Personal Alters/ Scared space

A home or personal altar can mean different things to different people. It can be a place to celebrate the turning of the seasons, an area to perform magickal work, or a retreat where one can meditate and reflect. Essentially an altar is a sacred space where we connect to what is divine within us and around us; how you choose to create one is entirely up to you. It should be a reflection of your own unique style and what is important to you in your spiritual life.
That being said, it can sometimes be difficult to find the space to create a personal altar. But you don’t need a lot of space or money to set one up and with a little creativity and ingenuity you’ll find that just about any place in your home or living space has potential. Just remember that what is truly important in the creation of your altar is the intention or what it represents to you rather than the size or location. Focus on the purpose of the items you place on your altar and what they mean to you; in this way your altar will bring you a greater connection to your spiritual path.

Here are some ideas for space saving altars to get your creative juices flowing:

Wall Altar: A small knick-knack wall shelf is a good place to keep ritual items such as crystals, nature objects or deity figures. You can also hang up a plaque, drawing or painting with a representation of an element or deity.

Drawer Altar: This is a terrific space saver and can be used in your home or office. Just clear out a drawer and line it with fabric or decorative shelf paper. Then place your items inside, but for safety’s sake be sure not to use any burning items such as candles or incense. In place of candles you can use a representation of fire such as onyx, ruby, small dragon figures or even a fake battery powered candle. In place of incense you can represent air with feathers or potpourri.

Windowsill Altar: Create a nice out-of-the-way altar on any windowsill. As with a Drawer Altar be sure not to use any flammable items on the windowsill. Sun catchers and small wind chimes are great ways to represent the elements fire and air on a windowsill altar.

Portable Altar: This is especially good for people living in small apartments or students living in dorms and who need a place to perform magickal work. Just use a small wooden board to hold your spiritual objects. You can sand and decorate the board or you can cover it with lightweight fabric. You can also use a wooden chopping board or a breakfast tray to create a portable altar. When not in use the objects and tray can be stored away

Box Altar: A slight variation of the portable altar but rather than a board you can use a wooden box. Many craft stores have unfinished wooden boxes of various sizes that you can decorate and use to create your own box altar. Shoe boxes can also work; just decorate them with paint, glitter, or whatever you can think of to make a nice portable box altar.

Small elemental Altars: There are many simple ways to create small altars in your home that honor the elements. Here are a few ideas:

Water: Blue: You can use a tabletop fountain, sea shells, a chalice or bowls of purified water.(always place in a west facing position)

Air: Yellow: Bird feathers, small wind chimes, incense and pictures of birds or wind are ways of representing the element of air.(always place in an east facing position)

Fire: Red: One of the most common ways to represent fire is with candles, but you can also use fiery gemstones or even dragon figures. Images or symbols of the sun is another way to honor the element of fire.(always place in a south facing position)

Earth: Green: Houseplants are a great way to honor the element of earth, as are potted herbs, pentacles and stones such as obsidian and red jasper.(always place in a north facing position)

Remember that your altar is your own sacred space and there is no wrong way to create one or arrange it. Approach it with a loving heart and listen to your, heart, inner wisdom, the god and goddess or spirit guides in order to find what’s best for you.

Their is no limit to what you can do with your alter or scared space. I have pictures of Fairies, Inspirational pagan sayings, a plaque with my Magical name, my witch hat, and a pentagram dream catcher for each element. And I'm still working on it :D

A Child's Pagan Altar

How to Help Your Child Create a Sacred Space

Sharing the Pagan faith with your child is a wonderful way to pass on your traditions and knowledge, and helping your child to create their first altar is a great way to do this. A personal altar can give a child a sense of direction in their Pagan path and can bring a lot of enjoyment to both you and your child. It’s important to give your child some free rein in setting up their altar as it will be their own personal, sacred space to work with. But there are ideas that you can share with your child to give them a little inspiration, and also measures you can take to make sure your child’s altar is safe for them.

The first step in setting up your child’s altar is to find a good location. Children, as we all do, value their privacy and this is often especially true for older children. So they may want to have it set up in an area that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic, such as a corner of their room or any other area of the home that is fairly quiet. Of course some children may want everyone to be able to see their altar, but even then certain things need to be considered such as available space and the possibility of disturbance by pets and younger siblings. Though you as a parent need to have some say in where the altar can be set up, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be in a place that is comfortable for your child. Even if a certain area seems particularly sacred to you, if your child isn’t happy with it, then it would be pointless to have it in that area.

