Carly's Dedication Ceremony
July 24, 2002
Carly, who has taken the Craft name of "Equiny," post-ritual, with her new Book of Shadows.
Equiny and proud mommy Amarisse, with our matching Book of Shadows notebooks. I decided to make a special new one for me, for our teaching year, and to set down the beliefs and practices of our own unique family tradition.
Catalyst is unable to keep a straight face. Who says rituals are all stuffy and dark? Not at our house!
Catalyst and Equiny with my youngest son, Dustin,who took part in our ritual by lighting the Quarter Candles.
Proud "parents." You can ~almost~ see Equiny's new pentacle necklace, which was blessed and presented to her during the ritual. Too bad you couldn't have seen more of that, and less why Amarisse looks better with at least a ~little~ makeup! *grin*
Excerpt From Our Ritual
Carly
In this
sacred space between the worlds, I, Carly, come before you in humility and
reverence to dedicate myself upon this spiritual path.
I ask for your presence and blessings as I step forth onto this path
under the guidance of Amarisse and ask for assistance in learning and growing.
Carly
lights the lavender candle, to represent spiritual growth.
Carly
In this
sacred space between the worlds, I, Carly, am ready to accept the spiritual path
of the ancient ways, living in the divine light of the God and the Goddess, who
are in all things, in all places, in and out of time.
I am ready to accept the laws of love, balance, justice, and wisdom as
the laws by which I will live. I am
willing to take on the responsibilities of this journey to proclaim my spiritual
path as that of my mother before me. I
step forward as an apprentice of Amarisse, giving myself and my energies to the
The Morrigan and Lugh, for divine purpose and use.
I declare my desire and willingness to overcome past deeds that might
interfere with this path. I
acknowledge the tasks ahead to learn. I
open my heart, mind, and soul to the education and teachings required to fulfill
this mission.
Carly
lights the blue candle, to represent wisdom.
Carly
On this
night, and before these witnesses, I, Carly, proclaim my commitment and desire
to walk this path and follow the Goddess and God.
I put forth my mind, body and soul to hereafter be known as Equiny.
Equiny
lights the white candle.
Equiny
With the
lighting of this candle, I bind my journey, my emotions, my thoughts, my actions
and my energies to the principles learned of my teacher, Amarisse.
Equiny
raises the athame, as a symbol of the God.
Equiny
From this
day forward, I call upon Lugh, the Shining One, for his wisdom and guidance on
my path through this spiritual life. Blessings
be to thee.
Equiny
replaces the athame and takes up the chalice, as a symbol of the Goddess.
Equiny
From today
forward, I call upon The Morrigan, the Great Queen, for her wisdom and guidance
on my path through this spiritual life. Blessings
be to Thee.
Equiny
replaces the chalice and takes up her offering to the God and Goddess.
Equiny
I present
these seeds, for honor and thanks to Lugh and The Morrigan,
for your presence, your willingness to guide my path, and your protection
as I take this journey forward. I
will plant them and tend them, as I will tend the garden of my life, that they
might flower and bear fruit, as might my spirit.
Equiny places her offering on the altar.
~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~
Amarisse
Have you
entered this agreement of your own free will?
Do you vow
to obey your teacher in all things for your period of apprenticeship to the
Goddess?
Do you
determine to know yourself, know your craft, learn, and apply what knowledge you
gain?
Will you
work to achieve balance in your life, keep your words in good order, keep
your thoughts in good order, and celebrate life?
Will you
strive to attune yourself with the cycles of the earth, breathe correctly, eat
correctly, and keep healthy your body for the service of the Goddess?
Do you vow
to meditate and honor the Goddess and God in all that you think, say, and do?
Do you commit to these things, in a spirit of perfect love and perfect trust, for the span of a year and a day?
Catalyst
Do you vow
to conduct yourself at all times so as to be a good example of all followers of
the Goddess and God, whatever their paths may be?
Do you promise to treat all who cross your path with respect, as you recognize the deity within them?
Do you agree to this take instruction from your teacher only, for this dedication period of a year and a day?
Let us take a few moments to meditate on the importance of Equiny?s decision and commitment.
Amarisse
By the
power of the Goddess within, and in front of these witnesses, I welcome you to
the path, and rejoice in the foundation of our tradition together.
May you find the Goddess in every moment; may she open your eyes to the
wonder of Creation as you come to learn the ways of the earth, moon, sun, and
stars. You are protected and sealed
against harm; may your apprenticeship be a time of joyful discovery and
meaningful growth.
I present to you, Equiny,
Apprentice
of Amarisse;
Be it known
from this day forward,
For a year
and a day,
She is a
servant of the Morrigan,
A true
daughter of the Goddess!
It is done.
*~*~~*~* Much celebration follows! *~*~~*~*
