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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Temple Ankh Initiation Ritual To set the stage, so to speak, have the Coven members stand or sit in a loose circle around the perimeter of the Temple, The HP would begin outside the circle, and would enter from the south and speak his first line. The HPS would enter from the North to speak her first line. The HP and HPS should walk in a clockwise manner around the circle as they speak the rest of the lines, only moving as they are speaking, and always on opposite sides of the Circle. Once they have completed the circle, they move, again, only when speaking, to stand on opposite sides of the Altar, the Hp on the left and the HPS on the right. The HP says: “In the beginning was the void and Chaos emerged from the void. It is from the fibers of Chaos that our world and everything in it was formed. At the Dawn of Time, the barque of the Great God Ra arose from the primordial waters. The Great Goddess Ma’at and the Grand Vizier Thoth were at his side.” The HPS says: “These three Mighty Gods formed from the Chaos the Two Lands, the great River and everything within them. Ra thought of the forms and attributes of each creation, and Thoth spoke them into being. Ma’at gave each creation order and a sense of Justice.” The HP says: “The Children of Ra formed our world. Nut formed the sky and Geb formed the Earth With Shu, as the air, separating the two. Tefnut formed the sunlight which flows from the barque of Ra, And Tem made the great river to flow through the Two Lands of Kemet. From these Great Gods came Osiris, Isis, Nephthys, Set, Horus the Elder, and all the other Netjeru.” The HPS Says: “We are the Netjeru. We were here before the first raindrop fell. We were here before the first land showed itself to us. We were here before you were made of the stars, And we shall remain after all your work has turned to dust.” The HP says: “We are One.” The HPS says: “We are Forever.” The HP says: “We are the Netjeru.” The HPS says: “Then Man was formed to serve and to worship the Great Gods and the Netjeru. We are the servants of these Ancient Ones. Gods and Goddesses whose names are older than time. We honor their commandments and serve their needs as our souls have done since our own creation.” The HP says: “These bodies were created to house the souls of those who have found favor in the eyes of the Gods. We are those blessed souls, chosen to serve, to worship and to glorify those that created us. By your presence here, you acknowledge your faith in the Gods and Goddesses of your creation.” The HPS says: “Each of us has stood at the Crossroads of Time and made our choice. We have chosen to turn our backs upon the easiest and well traveled path, and we have refused to be lured down the path of everlasting death. Instead we have stumbled upon the moonlight path to the left, alone and unsure of our steps. Bravely we continued and found ourselves in the arms of She that created us.” The HP says: “The Great Goddess led us to each other as a reward for our Faith, And to show us that we were not alone. Our path is illuminated by the Great God And we rejoice in the warmth of his love. We are all Brothers and Sisters within the Covenant of our Faith. We serve the Great Gods and Goddesses and in return, We are blessed with the joy and abundance of their Love.” The HPS says: “We are the chosen ones who have agreed to continue the work of our ancestors. We were chosen because we were willing to set aside the desires of those who seek to pull us down their paths, for their own glory. Choosing instead to forge our own path through the mysteries of life. Come forward now, all those who would Enter into this Covenant and speak your name.” The HP and HPS move to stand on each side of the altar. Each Coven member steps in front of the Altar, bows and speaks their Coven name in a firm, clear voice. “I am _____________” To each member the HP says: “Your name is known.” The HPS says: “You are welcome here.” When all members have taken their turns, it is time for anyone who wishes to be initiated into the Temple to come forward. They step to the altar and speak their chosen Temple name as the members just did. “I am ___________________” The HP says: “Your name is not known.” The Initiate says: “It is my desire to join the Temple To dedicate my soul to this Covenant.” and to the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Kemet. The HPS says: “By what right do you seek to join with us?” The Initiate says: “I am the son/daughter of the Great God ______________ and the Great Goddess ______________” The HPS says: “You are welcome here.” Each person takes their place to Create Sacred Space. As each person is in place, they raise their hands to the sky, to signal that they are ready to begin. 