"This ceremony is the "connecting-link" between the ritualistic part of a meeting and the working/social part: the sitting and talking on craft or non-craft matters; discussion of magick, healing, divination; consideration of personal, or coven, problems, etc. These things come after the worship. Honoring the Gods comes first and foremost to the Seax-Wica. .... This ceremony is not, and never was intended to be, a parody of the Christian Communion, for it far predates that. It is found universally, in various forms, as a thanking of the Gods for the necessities of life; thanking them for the food and drink we need in order to live." - Raymond Buckland, 1974
The medium of cakes and ale should be made as accessible as possible. If a member abstains from alcohol, then a non-alcholoic libation should be used for the whole group. Similarly, the cakes should be accommodating to the allergies and diets of those gathered. Finally, we must consider the recent health crises COVID-19 may have on ritual proceedings. If necessary, the priest may pour libations from the horn into individual cups, and similarly may serve cakes to those gathered so as to reduce contact in times of concern.
[The drinking-horn on the altar is refilled with ale if necessary. The attending priest raises it high.]
Priest: "As the Gods give to us, let us share with them. And let us give thanks for all the goodness they pour out upon the earth. To the Gods!"
All: "To the Gods!"
[Priest pours a libation on the ground, then takes a drink from the horn. They then pass the horn around the Circle and each person takes a drink. In passing the horn to another member, said to the individual receiving the horn]
“May you never thirst.”
[The last to drink replace the horns on the Altar. The priest holds the plate of cakes aloft.]
Priest: "Our thanks to the Gods for the foods they give us. Let us always see to it that aught that we have we share, with those who have nothing."
[The priest takes one herself then passes the plate around the Circle for all. In passing the cakes to another member, said to the individual receiving the plate]
“May you never hunger”.
[The last to take a cake return the plate to the altar.]
Priest: "Let us now sit and enjoy these gifts of the Gods. But let us never forget that without the Gods we would have nothing."
All: "So be it!"
[All now sit and individual drinking-horns, or goblets, are filled and remaining cakes distributed. At this time the attending priest speak out on any matters of importance. Then will there be general talk until the clearing of temple.]
*Adapted from Raymond Buckland, Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft, p54, 1974.