A SAMPLE RITUAL

The participating women gather as close as possible to the first bloods. This is a time of women’s mysteries. I prefer to keep the ritual Dianic. If that’s not possible, however, a loving and supportive father can fill the bill. If the new maiden wants the whole community, go for it. It’s her time and her rite.

This is a time for the young maiden to receive gifts: her first besom, an atheme to replace the child’s wand, a small cauldron, a red robe or skirt, and other tools of her Craft.

The maiden can cast the circle, using her broom and/or atheme for the first time. In calling the quarters, invoke Goddesses whose archetypes will give strength and protection to a head-strong and adventurous young woman. For instance, Athena for air -- giving the wisdom not to get into too much trouble. O Shun, fresh wild water, Goddess of gentle passions and sweet romances. Pele, fire of the inner Earth, burns those who mean harm to and women. Gaia, earth, the strong, supportive, comforting Mother, healer of the inevitable broken hearts, and, in the center, herself, embodying the Goddess in her young body, mind and spirit!

Going around the circle, each woman can share her experiences with bleeding, handy hints regarding the care and feeding of the female body, information regarding the opposite sex, and any other Woman’s Mystery. Give time for the Maiden to ask any questions she may have and receive answers and advice. Share a libation of red juices. Eat juicy fruits, such as mangoes and peaches, and Moon cookies, sugar cookie circles painted with red icing. Pass the juice, “May you never thirst”; the food, “May you never hunger”; and a kiss, “May you never want for love." Join hands and raise energy with the MAA chant. Release the energy, stating: “Now we set this power free; to our circle, we welcome thee; as we do will, so mote it be; as we do will, so mote it be!” Ground. Pass the hankies and the food.