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 moves to the altar and lights the white altar candle. She then returns to her place. 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 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. 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 the incense around the four cardinal points of your Sacred space beginning and ending at the East, place the incense next to the cardinal point candle and stand to the inside of the East bench. The South Cardinal Point Holder (SCPH), picks up the red element candle Light the candle 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 around the Temple with the candle, beginning and ending at the South, and stands to the inside of the South bench. The West Cardinal Point Holder (WCPH) holds up the seashell filled with 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, then stands to the inside of the West bench, The High Priestess, picks up the Altar Candle and walks to the North Bench. She hands the Candle to the NCPH who uses it to light the Green 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 HPS 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 Anubis, Hathor, Horus, Khnum, Ma’at Min, Ptah, Selket, Serquet 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” Coven Initiation Ritual This Festival celebrates the life, death and resurrection of the Great God Osiris, and should begin after Sacred Space is cast in your normal manner. This Ritual is acted out by Coven members assuming the roles of the Gods and Goddesses. The Initiate begins in the role of Osiris and is ‘killed’ by Set. To begin this ritual, choose whom will do what parts. The Cast of Deities and a good choice to play them are: Ra - Male East Cardinal Point Holder (CPH) Nut – Female East CPH Geb – Male North CPH Thoth – Priest Silene – Female West CPH Osiris – Initiate until death, HP after death Horus – Temple Guardian Set – High Priest Harpokrates – Male South CPH Isis – High Priestess Nephthys – Priestess Narrator – any member To begin, everyone is standing in a circle with a Balefire lit in the center. As each God or Goddess speaks their first line, they step forward 2 – 3 steps. Have the Narrator stand off to a side to read their lines. Narrator says: “At the dawn of time, the mighty God Ra emerged from the primordial waters. Of this Gods children Nut and Geb fell in love. When Ra discovered this, he forbade them to have children on any day of the year. Nut was saddened and asked the God Thoth for help. Thoth wagered with the Goddess of the Moon, and won part of her light. Thoth used this light to create 5 extra days to the year, giving Nut 5 days in which to bear her children. “ Osiris steps forward and says: “I am the Great God Osiris, I have taught my people agriculture and husbandry. I gave them rules by which to worship. I have become a mighty King and have civilized my people. They live by laws which govern their lives and are glad to worship me.” All Coven members say: “The God of all the land is born.” Set steps forward and says: “I am Set, Great God of Thunder and Storms. Hear my voice upon the mighty wind. I desired my Brothers kingdom and plotted to kill him. I had a sarcophagus made and offered it to whomever it fit. My Brother Osiris fit perfectly, So I shut the lid and sealed him inside.” Set steps over to Osiris and pushes him backwards. Coven members catch the initiate and gently lay them down upon a blanket on the floor beside the balefire. Initiates arms should be crossed over their chest, with a black cloth covering their body completely. Isis steps forward and says: “I am Isis, Great Wife of Osiris And Queen of magic.” Nephthys steps forward and says: “I am Nephthys, Lady of the House. Mistress of the Dark.” The two Goddesses hold hands, Isis says: “Together we searched the lands until we found the coffin which contained the body of my husband.” Nephthys says: “We found my brother near the city of Byblos, And brought him home to Egypt. We mourned his death and hid his body.” Set says: “But I found the body and was greatly angered. I took my sword and hacked my Brother into 14 pieces. These I scattered throughout the land.” Set takes the Temple sword and lays it gently across the waist of the initiate, and leaves it. Isis says: “I searched the land, and found all but one piece.” Isis kneels down beside the Initiate, pushes aside the sword and places her hand where it had lain. Nephthys says: “With the Magic of my sister, Osiris was resurrected. Isis conceived a son.” Isis removes the black cloth and helps the Initiate to stand. Horus steps forward and