Saining Ritual

Next month we are doing our son’s saining ritual. I thought I’d post it so people can see this rite of passage that pagan children usually go through.

 

 

Close Circle:

“The circle in closed and all herein are completely apart from the outside world, that we may glorify the Lady whom we adore”

 

Call quarters:

Light incense:

“I call upon the spirits of the North, that they join our circle and bring word of the dead and take our words with them. Welcome, Spirits of Air!”

Touch the Earth:

“I call upon the spirits of the East, that they join our circle and bring the comfort of the Earth, the flesh of the mother, to which we all return. Welcome spirits of the Earth!”

Light Fire candle:

“I call upon you spirits of the South, that they join our circle, bringing purification. That our souls should learn the trials and joys of life. Welcome, spirits of Fire!”

Pour water into cup:

“I call upon you spirits of the West, that they join our circle and bring peace, that we may take comfort in the cycle. Welcome, spirits of Water!”

 

 

Father:

“Lord and Lady, Father and Mother, God and Goddess: we have cast this circle on this day to celebrate a new life which through your magick has come to us.”

 

Mother:

“Divine child, conceived in love through the magick of the gods, I name you ______________________”

Mother gives child token

 

Father:

“Spirits of the East, know this child whose name is ______. Bless him with the breath of life and give him strength of mind.”

Mother:

“Spirits of the south, know this child. Bless him with the fire of life and give him a passion for life as well.”

Father:

“Spirits of the west, know this child. Bless him with the magick of life and give him the gift of hidden knowledge

Mother:

“Spirits of the North, know this child. Bless him with the strength of life and give him the gift of physical well-being.”

 

Mother picks up child and asks her mentor to walk to the center of the circle. Mother presents the child to him.

                “(Mentor’s name here), her spiritual mentor, please come forward and take this child.”

 

Mentor:

                “You have done well and should be proud. I gladly accept this child on behalf of the goddess and her consort, the horned god.”

The mentor walks around the circle, presenting the child and says:

                “Little one, we welcome you. Newest member of our Earth, showering out love upon you; your sweet breath, blowing through our lives.”

 

Mentor then gives the child back to the parents who undress him (down to her diaper). Father holds him while the Mother does the following-

Mother:

                “Sain from death, sain from wand”

-              Two drops of water on forehead

“Sain from breast to knee”

-              Three drops, line from chest to knee

“From knee to foot”

-              Four drops, line from knee to foot

“From the crown of your head”

-              One drop on the top of the child’s head

“To the soles of your feet”

-              One drop on each foot

“To preserve from behind”

-              One drop on the center of his back

“To sustain from in front”

-              One drop in the center of his chest

 

 

Father:

“Be proud and strong. Be you hail and whole. And may the Gods smile upon you and guide you through life”

 

Mentor holds child and says:

“May the light of the sun and the light of the moon and stars shine on your path, that you may perceive the beauty of both night and day. You are a child of the Mother and Father of all, beyond us- your human parents know that every end is a beginning and that the circle of creation has fulfilled itself in you. Pagan child you are today, but that is not binding upon you. Be as your own being shall decree in future years, in joy and in freedom.”

 

Mother:

“Oh horned one, power of sleep and night, grant strength and blessings to this child of mine. Wrap him in the cloak of thy protection and guard him through the journey of life.”

 

Both parents, in unison:

                “We take the oath to raise and protect our son, _____________.”

 

Acting High Priest (and Mentor);

“Hail and farewell spirits of the north, east, south, and west. Thank you for being here on this day of _____’s saining. This circle is now open, but never broken. Merry meet and merry part, until we merry meet again.”

 

Pour rest of water out onto the Earth once ritual is done.