Temple Ankh

Worshiping the ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses through Rituals, Prayers and Spells dedicated and directed to the Old ones who still hold the power of the universe.

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The Festival of Planting
March 2005

This Ritual occurs during the Spring Equinox. It begins at Noon, and continues once the sun has set.

Tools needed, in addition to the tools needed for casting Sacred Space
1 package of seeds for each person present	1 Egg
A small flat rock, about hand size	A Shovel
A seedling

Temple and Altar Set up

Place each of the four Cardinal Point candles at their proper places within the Temple. Place the elemental representations on the Cardinal Point pedestals, along with the statues of the God/dess for that direction.

Place the statue of Ma’at on the Altar, along with the main Athame, Pyramid Box, Altar Candle and any other specific items for the particular ritual you will be performing.

Place a cloth over the work table and arrange the wand and other tools, as well tools for spell casting.

Place the sword in a sword stand in the very center of the circle.

Place all feast foods on the Feast Table and make sure each is covered.

When the Temple and Altar are set up properly, everyone takes their positions within the Temple.
Cardinal Point Holders, (CPH) should stand in front of the benches, each at their proper direction.
The High Priest (HP) and High Priestess (HPS) stand in the center of the circle, one on each side of the Altar.
Priest (P) and Priestess (PS) stand behind the work table.
Temple Guardian (TG) stands next to balefire.
Everyone else may sit or stand anywhere they choose, making sure they are not blocking the path around the perimeter of the Circle.

Keep in mind that Rituals can be very long. Plan to bring a chair or cushion to sit on when you have no duties to perform. During the Casting of the Circle, everyone should remain standing until the Circle is completely cast.

The Ritual

As each person is in place, they raise their power hand to the sky. Use this small amount of time to focus your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself for the Ritual. Let all outside thoughts go and concentrate upon the work you are about to do. When all have their hands raised, the High Priest says:

“May the Gods know this work we are about to perform.”

And everyone replies:
“May it be so.”

Everyone now lowers their arms but remains standing. The High Priestess lights the white altar candle. This altar candle should be used to light all the others, including the incense and balefire. As the elements are invoked, everyone should turn to face the element as it is being invoked. The Cardinal Point Holders should make sure that when they walk the boundaries of the Circle, they do so to the OUTSIDE of the Cardinal Point benches.

The HPS takes the altar candle to the NCPH, who uses it to place a drop of wax onto the salt in his bowl. The North Cardinal Point Holder (NCPH) holds up the bowl of salt and recites:
I spread this salt of our earth
Upon the ground to set the boundaries
Of this Sacred Space
No evil may cross my mark.

NCPH sprinkles the salt around the perimeter of the Temple, beginning and ending at the North. As he passes the ECPH. He hands off the Altar candle. Place the salt next to the north candle and stand to the inside of the North Bench.

East Cardinal Point Holder (ECPH) holds up the incense burner and lights the incense with the white altar candle, then recites:

I light this incense
So that its’ smoke
May be used as a pathway
To conduct our prayers
To the Gods ears.

Walk with the burning incense around the perimeter of your Sacred Space, beginning and ending at the East. Hand the Altar Candle to the SCPH on your way around, and stand to the inside of the East bench when finished.

The South Cardinal Point Holder (SCPH) picks up the red Fire Candle, lights it with the altar candle and recites:

This fire honors all Gods and Goddesses
May their names be praised on this night
Maiden Mother Crone
Heir Pharaoh God
All are worshipped at this site.

SCPH walks the candle around the perimeter of the Sacred Space, allowing the wax to drip at will as s/he walks, beginning and ending at the South. Hand the Altar candle to the WCPH on the way around and stand to the inside of the South bench when finished.

The West Cardinal Point Holder (WCPH) holds up the seashell filled with water, places a drop of wax from the altar candle into the water and recites:

From this water all life flows
From the beginning to the end
As was then, make it now within this place
Seal our souls within Sacred Space.

WCPH sprinkles the water around the perimeter of the Sacred Space beginning and ending at the West. Hand the Altar candle off to the NCPH on you way around, then stand to the inside of the West bench when finished.

The NCPH uses the altar candle to light the North blue Candle, then recites:

I call to the Great Goddess Isis,
Mistress of Magic and Might
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the great God Osiris
God of death and resurrection
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

NCPH hands the candle to the ECPH, who uses it to light the yellow candle and then recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Bast
Lady of the East and the Eye of Ra
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Ra
God of the Sun and King of all Gods
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

ECPH hands the candle to the SCPH, who uses it to light the red candle, then recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Sekhmet
The mighty one, destroyer of the foes of the Gods
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Set
Lord of the desert, Master of Winds and Storms
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

SCPH hands the candle to the WCPH, who uses it to light the blue candle and recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Neith
Mistress of all Gods and Lady of the West
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Thoth
God of the Moon, wisdom and the Arts
Join us now in this place,
Help us create Sacred Space.