says: “I am Horus, Son of the great God Osiris and the Great Goddess Isis. I shall have revenge upon Set for my Fathers murder.” The first act of this play is now finished. To prepare for the final act, the Initiate becomes the soul of the dead. This symbolizes their ‘death’ as a non-member to the judgment of their souls for admittance into the Fields of Peace, or in this case, the Coven. Coven Initiation – Act Two Three chairs should be placed at the Western edge of the Circle, facing in. Osiris sits in the first chair, Isis and Nephthys sit behind him. The Initiate and the Temple Guardian stand on the East edge, facing in. The other Gods line up to form a corridor that stretches from the Initiate to Osiris. Off to one side of Osiris is a table on which sits a pair of scales. In front of this table stand Thoth and Ma’at. The Cast of Deities for this act are: Initiate and Temple Guardian play themselves Osiris – High Priest Isis – High Priestess Nephthys – Honored guest, or honored member Thoth – Priest Ma’at – Priestess Anubis – Male Coven member Hathor – female Coven member Set – male Coven member Bast – female Coven member Horus – male Coven member Neith – female Coven member Sekhmet – female Coven member The last seven Gods listed form the corridor starting from the East Cardinal Point and moving to the West, where the Altar should be placed, and where Osiris, Isis and Nephthys sit. Thoth and Ma’at stand on each side of the altar, upon which a scale rests. When everyone is in their place, they turn to watch the Initiate. The Temple Guardian escorts the Initiate down the corridor to the first God in line, Hathor. After each question, the Initiate replies: “This I will not do.” Hathor says: “Will you do wrong? Will you rob with violence? Will you steal? Will you slay another? Will you defraud offerings? Will you reduce measures? Will you plunder the Gods?” The Temple Guardian escorts the Initiate to the next God, Set. Set says: “Will you speak lies? Will you speak evil? Will you cause pain to another? Will you commit fornication? Will you cause the shedding of tears? Will you deal with deceit? Will you transgress?” The Initiate is escorted to Bast, who says: “Will you dissemble? Will you lay waste to land? Will you discuss secrets? Will you bring false lawsuits? Will you be angry but for just cause? Will you defile the wife of any man? Will you cause terror?” The Initiate is escorted to Horus, who says: “Will you pollute yourself? Will you be hot tempered? Will you be neglectful of truthful words? Will you curse another? Will you act with insolence? Will you stir up strife? Will you judge hastily?” The Initiate is escorted to Neith, who says: “Will you gossip? Will you seek for unearned honors? Will you be garrulous in speech? Will you do evil? Will you dispute the King? Will you foul the waters? Will you speak scornfully?” The Initiate is escorted to Sekhmet (or Set), who asks: “Will you curse a God? Will you steal? Will you damage the offerings to the Gods? Will you plunder the offerings to the Blessed Dead? Will you steal food from a babe? Will you harm the God of your place of birth? Will you slay the cattle of the Gods?” The Initiate is then escorted to the scales, and places a token of his heart in one side of it. Ma’at places her feather in the other side and Anubis checks the balance. Make sure the feather is weighted so it will be heavier than the heart. Thoth asks the member to speak their Coven name and he writes it down in the Coven book. The Initiate is then escorted to stand before Osiris. Osiris says: “You are a welcome member of our Coven Join us in friendship.” This ends the play and the formal part of this Ritual. You might wish to serve a buffet feast, or snacks and drinks for an hour or so afterwards to give the initiate a chance to relax and get to know the Coven members. Or you may wish to close the circle before beginning the celebration. 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 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.” Once the Circle is closed, the HP says: “Leave this place, safe and secure in the knowledge That from this moment on, You shall always know the deep and abiding love Of your God and Goddess, And that you shall never again be alone.” The Ritual of the Covenant is at an end. Enjoy a celebratory Feast with the newest members as Guests of Honor. Each new member should be presented with a gift of significance to the Temple. A staff or wand to decorate, a crystal for meditation, an Ankh, a robe, amulets of rank, etc are all good choices. 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.

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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