After reading and thinking, I’ve decided that the most reliable approach to the eclipse, magically, is to treat it as a potential disruption and work to maintain order and wholeness through it. So this simple working (usable in an utterly secular setting, or set-able in a Pagan frame if desired) calls upon the light and warmth of Sacred Fire to keep the place through the weirdness. I’ll be working this at a big bonfire (hopefully), but it can be done in an apartment with a candle, if need be.
A Charm for the Full Eclipse of the Sun
on April 8th, 2024
This charm is based on the idea that the unique, contra-commonplace event of the joining of Sun and Moon, and the extinguishing of the Sun’s light presents a threat to the Good Order of the Worlds. In order to mitigate that threat, and preserve the Order for the few minutes of the Event, we call upon the Third Great Light – Fire.
Prepare a fire for the period of the eclipse. It is good if this can be a good fire of wood upon the earth, but candle-flame can be sufficient. If using candles, indoors, it is perhaps good to use three candles. I can see good reason to use black candles, representing light shining from darkness, if one likes such a thing.
Timing must be adjusted to local circumstances. Remember that there is a longer period of partial eclipse, with the minutes of ‘totality’ in the middle. If needed, this whole pattern can be worked in the minutes prior to, during, and following totality. However if a group chooses to work around a bonfire the opening Toasts might be done at the start of partiality, with the Totality Chant used during that phase. I offer these components to be used as you might see fit.
The Working
As Partiality approaches or begins, call the folk to the Fire, with drum and song. People should be ready for toasting.
And so we come at last to this strange hour Unknown in passing years, until this day We raise a toast to Heaven’s Holy Power And Fire, upon the Earth, to light our way.
Let us toast to the Sun, golden light, shining face of the Heavens, just as our own faces show us to the world. We raise our glasses to the Eye of Day. Hail to the Sun!
Let us toast to the Moon, silver light in the dark. Cool mind of the Wise, just as our own minds cool the heart. We raise our glasses to the Eye of Night. Hail to the Moon!
So now the Inner comes forth to cover the Outer. For a few minutes the Common may be overwhelmed by Dream, and it may be as if the Order of the Worlds is overturned. So let us toast to the Third Great Light.
Let us toast to the Fire, as we prepare to light it. Spark of the Sky’s Light come among us. We give you fuel and bid you burn. Grow into strength and warmth and life. Be for us the Light of heaven in the Darkness, and hold fast the Order of the Worlds. Hail to the Fire!
A Charm or Chant for Totality:
Shining Fire, Keep the Light When there is neither day or night Sun and Moon, joined in the dark Holy flames, keep the spark.
A Toast for After Totality
Time comes; time passes; time goes by. The Shining Fire sustains us through the Dark Now Moon and Sun, the Great Lights of the Sky Bestow your blessing as you draw apart. We toast to the Golden Face and the Silver Mirror; bestow your proper blessings as you return to your proper places. Let the wheels turn, and the fire burn, and may we grow stronger, wiser, and more loving in these lights. Hail to Sun, Moon, and Fire!
