The Nights:

Mother’s Night (Dec 20th)
Yule (Dec 21st)
Sunna’s Day (Dec 22nd)
Twin’s Day (Dec 23rd)
Alfar’s Night (Dec 24th)
Children’s Day (Dec 25th)
Dvergar’s Night (Dec 26th)
Forefather’s Day (Dec 27th)
Hel’s Night (Dec 28th)
Ygg’s Night (Dec 29th)
Thunderer’s Day (Dec 30th)
Twelfth Night (Dec 31st)

*Basic Liturgy:*

– Light candle(s) on altar

At the start of each ritual: “Blessed Kindreds, during these Twelve Nights we celebrate the Dark of this Year, when Sunna’s face is hidden from the World the longest, and the Dawn of the New Year, with all of it’s abundant possibilities. May our words and deeds echo through all the Worlds, and may all the Blessed Kindreds join us by our Hearth-fire in the spirit of kinship and celebration during this cold, dark time. Hail!”

– Specific Day prayer & offering

– Possible: specific Day prayer & offering to Odin

At the end of each ritual: “Praise and thanks be upon all of the Kindreds, may our homes be warmed by their love and presence as much as by the Fire of Our Hearth.

*Specific Days:*

1: Dec 20: Mother’s Night

–*Suggested Offerings:* Anything your female ancestors would have liked, “winter” cleaning of the house, Riesling wine (for Frigga)

– * Focus:* Frigga, the Disir

– *Prayer:* “Honored and Blessed Mothers and Grandmothers, all the noble women of my line: I remember and honor you this night, Mother’s Night, the First Night of Yule. May this offering – given in love, honor, and memory – be found acceptable *(give offering).* Praise and thanks be upon you, and may you never be forgotten. Blessed Frigga – Keeper of the Keys, Lady of the Stead: I honor you, as well. You, among all of the gods, know a mother’s love and a mother’s sorrow, and I make you this offering in honor, gratitude, and praise *(make offering).* Hail, Frigga!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Honored Alfadir, you who stand by the side of your wife, Frigga, and care for all the Worlds of the Great Tree as parents watch over their children, as the head of a homestead cares for all under their protection, as a chieftain cares for their people – may you accept this offerings, for they are given in honor, gratitude, and praise *(make offering of “animals”).* Hail to the All-Father!”

2: Dec 21: Yule

–*Suggested Offerings:* Beer, votives, oatmeal, bread, milk

– *Focus:* Mani, the Wild Hunt

– *Prayer:* “Blessed Mani, on this the Longest Night of the Year, we honor you, O Brother of the Shining Sun. On this Long Night, we make offerings to you in thanks and praise *(give offering)* and ask that you watch over and guide us through the darkness and the dangers of the night. Outside, the Wild Hunt roams – and we offer to them, too, in supplication and honor *(give offering)*, asking that they pass our homes, our kin, and our kith by this night. Hail to the Shining Moon, and Hail to the Wild Hunt, with that Fearsome Hunter who leads it!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Leader of the Hunt, Dread One, Wild One: Odin, on this night you are honored during the Longest Night of the Year, when you, your huntsmen, and your hounds sweep across the Land. May you accept these offerings, for they are given in honor, gratitude, and praise. *(make offering of “animals”)* Hail to the Leader of the Hunt!”

3: Dec 22: Sunna’s Day

– *Suggested Offerings:* Incense, votives, alcohol

– *Focus:* Sunna

– *Prayer:* “Glorious Sunna, You of Golden Face and Hair, we celebrate your triumphal return and the return of your light and warmth to the Worlds. May your light continue to wax in power until your own Long Day, and may the yearly cycle continue until the *Fimbulvetr* comes. May you accept this offering *(give offering)* and continue to bless us all with your *might* and *main*. Hail to Sunna!”

4: Dec 23: Twins’ Day

– *Suggested Offerings:* Beer, bread, milk

– *Focus:* The Vanic Twins – Freyr & Freyja

– *Prayer:* “Blessed Vanir, Twin Nobles of Peace, Plenty, and Prosperity! We call upon you this day and make offering *(give offering)*, asking that in the coming you continue to bless us with the wealth – of food, of resources, of kith and kin – that we need to not only live, but thrive. Hail Freyr Ingvi! Hail Freyja Vandis!”

5: Dec 24: Alfar’s Night

– *Suggested Offerings:* Beer, bread, milk, anything that one’s male ancestors might have enjoyed

– *Focus:* The Alfar

– *Payer:* “Honored and Blessed Fathers and Grandfathers, you who stand watch over the lands of our ancestors, in the Old World and in the New: protecting them, enriching them, guiding them. You who have stood watch so long, you are like unto spirits of the Land yourselves, we give you honor. May you accept these offerings given in love, gratitude, and honor *(give offerings)*, and in return continue to grace us with your love, your blessings, and your wisdom. Hail to the Alfar!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Great Odin, you who watch over and tend to the Nine Worlds just as the Alfar watch over and tend to their familial lands, we honor you this night. You work to protect and enrich the Great Tree, the Middle-Garden, the Gods’ Garden, and the Homes of all numinous beings. May you accept these offerings, for they are given in honor, gratitude, and praise *(make offering of “animals”)*. Hail, Odin All-Father!

6: Dec 25: Children’s Day

– *Suggested Offerings:* Cookies, milk

– * Focus:* Children & the Hausvattir

– *Prayer:* “On this day we remember and celebrate the innocence and joy of children: may we always retain the ability to enjoy life and marvel at the Cosmos’ mysteries. We also honor the spirits of hearth and home, by offering gifts of cookies and milk. Blessed hausvattir, may you find these offerings acceptable *(give offerings)* for they are given in friendship, gratitude, and honor. Hail the Children! Hail the Hausvattir!

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Lord of Yule, Father Yule, Wanderer, we honor you this day. Generous J’lnir, we remember your wise rede that a gift calls for a gift, and so on this day we exchange gifts with one another in the spirit of the Yuletide. We honor you this day and pray that you find these offerings acceptable *(make offering of “animals”)* and that you will bless us with your wisdom and your presence by our hearth this day. Hail Odin, J’lnir!”

7: Dec 26: Dvergar’s Night

– *Suggested Offerings:* Metals, jewelry, alcohol, bread, milk

– *Focus:* The Dvergar

– *Prayer:* “Delvers, Craftsman of the Deep, Honored Dvergar. You who are wise, you know the secrets of the Earth, you who have crafted gifts for the very gods themselves. We honor you this night: may you bless us with your ingenuity, wisdom, and artistry; and may you find these offerings acceptable *(give offerings)* for they are given in honor and praise. Hail to the masterful Dvergar!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Cunning Odin, you who stole the Dvergar’s brew from Suttung, you who seek wisdom from the inhabitants of all the Nine Worlds, you who set the four who hold the sky in their corners, we call out to you this night. Wise One, Shaper, we make offering to you *(make offering of “animals”)* in honor of your quick mind, your creative urge, and your deep insight into the workings of the Worlds. Hail Odin!”

