Cradled in Silence

We all have times of crisis in our lives, but it is not that crisis that defines us. Rather it is how we respond to that situation and how we cope with it. In that moment of crisis, the thing I’ve always felt the most strongly is an overwhelming sense of being alone. I want a connection at those times, but I can’t seem to find one or feel it at all. A fellow priest and friend of mine is fond of saying “when you least feel like praying is when you need it the most,” but sometimes that is so incredibly hard. Sometimes you can’t pray because you don’t have the words. All you can do is cry, and you have nothing to offer but those tears that are flowing freely down your cheeks. Even when you try to pray, you feel no connection and you hear no response back. Rather than succumbing to this despair, feel it from new perspective. When all you hear is silence in response to your most desperate prayers, perhaps it is because you are being held and rocked. No words are needed.

Kindreds, hear my prayer:

I don’t know where I am right now

I’m lost in body, mind and soul.

All I bring with me, all I carry now

Is sadness, tears, and an overwhelming sense of loss.

I can offer only what I have, no more than that.

Please, take what I bring, take what I carry,

And know that it comes from the depth of my soul.

Times like these, when I least feel like praying,

I come to you, and I open myself to you.

Please, Kindreds, hear me!

Your silence is all I hear from you now

As you hold me, rock me, and cradle me.

You are my shoulder to cry on,

My arm to lean on,

My ear to whisper to.

So, as I come to you

Offering the best I have in this moment,

Growing fearful that I can no longer hear your voice,

I know that you hold me, and rock me without words.

I know as I sob out, aching for comfort, to you,

you hear me Kindreds, as I am cradled in your silence.

Rekindling the Fire in our New Home

So, Thom and I closed on our house this week. First time homeowners, yeah! It’s a been a crazy ride, and we’re so happy and excited. To prepare of the move, I’ve had to think about how I wanted to handle some of the religious and spiritual things. I wanted to do something to mark the “claiming of the land” or similar. Something to say “this is our new home” in the context of my path. What I eventually decided on, after much deliberation and feeling at a loss for words, was to douse all of my flames the night before, and then light them again at the new house. My hearth flame would be the first thing across the threshold.

I currently am the tender for the Hellenic Kin’s flame in ADF. So, I didn’t want to douse that one formally since it belongs to the wider community, so I gave it into the care of MJD (complete with prayer to say), who is keeping it for a few days for me until we’re settled. The rest of my flames I lit Monday evening. Called to Hestia as I always do, and made offerings. I said how I’d be extinguishing the Fires here, and how I looked forward to rekindling them in our new home. Then I doused them all in the water I had purified earlier in the ritual.

It was really weird to have a night in that liminal space, without the fires of my hearth. Even weirder was to wake up the next morning and not have a fire as I did my morning devotional. After we signed all the paperwork and got the keys, Thom and I drove over to our new home.

I called out to Hestia and kindled her flame on the front porch.

Then I walked, lantern in hand, across the threshold, and brought the Fire into our home. It was powerful. I walked the flame through each room of the house, inviting Hestia to warm and brighten each space for all those who live or visit there. I called out to the Agathos Daimons, the house spirits, and made offerings to them. I let them know that we’d be living there with them, and to be welcome around my Fire, and that I’d make good offerings to them.

I then walked the perimeter of the property with the lantern and with barley. I called out to the spirits of the land and made offerings as I walked. I invited them to stay and be welcomed by my Fire, but also let them know that if they chose to leave their would be no hard feelings, and they should feel free to disperse.

Then I went into the kitchen, to the place I had already chosen would be the household altar, and set up my simple flame, well, and tree/omphalos. I thanked Hestia for joining me in this new home and thanked the spirits of the house and the land for listening to my words. I let them know more offerings and prayers would be forthcoming through then coming days and months, and that I looked forward to building a relationship with them.

It was a very powerful experience. Moving from the light of my home, to the darkness of between, and then back into the light at our new home. We’d done a couple walk throughs during the process of buying, and so we were familiar with the layout and everything. But it was amazing, the way the addition of my hearth goddess and her flame, and introducing myself to the spirits there really made that big empty house feel like home.

Trance-Along: Finding a Shared Space

We’ve decided to begin trying to build a shared space for the Trance SIG in ADF. We are to looking for keys, or images, or signs that will help us to identify and create a shared space for our trance work. Our first trance-along journey was done during this past new moon (and the day on either side of it). The idea is to do trance-work as a group like this once a month during this time.

Here’s my write-up from this inaugural trance along with the Trance SIG. In general it was very restless feeling, and an unusual landscape for me (I usually don’t go underground, or to places that are particularly dry. This was both. So, here we go:

In a desert landscape full of sandy soil and thigh-high and sharp grasses. It felt very alien and unfamiliar. I feel like I spent a lot of time wandering aimlessly through the grasses, without wanting to touch them. Sometimes traveling by walking, and sometimes traveling by burrowing through the sandy soil. It was surprisingly easy to dig through and allowed the forming of intricate tunnels and burrows. The burrows and tunnels seemed to stretch on infinitely, like I could spend a very long time exploring them, and digging more to get to where I need to go. There were scratched symbols at some of the places where tunnels split, but I couldn’t make out any exact symbols. I felt extremely comfortable in the tunnels.

Oddly, whenever I went underground I could just barely catch hints of what sounded like 8-bit video game music. (Weird). When I came up from the burrows I could see the sky. Dark dark black, with way fewer starts that I expected to see in comparison to how dark the sky was. They were very bright white pinpricks. Some were very static in there place, and some were little splashes of swirling pinpricks. The sky is very heavy. Feels almost crushing. Like I don’t want to be out in the open for too long.

Later in the trance there were little cyclones touching down in the grass and sand. Small, little whirlwinds that were making shallow holes where the touched down, and spitting up bits of grit and sand. They didn’t seem to be traveling at all, but rather touching down, remaining in place for a while, and then dissipating.

Most of the landscape felt very abandoned. At three separate instances there were horses, or maybe some form of very large deer? They clearly used to be domesticated, but weren’t so much anymore and were trying to return to being wild, but weren’t quite there yet. The horses just ran across the landscape, close to me, maybe 2 or 3 arms lengths away. Just into my field of visions and out again. Alone each time. It was like they were trying to rung rom something, but not with fear, and were also trying to get somewhere, and with a very distinct and purposeful gait.