After you and you child decide on the best area of your home to keep their altar, the next step is setting it up. We as adults often have very clear ideas of how we want our altars to look but with children it is usually an entirely different process. Children learn a lot through play and exploration so what may look like an unorganized process to you at first, can actually be your child’s way of tuning into his or her inner wisdom. So one of the most helpful things to do at that point is to step back and observe as your child creates their sacred space.

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t assist at all in the process. There are certain items that children should not have on their altar for safety’s sake. These items include things such as candles and incense, because of fire danger, any sharp items or anything that could be potentially toxic if swallowed, such as essential oils.
As far as objects to keep on the altar, many children love to collect objects from nature, so keeping such things as rocks, shells, small sticks and feathers are often popular choices. Some other ideas for altar items include:

Colored ribbons

Glow sticks or Battery Operated Candles

A favorite toy or stuffed animal

A shatter-proof cup or goblet

 A wand

A small goddess figure

These are just suggestions and as long as safety is taken into consideration then your child’s creativity and intuition can take flight as they create their own personal sacred space. Once the altar is set up and completed you can share in the joyful accomplishment and know that you are helping them to take one of their first steps on their Pagan path.

If they want to represent each element try to make sure they put them in their proper places, teach them that Earth elements belong in the North, Air in the East, Fire in the South, and Water in the West

 An easy way to remember that is they go in order

Earth, Air, Fire, Water
North, East, South, West

another fun way is to come up with your own mnemonic (nu-mon-ic) or the like for you and your kids to remember the order. 

Wiccanning

Wiccanning                                                        

This is the Wiccaning Ceremony I wrote for my daughter.  It worked very
well, and even the (several) non-pagan participants told me it was
beautiful, meaningful, and heart-warming.  :)

* Set up the altar as usual, but avoid all sharp objects.
* Use milk and cookies rather than wine and cakes.
* Cast the Circle before the guests arrive, as usual.
* When the guests arrive, bring everyone into Circle and close the Door
  (if there are those who might be "offended", you can easily have a
  Maiden or friend close the Door surrepituously...).

"Guardians of the Four Quarters
Air, Fire, Water Earth
Join us here, celebrate
Confirmation of a child's birth!"

* Have four people call the Quarters (arrange this beforehand).

"Maiden, Warrior, Mother, Crone,
Join us here; watch o'er Your own.
Young Lord, Old Lord; Husband, Son,
Be with us to bless this one."

Bless the milk:  "As the athame is to the male,
                 So the Chalice is to the female.
                 And conjoined they be one in truth.
                 For there is no greater magic in all the world
                 Than that of a man and a woman (alt: "two people")
                 Joined in the bonds of love."

Bless the cakes: "These cakes are the fruition of the union
                 of our Lord and Lady.
                 Let all but the blessings of that union
                 Be cast out, that we may all
                 Share in Their bounty!"

HPS:  We are met in this Circle to ask the blessings of the Lord and
Lady on (child's mundane name), daughter of (mother's name) and
(father's name).  May she grow in beauty and strength, joy and wisdom.

(Pause)

HPS:  There are many Paths, and each must find her own.  Therefore, we
do not seek to bind (baby) to any one Path while she is still too young
to choose.  Instead, we ask the Lord and Lady, who know *all* Paths, to
bless, protect and prepare her through the years of her childhood.
Then, when she is at last fully grown, she shall know, without a doubt,
which Path is hers, and shall tread it gladly.  (Father), please bring
(baby) forward that she may be blessed.

HPS:  (Baby's) mother has chosen a Hidden name for her.  (Mother), what
is that name?

Mother:  (Hidden name)

HPS:  Then in the silent senses of the Lord and Lady, she shall be known
as (Hidden name).

* Anoint forehead with oil (pentagram):
  "I anoint thee, (mundane name), with oil,
  and give thee the Hidden Name, (Hidden name)."

