170 Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
remaining ball of twine. When the knot is tied, every-
one pulls their ends of twine taut, raising the entire
array high enough above the ground so that someone
can sit comfortable beneath it. While everyone sings
a Web Weaving chant (usually: “We are the flow and
we are the ebb; We are the weavers, we are the
Web...”), one person sits under the web and ties the
string from the ball into an expanding spiral, one
strand at a time outward along the measures. As the
knots are tied in each person’s measure, that person
may call out the name of something they wish to link
into the Web.
Once made, such a Web may continue to be used
in subsequent rituals. I now have several that I helped
weave: one from Australia, one from Peru, and an-
other from Texas. Each time such a web is deployed,
everyone holding an end may tie another knot into it
to link whatever they wish into the collected energy
field. Also, other items, such as crystals, ribbons, tal-
ismans, and so on may be tied into the web as people
wish to make their personal connections.Initiations/Mysteries
Throughout the 1940s and 50s, Wiccan rituals,
as well as those of the Masons, Rosicrucians, and other
secret societies (all of which were similarly structured)
consisted mostly of Initiations. First entry into the
Circle, as well as passage into each successive grade
or degree, was/is conducted in the form of an Initia-
tion, in which the initiate is blindfolded, often stripped
and bound, brought to the gate, and challenged omi-
nously. Passwords are required, and an ordeal must
be endured and passed. Initiations may include wel-
coming of new members to the community, dedica-
tions to a path or course of study, or ordination as a
priest or priestess of an order or tradition. Often such
Initiations are elaborated in the form of dramatic
Mysteries, of which no more will be said here, as these
cannot be described, but only experienced.Fire-Rituals
Fire-rituals are very basic. Most traditions honor
and venerate fire, often in connection with the Sun.
The first hymn of the Hindu Rig-Veda is devoted
to Agni, the Divine Fire. There are the old Per-
sian Mithras-cult, the comprehensive Vedic Agni
rituals, Buddhist Goma/Homa fire rituals, Egyp-
tian Earth/Star fire worship, Irish Bridgid, the
Slavic Kupalo Solstice and the Aztec and Mayan
New Fire ceremony every 52 years, the Phoenix
and Promethean myths, the volcanic Pele wor-
ship of Hawaii, the Celtic Beltaine and Samhain,
the middle column of the Qabalah as the path-
way of fire, but even today bonfires are very com-
mon. —Luc Sala, “The Fire-Ritual”Some of the most popular fire rituals are just
drumming and dancing around a blazing bonfire. Fre-
quently, these go on all night at magickal festivals,
where the fire may be built as big as a house! Other
fire-rituals may even involve walking barefoot on hot
coals or demonstrations of fire-spinning.Bardics
A Bardic is a wonderful experience that can eas-
ily be done by anyone in a small group. This is a ritual
of sharing during which each person in the Circle gets
a turn to offer something to the rest of the group—
usually a song, poem, or story. The typical way a
Bardic is conducted is by having a large chalice of
fruit juice, wine, or mead (“Bard Oil”) passed around
the Circle. As it comes to each person, that one may
take a drink and offer his piece, taking another drink
before passing it on. If he does not wish to contribute
anything at this time, he may just take a drink and
pass the chalice.Lesson 7: Rites of Passage
Rituals of transition and life changes, called Rites of
Passage, mark significant periods in life, movement
between life-stages, and personal transformations.
These are rituals of honoring and empowerment. They
are a public acknowledgment and recognition of
growth. Just as the seasons pass in order, so do the
stages of life. The inner and outer worlds mirror each
other, so Rites of Passage provide a further link with
the Earth and the Cosmos. Rites of Passage include
coming of age, marriage or handfasting, pregnancy
and birth, elderhood, handpartings, death, and rebirth.
The following general explanations come mostly from
Paul Moonoak, a priest of the Church of All Worlds.Birth
When a child is born it is a remarkable event;
when a child who is loved by many and nurtured by a
whole community is born, it is a miracle. When we
gather to name and honor a new baby, we honor life
itself. Another term for this rite is seining, or baby
blessing. At this time those who will nurture the child
are identified: Goddessmothers, Godfathers, parents,
siblings, and other loved ones who may have a part in
the baby’s life are recognized before all. We pass the
new baby around the Circle, with magickal gifts and
blessings for long life, health, and happiness.Coming of Age
Centuries ago, this phrase originally meant “of
age to marry,” but in these days we no longer expect
people to marry so young! Normally held between
the ages of 11 and 13, the Coming of Age ceremony
celebrates the onset of puberty in one’s body and mind.
From this point begins the exploration of our new and- Rites.p65 170 1/15/2004, 9:08 AM