Full Description
Fully revised and expanded with fresh insights, this new edition of The Elements of Ritual is a must-have resource on Wiccan ritual. Not only does it teach you step-by-step how to cast a circle, but it also explains why each step is important. Deborah Lipp looks at every phase through an elemental lens, revealing the process (earth), mythology (water), mystical inspiration (fire), and theology (air) behind it. The Elements of Ritual now features updates throughout on gender and polarity as well as all-new sections on the history of elemental associations and raising the cone of power. This edition also includes alternate orders for the traditional steps of ritual. You will learn how to write your own rituals, discover new ideas on magical tools, and use meditations to deepen your understanding of Wicca's most enduring rite.
Contents
Contents
List of Illustrations ... xi
Acknowledgments ... xiii
Acknowledgments to the New Edition ... xv
Foreword by Thorn Mooney ... xvii
Introduction to the New Edition ... 1
Chapter 1: The Wiccan Circle Step-by-Step ... 7
The Steps of Ritual ... 9
Alternate Steps of Ritual ... 10
Chapter 2: The Four Elements ... 13
The Universe in a Nutshell ... 13
The Qualities of the Elements ... 14
Where Do the Elements Come From? ... 22
Alchemy and the Elements ... 24
Is There a Fifth Element? ... 24
The Elements of Religion ... 27
Elemental Structure of This Book ... 28
Chapter 3: Preliminary Steps ... 31
Alternate Order ... 31
Preparation ... 31
Grounding and Centering ... 74
Declared Opening and Stated Purpose ... 82
Chapter 4: Making the Ritual Space ... 87
Alternate Order ... 87
Sacred Preparations ... 87
Casting the Circle: Making the Space ... 103
Calling the Quarters ... 119
Chapter 5: The Center ... 143
Alternate Order ... 144
The Steps ... 145
Invoking the Gods ... 145
Giving Offerings to the Gods ... 173
Raising the Cone of Power ... 195
Cakes and Wine (Receiving the Blessings of the Gods) ... 198
Using the Blessings ... 233
Chapter 6: Closing the Circle ... 243
Alternate Steps ... 244
When to Close the Circle ... 244
Thanking the Gods and Dismissing the Quarters ... 244
The Final Steps in Closing the Circle ... 254
After the Circle Is Over ... 261
Chapter 7: A Ritual Script ... 265
Preparation ... 265
Grounding and Centering ... 266
Clearing the Space ... 268
Declared Opening and Stated Purpose ... 268
Sacred Preparations ... 268
Casting the Circle: Making the Space ... 270
Calling the Quarters ... 272
Invoking the Gods ... 274
Giving Offerings to the Gods ... 274
Cakes and Wine (Receiving the Blessings of the Gods) ... 276
Using the Blessings ... 278
Thanking the Gods ... 279
Dismissing the Quarters ... 280
Uncasting the Circle and Declared Ending/Reconnecting to Earth ... 281
Conclusion ... 283
References and Bibliography ... 285
Index ... 289
