To aid the self-dedicated Wiccan Priestess and self-dedicated Wiccan Priest, here is the ritual script for the Autumn Sabbat of The Tree, as slightly adapted for our coven. Additional sources consulted included Matriarchy Among the Picts, Poetic Edda, The God of the Witches, The Silver Bough, Witches, Witchcraft…the Religion, Songs of Saxon Witchcraft, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, The Magick of Candle Burning (Wicca Candle Magick), Norse Magic, Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword, and The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca.
(The Erecting the Temple is performed. Priest and Priestess kiss. Let there be flowers on the Altar and about the Circle—spruce cones, willow leaves, ect. Autumn-colored ribbons are tied to the Sword, and a bowl of apples harvested from the covenstead garden should also be on the Altar.)
Priest: “Now that the season of plenty draws to its close let us listen to the words of Freya, as she speaks through her Priestess.”
(Priestess spreads her hands toward the people.)
Priestess: “Although the season of plenty draws to a close think not that I forsake you, for I am with you always. I watch over you as does my Brother, the Hornéd One. When the dark months descend then will the Lord hold vigil over you; as will you over him. For know you that as Man needs the Gods so do the Gods need Man.”
(Priestess lowers her arms and takes up from the Altar the bowl of Water. Priest leads Witches in a dance about the Circle, the Priestess sprinkling them with the Water as they pass. They dance around three times. Priestess replaces bowl.)
Priestess: “To the good seasons that have already passed, and to those that are yet to come.”
All: “Frey and Freya give blessings.”
Priest: “To the beauty of autumn, and to those good friends we treasure.”
All: “Frey and Freya give blessings.”
Priestess: “To Frey and Freya, who bring peace, joy, and love to the world.”
All: “Do we give our blessings.”
Priest & Priestess: “So be it!”
(Then shall follow the Ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by feasting and merriment.)
Image: Woman Carrying a Pitcher by Beatrice Offor (1864-1920)
Lincoln Green 