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Miscellaneous Musings (features, poetry, stories, biographies, etc.)





Note: 

The information in this section does not necessarily reflect the views of the Covenant of the Goddess and are either the sole creations or submissions of individual members of the MRLC.


Casting the circle and calling the quarters in reverence and rhyme

(by Banshee Shadowwolf, Circle of Wondrous Stories)

I wrote these circle invocations in 1997. Feel free to use them as is or adapt as needed (for example for solitary rituals). Or, better yet, feel free to let these inspire you to create wondrous circle invocations of your own.


Water / Salt invocation
Water and salt, blessed be
for the life that flows through we.
Guard us from what we can’t see.
We thank the powers of water and land
for always helping and lending a hand.

Fire / Air invocation
Fire and air now cleanse this space,
banish evil from this place.
Of hate and fear, leave no trace. 
Breathe deep the energies of fire and air,
we thank them for cleansing away despair.

Circle casting invocation
From hand to hand the circle’s cast
as has been done in days past.
We call upon powers vast –
together, in circle, we hold the key
to unlock the mystery. Blessed be!

East invocation
Winds that soft or fiercely blow
carries wisdom to and fro—
everything we need to know.
Powers of the east, element of air,
we give welcome to your powers most fair.

South invocation
Light of change, light of birth,
transform lives and bring us mirth.
Protect the heart, soul and hearth.
Powers of the south, element of fire,
your heart-warming presence we now desire.

West invocation
Let emotions ride the tide—
thru ups and downs, we can glide.
Cleanse our souls of foolish pride.
Spirits of water, powers of the West,
we awaken the waters from their rest.

North invocation 
Nourish body, mind and soul
so we can achieve our goal—
making this, our circle, whole.
Element of earth, spirits of the north,
we summon your energies, bring them forth.
God invocation
Horned Hunter, God of Light,
let magic reach greater height.
Fill our hearts with much delight.
Gods of the universe, we call to thee,
please join us in circle, and blessed be!

Goddess invocation
The Maiden, Mother and Crone,
the moon, the sea, earth and stone—
all that is, she calls her own.
Timeless lady, we now call upon thee,
please join us in circle, and blessed be!


God/Goddess (combined) devocation
Horned hunter, farewell to you,
lovely Lady, farewell too.
Thanks for everything you do.
Remain if you will, but go if you must.
We will meet again, on this we can trust.

North devocation 
To the north, we say farewell.
Earth, our home, on which we dwell.
We now break this magick spell.
Go if you must, but please stay if you will—
We know your energies surround us still.

West devocation
To the west, we bid adieu,
healing waters that renew,
heartfelt thanks we give to you.
Now if you really must be on your way—
know that you are always welcome to stay.

South devocation
Farewell energies of fire--
our fondest dreams you inspire.
Time to rest, and to retire.
If you decide you can no longer stay,
we will call on the south again someday.

East devocation
Farewell powers of the east,
wisdom for the mind to feast--
last to go, but never least.
If you are determined to let us be,
we await your return to set us free.

Opening the circle
From hand to hand, the circle is open
as these words now are spoken.
May this bond be our token.
Merry do we meet and merry we part,
may magick always reside in our heart.
So mote it be!

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Tarot journey of the Fool (in rhyme)

by Banshee ShadowWolf (Circle of Wondrous Stories)


0. Fool

I am the Fool, I have my knapsack in hand,
I set out for adventure across this vast land.
I have no time to tarry, no time for sleep,
bounding ahead, I should look before I leap.
Before I go, in my knapsack I’ll tuck 
this (name of lucky token, your choice) inside, so I’ll have good luck. 
(The Fool drops (name of lucky token) in knapsack)


I. Magician


I am the magician, if it’s mastery you seek,
you must practice and study, your skills you must tweak.
Take this symbol, its magick is sure
if you focus willpower with intent that’s pure.
(Give magic glitter, wand or other symbol of magick to the Fool)


II. High Priestess 


The wisdom you seek is hidden behind the veil--
the High Priestess is keeper of the holy grail.
If you can’t find it within, you won’t find it without,
gaze into this (crystal, book, or other symbol of reflection etc.) if you are plagued with doubt.
(Give symbol of reflection to Fool)

 

III. Empress


As Empress, I bring things to fruition
that is my purpose, that is my soul’s mission.
This (wheat, corn, stalk, or other symbol of grain) symbolizes the things you are growing,
success will sprout from the seeds you are sowing.
(Give symbol of grain to Fool)

