Category: rituals

A Ritual for Beowa

RoseLeave a comment

I was very excited to have another opportunity to write a ritual to Beowa this month. It was my pleasure to introduce some of my friends to this beloved Anglo-Saxon god of barley and beer. Our group includes some very talented bards, and we were blessed with a lovely rendition of John Barleycorn to round out our offerings. Here is a link to a popular version of John Barleycorn on YouTube, in case you’ve never heard the song.

As always, this ritual format assumes you have your own preferences for ritual purification.

For this ritual, you will need:

  • Some sort of flat space for an altar. A table, a big flat rock, a window sill. Doesn’t matter.
  • An image of Beowa
  • Libation offerings. Water or juice is absolutely fine, but I suggest barleywine, beer, or malt whiskey.
  • Something to pour the libations into.
  • Incense (optional). I use loose with charcoal or cones, but whatever type you prefer is just dandy.
  • Candles. LED works just as well.

Good Neighbors (optional)

Note: This section is optional and has been put here in case you are performing this ritual outside or in an unfamiliar space (such as a rented park pavilion).

Good Neighbors, Spirits of this Place
We know that this space is yours
But we ask that you let us borrow it for a while
Join us if our purpose is agreeable
Or leave us in peace for a time

Action: Pour libation for the Good Neighbors outside the space where you will be holding ritual.

Statement of Purpose

At Midsumor we reached a fullness as Sunne reached the height of her power. As the full moon comes only fleetingly each month, so too does summer’s peak last but a moment. The waxing year has ended, and the time of waning has began. And so, the harvests reach their peak and must be gathered in.



Now begins the time of reaping all that we have sown. Many of those seeds of intention we planted in the months following Ewemeolc have grown and blossomed, ripened for the harvest, just like the barley on its golden stalks.



And so tonight, we honor Bēowa, the spirit of the barley.

Action: Light the altar candles

Gatekeeper (optional)

Note: I do not usually acknowledge a gatekeeper in my personal praxis, but I know a lot of people do. So, I chose to include this section for those who may be looking for an appropriate gatekeeper-deity in Fyrnsidu. Other options might include Wadda, Frīg, or even Woden, depending on the purpose of the ritual.

Æled, radiant one, offering-bearer
We ask that you give life to this flame
That it may carry our gifts and prayers
Upon its rising smoke
Open the gate!

Action: Light incense or pour libation offering for Æled.

Invocation

Hail to thee, John Barleycorn.
To the one who is sown, grown and reaped.
You provide us with grain for beer and bread
Good food to fill our bellies and make us merry
Through your birth, life and death
You keep us hale all winter through.

Hail Bēowa!
[All: Hail Bēowa]

Action: Pour a libation of barleywine, beer, or malt whiskey for Beowa

We offer you now beer and barely and song,

A return for that which you have given us,
that you may raise you head again in the spring
and give us good gifts again next year.

Action: Pour an additional libation for Beowa. Sing or play John Barleycorn.

Closing

From the gods, to the earth, to us
From us, to the earth, to the gods
A gift has been given, may be it be well received.

Action: Blow out the candles to indicate the closing of the rite. Dispose of offerings appropriately.

Image Credit: Canva

A Ritual for Midsumor

RoseLeave a comment

Look at me being timely with posting a ritual this time! The little cadre of midwestern Fyrnsidera that I met up with for Ēosturdæg are meeting again for Midsumor next week. This time we’re having a cookout and giving thanks to Sunne for the life-giving heat and light she provides.

As usual, this post assumes that you or your group have your own preferences for ritual cleanliness.

For this ritual, you will need:

  • Some sort of flat space for an altar. A table, a big flat rock, a window sill. Doesn’t matter.
  • An image of Sunne (optional, esp if outside)
  • Libation offerings. Water or juice is absolutely fine.
  • Something to pour the libations into.
  • Incense (optional). I use loose with charcoal or cones, but whatever type you prefer is just dandy.
  • Candles. LED works just as well.

Good Neighbors (optional)

Note: This section is optional and has been put here in case you are performing this ritual outside or in an unfamiliar space (such as a rented park pavilion).

Good Neighbors, Spirits of this Place
We know that this space is yours
But we ask that you let us borrow it for a while
Join us if our purpose is agreeable
Or leave us in peace for a time

Action: Pour libation for the Good Neighbors outside the space you will be holding ritual.

Statement of Purpose

Today makes the midpoint in the summer season.
It is a hinge upon which the year turns
From new life and growth to harvest and death
The time of warmth and bounty begins to wane
And so we gather to honor Sunne at the height of her power
Before the cycles of nature pull her distant from us once more.

Action: Light the altar candles

Gatekeeper (optional)

Note: I do not usually acknowledge a gatekeeper in my personal praxis, but I know a lot of people do. So, I chose to include this section for those who may be looking for an appropriate gatekeeper-deity in Fyrnsidu. Other options might include Wadda, Frīg, or even Woden, depending on the purpose of the ritual.

