2006 IMBOLC/LUGHNASADH RITUALS ENTRIES

[Crow]

Notice: Please post your rituals for the current Eisteddfod here.

[Donata]

Imbolc Meditation and Ritual

Imbolc:

We sense the early stirrings of the spring to come.
This is the festival of the great Triple Goddess, Brighid,
Goddess of Poetry, Healing and Smith Crafts,
Goddess of the Well and of Fire!

This is the Festival of Imbolc, or Candlemas - the festival of the waxing year when the days grow longer and the promise of spring is in the air. Beneath the blanket of snow the Mother sleeps, but in Her sleep She stirs. Seeds and bulbs prepare for the coming of spring. At this time you begin to manifest what you planted and to prepare for its growth.

This is the festival of Brighid or Brede. Brighid is the great Celtic Triple Goddess;
Goddess of Healing, of Inspiration and Poetry, and of Smith Crafts. Brighid is the Goddess of the Well and of the Flame. Her sacred wells of healing are still found all over Ireland, where she is still revered as St. Bridgit. Her sacred flame, as the Goddess Brighid, was tended by priestesses, and then, with the coming of Christianity, as St. Bridgit, by an order of nuns until 1220 C.E. Her sacred flame was relit in 1993 and is tended by Catholic sisters. Flamekeepers of all spiritual paths, all around the world, join and light their own candles today in Her honor.

Meditation and Ritual:

In preparation for this meditation, have some seeds, and your cauldron or a bowl or pot with earth in it, within your sacred space. Have paper and pen ready nearby.

Cast your Circle or create sacred space in your usual way. Light a candle and incense, if you wish. Breathe deeply a few times to release all tension. Feel deeply relaxed, all worries and concerns gone. Sense a sphere of protective white light surrounding you.

Take time now to meditate on what you wish to initiate in your life, or what you may have already begun. This may be in any area of your life - prosperity, health, career, or relationships. Think what it is that you really want to accomplish. What is the outcome you seek? Visualize or imagine it as already happening, now, rather than in the future. Ask Brede to guide you with Her inspiration in seeking your goals.

Take a small piece of paper for each of your goals, and write a word or symbol that represents it. Fold each paper into a small ball and push it into the earth, focusing on what you want. As you push the paper into the earth know that your wish is accomplished.
Now take the seeds. Hold them in your hand, and visualize them growing, blooming, producing buds, flowers, fruit or vegetables. See them already blooming. These seeds represent your projects and goals. Breathe the force of your intention and will into the seeds. Be aware of their vulnerability, and acknowledge the responsibility you have accepted to care for them as they grow. Feel the trust of the seeds that you will nurture them until they mature.

Now plant your seeds in the earth in your cauldron or bowl. Let peace and trust fill your heart. Sit with the cauldron of seeds and earth, and sense the growth of the next few months bringing your plans to completion. Think of what you need to do to bring your dreams to maturity. Be guided by the wisdom of the cauldron. The cauldron is the source of abundance and wisdom. It is also a place of transformation and renewal. Take time to reflect on all that the cauldron offers, and all that it represents. Think of the Goddess, and that both water and fire is sacred to Her! Water is the flow of life, inspiration, and trust. Fire is creativity and Will. How do these qualities manifest in your life?

When you are ready, give thanks. Return to your sacred space. Thank Brighid, Goddess of Healing and Inspiration for her loving guidance. Close your Circle or sacred space in your usual way.

If you wish, you may transplant the seeds into a pot for growing. When planting time comes, carefully take your seedlings and replant them in your garden. Continue to nourish them all through their growing period. Be aware that as you continue to care for these seeds, you are also encouraging your own goals to come to fruition.

Thank Brighid daily for Her inspiration, and for this opportunity to nurture yourself and the seeds as they grow.

Bright Blessings of Imbolc!

[Underground River]

I entered this chant at Samhuin and decided to enter it again. It remains unchanged.

Friendly Chant

I love you, my good friend
Love and healing to you I send
Peace to you, my friend
The quiet of the inner grove to you, dearest one
Strength and vitality to you, my friend
The strength of the trees to you, dearest one
The power of the earth to you, dearest friend
The soft greenness of the mother to you, dearest one
The power of the water to you, dearest friend
The calm peace of the pool to you, dearest one
The power of the air to you, dearest friend
The sweetness of the breeze to you, dearest one
The power of fire to you, dearest friend
The energy of life to you, dearest one
The music of healing to you, my friend
The song of joy and love may you hear it loud and clear
The milk of good health to you, my friend
May you drink deeply of its sweetness, dearest one
Awen.
September 20, 2005.

[Underground River]

I just sort of sat down and wrote the following meditation on the elements. I thought it was going to be a poem, but then it became a meditation. I hope you enjoy it since it is my first meditation.

