Paganing Ritual
Ritual … Set up the altar, call the quarters, cast the circle and invite the deities.
HP: Great Goddess Brid “Lady of Power,” guardian of Children.
We ask that you attend this ritual, and welcome this child to the moonlit earth.
HPS: Great God Lugh “the shining one,” bridge between men and Gods.
We ask that you attend this ritual, and welcome this child to the sunlit earth.
Parents approach altar with baby.
HPS: Who is this new traveler?
Parents: This is (child’s name).
HPS hands the HP the anointing oil and HP anoints the child’s forhead with the crescent, saying:
HP: (child’s name), I anoint you with oil. May the Horned One grant you strength.
HP hands the HPS the anointing oil and HPS anoints the child’s forehead in the sign of the pentagram, saying:
HPS: (child’s name), I anoint with oil. May the Great Lady grant you true sight
HP mixes salt with water and hands HPS the salt water, and she anoints the child’s forehead, saying:
HPS: With the water of life I anoint you in the name of the Great Mother Dragon.
HPS/HP hold out the sword towards the parents, saying:
HPS: I bid you both to put your hands upon my blade and hearken to our words. For the bringing of new life into this world, and the linking of one so young to the ancient mysteries, is a sacred matter. I bid you both to give your child the finest of you; give her/him a home filled with love and happiness.
Respect her/him as the individual, for she/he is unique. Give her/him challenges, that she/he may learn. Teach her/him the ancient mysteries, that she/he may have wisdom. Do you accept this vow, to the best of your ability?
Parents: In sight of our Gods and our friends, we accept this vow.
HPS: (holding her hands in blessing over the child): May the Lady bless and protect her/him. May she/he be filled with self-confidence; wisdom, and a life filled with love.
HP: (holding his hands in blessing over the child): May the Lord bless and protect her/him and grant her/him the strength and wisdom to meet Life’s challenges. May the Lords of Nature grant her/him the wisdom to use of their attributes wisely.
Parents holding child face South-West.
HP: Dragon of the Sea, this is (child’s name), we ask that you remember her/him.
HPS: So Mote It Be.
Parents holding child face North.
HP: Dragon of the Land, this is (child’s name), we ask that you remember her/him.
HPS: So Mote It Be.
Parents holding child face South-East.
HP: Dragon of the Sky, this is (child’s name), we ask that you remember her/him.
HPS: So Mote It Be.
Parents holding child face South.
HP: Everyone this is (child’s name), we ask that you remember her/him.
All: (chant the child’s name)