April Full Moon Ritual

Moon of the Waters

Setup
Items needed for this ritual include: Gather water from several places or do separate visualizations to have water represent different sources you have visited. Before starting your ritual, place the jars of water at various points on the perimeter of your circle; Small bowl of water; An empty bowl; An empty pitcher; One cut flower; Six candles for the altar; Drum or other percussion instrument (optional); A tape/CD of a waterfall or bubbling stream, or a trickling fountain (optional).

Background
Water, fons et origo—the source of all possible existence. It provides outward purification and serves to symbolically purify us within. Springs and wells are considered holy because of the power of spirit that resides there. They also serve as gateways between the worlds and are places to commune with the Divine. Like its opposite element, fire, water has the diametric powers to destroy or heal.

In the ancient Goddess-worshipping cultures, the Goddess was portrayed as both woman and water bird and many of her symbols were aquatic. This mother, life-giving aspect was not only connected with giving birth, but also encompassed life-sustaining, nurturing and protective aspects of her being.

In our over-bearing society it is important to emphasize and honor our abilities to nurture. It is equally important for men to do this. This ritual is intended to help you acknowledge yourself as a creator and nurturer.

The Ritual
Take the small bowl of water and flower from the altar. Dip the flower into the water and sprinkle the ground as you walk around the circle saying:
Tempus vernum—springtime brings
Dewy mornings and gentle showers,
Trees in leaf and fragrant flowers.

When you return to your starting point, say:
From water I am born, with water I am nourished. Tonight I create a pool of sacred space with this precious element.

Face each direction as you speak and then light the respective candle. For the Goddess and God, stand facing the altar.

I call to the North, Realm of Earth. You are my foundation on this planet of great oceans. Your color, brown, represents the sustenance of the Goddess. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

I call to the East, Realm of Air. You deliver rain in gentle showers and stormy torrents. Your color, light blue, represents the nurturing breath of the Goddess. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

I call to the South, Realm of Fire. Your heat warms the water that flows across the world. Your color, red, represents the life-giving blood of the Goddess. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

I call to the West, Realm of Water. Your gift feeds me, soothes me, and washes me clean. Your color, dark blue, represents the protection of the Goddess. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

I call to the Lord, Manannan, Neptune, Poseidon. May the mysteries of your watery realm bring magic and strength to my circle. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

I call to the Lady Brigid, Boann, Aphrodite. The moisture of your womb gives life to the world, and your holy wells provide sustenance and solace. Be here this night to celebrate. I bid you welcome.

Tonight I bring together water from various sources for my celebration.

Take the pitcher from the altar and walk deosil around the circle. As you come to each jar of water, pour its contents into the pitcher. After you complete the circuit, face the altar and say:
Lord and Lady I ask for your blessings on this water. May it hold power for my ritual this night.

As you pour a little water from the pitcher into this large bowl, state a nurturing affirmation about yourself. It could be that you are raising a child, tending a garden, or you do something artistic or musical, not necessarily as a profession. You could be caring for an elderly parent, teaching a class, or you simply pick up trash when you go for a walk.

Singing and chanting is a way to honor deity and yourself. It also adds energy to your intentions as you send them out to the universe. Let the universe know that you think it’s okay to be a nurturing person. You may also want to drum as you chant:
Listen to the voice,
The voice of the water,
The voice of the Mother,
Calling you and me.

When it feels appropriate, bring the chanting and drumming to a stop. If you have a waterfall/bubbling brook tape or CD, play it as you use your usual method of grounding energy.

After speaking each part, extinguish the appropriate altar candle.

Lady of Water, Brigid, Boann, Aphrodite, thank you for the gift of life and for bestowing life on this beautiful world. Thank you for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Lord of Water, Manannan, Nepture, Poseidon, thank you for the magic that your watery realm provides. Thank you for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Powers of West, of Water, thank you for your sacred gift, and for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Powers of South, of Fire, thank you for the heat that warms the water, and for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Powers of East, of Air, thank you for bringing the rains, and for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Powers of North, of Earth, thank you for supporting the great rivers and oceans, and for your presence in my circle this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid you farewell.

Walk the perimeter of your circle as you say:
River of life knows
Nurturing love flows
From deep inside me
With faith, blessed be.

Copyright - A Year of Ritual
Llewellyn - Sandra Kynes

The full moon rituals:

January • February • March • April • May • June • July

August • September • October • November • December