There was also something prowling and rustling in the grasses, circling around me. I suspect this was my Lynx friend, but she didn’t show herself, which is unusual for her when I’m doing journey work, especially to new places. So that was weird.

Anyways, that’s what I got. I could see either exploring the tunnel further or perhaps following the paths the horses took, since they seem to be cutting throughout he grasses and making the way less treacherous.

For reference, I use polyrhythmic auditory confusion as my go-to method for entering trance.

Introduction to a New Deity

An important part of our relationship with the deities revolves around *ghosti and hospitality. Part of hospitality is a politeness when you are first meeting someone. A good way to meet new people is through mutual friends, and having one introduce you to the other. This is similar to the way a relationship with a deity can develop. A devotee, or someone else who has familiarity with a deity can act as a liaison or intermediary to help forge a new bond.

This is structured to allow the devotee to call out to the deity and honor them with words and offerings, and then to introduce them to the new person who wishes to work with them. They use their personal authority to encourage the deity that as they make offerings, there are others who also wish to do so. The new person then speaks, and makes their first offering to the deity, asking them to come to them and begin to grow that bond so that they may continue to worship the deity.

Devotee:

[Deity], hear me!

[insert appropriate invocation and words of praise]

[Deity], I come here on behalf of [person].

They wish to develop a relationship with you,

And come bearing gifts.

As I have worked with you, honored you, and praised you,

I ask now that you turn your attention to [person].

They wish to work with you, honor you, and praise you.

[person]

[Deity], I am [name],

and I come with gifts for you.

*make offering*

Come to me so that we get to know each other

and so that I may work with you, honor you, and praise you.

Making Sacred Ink

For the Full Moon honoring Hepheastos, the Smith God and Crafter, we will be making ink from the ashes left from our burnt offerings and the Waters gained the Return Flow. This ink can then be used focusing the intent for other magical work, from sigil work to staining divination tools to spelled tablets or prints.

Items Needed:

1 part ash from burnt offerings

1 part water from Return Flow

1 drop white vinegar (optional for ink stability)

bowl that can be stained (for mixing)

hard-bristled brush (for mixing)

To being mixing the ink put the ash in the bowl, add the water. Each person participating in the working will stir and mix the ink with the brush while saying the charm below (the charm can then also be said when reconstituting the mixture or making more). When it looks like ink, mix in a drop of vinegar, and you’re done.

CHARM:

Great and Mighty Hephaestos, Master of the Tempering Flame

Sooty God, who is famed in many crafts,

Renowned metal-smith and skillful worker,

Inventive and Resourceful One,

Your fame and glory resound with each strike of your hammer on anvil.

I have made offerings, consumed by the Fire.

My gifts have risen on smokey pillar to the Heavens above.

All that remains here is charcoal and ash.

Take what is left, Skillful Creator,

Take the leavings, the forgotten, the dross

And guide my hands in finding use for this too.

Now mix your magic with mine

as I seek to create tools from the discarded.

Ash from the Sacred Fire,

*put ash in the bowl*

Water from the Holy Well,

*put water in the bowl*

Bound now together as I chant these words:

*begin stirring and mixing as you chant. repeat as necessary until it is well mixed*

Aithaloeis Theos! Sooty Hephaestos!

Grant me your skill as I mix this ash!

Polymetis! Resourceful Hepheastos!

Grant me your skill as I mix this ash!

Klytoteknes! Famed in Crafting Hepheastos!

Grant me your skill as I mix this ash!

Polyphron! Ingenius and Inventive Hephaestos!

Grant me your skill as I mix this ash!

*once ink is made, add drop of vinegar if desired to stabilize the mixture*

With this ink thus created

Let me not forget the power of sacrifices made.

Let me not forget the power of Hepheastos, the Crafter,

In his ability to create powerful tools

From even those things considered useless or waste.

With this ink, I may now focus my intent for future tasks.

My Vocational Statement

When did you hear the call to the path of ADF Priesthood? What did it sound like?

When I was first considering what direction to go following the approval of my Dedicant Path documentation I waffled for a long while between the Initiate Path and the Clergy Path. I talked to current initiates and priests. I asked questions. I did divination, journaled, and wrote a lot. When I asked the counsel of my gods, it was obvious to me: I needed to do the Initiate work. I didn’t feel ready, and didn’t know that I would ever feel ready, to embark on the path of clergy. I still felt like I had a call for it then, but it was quiet and I questioned whether it was actually there. I wanted to do the Initiate work first. I needed to solidify my own practice before I could truly listen to see if the call was true.

The closer I got to completing the course requirements for the Initiate Path, the more I noticed that as I was growing in my own work, the louder the call was getting, and the more insistent. As my own practice grew, I began seeing places where I could offer my knowledge and skills to those around me. I feel that, next to walking your walk and owning your path, it is imperative to help others walk their path as well. I found myself seeing voids in the community, and they were voids that I could fill. I began leading Full Moon rituals every month, with the focus for those rituals being the magical work that we didn’t really get to do or engage in elsewhere. It was also a place where I have fostered a “no fail” zone. I wanted to help others find their voice, the way I felt like I was finding mine.

As I reached the final months of journaling for the Initiate Path, my call to the work of the priest solidified. It felt just as obvious to me as my initial decision to embark on the Initiate Path first. I knew without a doubt that I needed to first complete that work, and that I could then allow my focus to shift and set my foot upon the path of clergy work. The paths all merge. The work of the Dedicant is the first stream. As it flows along, other rivers join it, bringing with their new waters new inspiration, new knowledge, and wider banks. The Dedicant stream continues to flow strong in the river of my own Druidry, and will always flow in my river as its headwaters. It has been joined by the Initiate Current, which brings a deeper understanding and a deeper level of work. These two rivers flow, their waters mingling, and yet each flowing just as strong, now a single river. As I encounter new waters, like the work of the Clergy, the river will continue to flow, and grow stronger as all the waters mingle. My work as a Dedicant is a constant, ever continuing path, as is my work as an Initiate now, feeding the river. I see the work of a priest the same way: once joined they are ever flowing, becoming just as much an integral part of the river as the other waters.