 

IV. Emperor


I am the emperor, I am in command,
I rule over all with an even-hand.
Take this (symbol of power: gold, coins etc.) symbol of my power,
when facing a challenge may it empower.
(Give symbol of power to Fool)

 

V. Heirophant


I am the high priest, keeper of truths and rules.
Those who don’t follow them truly are fools.
Perhaps you are not a fool at all,
learn from this (book, rule book, sacred text, or other symbol of higher knowledge) so you can stand tall.
(Give symbol of higher knowledge to Fool)

 

VI. Lovers


The Lovers are two, but together become one,
though we are as different as the moon and sun.
This (heart or other symbol of love) will help you make the right decision
and provide you with a clearer vision.
(Give symbol of love to Fool)

 

VII. Chariot 

Ride this Chariot towards your goal,
the secret to winning is maintaining control.
If you wish to remain in the lead
don’t give up, don’t ever concede.
(Give symbol of movement, such as a car, horse, etc.) to Fool)

 

VIII. Strength 

The strong should not oppress the weak,
unless bad karma is what you seek.
The (lion, or other symbol of strength) reflects your strength inside
and reminds you to not display foolish pride.
(Gives lion pendant to Fool)

IX. Hermit 


The Hermit’s light can reveal to you
the things you should and should not do.
Seek a mentor, seek out a teacher
not a demagogue or a preacher.
(Give flashlight/candle or other symbol of light to Fool)

 

X. Wheel of fortune


The wheel of fortune invites you to spin.
Will you be a loser, or will you win?
The wheel continues to turn round and round.
Remember, what goes up, will come back down.
(Give a wheel symbol to Fool)

 

XI. Justice


If it’s justice you seek, then find it here.
Embrace truth with courage, never with fear.
Listen to wisdom, in all sides be fair,
handle important decisions with utmost care.
(Give symbol of justice--coin, feather, etc. to Fool
)


XII. Hanged man


The Hanged Man teaches sacrifice and selfless deeds,
providing others with the help they need.
This symbol shall be a reminder to you—
be compassionate to others in all that you do.
(Give knotted rope or yarn to the Fool)

 

XIII. Death


We all will have to face death someday,
we cannot avoid it though we may keep it at bay.
Something must die in order to be reborn,
let this symbol remind you there’s no need to mourn.
(Give skull, skeleton, or other death symbol to the Fool)

 

XIV. Temperance 


This (bottle, pitcher, or other liquid container) reminds you, seek balance in all you do,
in order for success to come to you.
To continue moving in a forward motion,
seek harmony, relax, and control all emotion.
(Give liquid container to Fool)

           

XV. Devil


You must come to terms with your shadow side.
There is really no place to run and hide.
If you find yourself under the Devil’s control,
You need to set yourself free, both body and soul.
(Give devil or devil symbol to the Fool)

 

XVI. Tower 


You won’t know the time, you won’t know the hour,
when you’ll get struck down by the falling tower.
Learn these hard lessons well to avoid more crashes,
or your dreams will end up turning to ashes.
(Give bag of ashes, broken lego tower, etc. to Fool)

 

XVII. Star 


Take this token the star, symbol of hope,
through difficult times, it will help you cope.
In the darkness of space there is always a light,
you have the ability now to make things right.
(Give star symbol to the Fool)

 

XVIII. Moon 

Information you need remains hidden from view
Thanks to the moon, soon all will be revealed to you.
This token reminds you to use intuition
In order to further your greatest ambition.
(Give moon token to Fool)

 

XIX. Sun

The sun, shining bright insures success for you
With penetrating rays that refresh and renew
Now you can shine your light down for all to see
That you’re in control of your destiny.
(Give sun token to Fool)




XX. Judgment



Refreshed and renewed that is your plan
as judgment day is heralded throughout the land.
Step forward now, there’s no time to weep
For what you’ve sowed, you now shall reap.
(Give white rose, or other symbol of rebirth to Fool)

 

XXI. World


You have it all, the world in your hand.
But life will get boring, if you refuse to expand.
Your journey now may have come to an end.
But it’s time again to explore and transcend.
(give symbol of the world to Fool)

 

0. Fool 


No longer the Fool, my journey’s complete,
I kept moving forward and never in retreat.
I learned well the lessons I’ve been shown.
I have struggled, I have won, in the end I have grown.
But tomorrow comes dawning a bright new day.
New adventures await, you just can’t keep me away.

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