Elemental Meditation

Find a comfortable place to sit.
If you prefer, stand.
Now relax, doing whatever you normally do to feel relaxed.
Imagine a beautiful clearing in the woods. Feel the trees around you. They make a tight circle about you and are very comforting. You feel safe and totally free to think and to feel.
Imagine too this circle of trees which each and every one of them your friend. They are all unique and each one of them loves you in a different way. Feel the softness radiating from their trunks and meeting in the centre of the clearing where you stand.
Feel totally relaxed and loved within the clearing of your friends.
Then imagine a path opening up for you at one end of the clearing. It is wide and carpeted with soft leaves.
Get up and walk toward the path, feeling the spirits of all your tree friends following you.
Feel the earth under your feet. Feel how soft she is and how earthy and beautiful she is.
Reach down and touch her. Pick up leaves, earth, mud, or whatever happens to be on the ground. Feel her calm peace flowing through you, you are a creature of the earth.
Keep walking along the earthy path until you hear a soft sound in the distance. Know that your friends are still with you and that it is safe to go on. Walk out of the forest and see before you a sandy beach. Hear the sound of the sea in front of you. Let the sound of breaking waves sooth your spirit. Know that every drop of salty water in that sea is your friend and welcomes you. Listen to her welcoming sounds until you feel ready to enter the water. Walk in slowly, feeling each grain of sand under your bare feet. Touch the edge of the water and stop for a moment. Enjoy the contrast of where the water meets dry sand. Then slowly walk into the sea. You are safe, for you are among friends. Your tree friends are still with you in spirit and every drop of sea water loves you. Submerge yourself in friendship and float...
You are in a timeless womb, a floating dream of within your mother. You can feel free to simply exist and know that you are loved.
Float for as long as you would like. When you are ready to re-enter the world, imagine yourself being born. You emerge gently from your mother and land on the beach. The air is very warm and you are not cold. You can still hear the sea whispering and singing behind you and you hear mournful bird calls and sounds of the nearby forest. You hear a particularly mournful birdcall, and then suddenly, you feel yourself growing wings! You spread them out in wonder, disbelief rising in your throat... Suddenly your wings are lifting, air is pushing under them, and you lift off the ground. You are frightened for an instant, you feel uprooted, and then you catch an updraft and soar up into the sky. You realize that every breath of wind is your friend. You open your mouth and realize you have a beak. You utter a mournful call, a song of air and wind.
You are a dove, you realize. You float above the earth, looking down at the forest and the sea you love so well.
You fly higher and higher and higher, until you touch the clouds. You circle around up high, crying out for peace. Down on the earth below, people hear you and look skyward. They stare in awe at you, a great dove high up there, singing a song of healing and love. The people at war drop all their weapons and come to stare up at you. Then they begin to hug each other and to dance in joy in harmony with the mother.
The wind brings you down to meet them, and you sing them a song of love. They reach up and touch your feathers and you smile at them. You become human once more and your eye catches one of the people in the crowd. The person is beautiful, just the right one for you. If you are married then its your partner. If you are single, then it's a person you have never seen but who instantly seems to recognize you.
You feel fire light inside you, a burning love for this unique person.
The person comes up to you, and suddenly the crowd is gone. You and the person are alone on a wild plane. The sky is dark with storm clouds and the wind is chill and energetic.
You look deep into your soulmate's eyes and you know the meaning of love then. You know you want to spend the rest of your life with this person and that the person feels the same way. You dance and sing and make love on that wild open space and then you return home slowly. You bring your partner with you, for you are not alone. Some where in this world there is one who is looking for you. You are a beautiful creature who deserves love and friends. Remember, the flames of passion love you, the wind sings love songs to you, every drop of the sea longs to sooth you, and each tree in the forest is your earth-bound friend. Do not despair, for life is full and you are never truly alone. Even if you think you are alone, there is always something or somebody who will be there for you.
End the meditation in the usual way for you.
May there be peace within you and all around you.
January 9, 2006.

[Ki No Ronin]

Konnichi Wa to All:

A New Member of BowlandCentral.com "Scarlet Daggers", who is a Wicca Pagan, just started a thread announcing that today is her 21st Birthday.

I wrote her a Birthday Sacred Circle Ritual for her Birthday. I thought it was a nice enough Ritual that I have decided to enter it into the Ritual Category of the 2006 Imbolc Eisteddfod Competiton.

Here it is:

Scarlet Dagger's Birthday Sacred Circle Ritual:

Ureshi na Tonjobi wo Dozo!

Here is a Birthday Sacred Circle Ritual for your Birthday:

First, Scarlet Daggers selects a Forest Park or a Hall in which to have her Birthday Party. She then brings her Portable Alter and places it in the Center of the Circle. Scarlet Daggers-San then selects 4 Good Friends, each to Represent one of the Sacred Quarters.

With Scarlet Daggers-San in the Center of the Sacred Circle, she places each of her Friends at East, South, West and North.

Then she starts the Ritual. At Center, she takes out her Sacred Athame, points it to her Friend at the East Quarter and says something like: "Greetings Representative of the Watchtower of the East, Guardian of the Sacred Element of Air. I bid you Welcome in the Endeavour for Bringing Good Karma to my Birthday Circle, with Freedom for All, with No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"

The Friend at the Eastern Quarter then replies with something like: "Greetings Scarlet Daggers. I, in the name of the Sacred Element of Air, am here to wish you a Happy Birthday, with Freedom of Will, and No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"


Then Scarlet Daggers points her Sacred Athame to her Friend at the South Quarter and says something like: "Greetings Representative of the Watchtower of the South, Guardian of the Sacred Element of Fire. I bid you Welcome in the Endeavour of Bringing Good Karma to my Birthday Circle, with Freedom to All, with No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"

The Friend at the Southern Quarter then replies with something like: "Greetings Scarlet Daggers. I, in the name of Sacred Element of Fire, am here to wish you a Happy Birthday, with Freedom of Will, and No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"


Then Scarlet Daggers points her Sacred Athame to her Friend at the Westerly Quarter and says something like: "Greetings Representative of the Watchtower of the West, Guardian of the Sacred Element of Water. I bid you Welcome in the Endeavour of Bringing Good Karma to my Birthday Circle, with Freedom to All, with No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"

The Friend at the Westerly Quarter then replies with something like: "Greetings Scarlet Daggers. I, in the name of the Sacred Element of Fire, am here to wish you a Happy Birthday, with Freedom to Will, and No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"


Then Scarlet Daggers points her Sacred Athame to her Friend at the Northerly Quarter and says something like: "Greetings Representative of the Watchtower of the North, Guardian of the Sacred Element of Earth. I bid you Welcome in the Endeavour of the Bringing Good Karma to my Birthday Circle, with Freedom to All, with No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be!"

The Friend at the Northerly Quarter then replies with something like: "Greetings Scarlet Daggers. I, in the name of the Sacred Element of Earth, am here to wish you a Happy Birthday, with Freedom to Will, and No Harm to Anyone. So Mote It Be."


Then Scarlet Daggers takes out some Holy Water, and starting from the Eastern Quarter, going in a Counterclockwise Direction, sprinkles some Holy Water on the Birthday Party Participant saying something like: "May this Holy Water Purify and Cleanse you for this Birthday Sacred Circle. Blessed Be!" Scarlet Dagger then goes around in the Counterclockwise Direction, Purifying and Cleansing each Birthday Party Participant until she gets back to the Eastern Quarter.