8: Dec 27: Forefather’s Day

– *Suggested Offerings:* Anything your ancestors may have liked, alcohol

– * Focus:* The Ancestors

– *Prayer:* “Blessed Ancestors: Alfar and Disir and you nameless thousands whose blood, deeds, and luck flow within us. We bid you welcome this day and ask that you join us at our hearth fire. May you find these offerings acceptable *(give offerings)* for they are given in love, honor, and memory. Praise and thanks to the Ancestors!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Blessed Alfadir, Shaper of Men, we remember you this day. You who – along with your Brothers – gave form and life to the First of Our Ancestors, continue to bless us with wisdom, and we are ever thankful. We make you these offerings *(make offering of “animals”)* and hope you find them acceptable for they are given in gratitude and praise. Hail to the Shaper of Men!”

9: Dec 28: Hel’s Night

– *Suggested Offerings:* Alcohol, bread, meat, jewelry

– *Focus:* Hel

– *Prayer:* “Blessed Lady, you who give home and rest to the great hosts of the dead, we remember you this night. Within your hall, you give our blessed ancestors feast, rest, and warmth, and we thank you for your generosity. We make offering to you this night *(give offering)* in gratitude and honor, and ask that your bounties and your blessings will be given to those of us who will one day come to your hall. Hail, Blessed Lady Hella!”

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Walker Between the Worlds, Knower of the Ways, Keeper of the Mysteries: Wise Odin, we honor you this night. You who help the dead find their way, you who guide the lost to their final destination, you who give home and hearth to the *Einherjar*, we make this offering *(make offering of “animals”)* in honor and gratitude. Hail, Mighty R’natyr!”

10: Dec 29: Ygg’s Night

– *Suggested Offerings:* Alcohol

– *Focus:* Ygg/Odin

– *Odin **Prayer:* “Mighty Ygg, You Who Rode the Tree, You Who sacrificed Self to Self for nine long nights: we honor you this eve. You sacrificed all you had in the pursuit of wisdom, and with that sacrifice you won the Mysteries. You Who Rode the Tree, may you impart your wisdom and its blessings upon us, for we make this offering to you *(make offering of “animals”)* in honor and praise. Hail to the High One, the Terrible One: Wise Odin!”

11: Dec 30: Thunderer’s Day

– *Suggested Offerings:* Beer, meat, bread

– *Focus:* Thor

– *Prayer:* “Hail Odinsson, Red-Beard, Son of the Earth! You who defend the Midgard, who are Friend to All Men, whose laughter sounds like the roll of thunder, we give you these gifts *(give offering)* in thanks and praise for the slaying of *jotnar* and chasing off trolls, for the ripening of the fields, and the companionship of a generous heart. Hail to Thor, Protector of Mankind!”

– *Odin Prayer:* “Father of the Storm, we thank you for the gifts you have given the Nine Worlds. You shaped the Cosmos from the body of your Progenitor, You shared the Mead of Inspiration with the Nine Worlds, You gave the Midgard its Greatest Protector: we honor and thank you with these gifts *(make offering of animals)*, High One. Hail to Odin, Highest and Wisest!”

12: Dec 31: Twelfth Night

– *Suggested Offerings:* Alcohol, votives

– *Focus:* The Norns

– *Prayer:* “On this, the Last Night of the Year, we give honor and praise to the Three Sisters: shapers and weavers of Fate. Blessed Sisters – Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld – we give you these gifts *(give offerings)* and simply ask for a good fortune in the year to come. Hail to the Blessed Norns!”

Here are some of the offerings I made on different nights:

Dec 24 – Alfar’s Night

Dec 25 – Children’s Day

Dec 26 – Dvergar’s Night

Dec 27 – Forefather’s Day

Dec 28 – Full Moon Rite & Hel’s Night

Dec 30 – Thunderer’s Day

Posted in Norse Twelve Nights of Yule, Other Rituals | 4 Comments

Full Moon Ritual – Norse style

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Moonravin

I have 3 different styles of ADF Full Moon rituals posted:
Norse: https://moonravin.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/full-moon-ritual-norse-style/
Celtic: https://moonravin.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/full-moon-and-first-oath-ritual-adf/
General ADF: https://moonravin.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/full-moon-ritual/

In keeping with the Norse Twelve Nights of Yule (tonight being the 9th night), I decided I would re-write my Full Moon ritual into a Norse style Full Moon ritual with the Shining One of the occasion being Máni!

I was also “Told” by the Shining Ones, that if I wanted to do this ritual Norse style, I had to do my divination using Runes. So, I’ve made up a set of runes on some cardboard, and those will have to do for now. Thankfully my Senior Druid Julie lent me a book about Runes, so I can interpret the ones I pull! 🙂

The Ritual

(Drum beat 3X3 to mark the start of the ritual.)

Statement of Intent:
We come here to honor the Moon in its fullness, during its height of power. Call by what name you will… Máni.

Outsiders: Frost Giants:

“We call out into the darkness,
Into the bitter cold and harsh winds,
We, the people of Thornhaven Kindred
Call out to the Jotun, the enemies of the Gods.
You who know not the warmth of the Hall
Who are strangers to company, and the blessings of Humankind.
We, who are not your enemies, but see you for what you are
And recognize your value and place in our world
You give us snow to help regenerate the earth
You give us wind to cleanse the air
You give us ice, from which our own ancestors sprang
You give us darkness so that we may know rest.”

“Wild Ones, Frost Giants,
We offer you a tithe
To secure the protection of the folk here gathered.
Keep safe our people, our loved ones, our animals, our property,
Do not jeopardize our safety or health.
Protect us most especially when we travel on the roads
Though tempests and blizzards may howl.
Let our voices carry on the North Wind,
Let our offering be brought to your Mountains.”

“Hear me all you wights unhallowed,
Etins, trolls and all the Out-garth,
Ravers, enemies of Asgard and tree of life,
Here we have given you proper honour.
Take our gift, freely given,
And trouble not our holy night,
For our land is well-warded by thorn and fire,
And our mead hall is a haven of comfort and warmth.
Let not the light of these torches touch you
Stay in your darkness, come no closer!”
(make offering to outsiders/Frost Giants)

Hallowing of the hall:

(Since I don’t have a “sacred” hammer, I’m using the only one I have, a little one from my toolbox. I know the Shining Ones will be okay with it!)

“Hammer in the North, hallow and hold this holy stead.
Hammer in the East, hallow and hold this holy stead.
Hammer in the South, hallow and hold this holy stead.
Hammer in the West, hallow and hold this holy stead.
Hammer above us, hallow and hold this holy stead.
Hammer below us, hallow and hold this holy stead.”

Purification:
Smudge stick passed over participants (Sage and/or Cedar and/or Sweet-grass)

Offering to Earth Mother:

“For the peace of mid-winter
For the bounty of the feast-table
For the shelter of the Hall
And the comfort of Kin
We say Hail to you, Nerthus!
The foundation of our lives and all our happiness is built upon you, and so we give you this, the first offering in thanks.”

(Offering of grains is poured into the offering bowl)

Sacred Fire:

“Sacred Fire, holy woods
Bright fire to match the sun
Light fires within, warmth to the True
Fire’s flame to form the garth
Woods kindle well with the fire of the hearth
As this Hall is claimed and hallowed.”

(oil is given to the fire)
All: “Sacred Fire, burn within us.”

