Earth Circle

The Earth Circle is an alternative form of worship first introduced in my book: The Emergence of God. 

It is based on celebrating the two solstices, the two equinoxes, and the four days between those days. 

In addition, the life cycle of all human beings is honored as are various rites of passage.

 It is a service meant to be open to people of all faiths.

Earth Circle Order of Service

Beltane 2023

1. Set the Altar

Entering

2. Opening Words

3. Welcome

4. Opening Chant: Gathered Here

Gathered here in the mystery of the hour.

Gathered here in one strong body.

Gathered here in the struggle and the power.

Spirit draw near.

5. Check In

Transforming

6. Lighting the Chalice

7. Invocation Chant: Chant for the Seasons

Winds of change have turned the star wheel. Summer is upon us.

Seasons come and go as we share the stories of our lives unfolding.

Winds of change have turned the star wheel. Summer is upon us.

8. Shared Readings

9. Chant: Sing and Rejoice

Sing and rejoice. Sing and rejoice.

Summer is here, let us all sing and rejoice.

10. Ritual of the Walking Stick: Honoring New Adults, Careers, Unions

11. Prayer and Meditation

12. Meditation Chant: Let Your Heart Speak (Langer)

Come into silence, come into peace.

Come into gratitude and let all anger cease.

Claim sacred ground, seek what you seek.

Open your heart and let it speak.

Integrating

13. Check Out

14. Closing Words

15. Parting Chant: Go Now In Peace

Go now in peace, go now in peace.

May the light of love surround you everywhere,

Everywhere you may go.

Earth Circle Annual Worship Calendar

• Yule

  • Date: December 21

  • Season: Midwinter

  • Age: Birth

  • Themes: New Beginnings

  • Living with purpose?

  • Color: Green

  • Ritual: Child Namings

• Imbolc

  • Date: February 1

  • Season: Beginning of Spring

  • Age: Childhood (Pregnancy)

  • Themes: Creativity and Imagination

  • Color: White

  • Ritual: Child Dedications

• Ostara

  • Date: March 21

  • Season: Mid Spring

  • Age: Adolescence/ Fertility

  • Themes: Mystery and Wonder?

  • Color: Yellow

  • Ritual: Adulthood

• Beltane

  • May 1

  • Beginning of Summer

  • Partnership (Connections)

  • Forgiveness?

  • Color: Orange

  • Ritual: Celebration of Unions (separations?)

• Litha

  • June 21

  • Midsummer

  • Life Work

  • Belonging and Home?

  • Color: Red

  • Ritual: Careers and Avocations, MOving

• Lammas

  • August 1

  • Beginning of Autumn

  • Adulthood (fulfillment)

  • Love and Loneliness?

  • Color: Purple?

• Mabon

  • September 21

  • Mid Autumn

  • Retirement (release)

  • Gratitude and Celebration?

  • Color: Blue

  • Ritual: retirement

• Samhain

  • November 1

  • Endings

  • Beginning of winter

  • Challenge and Transformation?

  • Color: Black

  • Ritual: honoring the dead