Then Scarlet Daggers lights a stick of her favorite type of Incense. Starting from the Eastern Quarter, waves the Incense Smoke on the Birthday Participant while saying something like: "That you for bringing Good Karma to my Birthday Sacred Circle. You are Blessed". She goes from Birthday Guest in a Clockwise Direction, Blessing each Participant until she gets back to the Eastern Quarter.

Then Scarlet Daggers takes a Chalice of Holy Water, and starting with the Eastern Quarter, goes in a Clockwise Direction, gives each Birthday Party Participant a Sip of the Water while saying to each Party Participant something like: "You are Welcome to my Birthday Party, and may you and everyone in the World never have Thirst, So Mote It Be!", to which each Participant replies, "Thankyou, So Mote It Be".

Then Scarlet Dagger takes a Plate of her Favorite Type of Cookies or Favorite Type of Treats. She again starts at the Easterly Quarter, goes in a Clockwise Direction, gives each Birthday Party Participant a Cookie while saying to each Party Participant something like: "You are Welcome to my Birthday Party, and may you and everyone in the World never have Hunger, So Mote It Be!", to which each Participant replies, "Thankyou, So Mote It Be!"

Then after this Ritual is completed, then Scarlet Daggers then goes back to the Center and says something like: "This Birthday Sacred Circle is now Open! May the Festivities begin. May you Hug your Neighbor and commense Enjoying Yourself." This is when each Birthday Participant then Hugs the Participant to their Left and then Right and then commences Celebrating.


This is when everyone starts Enjoying whatever Buffet of Food that has been made for Scarlet Daggers and commensing being Socialable with each other. During this time, eveyone then starts taking turns giving Scarlet Daggers her Birthday Presents, which she Unwraps, enjoys the Beauty of it, and placed before her Portable Alter.

Everyone then gets to spend the nest few hours milling about, being Joyfull and Socialable with each other.

Once the Festivities has been sufficiently completed for Everyone, the Sacred Circle once again forms, with that same People is the same Positions as they had before.


Scarlet Daggers then takes out her Athame and points it to the Northerly Quarter and says something like: "Thankyou Watchtower of the North, Guardian of the Earth. I have had a splendid Birthday Party, and I thank you for bringing the Good Karma. Blessed Be and Merry Part." The Friend who repesents the Northern Quarter then replies: "Happy Birthday to you. Blessed Be and Merry Part."

Scarlet Daggers then takes her Athame and points it to the Westerly Quarter and says something like: "Thankyou Watchtower of the West, Guardian of the Water. I have had a splendid Birthday Party, and I thank you for bringing the Good Karma. Blessed Be and Merry Part." The Friend who repesents the Westerly Quarter then replies: "Happy Birthday to you. Blessed Be and Merry Part."

Scarlet Daggers then takes her Athame and points it to the Southerly Quarter and says something like: "Thankyou Watchtower of the South, Guardian of the Fire. I have had a splendid Birthday Party, and I thank you for bringing the Good Karma. Blessed Be and Merry Part." The Friend who repesents the Southerly Quarter then replies: "Happy Birthday to you. Blessed Be and Merry Part."

Then Scarlet Daggers then takes her Athame and points it to the Easterly Quarter and says something like: "Thankyou Watchtower of the East, Guardian of the Air. I have had a splendid Birthday Party, and I thank you for bringing the Good Karma. Blessed Be and Merry Part." The Friend who repesents the Easterly Quarter then replies: "Happy Birthday to you. Blessed Be and Merry Part."

Once the Circle is Closed, Scarlet Daggers then gathers up all her Birthday Presents, wishes all her Friend farewell, and then goes home (maybe with her Boyfriend in order to get some Inimate Snugglies).

[Cradlehag]

The Well Spring of Healing

A Ceremony to kindle the well spring within our hearts, to offer healing to those in need and to celebrate the greening of the earth.

Parts

Priestess & Priest to open and close the Sacred Space
Guardians of the directions, East, South, West and North
Guardians of the centre of the circle, Above, Below and Within
Guardian of the Holy Well
Bride
Bearers of Bride’s Belt

Props

Altar with Brigit incense burning
A candle for each participant
Cauldron
Hoop for the participants to pass through – Bride’s belt
A large white candle to be carried by Bride
Oracle veil
Broomstick
Music


The Opening

(Bride waits without to be called in)

Priestess and Priest: (Opening the Sacred Space with the intent of celebrating the festival of Bride and to kindle the well spring of our heart’s desire.)

East: In the place of new beginnings I summon Bride the healer, patroness of herbs and health I ask that your life giving power may be extended to this circle.

South: In the place of fire I summon Bride the bringer of greening for land, patroness of the serpent power; I ask that your wisdom may be given to this circle.

West: In the place of flowing water I summon Bride the Bard, patroness of poets and teachers, I ask that your inspiration be shared with this circle.

North: In the place of the physical form I summon Bride the Smith, patroness of the forge; I ask that your protection be given to this circle.

Above: (Opens in own words)

Below: (Opens in own words)

Within: (Opens in own words)

Calling in the Bride of Spring

North: It is the time of new beginnings, a time for the dark chill of winter to retreat as the light returns, as the Cailleach departs let us silently thank the Goddess of winter for nurturing the seeds of our desire as they slept, dreaming in the cold and quiet earth.

(Sweeps the circle anti clockwise with the broom)

East: It is time to rekindle the flame of the wellspring, for the lady waits without. Let us open the door and let her in.

(Lets Bride in in the East, Bride carries her candle around the circle clockwise, and then places it on the central altar; she then stands in the East.)

South: Behold the Serpent Queen. Bride is come!

All: Bride is welcome!

Empowering Bride’s Belt

(The Bearers of Bride’s Belt now place the hoop in the centre of the circle)

Bearers 1 & 2: Behold the girdle of the goddess, the belt of Bride, the sacred well-head

Bearer 1: It is the time of renewal and healing and a time of new beginnings.

Bearer 2: Will you empower Bride’s Belt with your tokens?

