Dismissing the Spirits

In the Hagstone Tradition, spirits are not seen as tools or servants, but as beings in their own right, in possession of their own autonomy. When we summon spirits through ritual, we do not bind or banish them against their will. Instead, we extend hospitality, engage in respectful exchange, and when the work is done, we let them know the space is closed and the rite complete.

The following charm is used to release the spirits after ritual. It does not command their departure, but signals that the time of communion has ended, allowing them to leave if they so choose. Like guests at the hearth, they are free to come and go in their own time.

Spirits called from hill and hollow,
Wraith and wight who dared to follow,
By charm and chant, by spoken spell,
I bid thee now a fond farewell.

 Through ash and thorn, by briar and bramble,
Slip like dusk where spirits ramble.
Wind and shadow, dust and bone,
Go ye back to the lands unknown.

No bond unbroken, no tether stays,
Part in peace by rightful ways.
By track and tide, by root and tree,
To Land of Spirit, I return thee.