* Anoint forehead with wine/juice/milk:
  "I anoint thee, (Hidden name), with wine,
  In the name of the Lord."
  (Whisper private name of the God into baby's ear).

* Anoint forehead with water:
  "I anoint thee, (Hidden name), with water,
  In the name of the Lady."
  (Whisper private name of the Goddess into the baby's ear).

* Touch the baby's crown, and say:
  "You are named (mundane name), also (Hidden name).
  And I dedicate you to a life of peace and love.

* Touch baby's "third eye":
  "...That you may see your way clearly."

* Touch baby's throat:
  "...that you may speak the truth."

* Touch baby's heart:
  "...that your heart always be open."

* Touch baby's solar plexus:
  "...that your Will and Strength be strong."

* Touch baby's belly:
  "...that your sexuality be joyful and loving."

* Touch baby's vagina (penis):
  "...that you be a gateway (progenitor) of lives and creations to come."

* Touch baby's hands:
  "...that you may always do the Lord and Lady's work,
  no matter how you see or worship Them."

* Touch baby's feet:
  "...that you always walk the Path you're called to."

* Touch baby's crown:
  "Bless this child, who is a tiny Goddess...
  Bless her, protect her, and give her a joyful life!"

HPS:  In the story of Sleeping Beauty, the good fairies all blessed the
baby with a special gift.  (Mother) asks now that you each bestow her
with a personal blessing.  (Baby), I bestow upon you the gift of love.
(Kiss baby's head, then walk to Father, who says blessing, then to
Mother, etc. through all guests present.)

HPS:  Are there any here who would stand as Godparents to (baby)?

* Godparents step forward:  "We would."

HPS:  Do you, (names of Godparents, one at a time), promise to be a
friend to (baby) through her childhood; to aid and guide as needed; and
in concord with her parents, to watch over her and love her as if she
were of your own blood; until, by the grace of the Lord and Lady, she is
ready to choose her own Path?

Godparents (one at a time):  I, (name), do so promise.

HPS:  The Lord and Lady have blessed her;
      We, her friends and family have welcomed her;
      Therefore, Oh Circle of STars,
      Shine in peace on (baby),
      Whose Hidden name is (Hidden name).
      So mote it be!

* Thank guests, cut them a door, allow them to leave.
* Close Circle as usual.
* Party, and gift giving if the baby (or parents) are ready.

Ally

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/rituals/wiccaning-3.txt

i love this ritual a lot!

Yule Log

The Yule log. What is it? What do I use it for? How do I make one?

These are the most frequently asked questions about the yule log, and i will be answering all of those questions in this post!

"May the log burn"
"May the wheel turn"
"May evil spurn"
"May the Sun return"

The Yule log is a central part of Yule festivities. The log is kindled from the remains of the previous year's Yule fire(This piece was kept in the home throughout the year for protection . . The Yule log symbolizes the light returning to conquer the darkness. According to tradition, the log must either have been harvested from the householder's land, or given as a gift... it must never have been bought. Once dragged into the house and placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze . The log would burn throughout the night, then smolder for 12 days after before being ceremonially put out. A different type of Yule log, and perhaps one more suitable for modern practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles. Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright. Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour. Once, the Yule log had been the center of the celebration. There are many traditional ways to collect your log; Some collect a log at Beltane and dry out till Yule. Others use the thickest part of the Yule tree trunk to save till it becomes next years Yule log. Still others will make a ritual of trekking into the woods at yuletide and dragging their Yule log home. Yule Log Magick The yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that pagans would set ablaze at the time of winter solstice. These bonfires symbolized the return of the Sun.   The Yule log can be made of any wood (Oak is traditional). Each releases its own kind of magick. Ash -- brings protection, prosperity, and health Aspen -- invokes understanding of the grand design Birch -- signifies new beginnings Holly -- inspires visions and reveals past lives Oak -- brings healing, strength, and wisdom Pine -- signifies prosperity and growth Willow -- invokes the Goddess to achieve desires The burning of the Yule Log can easily become a family tradition. Begin by having parent(s) or some other family member describe the tradition of the Yule Log. The tale of the Oak King and Holly King from Celtic mythology can be shared as a story, or can be summarized with a statement that the Oak represents the waxing solar year, Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the Holly represents the waning solar year, Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice. Lights are extinguished as much as possible. The family is quiet together in the darkness. Family members quietly contemplate the change in the solar year. Each in her/his own way contemplates the past calendar year, the challenges as well as the good times. Then the Yule Log fire is lit. As it begins to burn, each family member throws in one or more dried holly sprigs and says farewell to the old calendar year. Farewells can take the form of thanksgiving and appreciation and/or a banishment of old habits or personal pains. Once the Yule Log itself starts blazing, then the facilitator invites family members to contemplate the year ahead and the power of possibilities. Each member then throws in an oak twig or acorn into the fire to represent the year ahead, and calls out a resolution and/or a hope. Families using a Yule Log with candles each family member can write a bad habit and/or a wish for the upcoming year on a slip of paper and burn it in the candle flame. When this process is done, the family sings a song together. The traditional carol, "Deck the Halls," is good because it mentions the Solstice, the change in the solar year, and the Yule Log. Let the Yule Log burn down to a few chunks of charred wood and ashes (or candles burn down). Following an ancient tradition, save remnants of the fire and use them to start the Yule Log fire the following year. or the stumps of the candles to start next years candles.

