Consecration Of The Circle

The circle should be delineated with stones at the North, South, East and West - and at the intermediate points if possible - and then cleared of any debris. Rose petals can be scattered, if available, and any other appropriate decoration of the area (ribbons, lights, etc) made.

The Lord and Lady and the elementals should then be invited to attend.

Hail Guardian of the East,
Powers of Air
I greet you now in perfect love and perfect trust.
As you carry the seeds of the plants across the land,
As you bring the moisture of the storms to the shore,
Join me, in all your gentle and powerful ways.
I bless the elements of air,
And call upon you to gather here with me.

Hail Guardian of the South,
Powers of Fire
I greet you now in perfect love and perfect trust.
Flaming One;
Apollo, Bright Warrior,
Wild courage,
Lion-strength,
I bless the elements of Fire,
And call upon you to gather here with me.

Hail Guardian of the West,
Powers of Water
I greet you now in perfect love and perfect trust.
Water - soft and yielding, formless and flowing
You are the blood coursing through my veins,
I bless the elements of Water,
And call upon you to gather here with me.

Hail Guardian of the North,
Powers of Earth
I greet you now in perfect love and perfect trust.
Changeless power of unending change,
In steadfastness and strength
I bless the elements of Earth,
And call upon you to gather here with me.

Blessed Lady, Goddess of Many names, I welcome you, as I come to this place and time which both is and is not, to celebrate in You.

Horned God, I welcome you. You who are born, having died. Teach me, enlighten me, dance with me as I come to this place and time which both is and is not.

The altar should now be set up.

A suitable altar cloth is laid. On this is placed a representation of each of the elements - incense for Air, a small bowl of salt for Earth, candles for Fire, and a small bowl of water for Water. The incense should be a native flower scent. Different traditions would use either two white candles, or one each of white, red and black to represent the Triple Goddess. The ceremony also requires a red and a white candle for the couple to light. A sword or dagger should be placed on the altar, representing the Horned God. It is traditional at Midsummer and for a handfasting to place flowers, especially roses, and fruits of the season on the altar.

Finally, the willow wand and cord to be used for the handfasting, the tokens to be exchanged by the couple, and wine and cakes for the revel should be placed on or around the altar.