Sacred Well:

“Holy well, waters deep
Three streams gather beneath the tree
One of wyrd, shining ones know
Another yet, icy, serpent-safe below
Last of wisdom, many eyes to see
What is, what was, and what will be
Pools of power, everlasting flow
As this Hall is claimed and hallowed”

(Silver is offered into the Cauldron)

“From the depths flows the water of blessing. SACRED Waters, flow within us.”
All: “Sacred Waters, flow within us.”

World-Tree:

“Mighty Tree, middle of all
Nine Realms full its branches make
Serpent below, eagle above
Squirrel between, Nith-hewer gnaws
Evergreen, wet with white dews
Strong standing true, we seek shelter beneath you
As this Hall is claimed and hallowed.”

(Tree is dampened with water from the Sacred Well)

“From the deeps to the heights, and through the nine realms, spans the World Tree. SACRED TREE, grow within us.”

All: “Sacred Tree, Grow within us.”

“With Holy Flame, with Sacred Waters, this Grove is claimed and hallowed.
With the World Tree stretched above us and below us, this Grove is claimed and Hallowed.
With the Spirits of the People shining bright and strong, this Grove is claimed and Hallowed.
So be it!”

Gatekeeper:

“Warder of Asgard, / Heimdall we hail you,
Keen-eared and sharp-eyed, / biding on Bïfrost,
Gjallerhorn’s holder / to you we offer,
Son of Nine Mothers, / by Fire and by Water
Watch us and ward us, / we work the Old Ways,
Aid us now, royal one, / hold open the gates!
Now we bid Bïfrost / be here among us
Descend from dwelling / of Gods, bright Asgard
A rainbow of light / from all ways flowing
Carry our calling / to all the Aesir
By Nine Flames shining, / By Waters flowing
By Heimdall’s magic / Gates now be open!”

(Incense is lit as an offering)

“We make an offering to Heimdall, Opener of the Gate. Join your magic with ours and let the Fire open as a Gate, let the Well open as a Gate, let the Tree carry the Spirits to our sacrifice. By this offering and by our Magic, Let the Gates be OPEN!”

Calling the Kindreds:

“We make our offering to the Kindreds of the Worlds
To those who dwell below and those who dwell above
To the tribes of Spirits
In the nine realms
Hear your true worshippers as we make due sacrifice.”

(Offering of food made)

Nature Spirits:

“Spirits of the Land, keepers of place
Weather-wise, your knowledge runs deep
Landvaettir great, Ancient as Earth
Land wights old, Guardians of garth
Spirits of leaf, and thorn and stone
Creatures of feather and fur and skin
We call you forth, to bless this ritual.”

(Offering of seeds made)

“This offering we make to our Land Wight
Spirit of peace, and power of Thorn
Protect us and keep us this night as all nights
Ward this Land, ward this Hall,
Ward the people and animals herein.”

Ancestors:

“Ancestors old, keepers of wisdom
Life-wise, your knowledge is hidden
Grandmothers and fathers, beloved dead
Alfar, Disir, Heroes, and guardians,
Warding Spirits untouched by memory
Ancestors of blood, of heart and of land
We call you forth, to bless our feast.”
(Offering of Crown Royal made)

“This is the glass symbolizes the horn of remembrance,
An offering to our Ancestors.
Let it be known we do not forget you,
We celebrate the life that you have given us
And learn from your wisdom.”

Shining Ones:

“Aesir, Vanir, Shining Ones all
Of Ask and Embla, My ancestors first,
The beauty of Midgard, the bounty of all
Many things made, Of the Gods we all come.
None of you gods is not mighty indeed,
Of soul, sense and being you have given us well,
Taught us of runes, of faith and troth,
Of right-mindfullness, and honour true,
O Shining Ones of magic and might, we call you forth
To bless this feast and the people here gathered!”

(Offering of oil is given to the fire)

Let us honour you with hospitality, fit for the Gods.
Hail to the Aesir!
Hail to the Vanir!
Hail to the Gods!”

Senior Druid:
You who silver the waves
You who brings forth shadow
You who are the keeper of magic
Cauldron of the Night, we honor you.

Call to Mani:
I, your daughter, pray you to come in, to let your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground, to indwell my rite and my cairn and give me your blessing. For this sake, I make due offering to you.

Full Moon Chant:
We are gathered in the light of the Moon
We do worship by the blessings of the Moon
Full in Your journey, across the starry sky
Through Well, Fire, Tree, to You our prayers rise
Drawing Down the Moon
Senior Druid:
Great Orb of Night, we call upon thee
In our lives, bring us your mystery
All: Bring us your mystery

In our Nemeton, be here with us
All: Be here with us

In our working, lend us your magic
All: Lend us your magic

Keeper of Night, we invoke thee
All: Keeper of Night, we invoke thee

Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee
All: Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee

Muse of Magic, we invoke thee
All: Muse of Magic, we invoke thee

Call to Mani:
I, your daughter, pray you to come in, to let your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground, to indwell my rite and my cairn and give me your blessing. For this sake, I make due offering to you.

I give you…
Animal Crackers, a symbol of game from the Great Hunt!

Blessing Cup

Senior Druid:
We have come together on this eve of the Full Moon, the night of increase, of magic and potential.
Let us charge and share this Cup of Blessing. As we stand here, united in circle, round as the Moon above us, may our magic be stronger by our bonds of unity, may our magic be radiant in the Silvery Light, may our magic be united as we take into ourselves the Mead of Mystery. Send forth your prayers and charge our cup with magic as it passes your lips.

(The Mead of Mystery can be any drink)
(I hold the cup while visualizing my magical needs and putting the goal into the drink, then drinking from it.)

Personal Working:

This is the 9th night of the Norse Twelve Nights of Yule, so I will include the nights blessings here. The full Norse Twelve Nights of Yule are here: https://moonravin.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/norse-twelve-nights-of-yule/

Dec 28: Hel’s Night
– *Suggested Offerings:* Alcohol, bread, meat, jewelry
– *Focus:* Hel

“Blessed Kindreds, during these Twelve Nights we celebrate the Dark of
this Year, when Sunna’s face is hidden from the World the longest, and the
Dawn of the New Year, with all of its abundant possibilities. May our
words and deeds echo through all the Worlds, and may all the Blessed
Kindreds join us by our Hearth-fire in the spirit of kinship and
celebration during this cold, dark time. Hail!”

– *Prayer:* “Blessed Lady, you who give home and rest to the great
hosts of the dead, we remember you this night. Within your hall, you give
our blessed ancestors feast, rest, and warmth, and we thank you for your
generosity. We make offering to you this night *(give offering)* in
gratitude and honor, and ask that your bounties and your blessings will be
given to those of us who will one day come to your hall. Hail, Blessed Lady
Hella!”

– *Odinn **Prayer:* “Walker Between the Worlds, Knower of the Ways,
Keeper of the Mysteries: Wise Odinn, we honor you this night. You who
help the dead find their way, you who guide the lost to their final
destination, you who give home and hearth to the *Einherjar*, we make
this offering *(make offering of “animals”)* in honor and gratitude.
Hail, Mighty Runatyr!”

“Praise and thanks be upon all of the Kindreds, may our homes be
warmed by their love and presence as much as by the Fire of Our Hearth.

