“A Voice at The Fire: Invitations To The Spirits” Workshop Outline

“A Voice at The Fire: Invitations To The Spirits”

Speaking Praise Offerings and Invitations to the Three Kindreds is a vital part of our practice as Druids and pagans. In this writing workshop learn to craft your own invitations to the Kindreds for use in your personal practice, or in small group ritual. We will work with descriptive language, poetic forms, and other literary devices when writing. The workshop will conclude with a short blessing ritual where each person will have the opportunity to take the invitation they have written, speak it before the fire and the spirits, and make offerings.

The full workshop may be viewed on the Three Cranes Grove, ADF YouTube Channel:

Workshop Notes:

Writing Invitations to the Kindreds

Invocation – Beings Within (think “Drawing Down” and “Horsing”)
Evocation – Beings Without (Inviting to be present at the ritual)

Memorize bookends & formulas if possible

Hey, you’re a god!

Here’s why you’re awesome!

We’re honoring you on this day.

Here’s your offering.

It’s appropriate to give to you for this celebration because Reasons.

Here’s how it is given to you and how you receive it.

Yay, god! Take your gift!

Types of Prayers:

Praise
Petitions
Love
Focus
Thanks
Forgiveness

Types of Rituals:

Solitary (1) -private
Small Group (2-10) – intimate; everyone knows what’s going on; everyone welcome to speak
Medium Group (11-30)– some may be unfamiliar with what is going on; most people still welcome to speak
Large Group (31+) – many may be unfamiliar with what is going on; speaking parts generally scripted; praise offerings welcomed, but perhaps not in verbal form
Extra Large Group (70+) – celebrants guiding/leading; may be the only ones who are speaking or know what’s going on; praise offerings sometimes welcomed, rarely in verbal form

Literary Devices & Descriptive Language:

Excellent book is Writing With Stardust by Liam O’Flynn

Active verbs
3×3 descriptions
epithets
extended metaphor
parallel structure

Write Your Own:

Activity

Short Devotional:

Full COoR; parts divided amongst participants

Summer Solstice: Honoring Anahita, the Mother of Waters

Ritual performed by Three Cranes Grove, ADF for a Grove-only Summer Solstice in 2016. All parts written by Rev. Jan Avende unless otherwise noted.

Lighting the Fire

Born in the Water and Kindled on the Land
Atar, Son of Ahura Mazda!
To the Fire, the Great Fire –
To you I call!

Worthy of Sacrifice you are! Worthy of Prayer!
Worthy of Sacrifice you’ll always be!
To the Fire, the Great Fire –
To you I call!

I come with fuel in hand,
with ghee in hand,
That you may be burning, ever burning, ever blazing.
To the Fire, the Great Fire –
To you I call!

Come to me, O Fire, Great Fire.
Through Asha, through right action,
Brighten this work and come to me here!
May you be provided with proper fuel! *fatwood*
May you be provided with proper incense! *incense*
May you be provided with proper nourishment! *ghee*

Atar, Great Fire,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Atar, accept this sacrifice. *offer fatwood, incense, & ghee*

Atar, accept this sacrifice.

Purification

Before we begin his rite, let us wash the mundane from our hands,
and become pure as clean, flowing water.

*Celebrants will wash hands in a bowl of water, and dry on a towel*

Now…
Look within yourself, and set aside those things that will not serve you in this rite.
Look within yourself, and strip away the disorder that clouds your vision.
Look within yourself, find the center of you, and come be welcome in this sacred space.

Outdwellers

Now, Children of Earth, we stand with Ahura Mazda,
against the Daevas who sought to destroy the order of our world.
All those who bring druj instead of asha,
chaos instead of order,
stand aside and leave us to our rite in peace!
Accept this as a token of peace between us,
and disturb us not in our rite.
Outdwellers, be at peace! *offer cream*

Outdwellers, be at peace!

Opening Prayer

The spirits of the sky are above us.
The spirits of the land are around us.
The spirits of the waters flow below us.
Surrounded by all the numinous beings of earth and sky and water,
Our hearts tied together as one,
Let us pray with a good fire. (~Three Cranes Grove, ADF Liturgy)

Purpose & Precedent

We have come together today for the Summer Solstice, when the sun stands at its highest in the sky, to honor the Kindreds on this holy day. As our Ancestors did before us, so we do now; and so may our children do in the future.

We come to honor Ardvi Sura Anahita, the Mother of Waters, Crowned by the Starry Heavens, who rides strong and bright today, pulled by four white horses in her chariot of gold. She who brings the life-giving waters in summer – for her brightness and her glory, we will offer her a sacrifice. So let us come together now, as one folk, and make our offerings in joy and reverence.

Honoring the Earth

The Children of the Earth call out to Zam,
to the Wide-Earth itself.
Within your mountainous reaches,
washed by the waters of the sea
You support all the living beings in your domain.
Integral to the cosmos,
You are the wheel to the chariot of the Heavens.
Home to the Son of the Waters,
in his bright and shining glory,
and home to us as well.
In your domain we are able to offer up sacrifices,
and so we make this first offering of leaf and grain to you.
Zam, bountiful Earth,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Zam, accept this sacrifice! *offer leaves and grain*

Zam, accept this sacrifice!

Calling for Inspiration

The Children of the Earth call out to Haoma!
Sweet scented and swiftly spreading,
you grow as we pray to your stems and branches!
We speak your praises that we may then
speak the praises of all the Bountiful Immortals!
Where your praise is sung in truth, you come
And so I praise you with my voice:
I praise the clouds that water you,
the rains that nourish you,
and the mountains where you grow.

O yellow one, granter of many blessings,
I make a claim on thee for inspiration!
Your healing liquors flow, inspiring of the pious.
We open ourselves now for the taste of you,
That our mouths be filled with your sweet nectar
inspiring us to strength and glory.
Let our words of praise flow out
like the freshly pressed juice of your being!

O Haoma, golden-hued, you who drive death afar,
we beseech thee, give us your vitality!
You are well-endowed, inherently good,
and beautiful in nature, with your bending sprouts.
We have sat long hours, searching many books
that you may give us knowledge and wisdom.
Haoma, sparkling, milk-white liquor,
for your brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice.
Haoma, accept this sacrifice! *offer incense*

Haoma, accept this sacrifice!

Attunement

Now, standing in our Nemeton, preparing to do the work ahead, let us take a moment to find our center, and attune ourselves to this space, and to each other. Take a moment to watch your breath, as it flows in and out, deep and regular… As we celebrate the Summer Solstice today, turn your attention to the sky where the bright sunlight is streaming down through the trees and you’re enveloped by the heat of the day. Close your eyes now, and allow your attention to be consumed for a moment with the feel of the light and the heat.

Then, notice, streaming down from the heavens, life-giving Waters. Watch with your Vision Eye as droplets fill the air, plunging down through the heat to splash into the Earth. The Earth, having been warmed by the Sun, takes in the Waters and their nourishment, and as the ground in quenched, arising from the soil, comes a mist. Watch with your Vision Eye as these mists arise. These are the Mists of Magic.

As the Mists rise into the air around you, into the heat, feel their cooling vapors caress your skin. As they continue to rise, notice how the sunlight filters through them. And as they crest above your eye level, notice how, all at once, the brilliant Summer Sun is refracted, and a multitude of colors pour out to bathe this space in its rainbow light.