I want to be a priest because I want to help others on their path, whatever that path may look like to them. I want to provide liturgy to folks who are having trouble coming up with something fitting on their own. I want to provide my knowledge and skills to those who need them. I want to help grow our children in our tradition. I have built my strong foundation, and the pull has intensified. I understand why so many people refer to it as a “Call.”

It is not a loud resounding gong, nor a can I necessarily put my finger on an exact moment that I felt called, but it is a constant and insistent part of my being now. It is a constant ringing in my ears and a constant throbbing in my being. The clergy serve the gods the folk and the land, and that is what I feel drawn towards, pulled towards, called towards. I’ve grown in my understanding of this faith community, and I’ve come to realize that what I want to do and who I want to be can’t be done elsewhere. The sound of the call was when I heard the sound of that need in my community, when people started looking to me in that role, and when I was able to begin seeing myself in that more confident and capable place. When I understood that by becoming an ordained priest I would be able to answer that call and fulfill that need, it felt right. The call encompasses the sounds of multiple melodic lines weaving together in harmony as the gods, the folk, and the land all sing together in my soul.

What form do you expect your vocation to take?

I have been doing a lot of work as an Initiate that has revolves around part of the oath that states “…and with these tools I will lead others to the flame.” My vocation I expect will continue to reflect this work. I will be involved in making Our Druidry accessible to any who seek it. For any who seek the flame, I will act as a guide on their path, aiding where I can, challenging when I need to, and supporting always. I will be involved in the educational programs that we have (in the form of the DP, IP, CTP, and Guild SPs), and with those that are just now blossoming (such as children’s programming, especially locally). I want to help grow ADF into a church that my children can be a part of and feel connected to from a young age. I want to help develop programming that engages our new members, particularly those who are being raised in our traditions. One of the biggest draws to ADF for me is its inclusiveness and family-friendly nature, and I want to help grow that.

There is great joy and potential in the balance that exists within ADF between faith and scholarship, between practice and study. I want to help others see that same joy. I want to help others in ADF blossom in their practice, and should they decide to embark on the course of higher study within ADF, I want to make sure that the coursework is accessible to them in a way that they can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. I want to help others feel capable and confident in adapting their hearth culture and practice into the greater whole that is ADF practice. I want to help others find their voice.

Do you feel prepared to become an ADF Priest now? Do you see further work that you will need to do to prepare yourself for the work ahead?

I feel as ready as I can without having actually set foot on the path yet. I know that I am going to run into obstacles and challenges, but I feel confident that while I won’t be prepared in the sense that the challenge wouldn’t have happened, that I am prepared in that I will be able to work with or around the issues that arise.

There is always work to do, and there is always room for more growth. I don’t think I will ever be done learning and improving. There are always new things to learn, and new things to experiment with. There are specific experiences that I lack, but that I’m not sure can be gained before ordination. I’ve never married anyone, though I witnessed folks declare themselves for each other. I’ve never helped anyone cross the veil, though I’ve sat with those left on this side. I’ve never done conflict resolution from a religious point of view, though I it do it on a regular basis at my job and amongst my friends.

These are life experiences, and I think they simply take time. I cannot say with certainly how I will handle them when the time comes, but I feel that I have been well prepared, and have a solid support network of my own in the form of current Priests and the Kindreds to draw on when I need help or guidance along the way.

Clergy is not all weddings and funerals. It’s not that glamorous or that that clear cut. It’s listening and liturgy. It’s meditation and magic. It’s the interactions and relationships you develop. It’s about the day-to-day work – the hundreds of small differences that you are able to make in the lives of those around you. It’s about fostering a community and growing and tending what you have. It’s about the thousands of minute details and small-scale actions you take each and every day to serve the gods, the folk, and the land. That I am prepared for.

We are all students, and all continually growing beings. There is nothing wrong with, and perhaps even something good about, accepting that the path we walk doesn’t have a clear end and that there is something new around every twist and turn. I am prepared in this sense, because I have faith that I can handle the experiences that are to come with the skills that I have gained along the way.

Discipline 1

Discipline 1

Describe your discipline practice as an ADF Clergy Student. Explain what you have learned from this practice, describe how your connections with the Earth Mother and the Gate Keeper have grown and changed over the time you have worked with them, and reflect on your journals and omens over the period. (min. 600 words)

What I’ve learned from this practice:

There are many things that I learned from keeping a regular devotional practice. A large part of this preliminary building of this practice happened when I was working through the initiate program, and holding to that same level of practice has continued to serve me well as I embarked at the clergy training program.

One of the things I learned from building this practice is that I enjoy speaking my prayers out loud. It sounds simple and perhaps like a no-brainer, but when you’re at your shrine or altar and by yourself, there doesn’t seem to be a need to say anything out loud. You could theoretically just say it in your head. But I’ve found that not only do I really enjoy speaking aloud even in my solo rituals, I also get more out of my work and my practice when I engage with my practice verbally. It brings it more to life for me.

Another one of the things I reaffirmed when continuing this practice is that there is true value in regular practice. I noticed this when I was preparing for initiation and drastically increased the number of full core order rituals I did each week to nearly one a day. I have backed off a bit from that since then, but it has been more because school started up again and I’m limited in the amount of time I can sacrifice during the school year. I still do at least one full ritual a week, and try for two to three. I’ve found that the more I pray, the better I feel, and the better I feel the more I desire to pray. It is a cycle that builds on itself, building my practice and helping me grow in the process.

Something new in this practice has been the addition of retreat days. I’ve enjoyed adding the monthly retreat day to my practice, though I’ve found it more difficult than I was expecting. Initially I tried to take the whole day and devote it entirely to my spiritual practice. That didn’t go well. With a child under the age of two, I just couldn’t take that continuous chunk of time away. I should have remembered going through that same process when my daughter was even younger as I was starting on the Initiate Path. I relearned, or maybe reaffirmed, that in order for my spiritual practice to work it has to be part of my life, not apart from it. While it is important to set time aside for just me in my spiritual studies and devotional practice, it is also important to kindle that flame in all parts of my life and let it brighten everything from there. The following months, as I learned to incorporate the work of the retreat days into my life, began flowing smoother and becoming another part of my spiritual practice.

