Circle, Coven, & Grove: A Year Of Magickal Practice
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: About this book--Read Now
Chapter One: How to use this book--Read Now
Chapter Two: Some Wicca Basics
Chapter Three: Group Practice Essentials
Blue Moon Circle’s Magickal Year
Introduction
Circle, Grove, Coven—there are probably as many different ways to practice magic in groups as there are groups. And as with all else in Wicca, there is no one right way, just what is right for you. Covens tend to be more formal and organized than circles and groves, but this can vary greatly from group to group. What doesn’t change is the commitment and intent that all Pagans bring to the practice of magick, and the benefits that can be derived from focused and inspired magickal work.
No matter whether you are a Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Green, Celtic or Eclectic Witch, there are two basic styles of practice: solitary and group. Many solitary practitioners practice witchcraft entirely on their own, either by choice or because there is no group available to them. Thankfully, there are many books out there to help the solitary, on every level from beginner to advanced.
Group Witches, by inclination, prefer to share their magickal lives with others of like mind, although most of them do some witchcraft on their own as well. If they are lucky, they can find an existing group that will welcome them in, or they already belong to one.
But what about new groups, who may not have a clear vision of how to work in unison effectively, or a group which doesn’t have any one true leader (High Priestess or High Priest), or one which isn’t lucky enough to have any members who are comfortable writing group spells and rituals?
This book is for them, and for any other circles, groves or covens that might find it useful to have more guidance in this area. In it you will find a year’s worth of New Moon, Full Moon and Sabbat (holiday) rituals, along with spells, advice and other practical stuff.
May it bring you all you need to practice more fully, more powerfully, and with both reverence and mirth. Blessed Be.
How to use this book
How should you use this book?
The simple answer, of course, is: “any way you want to.” This is Wicca, after all. As long as you harm none, do as ye will.
A better answer, though, might be: “whichever way works best for you.”
The book is set up so that you can start with January, and work straight through to the end of December. But what if you don’t get the book until March? Do you have to wait until next January to start using it? Of course not. Like the Wheel of the Year itself, the book is set up to be used in a circular fashion, starting wherever you happen to be.
Or some people might choose to start with Samhain, which many witches use to mark the start of the pagan year. That’s fine, too. Whatever suits your needs.
What about when you’ve worked through the entire book, and the Wheel has rolled around to another year? Well, you could start all over, and do it again. Or, if you feel more comfortable with group rituals, and want to try your hand at writing your own, there is a section at the end of each month’s chapter for you to write in changes, or new rituals that you have created for yourself. (And who knows, maybe I’ll have written “A Magickal Year II” by then. Anything is possible.)
Do you have to use the rituals exactly as they are written?
Certainly not. Feel free to make whatever changes suit your practice. For instance, I have written most of the rituals to be led by one person, be it High Priestess or High Priest, because that is the way most of the groups I know are set up. If your group is lucky enough to have both, just distribute the speaking parts accordingly. And if your group doesn’t have any one “leader, you can simply choose one person to act as High Priestess (or Priest) for that ritual or share the parts.
Can a solitary witch use this book?
Yes, absolutely. Even though I designed it primarily with group practice in mind, the individual witch can use many of the rituals, too. Most of the New Moon and Full Moon rituals can be used almost exactly as written, and even the larger Sabbat rituals are suitable for one with a few changes. Again, just do whatever works for you. That’s what this book is all about—making your practice as a Witch easier, more powerful, and more fun.
Do you have to perform the rituals in the months they’re set in?
Not really. In some cases, such as the April Full Moon “rebirthing” ritual, that moon is particularly well suited for such work, and it might be best to do it then. On the other hand, if your group feels a real need for rebirthing in November, and the ritual feels right for you to do at that time, by all means go ahead and use it then. It is always best to trust in your instincts, and the gods are pretty flexible.
Some rituals, like prosperity work, can be done during any Full Moon (or even a New Moon, if you change your approach to “banishing poverty”), and can be done more than once if you have the need.
Use your own judgment. Like an athame or a chalice, this book is intended to be a tool. It is really up to you to decide how you want to combine its use with the rest of your practice.
Of course, the easiest way to use this book is simply to start at the beginning, and go through until the end. Just remember, if you are new to the Craft, or unaccustomed to group work, it is best to read the chapters about group practice and Wicca basics, and the appendix section on ritual etiquette before proceeding with any rituals.
Like a doctor, a witch’s first rule is: do no harm. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re doing before you practice any magick. Magick is powerful stuff.
And then, just do it. Practice, learn, live. And enjoy!
This excerpt is copyright by Deborah Blake and may not be used, printed, or taken in anyway without permission for any purpose.
Just e-mail her at magicmysticminerva@yahoo.com.