Outline of Ritual Structure

This is a ritual format that may be used within the Hagstone Tradition. It is informed by published material on Cochranian witchcraft and other forms of formal Traditional Witchcraft. Although formal ritual was not part of the original conceptualization of Hagstone Witchery, it was added early in the tradition’s history (at a time when most witchcraft presented online was expected to be palatable to the broadest audience possible).

Formal ritual has since been removed from the Hagstone Tradition’s official teachings. However, it is preserved here in the online Black Book for those who may find it meaningful or helpful in their practice. This format may be used for full rites, such as seasonal celebrations, initiatory ceremonies, or group workings. While some practitioners prefer to perform all magical work within a formal ritual setting, doing so is not required. Elements can be adapted, condensed, or omitted entirely depending on the purpose of the working and the needs of the practitioner.

Preparation

Preparing the Body
Ritual preparation begins with cleansing, protecting, and adorning the body. This marks the transition from the mundane to the magical, and helps the practitioner enter an aligned state of mind.

Witch Walk
The Witch Walk is a ritual journey performed while traveling from one’s home (or other starting place) to the ritual site, intended to attune the mind and spirit to the work ahead. 

Opening the Ritual

Offerings to the Spirits of Place
Giving offerings to the spirits of the ritual place is a gesture of respect and acknowledgment to the spirits who reside and rule where the work is performed, requesting their permission and goodwill as the practitioner shares their space.

Greeting the Spirits
Here, the practitioner calls upon the spirits that they wish to witness or aid the rite. These may include:

• Deities – Any deities they may incorporate into their magical or spiritual practice. Hagstone Witchery, itself, does not incorporate deities, but individual practitioners are encouraged to do so if it aligns with their personal beliefs. 

• Initiators – Spirits who serve as guides and mentors in the witch’s path.

• Guardians – Spirits who guide and protect the practitioner during spiritual work.

• Familiars – Personal spirit collaborators who assist with magical practice.

• Allies – Spirits of animals, plants, weather, or concepts that lend their power and presence.

• Ancestors – The dead who came before, honored for their wisdom and continued presence.

Setting the Space

Creating Ritual Space
Ritual space may be shaped differently depending on the nature of the work. Not all methods below are used at once; they are selected based on purpose.

• Threshold Rite - Establishing a liminal space suitable for most types of ritual or magical working.

• Laying the Compass – A more formal Traditional Witchcraft used for creating space that facilitates spirit travel, divination and various magical workings.

• Planting the Hedge – Preparing the space for spirit communion, trance work, and spirit flight.

• Casting a Circle – Marking a sacred boundary for spirit interaction; in most paths of Traditional Witchcraft, the Circle is a container for spirit presence, not a barrier against it. This is in contrast to the Circle used in Wicca and derivative paths, which employ Circles as working spaces and containers of raised magic. 

Power Raising

Expression of Intention
The practitioner uses a spoken declaration to set the purpose of the rite. This can be a poetic incantation, or plain speech used too declare the purpose of the working. 

Methods of Raising Power
Here, energy is raised and directed toward the magical or spiritual working. Methods included in this Black Book are:

• Treading the Mill – A movement-based technique used to enter trance, raise energy, and alter consciousness.

• Fire and Wind Chant – A rhythmic chant used to raise energy and shift awareness.

• Drumming Rite – The use of percussion, chanting, and movement to enter trance states.

• Witches’ Dance – A physical method of awakening and circulating power.

The Working

This is the heart of the ritual. It is the the magical or spiritual act that is actually being performed within the ritual. Workings may include:

• Spellwork or charm-making

• Seasonal rites or life-event observances

• Initiations or dedications

• Divination

• Spirit communion or invocation

• Ritual crafting of tools and supplies

Closing the Space

Closing the Threshold
Dismantling the liminal space and restoring the energetic and spiritual balance to normal.

Undoing the Compass
Releasing the spiritual pathways opened for travel, working, or communion.

Undoing the Hedge
Withdrawing from the spirit world and closing the connection.

Closing the Circle
Thanking and dismissing the spirits within the Circle and releasing the space.

Thanking the Spirits

Dismissing Guides, Familiars, Allies, and Guardians
Giving a formal farewell and expression of gratitude to the spirits who aided in the rite.

Paying the Spirits of Place
Leaving a final offering in thanks, a final sign of respect and reciprocity.

Condensed Ritual Structure

This simplified ritual framework was designed for practical use when time, space, or the nature of the working calls for a less elaborate approach. It retains the essential elements of formal ritual (space creation, power raising, magical working, and formal closing) without the preparatory rites or specific spirit category invocations used in the full structure.

Opening the Ritual

Offerings to the Spirits of the Area
Acknowledge and honor the land spirits where the rite is performed. This gesture affirms respect and harmony between practitioner and place.

Establishing Ritual Space
Shape the ritual environment based on the purpose of your working. Choose from the following as appropriate:

• Threshold Rite – Establish a liminal space to support spiritual contact and magical work.

• Laying the Compass – Align the ritual space with unseen currents and spiritual pathways.

• Planting the Hedge – Prepare for spirit communion or spirit travel.

• Casting a Circle – Define a sacred boundary for magic and spirit interaction.

Power Focusing & Raising

Expression of Intention
State the purpose of the rite to align will with action. In solitary or previously aligned group workings, this may be done silently or omitted.

Power Raising Techniques
Gather and direct energy.

• Treading the Mill – Ecstatic movement to shift consciousness and raise power.

• Fire & Wind Chant – Rhythmic chanting to focus mind and breath, building energy.

• Drumming Rite – Percussion to stimulate trance and direct power.

• The Witches’ Dance – Movement and rhythm to awaken energy within body and space.

Working

Carry out the central magical or spiritual action of the rite. This may include spellwork, divination, communion with spirits, seasonal observances, or the crafting of magical tools.

Closing the Ritual

Releasing the Ritual Space
Close all ritual structures and liminal doorways. Choose what applies based on what was opened:

• Closing the Threshold – Close the crossroads and restore balance.

• Undoing the Compass – Withdraw spirit travel pathways.

• Undoing the Hedge – Release the link between worlds.

• Closing a Circle – Seal the ritual space and dismiss any present spirits.

Paying the Place Spirits
Leave a final offering to the spirits of the land in thanks, ensuring a balanced and respectful exchange.