Focus your attention now on those colors, born out of the Mists from mixing the Life-Giving Waters, the Deep Coolness of the Earth, and the Bright Fire in the Sky. Let the colors wash over you, and take their power and magic into yourself. The reds and pinks that are our life-blood and sexuality. The oranges and yellows that bring healing and light to our world. The greens and teals that exemplify nature and magic and art. The blues and purples that fill us with serenity and harmony, and connect our spirit to the world at large. Let this riot of colors, this brilliant diverse rainbow, wash over you as the Mists caress your skin, as you breathe in this magic.

And now, as the Mists sink back to the earth, to pool, swirling on the ground below as we prepare for the work ahead, see those colors merge again back into one. They become a brilliant white light, all colors merging into one unified glow. Expand your awareness now, and remember the people standing around you. Know that they too have been bathed in the colored mists, and are filled now with that white glow. Open your eyes, and see standing about you, your Grove. We are all filled with the Life-Giving Waters, the Cooling Power of the Mists rising from the Earth, and the Bright Sunlight. We stand, united in diversity, as one Sacred Grove.

“The waters support and surround us.
The land extends about us.
The sky stretches out above us.
At our center burns a living flame.
May all the Kindred bless us.
May our worship be true.
May our actions be just.
May our love be pure.
Blessings, honor, and worship to the holy ones.” (prayer: Ceisiwr Serith)

Recreate the Cosmos

Children of Earth, we now stand at the Center of World, with the Waters flowing about us, the Sky stretched above us, and the Land all about us. The Cosmos was not always in ordered in such a way though…

First the Sky came into being, a great dome arcing above. Then the Waters came, a deep pool below the Sky. Then the Earth was formed, stretching from edge to edge of the great sphere, dividing the Sky from the Waters. With the Land, Sea, and Sky in place, life began to form. First one plant: Gao-kerena, the Tree of Life; then one animal: Gav-aevodata: a Great Bull; and then one Man: Gaya Mareyan. Finally, at the last, came the Fire, burning hot and strong, permeating all the realms, igniting in all places, both seen and unseen.

Then the gods assembled, and through sacrifice created life and brought order to the world. They crushed the Tree, and hundreds upon hundreds of new plants sprang to life. They slaughtered the Bull, and animals of all forms sprang to life. They dismembered the Man, and humanity, in all its races and glory, sprang to life. Thus the vegetable, animal, and human realms were populated and Asha – order – was born.

Now in acknowledgement of those primordial sacrifices and to recreate and maintain that cosmic order of the world, so do we bring our own offerings to the Fire and the Water.

Sweet Milk and Leaves we bring for the Waters. *offer Milk and Leaves around the Well*
Let all the Waters flow through this Well,
And through us.
Sacred Waters, Flow within us!

Sacred Waters, Flow within us!

Sweet Incense and Fat we bring for the Fire. *offer Incense and Fat to the Fire*
Let this Fire be kindled in all Realms,
And in us.
Sacred Fire, Burn within us!

Sacred Fire, Burn within us!

Holding all the realms together,
Great Tree of Life, we acknowledge your Sacrifice.
You who stand on the Peaks-Above-the-Eagles,
You who are the Tree of All Seeds
Stand now connecting all Worlds, all Realms, all Life
Sacred Tree, Grow within us!

Sacred Tree, Grow within us!

Calling the Gatekeeper

Now, Children of Earth, with the Waters flowing through us, and the Fire burning within us, see those powers mix and mingle. It is out of that Fire and those Waters that the Mists of Magic are born. In your mind’s eye, let those mists, ethereal and formless, flow out from you and envelop the landscape. Take a moment to breath in those mists, and anchor yourself within this Ordered and Centered Cosmos.

And now, let those mists begin to roll back, to dissipate, revealing a waterway. The sound of the gentle lapping current greets your ears, and the scent of wet, flooded soil and fresh cut trees fills your nostrils. As you gaze out across the waterway, you see a natural dam stretching across the current. Twigs and logs carefully and firmly held together by layers of river mud.

The water beside the dam is calm and tranquil. Then, you notice ripples forming, traveling across the surface of the water, until you catch a glimpse of ears, then nostrils, then a small head cresting the surface, fur glistening with rivulets of waters running down its face.

The creature gracefully swims ashore, coming out of the water, broad flat tail swishing across the mud and it pads softly towards the underbrush. Then, just before reaching cover, it turns, and makes eye contact with you, rising up on it’s hind feet, carefully balanced with the aid of it’s tail.

This is Beaver. She is graceful, fierce, an ecosystem engineer and a builder of communities.

And now, the Children of the Earth call out to Beaver!
Your warm and glossy fur shining before our eyes.
You take the dry, dying lands of our world
and create a space for all creatures to live and thrive.
Builder of Communities, and Champion of Diversity,
We call to you!
You engineer a world, across all the realms,
Where spirits of all kinds are drawn in by your skill.
Hard-working and clever,
the communal space you nurture is our greatest boon.
Protecting your family and your space:
A welcoming lodge for us all.
Working on the Land, Swimming in the Water,
And floating between the realms,
You draw all creatures in from the edges,
bring all spirits to the Center.
Beaver, Community Builder,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Beaver, accept this sacrifice! *cattails & clover*

Beaver, accept this sacrifice!

Opening the Gates

And now, Beaver, mix your magic with mine
and aid me in Opening the Gates!

Let this well, filled with the waters flowing across the wide earth,
Join with the the Waters below and open as a Gate.
Our connections with the Ancestors deepen as the Gate is opened.

Let this fire, kindled upon the Land, smoke spiraling up to the Heavens
Join with the Fire there, and open as a Gate.
Our connections with the Shining Ones deepen as the Gate is opened.

Let this tree send it’s roots deep into the cosmic Waters Below,
and let it’s branches stretch ever upwards and reach for the Fire Above.
This Tree stands at the Sacred Center as a Crossroads between all Worlds,
Allowing our voices and our offerings to travel to all the Spirits

We stand here, connected at the Sacred Center
to all the realms of Land, Sea, and Sky.
Let the Gates be Open!

Let the Gates be Open!

Children of Earth, the Gates are open. Let naught but truth be spoken here.

We now turn our attention to the Kindreds and call first to the Ancestors.

Inviting the Ancestors

The Children of the Earth call out to the Fravashis,
Ancestors and guardian spirits!
You who traveled this world before us
and know its twists and turns.
So do you guide us as we walk this path.
Bountiful Fravashis, who are asha-sanctified.
Heroes and saints, descending to earth to stand by us,
you guard the souls of the living and the dead.
You souls who hold the ancient lore,
sharing its knowledge with those worthy next of kin;
You radiant and overwhelming beneficent spirits;
Grant us succor!
We bring you libations of sweet milk,
in homage and in praise.
Meet us at the boundaries
Be warmed by our Good Fire.
Fravashis, Ancestors, Guardian Spirits,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Fravashis, accept this sacrifice! *offer cream*

Fravashis, accept this sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your mind’s eye the Fravashis, the Ancestors, stepping out from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire. As their presence fills our awareness, we turn now to call forth the Spirits of Nature!

