One of the most beautiful aspects of our religion are the direct personal experiences with the Goddess which we enjoy. These experiences may come at any time, and in different ways... however by far the most common is during a simple offering ritual.

The purpose of the ritual is to open our hearts and minds to the Goddess, and to express our devotion to Her... as well as to receive encouragement through the power of Her love. The word "offering" is a legacy of ancient times, but in our modern practice, nothing physical is involved. By giving of ourselves, we actually present that which is of greatest value.

Offerings are usually made at a small shrine or altar, such as the one shown in the chapter entitled "About Our Practice". Although an offering can actually be made just about anywhere, the altar helps us to focus our energy, and adds an element of formality and consistency to the ritual.

Before making an offering, prepare yourself by putting aside any personal business or thoughts of that nature. Try to create a peaceful and calm atmosphere, and allow your mind to relax and become receptive to the metaphysical dimensions of the universe. It may help to envision such things as stars in the night sky, a running mountain stream, or green valleys, meadows and pastures.

Although the late hours of the evening are usually more peaceful and quiet, it's important not to be overly tired when you do the offering. If your mind is becoming cloudy with sleepiness, you will begin to lose the psychic sensitivity that you need, in order to connect effectively with the Goddess.

Don't be disappointed if you don't sense the Goddess every time. As you become more skillful at doing the offering, your results will improve.

The following offering ritual is presented as an example. It is simple and direct, and has worked well for many members of our temple in the past. Please feel free to make use of it if you wish, or create an entirely new one of your own. You will discover what works best for you, in time.

An Offering to the Goddess

Standing before the altar, the person performing the offering shall first bow to the image of the Goddess, and then begin the ceremony by inscribing in the air with their right hand a Pentacle, while saying these words:

"Arcanus Maximus, Magna Obscura, Enigma on Totem"

They shall then continue, saying thusly:

"O mighty Queen of all the universe, we are filled with wonder by the vastness of Your creation, and humbled by the majesty of Your divine power. We bow before You, and thank You for the sacred gift of our lives, the blessing of Your love, and the great honor which we have, to serve You."

"O most beloved Goddess, we offer ourselves to You, that through us You may live, as we also live through You. Help us as we strive to preserve the beauty of Your Earth, and to defend the lives of all creatures which You have placed here."

"Hear the words of the Great Mother, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of the heavens, and whose body encircles the universe... I am the beauty of the green Earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mysteries of the waters. I call upon your soul to arise and come to Me. I am the spirit of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed, and to Me all things must return. Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals, and My law is love unto all beings... love under will. If you wish to know Me, you must find what you seek within yourself, or you will never find it without, for I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the ending of all desire."

They shall then bow once again to the image of the Goddess, and the ceremony is concluded.