(The company knot any tokens that they have brought onto the hoop in the centre; these will be returned at the end of the ceremony and can be used as objects of power throughout the year)

The Journey and Oracle

(Bride sits veiled in the East)
Guardian of the Well: Think of yourself walking on a path on a warm spring day. The path is well worn and you already seem to know the way, and you feel as if you have walked here so many times before. You see before you lush green rolling hills and in the distance a large wooden bridge. As you continue to walk to notice that the path becomes a bit more steep and rocky, first going up and then going down the rolling hills. You exert yourself to walk the path but it feels good and you are enjoying the pace. As you continue to walk you notice that it is late afternoon and there is a slight breeze. It is quiet, except for the bleating of the sheep grazing nearby and the songs of small birds.
You walk a bit faster now and the bridge is so close that you can see the wooden moss covered beams covering the bridge in a green and brown canopy. The bridge spans a small stream and hazel trees grow near the bridge. The gurgling and bubbling of the water feels relaxing. You stop on the bank to scoop up the cool clear water to drink. As you pause you see salmon and other fish swimming in the crystal clear stream. The sunlight glints on the water and catches your eyes. Take some time to rest from your long walk and enjoy the cool stillness of the bridge. Refreshed from your break you continue over the bridge into a dense forest filled with huge trees.
(Slight Pause)
You are not afraid as your feet move steadily along the thick carpet of leaves and moss. The vegetation is thick and sometimes the underbrush is thorny and scratches your legs. It is dark and hard to walk but your feet always seem to know the way. The smell is very earthy and very fresh and you breathe deeply. As you continue to move through the forest you hear people talking and laughing in the distance, the more you walk, the closer the sound gets.
(Slight Pause)
You soon start to see a light through the trees and the trees and undergrowth start to get thinner. As you walk on the path through the forest, you suddenly come into a clearing surrounded on one side by cliffs. You see men, women and children dressed in colorful clothing - the women have colorful wreaths of different types of flowers on their heads while the men are carrying flowering branches of apple, pear and other types of flowering plants. In front of you, at the base of the cliffs you see running water flowing into a round stone well and you are drawn towards it. One of the women walks up to you, gently takes your hand, leads you toward the well and says with a soft smile, "Welcome, we have been expecting you". As you get closer to the well, you notice that it has been decorated with beautiful flowers, seeds, branches leaves and shells. Much care has been taken in making the design with the natural materials….. "Go ahead", says the mysterious woman, "Look deep into the well…the well guardians have much to tell you". You walk around the well sunwise three times and then you gaze deeply into the inky black depths of the well and the well reveals a vision for only you to see...
(Long Pause)
You walk back toward the forest and into the deep canopy of trees retracing your steps. The path seems easier now somehow and you make it easily through the forest. As you walk and retrace your steps you start to become aware of your physical feet. Listen to my voice. You become aware of a flicker of light, visible from the corner of your eye. As you make your way towards that flame you realize you are in the presence of a Goddess. Listen carefully to her words…
The Oracle of Bride Spoken by the person who is embodying the Goddess
Guardian of the Well: It is the time of return. Even though you may not want to return to the here and now, you must. You feel your feet and legs now and you are starting to become aware of things around you. You start to feel your physical body- you are aware of your own breathing. Your arms are feeling heavy and you can move them around if you want...wiggle your fingers and stretch. You feel the floor beneath you and when you feel that you are ready you can open your eyes...
(Music two)
(The company sit in quiet contemplation as East and West unveil and ground Bride, the Bearers of Bride’s Belt then present the hoop and the cauldron with the candles for her blessings, they return the hoop to the centre and the cauldron with the candles to the west.)
The Blessings
Bride: (Blesses the hoop and the candles in her own words)
Bearer 1: It is time to emerge wide eyed into the world
Bearer 2: This is the girdle of the Goddess, the holy well head. Rise up company and pass through to receive the blessings of Bride.
(The company led by Bride approach the hoop and pass through it three times by lifting it over their heads passing it over the body and stepping through, after the third time each member collects a candle from the cauldron in the west, lights it from the central candle on the altar then returns to their place in the circle.)
Bearer 1: Let us now share the blessings and healings we have received within this circle with the wider circle of the earth.
(All turn out and with lit candles send the blessings of the sacred flame of Bride to those in need – when finished blow out candles and turn to face inwards again)
The Communion
(Guardian of the Well and Bride bless the bread and spring water in their own words and take the communion around the assembled company)
The Closing
Above: (Closes in own words)

Below: (Closes in own words)

Within: (Closes in own words)

North: In the place of the physical form I thank Bride the Smith, patroness of the forge; and I offer thanks for your protection that has been given to this circle.

West: In the place of flowing water I thank Bride the Bard, patroness of poets and teachers, I thank you for the inspiration that has been shared with this circle.

South: In the place of fire I thank Bride the bringer of greening for land, patroness of the serpent power; I thank you for the wisdom that has been given to this circle.

East: In the place of new beginnings I thank Bride the healer, patroness of herbs and health I offer thanks for your life giving powers of renewal.

Priestess and Priest: (Closing the Sacred Space)



Reports and feasting

[Dreoilin Conocht]

Tuath Uí Fiachrach
Samhain
Participants
Dreoilín Cónocht- Draoi, Ruadh Róisín-Fíle, Luis Sionnach-Bardh
Cu Fiachrach-Warrior/ Dhonn, Grove Mother (Garrán Máthair)- Trish,
Chief (Taoiseach) Kirk/‘East’, Beth- Fiach/Cailleach, Deej- FirewiseWoodsman/ Deej-‘North’, Zack-South, Joe-West, Jon-Lugh, Leona-Brigit


Cu Fiachrach, (leads the attendants to Gateway by piping a haunting tune. At Gateway, Salute Druid (fist to forehead) Druid signs back a blessing. Druid then asks question to all entering, one by one attendants file down path to grove. There Bardh and Fíle bless all who enter the Grove with Smoke and Water. Attendants then take their appointed positions in the grove.)