MAKE A YULE LOG

To make a Yule Log, simply choose a dried piece of oak(or other wood) and decorate with burnable ribbons, evergreens, holly, and mistletoe. To make a Yule Log with candles (suitable for indoor observances when a fireplace is not available), you will need a round log at least thirteen inches long and five inches thick. Flatten the bottom of the log with a saw (preferably a power saw or you'll be their a long time) by trimming off an inch or two so the log will sit without wobbling. Next determine where the three candle holes should be drilled along the top of the log. They should be evenly spaced. The size of the holes will be determined by the size candles you are using. Drill the holes 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to accommodate the candles.

The log with candles may be painted or sprayed with varnish or shellac to keep it from drying out. When the varnish is dry, insert candles and decorate it with holly, evergreens, and mistletoe. Candles may be green, red, and silver or white to represent the Oak King, the Holly King, and the Goddess; or white, red, and black to represent the Triple Goddess.

 http://thecronescottage.tripod.com/thecottagedecyule2001/id16.html

Just a link :D

So I found this new web site page, and if any pagans other than my mother's read this I think you should check it out :D here's my personal profile


http://www.themerrymeet.com/ScatteredOwl

Bedtime prayers for kids

most pagan children feel a little left out when it comes to bed time prayers because most parents don't know what type of prayers to teach them, well I have perused the internet for as many examples as I could find and the result is this post  hope you can find something you enjoy :D


Now I lay me down to rest
I pray that all the world be blessed
Lady Moon and Sister Star watch over me from afar
Mother Earth is always there
And keeps me safe within her care
The Lord of Dreams will dance and sing
And happy dreams to me will bring
And when I wake to greet the day
Brother Sun will light my way.
~Kitty Degler.~

The Child's Rede
———— —
Oh Gracious Goddess, Mother Earth,
I call to Thee with love and mirth,
Oh Horn-ed Hunter of the night,
I pray to Thee; show me thy light
As my heart grows strong
Teach me right from wrong,
Keep me safe
Keep me warm
So none will I harm,
So I will be
One with thee
As my will
So mote it be!

-Author Unknown

teaches children to raise a protection spell for sleep…
o golden light
o silver light
please weave your web around me and protect me through the night…
my day is done
my nights’ begun
my dreams before me are found
i sleep in peace of light
my perfect circle bound…
goddess bless

(for meal time)

Lord and Lady, watch over us,
and bless us as we eat.
Bless this food, this bounty of earth,
we thank you, so mote it be.

Corn and grain, meat and milk,
upon my table before me.
Gifts of life, bringing sustenance and strength,
I am grateful for all I have.

Hail! Hail! The hunt has ended,
and meat is on the table!
We honor the deer* who feeds us tonight,
may his spirit live within us!

I set a place at my table for the gods,
and ask them to join me here tonight.
My home is always open to you,
and my heart is open as well.

In ancient Rome, it was common to leave a bit of your food on the altar for your household deities. If you would like to do this at your meal, you could use the following prayer: This meal is the work of many hands,
and I offer you a share.
Holy ones, accept my gift,
and upon my hearth, leave your blessings.

