Ritual Archives - The Sacred Hearth

Yule log Ritual

Morningbird Book of Shadows, Holy Days, Ritual

This rite is to be performed at Yuletide using either a Yule Log candle holder or a Yule Log cake with three candles in it. If you use a Yule log cake, it’s a nice way to end the Yuletide feast. It can also be performed on the night of the Long Night’s Moon. The […]

Little Rituals

Morningbird Devotions, Family, Kitchen Witch Corner, Ritual

Before I begin, I feel that perhaps some definitions are in order. When I refer to rituals, I refer to meaningful things done over and over. These are not necessarily ceremonies, they need not be flashy. Rituals can be as simple as a kiss before bedtime or picking up a coffee at your favorite shop […]

Storytelling In The Hallows

Morningbird Family, Ritual

What is The Hallows? It is that big collection of sacred days that happen at the end of October/ beginning of November. Also known as Samhain, Halloween, The Feast of the Dead. This is a liminal period. Just a few days ago the leaves started to turn and in just a few more the trees […]

Feast of Sacrifice

Morningbird Book of Shadows, Holy Days, Ritual

The Feast of Sacrifice celebrates the sacrifice that other living things- plant and animal- make so that we may live. An effigy is made out of materials on hand and stuffed with good things to eat. It is then “sacrificed” and the food is taken from it and made part of a ritual feast. There […]

Handfasting and Pagan Wedding Etiquette

Morningbird Family, Ritual

So you’ve been invited to a Pagan or Wiccan wedding or Handfasting. You may never have attended such an event and may not know what to expect. You may feel nervous because you this sort of thing is way outside your comfort zone or maybe you’re excited for the new experience. Maybe it’s not that […]

Colors for Your Wedding

Morningbird Family, Ritual

In choosing a color scheme for your wedding, you may simply wish to choose colors that appeal to the both of you or maybe that look good together. Or perhaps you have an article of clothing that has been passed down the generations that you wish to wear and you’ll build your color scheme around […]

Pagan Weddings And Handfasting

Morningbird Family, Ritual

Long ago, the contract of marriage consisted of a clasping of hands and a public agreement by the couple to live together as husband and wife. This was followed, of course, by much feasting and merrymaking. It is this clasping of hands that has given name to the term ‘hand fasting’. This act could be […]

Cross Burning Rite

Morningbird Book of Shadows, Holy Days, Ritual

Although I am a Neo-Hellenic Pagan, I still perform this rite every Imbolc because it holds a special place in my heart. It was featured at the first public Pagan event I ever attended, one hosted by Celtic Druids. It is just so meaningful and I really do love it. For me it isn’t so […]

Spring Equinox with the Kids

Morningbird Book of Shadows, Family, Holy Days, Ritual

This is a ritual in that you do it every year to mark the change of season. It’s basically an Easter egg hunt with a bit of spirituality thrown in. It is not a ceremony. I have found that kids don’t stand much on ceremony. This is an at-home activity you can do with your […]

Devotional Rite Outline

Morningbird Book of Shadows, Ritual

This ritual outline is designed for private practice but it can easily be adapted for family or group practice. It is specifically for honoring the Gods on their feast days or Sabbat days, but can be adapted for any special occasion. Although I generally keep my magic and my worship separate, you can put perform […]