Candlemas
The purpose of this rite is to set the sun lord free and escort the Queen of the Underworld up to the surface.
Banish Draw Bless
Invoke North East South West
Narrator (lighting candle) " I hold the Sun Lords Light
Who holds it as well? " Coveners light their candles
The first part is the journey down into Tartarus. Coveners form a processional circle moving anticlockwise. After the first circuit the Northern quarter candle is blown out or shaded and it is stated that we have passed the first gate
"The Gate is the entrance of a cave."
The second circuit takes out the Western quarter candle.
This gate is the River Styx
The third circuit shades the South
The third gate is the Fields of Asfoetel
The last circuit shades the North
This is the gate of Tartarus itself guarded by Cerberus the Three headed Dog
Second part is the freeing of the Sun lord. Coveners form arc in southern part of circle leaving center clear.
Narrator: He died on midwinter’s but he was not gone. He remains within the lady and within ourselves. We have nurtured him and sheltered him and he has grown. If we were to continue to hold him within ourselves he would not be able to grow. Our love would hold him back from his destiny.
#1 " This is the love I hold for the Lord. He has grown beyond it. In love I set him free. Lord remember me. (blows out candle) Repeat for all coveners who are willing.
Third Part Pater Dis
Ex Cathedra " Hear Me you have come uninvited into the land of the dead. My Land! You come bearing Death within you! Well you will not return to the upper world caring it it is mine and here it stays " Pater Dis removes the death from each covener.
Fourth part. Proserpines escort.
Pater Dis \ Hades ( ex cathedra): Hear me! My queen journeys to the world above. I bid you escort her as she returns to her mother Demeter. Know that one who loves her waits for her return
The Fourth part is the journey back to the surface. Coveners form a processional circle moving clockwise Lead by HPS Lady as Proserpines with candle After the first circuit the eastern quarter candle is lit and it is stated that we have passed the third gate. The second circuit lights the southern quarter candle. The third is the west and the first gate.
Athame Cup Shield Enjoined there is spring
Bless food and Feast
Dismissals Quarters.
Circle is drawn up energy goes to
MERRY MEET AND MERRY PART AND MERRY MEET AGAIN