Draoi: Declaration:
Déithe Dhuit an Fáilte.
(gods to you and welcome)We have gathered here together on this Samhain to Honor and pay homage to the old ways. To receive blessings from Dhonn and Cailleach. To remember and honor our Ancestors on this feast of the dead. It is a time of no time, where we exist outside the constraints of space, where we have the freedom to be as spirits ourselves during this event. Let now the Sacred fire be lit, so that in our future season of darkness we can reflect back on this moment to fill the void of light and warmth in our hearts.

Taoiseach, FirewiseWoodsman, South, Luis Sionnach (come together to help light the fire of the new year)

Cu Fiachrach- (Sacred Space Blessing)
It is now that we must bless the space we occupy, in hopes that our love of this place may be witnessed in the other-world as the veil is lifting and the leaves brighten and recede. May our Ancestors and the Ancestors of this Place be released from their restraints. May the enchantment be lifted from the Stones of the ravine, May the energy once again flow freely here in accordance with the Divine Will. May the Star wheels turn on the earth as the stars wheel their paths through the heavens above. May the heavens open a place on earth to bring the star wisdom once again to this planet, plane, and people.

Fiach: (sounds Dord/Horn)

Taoiseach: Let us now honor those spirits here, those who are present and unseen tied to the land we walk.
Garrán Máthair: To the Guardians of the Land, From the hounds to the hares, from the horses to the hogs, be it now known we welcome you to this Grove.

Draoi: Now that we have honored the Spirits of the Land and Place, we may give Peace to the 4 winds. For without Peace, no work can be.

Cu Fiachrach: (above his head, takes sword half way out of sheath declaring Is there peace?

All: There is peace!

Taoiseach- (Facing outwards saluting the direction)May there be Peace in the East
South- (Facing outwards saluting the direction) May there be Peace in the South
West- (Facing outwards saluting the direction) May there be Peace in the West
North- (Facing outwards saluting the direction) May there be Peace in the North

ALL: May there be Peace throughout this Grove and all over the Earth.

Draoi: This is a Sacred time, a time of no time, where space and time meet within our beings and in the apparent world. We may find great comfort in this as we freely move our spirits without any restraint during this event. Let us abide within this sacred circle of light.
(casts circle of light ‘deiseal’ as he honors the direction in Gaeilge as he passes it)

Garrán Máthair: If now the represenitives from the directions could come forth to consecrate this circle.

South: (circles people clockwise with incense) “I consecrate this circle with fire”
West: (circles people clockwise with water, laving them as he passes) “I consecrate this circle with water.
East: (circles people playing his Whistle) “I bless this circle with Air” (PLAYS A TUNE)
North: (circles people clockwise sprinkling Tobacco) “I bless this circle with earth”

Draoi: Now that the circle has been cast and we have come together with Peace in our hearts, let us unite under a poetic prayer universal to all.
All: Grant O’Gods and Goddesses thy Protection
And in thy Protection, Strength,
And in Strength, Understanding,
And in Understanding, Knowledge,
And in Knowledge, Justice,
And in Justice, The Love of it,
And in the Love of it, The Love of all life
And in the Love of all Life, The love of our Gods and Goddesses, and all Goodness.

Taoiseach: The Gates shall be open now and the Spirits honored that radiance may enter our Grove for the Good of all things.

Bardh: (in the east facing outwards) We greet the Hawk of Dawn soaring in the clear pure Air, and we call upon the powers of east to enter this space.
Draoi: Let the Breath of Life open this Eastern Gate and inspire us with the element of Air (Aer)
(opens Cómhla Breac with a gesture whispering his Draíocht)

File: Behold the Gateway of the East is open, It’s the time of Spring here, The Sun rising from its abode of velvet night , new life shows forth in every form on earth. Our minds are cleansed with Truth as the bright sword of dawn sings across the clear sky.

All: Céad Mile Fáilte ( KAY-ad Meal-yuh FAUL- cha )

Bardh: (In the south facing outwards) We greet the Great Stag in the heat of the chase and the inner Fire of the Sun. We ask now for the powers of the sun to enter this grove.

Draoi: Let the Eye of Light open now this southern gate, and inflame us with the element of fire (Tinne) (opens Cómhla Breac with a gesture whispering his Draíocht)

File: Behold , the gate of the south is open, it is the summer of the year, the sun stands at its peak of day. All life of earth is in its flowering. Our spirits are filled with ardent purpose, to celebrate the glory of life, of light and love. The time of joy is here.

All: Céad Mile Fáilte ( KAY-ad Meal-yuh FAUL- cha )

Bardh: (in the west facing outwards) Let us greet the Salmon of Wisdom, ho dwells within the sacred waters of the pool. We ask now for the powers of the west to enter this space.

Draoi: Let now the Heart of Love open this western gate, and instill us with the element of water (uisce) (opens Cómhla Breac with a gesture whispering his Draíocht)

File: Behold the gate of the west is open. It is the Autumn time of the year. The sun descends from the heights of day, all things of earth are ripening and gathering in. Our hearts are filled with love. The drinking horn flows for us rich flavors of the harvest.

All: Céad Mile Fáilte ( KAY-ad Meal-yuh FAUL- cha )

Bardh: (in the north facing outwards) We greet the Great Bear of the Starry Heavens, and the deep fruitful earth. We ask now that the powers of the North bless us with their presence.

Draoi: Let the Hand of Law open this northern gate, let it imbue us with the element of earth. (Talamh) (opens Cómhla Breac with a gesture whispering his Draíocht)

File: Behold the gate of the North is now open. It is the winter of the year, the sun sleeps through the midnight of darkness; all the life of earth is at rest. Our actions turn inwards to contemplation, the place of the fallow time is upon us.

All: Céad Mile Fáilte ( KAY-ad Meal-yuh FAUL- cha )

FirewiseWoodsman: Let us now acknowledge the 3 worlds, the 3 cauldrons, of earth, sea and sky, as it makes up the triple spiral of our long but not forgotten ancestors. (Muir,Talamh,Neamh na Thríbhís Mhór)

Garrán Máthair: (represents the earth) From the Cauldron of Vocation (Coire Ernmae), From the Middle world, where we stand present; may the hair of the earth be forever seen as grass, as beards of corn. May the stones that we see, become as they truly are, the bones of the earth. Our soil, turf and clay be the earths flesh, and her great womb this grove enclosure.