Drawing Runes for Mind, Body, & Spirit:

–          Ehwas
–          Sowilo
–          Perthro

Thanking:

Thank you Artemis and Mani, for shining your Silvery Light upon me for this Full Moon ritual.

Closing

Senior Druid:
With our work being done, by the power of the Moon in its fullness, may our magic journey onwards. So now as we prepare to depart, let us give thanks to those who have aided us.

“We give thanks and hail Mani, cauldron of the night!”
All: “Hail!”

“We give thanks and hail to the Gods for the bounty of our lives.”
All: “Hail!”

“We give thanks and hail to the Ancestors, Alfar and Disir.”
All: “Hail!”

“We give thanks and hail to Land wights for their protection.”
All: “Hail!”

“We give thanks and hail to Heimdall, the gatekeeper.”
All: “Hail!”

“We give thanks and hail to Nerthus, our foundation and strength.”
All: “Hail!”

Closing the Gates and Ending the Rite:

“Now by the keeper of the Gates and by our magic, we end what we began.
Let the fire be flame,
Let the well be water,
Let all be as it was before.
Let the Gates be closed!”

“We have done as our ancestors have done,
and as our children will do,
and the Kindred have answered.
Let us go now as children of the Sun.
Peace be on us, and Blessings too.”

“This grove was founded in January 2007, at which time a commitment was made: to celebrate together every high day, and other occasions, to worship the land and the spirits that reside here, the ancestors and our Gods. Today, as on every feast day, we now restate our oath. We have done as our ancestors have done, and as our children will do, and the Kindred have answered. Let us go now as children of the Sun. Peace be on us and blessings too.”

“This rite is ended. So be it!”

(Drum beat 3X3 to mark the end of the ritual.)

Tonight’s tools and offerings

Norse Full Moon Ritual – Runes pulled, and offerings

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Full Moon and First Oath Ritual – ADF Celtic Style

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Moonravin

Full Moon and First Oath Ritual – ADF
November 28, 2012

This Full Moon ritual will also include my Dedicant Path “First Oath”. I have also made further modifications to the ritual, to match the style I loved so much in the Samhain ritual (in the areas of offerings, hollowing, and gate opening/closing).

The perimeter will be marked with moonstones for this ritual. I have also gathered the following offerings: Wine, seeds, apple, grains (Quinoa), vodka (since I don’t have any whiskey), and animal crackers (this is because Artemis is also Goddess of the hunt, and she likes them!)

The Ritual

(Drum beat 3X3 to mark the start of the ritual.)

Honouring the Earth Mother: offering of grain is given to the Earth Mother

Our first offering is given to the mother of us all, Danu.

(Heartbeat rhythm of the drum)

From her comes the sheaf, from which we harvest grain.
From her comes the animal, whose flesh feeds our own.
From her comes the tree, which gives fruit and nuts to sustain us.
From her comes the timber and rocks, which give us shelter and warmth in the coming winter.
From her all these blessings come forth, and for these blessings we give our most humble thanks!

(Offering of grain)

Grove Warrior:
(Archery stance)
Primal Dark Ones who defied our Gods and Goddesses
We give you this tithe and establish the boundary
Enter not this Nemeton, for this is holy ground

We likewise banish from ourselves
That which troubles us in our deepest heart
No pain, no fear, no doubt
Shall enter this Nemeton, for this is holy ground.
(Here I make the offering of an seeds to the South of my Nemeton.)

Senior Druid:
We come here to honor the Moon in her fullness, during her height of power. Call her by what name you will… Artemis, Mani. I also come before Artemis, the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits to make my First Oath along the ADF Dedicants Path.

Senior Druid:
You who silver the waves
You who brings forth shadow
You who are the keeper of magic
Cauldron of the Night, we honor you.

Recreating the Cosmos:

Sacred Fire:

First we call to the sacred fire. This is the fire of life, of light, of inspiration and transformation. It is the fire our ancestors depended on to survive, and the hearth fire we continue to gather around, to sing, and play and dance. It is the fire that ignites our creativity and courses through our veins when we are inspired. It warms us, kindles our passions, strengthens our will and when faced with adversity, it transform us. Behold, the sacred fire!

Sacred Fire, flame within us!

Offering of oil is made to the fire.

People: Sacred fire, flame within us!

Sacred Waters:

Next we call to the Sacred Well, and the waters of life contained within. These are the primordial waters of creation, from which all life comes. It is the womb of the mother, a vessel of untapped potential and the unshaped powers that lie deep below us and within us. It is the water that nourishes us, and cleanses us, and flows through our veins with vitality and strength. Behold, the sacred waters!

Sacred waters, flow within us!

Offering of silver is made to the well.

People: Sacred waters, flow within us!

World Tree:

Lastly, we come to the Sacred Tree and nestle our spirits in its roots and branches. This is the world tree, which stretches above and below, connecting the worlds together. It is the steed of the shaman, the source of wisdom, the watcher, the teacher of the lessons found in stillness and time. We take haven under its leaves and gain strength from its roots. Behold, the Sacred Tree!

Sacred Tree, grow within us!

Water from the well is given to the Tree.

People: Sacred Tree, grow within us!

Calling the Kindred:

Nature Spirits

“Hallowed are the dwellers of the land
Spirits of green and bark, feather and fur
Makers and keepers of the natural order
Beauty we find in your presence
Wondrous beings of this hidden world
We honour you!”

(Offering of seeds is given to the ground)

Ancestors

“Hallowed are the ancestors
Beloved dead, elders and heroes
Watchers and whisperers of the secrets of life
Wisdom we find in your presence.
Guardian spirits of the other world
We honour you!”

(Offering of whiskey is given to the fire)
Shining Ones

“Hallowed are the Shining Ones
Immortal Gods and Goddesses all
Creators and masters of the universal mysteries
Grace we find in your presence.
Matrons and Patrons of our hearts
We honour you!”

(Offering of oil is given to the fire)

See these beings now at our fire. See them ringing our Ritual, mingling their energies with ours.

Now we will open the gates.

Opening the Gates:

Manannan chant;

“We stand at the border and watch the mist close in.
Waves rolling, rolling,
Where shore meets the ocean, where land meets sea and sky,
We call to you, Manannan,
Manannan, Manannan,
We welcome you as you one day will welcome us.”

O Manannan, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Wisdom, we walk in your holy ways; we walk the Sacred Road. Share your magic with us; ward us so that we may walk in safety. Manannan Mac Lir, accept our sacrifice!

(Offering of oil is given.)

