I STAND NAKED BEFORE MY GODS (©1993)

I stand naked in my room, I am alone.

I cast my circle three times,

With my wand of rowan.

Once for the Maiden, once for the Mother,

And once for the Crone.

From the candle that I hold,

I light the four quarters.

I call upon the powers,

To guard the circle and witness my rite.

I invite my Gods to join me,

Caridwen and Cernunnos.

I am their child, I am their servant,

They are my Goddess and my God.

I am no longer alone.

I anoint myself with oil,

My forehead, my lips, my breast.

My hands and then my feet,

For I do walk the Pagan way.

I am a Witch.

I declare that I dedicate my life,

To the service of the Goddess and the God.

I am Pagan, I am with them,

I stand naked before my Gods.

First published in Hannon V.  (Ed.) (1993) Ghosts, ghouls and Witches.  Poetry Now of Peterborough. Photography ©the Chattering Magpie 2015.