To aid the self-dedicated Wiccan Priestess and self-dedicated Wiccan Priest, here is the ritual script for the Lughnasadh Sabbat of The Tree, as adapted for our coven. Additional sources consulted included Woman, Church and State, Matriarchy Among the Picts, Myths of the Norsemen, Poetic Edda, The God of the Witches, Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine Illustrated Specially from the Semi-Pagan Text “Lacnunga”, Gods of the North, The Silver Bough, The Lost Gods of England, Witches, Witchcraft…The Religion, Gods and Heroes from Viking Mythology, Songs of Saxon Witchcraft, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, The Magick of Candle Burning (Wicca Candle Magick), Tarot Spells, Norse Magic, Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword, The Wicca Garden, and “Diana” by Victor B. Neuburg.
(The Erecting the Temple is performed. Priest and Priestess kiss. Summer flowers, including daisies and roses, are on the Altar and about the Circle. Strawberries, chamomile, mint, yarrow, dill, and lovage harvested from the covenstead garden, freshly-baked bread, and a corn dolly should also be on the Altar. Witches may wear copper neck torcs or necklaces of amber beads.)
Priest: “Summer is the season for cultivation and for caring. Flowers come forth; later to give way to fruit. Now is the time for us to review all things—That which is to remain, and that which must be pruned away, for the goodness of growth. Growth in all things; in plants and in ourselves.”
Priestess (Raising her arms high): “Almighty Mother of us All, bringer of Life and of Love, we thank thee for the goodness we have raised up from the soil; the promises of fruits to come. Help us in our decisions and in our judgments. Let us have the wisdom of the Mighty Ones as we handle our problems both great and small.”
All: “So be it!”
(Priestess lowers her arms.)
Priest: “Lady of the Silver Crescent and the Golden Orb, we praise you and love you. Look down upon us and guide us in our rites and in our lives.”
Priestess: “As the Moon reflects the Sun so let our lives reflect the love you have for us. Help us to love and honor one another; to have respect and, most of all, to have that understanding that brings true love and peace. Lady, we Pagan folks are yours; in love most perfect and with trust in all things.”
(Priest and Priestess kiss, then lead a dance about the Circle. All sing as they dance:)
All: “Love to all things on the Earth; every life that springs from birth: honour still in deed and truth. To our Silver Queen of Youth.”
(All dance till the Priestess signals a stop. Then shall follow the Ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by feasting and merriment.)
Image: Freyja and the Necklace by James Doyle Penrose (1862-1932)
Lincoln Green 