Gate Trance

Now, we turn our minds to Magic… make yourself comfortable, straighten your spine, and breathe deep… Renew your center… Earth below and Sky above… feel the currents of light and dark… flowing in your flesh, and in our Grove… feel the presence of our circle of standing logs, surrounding us… see before you our simple Hallows, the shining Fire, the dark within the Cauldron… the currents of Fire and Water, lightness and darkness swirling around the Tree… Now see, with your vision’s eye, by imagination and by will… see rising from the Hallows a mist…Silver‑grey, warm and thick… rising to swirl around your form… rising around your hips… rising around your chest… rising to enclose your head…Filling our Grove with Magic’s Mist… the Mist of the Borderland… that separates the common world from hidden truth… feel it thicken, feel it swirl and shift and rise upwards… surrounding and encompassing us, becoming the gates to the otherworlds…the gate stands in the west, containing both light and darkness, shifting with the mist that swirls around it. You are standing before the gate, in the archway of the gate. Breathe deep, and feel the flow of Light and Shadow in your flesh… breathe deep and feel the Mist around you… Let the Mist enclose you, carrying your mind inward… turning your eye toward the Gates themselves…

Now, we call to Manannan Mac Lir, Lord of Ways: join your magic with ours. Let the fire open as a gate, let the well open as a gate, let the tree be the crossroads of all worlds. Open as a road to the spirits, a path to the Hall of our Ancestors. Let the gate be open!

Full Moon Chant:

We are gathered in the light of the Moon
We do worship by the blessings of the Moon
Full in Your journey, across the starry sky
Through Well, Fire, Tree, to You our prayers rise

Drawing Down the Moon

Senior Druid:

Great Orb of Night, we call upon thee

In our lives, bring us your mystery
All: Bring us your mystery

In our Nemeton, be here with us
All: Be here with us

In our working, lend us your magic
All: Lend us your magic

Keeper of Night, we invoke thee
All: Keeper of Night, we invoke thee

Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee
All: Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee

Muse of Magic, we invoke thee
All: Muse of Magic, we invoke thee

Call to Artemis:

I, your daughter, pray you to come in, to let your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground, to indwell my rite and my cairn and give me your blessing. For this sake, I make due offering to you.

I give you…

Animal Crackers, a symbol of game from the Great Hunt!

Blessing Cup

Senior Druid:
We have come together on this eve of the Full Moon, the night of increase, of magic and potential.

Let us charge and share this Cup of Blessing. As we stand here, united in circle, round as the Moon above us, may our magic be stronger by our bonds of unity, may our magic be radiant in the Silvery Light, may our magic be united as we take into ourselves the Mead of Mystery. Send forth your prayers and charge our cup with magic as it passes your lips.

(I hold the cup while visualizing my magical needs and putting the goal into the drink, then drinking from it.)

I’m using wine instead of mead, since according to ADF the type of drink is up to the person holding the ritual.

Personal Working

1) Reading of my “First Oath” of the ADF Dedicant Path:

“I, Tania, before the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature spirits, declare myself to be a Pagan.
I come before you as a seeker of the Old Ways, and a worshiper of the Shining Ones.
With this sacred oath, I declare my intent to walk this path, and follow the Druid’s Way.

I vow to live a virtuous life, and do right by my kin,
My loved ones, and my community.
I vow to live a Pagan life,
by honoring the High Days and rituals that call to me.

I vow to deepen my understanding of the Ways through study,
To fill my mind with the truth of the Elder Paths.
These things I swear to the Shining Ones,
And all those gathered here around me.
Blessed Be.”

Re-Centering

2) Single card draw from my Tarot deck. The question: I have a teacher, for the first time in a very long time – what do you foresee of this connection to come? Answer: Three of Wands.

Re-Centering

– Two Powers meditation with Poplar

Thanking

Thank you Artemis, for shining your Silvery Light upon me for this Full Moon ritual and my First Oath on the Druidic path.

Closing

Senior Druid:

With our work being done, by the power of the Moon in its fullness, may our magic journey onwards.

Now let the Mist come again… let it rise around you…let it envelop you… the opening of the gates is obscured, as the Mist closes around you…

Remember our Grove… the Fire, the Well, the Tree… your vision returns to the Center of the Worlds, the Sacred Grove where we began…

The Mist dissolves again… and we are in our Grove together… returned truly and well to the common world… with the Blessing of the Gods in us all.

We have called out to the Shining Ones and been answered
We have given our offerings and been blessed in return.
Great and wonderful is this world and the creators who made it!
With each call we make to the Shining Ones, and each offering we give
They heed our calls more, and our connections become stronger.
Even though the rite is ending, we leave this place wiser,
And carry the blessings with us always.

So now as we prepare to depart, let us give thanks to those who have aided us.

Artemis, cauldron of the night!
All: We thank you!

O Gods and Goddesses of elder days!
All: We thank you!

O spirits of this land!
All: We thank you!

O ancestors, our kindred!
All: We thank you!

To all those powers that have aided us, we say again…
All: We thank you!

O gatekeeper, warder of the ways, for your presence and power, your guiding and guarding we say…
All: We thank you!

Now by the keeper of gates and by our magic we end what we began.

Let the fire be flame
Let the well be water;
Let all be as it was before.
Let the gates be closed!

All: Let the gates be closed!

This grove was founded in January 2007, at which time a commitment was made: to celebrate together every high day, and other occasions; to worship the land and the spirits that reside here, the ancestors and our Gods. Today, as on every feast day, we now restate our oath. We have done as our ancestors have done, and as our children will do, and the Kindred have answered. Let us go now as children of the Earth. Peace be on us and blessings too.

