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A Havdalah for Witches & Pagans
Havdalah occurs just after sunset and completes the Shabbos, it is for this reason that it is called "Separation" in Hebrew. Perhaps, too, pagans need a way to formalize the ending of our own Sabbats and can use this as a way of completing those tasks set before us at our holy days.
"You will need:
wine or grape juice (must be grape-based)
goblet/chalice with a saucer beneath (to catch spilled wine)
a small box of spices (cloves, myrtle twigs, any good smelling spices will do nicely)
a braided candle with three wicks (or suitable candles that can be lighted as three together)
Begin by filling the chalice until it is overflowing:
"He is the God of the Vine, the Forest and the Fields,
The spark and seed of all life,
She is the sweetness of laughter and wine, for
Her love is poured out upon the earth.
Raise the cupped chalice in your right hand and recite:
"Together they bring forth blessedness!"
During Shabbos, we are given an "added soul" so that we may be enlivened and rejoice during Shabbos and when it departs, we must be rejuvenated and so to do this, we smell deeply of the spices. Pagans too know of the visiting spirit that is raised in community and mirth, we take the time to thank those who have been with us but rarely recognized. Do this and recite:
"Blessings be upon thee, Creatures of Earth,
that has nourished our bodies,
delighted our senses and enlivened our souls
Our thanks to the many hands who have tended thee!"
Now we give thanks for the gift of fire, the eternal spark from the immutable void. The triple wicks represent the many and diverse forms of fire used in our lives. In Judaism, it is custom to hold up one's fingers so the light is reflected in them.
"Blessings be upon thee, oh Creature of Fire
That has warmed our hearts and hearths,
protected our homes and guided our paths.
Give your blessing upon the work of our hands in the times ahead"
The Jewish Havdalah ends with a blessing of the separation of the sacred and the mundane. Instead, perhaps, let us be reminded to appreciate the sacred in our lives.
"The Lord & Lady are known to us by many names (if others are present, let them name their Gods if they will),
We are guided by the Starry Heavens, protected by many Guardians,
Taught by all of Nature and each other here on Earth,
Let us be mindful to witness the lessons offered to us
with glad hearts and open minds,
May we be enfolded in the Rapute of the Infinate!
We then complete the Havdalah, by drinking most of the wine pouring the rest in the saucer as a libation. Raise the candle and put out its flame in the wine. It is traditional to give and share thanks at this time and offer support and encouragement for future tasks and projects. When this is done, discard the wine as you do after cakes & ale. In Jewish tradition, the Motzoei Shabbat (the farewell to the Shabbos Queen) then begins with a light meal whie telling tales of the "righteous" but for our purposes perhaps folklore, songs and legends would be more appropriate. A traditional toast of "May you never hunger! May you never thirst!" may be made.
by Tirgereh, 2006.
****
And though this seems arrogant to pressume, this may be shared as long as credit given."
"You will need:
wine or grape juice (must be grape-based)
goblet/chalice with a saucer beneath (to catch spilled wine)
a small box of spices (cloves, myrtle twigs, any good smelling spices will do nicely)
a braided candle with three wicks (or suitable candles that can be lighted as three together)
Begin by filling the chalice until it is overflowing:
"He is the God of the Vine, the Forest and the Fields,
The spark and seed of all life,
She is the sweetness of laughter and wine, for
Her love is poured out upon the earth.
Raise the cupped chalice in your right hand and recite:
"Together they bring forth blessedness!"
During Shabbos, we are given an "added soul" so that we may be enlivened and rejoice during Shabbos and when it departs, we must be rejuvenated and so to do this, we smell deeply of the spices. Pagans too know of the visiting spirit that is raised in community and mirth, we take the time to thank those who have been with us but rarely recognized. Do this and recite:
"Blessings be upon thee, Creatures of Earth,
that has nourished our bodies,
delighted our senses and enlivened our souls
Our thanks to the many hands who have tended thee!"
Now we give thanks for the gift of fire, the eternal spark from the immutable void. The triple wicks represent the many and diverse forms of fire used in our lives. In Judaism, it is custom to hold up one's fingers so the light is reflected in them.
"Blessings be upon thee, oh Creature of Fire
That has warmed our hearts and hearths,
protected our homes and guided our paths.
Give your blessing upon the work of our hands in the times ahead"
The Jewish Havdalah ends with a blessing of the separation of the sacred and the mundane. Instead, perhaps, let us be reminded to appreciate the sacred in our lives.
"The Lord & Lady are known to us by many names (if others are present, let them name their Gods if they will),
We are guided by the Starry Heavens, protected by many Guardians,
Taught by all of Nature and each other here on Earth,
Let us be mindful to witness the lessons offered to us
with glad hearts and open minds,
May we be enfolded in the Rapute of the Infinate!
We then complete the Havdalah, by drinking most of the wine pouring the rest in the saucer as a libation. Raise the candle and put out its flame in the wine. It is traditional to give and share thanks at this time and offer support and encouragement for future tasks and projects. When this is done, discard the wine as you do after cakes & ale. In Jewish tradition, the Motzoei Shabbat (the farewell to the Shabbos Queen) then begins with a light meal whie telling tales of the "righteous" but for our purposes perhaps folklore, songs and legends would be more appropriate. A traditional toast of "May you never hunger! May you never thirst!" may be made.
by Tirgereh, 2006.
****
And though this seems arrogant to pressume, this may be shared as long as credit given."