How my connections with the Earth Mother and Gate Keeper have grown and changed:

As I started the clergy training program, and began incorporating the Earth Mother and the Gatekeeper into my rites in a different way, a more prominent way, than I had before, I began to see changes in how I viewed them. Shortly before completing the IP I made the decision that I would pursue the clergy path following my initiation. So, when I started on the CTP, I began working with the Earth Mother and Gatekeeper I had just met. They are distinct and different from whom I typically call in ritual to work with in the roles of Earth Mother and Gatekeeper (Gaea and Hekate, respectively).

This Earth Mother I met seems to exude an overwhelming sense of soft, warm, and motherly love. She is less fierce than Gaea, and is who I have started working with in clergy work. She is her own distinct being, and somehow seems even more all-encompassing, and all-mothery than an individual hearth-centric deity does. I also met, during the course of this work, a much darker and more primordial Earth Mother. She was awful and haunting and fierce. She is, I believe, a different being that the Earth Mother I’ve been working on building a closer relationship with. She is much more mysterious than the Earth Mother, and seems to be just a small step past Chaos. She holds the seeds of potential and shepherds them as a fierce and protective Mother to their fertile soil and into the care of the things or people that will help them grow.

The Gatekeeper I’ve been working with throughout the course of this is also the one I met during initiation. He seemed partially made of mist. He may have been the inspiration for Manannan, or Manannan for him, but they were clearly not the same being. He is the Lord of Wisdom and Opener of Ways. He is a sharp contrast in a lot of ways from my usual way of working with the Gatekeeper, probably in large part because I work with a female Gatekeeper most often in ritual. When I work with Hekate as a Gatekeeper, there is still that mixing and mingling of magic to do the work. When she walks between the realms, she literally moves between them, and exists fully in each one that she enters, and not existing in multiple realms at once. In working with her, she will guide you from place to place, from realm to realm. However, with the Gatekeeper, he is much more liminal. He can exist in multiple realms at once, and when you work with him, you also are able to drift like the mists and exist in the place between those realms as well as having a feel of existing in multiple realms at once.

My reflection on journals and omens from the period of this work:

During each full ritual I did throughout this work I drew an omen, of either 1 or 3 symbols, which was every few days. One of the things I’ve done to analyze my omens from this period is compile all of the symbols I drew into a frequency graph. A large percentage of those omens contain Eta, Beta, Iota, and Mu (see graph). Eta is the oath symbol, and while I was working on Divination 2 I found that when I did readings for current priests I almost always pulled Eta in their readings. Eta literally means: “Helios who watches all, watches you.” Beta is the helping gods that support you on your path. Iota and Mu are both work. Iota is the external work that is done and allows you to pursue excellence. Mu is the internal work that is done and allows you to make admirable changes within yourself. I did not drawn Omicron at all throughout the course of taking omens during this time period, which I find both interesting and applicable. Omicron is literally “There are no crops that are not sown.” Because I have been doing the work (Iota and Mu), have been supported by the helping gods of my path (Beta), and am keeping my current oaths as I prepare to take another (Eta) I have no need to worry about not having laid the proper groundwork to proceed on my path.

Teething Charm: Dr. Tally’s Soothing Tooth-Tiger Liniment

The Artharvaveda is a collection of spells, prayers, charms, and hymns designed for a variety of purposes. Many of these relate to healing work that can be done. The example quoted below is a charm for teething, specifically for the first two teeth that break through. The text of the charm calls directly to the teeth themselves, as well as to Agni. Many of the healing charms within the Artharvaveda call to Agni. I think this is both because he is the priest of the Gods and the one who accepts sacrifices, but also because Fire itself is purifying when dealing with illness or pain. The charm calls on Agni to sooth the teeth that are breaking through the gums. Offered to the teeth themselves are rice, barley, beans, and sesame, with the intent that the child will eat these rather than harm his parents. This is especially apt, as breastfeeding a teething infant can lead to biting, which is supremely uncomfortable. The next part of the charm asks that the teeth come forth gently and that the fierceness, the pain, be passed away from the body.

“VI, 140. Expiation for the irregular appearance of the first pair of teeth

Those two teeth, the tigers, that have broken forth, eager to devour father and mother, do thou, O Brahmanaspati Gâtavedas, render auspicious!
Do ye eat rice, eat barley, and eat, too, beans, as well as sesamum! That, O teeth.. is the share deposited for your enrichment. Do not injure father and mother!
Since ye have been invoked, O teeth, be ye in unison kind and propitious! Elsewhere, O teeth, shall pass away the fierce (qualities) of your body! Do not injure father and mother!” (Bloomfield VI, 140)

“HYMN CXL

A blessing on a child’s first two teeth

(1)Two tigers have grown up who long to eat the mother and the sire:

Soothe, Brāhmanaspati, and thou, O Jātavedas, both these teeth.

(2)Let rice and barley be your food, eat also beans and sesamum.

This is the share allotted you, to be your portion, ye two Teeth.

Harm not your mother and your sire.

(3)Both fellow teeth have been invoked, gentle and bringing happiness.

Else whither let the fierceness of your nature turn away, O

Teeth! Harm not your mother or your sire.” (Griffith CXL)

In creating this healing work for modern use, I have written a charm to be said while mixing the ingredients together for “Dr. Tally’s Soothing Tooth-Tiger Liniment.” As a baby is able to start of solid foods around the same time that they will be getting teeth, I decided that a concoction that can actually be consumed and eaten by the child easily would be the way to go. One of the ingredients called for in the ancient charm is beans. Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are the main ingredient in hummus, which can be easily eaten by most infants who have started on solid foods (though it may cause gassiness). Both rice cereal and barley cereal can be mixed into the pureed chickpeas, and then seasoned with just a little bit of sesame oil or tahini. This will create a pureed food that even babies who are just starting solids could eat, as it could be thinned with as much water as necessary for them. There have been reported cases of sesame seed allergies, so as always, before introducing new foods to your baby, consult their doctor.

To make “Dr. Tally’s Soothing Tooth-Tiger Liniment” combine the following ingredients in a food processor while saying the charm that follows (alternatively, say this charm over the dish before you serve it if you aren’t the one who made it):

1 can of drained chickpeas (or chickpeas that you’ve cooked yourself)
2 Tbsp tahini (optional)
1 Tbsp rice cereal
1 Tbsp barley cereal
1 tsp sesame oil
water to desired consistency

“Fierce and sharp tooth tigers, you who have broken through,

Be eased, bright tigers, in your work by this gift.