WCPH hands the white altar candle back to the NCPH who places it back on the altar before returning back to the center of the Circle.
The HP raises his arms to the skies and recites:

We bid welcome to the Great Goddess Nut,
Goddess of the skies and Mother of the Gods
We bid welcome to the Great God Geb
God of the Earth and Father of the Gods.
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

The HPS raises her hands to the skies and recites:

We bid welcome to the Gods and Goddesses
Of the four corners of the world
Hathor, Horus, Khnum, Ma’at
Min, Ptah, Selket and Sobek
We invite you to join us, protect us,
Guide and guard us in this rite
Which we hold in your honor and for your glory.

HP hands the sword to the Temple Guardian (TG) who raises it straight up to the skies and recites:
As our prayers and praise rise up to you
On the smoke of our incense and fires
May your blessings and commandments descend
Upon the steel of this blade.

TG drives the sword gently into the ground in the center of the circle, being very careful not to stab his foot.

HP S says:
May we receive your words.

Everyone responds:
May we receive your words.

HP says:
Our circle is cast

Everyone may now take a seat and be comfortable.

The High Priestess holds up the rock and the egg, and says:

From these things our life was born.
The stone which provides stability and
structure to our world,
symbolizing the benben stone,
which was the first land to appear
from the primordial waters
and the egg,
from which all life is born.

At this time, a hole is dug somewhere in the Temple and the egg is placed in the hole with some soil on top, then a seedling is planted on top and watered with the chalice. This is a Coven plant and should be cared for by all Coven members. The stone is placed on the hole as a tribute to the Goddess and as a marker for where the sacred plant was planted.

When choosing what to plant within the Temple, keep in mind the location and choose plants accordingly. Is it sunny or in shade? The best choices are trees and shrubs. They will need less watering than herbs or vegetables, and will provide a lasting memorial for your Temple.

Once this has been done, the HP places his hand(s) on top of the basket of seeds, on the altar and says:
I arose from the first, the Ben-ben stone,
and I cast my seed across the eternal skies.
I brought forth the other Gods and Goddesses,
and I saw the waters parted.
The black land glistened in my presence,
and the Gods and Goddesses cast their seed like lots.
I did bless their efforts of my intentions,
and under my gaze, the seeds did stir and take root.
There they did grow from whence they where cast,
and in my sight, I saw, and it was good.
So now, take up the seeds that have the blessing of Ra.
Who saw the first of seeds grow,
And go with the blessings of Ra.

The packets of seeds are handed out to all people present by the Priestess.

The HPS says:

These seeds which have now been blessed
are yours to take home and to plant for your own use.
We do ask that at the Harvest ritual in October,
you bring ¼ of your harvest and donate it to this Temple,
for continued abundance in your life and ours.

Perform any spell work that anyone requests, then close your circle in your normal manner.

To Close the Circle

WCPH snuffs out all candles at the West and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Neith
And the great God Thoth.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

SCPH snuffs out all candles at the South and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Sekhmet
And the great God Set.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

ECPH snuffs out all candles at the East and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Bast
And the great God Ra.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

NCPH snuffs out all candles at the North and, recites:
We thank the great Goddess Isis
And the great God Osiris.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

HP stands in front of the altar, snuffs out the altar candle and recites:
We release this circle of power and might
May all spirits go or stay as they please
As I have said, so let it be.

And everyone responds:
So let it be.

Everyone forms a circle, hand in hand, around the balefire or in the center of the sacred space. HPS stands at the East, HP stands at the West, PS stands at the North, and P stands at the South. All gathered raises their hands to the sky and HPS recites:
We now share our energy and will with
our Mother Nut and with each other.

HPS lowers her hands to shoulder level and all others follow in kind.
HP recites:
We now release our energy and will
to our Father Geb.

HP lowers his hands to waist level and all others follow in kind.
P recites:
Let our energy and fall upon the Earth,
there let it work our will.

P releases his hands and shakes them, all others follow suit.
PS recites:
We give thanks to all of the Gods and Goddesses,
may you receive our energy,
thanks and prayers.

All say together:
So let it be.

The Ritual is ended. Enjoy the day!

