Winter Finding (Mabon 2003) September 27, 2003
Midnight Desert Moon
Written by: Curtis (ThunderWolf) Wilson

Hallowing of Sacred Space: (performed by the Godi/High Priest)
(facing North) Hamaar Y Nordhri, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(facing East) Hamaar Y Austri, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(facing South) Hamaar Y Sudhri, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(facing West) Hamaar Y Vestri, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(looking above) Hamaar Y ober mir, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(looking below) Hamaar Y undir mir, Helga ve thetta ok hald vordh
(look level) Hamaar helga ve thetta ok hald vordh

Godi/HP: Winter Finding also known as Fall Evenight to the people of the North, which to Celts and Wiccans is known as Mabon, is a celebration of the Harvest and the preparation of the people for the colder months of Winter. This is of course acknowledging the Fall Equinox, which for the Pagan tribes was the equivalent to Thanksgiving, it is a time of feasting. Several Norse deities could be part of this Festival, such as Freya and her brother Freyr. But for our purposes today, the honored deities are Thorr and Sif, husband and wife.

Invitation of the Deities:
Godi: Oh Great Thorr, God of Thunder and Lightning, friend and protector of our people, join us on this occasion to celebrate the gifts that the Lovely Sif has bestowed upon us this day. We call on thee O mighty Thorr, be with us here in this rite. Hail Thorr !!

All: Hail Thorr !!

Godia: O Harvest Maiden Sif, of the Golden Hair, whose Golden Hair is as rich and the gold of the Autumn harvest. We thank you for the gifts you have given us and ask that you join us with thine husband thorr in celebration of you and this bountiful harvest of food we are about to partake in. We call on thee O gracious Sif, be with us here in this rite. Hail Sif, Matron of the Harvest !!

All: Hail Sif, Matron of the Harvest !!

(Godia holds up horn, while Godi fills)
Godia: O Gracious Sif and Great Thorr, we come together in your presence, and the presence of all the Gods and Goddesses of all people, and we ask for your protection and blessings and to offer this sacrifice unto you. This sacrifice is not of blood, but of the free giving of our efforts, struggles, hard work and our devotion to not only you but ourselves and our paths. May it aid us all, humankind and Gods and Goddesses alike who would deny your existence and would lock the chains of repression upon the free peoples of Midgard. Hail to us all !!

All: Hail to us all!!!

(Godia raises horn aloft until the sacrifice is accepted, then pours into sacrificial bowl)

(Godi refills Horn)
(Godia pours a small amount of ale into sacrificial bowl, Godi breaks off a piece of bread/cookie and places it into the sacrificial bowl)

Godi: O Ancient ones, you have accepted our sacrifice of ale within this horn, pour now your strength and blessings into this ale and bread, that we may grow closer to you and each other by sharing it amoung us. Help guide us through the Winter Months that lie ahead

(Godi, sprinkles the four quarters and each of the attendees saying at each)
Godi: I give you the Blessings of Thorr and Sif.

(Godi takes up the plate of bread/cookies and takes around to all saying)
Godi: May you never hunger.

(Godia follows Godi saying)
Godia: May you never thirst.

Godi: This is the waning of the Summer months and Winter fast approaches. As we store food for the body, so to must we store strength for the Spirit and Soul. Thus we mark the decline of the year towards the harsher seasons to come. So not only prepare yourself, but help those you love. This is a time for snuggling the one you love and show them how much they mean to you. Harvest not only the food we are about to share, but harvest your negativity you may hold and burn it away as an offering of change in bettering yourself.

(members now write down anything of a negative nature to burn away in the cauldron)

Godia: Hail Earth, Mother of all!!
All: Hail Earth, Mother of all.

Godi: The time of this rites end draws near, let us give thanks to the Gods and Goddesses of our hearts for all they do for us in guiding us along our paths. As we soon depart this hallowed space, may the spirits of Great Valhalla and of the High Ancient ones forever go with us and our kin.

Godia: O gracious Sif, of the golden Hair, thank you for your presence within this rite and all you do for us in our daily lives. Many Blessings O gracious one. Hail Sif!!

All: Hail Sif!!

Godi: O Great Thorr, god of Thunder and Lightning, thank you for your presence within this rite and all you do for us in our daily lives. Many Blessings to you O great One. Hail Thorr!!

All: Hail Thorr!!

(Godi then takes Hammer and thanks the 4 dwarves for their hallowing of the space)

Godi: This rite is ended, go always in the ways of the Ancient Gods and Goddesses and live joyuously with their Blessings. Hail and Farewell!!

All: Hail and Farewell!!