Come forth, and bring with you smiles of joy, rather than grimaces of pain.

Be soothed, sweet tigers, and be not over eager in your entrance.

Come forth, and partake of this share allotted to you.

Fierce and sharp tooth tigers, born of blessed Fire, be warmly welcomed here!”

ADF Style New Moon Rite

Outdwellers –

Outdwellers, you who stand at cross-purpose to my rite,

Accept this offering as a symbol of peace between us.

Allow this time, place and purpose to be in peace.

I also release anything within myself that is at cross-purposes with this rite.

Outdwellers! Accept this offering.

Processional –

*wash face and hands in fresh, clean water outside of ritual space. Incense may also be included in the purification.*

Opening Statement/Prayer –

O,Blessed Ones

As the moon in its cycle is timeless,

Waxing and waning, it ever returns.

So I return each month at the time of the New Moon

In this timeless act of worship

Echoing with my prayers and my offerings,

The moon’s ageless promise of renewal and return.

Tonight, beneath the new crescent moon,

I come to do as my Ancestors did before me,

To reforge the sacred *ghosti bond in my worship.

And to mix my power together with the spirits to achieve great works.

Come, Spirits!

Bless me with your presence,

And partake of what I offer,

In reverence of you here.

Earth Mother-

Earth Mother, ground me in your soil.

Hold me in your arms, let my roots sink down

And be nourished by you.

You who have given life to all,

and remind me to walk in balance as I honor you.

Earth Mother, Accept this Offering!

Inspiration –

Inspire me with your grace and song

To honor all the Kindreds.

Take my head, my hand, my heart.

Let the Awen sing through me!

Spirit of the Awen, Accept this offering!

Attunement:

I feel all the world spiraling about me, and as I stand here at the Center I send my roots down, to mix and mingle with the Cosmic Waters below; as I stand here at the Center I send my branches up to gleam and glow with the Sacred Fire above; as I stand here at the Center I feel all the world about me come together as I am connected to all the realms, at the meeting point of the Land, Sea, and Sky. With the worlds aligned about me I stand ready to begin the work.

Creating the Sacred Center & Creation of Sacred Space

*sprinkle water around sacred space*

Let this area around me be purified sacred space where I go to meet the gods, and the gods descend down to meet with me.

*waft incense smoke around sacred space, and/or pour oil on fire*

Let the smoke from my sacred fire carry my voices to the heavens to be heard by the gods.

*cense and asperge the tree*

Let this pillar stand at the center of worlds, just as it marked the center of the ancient world. Through this sacred center, let the World Tree grow, plunging deep within the earth to touch the Sacred Waters below and reaching through the sky to embrace the Sacred Fires above.

Opening the Gates –

I call out now to Hekate to guide me in walking between the worlds!

Hekate, at moonlit crossroads, you befriend the helpless.

Keyholding Mistress of Earth, Sea, and Sky.

Dark Mother Hekate,

Ghosts and hounds follow you.

You are the black puppy and the black she-lamb.

Torchbearer, I praise you for the brightness of your power.

I offer you eggs and wine.

Hekate of the Crossroads be my Guide!

Guide me as you guided Demeter in her journey.

Reveal to me the way to walk in safety.

Radiant Hekate of the Torches,

Guiding Light, Keeper of the Keys,

Join your hidden knowledge and power with mine

and help me to open the Gates between the worlds.

Let this water become the Well, and open as a Gate to the worlds below.

My connections deepen with the Chthonic beings as the Gate is opened.

Let this flame become the Fire, and open as a Gate to the worlds above.

My connections deepen with the Ouranic beings as the Gate is opened.

Let this Tree stand at the center, and mark the sacred center here and in all the worlds.

Let it’s roots sink deep into the Well, and let it’s branches stretch upwards and reach for the Fire.

I stand here, connected at the Sacred Center to all the realms of Land, Sea, and Sky.

Let the Gates be Open!

Ancestors –

I call out to the Ancestors, and to the Mighty Dead.

Hear me, you who have walked this path before me:

Those of my blood and my bone, who give life.

Those of my heart and my hearth, who guide my steps.

Those of my friends and my folk, who strengthen and deepen all relationships.

Those Mighty Dead, poets, priests, and bards.

Those Heroes among the ancestors who have shaped our world.

It is to you I call out to and to you who I make these offerings.

Come, Ancestors, and join me at the fire.

Mix your magic with mine, and Meet me at the Boundary.

Guide me and Aid me as I walk the Elder Ways.

Ancestors, Accept this Offering!

Nature Spirits –

I call out to the Nature Spirits!

Hear me, Allies and Guides!

To those spirits who crawl or stride:

Patient Turtle, Bounding Doe.

To those spirits who burrow or slide:

Cautious Mole, Cunning Serpent.

Come, and Be Welcome!

To those spirits who flit or fly:

Buzzing Bee, Sharp-Eyed Hawk.

To those spirits who swim or dive:

Glittering Gills, Darting Fins.

Come, and Be Welcome!

To those spirits who climb and grow:

Blooming Flower, Creeping Vine.

To those spirits who ripple and flow:

Shining Lake, Rushing Stream.

Come, and Be Welcome!

Come, Nature Spirits, and join me at the fire.

Mix your magic with mine, and Meet me at the Boundary.

Guide me and Aid me as I walk the Elder Ways.

Nature Spirits, Accept this Offering!

Shining Ones –

I call out to the Shining Ones,

First Children of the Mother!

Hear me, Bright Gods and Goddesses, as I sing your praises.

You wise seers and honey-tongued bards,

Shining Awen’s light of knowledge and inspiration down on us.

You courageous warriors and skilled crafters,

giving us virtues to strive for and tools for our work.

You hearth tenders and grain guarders,

providing for us each and every day.

Brilliant deities of land, sea, and sky,

your brightness illuminates our lives.

Shining Ones, meet us at the boundaries.

Come, Shining Ones, and join me at the fire.

Mix your magic with mine, and Meet me at the Boundary.

Guide me and Aid me as I walk the Elder Ways!

Shining Ones, accept this offering!

Deity of the Occasion –

Selene, brilliant shining Titaness,

your crescent-crowned face lights the way along my path as you grow in power each night.

