FOREST LORD AWAKENING



Cernunnos, Celtic Lord of the Forest, is an ancient nature deity. He is most 
often depicted with two antler-like horns. He is usually naked except for a neck 
torque. He is sometimes bearded with long, curly hair. A sword and shield are 
almost always with him. During the following spell, he may appear to you as a 
stag, bull, ram, or horned serpent. Do not be afraid of any of his appearances. 
He is a kind and wise deity and will not harm you in any way. Also be aware that 
he may not come. Just because you call does not mean that he'll answer. He may 
send a messenger. If no one comes, don't be discouraged, you may have to do this 
several times to prove that you are truly sincere in your desires.

To begin this spellwork, find a spot (preferable outdoors) that you feel 
comfortable in and will be left undisturbed. Become familiar with the spot if  
it is new to you. Take note of its appearance, features it may have, the trees 
and plants that may be in the area, the 'feel' of the place, etc... When you 
feel that you are pretty familiar with the energies of the area, pick an 
afternoon that you will have about an hour free to spend at the site and about a 
half an hour to prepare yourself before you get there. You do not need to cast a 
circle but it is recommended. In the vocalized parts I have included an 
invocation of the elements that will suffice.

On the appointed afternoon, take a warm bath using some sort of bath salts. 
Light a stick of incense during your bath (to help create you relax, it would be 
a floral or pine scent). Visualize your chosen site, recreating in your mind its 
'feel.' Completely relax and calm yourself, not allowing any interference in 
your thinking. Dismiss stray thoughts as quickly as they come. Do not soak in 
the bath for more than 15-20 minutes. Remain in the bath while the water drains, 
visualizing any negativity flowing out of you into the water and down the drain. 
When the water has drained completely, dress in comfortable clothes, preferably 
an "earthy" color (browns or greens).

Proceed to your chosen spot with the following supplies (or as many as 
possible): a green candle and a jar to place it in, a piece of jasper or other 
earth stone that you have not used before, some incense (preferable pine or a 
floral), a small amount of white oak & buffalo herb (if you cannot find any use 
some pine needles or chamomile). You may also want to bring a notebook and pen 
to write down your experience.

When you are ready, sit comfortably. Place the candle in the jar in front of 
you, have the stone, herbs and incense near by. Hold the stone in your hands and 
calm yourself. When you are relaxed, place the stone in front of you and light 
the incense. Light the candle. Pick up the herbs and the stone. Close your eyes. 
Feel the energy of the earth radiate up through your body. Feel it surround you 
and the area. See a greenish glow coming from the candle to surround you and mix 
with the energies from the earth. You feel safe, protected, and very much at 
peace. When you are ready say:

Welcome creatures of the forest and sky,
Welcome creatures of the fire and water,
All good spirits of nature are welcome here this day.
Oh great Lord of the Forest, Cernunnos, I bid you welcome!
I, (your name), am here as your eager student.
I ask of you to tell me how I may serve this Earth better
How I may become in balance with the natural world around me!

Now take the herbs and sprinkle them around the candle and say:

I offer these to you, Mighty Horned One, So that you might aid me in my work.

Now, while holding the stone, quite yourself and listen. Though he may not 
appear, a messenger may came in his place. Be aware of yourself, the energies of 
the area, and everything that happens. When you are through and regardless of 
whether anyone appears say:

I thank you, Great Lord of the Natural World, for your assistance today
For the guidance you have given will not go to waste.
I bid you farewell and many thanks!
I bid farewell and many thanks to the creatures of the forest and sky for their
      protection and assistance!
I bid farewell and many thanks to the creatures of the fire and water for their
      protection and assistance!

This work here is ended. So mote it be!

Now place the stone into a safe place. If time permits, allow the candle to 
extinguish completely. This would be a good time to write down your experience 
in detail. Cover the herbs with earth. Place the stone under your pillow for 
seven nights. Write down your dreams for those nights as you may continue to 
receive messages (dreams are a much easier method of sending messages to those 
with little or no experience in such matters). After the seven nights, keep the 
stone in a safe place for use during further ritual or spellwork. Be sure to put 
to use the instruction given by Cernunnos (within reason) for it is very unwise 
to ask for the council of a deity and then not heed it.