Full Moon and First Oath

Tonight’s Offerings – Silver, Vodka, Wine, Animal cracker, Apple, Oil, Seeds, and Grains.

~~~

Personal reflections on the ritual (a few days after ritual, because it took some time for me to gather my thoughts)

The ritual was amazing. I loved the feel of my new alter, and the Druidic energy flowed quite powerfully through all of my hallows. Truth be told, it was almost overwhelming. This is the first ritual I’ve done on my own, with a fully Druidic alter, and with all of the right energy flowing. Before Samhain, I didn’t fully understand the flow that occurs in Druidic ritual (from the hallowing of the Fire, Well, and Tree, to the opening and closing of the Gates), but since then I understand it, and was able to bring that type of energy into my Full Moon ritual.

Manannan was clearly visible to me, standing at the Gates. Strong, loving, and protective. I think I also more deeply understand my connection with him. I’ve been to his gate before, when I almost drowned as a child. The flashback came to me while I was contemplating my connection with Manannan… the flash of sky and water, and the feeling of hitting the water after falling from a hiking look-out point.

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Hallowing the Home Shrine Ritual

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Moonravin

Hallowing the Home Shrine Ritual

I originally had no intention of doing this one… but while thinking about my Full Moon/First Oath ritual I plan to do this week, my mind kept saying “Well, you better officially hallow your shrine first!”. So, I decided to take a look at it… and boy did it ever need a lot of rewording! I found the full ritual in the Dedicant Path book “Our Own Druidry”, on pages 90-92. There were a few lines that were useable, but I felt the bulk of it needed to be rewritten.

The first step I’m taking is to take everything off my Alter, then clean all the items (including the alter cloth). It kinda feels weird not following the core order, but I can’t exactly follow the core order since I’m taking all the items off my Alter and only placing them back on as I follow through the ritual.

A clean slate – ready to rebuild my alter!

Opening Invocation:

I am a daughter of this world,
And the life force of the world flows within me.
My soul is reflected in the shining pools of the Earth,
Mind, body, and spirit,
working as one with the universe,
Embracing my will as its own.

And this is my will, to make these objects a Shrine of Druidry, a seat of wisdom, my own Hearth, and the Well of the Spirit.

(Using the bowl of 3 sacred waters, I sprinkle water onto the alter items.)

By the power of the healing Earth current, and the power of the dark sacred Well,
Be free of every ill or every bane; washed clean by magic’s might, as I do will.

I pass each of the Alter items through the incense, saying:

By the illuminating power of the cosmos; the Fire of Druidry, the Shining Ones light,
Let every ill or bane now flee away; by my word and will, and magic’s might.

By the power of the Water in sacred Well,
And by the divine light of the sacred Fire,
May these items now be cleansed, blessed, and holy!
By my word and by my will, so be it!

(Pour the water from the water bowl into the cauldron/Well)

O Cauldron of the Deep Power, I name you a divine tool of my Druidic work.
I set you on my Alter to be a part of my Sacred Hallows, and I charge you:

You are the primordial waters of creation, from which all life comes
You are the vessel of untapped potential, and the unshaped powers that lie deep below us and within us

By the Shining Ones of the waters
By the powers under the earth
I thank you for the sacred waters.
You are the eye of the earth
Mirror of seeing, gate of visions
Spring of wisdom
By the Shining Ones of the waters
By the powers under the earth
I thank you for the sacred waters.
You are the mouth of the earth
Sustainer of life, receiver of gifts
Giver of blessings
By the Shining Ones of the waters
By the powers under the earth
I thank you for the sacred waters.

(Light the sacred Fire candles using the current candle)

O Hearth of the Power of Fire, I name you a divine tool of my Druidic work.
I set you on my Alter to be a part of my Sacred Hallows, and I charge you:

I kindle the sacred fire
In the presence of the Shining Ones of fire
With the purest love, and the purest trust
Fire of life, of light, of inspiration, and transformation
Transcend my offerings and my words through the realms
To the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits
Those who aid me in my workings
I call for your blessings upon my sacred Hearth!

(Place the Tree vertically on the Alter)

O Tree of the world, I name you a divine tool of my Druidic work.
I set you on my Alter to be a part of my Sacred Hallows, and I charge you:

Connecting us to the Earth and Cosmos
From deepest root to highest leaf, you are planted within my soul
Helping me connect between the worlds of the Shining ones and Ancestors
Sacred Bile I name you, as of old, Center of All Things

(Contemplate the Three Hallows together on the Alter and say)

Sacred Fire, flame within me
Sacred Well, flow within me
Sacred Tree, grow within me

(Using water from the Well, sprinkle sacred water on the 4 corners of the Alter)

With my Hallows washed clean in the sacred Waters,
Let the Well be filled once more with the strength of the Underworld.
Shrine of my Druidry, receive dark strength of the waters of life.
May the seed of my spirit grow in the sacred Waters that nourishes me,
Cleanses me, and flow through my veins with vitality and strength.

(Pass incense stick lit by the sacred fire over all corners of the Alter table)

What is cool, now let it be warmed.
Shrine of my Druidry, receive the bright power of the cosmos.
Be you the sun that brings my spirit to fruit.

My sacred hallows, Well, Fire, and Tree

(Put all desired items left back on the Alter, tap into the Two Powers, and charge the entire Shrine)

Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits,
Here is my Shrine to honor the Druidic ways.
Let it be a Seat of Power, and Ark of Wisdom,
A Front of Love between myself and the Shining Ones and Spirits.
Let it grow as I grow, change as I change,
As I speak with the Spirits, and they with me.
Let the Fire be bright in it
Let the Waters be deep in it
As I walk my Druidic Path.
So be it!

(Center and ground)

Sacred Fire, flame within me
Sacred Well, flow within me
Sacred Tree, grow within me
I give thanks to all beings who have witnessed or aided in this work,
And declare this rite ended.
So be it!

My shrine and alter of Druidry!

~~~

Okay, so truth be told, I didn’t expect to change much – but it seems the tiny changes I did make had a huge impact on the feel of my alter! My teacher Julie was so right! It feels more like me – as in the mental and spiritual place I am in as a Druid. I got rid of the athame… it was never really me, and I had always had one on my alter because it seemed to be a status-quo accessory. However, I haven’t seen any use for it since solidifying myself in the Druidic path. I also took down the gold and silver candles that were in the back – I’ve got enough candles, and these were again part of the status-quo I originally felt compelled to have as part of my alter setup.

I rearranged some of my stones, and have my Tree standing up. I’ve been taking it down between rituals and laying it vertically, but I’m seriously considering leaving it up. I don’t know if there’s some sort of standard for it… it’s something I need to ask my teacher Julie about.

Over all I feel great about the outcome of this ritual, and I’m so glade I did it! 🙂

consideringThe Free Dictionary: In view of; taking into consideration: You managed the project well, considering your inexperience. →

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Samhain 2012

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Moonravin

Samhain 2012

This is my first Grove ritual, performed with Thornhaven Grove (ADF). This ritual was performed on Oct 28, 2012, and followed the ADF Core Order.

We offered grain to Danu, and the Outsiders. We stated our purpose of honoring our ancestors, and Donn. We offered Oil to the Sacred Fire, Silver to the Sacred Well, water from the Sacred Well to the Sacred Tree, seeds to the Nature Spirits, whiskey to the Ancestors, and oil to the Shining Ones. Manannan was our Lord of the Gates, and received an oil sacrifice.

At the Ancestors Shrine, we made offerings of apples, pork, and hazelnuts. We then read a list of names of loved ones that have passed away, which Grove members had written in a journal. We also gave our own offerings. I offered the Ancestors the first weave I’ve ever made on my homemade loom. This is a very significant offering for me because the woman in my family all worked with yarn, and this is the first time I’ve embraced this connection with them.

The Oman was then taken, offering a joyfully peaceful and quiet winter. We drank from the blessings cup, and made our final blessings to Donn. We gave thanks to Donn, the Shining Ones, Nature Spirits, Ancestors, those who aided us, and Manannan. The Sacred items were de-hallowed, and the gates were closed.

It was an incredible experience! Even the simple task of hallowing and de-hallowing of the Fire, Well, and Tree were so powerful in the Grove, and I strongly felt the energy shifts and the Gates were opened and closed. In my previous ritual, I followed “by the book”, but without understanding the way the energy flows in a Druid ritual. Now I completely understand, and feel so amazed to be part of it!

(This is a short version to meet the 300 max word count in the DP requirements for High Day summaries.)

Below is a photo of my home Alter for Samhain. The offering I wove for the ancestors and put into the Ancestor Shrine at Thornhaven is the purple item to the left of the cauldron.

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Full Moon Ritual – ADF style

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Moonravin

Full Moon Ritual – ADF
September 30, 2012

The ADF site list 2 full moon rituals. One is under General, and one is under Celtic general. I’m going to mix and match the parts from each to make my ritual. I have also been reviewing the ADF “Core Order of Ritual” and “The Standard ADF Liturgy” documents on the site. Although these seem to be for High Days, I’m trying to familiarize myself with them by reading through the Full Moon rituals and identifying each step and how it relates to the Core Order.

The perimeter will be marked with moonstones for this ritual. I ahave also gathered the following offerings: incense, wine, and animal crackers (this is because Artemis is also Goddess of the hunt, and she seems to like them!)

The Ritual

(Drum beat 3X3 to mark the start of the ritual.)

