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The Binding Ceremony is a ritual found in the Blake and Meade Book of Shadows that binds the power of a complete Circle together, linking each of the members together and suppressing their individual magic.
History
Following Cassie Blake's arrival in town, the power of the Chance Harbor Circle increased dramatically, leading to uncontrollable magical incidents [1]. Fearing that their heightened power would result in someone being hurt, Diana Meade tried convincing her Circle to perform the Binding Ceremony. It was initially met with reluctance from Faye Chamberlain namely, but after nearly killing Sally Matthews by accident, she agreed to take part in the ritual.
After agreeing to meet midnight at the beach, the Circle performed the ceremony around a bonfire, with Diana reading the incantation from her Book of Shadows [2]. The ritual's success is left unknown however, until the Circle discovers that they can't practice individual magic anymore [3].
Usage
As its name suggests, the Binding Ceremony is used to "bind" the magical powers of a complete Circle together, as a means of utilizing it better and keeping stray energy under control. However, this leaves bound witches without access to their individual magic, forcing members to rely on Circle Magic instead. This form of witchcraft is more complex to practice, as each witch differs in personality and attitude, thereby requiring concentration from the entire Circle to use magic effectively.
Ritual
The ritual is performed around a bonfire, with each member of the Circle to be present. One member recites the incantation of the ceremony, and upon completion, the entire Circle has to say "I accept". The bonfire used in the ritual flares upwards, showing the Circle has been bound.
Spell
Incantation: Fire, Earth, Metal, Air, Water and Blood. By these elements, we bind the circle, and follow in the steps of our ancestors; who pledged themselves to fight against the forces of darkness. When evil assails us, when fear weakens us, when descent threatens us, in the circle we will find our power. We come to this place alone, but leave bound as one. With this oath, our journey begins together. Do you accept the circle?
All: I accept.
Materials and Requirements: Bonfire and members of The Circle.
Trivia
- The Binding Ceremony was part of Charles Meade and Dawn Chamberlain's plan to restore their powers after it was stripped by the Elders. They planned to use the bound Circle's power, along with the six family crystals, to achieve this.
- Due to the complexity of Circle Magic, witches choose to use crystals as a means of focusing their power, rather than binding it to a Circle.