Dedication of Selena

Items needed: altar cloth, bells for the children to ring, a silver tray, a chalice of water, a bowl of Earth, incense, two altar candles, a votive candle, a ceremonial broom, a staff, 9 or 13 stones/ crystals (to represent the 8 Sabbats and Akasha or the 13 moons of the year). If outside, all shall walk in procession to the ritual area. All shall stand quietly for a few moments.
The Priestess sweeps the circle area with her broom, sets up the altar with the cloth, chalice, bowl of Earth, incense, two altar candles, all of which have been carried to the circle in a basket. Guests shall assist by placing stones and crystals around the edge of the circle (8 or 12), using the largest ones at the four quarters. The Priestess puts the 9th or 13th stone on the altar. When all is in readiness and are standing in the circle, the Priestess, who is facing North speaks.

Priestess: “We gather here now to dedicate this small one to the Old Gods. That her   life may be full and satisfying, and in harmony with the forces of nature, that she shall achieve her full potential in life, that she may always be surrounded by the love and the protection of the Old Gods and her coven.”

Priestess and Priest walk Deosil, with sword and/or staff, around the circle. First the Priestess, then the Priest, then both; each time saying:
“We weave into being around us a circle of radiant light; guarding us, protecting us, allowing in only that which is good and true, and of service, in the names of the Great Mother and Father of us all.”

Priestess: “Let the Guardian Spirits now be summoned!”

The sentinel of the East begins

East: “Guardians of the Spirits of the East, You who bring the brilliance of dawn, the freshness of Spring; You who bring new beginnings to our lives; we call upon you to be with us now, to give your blessings to this child, and ever look favorably on her. You are welcome here amoung us! Blessed Be!” (lights candle)

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be”

South: “Guardian Spirits of the South, you who bring clarity of midday, the warmth, growth, and strength of summer; you who bring the fire of idealism into our lives; we call upon you to be with us now, to give your blessings to this child, and ever look favorably on her. You are welcome here amoung us! Blessed Be!” (lights candle)

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be”

West: “Guardian Spirits of the West, you who bring the deepest shadows of the sunset, you who guard the place of dreams and healing, you who bring balance and introspection to our lives; we call upon you to be with us now, to give your blessings to this child, and ever look favorably on her. You are welcome here amoung us! Blessed Be!” (lights candle)

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be”

North: “Guardian Spirits of the North, you who bring the restful stillness of winter, you who bring patience, practicality, wisdom, and ritual into our lives; we call upon you to be with us now, to give your blessings to this child, and ever look favorably on her. You are welcome here amoung us! Blessed Be!” ( lights candle)

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be”

Priestess: “Native Spirits, divas! We recognize your presence here amoung us! Accept our greeting and love, you are welcome amoung us! Blessed be! 

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be”

Priest: (holding staff or sword aloft) “Wise and loving All-Father, friend and  helper of all living creatures; we ask that you be here amoung us now. We ask that you strengthen and protect this child who shall be dedicated to the Old Ways. We bid you welcome!” (light's candle)

Priestess: (holding chalice aloft) “O most Ancient One- We call upon you by your many titles: Star Mother, Earth Mother, Great Mother, Grandmother- We ask that in your all-encompassing mother-love you will give shelter, protection, and guidance to this small and sacred child who shall be dedicated to the Old Ways. We bid you welcome!”
(light's candle)

Bells sound 3 times

Priest: “Let the child be brought forth.”

Priestess: “Who is it that comes before the Old Gods, to be dedicated to their service and placed under their protection?”

Diana: “It is Selena, one newly come to this world.”

Priestess: “And who is it that speaks for her?”

Diana: “I, Diana, mother of this small one.”

Priestess: “And what is it that you have to say, before those gathered here, and in the presence of the Gods?”

Diana: “I am here to present this child and dedicate her to the Old Ones. Before our friends, before our family, before the guardian spirits of the four directions; before the guardian spirits of this land, before the Old Gods; My child being too young to speak for herself, I do speak for her, till she is old enough to speak her own will.”

Priestess picks up plate of Earth.

Priestess: “For One of this young and gentle age a purification is not truly needed. Yet, let now her hand touch this Earth here before us.”

The child’s hand is touched to the Earth on the plate; Priestess touches her hand.

Priestess: “To Earth art thou made known, O small one.”

Priestess picks up the censer of incense.

Priestess: “Let now her hand touch this sweet air here before us.”

The child’s hand is passed through the smoke of the incense. Priestess touches her hand.

Priestess: “To Air art thou made known, O small one.”

Priestess picks up the candle.

Priestess: “Let now her hand feel the warmth of this fire here before us.”