Goddess Prayers
1. Mother of all things, watch over me tonight,
Hold me in your arms, until the morning light.

2. Blessed be the mother goddess, by all her many names.
May she bless my family and friends.
May she bless the animals of the world,
and all people everywhere.

3. Diana, goddess of the moon,
Shining in the sky above,
Bathe me in your magical light,
And protect me with your love.



God Prayers
1. The horned god runs in the night,
And hunts among the stars,
May he watch over and keep us safe,
No matter where we are.


2. Lord of night, welcome me as I sleep.
Guide me in the darkness,
and protect me as I dream


Goodnight Earth
The earth is big and fat and round,
I love the sky, the sea and the ground,
I love the birds and dogs and sheep,
and all the animals that fall asleep,
I love the flowers and rocks and trees,
I love the earth, and it loves me.

Fantasy Bedtime Prayer for Kids

Now I lay down in my bed,
And pull the covers up to my head.
I'll dream of dragons and fairies bright,
And pixies and wizards and elves tonight.
I'll dream of some sort of magical place, and
wake in the morning with a smile on my face.

A Psalm for Gaia
Written by Dolores Stewart Riccio
The Earth is my mother, I shall not want.
She nurtures me in green pastures;
she freshens me with flowing waters.
She restores my body and awakens my soul.
Although I walk in the shadow
of changing seasons and passing time,
I will not fear death,


The Magick (a bedtime chant)


(Close your eyes and imagine a circle of light going all around the room.)

O golden light,
O silver light,
Please, weave your web around me
And protect me through the night.
My day is done, my night begun,
With dreams before me found.
I shall sleep in peace and light,
My protective circle bound.
I said this prayer with all my children, and I sing a version of it to little Dante when I put him to bed at night.

 

Bedtime Prayer
author unknown

Day is done, it's time for bed
Goddess bless my sleepy head
Earth and Water, Air and Fire
Bring gentle dreams as I retire
When the morning sun does rise
The God will bless my open eyes

INVOCATION OF THE MOON GODDESS

Diana, queen of night,
In all your beauty bright,
Shine on us here,
And with your silver beam
Unlock the gate of dream;
Rise bright and clear.
On earth and sky and sea,
Your magic mystery
Its spell shall cast,
Wherever leaf may grow,
Wherever tide may flow,
Till all be past.
O secret queen of power,
At this enchanted hour
We ask your boon.
May fortune's favor fall
Upon true witches all,
O Lady Moon!

Doreen Valiente

EARTH MY BODY

Earth my body,
Water my blood,
Air my breath,
And Fire my spirit.








THE GODDESS CHANT

Isis, Asarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Innana
 


Make me strong in spirit
Courageous in action
Gentle of heart
Let me act in wisdom
Conquer my fear and doubt
Discover my own hidden gifts
Meet others with compassion
Be a source of healing energies
And face each day with hope and joy
~ Abby Willowroot




A MORNING PRAYER
Oh Great Goddess
Bless this day
Keep me safe and whole
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my path
Help me to act on thy wisdom
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my family
All life on this Earth
~ Abby Willowroot



NIGHT PRAYER
Thank You Great Goddess for this day
for the blessings and lessons that came my way
May my sleep be peaceful in dreams and rest
and tomorrow may I do my best
~ Abby Willowroot

Bed Time Prayer

Lady and Lord,
Please guide me,
and protect me,
and keep me safe,
from all harm

Please watch over Mommy,
and Daddy,
and me,
and all my family!

Blessed Be.

Food Blessing

Lady and Lord,
Thank you for this food which we're going to eat
Thank you for the earth in which it grew,
the rain that watered it,
the wind which gave it breath
and the sun which gave it life

Thank you for the life which was given so we can eat

We are grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives
and for all the unknown blessings already on the way

May we continue to live in health
happiness,
love,
family,
and prosperity

Blessed Be.

Travel Blessing

Lady and Lord,
Please guide us and protect us on our journey
and keep us safe from all harm.

Please don't let us get into any accidents,
breakdowns,
bumps, rubs,
or other trouble.

Just help us get to all the places we want to go to today,

Safely.

So mote it be.