Fiach: (represents the sea) From the Cauldron of Warming (Coire Goiriath), From the Lower World, beyond the ninth wave of the sea; May the blood in our veins always be as salty as the sea. May the breath of the wind always Inspire and teach us. From the Well of Segis let us again gain insight from the dark regions of the moon and our minds.

Taoiseach: (represents the sky) From the Cauldron of Knowledge (Coire Sois), From the Upper worlds, the heavens and from above, may the Imbas always flow through us. May the face of the sun always shine upon our heads. Let not the clouds fog our brains with desire.

Draoi: The time has come now for us to gather, greet and honor the Gods and Goddesses of this our festival of Samhain.

Taoiseach: (invocation to Dhonn) In this season of darkening the Lord from the house of the dead receives our ancestors in his great halls. He is Dhonn, the Dark one, The first to die as a gael in the great land of Eire (Air-uh). He is the Torc bearer, the guardian of the cauldron of plenty. He is the Father of all the Gaels.
“Dhonn, Ancient father…dark one, antlered one, receiver of the dead. Granter of rest, Patron of the feast in the land of the blessed. We your children honor you. We ask that you bless us and accept our gifts.

(offerings now made to Dhonn from earth, sea, and sky)

Garrán Máthair: (representing earth) “Take this metal, so that there will be wealth again in the Earth. (Place a coin on the altar)

Fiach: (represents sea) “Take this oil that the richness of the land may be renewed and our lives also filled again with purpose. ( places oil upon the altar )

Taoiseach: (represents sky) “Dhonn, accept this horn, that the beings who know you, may bless us in this season of dark hunting. ( places a piece of horn upon the altar )

All: Dhonn, welcome home now at the coming of Samhain (óro sé bheatha bhaile, Nois ar theacht an Samhain)


Garrán Máthair: (invocation to Cailleach) Now as the earth falls into deep slumber, the Hag wields her great sickle cutting he green corn down, to sow it again in the later winters night. She is the Cailleach, the Wise and Cunning Old Woman. She passed through 7 periods of life, leaving behind many husbands. She is the Great grand mother to the Gaels and all Races that roamed from the Ganges to the Shannon. Sparkling eyes, keen like the Owl, her hands are gnarled and twisted like the roots of ancient trees. Wrinkled be her skin like the shriveled leaves of autumn. Cailleach calls us deep within the forest. Deep within the land. We can feel its presence in our bones. Its time for us to go home again, into the darkness womb of her woods. There she will cut us open, free us, so that we may grow new again. May our frailty and weakness be cut down like the corn.
“ Cailleach, Great Ancient Mother, Lady of deep elder forest, Old Witch of the roots and cauldron. We your children ask you to be with us. May you look kindly upon us as we honor you. We ask that you bless us by accepting these our offerings”

(offerings to Cailleach from earth, sea and sky)

Garrán Máthair: (represents the earth) “Please take this stone, that the bones of the earth may be clothed again with life. (places stone upon the altar)

Fiach: (represents sea) “Take please the Waters of Life (Uisce Beatha), May it flow in us and its spirit indwell flesh. (places flask upon the altar)

Taoiseach: (represents sky) “Accept this Bone Cailleach, that the old and unnecessary may fall away into a peaceful rest. (places bone upon the altar)

All: Cailleach, welcome home now at the coming of Samhain (óro sé bheatha bhaile, Nois ar theacht an Samhain)

Draoi: Now that we have honored the Gods of our people, We may pay our respects to our Ancestors. Those we have known that have gone before us, and the ones of the nameless faces that surround us in our sleep. The ones who worked so that our lives would insure a distant dream of a future, allowed by them. May each one of us now turn our attention to the Altar of Ancestors (Altoir de Sinsearchach). May they greet you there and bless you with their warmth. Let your families generations past be unlocked at this moment, so you may willingly accept lost love. (All now enter into a few moments of quiet meditation and reflection concentrating on gone family and ancient relatives)


Draoi: I trust that your hearts have been filled with hope, and that you have gained some insight into what they wished to communicate with you in this short time. Let us now enter into a body of light.
( all participants lead into the light body )

Garrán Máthair: May Dhonn and Cailleach now speak.

Dhonn: Cailleach, fair, and wise Grandmother, Is it the time for me to take your children to the homes of their ancestors? May I bring them with me across the 9th wave of the Sea? (An Naoú Tonn)

Cailleach: Dhonn, my ever so proud man, these people are like you, filled with inspiration and they are proud as well. So filled with spirit, if you should take them now, their families here would surely miss them. They still have so much fire in the head; for it is up to the Gods of Light to Hand them to us before we may make our decision.

Garrán Máthair: May Lugh and Brigit now speak.

Lugh: Greetings Cailleach and Dhonn of the Dark season. I Lugh, the shinning and many skilled one bring you these children of honorable tradition. May you look upon them wisely, and keep them under your watch as I have done.

Brigit: Greetings Cailleach and Dhonn, I Brigit, daughter of the secret flame hand over to you Cailleach these children of light and dreams. May you Grandmother, shelter them in your caves and incubate their potential until I see you again in Spring.

Dhonn: Old Mother, may I now take these children of great potential to Tir na nOg to be with their families who miss them so? I am on a schedule of ridged proportions and must make haste to my home.

Cailleach: Dhonn my dear one of great hurry, These children are not ready to gaze upon the land of Tir na nOg. But I will grant you the authority to take the willing ones with you to visit your home beyond on the 9th wave of the sea; so that their hearts may feel comfort in glimpsing their one day future destination.