Grove Warrior
(Archery stance)
Primal Dark Ones who defied our Gods and Goddesses
We give you this tithe and establish the boundary
Enter not this Nemeton, for this is holy ground

Senior Druid:
We come here to honor the Moon in her fullness, during her height of power. Called by what name you will…

Grove Bard:
Artemis, Manni, Luna, Inanna, Selene, Soma, Arianhrod

Senior Druid:
You who silver the waves
You who brings forth shadow
You who are the keeper of magick
Cauldron of the Night, we honor you.

Let the song of silver open our inner selves to magick and mystery as we close our eyes, and center.

Well, Fire, and Tree

Sacred Fire:

Sacred Fire, flame within us!

Offering of oil is made to the fire.

People: Sacred fire, flame within us!

Sacred Waters:

Sacred waters, flow within us!

Offering of silver is made to the well.

People: Sacred waters, flow within us!

World Tree:

Sacred Tree, grow within us!

Water from the well is given to the Tree.

People: Sacred Tree, grow within us!

Calling the Kindred:

Nature Spirits

“Hallowed are the dwellers of the land

Spirits of green and bark, feather and fur

Makers and keepers of the natural order

Beauty we find in your presence

Wondrous beings of this hidden world

We honour you!” (offering of seeds is given to the ground)

Ancestors

“Hallowed are the ancestors

Beloved dead, elders and heroes

Watchers and whisperers of the secrets of life

Wisdom we find in your presence.

Guardian spirits of the other world

We honour you!” (Offering of whiskey is given to the fire)

Shining Ones

“Hallowed are the Shining Ones

Immortal Gods and Goddesses all

Creators and masters of the universal mysteries

Grace we find in your presence.

Matrons and Patrons of our hearts

We honour you!” (Offering of oil is given to the fire)

Opening the Gates:

Manannan chant:

“We stand at the border and watch the mist close in.

Waves rolling, rolling,

Where shore meets the ocean, where land meets sea and sky,

We call to you, Manannan,

Manannan, Manannan,

We welcome you as you one day will welcome us.”

(Offering of oil is given.)

Gate Trance:

(focus on thoughts of prayers while singing the Full Moon Chant:)

We are gathered in the light of the Moon
We do worship by the blessings of the Moon
Full in Your journey, across the starry sky
Through Well, Fire, Tree, to You our prayers rise

Drawing Down the Moon

Senior Druid:

Great Orb of Night, we call upon theeIn our lives, bring us your mystery

All: Bring us your mystery

In our nemeton, be here with us

All: Be here with us

In our working, lend us your magick

All: Lend us your magick

Keeper of Night, we invoke thee

All: Keeper of Night, we invoke thee

Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee

All: Moon of Mystery, we invoke thee

Muse of Magick, we invoke thee

All: Muse of Magick, we invoke thee

Lively drumming and dancing as Senior Druid focuses and directs energy raising. Stick with ribbons tied on it is driven into the Earth at the base of the Bile at culmination of energy raising.

Blessing Cup

Senior Druid:
We have come together on this e’en of the Full Moon, the night of increase, of magick and potential.

Let us charge and share this Cup of Blessing. As we stand here, united in circle, round as the Moon above us, may our magick be stronger by our bonds of unity, may our magick be radiant in the Silvery Light, may our magick be united as we take into ourselves the Mead of Mystery. Send forth your prayers and charge our cup with magick as it passes your lips.

(I hold the cup while visualizing my magickal needs and putting the goal into the drink, then drinking from it.)

I’m using wine instead of mead, since the type of drink is up to the person holding the ritual.)

Personal Working

– Thanked Artemis for bringing Julie into my life
– Oracle divination

Re-Centering

– Focused on Poplar and our roots for re-grounding

Thanking

Thank you Artemis, for shining your Silvery Light upon me for this, my first Druidic Full Moon Ritual.

Closing

Senior Druid:

With our work being done, by the power of the Moon in its fullness may our magick journey onwards. This rite is ended. Let us come together and join hands as we sing Let Us Journey On:

Now let the Mist come again… let it rise around you…let it envelop you… the opening of the gates is obscured, as the Mist closes around you…

Remember our Grove… the Fire, the Well, the Tree… your vision returns to the Center of the Worlds, the Sacred Grove where we began…

The Mist dissolves again… and we are in our Grove together… returned truly and well to the common world… with the Blessing of the Gods in us all.

We have called out to the Shining Ones and been answered

We have given our offerings and been blessed in return.

Great and wonderful is this world and the creators who made it!

With each call we make to the Shining Ones, and each offering we give

They heed our calls more, and our connections become stronger.

Even though the rite is ending, we leave this place wiser,

And carry the blessings with us always.

So now as we prepare to depart, let us give thanks to those who have aided us.

Artemis, Cauldron of the Night

All: We thank you!

O Gods and Goddesses of elder days!

All: We thank you!

O spirits of this land!

All: We thank you!

O ancestors, our kindred!

All: We thank you!

To all those powers that have aided us, we say again…

All: We thank you!

O gatekeeper, warder of the ways, for your presence and power, your guiding and guarding we say…

All: We thank you!

Now by the keeper of gates and by our magic we end what we began.

Let the fire be flame

Let the well be water;

Let all be as it was before.

Let the gates be closed!

All: Let the gates be closed!

~ ~ ~

The ritual is over, and I couldn’t be happier with its outcome! I feel an incredible connection with Artemis, and with the Druidic path.

These structured rituals have a wonderful flow to them, and each action comes quite naturally. I’m also getting more comfortable with the terminology, and the what’s what – like the “Sacred Bile” being the “branch”, which I have been using my wand for. You’ll see I have my wand properly standing vertically in this ritual, opposed to horizontally in the last one.

I’m also amazed with the feeling of security in my Nemeton. No circles need to be cast, no corners called. Just a base marking of the perimeter, and the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and nature spirits take care of everything. I’ve always felt various friendly entities during my rituals, and the Druidic order of ritual works so perfectly.

One of the things I asked about during my divination was why I hadn’t found my way to this path before now. The answer came through crystal clear: Because NOW you are ready. I have to agree, I think I am finally ready to embrace this path. ❤

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Mabon – Fall Equinox – 2012

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Moonravin

Sept 22, 2012

Mabon – Fall Equinox

This will be my first Druidic
ritual. I have found the website
for A.D.F., which stands for: A
Druid Fellowship. This is a
translation of Ár nDraíocht Féin.
This website has many Druidic
rituals, and I will follow there
as my rituals as a solitary Druid
for the time being. I have had
visions of working with a Grove,
and if the time becomes right,
that vision may become a reality.

The Mabon ritual states I
will need offerings, so I collected
3 apples from the crab-apple tree
outside my home. I also picked
two dandelions, and two dandelion
puff balls. I read through the ritual,
and it talks about dandelion seeds,
plus I love dandelions, and they
sprouted recently.

I also read on the ADF site
that if you are doing the ritual
in a place not specifically made
for or dedicated to ritual, that you
should mark the physical perimeter
of the area you plan to use.

I have a large maple tree by
my home that has changed to a
beautiful shade of red, and has
started dropping its leaves.
I collected a bunch of these
leaves to mark my perimeter
for ritual.

