Contents List of Illustrations . xi Acknowledgments . xiii Acknowledgments to the New Edition . xv Foreword by Thorn Mooney . xvii Introduction to the New Edition . 1 Chapter 1: The Wiccan Circle Step-by-Step . 7 The Steps of Ritual . 9 Alternate Steps of Ritual .

10 Chapter 2: The Four Elements . 13 The Universe in a Nutshell . 13 The Qualities of the Elements . 14 Where Do the Elements Come From? . 22 Alchemy and the Elements . 24 Is There a Fifth Element? . 24 The Elements of Religion . 27 Elemental Structure of This Book .

28 Chapter 3: Preliminary Steps . 31 Alternate Order . 31 Preparation . 31 Grounding and Centering . 74 Declared Opening and Stated Purpose . 82 Chapter 4: Making the Ritual Space . 87 Alternate Order . 87 Sacred Preparations .

87 Casting the Circle: Making the Space . 103 Calling the Quarters . 119 Chapter 5: The Center . 143 Alternate Order . 144 The Steps . 145 Invoking the Gods . 145 Giving Offerings to the Gods . 173 Raising the Cone of Power .

195 Cakes and Wine (Receiving the Blessings of the Gods) . 198 Using the Blessings . 233 Chapter 6: Closing the Circle . 243 Alternate Steps . 244 When to Close the Circle . 244 Thanking the Gods and Dismissing the Quarters . 244 The Final Steps in Closing the Circle . 254 After the Circle Is Over .

261 Chapter 7: A Ritual Script . 265 Preparation . 265 Grounding and Centering . 266 Clearing the Space . 268 Declared Opening and Stated Purpose . 268 Sacred Preparations . 268 Casting the Circle: Making the Space . 270 Calling the Quarters .

272 Invoking the Gods . 274 Giving Offerings to the Gods . 274 Cakes and Wine (Receiving the Blessings of the Gods) . 276 Using the Blessings . 278 Thanking the Gods . 279 Dismissing the Quarters . 280 Uncasting the Circle and Declared Ending/Reconnecting to Earth . 281 Conclusion .

283 References and Bibliography . 285 Index . 289.