Inviting the Nature Spirits

The Children of the Earth call out to the the Yazata,
You Helping Spirits of the Natural World.
To the waters as they rush across the earth,
Springing up and flowing.
To the growing plants of plain and forest,
green and blooming in abundance.
To the heavens above, and all those that dwell there:
Stars and sun and moon.
Wind and rain.
All those lights without beginning or end.
To the creatures that live amongst us,
those that walk the earth, swim in the seas,
wing above, and roam the plains.
To those who dwell in the highest reaches of the mountains,
where snowy peaks are ever whitened,
To those who dwell in gorges and abysses,
where the brightness of the day may never reach.
All you helpings spirits of the Natural world,
Meet us at the boundaries
Be warmed by our Good Fire.
Yazata, Nature Spirits, Helpers & Guides,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Yazata, accept this sacrifice! *offer incense & leafy herbs*

Yazata, accept this sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your mind’s eye the Yazata, the Nature Spirits, stepping out from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire. As their presence fills our awareness, we turn now to call forth the Deities!

Inviting the Shining Ones

The Children of the Earth Call out to the Amesha Spentas!
Shining Ones! Life-giving and Bountiful Immortals!
We call out as praisers and priests,
invoking you as we speak of your glory
and sacrifice to your brightness.
To the Shining Gods and Goddesses
who preside over cattle and wealth,
over order and fire and devotion,
over the bountiful earth and the flowing waters.
You who are tall, fair of form, and self-sufficient.
Conquering the Daevas, you are ever-victorious,
Furthering the world and it’s order.
Blissfully filled with asha-endowed splendor,
you overflow with brilliant light.
Meet us at the boundaries
Be warmed by our Good Fire.
Amesha Spentas, Shining Ones, Bountiful Immortals,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Amesha Spentas, accept this sacrifice! *offer ghee & honey*

Amesha Spentas, accept this sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your mind’s eye the Amesha Spentas, the Shining Ones, stepping out from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire. As their presence fills our awareness, let us take a moment and welcome in our hearts and minds the Three Kindreds who join us here today in our celebration of the Summer Solstice.
Have the folk brought praise for the Three Kindreds?

We have!

Then, for their brightness and their glory, bring it forth now: speak your praises and make your offerings!

Three Kindred Praise Offerings

*folk make offerings. remember to teach them the phrase: “__________, for your brightness and your glory, I offer you a sacrifice”*

Inviting the DotO: Ardvi Sura Anahita

Surrounded now by all the Kindreds, we call out especially on this day to the Mother of the Waters.

The Children of the Earth call out to Ardvi Sura Anahita!
Strong, bright, and beautiful,
Your graceful and flowing form sends down,
both day and night,
Waters that run powerfully all along the earth.
You hold as much Glory as the whole of the Waters.

Sweet Maiden, Mother of Waters,
Pure and glowing with radiance,
You stand in statuesque stillness,
Holding the baresma in hand,
Crowned in the gold of a hundred stars
that shine brilliantly down in eight pure rays.
Clothed in garments of the finest beavers,
worked till their skins shine to the eye
With a full sheen of silver and gold.
All the Waters of the Earth belong to you,
A thousand lakes, and rivers and streams.
Mantled in gold, the wide-expanding Waters,
Worthy of Sacrifice. Worthy of Prayer.
For whom Ahura Mazda made four horses,
Wind, and Rain, and Cloud, and Sleet.
Increasing all things, righteous and victorious.
Crushing down the hates of all haters,
Defeating the Daevas and their ilk.
Your strength and your glory are far-reaching,
Purifying the essence of us all.

O Ardvi Sura Anahita!
come down from those stars,
towards the earth made by Ahura,
towards the sacrificing priest,
Meet us at the boundaries
Be warmed by our Good Fire.
Anahita, Mother of Waters,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Anahita, accept this sacrifice! *offer ghee & honey & herbs*

Anahita, accept this sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your mind’s eye Ardvi Sura Anahita, the Mother of Waters, flowing out from the mists, radiant and stately, come down from the stars above to join us here at our sacred fire, in our celebration of the Summer Solstice.

Have the Folk brought praise for Anahita?

We have!

Then, for her brightness and her glory, bring it forth now: speak your praises and make your offerings!

DotO Praise Offerings

*folk make offerings. remember to teach them the phrase: “__________, for your brightness and your glory, I offer you a sacrifice”*

Prayer of Sacrifice

Children of Earth, we have given of ourselves
in words of praise and in sweet offerings,
and we now seek to speak once more
to all those spirits here gathered,
that they may receive our love,
for they are worthy of sacrifice and worthy of prayer.

Let our voices arise on the Fire,
Let our voices resound in the Well,
Let our voices travel across all the realms,
and pass the boundary into the Otherworld.
Anahita, Kindreds All,
for you brightness and your glory,
we offer you a sacrifice!
Anahita, Kindreds All, accept this sacrifice!

Anahita, Kindreds All, accept this sacrifice!

Omen (water scry)

*the divination cup (Cup of Yima) is a abalone shell filled with Waters, which can then be added to the pitcher for the Return Flow*

(Priest speaks) We have made offerings for the brightness and the glory of those spirits called to our Fire. It is time now that we seek an omen to see if our offerings were accepted and what we may receive in return. Seer, gaze now, deep into this vessel and see where the whole world is reflected in its depths. See the mists of magic flow in from the edge of our fire, and see them pool within the vessel. Let the Vision fill your Sight. Seer, gaze now and speak to us of the worthiness of our offerings, and what we may receive in return for them.

*seer scrys and speaks*

Return Flow

Calling for the Waters

Having given of ourselves, and received wisdom and blessings in return,
we now seek to take of those blessings
to enrich ourselves for the work that is to come.
We seek to fill ourselves with these blessings
so that we may be thusly imbued with the sacred powers
and bring that magic and wisdom into our community and into the world.

Ardvi Sura Anahita is the Mother of Waters,
She grants the ever-flowing, life-giving Waters to all beings,
sending them down, both day and night,
to increase and purify and bless
All the beings of the Earth.

All Waters are by their very nature sacred,
We take these Waters now, in which our blessing was seen,
And set them aside for our use,
Mix them and mingle them into our Cup of Blessing,
*pour the Cup of Yima into the pitcher*
That we may take these sacred waters into our hearts and our minds.
Anahita, give us the Waters!

Anahita, Give us the Waters!

We call to these Waters as they run powerfully along the Earth,
drawing them forth, to sparkle in the air about us,
That we may feel their cool mist surround us,
And quench our thirst in the Summer’s heat with their blessings!
Anahita, give us the Waters!

Anahita, Give us the Waters!

We open our hearts and our minds to the blessings we have been given.
As we stand amongst the Kindreds and our Folk,
United with all the Powers of the Worlds.
Anahita, give us the Waters!

Anahita, Give us the Waters!

Hallowing the Waters

Let the brightness of the Shining, Bountiful Immortals
reflect in these waters the omens we have received.

Let the light pass through these Waters,
and refract into the multitude of blessings we receive.
Let the blessings in these Waters grow in strength,
and shine with the brilliant power akin to this Summer Solstice Sun.

When we share these Waters
We share our own wisdom and love.
We prepare to do the good work of the Kindreds in the world.

Shining and Bountiful Immortals, we rejoice in your gifts.
Bless our spirits and our lives with your magic and bounty.
Behold, the Waters of Life!

Behold, the Waters of Life!

Receiving the Blessing

Children of Earth, before us is the Cup of Blessing.
Do you wish to share in these blessings?

We do!

Then, as these Waters are poured out,
know that they contain the blessings of the Kindreds.
As we sing, reflect on how these blessings will fill you
and shine out in your life and our community.

