BLESSING OF A TRAVELLER


Preparation: the chalice should be filled with wine, anointing oil is needed.

   The person being blessed stands in front of the altar with their back to it. They cross their wrists while holding them close to their breast. The Priest(ess) stands in front of them and says:

	"Artemis, queen of night

	In all your beauty bright,

	Shine on us here,

	And with your silver beam

	Unlock the gates of dream;

	Rise bright and clear.

	On Earth and sky and sea,

	Your magic mystery

	Its spell shall cast,

	Wherever leaf may grow,

	Wherever tide may flow,

	Till all be past.

	O secret queen of power,

	At this enchanted hour

	We ask your boon.

	May fortune's favor fall

	Upon true witches all,

	O Lady Moon!

The Priest(ess) kneels before her and gives her the Five Fold Kiss; that is, s/he kisses her on both feet, both knees, womb or phallus, both breasts, and the lips, starting with the right of each pair. S/He says, as s/he does this:
		
	"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.

         Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar.

         Blessed be thy sex, without which we would not be.

         Blessed be thy breasts, formed in strength and in beauty.

         Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."

For the kiss on the lips, they embrace, lengthtolength, with their feet touching each others. When the priest(ess) reaches the womb, the recipient spreads her arms wide, and the same after the kiss on the lips. Then the Priest(ess) touches her with his right forefinger on her right breast, left breast, and womb, repeats the set and finally the right breast. The Priest(ess) steps backwards. The Priest(ess) then makes an X mark on the initiates forehead, breast and genitals while saying:

	"May your mind be free. May your heart be free. May your body be free."

The Priest(ess) holds the chalice close to their heart and feeds power into the wine. When they can feel it glow, it is ready. S/He says:

       "All life is your own,
	All fruits of the Earth
	Are fruits of your womb,

	Your union, your dance.
	Lady and Lord,
	We thank you for blessings and abundance.

	Join with us, Feast with us, Enjoy with us!
	Blessed Be."

The Priest(ess) and the person share the wine. The priest(ess)says:

	"Artemis, protector of youths,

         Look down upon this person,

         Protect them and help them.

         Athena, grey eyed goddess of wisdom,

         Give this person the understanding to chose the right course.

         Manannan and Poseidon, keepers and watchers of deep waters,

         Grant fair winds, and following seas as they travel through your
         domains.

         Mercury, god of travellers,

         Protect this person from those who would beset them.

The Priest(ess) says:

	"When you are frightened, remember this chant:

        "I must not fear.
         Fear is the mind killer.
         Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.
         I will face my fear.
         I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
         And when it has gone past I will turn	my inner eye to see it's path.
         Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
 
         "Blessed Be"

Final kiss on forehead.
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	Herbert, Frank; "Dune"; Berkley 1985

	Starhawk; "The Spiral Dance: Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the 				Goddess"; HarperRow 1979

	Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985

	Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 				1983
	
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