Somehow I got suckered into organizing/planning the Midsummer High Rite this year. Here I will post the outline as well as several of the liturgical pieces I’ve written for the rite.
Earth Mother:
Offering: Honey mixed with Flour
Ancient Earth Mother. I come to you today most humbly to apologize. I am sorry. I am sorry for what we as humans continue to do to you. I am sorry for what we are capable of. I am sorry for those of us that know not what we do and are oblivious of our actions. But know that there are those of us who are -not- oblivious, and who do -not- ignore you, who do -not- take you for granted, who do -not- abuse you. Mother of us all, we honor you today and always, for all that you have provided for us, and continue to provide despite the mistakes of our people. We are here today seeking guidance to stay on the path of doing the work of the earth. And we honor you now. Sacred Earth, Accept our Sacrifice!
Statement of Purpose:
As I just mentioned, we have gathered here today to ask for guidance in staying victorious on the path of doing the work for the earth. In every direction there are distractions, limitations, and corruption that would sway our purpose…..thwart our journey. But we come here in the presence of the ancestors, nature spirits, the shining ones, the three realms to ask for help, to pray for guidance, and fight for our integrity as children of the earth. Join us in this journey, and welcome to our Midsummer High Rite.
Invocation of Athena:
Offering: Olive Oil
Great Athena, grey-eyed daughter of Zeus. You who gave us gifts of weaving, strategy, and mathematics. We have gathered here now seeking your wisdom and guidance, praying for your protection and will, so that we do not stray from our purpose. Be welcome among us great warrior, we ask that you join us for this rite so we may bring you gifts for a gift. Wise Athena, Accept our Sacrifice!
Offering to Zeus:
Offering: Blueberry Beer and blueberry wine
Mighty Zeus, King of Olympus, Lord of Justice and moral conduct. I offer you blueberry beer that you might bless this rite and our endeavors to stay on our path for the earth and all its creatures.
I also offer you blueberry wine, for which purpose is mine alone to know. Hail Zeus!
Offering to Athena:
Offering: Steak
My lady Athena, my patron whom I have devoted myself to, I bring you offerings of steak and smoke, to help carry our message to you, and to honor you for all that you are and all that you provide. Hail Athena!
Offering to the Fates:
Offering: Incense
I bring an offering of incense to the fates, so that they might spin us a promising future. Hail the fates!
Prayer of Sacrifice:
Offering: Fresh Herbs
Great Warrior Athena, King Zeus of Olympus, we have given freely with devotion, love, and praise. Here we stand before you with our open hearts ablaze. Holy Ones, accept our sacrifice.
Hallowing the Waters:
We have given praise and bestowed offerings before the Gods. Gifts from us to the earth, to the Gods, and now from the Gods, to the earth, to us. Behold the Waters of Life!
Group Magic:
Our offerings have been given and accepted, our energy is at its peak, and now is a time for any personal magic or prayers that you wish to do for yourself quietly to the heartbeat of the earth.
Closing the Rite:
We came to honor the Gods, ask for their guidance on our journey, given them praise and received their blessings. This rite has now come to an end. May we go in peace and purpose, and enjoy a feast to ground our energy in honor of Midsummer. To revels!