(willing participants are lead on a journey to Teach Duinn by Draoi)

Draoi: (talks about significance of the Yew Tree, ancestors and the dead)

Bardh: (gifts everyone a Yew Ogham for their keeping)

Taoiseach: I am the son of Poetry!
Draoi: Poetry, son of reflection?
Taoiseach: Reflection, son of Meditation.
Draoi: Meditation, son of Lore?
Taoiseach: Lore, son of Research.
Draoi: Research, son of Great Knowledge?
Taoiseach: Great Knowledge, son of Intelligence.
Draoi: Intelligence, son of Understanding?
Taoiseach: Understanding, son of Wisdom!
Draoi: Yes! But I am your wisdom to all unknown. Son of the 3 gods of Danu…

Taoiseach: Let our Druid bless us now with the inspiration of the 3 rays.

Draoi: (intones the Awen chant)
Draoi: The time has come for us to talk of future. Here then is a Hazel Nut. From the still waters of a pool. Where the Salmon of wisdom guards many secrets of Imbas. Take now this opportunity to think back on the past year. Think of the things you did, said, things you would take back, fix, and undo. Think of lost opportunities, things you wish you would have done instead, while living in the moment. All these regrets place inside this shell. Picture them enclosed and encapsulated within the confines of this shell of safe keepings. Think now of this new year ahead of us all. Of many quiet moments to think during the soon winter, of new times of reflection. Think of how in the spring you will do things differently. You will act and live freely, you will be open to accept the love of others instead of just giving out your own. Think of your goals, dreams and things you’d like to accomplish during this new year. How will you begin to make them a reality instead of an innate thought? See them now fulfilled and you happy that you were gifted the time to have been able to work diligently on these projects. See yourself happy and the goal done before you, knowing that the journey to accomplishing the dream is just as important in the learning process of life as having this dream come true. When you see all these things manifested within you, THROW YOUR NUT INTO THE FIRE… “May all that you wish to work upon this in this new year be a blessing for you and the ones around you”

Saoirse ne Teanga
Cu Fiachrach: Id like to welcome you all to the time where we celebrate the Festival of Tongues within the Grove. This is a Time where we may celebrate the freedom of speech. It is hoped by this, constructive energies may push new ideas from out our depths. With the passing of the Comhrá bata ( Kah-v Ra Bah-tah ), Let us now share words without restraint, without judgment, without fear.

(everyone gets a turn to speak freely, sharing thoughts, ideas, hopes, fears, offering creative suggestions)


Garrán Máthair: It is now time that we close by giving thanks to the 3 Kindred’s

Draoi: To the Gods and Goddesses, To the Sky and Heavens, We thank you for your blessings this Samhain.

File: To the Ancestors, The people of our Ancient Tribes, to the Clans that once were, May those spirits of our people and of this place be always welcome in our hearts.

Bardh: To the Land, To the spirit of this Grove, To our Grove Mother and her Chief, and to our mothers and their mothers, to mothers of creation. Thank you for bearing witness to our ceremony in honor of you.

All: (Go raibh mile maith agat) { Guh/ ruh /Meal-yuh / Ma / ah-Gut }

Bardh: (saluting each direction clockwise facing outwards) May we bid farewell to the directions and give them thanks.
(in the North) May the Great Bear return now to his slumber in the North of all frozen places.
(in the west) May the Salmon of Wisdom swim freely in the pool of westerly waters.
(in the south) May the Great Stag bed now in the South of his woodland glade and deep wood
(in the east) May the Hawk of Inspiration fly back to its nest in the East of great heights.

Garrán Máthair: May the Gates now be closed before we depart this sacred space.

Draoi: (in the north) Let the Hand of Law close this Northern Gate (reverses portal sign)
(in the west) Let the Heart of Love close this Western Gate (reverses portal sign)
(in the south) Let the Eye of Light close this Southern Gate (reverses portal sign)
(in the east) Let the Breath of Life close this Eastern Gate (reverses portal sign)

All: May the harmonies of our lands be complete.

Draoi: I now declare this festival of Samhain to be closed within this circle and in the apparent world. May its inspiration continue within your beings. May the mind of your hidden self unlock the potential for the benefit of all. The blessings of the gods and ancestors upon you, may they guard and guide your efforts to shaping your life in the new year ahead. Beannú na déithes n’ aindhéithe ort, Go gcumhdaí is dtreoraí na déithe thú.

(Cu Fiachrach pipes a tune as the attendants depart counter clockwise)
Feis/Eisteddfod
Music, Poetry, Games, Feasting, Stories etc.

This Ceremony was compiled by Dreoilín Cónocht Uí Fiachrach
Oct.19th 2005
/|\

[ShropshirePagan]

Druidically inspired Wassailing ritual, to bless an orchard for the coming year.

Herald Welcome! On this night, the full moon closest to the old
calendar’s Twelfth Night, we gather in this orchard, host to the sacred mistletoe, to bring love, peace and blessings into the coming year, and the
promise of fine blossom and a great crop of apples!.

All join hands in a circle

Druid 1 Let us arrive in this place, this orchard, this sacred grove of apples. Let us take a breath with each other, a breath with the spirits of this sacred place, a breath with the spirits of this time of year

AWEN X 3

Druid 2 Sacred apple trees! We honour you! We bring peace into the orchard!

All Druid’s Prayer for Peace

Deep within the still centre of my being
May I find peace.
Silently within the quiet of the Grove
May I share peace.
Gently within the greater circle of humankind
May I radiate peace.

AWEN X 3

Herald And now, we will call the spirits of the elements to bring in their blessings to the orchard, starting in the east!

All walk to the Eastern quarter of the orchard, drumming, making loud, rhythmic noise

East I call upon the element of Air, the East (use own words to describe ….) Bless this sacred place! Waken the breath of life!

All HA!

Lots of drumming and noise! All travel to the South with lots of drumming and noise!


South I call upon the Element of Fire, the South (use own words to describe). Bless this sacred place with the heat of passion and enduring love!

All AH!

Lots of noise!! Move to West with accompanying noise.

West I call upon the Element of Water, the West (use own words to describe). Bless this sacred place with the wisdom of life – those that have gone before, this one and those yet to come!

All OH!

More noise! Move to North with noise

North I call upon the Element of Earth, the North (use own words to describe). Bless this sacred bless with fertility and fruitfulness of the earth beneath our feet!

