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Tuatha de Brighid - Vespers of Simple Offering
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Notes: This ritual is written as a simple evening service for one person. It can easily be adapted for a family, and expanded with additional offerings to Matrons and Patrons of the celebrants. Most of the words can be chanted or sung, as the celebrant wishes. Purification and meditation: The celebrant conducts whatever purification ritual she deems appropriate. This may be a bath or a shower, or a simple washing of hands. Some words may be said similar to these: By the birthwaters of the Earth
Mother, Following the purification, the celebrant meditates, or simply quiets her mind in silence. Arrangement: This ritual is meant to be done before the celebrant's home altar. Thus, the consecration of tools and ritual space is not necessary. If the ritual is done in some other area, the celebrant may perform a simple consecration before starting. On the altar there is a candle or lamp, a goblet with libation (wine, ale or juice), an offering bowl and incense. The candle and incense are lit, signifying the beginning of the ritual: I kindle the Sacred Fire Invocation of the All-Parent/s: Oh, great, eternal Godde, Raise your hands up in tribute to the All-Mother and All-Father, the two who are One in Love: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as
incense, Invocation of the Shining Ones: Oh, Great and Shining Ones! Pour the offering from the goblet to the offering bowl. Invocation of the Honored Ancestors: Oh, Honored Ancestors, Pour the offering from the goblet to the offering bowl. Invocation of the Nature Spirits: Oh, Nature Spirits, Pour the offering from the goblet to the offering bowl. Offering to a specific Deity or Spirit: At this time, one may offer to a Matron or Patron Deity, or a Spirit of one's choosing. Return: Stand in silence for a time, contemplating and communing with the Kindreds in your soul. Then raise up the goblet with the remaining libation: Oh, Kindreds, Once again, stand in silence for a time, then drink from the goblet. Thanksgiving and departing: I thank the Kindreds for their
blessings. The night chant: I welcome Thee, oh, Night. Put our the lamp or candle. Pour the offering in the offering bowl onto the Earth with these or similar words: Earth Mother, receive this offering, for Thee and for the Blessed Kindreds. Amen.
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