Copyright © 1995 John Gibson
All Rights Reserved
May be reposted as long as the above attribution and copyright notice are retained
Items Needed:
The rite of the Swords is not a ritual to be taken lightly. It is a ritual that will put you in direct contact with the Irish War Goddesses and the Irish Smith Gods. This ritual is supposed to be done when conflict cannot be avoided. Remember that the Badbh, Macha, and Morriga/n are very potent.
o Sky
O Cauldron of Justice
o Land o Sea
Making yourself aware of the three realms
This is to make yourself aware of the three realms and how intertwined you are with them. Close your eyes and breath in and out and slowly establish a rhythm of breathing
Open your eyes and focus on the alter. Take a match and light the candle that signifies the Realm of Land. Then take the bowl of earth and spread some on the alter.
Say " I acknowledge the Realm of Land, the home of our Tuatha. That Land which is now at risk, Land which we will battle over. Land that our Ancestors fought and died for, as we shall fight may die for.
Take a match and light the candle that signifies the Realm of Sea, Take the bowl of water and swirl it counter clockwise.
Say "I acknowledge the Realm of Sea, the sea that surrounds and protects. The Sea, from which Mananna/n Mac Lir rules, Mannan/an who gave Lugh the Sword Fragarach, for his protection.
Take a match an light the candle that signifies the Realm of Sky, then take the feather and move it over the alter. (alternatively you can use a stick on incense and light it from the sky candle and wave it over the alter)
Say "I acknowledge the Realm of Sky, The realm of Thunder, where Lugh shines brightly and wields his spear with deadly accuracy."
Opening of the Double Spiral Gate
Take the staff and draw a double spiral in the air before the Alter.
Say: "Mananna/n Mac Lir, keeper of the Mists, Gate keeper of the double spiral gate. We ask that you open your cloak and bring forth the gates to the otherworld, so that the Sidhe and the Ancestors may observe our rites. We ask that you keep the ancestors safe in their journey to this world. We also ask that you keep us safe as the gates of the otherworld stand open.
Invocation of the Cauldron of Judgment
The ritualist lights the cauldron and says:
I invoke the cauldron of Judgment, the cauldron of Justice and law. From this cauldron comes the inspiration of the Brehon, the lawgivers. We invoke this cauldron tonight so that justice will prevail in the coming conflict.
Rite of the Swords
At this time the group takes up the drums and begins to beat in a very very hard and angry tone. Lots of energy should be put into the drumming, you should drum to the point that you feel like you are in battle. Do not hold back, expend energy, get yourself breathing heavy, get up, dance to the beating of the drums, mime the actions of battle. When it is time, the main ritualist, will take the ritual to its next phase. Drum and dance for as long as necessary.
Main ritualist stands at the center of the gathering and Holds up both hands to the sky
R1 Badbh!!! R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 - "Fury!!! Death!!! Rage!!! R1 Macha!!! R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 - "Sovereignty!!! Defense!!! Victory!!! R1 Morrigan R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 - "Phantom Queen!!! Battle Crow!!! R1 - Our Tuatha stands at the crossroads, The blood of our Ancestors calls out to us! Our swords are being sharpened, Our spears are being balanced, our bows are being strung. In the coming days our Tuatha may not exist, our heads may be taken, our lands may be taken, our sovereignty may be trampled upon. R2 - Morrigan, we ask that you bless our Tuatha, with a keen eye in battle, Allow our blows to land, our arrows to find their mark, are knives to find blood. R3 - Balance our spears in flight, and keep our strength steady in battle. R4 - Our blood calls out for blood, our weapons cry for battle, our Tuatha calls out for justice. R5 - The forges are fired, Metal is being worked, Death sings as the hammers of the smiths fall R6 - Badbh, we ask for strength in fury, Strength in rage, Strength to the Tuatha. we ask for strength in battle to protect our Tuatha from those who will try to destroy us R1 - Takes the sword and holds it up in front of the Altar with both hands "Goibhniu, bless this sword with an edge to pierce armor" R2 - Takes the spear and holds it up in front of the Altar "Luchta, Bless this spear with a point to pierce flesh" R3 - Takes the knife and holds it up in front of the Altar "Creidhne, Bless this knife with an edge to draw blood" R1 - puts arms out to both sides
Brigit, Goddess of Fire, bring your blessing to these weapons Imbue them with strength, so they will not break in battle, Imbue them with protection so their wearers will not fall, Goibhniu, The smith, temper the blades with strength, Give them the edge so they may protect the Tuatha. Luchta, give them balance so they fight well in battle. Creidhne, give them luck so the bearer will live long
Sacrifice to the Land Spirits and Ancestors:
Take the bread and milk and set it outside your home or outside of the ritual area if this ritual is done outdoors. This is a sacrifice to the land spirits, a thank you in effect for being there and watching over you. It is also a sacrifice to any and all ancestors that may be in our world so they may be nourished.
Land spirits, Ancestors, take these gifts that we give freely to you. Watch over us and protect us in this world. Closing
Mananna/n, gate keeper, we thank you for opening the otherworld to us. We ask that you watch over us as we leave your blessed realm. Lend us your strength, prowness, and cunning as we prepare for this conflict.
Ritualist takes staff and closes double spiral gate. (C) 1995 John Gibson