This ritual is adapted from my Grove’s public Beltane ritual. I’ve generalized it and am presenting it in Solo form. If there is enough interest, I can adapt it to a general audience for a group setting.

Ritual Preparations

For this ritual, you will set your altar space as you see fit. Gather the following materials and place them on the central altar:

• Representation of Awen, the divine creative energy, which will bring light and inspiration to this ceremony
• Representation of Nwyfre, the life force energy, which will bring Spirit and vitality into this ceremony
• Pieces of wood or symbolic representation of each of the 9 sacred woods (the first 9 letters of the Ogham). Those woods are:
  • Birch
  • Rowan
  • Alder
  • Willow
  • Ash
  • Hawthorn
  • Oak
  • Holly
  • Hazel
• Central fire or candle to light as a representation of the lighting of the Bel fire.

Grounding and Setting Energy Protection

Enter your circle from the West. Light the candle on the center altar. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, connecting with the energies of Land, Sea, and Sky. 

Visualize roots growing from the soles of your feet, reaching deep into the Earth, anchoring you firmly. Feel the Earth’s energy rising up through those roots, filling your body with stability and strength. 

Now, visualize a protective bubble of light surrounding you. Feel peace flowing into that bubble and know that in this space your are safe and protected…only positive energy can enter this space.

Ask for protection from your ancestors, guides, deities, etc. An example statement might be: 

“Ancestral spirits, guides and guardians who wish to bring healing and abundance to this ceremony, I greet you and welcome you to this circle.”

Turn to the center of the circle and say: “Greetings to the spirits of this land, spirits of this place, I welcome you and ask for your blessings on this ceremony. May you bring inspiration and harmony into this circle.”

Giving Peace to the Quarters

Walk to the center of the circle, hold your hands to the sky and say the Druid’s Prayer for Peace: 

“Deep within the still center of my being

May I find peace.

Silently, within the quiet of the Grove,

May I share peace.

Gently [or powerfully], within the greater circle of humankind

May I radiate peace.”

Turn to the East and say: “I offer peace to the East, the realm of Air. May the winds of change bring clarity and wisdom.” 

Turn to the South and say: “I offer peace to the South, the realm of Fire. May the flames of passion ignite our spirits and bring transformation.”

Turn to the West and say: “I offer peace to the West, the realm of Water. May the waters of intuition and emotion flow freely and bring healing”

Turn to the North and say: “I offer peace to the North, the realm of Earth. May the strength and stability of the Earth ground us and bring abundance.”

Casting the Circle

Say: “As I cast this circle, let all disturbing thoughts be set aside.”

Starting from the East, walk sunwise around the circle. Walk slowly and purposeful; visualizing a circle of light forming around your circle. Feel free to say a prayer of protection or use the following words: 

“I cast this circle of light and protection, a sacred space between the worlds. Within this circle, only love and light may enter.”

Return to the East and take a few breaths, grounding yourself in the calming energy of your circle.

Invocation of the Directions/Elements

Note: feel free to rewrite these to match your intention or local environment. This works best if the invocations resonate with you in a personalized way. 

Face (or walk to) the East and say: “With the blessings of the Hawk of Dawn soaring in the clear pure air, and of the magnolia blossoms opening to the light, I call upon the powers of the East.” Visualize the energy of the East entering the circle and filling the space with energy.

Face (or walk to) the South and say: “With the blessings of the great stag in the heat of the chase, and of the vibrant azaleas basking in the sun’s embrace, I call upon the powers of the South.” Visualize the energy of the South entering the circle and filling the space with energy.

Face (or walk to) the West and say: “With the blessings of the salmon of wisdom who dwells within the sacred waters, and the Louisiana irises flourishing by the gentle streams, I call upon the powers of the West.” Visualize the energy of the West entering the circle and filling the space with energy.

Face (or walk to) the North and Say: “With the blessings of the great bear of the starry heavens and deep and fruitful earth, and the oak trees standing strong and steadfast, I call upon the powers of the North.” Visualize the energy of the North entering the circle and filling the space with energy.

The Rite

The Union of Awen and Nwyfre

Return to the middle of the circle, take up the symbol you’ve chosen to represent Awen and say: “Awen of spirit and inspiration, I call upon you. Come, be here now. Step forward and bless me with your radiant energy”

Visualize Awen stepping into the circle, either visually or energetically. Feel the warmth of their light and allow their inspiration to flow into the circle. If you feel comfortable, allow that energy to flow into you and settle in the center of your being.

When you’re ready, say: “Awen, bless me with your light and creativity. Guide my thoughts and actions, and fill my life with beauty and meaning. I honor you this Beltane and welcome your presence.”

Return to the middle of the circle, take up the symbol you’ve chosen to represent Nwyfre and say: “Nwyfre, spirit of life force, I call upon you. Come, be here now. Step forward and bless me with your strength and shining spirit”

Visualize Nwyfre stepping into the circle, either visually or energetically. Feel the vibrations of spirit their spirit and allow the life force (Great Spirit) flow into the circle. If you feel comfortable, allow that energy to flow into you and settle in the center of your being.

When you’re ready, say: “Nwyfre, bless me with your energy and vitality. Sustain my body, mind, and spirit, and fill my life with purpose and strength. Ihonor you this Beltane and welcome your presence.”