Æled, radiant one, offering-bearer
We ask that you give life to this flame
That it may carry our gifts and prayers
Upon its rising smoke
Open the gate!

Action: Light incense or pour libation offering for Æled.

Invocation

Hail Sunne, brilliant Day Rider, and  Ever-glowing goddess
[All Hail Sunne]

Action: Add incense or pour libation for Sunne.

Your brilliance warms Mother Eorthe’s soil,
Calling forth the green growing things that nourish our bodies.
Today, we celebrate the peak of your glory.
We relish and respect the hot rays of your light,
And adore the feel of your warmth upon our skin,
Even as we protect ourselves from your full might



Accept now our offerings, our praise, and our thanks for the beautiful gift of your light. Remember us, even as the wheel turns and autumn begins to encroach upon our bright summer joy.

Action: Add incense or pour additional libation for Sunne. If in a group, allow time after the main offering for individual prayers and offerings. You may also allow time for additional toasts and/or divination.

Closing

From the gods, to the earth, to us
From us, to the earth, to the gods
A gift has been given, may be it be well received.

Action: Blow out the candles to indicate the closing of the rite. Dispose of offerings appropriately.

A Ritual to Eostre

RoseLeave a comment

The spring has just been flying by and I have not been on top of the blog! It seems I blinked and it was Ēosturdæg. The big post I’ve been working on will be delayed, I’m afraid. But, never fear, I do have more content coming. For now, I have a somewhat belated ritual to share with you. I composed following group ritual for a meet-up with other Fyrsideras this weekend. I’m posting it a bit late but there’s no rule that says we can’t hail Ēostre any time besides Ēosturdæg! It’s a little short and sweet but I hope y’all find it helpful.

A few important notes: I am assuming that the individual or group performing the ritual has their own preferences for ritual cleansing, and so jump straight into the hallowing. And while I do not personally include a gatekeeper in my personal praxis, I have included a section for those who do; feel free to skip it. As always, my hallowing and closing are borrowed from my friend Wind in the Worldtree. See my Geol ritual for more ritual notes.

For this ritual you will need:

  • Some sort of flat space for an altar. A table, big flat rock, a window sill. Doesn’t matter.
  • An images of Ēostre (optional)
  • Libation offerings. Water or juice is absolutely fine.
  • Birdseed or similar
  • Something to pour the libations into.
  • Incense (optional). I use loose with charcoal, but whatever type you prefer is just dandy.
  • Candles. LED work just as well.

Hallowing

May the gods guide us,
May our oaths keep us,
May our deeds free us,
May our ancestors aid us always.
May the gods banish from this place ill and wrong,
Hallow this space, shield us from all baneful wights,
Let the gods’ blessing be over our heads!

Action: Walk around the space with a flame such as a candle or lamp as the words are spoken. Light the altar candles.

Statement of Purpose

We have come together today to celebrate the coming of spring, the beginning of a season of warmth and growth. Hrēðe has defeated Old Man Winter, and now Ēostre dances across the land, coaxing all that is green and good from Eorthe’s rich soil.

Gatekeeper

Æled, radiant one, offering-bearer
We ask that you give life to this flame
That it may carry our gifts and prayers
Upon its rising smoke
Open the gate!

Action: Pour a libation or light incense for Æled

Invocation

Hail Ēostre, Bringer of Summer and Bearer of Blossoms

[All: Hail Ēostre]


You bring us to wakefulness with the dawn
As you rouse the Earth from her Winter slumber.
You know the timing of flowers and the dances of bees.

We come before you to celebrate your day,
Grateful for the waking world around us,
For he dandelions that grow plentiful around our feet,
The singing of birds and the buzzing of bees.
And the sweet scent of spring rain before the summer blooms.
We thank you for these signs of the turning season
And the warmer temperatures that bring them.

They are such beautiful gifts that you give us.

A gift calls for a gift, and so now we bring you our humble offerings.

Action: Pour libations and/or scatter birdseed (if outdoors). If in a group, allow time after the main offering for individual prayers and offerings. You may also allow time for additional toasts.

Closing

From the gods, to the earth, to us
From us, to the earth, to the gods
A gift has been given, may it be well received

Action: Blow out candles to signify the end of the ritual and dispose of the offerings appropriately.

A sideboard with a deep red table runner. Each end has red, white and natural beeswax candles. On the left are statues of Ing, Frig, and Woden. On the right is a picture frame with black paper in it and a wax warmer.

