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Mystery Ritual of the Knowlege of the Orange Tree

Having set up the Altar as normal according to the tradition, add the following:

  • White Candle (Center Left)
  • Black Candle (Center Right)
  • An Orange, and a White Linen Cloth to cover it (center, on Pentacle)

After having Raised the Temple in the usual manner, sit before the Altar in a comfortable position. Raise your arms back to the neutral position, and continue with the Statement Prayer:

Oh Chava ... Great Queen ... Ancestress ... You who dared to see beyond the veil of innocence and awaken your soul, and bore the weight of that choice upon your spirit; you who tasted the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil: Keeper of the sacred mysteries. I honor you with this ritual. Show me, through my own consumption, the wisdom of the Mysteries.

Return your hands to your lap in a comfortable position. Breathe deeply, and center your body and mind; meditate for a moment if you can. Once you feel grounded, light the black candle, saying:

In darkness, knowledge begins. I honor the shadow: The unknown, the force that shapes my choices.

Light the white candle next, saying:

In light, wisdom flourishes. I honor the light of truth: The force that guides my steps toward divine understanding.

Uncover the Orange, and pick it up. Hold it in your hand for a moment and feel its energy. After you are content, carefully cut the orange in half with the ritual knife. As you do, say:

I acknowledge the duality within me. May the knowledge of good and evil awaken within my own Soul- but may I walk the path with open eyes and an open heart, and with responsibility.

Slowly, eat one of the pieces of orange. As you do, reflect on your relationship to the Tree of Knowledge, the wisdom it provides, and the consequences of its fruit; the nature of good and evil as the second Mysteries. Continue this process until the Orange is finished. When you are done, say:

I honor the wisdom that comes with awakening. And with this knowledge, I am reborn into the Mystery of Good and Evil.

Sit in quiet meditation for a while afterwards, allowing the energies to settle within you. Then Raze the Temple in the traditional manner.