Dedicate a Ritual Space (Group Ceremony)

If you have an area of your home or property designated for ritual work, it's not a bad idea to ceremonially dedicate it as ritual space. A formal dedication ceremony turns that space into more than just a room or a patch of grass - it gives it the feeling of being sacred and magical. Dedicating a ritual space is a good idea if you've recently moved into your home, or if you have a new group of people coming over on a regular basis to celebrate.

In particular, if you've recently formed a group and you'd like to dedicate a site as a covenstead, this ritual marks the space as someplace special.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

Adapt this rite as needed, depending on whether you're holding the ritual inside or outdoors, and how many people you have participating. There is no need to cast a circle before performing this rite; the ceremony itself delineates sacred space. Designate one member to represent each of the four elements/directions.

You'll need the following items:
- An altar or work table
- A large white candle
- A bowl of earth/sand (north)
- A feather or fan (east)
- A small tealight candle (south)
- A bowl of water (west)
All members of the group should surround the table and join hands. Take a moment to meditate on the purpose of the space you are dedicating. Will it be a place only for ritual? Or will you also use it for study, work, and fellowship? Ask each participant to focus for a few moments on how they envision the space being utilized.

Have the participants representing the elements stand at the appropriate spots. Whoever is leading the ritual should stand by the altar. The person holding the sand will stand to the north, the feather stands to the east, and so forth.

North (holding bowl of earth out for all to see): Guardians of the North, elements of earth! I call upon you and ask that you mark this circle as a sacred place. Tonight we designate this circle as the spiritual home of [your group's name]. We ask that you protect us and guide us, and watch over us as we worship. Let the energies of earth keep this circle safe and secure. Let this be a home to love and laughter, joy and happiness, and a place where we may honor the gods of our tradition! Guardians of the North, elements of earth, we honor you as well, and keep you in our hearts.
East (holding feather or fan up for all to see): Guardians of the East, elements of air! I call upon you and ask that you mark this circle as a sacred place. Tonight we designate this circle as the spiritual home of [your group's name]. We ask that you protect us and guide us, and watch over us as we worship. Let the energies of air bring inspiration and wisdom to this place. Let this be a home to love and laughter, joy and happiness, and a place where we may honor the gods of our tradition! Guardians of the East, elements of air, we honor you as well, and keep you in our hearts.
South (holding lit candle up): Guardians of the South, elements of fire! I call upon you and ask that you mark this circle as a sacred place. Tonight we designate this circle as the spiritual home of [your group's name]. We ask that you protect us and guide us, and watch over us as we worship. May the energies of fire bring passion and strength to all who enter this place! Let this be a home to love and laughter, joy and happiness, and a place where we may honor the gods of our tradition! Guardians of the South, elements of fire, we honor you as well, and keep you in our hearts.
West (holding out bowl of water): Guardians of the West, elements of water! I call upon you and ask that you mark this circle as a sacred place. Tonight we designate this circle as the spiritual home of [your group's name]. We ask that you protect us and guide us, and watch over us as we worship. Let the energies of water sweep away the negative, and keep this place pure and holy. Let this be a home to love and laughter, joy and happiness, and a place where we may honor the gods of our tradition! Guardians of the West, elements of water, we honor you as well, and keep you in our hearts.
Once this is done, the Leader says, All of the elements are welcome here, and we ask their blessing in this sacred space. Now, we bring them together as one, to symbolize the unity of this group.

North brings the bowl of earth to the altar, and sprinkles earth on the table, saying, May the blessing of earth be upon this space.

East brings the feather to the altar, and says, May the blessing of air be upon this space.

South brings the tealight candle to the altar, saying, May the blessing of fire be upon this space.

West brings the water and places it on the altar, and says, May the blessing of water be upon this space.
The ritual leader places the large white candle in the center and lights it, saying, Tonight, we consecrate this space. It is holy, it is sacred, it is protected. In the name of the gods and goddesses of this tradition, we make it so.

Join hands once again, and focus energy on the white candle in the center of the table. If your group typically chants or sings, this is a great time to raise energy by doing so. Meditate for a few more minutes on the purpose of the group and the space itself, and then end the ritual in the customs of your tradition. If possible, leave the candle burning until it goes out on its own.