*waters are passed and quaffed*

“Power of the Spirits” (~Ian Corrigan)
Power of the Spirits
Flowing through me
Power of the Spirits
Shining in me
Power of the Spirits
Growing with me

Now, having taken the Waters of Life into ourselves,
feel them within you, and know that you are blessed.
So be it!

So be it!

And now, having made offerings, and received gifts in return, it is appropriate that we thank those who we have called.

Thanking the DotO (Anahita)

Ardvi Sura Anahita, Mother of Waters,
Crowned in a hundred stars and glowing with radiance,
You have shared your the flowing sweetness of yourself with us today.
You are worthy of Sacrifice; worthy of prayer.
Righteous and victorious, crushing down the hates of all haters,
You came down from the stars, sharing your abundance,
Purifying the essence of us all.
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Anahita, Mother of Waters, we thank you!

Anahita, Mother of Waters, we thank you!

Thanking the Shining Ones

Amesha Spentas! Shining Ones! Life-giving and Bountiful Immortals!
Victorious ones who preside over cattle and wealth,
over order and fire and devotion,
over the bountiful earth and the flowing waters.
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Amesha Spentas, Shining Ones, we thank you!

Amesha Spentas, Shining Ones, we thank you!

Thanking the Nature Spirits

Yazata, Helping Spirits of the Natural World.
Flowing waters and growing plants.
Stars and sun and moon. Wind and rain.
All the creatures that live amongst us,
from highest peak to deepest abyss.
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Yazata, Nature Spirits, we thank you!

Yazata, Nature Spirits, we thank you!

Thanking the Ancestors

Fravashis, Ancestors and guardian spirits!
You who traveled this world before us,
who guard the souls of the living and the dead.
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Fravashis, Ancestors, we thank you!

Fravashis, Ancestors, we thank you!

Thanking the Gatekeeper

Beaver, Community Builder, Champion of Diversity,
You have aided us in the work of connecting the realms today,
drawing all creatures out from the edges and us to the Center.
You who work on the Land, swim in the Water,
And float between the realms:
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Beaver, we thank you!

Beaver, we thank you!

Closing the Gates

And now, Beaver, we ask for your help in one final task today:
To aid us in Closing the Gates.

Let these Waters, which have flowed across the wide earth,
Draw back up into this vessel here,
No longer a Gate opening to the many ways.

Let this Fire, which was kindled upon the Land, smoke spiraling up to the Heavens
Draw back down to this flame here,
No longer a Gate opening to the many ways.

Let this Tree draw it’s roots back from the cosmic Waters Below,
and draw it’s branches back from the Fire Above,
No longer standing as the Axis Mundi connecting the Worlds.

Let the Gates be Closed!

Let the Gates be Closed!

Children of Earth, the Gates are closed. Let all be as it was before, save for the magic we have done and the blessings we’ve received.

Thanking Inspiration

Haoma, sparkling, milk-white liquor,
You have granted us many blessings today,
Filled our mouths with your sweetness,
inspiring us to strength and glory.
Our words of praise have flowed
like the freshly pressed juice of your being!
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Haoma, Inspiration, we thank you!

Haoma, Inspiration, we thank you!

Thanking the Earth

Zam, Bounitful and Wide-Earth.
In your domain we are able to offer up sacrifices,
You are Integral to the cosmos,
The wheel to the chariot of the Heavens.
Home to the Son of the Waters, and Home to us as well.
You have supported us, and all beings throughout this rite,
As you always do.
Your brightness and your glory have brought joy and blessings to us today.
For all you have done, and all you may do in the future,
Zam, Bountiful Earth, we thank you!

Zam, Bountiful Earth, we thank you!

Closing Statements

Children of Earth, this is good work we have done today, honoring Anahita, the Mother of Waters, and celebrating the Summer Solstice. Remember the blessings you have received today, and carry them forth into your lives and into the world. Go now in peace – this rite is ended!

I am an Initiate. This is what I do.

It happens fairly often now, where someone asks what my personal practice looks like. Normally I respond in the general: well, here’s what I typically do each day or so. I describe my home hearth practice. And it occurs to me now, that I don’t often talk about what my practice as an Initiate looks like. Or what my practice as a Priest looks like. Or what the dove-tail looks like in my practice as an Initiate-Priest. And not only am I not talking about it, I realized with some of the current discussion going on about The Spirit of ADF, no one appears to have talked about it much.

When you apply for entrance into these programs, you’re asked to respond to things like “What does being an Initiate mean to you?”, “Why do you want to be an ADF Priest?”, and “What form do you think your vocation will take?” in your intention letters and vocational statements. You’re asked to talk about what these things are without having been there yet. And that is incredibly difficult. If you’d like to read mine, you can find them here: Initiate Intention Letter, Clergy Intention Letter, and Vocational Statement. It is interesting that my Initiate Intention Letter still rings true for me. Now having undergone the Ordeals and been tapped in to the Current, my Path was brightened and focused, but the root of it hasn’t wavered.

I know when I was an Initiate Candidate, I had no idea what Initiate Work looked like. And even with several ADF Grove Priests in my Grove, when I was working through our Clergy Training Program, I had no idea what the personal Work of a Priest looked like. Now, the obvious caveat here is that this experience will vary from initiate to initiate (especially) and priest to priest. That’s part of the beautiful diversity of our organization. But, we do have some commonalities, and I’d like to talk about them without getting into the Mystery of each specific Order.

So, as an Initiate, what do I do? I’d like to start by talking about my Initiate Oath. Each Initiate makes an Oath following third, and final Ordeal, that completes their initiation. It is book ended the same for each Initiate “I come from the Fire at the Center of Worlds… And with these tools I shall lead others to the Flame.” We each fill in the middle of that Oreo cookie with imagery regarding the tools we gained. Here is my full oath:

I come from the fire at the center of worlds,
Where the burning stars fall from the heavens to the seas.
Mists to open. Mists to bind.
Where the oak tree stands upon the mound.
Mists to open. Mists to bind.
Where the fire rages amongst the storm of lights and rain.
Mists to open. Mists to bind.
Where the stranger in the darkness stands as guide.
Mists to open. Mists to bind.
Where the heartbeat of the Mother ignites the fire within.
Mists to open. Mists to bind.
With these tools I shall lead others to the flame.

So, in the external work that I do, I am focusing on bringing others to the Flame. That is the guiding statement for almost all of my work as an Initiate. To me, this means that not only am I doing what I can to be a mentor to folks within our organization in general, wherever they may be on their path, but I am also specifically focusing on those who have expressed and interest in becoming Initiate’s themselves. I have focused heavily on making sure that the path to Initiation is accessible to all who wish to walk it. While it falls much more in the mundane realm of things, and not in the spirit worker realm, one of the things I did, that I think has had the most benefit thus far, is I fleshed out and built a fully structured syllabus and class that guides the beginning Candidate through all the required coursework and offers supplemental activities to make the work more enjoyable, more fulfilling, and ensure that the Candidate is as prepared as possible for the Three Ordeals they must undergo for Initiation.

“That’s great,” you say, “but what does being an Initiate in your actual spiritual practice look like? What do you do? What is an Initiate?”

I’m glad you asked! 😉 As an Initiate, I see myself as a Spirit Worker within an ADF context. This means, that first and foremost, I work with the Current. What is the Current you ask? Well, here is an article that describes it’s establishment: https://www.adf.org/articles/working/initiatory-current.html Notably, what is mentioned in the article is that at the culmination of a Candidate’s training, they will undergo a ritual of initiation that will tap them into a spiritual Current that unifies all ADF Initiates and that they would be able to use as the “juice” for their Work. Because it was also an ADF Unity Rite, all of ADF was also joined into this work. The Current is described as “flowing through ADF.”