Mabon Ritual

The offerings:

Setting up the sacred space:

THE RITUAL:

(I beat my drum in three sets of three to mark the opening of the ritual)

Outdwellers

Grove Warrior:

(Since I’m a solitary Druid, I took my archery stance when reading the parts that would normally be done by the warrior. My archery stance makes me feel strong, empowered, and I feel the energy of a warrior when I’m doing archery.)

To the ancient dark ones of strife and discord
As we acknowledge the darkness within ourselves
Accept this tithe and leave our work in peace.

(I made the offering of two flowers, and an incense stick)

Well, Fire, and Tree

Well

Grove Bard:

(I tried to visualize Hobs for this roll,

and the way I feel when I hear him tell stories)

Come we into the Well
The waters of creation, the well of wisdom
Let us pour our prayers
That the sacred waters may cleanse us
Of that we desire to relinquish

(I poured the water into my special flower

bowl, which had aqua marine chips in it.)

We pray at the Well of Wisdom
To cleanse us body and soul
We come to the Sacred Waters
That Your blessings be known

Fire

Grove Warrior:

Come we into the Fire
The flame of creation, the light of inspiration
Let us send our prayers
Of that which we wish to accomplish
On the sacred smoke of our Nemeton

Grove Bard:

Sacred fire and sacred smoke
Raise our magick to Those above
Hear our voices, we call to Thee
Bring us Vision that we may see

Tree

Senior Druid:

(Since I’m definitely not a senior druid, I just tried

to be self confident for this roll, and filled with the

strength of my deities.)

Come we into the Sacred Bile
The Tree of Life which upholds us through all worlds
Let us bind our prayers to its branches
Of that which is in our hearts
Let our magick travel through the boundaries

We are gathered in the light of the Moon
We do worship by the blessings of the Moon
Full in Your journey, across the starry sky
Through Well, Fire, Tree, to You our prayers rise

Shining Ones, I ask for your presence and guidance during my ceremony of the Fall Equinox.

Invoking the Gate Keeper

Siuil linn a Oghma…
(“shool-leen ah oh…mah”)
…Walk with us Ogma.

(Sung 3 times)

We invoke thee Ogma,
Opener of every Gate. (repeat)
You shall reach us,
You shall teach us,
and reveal our fate! (repeat)

(Sung 3 times)

As I connect with the Well of Wisdom, the Fire of Change and the World Tree, I honor my Patron/s, the memory of my ancestors and the nature spirits who surround me.

With Mother Earth supporting me in all I do, I proclaim my Fall Equinox festival within this sacred space.

Here at the edge of space and time and reality The power of my faith opens the door I am a being of energy Fire in the Head

This day
This night
In complete balance

All beings
naturally seek a life in balance
All of nature seeks a balance

To be out of balance
means one is without
Without time
Without love
Without peace
Without the Shining Ones
Drained and lost
Sometimes not understanding the emptiness felt

Life out of balance is a life changed
As water exposed to too much cold or heat
becomes unrecognizable

In this rare moment
a quick breath twice each year
I revel in this balance

As in the checkbook figures that balance
As in the new life offsetting the passings
As in the day after the night
As in the cool of winter after the heat of summer
As in the wisdom of age after the impulsiveness of youth

Each life, each dream
are like the seeds carried by the winds
From dandelion puffballs

Some land on asphalt
Without water for balance
They cannot sprout

Some land in rivers
Without soil for balance
They cannot sprout

Some land in the forest
Without sun for balance
They cannot sprout

Some land in the meadow
All is in balance
They grow into maturity

[Pause for a moment to meditate on what in your life is out of balance. When the answer/s comes, write it on your piece of paper. Then continue, either speaking the following parts or just visualizing the concepts.]

Dandelion seeds are sometimes like my life
So much I cannot control
So much I cannot foresee
I have faith
In myself, in my ancestors and in the Shining Ones
I open my heart to my life taken

Like rain sweeping the seed off the asphalt

Like the current washing the seed onto the shore
Like the wind blowing the seed away from the forest
To the place
To that perfect meadow
Where all is in balance
So every hope, dream and desire
Can sprout and grow into its potential

If I can dream it
If I can visualize it
If I can work together with others
If I have faith
I will attain my goals

[Make an offering into your offering bowl. Use the main candle flame to set your scrape of paper on fire and place it in a fireproof dish to burn out. Meditate how to create balance in your life as the flames consume your issue.]

(I made the offering of the 3 apples, the two flowers, incense stick, and wine. Maybe that’s a bit much… but hey, it’s my first Druidic ritual, and I’m trying to make a good impression! 😀 )

[If you have any additional praises, divination or requests this is the time to do so. These can be any healing requests, offerings of poetry or individual prayers as well as statements of gratitude.]

(Here I did an Oracle reading on what this season would hold. I drew cards for mind, body, spirit, and potential to work with a grove. My cards were as follows: Mind = Self Reliance, Body = Laughter, Spirit = Love, Grove = Happily ever after. I also gave thanks for my blessing of meeting Julie (who has been an inspiration in my life by introducing me to archery, and affecting me in so many other wonderful ways!)

My prayers have been given but my path does not end here.

From this sacred space, I will continue to seek balance in my life.

Balance the individual with the community
Balance the preserving with the replacing
Balance the responsibility with play
Balance the should-s with the want-s

Balance the savings with the splurges

Balance the tears with the smiles

I will be open to the Shining Ones, my ancestors and the nature spirits whenever they come to show me the way. I am grateful for the gifts they have given me and will give in the future.

Thanking the Kindreds and Spirits

(I took this ending from another ritual in the Celtic section of ADF)

The gods have blessed us. With joy in our hearts, let us return to the realm of mortals to do both their will and ours. Every time we invoke them, they become stronger and more alert to the needs of the folk . But now comes the time when we must prepare to depart. So let us give thanks to those whom we have invited here.

Closing the Gates and Ending the Rite

By the keeper Ogma of the gates and by our magic we end what we
began. Let the fire be flame and the well be water and the ways
between be shut. Ogma, please let the gates be closed until next time.

We have done as our ancestors did and as our children will do and
the Gods have answered! Let us go out into the world secure in the
knowledge that our sacrifices have pleased the gods and that we go
forth under their protection. The ritual is at a close.

I now declare this Festival of the Fall Equinox ended in peace and love.

So Be It

(I beat my drum in three sets of three to mark the ending of the ritual)

~ ~ ~

I will now take my offerings outside, and place them at the base of my Poplar tree.

Well, that concludes my first ever Druidic ritual!

I must say, I’m feeling really great about it!

I don’t know if I did everything “by the book”, but it all felt really great!

RomanceRomance (love) – Romance is a general term that refers to an intimate and often sexual relationship between two people. →

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My Druidic Journey

Norse Twelve Nights of Yule

Here are some of the offerings I made on different nights:

Full Moon Ritual – Norse style

The Ritual

Full Moon and First Oath Ritual – ADF Celtic Style

Hallowing the Home Shrine Ritual

Samhain 2012

Full Moon Ritual – ADF style

Mabon – Fall Equinox – 2012

Outdwellers

Well, Fire, and Tree

Well

Fire

Tree

Thanking the Kindreds and Spirits

Closing the Gates and Ending the Rite

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