How to Become a Witch (41 page)

13—Divination:
Perform a short divination; for example, with one tarot card or rune. Ask the question, “What are the energies that should guide my studies for the coming months?” Meditate on the card or rune until your general direction or approach becomes clear.

14—Self-Blessing: Perform a self-blessing. Take a chalice of water mixed with a few drops of wine. Touch your feet with a dab of the liquid and say, “Blessed be my feet that have brought me to this path.”

Touch your genitals and say, “Blessed be my loins, source of creation and of pleasure.”

Touch your heart and say, “Blessed be my breast, formed in beauty and in strength.”

Touch your lips and say, “Blessed be my lips that speak the names of the Lady and the Lord.”

Touch your forehead and say, “Blessed be me, (magickal name), beloved child of the Goddess.”

Stand a moment in silence, and just feel.

15—Cakes and Wine:
Bless and taste the cakes and wine (food and beverage).

Lift the food before the altar, and say, “Thank you, Lady, for this nourishment, the bounty of the earth.” Take a bit and savor it, then put the plate down.

Lift the cup or chalice before the altar, and say, “Thank you, Lord, for this drink, a gift from the earth quickened by your sunlight.” Sip a little and savor it, then put the cup down.

16—Farewell to Goddess (and God, if invoked):
Express your thanks in your own words, then add “Hail and farewell!”

17—Farewell to the Quarters: Begin in the north and proceed widdershins (counterclockwise):

“Guardians of the watchtowers of the north, powers of earth, I thank thee for attending. Stay if you will, go if ye must; and if you must go, I say ‘Hail and farewell!’”

“Guardians of the watchtowers of the west, powers of water, I thank thee for attending. Stay if you will, go if ye must; and if you must go, I say ‘Hail and farewell!’”

“Guardians of the watchtowers of the south, powers of fire, I thank thee for attending. Stay if you will, go if ye must; and if you must go, I say ‘Hail and farewell!’”

“Guardians of the watchtowers of the east, powers of air, I thank thee for attending. Stay if you will, go if ye must; and if you must go, I say ‘Hail and farewell!’”

18—Open the Circle:
Face the east, and with your hand or athame stretched before you, turn widdershins and draw in the energy of the circle. Then face the altar and say, “The circle is open but never broken. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again! Blessed be.”

When this is done, you may meditate, enjoy a quiet meal, or go to sleep.