| Yesterday I participated in my first Wiccan passing | | | | while in the pews, guests sat. She laid quietly (she |
| ceremony. It was for my beloved eldest sister-the | | | | was a quiet person in a crowd) in a forest-green |
| first born of eight children and the first to die. She | | | | cape and gown with a beautiful mother-of-peal |
| was also High Priestess of our coven. | | | | shelled necklace. An altar was set in front of her. |
| Born into a Scottish Catholic family, she had been a | | | | Upon it were such things as lilies, chalice, salt, athame |
| Wiccan and witch for the past fourteen years. | | | | and various colored candles - including three image |
| When the funeral ceremony was being planned one | | | | candles: black for transition, white, spirit transcending, |
| of her daughters (also a coven member) said it was | | | | red for rebirth. Frankincense and myrrh incense |
| only proper that her mom have a Wiccan funeral. | | | | wafted lightly throughout the chapel. The four |
| It's not the norm for Wiccans/pagans/witches to | | | | corners were called in and the circle was cast, the |
| openly celebrate such events as weddings, new child, | | | | spell made fast and only good could enter therein. |
| or deaths in our way with the blessings or | | | | Three grandchildren drummed and another rang a bell |
| acceptance of family, society or other religions, We | | | | before a blessing of her commenced. Hallowed words |
| usually keep them private. But I agreed because | | | | were spoken over her as she was cleansed with a |
| recently she had told me that she no longer would | | | | special incense, ocean water and oils. A |
| hide her Wiccan witch path. | | | | granddaughter dropped rose petals around the coffin. |
| I undertook the task of preparing a ceremony while | | | | A sacred guided meditation was delivered followed |
| keeping in mind that there would also be a Rosary in | | | | by several Oms that vibrated throughout the room. |
| respect for our Catholic mother and relatives. | | | | The group chanted, "We All Come From the |
| Our event would take place before the memorial | | | | Goddess" three times. The circle was closed. All held |
| celebration. The entire large Scottish clan was invited. | | | | hands singing Merry meet, merry part and merry |
| Her sisters, children, grandchildren and very few | | | | meet. |
| friends attended. Each person was smudged before | | | | It was truly magical, fitting for a most respected and |
| entering the chapel. Her coven, donned in capes, | | | | well-loved High Priestess. Dear Sister Witch, rest |
| gowns, witch hats or flowed wreaths and the few | | | | peacefully in Slumberland. So Mote it Be. |
| grandchildren participating gathered around the casket | | | | |