Full Moon Gathering: Rite of Laughter and Joy

The full moon is the most powerful time of the month and a critical time to celebrate with friends. This ritual will heighten your spirituality, your friendships, and your connection to the universal powers.

As I write this, it is a full moon in Scorpio and I’m looking forward to getting together with my friends for a hullabaloo. We are waiting for the “witching hour,” midnight. There are thirteen of us, a perfect number for a coven, and we will gather in our favorite spot in the woods overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We have thirteen stones that mark each of our spots in our gathering place.

A larger stone sits in the middle, a natural altar upon which we will place a goblet of wine before an image of the Goddess. We will all bring candles in sturdy, tempered glass votives to light our way, and we will perform a rite I learned from my elders.

You can perform this ritual in your home or garden or a scared place of your choosing. Designate a leader who performs all the incantations as the group stands in a circle. Begin with the leader chanting:

Oh lady of silver magic,

We honor you here,

In this, sacred and apart.

This circle is in your honor.

The person at the north point of the circle places her candle on the ground as the leader recites:

Blessed one, all earth is yours.

May it become healed and abundant,

Free to grow.

The persona at the east point of the circle places his candle on the ground as the leader recites:

Oh Goddess of laughter and joy,

So is the sky yours, too.

May the air be clear and pure,

And the clouds sweet with wind and rain.

Place a light at the south point of the circle and say:

Oh lady of summer,

The seasons are yours.

May each spring bring

Flowers and crops for all.

Place a light at the west point and say:

Goddess of the waters,

The rivers and oceans are yours.

May they once more flow crystal clear,

Cleansing the lands with azure streams.

Our lady of silver magic,

We have built this circle in your honor.

Be with us here now.

The whole group now stands with their arms outspread and eyes closed, welcoming the presence of the goddess. All kneel before the altar and each sips from the goblet of wine (or juice). Now the leader chants:

I toast thee, bright lady,

In your honor.

Blessed be.

The last of the cup should be poured onto the ground before the altar for the Goddess. Now that she is with you, you can sing and dance, tell stories, and share love for each other in the blessed bonds of friendship.