Evening Ritual of the Equinox and the Feast of Ma’at

In addition to the tools for casting sacred space, you should have all your Temple tools in place and the Temple should be set up in it’s most formal manner. Set the tripod over the balefire and suspend your work cauldron over it. Fill the cauldron halfway full with olive or canola oil, and have a clean wood wand to use to stir with during the ritual. Your Members shall be placing herbs within this cauldron to make a Temple Holy oil. The herbs needed are:
Myrrh Thyme Catnip
Sage Dragons Blood Anise
Sandalwood Fern Bay

You will also need to fix a feast to be cooked and eaten within sacred space. The balefire should be lit a couple of hours before this ritual is to begin, so that a good bed of coals is available for cooking packet dinners in. For the dinner, you will need to have on the feast table:

Heavy duty aluminum foil
Some meat choices such as hamburger patties, pork chops, or boneless chicken breasts
Sliced potatoes
Canned veggies such as corn, carrots, green beans,
Crème of mushroom soup, 3 cans
Seasonings such as salt, pepper, cayenne, sage, basil, garlic, etc.
Heavy paper plates, silverware, Styrofoam and plastic cups
Your best cooking cauldron
2 large cans of tomato juice
a ladle

To prepare the feast table, place the meat on a platter and cover with saran wrap. Open all the canned veggies and either cover top with saran wrap, or place into decorative bowls and cover. Arrange everything nicely so that people can simply go down the table, starting with their meat choices and add spoonfuls of veggies, seasonings and finally the soup.

Evening Ritual of the Equinox

When the Temple and Altar are set up properly, everyone takes their positions within the Temple.
Cardinal Point Holders, (CPH) should stand in front of the benches, each at their proper direction.
The High Priest (HP) and High Priestess (HPS) stand in the center of the circle, one on each side of the Altar.
Priest (P) and Priestess (PS) stand behind the work table.
Temple Guardian (TG) stands next to balefire.
Everyone else may sit or stand anywhere they choose, making sure they are not blocking the path around the perimeter of the Circle.
Keep in mind that Rituals can be very long. Plan to bring a chair or cushion to sit on when you have no duties to perform. During the Casting of the Circle, everyone should remain standing until the Circle is completely cast.

The Ritual

As each person is in place, they raise their power hand to the sky. Use this small amount of time to focus your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself for the Ritual. Let all outside thoughts go and concentrate upon the work you are about to do. When all have their hands raised, the High Priest says:

“May the Gods know this work we are about to perform.”

And everyone replies:
“May it be so.”

Everyone now lowers their arms but remains standing. The High Priestess lights the white altar candle. This altar candle should be used to light all the others, including the incense and balefire. As the elements are invoked, everyone should turn to face the element as it is being invoked. The Cardinal Point Holders should make sure that when they walk the boundaries of the Circle, they do so to the OUTSIDE of the Cardinal Point benches.

The HPS takes the altar candle to the NCPH, who uses it to place a drop of wax onto the salt in his bowl. The North Cardinal Point Holder (NCPH) holds up the bowl of salt and recites:
I spread this salt of our earth
Upon the ground to set the boundaries
Of this Sacred Space
No evil may cross my mark.

NCPH sprinkles the salt around the perimeter of the Temple, beginning and ending at the North. As he passes the ECPH. He hands off the Altar candle. Place the salt next to the north candle and stand to the inside of the North Bench.

East Cardinal Point Holder (ECPH) holds up the incense burner and lights the incense with the white altar candle, then recites:

I light this incense
So that its’ smoke
May be used as a pathway
To conduct our prayers
To the Gods ears.

Walk with the burning incense around the perimeter of your Sacred Space, beginning and ending at the East. Hand the Altar Candle to the SCPH on your way around, and stand to the inside of the East bench when finished.

The South Cardinal Point Holder (SCPH) picks up the red Fire Candle, lights with the altar candle and recites:

This fire honors all Gods and Goddesses
May their names be praised on this night
Maiden Mother Crone
Heir Pharaoh God
All are worshipped at this site.

SCPH walks the candle around the perimeter of the Sacred Space, beginning and ending at the South. Hand the Altar candle to the WCPH on the way around and stand to the inside of the South bench when finished.

The West Cardinal Point Holder (WCPH) holds up the seashell filled with water, places a drop of wax from the altar candle within the water and recites:
From this water all life flows
From the beginning to the end
As was then, make it now within this place
Seal our souls within Sacred Space.