I had just joined ADF when the Current was established, and was not there for that rite. I came after, so I can only speak to what I know about it from my own experience and what I’ve learned about it along the way from my own Initiation and from the spirit work that has followed. For me, the Current is the energy of the organization itself, and of the other Initiates who have been tapped in to this Current. It is a source of power for magic, divination, and trance journeying. It is a connection to other Initiates. Each Initiate sees it and works with it in a different way. For me it most closely resembles the Mists of Magic that flow in the liminal spaces between the worlds. It is referenced in my oath when I say “Mists to open. Mists to bind.” I weave the Mist of the Current into my magic. I let it flow through me when I do divination. It flows all about me and through me when I do trance work, and I use it as a tool to aid me in my journeys. The Current is an integral part of my practice as an Initiate.

So, in my regular practice, what do I do as an Initiate? I do Initiate-specific trance work, and make the attempt to do this a couple a times a week, though like most things, it ebbs and flows with what is going on in my life. Since beginning the Initiate Work, my delineation between trance, magic, and divination has blurred. They each tend to feed into the other. My trance work contains bits of magic and divination. When I do magic or divination, I am certainly in a trance state.

So, this Initiate trance work for me generally takes the form of me traveling out from my Inner Grove with my spirit allies, and doing other spirit work, which may or may not include magic or divination. Sometimes I go to places I know, sometimes I go to new places. I seek new spirits who desire to work with me, or who may be beneficial in my own work. If I am doing helping work, I may seek out a spirit who can help me with that. If I’m doing bardic work, I may seek out inspiration in the Otherworld.

I seek tools that will help me as I journey. Do I need a way to bring the light of the Fire with me wherever I go (literally and metaphorically)? Then I will seek that out. I seek advice from spirits I know. How should I approach this problem? What direction should I focus my creative efforts? I explore symbols and sigils in the Otherworld. One of the cool things I’ve done and have just started writing up is I have journeyed focused on each symbol within the Greek Alphabet Oracle, and deepened my connection to the symbol set, finding new and more nuanced meanings for interpretation. Each symbol has a location and vision in the Otherworld. I occasionally engage in tandem-trance, where I journey with other Initiates (whether we are physically present in the same space or not) and we exchange experiences and visions. This allows us to build our Otherworld maps, and find the places where they overlap. We can meet the spirits that another has met, and begin working with them independently.

Like most of the work I do as an ADF Druid in general, my goal with my trance work is to deepen my relationships with the Kindreds, and as an Initiate, it often becomes experimental. I use my experience, knowledge, and devotion to gather around me powers that help me further the deeper work of trance, magic, and divination. This in turn deepens my practice further and as I find things that work for me, I share that with others so that more can benefit from it. Sometimes this means introducing people to new spirits I’ve met. Sometimes it means sharing new ideas for divination with others. Trying them out in this world, rather than the Otherworld. Sometimes it’s writing a song, or prayer, or piece of poetry that will help others connect to Our Druidry in a way they hadn’t before.

All of this to me is leading others to the flame with the tools that I have gained as an Initiate. This post ended up longer than I anticipated, so I’ll post what I do as Clergy in a later one.

Ardvi Sura Anahita, Mother of Waters

Let’s Talk Vocation: Mentoring

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise to anyone who knows me that part of my Vocation, part of my Call, is mentoring. That thread of passion has woven it’s way through many aspects of my life, from coaching to college organizations to my professional life in teaching and into my role as an Initiate and a Priest. Being a mentor can be a tough job, but it is immensely rewarding work for me. It is one of the things that drives me.

I want to be helpful to others, to aid them in their growth, and to give them the tools and skills they need to do the work they want to do. In a way, I want to put myself out of job, though I know that new people, new mentees, will continue to come along. But there is great joy and a sense of accomplishment, in seeing a mentee reach a point where you can step back because they no longer need you.

As mentors, we seek to help our mentees feel welcomed, valued, and part of their own learning process. We walk alongside them, providing support and insight, and encouraging reflection, risk-taking, and confidence in their growing skills. The mentorship relationship will grow and change with time, and that is a good thing. The way that relationship between mentor and mentee develops allows for learning to flow back and forth, and for a guided, yet organic, method of growth to occur.

When I mentor someone I talk with them. I prod them when they need it. I’m a sounding board. They are the team leader and I’m their point person, their support person. When they need something I can’t do, or I don’t know, I find them that resource, or that other person that does know something more, or even different than me, and I make that connection.

When you’re a mentor, you’re in it for the long game, and certainly not for any sense of immediate glory. You start with your mentee, where ever they may be along their path, and you walk with them. Within many organizations, there is this push as a mentor to get your mentee over the threshold of whatever it is that you’re mentoring them for. Whether you’re mentoring them as a prospective leader of your organization, as a student teacher, or as an aspiring priest. The push is to get them to that new position. To get them to and through that Rite of Passage.

But that isn’t enough. It isn’t good enough for the mentor to lead that person, their mentee, up to the threshold of this new position in their life, and then shove them over it. Especially when there may or may not be someone on the other side to catch them, and reintegrate them back into their organization, or society, or church as a person with this new role. When you go through a transition, a Rite of Passage, there is a state of liminality that occurs. And after the state of liminality there is a state of communitas, of being part of the community.

Part of the role of a mentor, and especially for me with how I view my role as an Initiate, is to walk with that person up to the threshold, through the liminal space and time with them, and be there for them on the other side as well, to help them adjust to their new role.

I’ve had some great mentors, especially as I’ve entered the ADF Priesthood. They’ve encouraged me and given me the opportunity to grow and learn and take chances. They’ve been there for me when I struggle, and cheered me one when I’ve succeeded. The best have also been the ones that walked with me at the beginning of my path, and have continued to walk with me at each successive step along the way. These mentors, they’ve helped me navigate these waters and come to grips with my Vocation, my Calling. They’ve become my peers.

So, what are some dispositions and qualities that good mentors have? What does being a good mentor look like? What does a good mentor do, especially internally? Here are some ideas:

Leaders are Always Growing

This is excerpted from my Leadership Development course, and refers to what I see as my own strengths and weaknesses as a leader, particularly as a leader within ADF.

When considering how I fit within the context of leadership in ADF, especially as it pertains to the organization as a whole and its members, I think I am strongest in Strategy, Shared Values, and Strengths/Skills. I have ideas how to keep moving us forward as a religion, and work to implement them, especially on a local level, with my peers. I identify strongly with ADFs Shared Values as stated in our Mission and Vision statements, and work to align my personal work with those shared values. I think the greatest strength of our church is our individual members. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and we can grow stronger as an organization by using these skills and making sure all feel like valued and contributing members.

I still have a lot I think I can improve on in Staff, Systems, and Style, as it relates to leadership. Because Staff refers to the people within an organization, and the general skill sets that they all have, I think that, although I am a people-person, this is someone that every one of us can continually improve on. I’ve been trying to make a point of making myself available to people who don’t have a local community. I spend time following and engaging in conversations with folks who I’m unfamiliar with, especially when they are seeking help, advice, or just other like-minded people practicing Druidry. I also do my best to make it to rituals at others groves, and to festivals, though I recognize that they are only a very small percentage of our membership, and so it must be coupled with distance communication with solitary and faraway members.