A Ritual for Geol

Rose1 Comment

The following is a ritual to Frīg and Woden that I recently composed for a group Geol celebration. It can easily be adapted for a solo practitioner by replacing some plural pronouns and optionally dropping the Statement of Purpose section. Originally, I wrote the ritual to fit the requirements for my local mixed-faith group, but this version is stripped down to what I would consider the necessary components for a Fyrnsidere’s praxis. And yes, this ritual has footnotes, haha. I’ve also included a further reading section for more information about ritual format in Fyrnsidu and Anglo-Saxon heathenry. Please note that how I structure my rituals may vary from the sources I’ve linked to. Every individual and group’s praxis will look a little different. Please feel free to adapt this to your needs.

For this ritual you will need:

  • Some sort of flat space for an altar. A table, big flat rock, a window sill. Doesn’t matter.
  • Images of Frīg and Woden (optional)
  • Libation offerings. Water or juice is absolutely fine.
  • Something to pour the libations into.
  • Incense (optional). I use loose with charcoal, but whatever type you prefer is just dandy.
  • Candles. LED work just as well.

Hallowing1

May the gods guide us,
May our oaths keep us,
May our deeds free us,
May our ancestors aid us always.
May the gods banish from this place ill and wrong,
Hallow this space, shield us from all baneful wights,
Let the gods’ blessing be over our heads!2

Action: Walk around the space with a flame such as a candle or lamp as the words are spoken. Light the altar candles.

Statement of Purpose

As the year wanes, Sunne’s light grows faint. The nights loom long as her strength fades. In the lengthened shadows, the Wild Hunt rides. And in this liminal time we gather as our ancestors did, pushing away winter’s chill in the warmth of fire and frith. We anticipate Sunne’s triumphant return, and give thanks to Woden & Frīg that the death has passed us by another year. Together we make merry and give good gifts, that we may bring the light of joy into this cold midwinter night. 

Gatekeeper3

Æled4, radiant one, offering-bearer
We ask that you give life to this flame
That it may carry our gifts and prayers
Upon its rising smoke
Open the gate!

Action: Pour a libation or light incense for Æled

Invitations

Good neighbors, we call to you. This land is cold and sleeping. The nights have grown long and chill. We invite all spirits of good will who dwell here to join us at our fire and feast with us at our table. Be merry with us in this place of frith.
Hail the Landwights!
(All: Hail the Landwights!)

Honored ones who have gone before us. Beloved ancestors of body and of spirit, we call to you through the generations, back into the mists of time. As the wild hunt rides and the veil is thin, we invite you to our fire. Feast with us, laugh with us. Celebrate with us on this longest night.
Hail our Honored Ancestors!
(All: Hail our Honored Ancestors!)

Hail the Gods and Goddesses, the mighty ones. The year is dying, and it is time we remember your many gifts. Join us at our fire and feast. Receive what we have brought for you. Hear our words of thanks and witness our oaths.
Hail the Gods and Goddesses!
(All: Hail the Gods and Goddesses!)

Action: Pour a small libation for each group as they are invited in.

Main Invocations

Hail to the Heorþmōdor, blessed Hearth-mother, Frīg
Hail to the weaver of frith and weaver of wyrd
Come sit at our table and weave your peace amongst us
That we may strengthen our bonds.
Hail Frīg!
(All: Hail Frīg)

Action: Present offerings for Frīg. Suggestion: a fruit wine.

Hail to the Hygeferigend, wise Soul-Bearer, Woden.
Hail to the wander on his mighty steed
Shake the snow from your cloak and hang it by the fire (or heater)
Let us fill your cup and heap your plate.
Hail Woden!
(All: Hail Woden!)

Action: Present offerings for Woden. Suggestions: whiskey or brandy. And of course, mead is an excellent choice.

Closing

From the gods, to the earth, to us
From us, to the earth, to the gods
A gift has been given, may it be well received 5

Þa godas bletsien eow þissum geare. Glæd Gēol!6

Action: Blow out candles to signify the end of the ritual and dispose of the offerings appropriately.

  1. I am making the assumption here that the reader has their own preferences for cleansing and am jumping straight to the hallowing. ↩︎
  2. This section has been borrowed from Wind in the Worldtree. ↩︎
  3. I personally don’t usually include a gatekeeper when doing private offerings by myself, but I wanted to include this for others who may find this step important. ↩︎
  4. Æled is a reconstruction, a best guess at a sacred fire deity based on the language, how we believe fire was thought of, and comparative study of other Indo-European religions. I think he makes the most sense to use as a gatekeeper in this context. Pronunciation: IPA /ˈæː.led/. Æ is pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘mat’ and the e is pronounced like ‘ay’ in ‘may’. Read more at Wind in the Worldtree. ↩︎
  5. This is also borrowed from Wind in the Worldtree ↩︎
  6. Old English for “May the gods blessings be upon you [all] this year. Glad Geol.” Credit to T Patrick Snyder for the OE translation. ↩︎

Further Reading

Anglo-Saxon Heathen Ritual Format

Bonus Reading Suggestions