The evolution of the Circle from a strict Gardnerian-Alexandrian body to its present form was not accomplished easily or quickly. The views of all those involved were taken into account and modifications and alterations were made as deemed necessary while keeping to the primary ethos that guided the members of the Circle. The first change from strict Gardnerian practice was the emphasis which grew into a 'thealogical' change on the significance as a balancing force of the God in His many aspects. With this realization, the core of our practice was altered to reflect that and all the rituals of the Wheel of the Year had to be fundamentally re-evaluated.
In the light of our history, we also fully acknowledge and credit the work and inspiration of Janet and Stewart Farrar as the people from whom we have gleaned so much and whose rituals we began practicing when we began as a Gardnerian-Alexandrian circle. Both of the Farrars have said repeatedly in print as well as in person that the rituals they have published are guidelines only and are readily adaptable. This adaptation we have done, but we have carried the process a few steps further. Nevertheless, we feel that their influence on us must be acknowledged and thanked and we are very happy to do so. We are honoured by their presence and will celebrate in their names when their time comes (many, many years from now, we hope). Blessed Be, Janet and Stewart!
It is also important to bear in mind that each of these rituals was written and intended to be performed by a full Circle
of witches and that, should an individual wish to make use of them as a
solitary witch, adaptation is necessary, and in fact, encouraged. This
is also the case for groups of witches that do not necessarily possess
the full complement we indicate in the text. Remember, adaptability, always
adaptability!
Please also bear in mind that these rituals were
designed with movements to accompany the scripted text and that the 'stage
directions' are vital to the operations of each ritual. Careful adherence
to the movements and words in each ritual should result in success. The
rituals carry an innate beauty in the celebration of the cycle of life
and death and rebirth and can only benefit by the active participation of those groups who wish to use them. Remember that there
is much to celebrate in the cycle of the seasons and the phases of the
moon and your joy in the acting out of these rituals will amply reward
those who come to it with joy in their hearts.
The Wheel of Life spins round and round and the more the merrier. Every new celebrant brings a richness and gift to the group of which he/she is a member. We offer these rituals as a guide to those who wish to walk this path and to those who already do and can find an additional richness to deepen their loves.
It should also be borne in mind that the Circle of Ashtoreth is not merely a practicing Circle of witches but a teaching
Circle in which those who seek may find the environment and peace they
desire. Many have done so and we feel pleased to have assisted them in
their search. This book reflects the teaching and learning that has occurred
on both sides as we have learned about the Craft from those who have come
to us and they have learned what we have to teach : a sharing enjoyed by
all that have crossed paths at the Circle of Ashtoreth.
In the past, the Circle has welcomed contributions
from a large variety of esoteric traditions. Practitioners of various family
traditions, Freemasons, Ceremonial Magicians, Dianics, Thelemites and Rosicrucians
have all contributed to the rites we present here. Anything unfamiliar
to the reader may have arisen and been adapted from any or all of these
traditions.
Casting the Circle
If you want to read our Book of Shadows, e-mail us at bentin@geocities.com. Blessed BE!!!
We welcome correspondence
Veneration of the Goddess and Gods
Closing the Circle
Samhain Ritual
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