You who have bathed in the sacred waters of mighty Okeanos,

you who shine, luminescent, driving your long-maned horses at full speed across the sky.

Selene, splendid Queen of the Night,

I am again ecstatic to see you turn your face to the Earth.

Selene, Accept this Offering!

Final Sacrifice –

I pour these libations now for Selene,

and for all the Kindreds here gathered.

Those Shining Deities who share their power,

Those Noble Guides who share their passion,

Those Ancient Wise who share their knowledge,

I pour out these libations to you as I sing your praises.

Omen –

Having given offerings to the Kindreds,

I now seek to know what blessings and advice they give me in return.

*make an offering as you prepare to take an omen*

I ask: what wisdom or blessings do the Ancestors offer?

I ask: what wisdom or blessings do the Nature Spirits offer?

I ask: what wisdom or blessings do the Shining Ones offer?

I ask: what wisdom or blessings does Selene offer?

Waters –

Haven given offerings and received wisdom and blessings in return, I now seek to take of those blessings to enrich myself for the coming month. I seek to fill myself with these blessings so that I may be thusly imbued with the sacred powers and apply myself to the work ahead.

The Waters of Life have been won for me, and are a gift from the Kindreds that I may take and use to fill myself with the blessings they provide.

*take vessel filled with water. Water is infused with the blessings.

Some water is set aside if their is a working that requires it*

Let the darkness of the new moon fill these waters with the omens I have received.

[Omen, Omen, Omen, and Omen]

Shining Ones, Give me the Waters!

Let their blessings grow in strength like the light of the moon.

[Omen, Omen, Omen, and Omen]

Shining Ones, Give me the Waters!

Their strength shall augment my strength as I face the new month ahead.

[Omen, Omen, Omen, and Omen]

Shining Ones, Give me the Waters!

Behold! The Waters of Life!

*drink waters*

Working –

Now filled with the strength, blessings, and wisdom of the Kindreds, I seek to use this influx of power to …

*insert any workings*

Thank Kindreds-

Selene, thank you joining me tonight.

Stay if you will and go if you must.

For all the Spirits I pour these final libations.

Those Shining Deities who share their power,

Those Noble Guides who share their passion,

Those Ancient Wise who share their knowledge,

Mighty Kindreds, I offer you many thanks for joining me today.

May the door always remain open,

The fire always burn,

And our voices always sing in harmony.

Kindreds all, I thank you!

Close –

Hekate, I call to you once more,

to join your magic with mine and aid me in traversing the realms.

Show me the way home again safely as I close the Gates between the worlds.

Let this Well be but water, ever sacred in its own right, but no longer a Gate opening to the many paths.

Let this Fire be but flame, ever sacred in its own right, but no longer a Gate opening to the many ways.

Let the Tree no longer be the Center of the Worlds holding me at the Crossroads.

Hekate, as I move away from the Crossroads and return to the center of my heart and home,

stand ever vigilant, as you always do, until I return again in need of your aid.

Let the Gates be closed!

Thank Earth Mother-

Earth Mother,

You who nourish my roots, and help me grow strong.

You whose heartbeat thrums within all Life.

You who hold me and support me in your warm embrace,

Earth Mother, ground me in your soil and let my roots sink down

and be nourished by you.

May I always remeber that I honor you best

when I walk softly and in balance.

To you I return all that is unused.

Earth Mother, I thank you!

Thank Inspiration –

The Spirit of the Awen,

you have sung with my voice, danced with my feet,

enflamed my passion, and sweetened my words.

For the fire you have filled me with

And for letting it pour forth in harmony and wisdom

Spirit of the Awen, I thank you!

Recessional –

I carry forth into the coming month

the blessing I have received tonight.

May I bring it into my life and into the world.

This rite is ended!

Prometheia

Processional-

Song: “Journey to the Temenos” by Jan Avende

Children of the Earth

Journey to the Temenos.

In reverence and mirth

We join our hearts as one.

We’ll make offerings

As our voices sing

To the Kindreds here

That our hearts hold dear.

Purification- (written by Jan Avende)

*Celebrants will cleanse hands in a bowl of salt water, and dry on a clean white cloth.*

Look within yourself, and set aside those things that will not serve you in this rite.

Look within yourself, and strip away the miasma that clouds your visions.

Look within yourself, find the center of you, and come be welcome in this sacred space.

Opening Statements- (written by Jan Avende)

Children of Earth, we come together today, the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, to celebrate Prometheia, honoring the Mighty Titan Prometheus. It is fitting that we honor him today, as the Sun rides high in the Sky, burning bright for all to see. Prometheus is friend to all mankind, having stolen the Divine Fire for us, so that we may live in comfort and joy, and be joined together through the community that the Fire offers us. With our focus on Community this weekend, joined together here at ComFest, let us honor the Kindreds with reverence and love in our hearts.

Opening Prayer: (Three Cranes Liturgy)

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.

Hestia- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to Hestia!

First born and last born,

you are the Lady of our Hearth and Heart.

Your fire burns strong in us,

And we ask that it burn brightly here on our hearth now.

Hestia, sweet fire maiden,

Join us here. Be our good fire and sanctify our hearth.

Warm us and light our way.

Hestia, accept our sacrifice!

All: Hestia, accept our sacrifice!

Earth Mother- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to Gaea, the Earth Mother!

Great Gaea, you who gave life at the beginning of all things,

You who ground us in your soil and sustain our being.

Through you, all the children of the earth are blessed in their harvests,

Through you, are all creatures given life.

You are Ge, the Earth, and Gaea, the mother,

O Holy Goddess and Bountiful Spirit,

We delight in your rich earth

and sing to your bones.

Gaea, Earth Mother,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Gaea, accept our sacrifice!

All: Gaea, accept our sacrifice!

Surrounding Sea- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to Okeanos, the Surrounding Sea!

You who encircle the Earth with your nine shining streams.

Bull-horned god, you drench us in calm and understanding,

In magic and mystery.

From your waves you share with us love and beauty.

You guide the rising and setting of the stars.

Father of river, wells, and springs,

Your serpentine form wraps the powers of the waters around us all.

Okeanos, Surrounding Sea,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Okeanos, accept our sacrifice!

All: Okeanos, accept our sacrifice!

Sky Father- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to Ouranos, Brilliant Sky Father,

You who shine down your wisdom,

Who drape us in your star-studded cloak,

Your primal forces breathe life into us.

