EOSTAR RITE* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eggs are decorated and hidden. Children and adults alike can hunt for them, or "teams" can be formed with boys against girls. The trees and area surrounding the circle should be decorated with flowers, bunnies, cookies, etc. A "prize" can be given to the child or team who finds the most eggs. When all eggs are found, they should be placed on the altar to be eaten later. Each person present (kids, too!) brings a light green candle to form the circle with. All should bring a light spring dish or fruit juice (all- natural or home-made). Men bring their athame`s or scissors to cut a lock of hair with later, and a small green ribbon to tie it with. When all food and candles have been arranged on the altar and all the eggs have been found, the High Priestess shall call: "LET US CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF THE GENTLE TIMES WITH SPELL AND CHANT AND SONG. LET THE FAR KINGDOMS BE HAILED!" All say: "BLESSED BE!: The guardian of each quarter shall invoke each one with an improvised verse. After each invokation, all shall say: "BLESSED BE!" The High Priestess shall call forth the Goddess in Her maiden aspect, and the High Priest shall call forth the God in His young aspect. When all is in readiness, the High Priest shall say: "THIS IS THE TIME WHEN THE YOUNG GOD CHASES THE MAIDEN GODDESS. SO GO NOW, MEN, AND TAKE A LOCK OF HAIR FROM YOUR GODDESS!" All laugh and chase and take a small lock of hair from their Goddess. When that is done, all sit in the circle and play childhood games such as "duck, duck, goose" and others. When the time comes to close the circle, a kiss is passed deosil saying each time: "IN PERFECT LOVE AND PERFECT TRUST." After that is over, the circle is opened and the Goddess and God are dismissed. The High Priestess stands and says: "MERRY MEET, MERRY PART, AND MERRY MEET AGAIN! THE CIRCLE IS OPEN, YET UNBROKEN. MAY THE PEACE OF THE GODDESS GO IN OUR HEARTS." *See Magical Rites from the Crystal Well by Ed FITCH