Looking at the variety of ways the concept of the deiseal can be found in lore that has been preserved, it might be useful as a Scottish or Irish Reconstructionist to create a 'generic' sort of devotional ritual that can be performed either in a group or as a solitary practitioner. Conceivably, it could be performed on its own as and when it's felt necessary or appropriate, or as an opener to more formal ritual celebrations (as and when).

While there are many different forms of rituals/devotions that involve the deiseal, or sunwise turn, in looking at them all, several common elements can be seen:

• The use of fire – either as the focus around which the ritual is enacted, or as the 'tool' with which the ritual is performed.
• The use of water/liquid – either in addition to the fire (e.g. Water that has been heated and then is sprinkled around), or on its own (e.g. In the case of the sop seile).
• The importance of the number three – usually involving walking around the property, place or person three times.
• Sharing of food or drink – in blessing or celebration of bounty, and/or as a means to clear the throat (in the case of the Juniper and Water Rite).
• The blessing or Good Wish.

Taking these elements as a basis for a reconstructionist ritual, we might get something like the following. I'm not suggesting it's authentic...more something to fill in a much needed gap for people who feel they don't necessarily have the knowledge to construct something themselves, but want to start practising as they learn, that can be adapted to taste or practised until something more appropriate can be reconstructed.

This ritual assumes that some sort of altar or shrine has been set up, but in the absence of a more formal space, facing west would be appropriate since this is generally perceived to be the direction associated with the ancestors. Since many believe the Tuatha Dé Danann to be their progenitors, this direction would be the appropriate direction to face in that light, as well as to honour your more recent ancestors...However, traditionally the east is where prayers were begun, being the natural starting point when incorporating the course of the sun in practice since the east is where it rises. Either cardinal point would be appropriate to start with in this light, depending on your personal preference, although personally I would choose the east.

I admit my bias is towards Scottish practice, so that's the cultural focus of the ritual (i.e. The Gaelic provided). The sentiment is the same for Scottish or Irish, but for those who focus on Irish culture might want to get Irish equivalents to the proverbs used, or simply stick to the English. Whatever you do, you'll need a candle at least (indoors), or else a hearth or bonfire, to light. Conceivably, in this day and age, a lamp will do if a naked flame isn't possible.

An deiseal (solitary)

Paying your respects to the ancestors, spirits of the place and the gods, light the candle/fire saying something like:

“I light this flame
For the gods,
For my ancestors,
For the spirits of this place,

Cha tig olc a teine (No evil comes from fire).”¹

Light a fir candle, heather, or smoulder some juniper branches from the flame. Take the candle or smouldering item around the place three times, saying:

“May the road be blessed!”²

Taking a quaich or cup of whisky³ raise it before the gods and drink a blessing to the place, saying something like:

“Voice of truth,
Voice of honour,
Voice of eloquence be mine.

Wisdom of sun,
Wisdom of moon,
Wisdom of stars be mine.

Bounty of sea,
Bounty of land,
Bounty of sky be mine.⁴

A blessing of blessings
Upon my kine.”

Then make a libation and an offering to the gods, the spirits and the ancestors, saying:

“As it was,
As it is,
As it shall be.⁵

A blessing of blessings
On all three.”

References