A Pagan Blessing for the Dead By Patti Wigington Choose four participants. One carries a rock, representing the earth, and stands to the North. One carries a feather, representing Air, and stands to the East. Another stands to the South, carrying a candle or some incense to represent Fire. A fourth can hold a cup of Water to the West -- if youre fortunate enough to hold your ritual near an ocean or river, use that to represent Water. On your altar, in the center of the circle, place a picture or some other memento of the person you are saying goodbye to. Form a circle, and call upon the elements. Invite the powers of the four directions to come watch over you. Stand in the center and say: Take me now, take me now for to face the Summerlands*. By the earth and wind and the fire and rain Im on my way,remember me. Turn to the North and say: Take me now back to the earth from which we spring and then return. I shall cross over, now it is my turn. I am not afraid Remember me. Repeat this verse, turning to each of the four directions. Substitute the different elements where appropriate. Finally, touch each family member with your athame as you say the following: Blood of my blood Bone of my bone Flesh of my flesh Keep my soul alive I will live on Within your hearts I am not afraid Remember me If you have ashes for the deceased, you may wish to scatter them at this time. Take a moment to reflect on the good memories you have of your departed friend or family member. *If your particular tradition believes we go to some other place after death, feel free to substitute the appropriate place name for Summerlands. If youre not sure where we end up, you can simply say the other side. Moonflower )O(
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 11:55:01 +0000