Visualize a swirling of these energies, either in your circle or within your beings. When you’re ready, say: “I stand, today, under the heat and strengthening of the sun to celebrate the union of sun and Spirit. In that honor, I join Awen and Nwyfre together in peace and harmony. May their union bless me with inspiration and life force, guiding me through the seasons, bringing forth renewal and growth.”

Visualize the energies of Sun and Spirit swirling together, creating balance and harmony. Know that in this union, possibilities are endless. Feel yourself filled with strength and purpose. Breath in the freshness of the air and feel creativity welling within your being.

Lighting of the Bel Fire

If you wish, you may now perform the lighting of a symbolic (or real) Bel fire in celebration of this union. If you wish to skip this step, feel free to move on to the Meditation.

Stand and walk to the center of your altar where you have prepared real or symbolic representations of each of the 9 Sacred Woods. If you do not have these materials, it’s okay to do this exercise in your minds eye. 

Offer the pieces of wood to the circle (or fire) one by one; reciting the verses as you go: 

Birch, the Dawn’s first tender kiss,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we offer this:

New beginnings, fresh and pure,

In your union, life is sure. 

Rowan, guardian of the ancient ways,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we raise

Protection’s shield, power’s might. 

In your sacred bond, we find insight.

Alder, sacred sight behold,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we bestow

Clearing paths, guiding sight,

As you join, we find our light. 

Willow, keeper of the moon’s soft gleam,

To Awen and Nwyfre, I bring a dream:

Intuition’s whisper, divination’s call,

In your union, we see it all.

Ash, the tree of life’s embrace,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we offer space.

Transformation’s gentle hand,

In your union, we understand. 

Hawthorn, joy of the wildwood’s heart,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we impart

Nature’s laughter, happiness true, 

In your sacred Bond, we renew. 

Oak, the mighty, steadfast and strong,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we belong.

Strength enduring, success we seek,

Through your marriage, sacred spirits speak.

Holly, healer of the winter’s chill,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we offer still

Protection’s warmth, healing’s grace,

In your bond, we find our place.

Hazel, wisdom’s ancient lore,

To Awen and Nwyfre, we implore

Dreams of clarity, inspiration bold,

When you unite, creativity takes hold.

Light a candle to symbolize the lighting of the Bel Fire and say: “As the Bel fires burn, I celebrate the sacred union of Awen and Nwyfre. Their harmonious dance brings forth renewal, inspiration, and vitality, guiding me through the seasons and blessing my life.”

The Meditation

Allow yourself to settle comfortably in the circle. Feel free to sit or lie down before beginning the following meditation: 

Visualize yourself sitting under a warm mid-Spring sun. The scent of flowers surrounds you. In the distance, you hear music playing. Children’s laughter fills the air and you know that the Maypole dance is underway. You cannot see the dance but the joy of it falls around you. As you breathe that energy in, allow yourself to reflect on the coming season. Reflect on the following:

Visualizing the Future

“What does the future look like? What changes do you see in your daily life?” 

“How can you bring this vision into reality? What steps can you take to move closer to this harmonious future?”

Imagine yourself stepping into that life and achieving your goals. Pay attention to the way you feel and allow yourself to believe that this future will come to be.

Bringing Harmony and Joy to Everyday Life

“What small actions can you take each day to invite more harmony and joy into your life?” 

“How can you create moments of inspiration and vitality in your daily routine?”

“How might you share this inspiration with others?
“What positive change can come from blessing your Community  with your creativity and energy?”

The Closing

When you are ready, stand up and perform the following closing. 

Say: “It is the hour of recall. As the fire dies down, let it be relit in my heart. May my memory hold what the eyes and ears have gained.”

Imagine yourself connected to the greater Community. Symbolically hold hands with the all those who also wish to bring healing to the collective.

Recite the following prayer three times:
“We swear, by peace and heart to stand, 

Heart to heart, and hand in hand.

Mark o Spirit and Hear us now,

Confirming this, our sacred vow. 

If you know it and feel comfortable, chant the Awen three times.

Offer gratitude to the spirits of the lands and directions for their blessings and inspiration. The following may be a helpful guide:

Turn to or walk anti-sunwise to the North and say: “In the name of the great bear of the starry heavens and of the element of earth, I thank the powers of the North. By the Northern Lights and the glittering stars at midwinter, by the deep and abiding Earth, I withdraw this Northern Gate and radiate its light.”

Turn to ro walk anti-sunwise to the West and say: “In the name of the salmon of wisdom and the element of water, I thank the powers of the West. By the moon rising at sunset, by the Evening Star and the Sea, I withdraw this Western Gate and radiate its light.”

Turn to or walk anti-sunwise to the South and say: “In the name of the great stag and the element of fire, I thank the powers of the South. By the midsummer Sun at Noon, I withdraw the Southern Gate and radiate its light.”

Turn to or walk anti-sunwise to the East and say: “In the name of the Hawk of Dawn and the element of air, I thank the powers of the East. By the Rising Star, by the Morning Star, by the Sky at Dawn, I withdraw the Eastern Gate and radiate its light.”

Walking anti-sunrise, uncast the circle. As you do, give thanks to the spirits for their blessings and ask them to offer protection and blessings in the coming season. 

This ceremony is now closed in the apparent world. May its inspiration continue in your being.

Flyers and Information

The following flyers were given out at the public ritual. They may contain important or interesting information and insight to help with your ritual.