Rite of Dedication of the Warrior
Samhain 2000
Prepared by Eustacia Blackstar (email Eustacia1)
( This ritual is to take place in the small outside circle sometime prior to the main ritual and after the Atunement.) Quarters take their places. HP and HPS enter circle area. HPS There is a task to perform tonight. Please join hands and to form the Circle. Imagine that this Circle expands to encompass this entire property keeping all therein safe and protected. Say with me, " We cast the circle round and round by its protection we are bound etc. As we will it, so mote it be!" Know that we stand in the realm of the God and Goddess. They are with us tonight and always. Blessed Be. HP Children of the Lord and Lady, it is with sorrow I inform you that there is one among us in great turmoil and anguish. At Imbolc, a Wiccaning was held in this Circle for a newborn. Now the relationship between mother and child is threatened. The mother will soon be embroiled in a legal battle for the custody of that child and another. When the Rite of Wiccaning was performed, this community assumed the obligations of guidance and protection. We are duty bound to offer assistance in this matter. She of whom I have spoken, come forward now and state your desire. V I must arm myself with the qualities of courage, wisdom and strength. Therefore I wish to receive the Rite of the Dedication of the Warrior. HPS One of the powerful themes of the Samhain Sabbat is that of Transformation. Therefore it is appropriate that we honor this special request. You shall be dedicated as a warrior that you may be mentally and emotionally prepared to do battle in the days ahead. HP It is known that when you change, everything around you changes. Through ritual and magick we attempt to control the nature of our inner changes. By doing this we cause the world around to change in conformation with our desires. This knowledge arms us with power, strength and courage. HPS Evoking the powers of the warrior is not a way of gaining power over or causing harm to others, however. It is a way of taking back control over our selves and our lives. It reaffirms our right to make our own decisions and choices. It gives us the confidence and ability to say and do the right thing. Most importantly, it allows us to connect with the many aspects of our Lord and Lady when we most need them. HP Once you learn to call upon the Warrior Self, you can respond quickly and efficiently whenever you or someone you love is threatened. Never confuse the Warrior Self with one who must resort to violence to resolve problems. Some of the most powerful warrior work you may be called upon to perform is peaceful in nature, creating change through wisdom and will. This is power indeed. Is the meaning of what we have just said clear and agreeable to you? V. It is, my Lord. Have you made the preparations as instructed before coming here tonight? V. I have, my Lady. HPS Then let us proceed with the Dedication of the Warrior. I call forward the Priestesses of the Quarters that they might assist us in this Rite. Lady of the East who teaches us of new beginnings, cleanse this petitioner with your mighty winds of change. Remove all thoughts of fear and hopelessness that she may be prepared for Transformation this night. So mote it be. (V is smudged with incense.) Lady of the South, direction of passion ruled by fire, you speak to us of protection and battle. Present the Shield which will serve to defend the petitioner. HP The Shield serves as a form of psychic protection and strength, not an actual tool of battle. You have chosen a secret symbol to empower and protect it. See that symbol clearly in your mind, then mentally sear it into the face of the Shield. Feel your energy blending with the Shield. Now mentally project into it what you require it to do for you. Now as is the custom, you shall announce to the universe the name by which your Shield shall be known. Repeat after me: Shield which is my defense and protection, in the presence of the God and Goddess and all gathered as witness, by earth, water, fire and air, I call you --------------. As I call upon you, so shall you respond to my need. All chant: The Shield called ------------ shall defend you. (three times) As we will it so mote it be! HPS Lady of the West, your life giving waters speak to us also of endings and death. Present the Sword that will serve as the petitioner's offensive weapon. HP Neither is the Sword an actual tool of battle. It serves as a symbol of justice tempered with wisdom. It is to remind you of your sacred duty as a Warrior. It may not be used for revenge. You have chosen a secret symbol to empower and protect your Sword. See that symbol clearly in your mind, then mentally sear it onto your weapon. Feel your energy blending with the Sword. Now mentally project into it what you require it to do for you. Now as is the custom, you shall announce to the universe the name by which your Sword shall be known. Repeat after me: Sword which is my ally in battle, in the presence of the God and Goddess and all gathered as witness, by earth, water, fire and air, I call you ---------------. As I call upon you so shall you respond to my need. All chant: The Sword called ------------- shall serve you well. (three times) As we will it so mote it be! The Shield called ------------ and the Sword called -----------. These serve as your newly charged armaments of defense and offense. In order to call up the power of these tools you need only to take a deep breath, center your energy and say their names three times. You must also conjure up the image of the secret symbols that you projected onto your tools during this ritual. The combination of the name and mental image will stir your Shield and Sword to life whether they are physically with you at the time or not. They will also bring your Warrior Self to the surface. Use the energy of your Shield when you need to have defense and the Sword when you must go on the offense. (Present arms) HPS Now that you have been appropriately armed, you will take the sacred vows of the Warrior Woman. Repeat after me: As a Warrior Woman, I will protect and defend myself secure in the knowledge that the Lord and Lady are ever by my side. As a Warrior Woman, I acknowledge my personal power and strength. I know that if I harm no one, I can do anything. As a Warrior Woman, I will protect others who are not as strong or who are afraid or unable to defend themselves. As a Warrior Woman, I will ever be dedicated to the will of the Lord and the Lady. The vows have been witnessed by those here present. You may now declare your Warrior name. V. I am the Warrior called ---------------. All hail ----------------- (three times) We have one last task to perform before this rite is complete. Lady of the North, you speak to us of strength of purpose. In your lands vows are sealed. Bestow upon ---------------- the Warrior's cord. HP This cord is the Warrior's symbol of rank. It serves to remind you of your vows and obligations. May you wear it with great honor. So mote it be. We end this Dedication with the same blessing that was given to the child at Imbolc. May the Blessings of the wise Father God, far-seeing and far- knowing be upon thee, now and forever. HPS May the Blessings of the Triple Goddess of Maiden, Mother and Crone and all their guidance and protection be upon thee, now and forever. So mote it be! HP Warrior Woman --------------- go now in strength and peace. This rite is over. Prepare yourselves for the Grand Sabbat of Samhain that will be celebrated later this evening.© 2008 Eustacia Blackstar. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.