Because I believe our greatest strength as an organization is the people who are in it, I think it’s absolutely vital to continually get to know those people, and make sure that they have the opportunity to become familiar with me, and know that I’m someone they can reach out to at any point without fear of awkwardness or judgment. I love discussing Our Druidry with people, so I want continue to learn about the individuals of our membership: what their path is looking like, where they want to go, how to help them get there, what they’re carrying with them (skills, knowledge, burdens) on the journey. I’m an extrovert most of the time, but prefer in depth one on one conversations, so in order to improve this particular Leadership Skill I need to be cognizant of my inclination to want to continue long in depth conversations with people I know, and be able and willing to step outside that comfort zone and make myself available to others.

As far as improving Systems, I think there is a lot to be done as far as the organization itself is concerned to improve these, and I have ideas on how to help. I can improve this by continuing to follow my vocation and drive, and work on not sitting quietly, but instead taking a more active role in the changes that can and are happening. I see our study programs continuing to grow and evolve as we get more members, and more specialized knowledge. I see those study courses each having a rubric, both to help the student as they’re writing, and to help the reviewer as they are evaluating. Most of all, I see more active work happening as far as creation of useful materials for members, especially solitaries. The more practical and supplemental help we can provide for those walking the path of Our Druidry, like prayers, ritual scripts, meditations, tools, and other ideas, the better. The focus here is on contributing more towards improving the Systems that allow each individual member to more fully and accessibly experience Our Druidry.

Because I tend to be rather quiet (indirect and reserved) in many situations within ADF, in order to improve my leadership Style, what I need to work on most here is navigating when to flex that style. I need to work on flexing from indirect to direct so that my voice gets heard and taken seriously amongst all the other loud, forceful, and passionate voices. I also need to work on allowing my outgoing side to take precedence more often in non-in-person scenarios. It isn’t often a problem when I am with other people and conversing in-person. However, since due to the small and spread out nature of our organization, online and other distance communications are more regularly used, and in those situations I tend towards reserved. So working on being more outgoing when communicating over distance is another area of focused improvement for this.

What Makes a Good Leader in ADF?

This is excerpted from my Leadership Development course, which, as a whole, I found fascinating and useful in many different parts of my life.

When I think of leadership, the image that is in the forefront of my mind is the one where the leader is reaching down to pull others up the mountain. I think, above anything else, our job as leaders is ensure that we have a healthy community. There are many other things that go into it, of course, but you can’t be a leader of none. Leadership is service, especially in the context of an ADF Priest.

boss-leader-difference-climbing-a-mountain (“Boss Leader”)

Some of the qualities and skills that go into being a good leader are a strong focus on introspection and self-reflection, being aware of and knowledgeable about your community and members, and assuming positive intent.

When talking about introspection and self-reflection begin integral to leadership, there are many reasons why. When we work understand ourselves, we are able to not only engage in self-care, but are also better able to understand others. Self-reflection is important when dealing with potential burnout in yourself. You need to know when you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, and allow yourself a time out to kindle your own flame. You must keep your own flame bright, or you cannot show others it’s light.

You need self-reflection as well because you need to be aware that your words and your actions have weight, and you must be careful how you use that weight and influence. If others view you as a leader, then they are more likely to ascribe more weight to your words.

Introspection and self-reflection also allow you to continue to expand your worldview, and reach an understanding with multiple viewpoints. Be engaging in introspection, you can allow your views to continually change as needed to be adaptable to the situations at hand. You are better equipped to remain nonjudgmental in the face of adversity. You are more able to be as Teutates, the Gentle Gardener and Tender of the Tribe, and help new, innovative, and strong ideas to blossom and grow.

As a leader, you must be aware or your staff and their skill sets. This is a two-fold need for leaders. Not only does it allow you to know whom you can lean on for support, especially if you are pushing up against burnout, but it also means that you know the potential of the future. You will know who, and how, to build up and encourage those skilled individuals towards leadership.

Last, but certainly not least, it is important for leaders to assume positive intent, not nefarious motivations, in others. Oftentimes leaders are so passionate about their work that they get caught up in the details of the process, and can sometimes lose sight of the vision, of the bigger picture. It is vitally important for the health of the team and the larger community that the leader assumes we are all working towards the same bright vision, and though we may have different ideas on how to achieve it, each person is honestly doing their best.

Things No One Told You About Being a Priest

There are a lot of things about being a priest that aren’t in any of the training, and that you really only learn or experience once you’re on that path. This is an ever-evolving list of things that have surprised me, that I’ve learned and experienced, and that I’ve reflected on since becoming clergy. They’re not really organized in any particular order. Perhaps at some point I’ll organize them, or write more deeply about some of them. I have bolded a few of the more important ones, or at least the ones that I keep coming back to.

If you are thinking about the clergy path, or are already on it (at whatever point in your journey you may be), please, feel free to reach out to me. I know that I process best when I have conversations with others, and like talking about these issues. So, no need to feel shy about it. Reflecting like this is part of growing and learning.

