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Basic NeoWiccan Esbat Rite

Make sure that there is wine (or ale or juice) in the goblet on the Altar. Also on the altar, or on the ground beside it, there should be a small plate with a cake or cakes on it (cookies will do just as well).

The circle has been cast and you are back at the altar. You may continue standing, may kneel, or even sit if you prefer. With wand raised, say:

Divine. I am here to share my love and my thoughts, thanks, and desires with you. I am here to reaffirm my feelings for the gods and for the Craft. Be with me always, in everything I do, both in and out of this Sacred Circle.

Lower the wand and spend a few minutes silently (or out loud, in your own words) thanking the gods for all that they have done for you. This is a very real “count your blessings” time and don’t hesitate to give thanks, knowing that there are many people who are far worse off than you are. At the very least, thank the gods for bringing you to the Craft and for making you one of the family of Witchcraft. When you have spent some time giving thanks, ring the bell three times and say:

And it harm none, do what thou wilt. Thus runs the Witch’s Rede. May I always remember that whatever I would do, and whatever I would ask of the gods, let it be done with harm to no one, not even myself.

Now is the time to ask for favors that you feel you need. Always keep in mind that the gods help those who help themselves. This being the case, don’t ask the gods for some miracle and expect to have it happen right away! Ask for what you want and then continue to work toward that goal yourself. You will probably find that the goal is achieved very much more easily than you might have hoped. But, as with magic, there will be no flash and bang as you wave your magic wand.

Ring the bell three times. Raise your wand in salute and say:

May I ever be aware of all that I owe to the gods. Now is the time for me to give thanks for all they provide that sustains me.

Take up the plate of cakes and lay it in the center of the altar, beside the goblet. Slowly dip the tip of your wand into the goblet, touching the surface of the wine. As you do so, say:

In just such a fashion as this does male join with female, for the happiness of both. Let the fruits of union promote life. Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread amongst all. As the wand is the male, so the cup is the female. Conjoined they bring blessedness.

Touch the wine-dipped tip of the wand to the cake(s) and say:

Here is the food of the gods, which sustains all life. May it be blessed. May all people be able to partake of it freely. Let there be enough for all, and let those who have plenty share with those who have little. So Mote It Be.

Lay aside the wand. Take up the goblet, pour a libation to the gods. Remember to say “To the gods”, then drink from the goblet. Put it down and take up a cake. Break off a small piece and drop it in the libation dish, in the wine. Say “To the gods” as you do. Then eat some of the cake. Say:

May I hold the gods in my mind and see their acts in all things. May I always share and give thanks. May I never forget that without the gods I would have nothing. So Be It.

You can now relax and enjoy wine and cake.

When you have done your work, or if there is no work to be done, then you may relax until you are ready to close the circle. That closing will be done as has been described previously.

If you are planning on doing some magic, divination, or any other circle-based activity, however, then now is a good time to go over your plans. Review any key words or chants. Make sure you have all the ingredients you need.

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