PRAYER OF DAILY THANKSGIVING
(found in the book Wiccan Prayers)
 Dearest Father, thank you for this glorious day.
Thank you for the sunshine, and thank you for the rain.
Thank you for the blue skies, rivers, streams and lakes.
Dearest Mother, thank you for the green grass, and thank you for the trees.
Thank you for the many birds singing in the breeze.
My dearest parents, thank you for giving of yourselves so selflessly to me.
Thank you for life itself, a precious gift that's free.
Blessed Be

EVENING PRAYER

Dearest Parents, Father God and Mother Goddess,I wish to thank you for a truly wonderful day.

I have experienced many ups and downs today, and with your help,

I have gained much joy and wisdom along the way.

Thank you for my health, thank you for my friends, and family,

thank you for my faith and thank you for the opportunity to be part of your world. 

Blessed Be

PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY OF THE WEEK(for the adults!)
SUNDAY (For Strength)
O dearest Father, help me to know and understand your will, allow me the strength to accomplish all you ask of me. My dearest Mother, help me to be strong enough this day to show love to everyone, even those who show hatred toward me. So Mote It Be.

MONDAY (For Compassion)
Dearest Parents, please grant me the gift of compassion: For the green earth; your woods, forests,waters,air, animals and all people. Help me to become an example of compassion, so I may plant the seed of compassion for the betterment of all creation. Blessed Be

TUESDAY (For Fidelity to One Religion)
I call upon you, my Lord and Lady, to grant me the strength to remain forever faithful to my Path. Please help me to keep all of the promises I have made to you, my eternal parents, as well as those I have made to my brothers and sisters, especially those of my hearth and home. So Mote It Be

WEDNESDAY (For World Peace)
Dear Mother, please grant your children knowledge, understanding, patience, and love. Dear Father, please grant that through these gifts all nations may work together to end the world's suffering and put an end to all war so there will be everlasting peace. Blessed Be 

THURSDAY (For Wisdom)
O my dearest and eternal parents, please show me the way of wisdom, and grant me the strength to follow it no matter what adversary stands in my way. So Mote It Be


FRIDAY (For Patience)
O eternal Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone, I am made from your flesh and you know me better than I know myself. You understand depression, frustration, and anxiety. Please help me to control these emotions, and help me to convert these powerful feelings into love. O eternal God, King of infinite wisdom and goodness, I am created from your essence, and I thank you for the gift of life. Please teach me to be patient and humble, tolerant and gentle, especailly when life's problems become heavy and difficult to bear. So Mote It Be

SATURDAY (To Know and Accomplish the Will of the God & Goddess)
Dear Lord, Dear Lady, you have created me for a special purpose. This I know as fact. I humbly ask that you make known to me your will so I can understand and accomplish my life's mission. I promise to do my best to do good, to bring peace to the world, to always speak the truth, and to uphold the sacred teachings of my Path all the days of my life. So Mote It Be.

PRAYER FOR PAGAN CHILDREN

O God, O Goddess, you have created all people, all races, all traditions, and all faiths. 

You have taught us to worship you each in our own way. 

This can be very confusing at times and to a small child often traumatic.

Mankind has created much discontent, and prejudice is everywhere.

My prayer is for all the children, but especially the pagan child. 

Give them and their families the strength and endurance needed to survive these times

. Help them to grow and understand that ignorance and greed is the cause of all suffering, 

so that one day we all can be united as one family again. 

So Mote It Be

PRAYER FOR PAGAN UNITY
Dear eternal Father,
there is much unrest and disunity in the world.
Help us to embrace each other and live in peace and harmony in the pagan way
Dear eternal Mother,
we realize there are many different traditions of faith.
Help us to see past the difference and unite as one family in total harmony and love.
So Mote It Be

I Love The Earth
The Earth is big, fat, and round
I love the sky, sea, and ground
I love the birds, dogs, and sheep
And all the animals that fall asleep
I love the flowers, rocks, and trees
I love the Earth and she loves me!

