To aid the self-dedicated Wiccan Priestess and self-dedicated Wiccan Priest, here is the ritual script for Death from Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword as slightly adapted for our coven. Additional sources consulted included Myths of the Norsemen, Poetic Edda, Reincarnation, The Silver Bough, Witchcraft…The Religion, The Tree, The Magick of Candle Burning (Wicca Candle Magick), Norse Magic, The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca, Wicca: The Complete Craft, and The Big Little Book of Magick.
(The Erecting the Temple is not necessary. There should be a picture of the deceased person on the Altar, flowers, and a white candle carved with her or his name, as well as a small personal item which belonged to the deceased. Have lots of tissues available and let the mourners express their grief. If the person was cremated, the ashes could go on the Altar prior to burial or scattering. The Priest/ess lights the candle. Those gathered are encouraged to remember happy, pleasant times with the deceased. This may take lots of encouragement to get people to open up, but it is a valuable part of the healing process. When the sharing is finished, the Priest/ess goes to the Altar.)
Priest/ess: “Goddess, we give (Name of the Deceased) into Your keeping. Like a dried autumn seed, each passing soul falls into the cauldron to rest, to be reborn. May she/he rest within Your cauldron of peace until another life-cycle is decreed. Our sorrows come from her/his physical absence. But we know the spirit is not ended at death, only transformed into a new form. Grant to us comfort and understanding in our sorrows. Go forth in peace (Name of the Deceased) over the Bridge. We will never forget you: Do not you forget us. Go in peace. May our future meetings be filled with love and joy.”
All: “Go in peace. We love you.”
(The rite is ended. Those gathered should again be encouraged to speak of happy memories, and then to share a meal that includes apples.)
P.S. This is the last ritual script from our coven’s book that we will be sharing on the blog. We sincerely hope this series of posts was helpful to our readers, whoever you are. Be well.
Image: Arctic Sunset with Rainbow by William Bradford (1823-1892)
Lincoln Green 