Air and Sky, whirling and swirling, calling us

to the beginning and end of all.

Starry Heaven, covering all the Earth in your power.

Your azure form that knowns no bounds,

Whom none can tame as you whisper the world to life.

Ouranos, Sky Father,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Ouranos, accept our sacrifice!

All: Ouranos, accept our sacrifice!

Inspiration- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to the Muses Nine!

You of verse, history and emotion: Kalliope, Klieo, Erato.

You who dance and act: Terpsikhore, Melpomene, Thalia.

You of science and prophecy: Euterpe, Ourania.

You who sing through me the hymns of my heart: Polyhymnia.

Sweet-voiced Muses: Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Kindle the Fires of Inspiration in us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Muses, accept our sacrifice!

All: Muses, accept our sacrifice!

Two Powers- (written by Jan Avende)

Children of Earth, take a moment to calm your mind and body. Breathe deep and close your eyes. Listen to the sound of your own breathing. Hear your heartbeat thrumming inside you. Pause for a second and just listen.

***Pause***

See in your mind‘s eye where you stand now and picture yourself walking away from where you are.

You‘re walking towards a deep and old forest. Feel the cool, damp earth on your feet. As you enter the forest feel a cool breeze brush your cheek, refreshing in this summer heat.

Notice the sounds around you. A gentle rustling of leaves, perhaps from the wind, perhaps made by a squirrel bounding by. Notice the sunlight dappling across your face. The joys of summer caressing your face, filling your soul.

As you are walking deeper and deeper into the forest you suddenly come upon a clearing. There is a small pond in the middle of the glade surrounded by trees around the water‘s edge. One of these trees calls to you and you glide over to it. Place you hands on the trunk and feel the rough bark against your palm. Feel the ancient wisdom emanating from it.

Turn and place your back against the tree. Feel yourself sinking into it, becoming part of the tree. Feel your toes mix with the roots twinning down into the earth. Allow you mind to follow those roots and tendrils as they creep ever deeper, until suddenly they plunge into the cool deep waters far below the surface of the earth. Use the knowledge of the tree to pull those waters up through your roots. Feel them approaching you, up and up, until they reach your toes.

Feel the waters pulsing up through your toes and heels, moving up your legs and pooling in your groin. Feel them surging up into your chest and down your arms. Feel your branches swelling and cool waters seeping into your fingers, your leaves. Feel the waters rush up and fountain out the crown of your head, your uppermost branches and leaves, and come cascading back down into the earth to soak back down cooling your roots again. Having taken your fill, feeling replenished, allow those cool, dark waters to bleed back down into the earth.

Again feel the wind brush through your hair, your leaves. Feel as the sunlight shines down on you, brightening and invigorating you. Allow your leaves to take in that bright, golden light. Let it convert to pure energy and infuse your head and chest with light and energy. Let it saturate your branches and flow into your finger leaves. Feel as it washes down through your groin and flows down you legs and energizes you down to your roots. Having absorbed as much light as your body will hold, let the remainder reflect back off you, back into the sky.

Feel how the combination of the cool waters and the bright light mixes within your body. Feel how it mingles and brings a new awareness to every essence of yourself. Let your attention drift over yourself from your roots, to your trunk, and on up to your leaves.

Let a breath of wind catch one of your leaves and watch as it drifts downward to land fall lightly into the pond. Watch as the water ripples outward from this light touch. Allow your awareness to follow this ripple outward and see as it collides with other, similar ripples. As you follow those to their source you see that they also come from fallen leaves.

Now seeing all these leaves in the water creating ripples that touch and rebound off your own, you notice all the other trees surrounding the pond. Reach out your awareness and sense that these trees are all part of this grove. Reach out and feel that you are not alone in this glade, but rather you are surrounded by the warmth of your kin. You are all here together.

Take a moment and allow this feeling of togetherness and oneness to soak into your mind, your heart, your bones and your soul. Listen to the breathing of those around you. Your hearts beat as one now.

***Pause***

With this new realization that you are here among family, you begin to disconnect your self from the tree, just as all those around you do. Wiggle your toes and separate them from the roots. Wiggle your fingers and feel the leaves fall away. Roll you shoulders, allowing you to step out of the tree and once again become your own self.

As you now look around you see that while before you came to this glade alone, you now are leaving among friends. It is time now to turn away from the glade and walk back out of the forest. Listen, as before, to the sounds around you. You can now hear the laughter of friends, and you feel now not just the warmth of the sun, but the warmth of companionship. As you break out of the forest and head back towards your body here, keep that feeling that you are now one with the people around you.

Now, step back into your body and take deep breath to settle yourself back in. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Now begin moving your arms and legs just a little as you feel yourself come back to this place. Here, among kinfolk, we may now move on with the work we have for today.

All:

“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.”

(- Ceisiwr Serith)

Recreate the Cosmos & Place the Omphalos- (written by Jan Avende)

Let this area around us be purified sacred space where we go to meet the gods, and the gods descend down to meet with us.

Let the smoke from our sacred fire carry our voices to the heavens to be heard by the gods.

I place this omphalos at the center of worlds, just as it marked the center of the ancient world. My hands, like two eagles, flying to meet in the middle and establish this as the sacred center of worlds.

Through this sacred center, let the World Tree grow, plunging deep within the earth to touch the Sacred Waters below and reaching through the sky to embrace the Sacred Fires above.

Standing here at the Center, it is now time to Open the Gates to the Many Realms.

Opening the Gates- (written by Jan Avende)

Let this water become the Well, and open as a Gate to the worlds below.

Our connections deepen to the Chthonic beings as the Gate is opened.

Let this flame become the Fire, and open as a Gate to the worlds above.

Our connections deepen to the Ouranic beings as the Gate is opened.

Let this Omphalos stand at the center, and mark our sacred center here and in all the world. Let the tree wrap its roots around the stone and sink into the Well, and let it’s branches stretch upwards and reach for the Fire.

We stand here, connected at the Sacred Center to all the realms of Land, Sea, and Sky.

Let the Gates be Open!

Gatekeeper- (written by Jan Avende)

We now seek assistance in maintaining our connection to the Other Realms, and so we call on a Gatekeeper:

The children of the Earth call out to Atlas,

Great guardian who holds the earth and sky asunder.