WCPH sprinkles the water around the perimeter of the Sacred Space beginning and ending at the West. Hand the Altar candle off to the NCPH on you way around, then stand to the inside of the West bench when finished.

The NCPH uses the candle to light the East blue Candle, then recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Isis,
Mistress of Magic and Might
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the great God Osiris
God of death and resurrection
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

NCPH hands the candle to the ECPH, who uses it to light the yellow candle and then recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Bast
Lady of the East and the Eye of Ra
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Ra
God of the Sun and King of all Gods
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

ECPH hands the candle to the SCPH, who uses it to light the red candle, then recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Sekhmet
The mighty One, Destroyer of the foes of the Gods
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Set
Lord of the desert, Master of winds and storms
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

SCPH hands the candle to the WCPH, who uses it to light the blue candle and recites:
I call to the Great Goddess Neith
Mistress of all Gods and Lady of the West
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

I call to the Great God Thoth
God of the Moon, wisdom and the Arts
Join us now in this place,
Help us create Sacred Space.

WCPH hands the white altar candle back to the NCPH who hands it to the HPS, who places it back on the altar.

The HP raises his arms to the skies and recites:

We bid welcome to the Great Goddess Nut,
Goddess of the skies and Mother of the Gods
We bid welcome to the Great God Geb
God of the Earth and Father of the Gods.
Join us now in this place
Help us create Sacred Space.

The HPS raises her hands to the skies and recites:

We bid welcome to the Gods and Goddesses
Of the four corners of the world
Hathor, Horus, Khnum, Ma’at
Min, Ptah, Selket and Sobek
We invite you to join us, protect us,
Guide and guard us in this rite
Which we hold in your honor and for your glory.

HP hands the sword to the Temple Guardian (TG) who raises it straight up to the skies and recites:
As our prayers and praise rise up to you
On the smoke of our incense and fires
May your blessings and commandments descend
Upon the steel of this blade.

TG drives the sword gently into the ground in the center of the circle, being very careful not to stab his foot.

HP S says:
May we receive your words.

Everyone responds:
May we receive your words.

HP says:
Our circle is cast

The HP speaks about the meaning of the Spring Equinox in words such as:

Tonight we celebrate the Spring Equinox.
A time when night and day are equal.
From this day until midsummer, the light shall conquer the darkness
And the Great God Ra nurtures our seeds of plant and of child.

HPS tosses a handful of Myrrh into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

May the Great God Ra live forever in the hearts of man.
Long live the Great God Ra!

And everyone replies:

Long live the Great God Ra!

HP says:

Along with Ra, several Gods and Goddesses
work to bring us the fertility
which feeds our bodies and our souls.

Elder tosses a handful of Thyme into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

Long Live the Great Goddess Isis!

Everyone repeats:
Long Live the Great Goddess Isis!

Elder tosses a handful of Catnip into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

Long Live the Great Goddess Bast!

Everyone repeats:

Long Live the Great Goddess Bast!

Elder tosses a handful of Sage into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and Says:

Long Live the Great God Osiris!

Everyone repeats:

Long Live the Great God Osiris!

Elder tosses a handful of Anise into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

Long Live the Great Goddess Hathor!

Everyone replies:

Long Live the Great Goddess Hathor!

Elder tosses a handful of Dragons Blood into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

Long live the Great God Min!

Everyone repeats:

Long Live the Great God Min!

Elder tosses a handful of Sandalwood into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and Says:

Long Live the Great God Sobek!

Everyone repeats:

Long Live the Great God Sobek!

Elder tosses a handful of Fern into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and Says:

Long Live the Great God Hapi!

Everyone Repeats:

Long Live the Great God Hapi!

HP says:

We call to these great Gods and Goddesses
To look upon the work we do this night
And Bless us by granting an abundant harvest in the months to come,
That we may rejoice in your fertility.
By the covenant of this Temple,
We ask this to be done.

HPS says:

May the names of all the Great Gods and Goddesses
of the Two Lands live forever
In our hearts and souls.

HP tosses a handful of Bay into the cauldron over the balefire, stirs three times and says:

And may the Great Goddess Ma’at
look upon our souls and guide us down the path
to her Hall of Judgment.
May our hearts be gently judged when we step before her.

Everyone says:

May our hearts be gently judged.

HPS says:

If anyone has brought herbs to be placed within our Temple Oil,
Please come forward and add them now.

Each person wishing to participate comes forward and says:

I bring __name of herb__ to this Temple.
May you always have __________
(wisdom, longevity, love, justice, etc, whatever the property of the herb is)

After each member has placed their herb into the cauldron and stirred three times, the HPS says to them:

I thank you for your gift on behalf of all members of Temple Ankh.

