Cast your circle as you usually do.
Invoke the watchtowers:
East: Hail to thee Guardians of the watchtower of the East, the powers of
Water.
Spirit of the great waters, of rain, rivers, lakes, and springs.
O Grandmother ocean, deep matrix, womb of all life.
Power to dissolve boundaries, to release holdings
Power to taste and to feel, to cleanse and to heal.
Join us now and bless this new child. So Mote It Be.
South: Hail to thee Guardians of the watchtower of the South, the powers
of Air.
Invisible spirit of the air, and of the fresh, cool winds,
Oh vast and boundless Grandfather sky,
Your living breath animates all life
Yours is the power of clarity and strength
Power to hear the inner sounds, to sweep out the old patterns
And to bring change and challenge,
The ecstasy of movement and the dance.
Join us now and bless this new child. So Mote It BE.
West: Hail to thee Guardians of the watchtower of the West, the powers of
Fire.
Radiance of the setting sun, at the edge of twilight
Oh Grandfather fire, of the sun
Power of life-energy, vital spark, power to see far, and to imagine with boldness
Power to purify our senses, our hearts, and our minds.
Join us now and bless this new child. So Mote It Be.
North: Hail to thee Guardians of the watchtower of the North, the powers of
Earth.
Mighty ones, protectors of the fruitful lands,
And of all green and growing things
The noble trees and grasses,
Grandmother Earth, soul of nature,
Great power of the receptive, of nurturance and endurance,
Power to grow and bring forth flowers of the field,
And fruits of the garden.
Join us now and bless this new child. So Mote It Be.
HPS
We are gathered in our circle to ask the blessing of the gracious Goddess and the mighty
God on (baby's name), the son/daughter of (mother's name) and (father's
name), so that he/she may grown in beauty and strength, joy and wisdom.
HP
There are many paths, and each must find his/her own. Therefore we do not seek to bind (baby)
to any one path while he/she is still too young to choose. Rather do we ask the Lord and Lady, who
know all paths, and to whom all paths lead, to bless, protect, and prepare him/her through the years
of childhood so that when at last he/she is truly grown, he/she shall know without doubt or fear which
path is his/hers, and shall tread it gladly.
HPS
Gracious Goddess Cerridwen, Whose cauldrom is the womb of all life....HP
Mighty God Herne, Protector of the young fawn in the spring, and hunter of the stag in
the fall, you show us the balance in the cycles of life. Join us in the blessing of this
new infant.
Blessed Be.
HPS
(Mother's name), Mother of (baby), bring him/her forward so that he/she may be blessed.
(Wait until Mom and baby are in front of HPS then she says:)
(Mother's name), Mother of (baby), does your child also have a hidden name?
(Mother states what child's hidden name is - circle name or nickname)
(Mother holds baby)
(the HP marks the baby if it is a girl, the HPS marks boy babies: marks the baby's forehead with oil and says:)
I anoint thee, (baby's name) with oil and give thee the hidden name,
(baby's hidden name)
(repeats with wine and says:)
I anoint thee, (baby's hidden name) with wine, in the name of the mighty God Herne.
(repeats with water and says:)
I anoint thee, (hidden name) with water, in the name of the gentle Goddess Cerridwen.
(HPS takes the baby from the mother, with HP they go to each Watchtower.)
HPS
Hail Guardians of the East, We bring before you (baby's name) who has been
blessed within our circle. Know ye that he/she is protected by the Lord and Lady.
We seek your gifts for this child.
HPS
Hail Guardians of the South.... (same as before)
(South says:)
Within the child shall be
Fresh new beginnings
Communications of the mind, heart and soul,
Knowledge of his/her parents love with each touch of my gentle breeze.
These are my gifts to the child, his/hers to know when he/she seeks them.
Teach the child to seek.
HPS
Hail Guardians of the West.... (same as before)
(West says:)
Within the child shall be
Energy of spirit and passion well spent
Fire that comes from embers carefully tended in a loving home.
A heart that shares the warmth
And the courage to pursue what he/she seeks.
These are my gifts to the child, his/hers to know when he/she seeks them.
Teach the child to seek.
HPS
Hail Guardians of the North.... (same as before)
(North says:)
Within the child shall be
A stabel and firm base from which to build
Security and serenity within,
Affinity with all things that grow
And knowledge of the Earth's love for her child.
These are my gifts to the child, his/hers to find when he/she seeks them.
Teach the child to seek.
(return to alter, return child to mother)
(Take on God and Goddess position, with Mom, Dad, and baby standing or sitting
between HP and HPS)
HP: Mighty Herne bestow upon this child the gift of strength.
HPS: Gentle Cerridwen bestow upon this child the gift of beauty.
HP: Mighty Herne bestow upon this child the gift of wisdom.
HPS: Gentle Cerridwen bestow upon this child the gift of love.
(All turn and face assembled guests)
HPS
Are there those who wish to gift the child at this time? Step forward and do so now.
HPS
Do you, (name of Goddess Mother) promise to be a friend to (baby)
throughout his/her childhood, to aid and guide him/her as he/she shall need; and in agreement
with his/her parents wishes, to watch over him/her and love him/her till by the grace of the
Lord and Lady, he/she will be ready to choose his/her own path?
(Goddess Mother replies:)
I, (states name) do so promise.
(HP asks the God Father the same question, and the God Father replies in the same manner.)
(HPS takes the baby if a boy, HP takes the baby if a girl, and says:)
The God and Goddess have gifted him/her,
The Guardians of the Watchtowers have gifted him/her,
We, his/her friends and family have welcomed him/her,
Therefore, oh circle of stars, shine in peace on (baby),
Whose hidden name is (hidden name).
As we do will, So Mote It Be.
(Return baby to Mom)
(Thank the Lord and Lady)
(Those who called in the Watchtowers dismiss them)
(Close circle, and begin feast!)
Bibliography:
"Magickal Rites from the Crystal Well", by Ed Fitch
"Earth Prayers" Edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon
"Circle of the Cosmic Muse", by Maria Kay Simms (presently out of print)