All Hmmmmm!

More noise – back to the Mother apple tree

Druid 1 Apple Tree, Mother of the Orchard, we bring the Wassail Cup, crafted from the bounteous gifts from your branches. We call in the warming light of the sun to bless you with plentiful blossom in the Spring!

All Hurrah!

Sing Wassailing Song

Here’s to thee, old apple tree
Whence though mayst bud,
And when though mayst blow
Hats full! Cups full!
Bushel, bushel bags full!
And my pockets full too! Hurrah!!

Pass around the Wassail Cup for people to sip, make a wish for the coming year, give a libation to the orchard

Pass around bread/cake for people to eat, for thoughts of inspiration for the coming year, and an offering to the orchard

All join hands

All From deep in the heart of the orchard
May we bring peace
From deep in the heart of the orchard
May we bring love
From deep in the heart of the orchard
May we bring healing, to the Earth

AWEN X 3
Start from the ground
Second in the middle
Last shouted out to the stars!

Herald We will now take our blessings to the quarters with the Wassail, starting in the East

All move to the East, making noise!

East Element of Air, the East (use own words)
We bring our gifts of the Wassail to honour the breath of life!

All Hurrah! (pour libation and leave cake/bread, make lots of noise!) All move to the North, making noise

North Element of Earth, the North (use own words)
We bring our gifts of the Wassail to honour the fertility and fruitfulness
of the earth beneath our feet

All Hurrah! (pour libation, leave cake/bread, make lots of noise!) All move to the West, making noise

West Element of Water, the West (use own words)
We bring our fits of the Wassail to honour the wisdom you bring!

All Hurrah! (pour libation, leave cake/bread, make lots of noise)

South Element of Fire, the South (use own words to describe). We bring our gifts of the Wassail to honour to passion and love you bring!

All: Hurrah! (pour libation, leave cake/bread, make lots of noise) All return to the Mother Tree

Herald May the stirrings of life, deep in this cold earth, bring forth love, peace and inspiration to our hearts!

All Hurrah!

Blessings

Elaine x

[Creirwy]

An Awen Releasing Ritual

This is a ritual for when you feel the need or urge to be creative but yet cant think how or about what. Perhaps you don't feel bardic at all and feel you can't create anything, this could help you!

Sometimes for some reason or another Awen seems blocked or that we can’t connect properly to those dewdrops of inspiration. Or perhaps its Eisteddfod time again and you’re completely stumped for entry ideas? Well heres something to help out you suffering bards
It helps if you are familiar with the story of Gwion Bach and how he became Taliesin, or have focused on the Empress (Lady in the Druidcraft) and Sun tarot cards, or the mysteries of the rune Pertho and the cunning, the guiding torch that comes from the rune Ken.
This ritual/meditation focuses on the pregnant mother and child archetypes, and if it helps a cushion can be stuffed up your jumper to make you feel pregnant and full of the possibilities of creation.

Set up the ritual as you would normally do.
Rather than working sun-wise, for this ritual we will focus on working opposite to the path of the sun. This is because the idea is to release the restraints you have so that your creative self will be free to roam and enhance your life. Obviously, those in the southern hemisphere will have to swap over North and South attributes.

Walk in and face the North. Feel the darkness of the North, at how barren it seems to be. Breathe slowly and connect with the energy of Gwion Bach, the small boy that seemed to be so normal and ordinary, nothing special. For a moment let this feeling envelop you until you can feel that precious moment when he takes the 3 drops of Awen into his mouth – like the excitement in the Earth at Imbolc. Feel the joys of when ideas come to you, when you get that surge of energy as you walk down the street and get ‘awen-struck’ right then you are Gwion at the cauldron.
Feel how Ceridwen takes you into her womb, how you are full of this seed of unknown and untapped possibility. Feel your stomach swell and maybe even add a cushion to feel pregnant with this energies. Look at your belly and imagine your inspiration in there, unknown, untapped like a mother doesn’t know a child. If it helps, imagine you are like the Empress card in a tarot deck, or the rune Pertho, raw creativity that hasn’t yet fully manifest.

Turn towards the West and feel that frustration of knowing or having an idea but you can’t seem to get it out. Feel that moment when you could just cry for the want of getting it out. Feel a mother brimming with emotion at the thoughts of what her belly holds, of the depth and power this child might have or that your creativity could have.

Moves towards the South, and rather than feel the upset or emotion, look forward to what it could be. Become excited at all this potential you have deep inside you. Perhaps you could imagine that baby giving you a kick saying ‘ I want out, I want to be free’ feel how your creativity is nearly bursting out, bursting and desperate to create things for your pleasure and understanding, but also for the pleasure and understanding of others. Be proud of what you have inside you, the excitement of the mystery. Think of your inspiration being that wrapped up present that is tempting you, and desperate to rip off the wrapping!

Then, when you feel ready, feel the most enthused and excited, turn to the East, the new Dawn and that child, Taliesin, the enlightened being that you are to slowly and carefully emerge. Perhaps imagine the tender opening of a flower or think back to the Sun tarot card where the young and vibrant child of joy and potential rides home. Your ideas, your creative self, your inner Taliesin has come to light! Sit down and maybe meditate on him. What does he look like? What does he say? What ideas does he have to share with you?

Write any impressions down, any thoughts or feelings and more importantly any plans or creative ventures that pour forth. If you have time and feel so inspired you can sit there and paint that picture, write a poem or story etc.
However, if you don’t feel ‘awen-struck’ that is good too. Just breathe and live in the knowledge that Awen will hit you sooner or later. It may be that one day you will pass a shop and something in the window causes a flurry of creativity, it will come to you.

Close the ritual as you normally would.

Create and be happy in that you are a creative being and you are expressing your bardic nature in whatever way shape or form it flows through. You may feel so overjoyed with what you have made now your creative self is out and making you feel complete, however to keep this relationship flowing and developing a sacrifice must be made. Whatever you have created because of this ritual be it the first poem that you write, or the best of a few ideas or projects that come to you should be sacrificed in some way or another.

Hope this inspires you!

Creirwy
x