Clergy work is lonely. Intensely lonely. That wall of loneliness that kind of creeps up around you, even in places you didn’t think would have it. You slowly shift towards a more introverted personality style.
People you’ve known for a long while and the change in the way they react to and interact with you.
The expectation (however well founded it may be) that you’ll raise your children pagan
The assumption and expectation that you prefer the term Priestess, when in fact Priest feels much more comfortable
The comments made (both from insiders and outsiders) that you control how your congregation acts and thinks (what the hell?!)
My stole is heavy. In a way that I can feel when I put it on.
Getting asked if the reason you don’t drink (or don’t drink often) is because you’re a priest. (And being grumpy that the very fact that that person thought to ask and make a judgement based on that means that the answer is partially yes)
The ownership that others think you have over rituals and liturgy (though I’ve experienced this from both sides, actually)
I answer my phone more often now.
Being lumped in with all ADF clergy, and occasionally with all pagan clergy in general
I’ve been both pleasantly surprised (and disgusted) that none of the folk and only other clergy have made mention of my being (too) young.
Sometimes feeling as though I’m resented for now having the “Rev” title
The hundreds of small sacrifices of family and friend time you make. How the responsibilities eat their way in small but noticeable ways.
Community members will come to you and say something along the lines of “if/when I die, I’ve given my Significant Other your contact information and told them I want you to perform my funeral.”
Being asked “will you make sure (the rest of) my offering gets burned?” or “I can’t be there, can you make an offering for me?”
Being asked if you will provide personalized training for someone.
Having your extrovert-priest-self mistaken for personal social self, and folks getting upset when you’re less social with them: aka: taking it personally when you’re not actually their best friend, but rather are just kind and personable with most everyone
There are no books written for pagan clergy to help with a lot of the issues we seem to encounter
I am less confident in my liturgical & ritual skills now than I was before ordination. These higher expectations (real & imagined) that I now have to live up to. And the trust (from the folk) that I will live up to it. Like there wasn’t as much riding on success vs failure before. There is this trust that I won’t mess something up, that things will go as planned, that folks will get the feels they want to feel from a rite/from me.
women as clergy and the issues that brings
- raising a family while a priest
- books for spouses of female clergy
see also: being a non-binary clergy member. talk about Zero Resources
how to navigate the larger religious world without an M.Div./chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, military, etc)
As female clergy, if a request from the folk involves kids: congratulations, it’s probably you who’s getting the call. Whether it’s baby blessing, mother blessing, child’s rite of passage, pregnancy, miscarriage, or stillbirth funeral.
(6 months in) I’ve now done more funerals/memorials since having my stole than I have anything else…. including high day rites… I hope it balances out…
The fact that all the training does not actually seem to prepare you for the day to day bits of being a priest. You can cite facts and procedures, but the actual doing and priesting, the interactions wth your folk, and the Work. None of that is covered in the training, so you better have been doing the work before hand or you’ll feel like you’re drowning.
Having your Significant Other mention how you’re now working two jobs (you day job and your job as a priest) and realizing they’re right. (Or three, or four…)
Having to really step up your game for setting boundaries, time management, and saying no.
The feeling of nervousness the first time another priest asks you to do something big ritual-wise for them like a rite of passage.
The drive to be constantly creating materials that others can use on their path. How very much of your life and your vocation can be defined and focused by your oath(s): serve the folk & lead others to the flame.
feeling so incredibly lucky that I have a local priest as a friend and mentor.
I’m tired of writing liturgy for funerals. (But I’m glad I can and am someone my Folk feel like they can come to for that). The mix of emotions there is complex and odd.
It’s our own practice that lets us keep our center and be able to do the hard stuff. “Keep your own flame bright, or you cannot show others its light.”
Occasionally getting grilled on my knowledge of liturgy, lore, and other religious things. It feels like when you say you’re a gamer, and suddenly everyone has to ask you all these obscure questions to make you “prove” that you are, only in this case its with religion and having to prove knowledge of lore, theology, and personal devotion and practice.
When people you’ve known for quite a while, certainly longer than you’ve been a priest, ask for (leadership) advice, starting with the phrase “so, because you’re trained for this…”
The first time you get paid for doing clergy work
Who is the priest for the priest? I guess we must serve each other. And allow our folk to support us when other clergy cannot.
I think tonight (Imbolc 2016) may be the very first time I’ve truly (like actually truly in totality) felt the “you’re /my/ priest” from the clergy side of the equation. Like people feel like I’m /their/ priest. I… It’s kinda weird. Its heavy. There’s stuff I could mess up, really mess up, on all kinds of levels.
Something about being out here outside the building where we’ve held ritual, lighting a sacred fire and burning all the offerings after a ritual while most others are socializing at the potluck, people come to talk to you. About all kinds of stuff. Lots of “….Do you have a minute?”
conversations with people who are considering becoming clergy. I didn’t think I’d be talking to anyone this soon about their vocation, their ministry, their Why they want to do the priest thing… Which kind of ties into the “I figured anyone who would have those questions would want to talk to Michael” The “wait, what? What do you mean I’m /your/ priest?”
When you’re doing introductions to new folks and you think it just means names, so you say “Hi, I’m ___.” And then several others in your grove add on “she’s one of our priests.”
- You can call yourself whatever you want, it’s what others call you that matters
encouraging folk who have been told they were doing something wrong with their practice that they in fact are doing exactly what they need to if it working for them. And don’t they dare let anyone tell them they’re practicing their devotion wrong.
The (mostly unspoken) expectation that you will be totally mentally stable all the time. And finding that when you are going through crisis your own support network is way way way smaller. For the most part the laity don’t want to feel like you’re not stable, and the other clergy don’t think you’re capable of representing them well if you’re in crisis (and some didn’t think you could handle it emotionally anyways…)
You are more likely to discover which people consider you their Priest in times of tragedy than in times of joy.
When you go to a social gathering that you thought was going to be mostly people who didn’t know you as Priest, and then the awkwardness that happens when there are people there who only know you as Priest.
having atheist friends and acquaintances come to you for advice/counsel because they’ve been watching the clergy work you’ve been doing from the sidelines.
Remembering the real Work always helps. Love the Earth. Serve the Folk. Honor the Gods. Following that drive and passion and vocation will renew your drive and passion and vocation
Doing a ritual for the first time with nearly all new grove members, and the awkwardness that they expect you to handle most of ritual, and they don’t seem to want to speak at all. They trust you.
Having in depth conversations with folks about their spirituality, and knowing that you’ve made a difference for them.
The sheer number of conversations with my folk that now begin with “So you’re a priest…” and then request advice, or knowledge, or even just listening.
Conversations with people facing death never go how you expect them to.
How attached I am to my “sacred tuft” (the spot where the hair I cut at ordination is growing back in)
(Spring Equinox 2016) Going through pictures from our recent rites, I finally don’t feel like I look weird with my stole on.
The joy you experience having in-depth conversations about liturgy, ritual mechanics, and the magic of the Work.
Being more nervous leading rituals now that you are a priest than you ever were before you were ordained.
Leading a ritual where a large number of new folks got up to do parts (or old members doing new parts) for the first time, and being so proud of how well they did and how well the energy was raised and the ritual flowed. Seeing folks you’ve had a part in mentoring grow into their roles and blossom in their own Work.
Never having really liked that some people use the title of Rev. for power or influence, and being pleasantly surprised at how that title has aided me immensely in the Work I was already doing serving my Folk.
Being the Priest for another Priest. The first time that relationship flips with someone who has always been a counselor and priest to you, and you are the one being counselor and priest.
training becomes ongoing, self-directed, and on the job
relationships – congregational disapproval, stresses of work
leadership roles become intrinsic or more visible
lifestyle balance becomes important – engage in your hobbies; have other circles of friends
No one wrote us any books for this
Who counsels the counselor?importance of having someone to go to – spouse, another clergy person
- internal counselor
Clergy always held to a higher standard
you don’t get to pick your congregation
confidentiality is hard, especially for small congregations
job apps don’t seek this kind of experience
It’s a business: Planning – all important
- income/expenses: holy spreadsheets batman, all the tracking that goes into this for taxes and personal resource management and boundaries
- product packaging: I’m skilled at doing lots of things, but how do I let others know that without coming off as arrogant?
sometimes people leave
sometimes you are disappointed
sometimes they expect you to fix problems that they won’t tell you what they are
pressure to “act like clergy”
- pray about problems/don’t drink
- avoid depression
- humility
- temper
- sexual morality
Not all skittles and beer: some stuff is just really fucking hard to deal with
- funerals
- executions (prison ministry)
- trauma
spouses and second-class-ness. There’s definitely nothing out there to help a male spouse deal with the all the issues that come along with being “a pastor’s wife”
Boundary issues:
- What hat am I wearing when I interact with you? Am I your friend? Your priest? a concerned acquaintance? Your mentor? Your teacher? Some combination of all those…
- clergy 24/7? Can I call at 2am?
- What is personal property and church property?
- - Clergy home? – used for church functions…
- - Clergy person? – when is he accessible?
You are the one who gets to make the final decision, often day-of, about whether or not a ritual is inside or outside, and have to consider safety and accessibility for your entire congregation when making this decision.
Sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. Don’t be afraid to ask “Do you want me to help problem-solve, or do you want me to just be with you in this place, in these feelings right now?”
The title of Reverend is like a chainsaw: a very useful tool in very specific circumstances, but bulky and dangerous the rest of the time. (h/t Rob Henderson)
when you shift to doing more priestwork, and would really like to be paid for it on an ongoing/regular basis, but guilt/overculture makes that hard to talk about. Jobs that are designed to help others (nursing, teaching, priesting, therapists) deserve fair pay just as much as others, and it sucks that they’re undervalued. And it sucks that the pagan community at large is against paying priests.
Growing close to members of your grove and community, but always being aware that there may end up being a line between them and you. Being aware that sometimes there is a wall (about what you can share, what you can do, whatever), and being very careful about knowing when to let that wall down.

