bean-chaointe:

themodernsouthernpolytheist:

goneintheriver:

lordognar:

themodernsouthernpolytheist:

That’s an excellent question! I think it depends on what you’re goin for. There’s always somethin simple like Sláinte of that works for you. I use it occasionally myself.

Somewhere along the way, I also picked up “An beannacht de beannachtaí ar Na Trí,” which translates to “The blessing of blessings on The Three.”* Lots of times, I use this as an opener and closer, honestly. And I can’t for the life of me remember where it came from, but it’s served me well, I think. This is really one of those things that seems to be fairly personal in Gaelic Polytheism and many Pagan and Polytheist practices cause so many of us come from Abrahamic backgrounds and like that concrete ending, but also don’t wanna use a word so inherently tied to those traditions, even when they’ve long been absorbed into our various cultures.

I’d actually love to hear if anyone else has words or phrases they use to open or close prayer?

*I am by no means fluent in Irish, so if someone knows this isn’t accurate, please let me know.

Whenever I see a reference to like three and shit i get wary because Wiccans. Is it for the Morrigan?

I believe the Three refrences the Gods, Spirits, and Ancestors. (I know some people use the gods and ungods)

Ah, I didn’t think to mention that, but yes, “Na Trí” references the groups @goneintheriver mentioned. Which for me, “spirits” applies in the broadest sense of the term to include land spirits, The Fair Folk, etc. I use Na Dé Ocus Andé, too, but usually when I’m referencing non-explicitly-ancestral spirits. Just my own preference/distinction.

@lordognar, Irish myth and lore set a solid pre-Wiccan foundation for the use of three. Folks like Robert Graves took a few concepts that had attested historical precedent, such as the triplification of deities – usually goddesses but not always – found in Irish, Gaulish, Greek, and other sources, but then ran off the rails with those concepts (Maiden, Mother, and Crone are Graves’ interpretation of that triplification). Unfortunately it’s the…creative twists that get remembered most often. Three as a sacred number isn’t unique to Wicca, or even Irish polytheism, for that matter.

I start my prayers with, “[deity/collective name], [some epithets either general or specific], [body of prayer],”

and then end with a simple, “Beannachtaí, [deity/collective name].” I just leave it at that unless special circumstances require more.

I call/invoke/invite the specific discarnate entities I want to address to listen, and release or thank them at the end as appropriate. 

At Samhain last year, it was an invitation to the Morrigan to acknowledge our prior contract, and to talk with me for awhile about what this year might hold for me, and for us. At the end of time, I thanked Her for Her time and instruction. 

When working with my own Pantheon, I ask for the loan of certain attributes or traits associated with their more animal aspects and ritually return them when I have finished whatever work I am doing. (I take no responsibility for anyone attempting to invoke my pantheon or what happens if you try it whether you succeed or fail.)

Disce. (list of epithets) Please grant me (Her attributes) Send Your foxes at my back, who are the twins, Kenning and Cunning. May I be prudent in my word and deed, and speak truth.
(ritual goes here)
Disce. I thank You for your wisdom, and return to You the kenning and cunning you have lent to me, Twins of Understanding and Wisdom.

Morrigan, (epithets)  I ask that You (bear witness as I do the thing) (in the way You showed me) (for these reasons) 
(ritual goes here)
Morrigan, (maybe epithets) I thank you for (instruction) in (self sovereignty or something else) and in laying the boundaries as hedges about me (while I do the thing).