Nighttime Prayer
Now I lay me down to rest
I know today I did my best
Into the Goddess care I’ll be
With Guardians watching over me

Morning Prayer
Each day I wake and blessed be
For all that has been shown to me.
I have each morning, all I need
Myself, the Law, and the Witches Rede

I hope you can find some of these useful, and I hope the kids enjoy them!

circle of protection

Opening the circle
 
Purify the place where you will cast your circle. Purify physically (clean up) as well as spiritually (take your hands, or broom, athame or wand and direct positive energy into the area, to push away negative energy). You could try using witch hazel or even a smudge stick-which is sage dried and tightly bound into a stick form-  to cleanse the area - a couple of drops in each corner of the room and round the perimeter of the circle should be sufficient.

Physically determine the bounds of your circle, if you want. Do this by drawing a circle on the floor, sprinkling salt water in a circle, or by laying a cord in a circle (make sure you tie it). Anyhow, the circle is usually as wide as you are tall. unless you are doing a rite with many people them your circle should be wide enough for every one to fit inside it.

Place all the objects you will be using in your ritual inside the circle

Represent the elements in the four quarters of your circle (called corners by some, but a circle doesn't have any corners!). Place something that represent Earth in the north(crystal, salt, twig,dirt etc.) Air in the east(feather, incense, oil etc) Fire south(candle) and Water west(tap will work the gods aren't picky) Bless (or ask for consecration of) these things. Be sure to have some food(bread, cake, cookies etc) and drink(water, wine, mead, juice, etc) to share with the spirits, to thank them and to replenish your energy.

(This is where you may (if your confident enough) make changes, as long as the same thing is being accomplished)

Take your magick weapon, whether it be hands, a broom, athame or wand, and walk round the spot where your circle will be thrice, clockwise: "Cast the circle thrice about, to keep the evil spirits out." State the purpose of the circle.

Invoke the elements and spirits and deities you wish to work with. Call them to the objects that represent them. Take each of the objects that represent the elements around your circle, filling it with the power of each of them.

Meditate for a while now. Meditation or astral projection might be the main act, or it serves just to shift your consciousness.

Do whatever it is you want to do in your circle. Remember: "An it harm none, do what ye will." If you must leave the circle before you are done, cut a doorway (quite literally, envision a doorway being cut from the edge of the circle, up, to the side, then down again. Re-close the circle once you're back in.


http://www.wikihow.com/Cast-a-Circle


  Closing the circle

Walk counter-clockwise around your circle three times. On the first turn, verbally thank the four directions as you pass their stations. On the second turn, verbally thank your guardians and angels for their protection and guidance. On the third and final turn, say:

"O circle of power,
By my will, I release thee.
Thank you for your guidance.
Return to your place of power.
my will so Mote It Be!" 

Clap hands loudly, or ring the bells to disperse the energy. This action is like bursting a bubble or taking a broad expanse of energy and scattering it into a million parts to go out to the earth and be transformed into your desire. With a broom or your hand, erase the circumference of your circle.
http://www.spellsthatwork.com/circle-closing.html

Good dream fairy spell

If you are haunted by the Mares of the night (aka. nightmares) then this spell will bring the help of the fairies to keep your dreams good and the Mares running

Materials Needed 
A Dream Catcher, make sure it is is cleansed of all energy.
Bell(for calling the fairies)
Incense (something that reminds you of fairies or spring)


Spell 
Light Incense and draw a star in the air over the dream catcher with the smoke and say

"Fairies of light,
so good and so bright.
Guide only good dreams to me tonight"


Draw a circle around the star and say

"Fairies of night,
so playful and fun
keep the night mares on the run."

place the incense down (keep safe and make sure its where it wont sent any thing on fire, an incense burner is recommended) hold your hands over the dream catcher, and imagine good feelings flowing out of your hands and into the dream catcher, take as long as you feel you need to do this, when done pick up the Bell and say

"Triple Goddess of the moon bless me with the fairies soon.
one ring of the bell brings the fairies to me."

ring bell

"Second ring, lets them hear my plea"

ring bell again

"Third ring may they bring good dreams only"

ring bell, let the Incense burn out on its own. hand the dream catcher at the head of your bed, about the middle is best. And remember Fairies are more likely to listen and help if you get a small tea set for them and offer cream(milk if you don't have cream) cake(bread works ) and honey (they get mad if you try to substitute the honey)   




I wrote this spell for my little girl, and have recently perfected it, I thought it would be nice to share this one with you all.