The *ghosti of Our Own Druidry

Five Gifts

Reciprocity is an essential component to walking the path of Our Own Druidry. This is familiar to many of us in the context of ritual: we give gifts to the Spirits that we may build a relationship with them, and receive their gifts in turn. This relationship of reciprocity is also important in how we interact with each other and with our community as a whole. A healthy community is supported by the gifts of its folk so that it may then support each of those individuals. There are many ways to engage in this *ghosti relationship. Many ways to give, and many ways to receive. We can give the Gift of Prayer. We can give the Gift of Inspiration. We can give the Gift of Community. We can give the Gift of Wealth. We can give the Gift of Service. The more we strive to share these Gifts, the stronger our community will grow, and the more fulfilled we will be in Our Own Druidry.

The Gift of Prayer – Rta. We maintain right action and right relationship with the Gods and Spirits. It is important work to ensure that the proper sacrifices are made at the proper times. We write liturgy and lead rituals. We know the cycles and seasons, and we keep the High Days. We pray on behalf of those who need and request it. When we commune with the Kindreds and engage in a *ghosti relationship with them, we are giving the Gift of Prayer and upholding the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin.

The Gift of Inspiration– Lead others to the flame. We give workshops and create teaching materials. We do community outreach and explain our beliefs to the curious. We welcome those seekers of the Old Ways into our path. When we ignite the fire within others that they may walk the path of Our Own Druidry, we are giving the Gift of Inspiration and brightening the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin.

The Gift of Community – One fire. One hearth. Our community with each other is what makes us strong. We embody the spirit of Hospitality. We can give the gift of community by being present and thoughtful in our online pagan communities, by attending and participating in our local pagan communities, and by being a listening ear and a sounding board to others in our community. When we are consistently present in the lives of those practicing Our Own Druidry, we are giving the Gift of Community and being part of the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin.

The Gift of Wealth – Wealth that is hoarded is not wealth at all. This is a common theme across our Indo-European Hearth Cultures. When we give of our wealth, our tangible resources, we are manifesting the essence of “movable wealth.” Do ut des. “I give so that you may give” means that as we give in support of our community, they in turn will be able to give in support of us. When we give of our monetary resources, we are giving the Gift of Wealth and supporting the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin.

The Gift of Service– Everyone in ADF is an expert at something. Everyone has a talent or skill that can benefit others. Sharing our special knowledge and our time is something that everyone can do. There are many tasks in the work of Our Own Druidry that just require someone to donate their time, or their specific skill set, to see a task through. We help set-up and tear-down ritual space. We organize potlucks and take dishes home to wash. We schedule and attend meetings. We hold an office in a grove or subgroup. We review coursework. When we share our talents and our time, we are giving the Gift of Service and contributing to the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin.

Five Gifts: Prayer, Inspiration, Community, Wealth, and Service. These are ways that we can give of ourselves to support the Work and Vision of Ár nDraíocht Féin. In sharing these things we will find that we are given great blessings in return as our community is strengthened, we are valued and supported, and the path of Our Own Druidry is brightened.

Personal Memorial for Grandma

A fire ignited here at the center; a light in the darkness. Hestia, let this flame burn bright as I remember my Grandma, Elizabeth (Betty) Krueger.

When we are born, we are born of the Earth, and through life cycles, our bodies must eventually return to Her. Throughout our lives the Earth Mother supports us and nourishes us, and when the time comes for our death, She receives us. Our bones become once more part of the Earth. Our breath becomes the very air floating through the Starry Sky. Earth Mother, as one of your Children returns to you, I remember all you do for us, and I honor you.

Now, I stand in the place where the land, sea, and sky meet; in the place where the navel of the world floats in the midst of the deep sea, and the brilliant fire in the sky reflects off the waters. I stand rooted where this flame burns bright at the center, marking this space and time as sacred, and connected to all other sacred places and times. The flame brightens the waters that flow through all the lands.

There are nine streams brightened that encircle and flow through the earth. They lead everywhere and flow through all the worlds. Even if our dead don’t dwell in the underworld we know, those waters of the earth connect all the realms. It is in times like these especially, when we find the ways inaccessible or unnavigable, that we call to the Keeper of Ways, to the Guide of Souls, and trust that he knows the route.

Keeper of the Ways, you who part the veil and guide souls on their journey, a Child of Earth and Starry Sky calls to you now. You know the bright path. You know all the rivers and streams that flow between the worlds. I honor you for the tireless work that you do. I honor you for the bright path you maintain. I honor you for the tears you are paid for safe passage. Servant of the Fates, hold safe the way for me, that I may honor and remember Grandma Betty.

I call out now to the Ancestors! Passage has been paid for Betty, and she comes to join you now. All sacred places are connected, and so while she journeys to the afterlife that brightens for her, I know that all afterlives are brightened as another soul is welcomed. Light the fires for her, that her way is clear. Prepare those golden halls for her and spread wide your arms to envelop her in your warmth as she begins this new adventure. Show her the connecting rivers that she may journey to meet with all her loved ones. Ancestors, you of my heart and my blood and my soul, I honor you as you greet Betty.

Grandma, even though the spark of life has gone out, it has ignited hundreds of thousands of fires. All of the lives touched by that spark: ignited. Everywhere that flame burns, there is a memory. And with each memory, life is remembered and honored. I will speak of you and remember you, so that you may live on in our hearts and memories. Your flame will continue to burn long after the kindling spark is gone. So, Grandma Betty, drink of the waters of memory, as we remember you, and pass on your stories:

Betty, my grandma, was someone who throughout most of my life growing up, I had only minimal contact with. She lived in Florida, and later Mississippi, and we lived in Ohio. I feel like I really got to know parts of her during my first year of college. I moved away from home, and didn’t have any friends who went to the same school as me (most of them were younger). She started writing to me (real, live, snail-mail!), and enjoying that connection, I started writing back. She’s one of the few people who I’ve had actual letter-writing mail correspondence with, and that’s a feeling that all the social media, texting, and emails can’t really replace. We sent each other little things we found that we thought may interest or be useful to the other: newspaper articles, post-cards, pictures. She sent me super comfy and fluffy shoes right as the weather turned cold. I feel like I got to know her. I found out she had a whole corner of her room full of pictures of me. She saved letter I had written her. My parents brought some of them back from the funeral. She shared stores about her time in school and traveling when she was younger. I learned some of her stories, and shared mine with her as they were happening.

The love that exists in you, Grandma, overflows these rivers that connect all the worlds. The waters of the Earth flow through us all just as they flow through Her. As your life once again mingles with Her, I know that I can be connected back to those waters, ignited by your spark and brightened your love.

Ancestors, as these stories are shared, I know that you will come to know Betty. I know you will welcome her warmly amongst you and teach her the ways of connecting back to those who remember, as I always will. And for that I thank you.

And now, Keeper of the Ways, you who have held safe the path for me, I ask that as I leave this space you help Betty settle into her afterlife. Guide of Souls, for your unfailing skill as you navigate this path, and for your safe passage, I thank you.

Earth Mother, you who support us, nourish us, and welcome us back to you when the time has come, I thank you. I honor you always because in this never-ending cycle you are who I love, and who I love is you.

So finally, Hestia, this flame is extinguished here on my hearth, though it always burns bright and strong in my heart. I know when I rekindle it I am once again connected to all sacred place and time.