How to Perform a Pagan Ritual of Thanks

Giving thanks is an integral part of the modern pagan faith. It is often done prior to a casting or other magick work. The idea behind this is that it avoids the concept of "paying" for a spell's outcome. (i.e., to avoid things such as "I will burn x-number of candles each week if you just give me..."). It is also a time to reflect upon what joys are already present in your life.

Things You'll Need

• Herbs or incense appropriate to the deity you are thanking. (Wild rose for Artemis or Saffron for Ashtoreth)

Instructions

Cast Your Circle

1. Cast your circle in the normal fashion. Even the simplest act of giving thanks is sacred in modern witchcraft.

2. Invoke or evoke the deities or spirits which you are thanking.

3. Burn the herbs and offer any chants or prayers. Some sects also offer up dances or other ritualized, formal thanks.

4. Draw up the energies for the spell work if casting afterwards. Some sects use meditation during this period, feeling that thanks and spell work should be entirely separate rites.

5. Release the deities, finish your spell work and close the circle as normal.