated to the Great Work and have permission. As I will, so mote it be. (Turn back to face the altar and place the elemental tool back on it.)
PRIEST: Mother Goddess you will perform your duty in the North and see that the gate therein is properly sealed and guarded.
NORTH: (Performing the gesture ‘PRAISE THE GODS’ facing the altar, then make the ‘SIGN OF WATER.’ Pick up the Cup and turn to face the North. Raise the Cup towards the heavens.) In the Name of the Divine Lord and Lady (Lower the Cup to shoulder level.) and by the powers of Water (Trace the Blazing Star in the air before you.) I do hereby banish and eliminate all evil and contamination from this circle. (Make three banishing gestures.) Be gone, be gone, be gone. Watcher in the North guard well this gate and allow none to pass except those who are truly dedicated to the Great Work and have permission. As I will, so mote it be. (Turn back to face the altar and place the elemental tool back on it.)
PRIESTESS: God of the Hunt you will perform your duty in the South and see that the gate therein is properly sealed and guarded.
SOUTH: (Performing the gesture ‘PRAISE THE GODS’ facing the altar, then make the ‘SIGN OF FIRE.’ Pick up the Wand and turn to face the South. Raise the Wand towards the heavens.) In the Name of the Divine Lord and Lady (Lower the Wand to shoulder level.) and by the powers of Fire (Trace the Blazing Star in the air before you.) I do hereby banish and eliminate all evil and contamination from this circle. (Make three banishing gestures.) Be gone, be gone, be gone. Watcher in the South guard well this gate and allow none to pass except those who are truly dedicated to the Great Work and have permission. As I will, so mote it be. (Turn back to face the altar and place the elemental tool back on it.)
PRIESTESS: God the Lawgiver you will perform your duty in the East and see that the gate therein is properly sealed and guarded.
EAST: (Performing the gesture ‘PRAISE THE GODS’ facing the altar, then make the ‘SIGN OF EARTH.’ Pick up the Pantacle and turn to face the East. Raise the Pantacle towards the heavens.) In the Name of the Divine Lord and Lady (Lower the Pantacle to shoulder level.) and by the powers of Earth (Trace the Blazing Star in the air before you.) I do hereby banish and eliminate all evil and contamination from this circle. (Make three banishing gestures.) Be gone, be gone, be gone. Watcher in the East guard well this gate and allow none to pass except those who are truly dedicated to the Great Work and have permission. As I will, so mote it be. (Turn back to face the altar and place the elemental tool back on it.)
PRIEST: (Recites the poem ‘The Circle’ moving freely about the circle with appropriate gestures.)
PRIEST: In the Name of the Divine Lord and Lady I now declare this circle to be properly formed and sealed, and ready for Work. Amen.
ALL: So mote it be.