Hearth of Tyr's Hand Ancestor Rite.
By Tammarigan Silverwater

On four turning points of the year, especially at Samhain and on May Day, it is said that the Veil between the Worlds is thin, and spirits roam the night at will. Some of these are friendly spirits of beloved ancestors, some are indifferent, and some may be harmful. In many cultures there are tales of otherworldly beings taking away those foolish enough to be about on such nights.

These are also traditional times to honor our Ancestors, and to do divination and magic.

We begin by putting a candle or a lantern in front of the house - on the driveway, or on the front steps. Traditionally, in times past, the ancients lit bonfires by the front gate of the holding, to allow the passing spirits to warm themselves during cold nights. Since a bonfire would be a little difficult to arrange, we use a small flame instead.

Once a candle is burning outside, we ward the house. A lantern or another candle is lit, and one of the Celebrants makes a round of all the doors, windows, and other possible openings to the outside. The Celebrant makes a Holy Sign over each opening (this may be the Triscele, or the sign of the Cross, or the Hammer of Thor, or, in our usage, the Cross within a Circle), saying, in these or similar words:

(Note: We named Brighid, Tyr and Jesus as the Triad of this Rite - it is appropriate to name whatever Deity/Deities the participants honor)

By the power of One that is All,
By the care of Brighid, by the strength of Tyr and by the wisdom of Jesus,
And by my word,
Is this dwelling warded against all harm.

After the warding is completed, the meal is served. One extra plate and cup is set on the table, in front of an empty chair - this is the Ancestor setting. The Celebrant says a blessing and calls for the spirits of the Ancestors to join us at this ritual meal:

We thank the spirits of animals and plants that have given of themselves so that we can enjoy this meal. This food is blessed - for it comes from the Earth Mother, and to Her it returns, in the holy cycle of life. Hail Mother!

All: Hail Mother!

Beloved Ancestors, the elders of our blood and our soul,
Guardians of this land, the deep, rich roots of our culture,
The Old Ones, the Wise Ones, the Great Ones,
Hear the words of these, Thy children!
Join us for this sacred time,
That we may offer Thee hospitality, and partake of Thy wisdom!

The first portion of food and drink is given to the Ancestors, after which the participants begins their meal. During the meal, each participant tells a story about an ancestor: this may be a departed relative, or a famous sage, or even a pet. After each story, a toast is drunk in that ancestor's honor.

When the meal is done, the participants may do divination, or simply continue telling stories, depending on the mood.

At the end of the evening, the Ancestors are thanked in these or similar words:

Beloved Ancestors, we thank Thee for sharing this evening with us.
May Thy wisdom and Thy love be with us always.
Amen.

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Page updated:  Wednesday, February 27, 2008