HP says:

May we all enjoy the Feast of Ma’at

The Feast of Ma’at

The Temple Priest and Priestess now take their positions behind the feast table. The Priest pours the tomato juice into the cooking cauldron and suspends it over the balefire, setting the cauldron of oil off to one side for the time being. The HPS adds the seasonings to the juice as per the Dragons Blood Broth Temple Recipe. The HP and the Temple Guardian stay near the balefire and add wood as needed, place the packets for cooking and remove them when they are done.

The Priest and Priestess create a small packet which will serve as the offering to the Gods and Goddesses. Then everyone takes turns creating their packet dinner from the choices available. The order of serving is as follows:

Guests – non active Members – active Members – Elders – Temple Guardian – HP and HPS - P and PS.

When the juice is bubbly, it should be removed from the tripod and placed on the feast table. The Priest should pour it into Styrofoam cups and serve it to anyone who wishes it, while the packets are cooking.

When each persons packet is done, they should open the packet and pour the food onto a plate, then go to the altar and bow to the Gods, and quietly thank them for this meal. Then they are free to sit back and enjoy the meal in festivity or silence as they prefer.

Once everyone has enjoyed the feast and cleaned up their mess, the Circle should be closed as per your formal closing and everyone should ground themselves as per closing.

To Close the Circle

WCPH snuffs out all candles at the West and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Neith
And the great God Thoth.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

SCPH snuffs out all candles at the South and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Sekhmet
And the great God Set.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

ECPH snuffs out all candles at the East and recites:
We thank the great Goddess Bast
And the great God Ra.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

NCPH snuffs out all candles at the North and, recites:
We thank the great Goddess Isis
And the great God Osiris.
We ask that you join us in future Circles.
May your names live forever in the hearts of men.

HP stands in front of the altar, snuffs out the altar candle and recites:
We release this circle of power and might
May all spirits go or stay as they please
As I have said, so let it be.

And everyone responds:
So let it be.

Everyone forms a circle, hand in hand, around the balefire or in the center of the sacred space. HPS stands at the East, HP stands at the West, PS stands at the North, and P stands at the South. All gathered raises their hands to the sky and HPS recites:
We now share our energy and will with
our Mother Nut and with each other.

HPS lowers her hands to shoulder level and all others follow in kind.
HP recites:
We now release our energy and will
to our Father Geb.

HP lowers his hands to waist level and all others follow in kind.
P recites:
Let our energy and fall upon the Earth,
there let it work our will.

P releases his hands and shakes them, all others follow suit.
PS recites:
We give thanks to all of the Gods and Goddesses,
may you receive our energy,
thanks and prayers.

All say together:
So let it be.

The Ritual is ended. Clean up any messes, put out the balefire and any torches you have lit. Always leave the Temple clean. Take the offering foods out to an offering table for the wildlife to feast upon.

Everyone is then welcomed to perform their own private rededication ritual, and the main festivities move to the campsite. While everyone is getting settled at the campsite, the Priestess and the High Priestess make the Temple ready for the rededication rituals, and the High Priest and the Priest make the balefire ready by adding more wood if needed and suspending the cauldron of oil over it again.

The feast table is cleaned off and all statues are placed on it, with a card in front of each statue, with the name of the God or Goddess upon it. More incense, salt and spring water should also be placed on the table, in case there is not enough at the cardinal points.

The order for rededication rituals are as follows:

High Priestess
Priestess
High Priest
Priest
Elders
Active Members
Non Active Members
Guests

The HP, HPS, P and PS should be available to assist anyone who wants some help either in setting up for their rededication, or any other manner they need, including, being walked through a ritual.

When all rituals have been done, the High Priest and Priest pack up all Temple Tools and store them away.

News & Upcoming Events

March 16-20 - Spring Equinox celebration. Main ritual will be on the 18th starting at 10:00 a.m. and lasting until we get sleepy.

April 29th - Beltaine celebration beginning at 7:00 p.m.

June 20 - 25 - Second annual Trial of Set game!

June 24 - Midsummer celebration beginning at Noon and lasting until 11:00 p.m. Main ritual begins at 6:00 p.m.

September 22 - 24 - Autumn Equinox Celebration. Main Ritual will be on the 23rd beginning at 7:00 p.m.

October 26 - 29 - Harvest celebration. Main Ritual will be on the 28th, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on any of these events, please email Nydia. Please put 'Rituals' as the subject line of your email.

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