Wiccan Beltane Sabbat

To aid the self-dedicated Wiccan Priestess and self-dedicated Wiccan Priest, here is the ritual script for the Beltane Sabbat of The Tree, as adapted for our coven. Additional sources consulted included The Silver Bough, The Lost Gods of England, Where Witchcraft Lives, What Witches Do, Natural Magic, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, Wicca, Wicca Craft, Wicca for Life, and The Wheel of the Wiccan Year.

(The Erecting the Temple is performed. Priest and Priestess kiss. There should be flowers spread about the Circle and on the Altar. Also on the Altar rests a crown of flowers, ready for the Priestess. To the center of the Circle stands a Cauldron filled with candles.)

Priestess: “With this Night do we see the end of Winter. Our Lord has once more brought us to Summer, and to Our Lady.”

All: “Frey! Our thanks and our love to thee!”

(Priestess lights the candles in the Cauldron.)

Priest: “Now light we the Beltane fires! To revitalize the Lord and welcome the Lady. Welcome Freya! Welcome Life!”

All: “Welcome Freya! Welcome Life!”

(All now dance around the Circle, jumping over the Cauldron, if they wish. While the Witches dance they chant:)

All: “Oh, do not tell the priests of our Art, for they would call it sin. But we shall be in the woods all night a-conjuring summer in. And we bring you good news, by word of mouth, for women, cattle, and corn; now is the Sun come up from the south, with oak and ash and thorn.”

(Priest and Priestess stop dancing and return to the Altar.)

Priest: “Welcome indeed to our Lady fair. Welcome, thrice welcome, we fill the air with our love and devotion for Freya!”

(When others have stopped dancing Priest continues:)

“As our Lord steps back so does our Lady move forward, to guard us and guide us through the Summertime.”

(He takes up the crown of flowers.)

“Let these flowers be our Lady’s crown, as our beloved Priestess wears them proudly.”

(Priestess kneels and Priest places crown on her head. He then raises her and kisses her.)

Priestess (standing out from the Altar in the Goddess Position): “I am She who turns the Wheel, bringing New Life into the World and beckoning those who pass along the Ways. In the coolness of the breeze you hear my sighs; my heart is in the rushing of the Wind. When you thirst, let my tears fall upon you as gentle Rain; when you tire, pause to rest upon the Earth that is my breast. Warmth and comfort do I give thee and ask for nothing in return save that you Love all things even as yourself. Know that Love is the Spark of Life. It is always there; always with you if you but see it. Yet you need not seek afar, for Love is the inner spark; the Light that burns without flicker; the Amber glow within. Love is the beginning and end of all things…and I am Love.”

(One by one, all then move around the Circle to kiss the Priestess. Then shall follow the Ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by feasting and merriment.)

Image: May Day by James Hayllar (1829-1920)