The child’s hand is passed far above the candle flame; Priestess touches her hand.

Priestess: “To Fire art thou made known, O small one.”

Priestess picks up the chalice of water.

Priestess: “Let now her hand touch this water here before us.”

The child’s fingers are dipped into the water.

Priestess: “To Water art thou made known, O small one.”

Priestess continues to bless the child with both hands.

Priestess: “By Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, Small and holy one, thou art purified and made known.”

Diana hands Selena to Priest and he blesses her. 

Priest: “May the blessings of the All-Father, strong, wise and protective, be upon you, little one! May you grow strong and skillful under His protection, and be a true friend to all living beings.”

Priest hands Selena to Priestess

Priestess: “May the blessings of the Triple Goddess, of Maiden, of Mother, of Crone, beautiful, loving, and wise, be upon you, little one! May you grow strong and wise under Her protection, and always seek the truth.”

Bells are rung three times, then a moment of silence.

Priest: “You who would dedicate this child to the Old Ways, I bid you to place your hand on this sacred altar, and listen to what we say. For the pledge you are about to take is a most serious one, and not a matter to be lightly taken.”

Priestess: “I bid you, Diana, to give your child a calm, warm, and loving home. Let peace prevail between you and your housemates, that your child feel secure and loved. Raise your child with gentleness and surrounded by beauty.”

Priest: “I bid you, Diana, to teach well the soul that has been entrusted to you, giving your child a good foundation in matters of manners, and respect for others. Offer also to your child the best that you can in matters academic, that she may be ready to take her rightful place amoung her peers when grown.”

Priestess: “I bid you, Diana, to give your child respect for her own unique individuality. I bid you, by your example, to teach your child a sense of awe and wonder toward the world of nature, a sense of joy for the gift of life, and a sense of responsibility toward the other living beings of the planet, and indeed, toward our Mother, the Earth, Herself.”

Priest: “Have you listened and understood our council?”

Diana: “I have”

Priestess: “If you are ready to assume these duties as parent of this small and sacred child, take now your vow before the Gods and your coven.”

Diana: “I, Diana, as a pagan parent, do take this sacred vow before the Goddess, the God, and before my coven; I promise to provide a safe and happy home. I promise to love my child unconditionally, to respect her Goddesshood, and to teach her well the Old Religion and live as I teach; but to remember that she is on her own path and I am here to help her find the way. I promise to remember that no matter how young the body may be, the soul is not young. I also promise to be aware that she has much to teach me as I have to teach her. And finally, I promise that she shall learn that the Earth is her Mother, and she is kin to all creatures. These things, for my child and myself, do I vow. So mote it be!”

Everyone repeats: “So mote it be!”

Bells ring three times. Priestess raps staff 3 times.

Priestess: (takes crystal necklace and and holds it with the Priest) "This gift, small and dear one, do we give to you.”

Priest: “That your body, mind, and soul may strengthen and grow, enriching the world in all ways.”

Priestess: “And drawing you to be One with the forces and beings of nature.” places crystal on silver tray.

Diana carries Selena to each quarter in turn to bid farewell.

East: “Guardian Spirits of the East, Witness now that Selena is dedicated to the Old Ways. We give you our thanks! Hail and farewell!

Everyone repeats: "Hail and Farewell!"

Candle is extinguished.

South: “Guardian Spirits of the South, Witness now that Selena is dedicated to the Old Ways. We give you our thanks! Hail and farewell!

Everyone repeats: "Hail and Farewell!"

Candle is extinguished.

West: “Guardian Spirits of the West, Witness now that Selena is dedicated to the Old Ways. We give you our thanks! Hail and farewell!

Everyone repeats: "Hail and Farewell!"

Candle is extinguished.

North: “Guardian Spirits of the North, Witness now that Selena is dedicated to the Old Ways. We give you our thanks! Hail and farewell!

Everyone repeats: "Hail and Farewell!"

Candle is extinguished.

Diana holds Selena skyward.

Priest: “Ancient and wise All-Father, witness now, we do ask, that Selena has, by this rite, been dedicated to Thee, and to the Old Ways. Blessed be!”

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be!”

Diana lowers Selena to touch the Earth, then skyward again.

Priestess: “O Mighty Mother of us all, You who have been since before the beginning , witness, now, we do ask, that Selena has, by this rite, been dedicated to Thee, and to the Old Ways. Blessed Be!”

Everyone repeats: “Blessed Be.”

Priest extinguishes the altar candles.

Priest: “This rite is ended, Merry Meet and merry part!”

Everyone: “And Merry meet again! And may the Gods preserve the Craft!”