You stand as the axis mundi, amongst the pillars connecting the many realms.

Driving the stars before you as the very heavens revolve around you.

Your feet know the depths of the sea and you hands the clouds of the sky.

Mighty Mountain, with your starry crown,

I make this offering to you and bid you welcome.

Meet us at the boundaries

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Atlas, accept this sacrifice!

All: Atlas, accept this sacrifice!

And now, Atlas, I call to you and ask that you act as our Great Guardian here.

Be our Star Crowned and Earth Shod Pillar.

Be the Mountain that holds the earth and heavens asunder.

Hold our axis mundi firm and maintain our connection to all the realms.

Atlas, Guard the Gates!

All: Atlas, Guard the Gates!

Children of Earth, The Gates now stand open and protected. Let only truth be spoken here.

We have come together today for the Summer Solstice, where the sun stands at its brightest in the sky, and it is right and proper that we do as our Ancestors did before us, and honor the Kindreds on this holy day.

Who calls to the Ancestors?

Ancestors- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to the Ancestors!

Those of our blood and our bone, who have given us life.

Those of our heart and our hearth, who have guided our steps.

Those of our friends and our folk, who strengthen and deepen our relationships.

Those Mighty Dead, Seers, Priests, and Bards.

Apotheothenai, Heroes among the ancestors who have shaped our world.

It is to you we call out to and to you whom we make sacrfice.

You have taught us the ways of old and given us the path to walk,

You have toiled and worked so that we might grow in our gifts,

And bring strength and love to our community.

Ancestors, Mighty Dead,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Ancestors, accept our sacrifice!

All: Ancestors all, accept our sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your minds eye the Ancestors stepping out from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire.

Who calls to the Nature Spirits?

Nature Spirits- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out the Spirits of Nature!

To the spirits of soil and stream,

To the spirits of stone and tree,

To the spirits of fur, flesh, fin, and feather,

To all those spirits who dwell amongst us

as Protectors, Guides, and Helpers, we call to you!

Dryades and Naiades, dwelling in forest and stream,

Oeriades and Nephalai, dwelling in mountains and clouds,

Lampades and Haliai, dwelling in cave and sea,

Nymphai, Mysterious Spirits who care for all our realms,

we walk amongst your blessings and listen to your sweet songs.

You who, through your living, teach us the ways to honor the Earth.

Spirits of nature, Nymphs of all the realms,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Spirits of nature, accept our sacrifice!

All: Spirits of nature, accept our sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your minds eye the Nature Spirits stepping out from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire.

Who calls to the Shining Ones?

Shining Ones- (written by Jan Avende)

The Children of the Earth call out to the Shining Ones,

Bright and shining Theoi,

Mighty Gods and Goddesses on high.

You wise seers and honey-tongued bards,

Shining your light of knowledge and inspiration down on us.

You courageous warriors and skilled crafters,

giving us virtues to strive for and tools for our work.

You hearth tenders and grain guarders,

providing for us each and every day.

Mighty Titans, lighting the Fire of our Fathers,

we are forever indebted to you.

Brilliant deities of land, sea, and sky,

your brightness illuminates our lives.

We hear your voices echoes across our souls,

As you walk with us, guiding us, each day.

Theoi, Shining Ones,

Meet us at the boundaries.

Join us at our Sacred Hearth and be warmed by our good fire.

Aid us and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Theoi, accept our sacrifice!

All: Theoi, accept our sacrifice!

Children of Earth, see in your minds eye the Shining Ones appearing from the mists and joining us here at our sacred fire.

DotO Prometheus- (written by Jan Avende)

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

Prometheus, flame-haired Foresight and friend of mankind

The Children of the Earth call out to you!

Sculpting our flesh from the banks of the sacred River Styx

You made us: Children of the Earth and starry Sky.

You see the future, and know what may come.

You stole the Divine Fire, the Sun itself,

Giving us this gift of Fire, knowing the cost to you.

Through you we know the ways of the land,

We gather together as community, bound together by your gift,

Though this gift yet binds you to the Earth.

The Fire, burning light of the Stars, burning light of the Sun,

Meant only for the Gods.

You won it for us, your Children.

Your fiery spirit burns hot and strong,

sharing its heat with us here on Earth.

Flame-haired trickster, and Mighty Titan.

Your wisdom shines brightly down upon us

As the Sun rides high in the Sky today.

Prometheus, you who sacrificed for us

So that we may sacrifice for you and all the Gods.

We call out to know and honor you this day!

Come, be warmed at our Fire, that we have kept burning for you,

Join us at our Sacred Hearth, that we would not have if not for you,

Meet us here at this time when the Fire is strongest,

And continue to aid and guide us as we walk the Elder Ways.

Prometheus, Fiery Titan,

Accept our Sacrifice!

All: Prometheus, accept our sacrifice!

Have the Folk brought praise?

All: We have!

Then come forth now and make your offerings!

(Praise Offerings)-

Song: “Come Pray With Me”

(Music: Traditional Lyrics: Jan Avende)

A Fire lit with piety in the center of the rite

The Druids pray around it, around the fire’s light.

They call to the Gods and Goddesses so bright.

Sing praise you joyous pagans, and come pray with me!

Sacred Waters far below, flow into our Well

With our voices raised together, our song will surely swell.

Remember all our Heroes, their stories we’ll tell.

Sing praise you joyous pagans, and come pray with me!

CHORUS

So it’s into the Grove, and beside the Tree

Come you pious pagans, and make your offering

Let’s honor the Kindreds of Earth, Sky, and Sea

Sing praise you joyous pagans, and come pray with me!

Standing tall and strong is the all-connecting Tree

Beneath its arching branches we stand in harmony

Honoring the spirits so wild and free.

Sing praise you joyous pagans, and come pray with me!

CHORUS

We pagans all together still long for the day

When we’ll honor the Earth upon which we lay.

She holds us forever, in her arms we’ll stay.

Sing praise you joyous pagans, and come pray with me!

CHORUS x3

Final Sacrifice- (written by Jan Avende)

We have made many offerings this day.

See now as they burn, smoke rising to the heavens.

See now as they sink, into the depths of the well.

See now as they traverse all the realms and are delivered to the Spirits we have called.

We now make one last offering, one final sacrifice,

to honor the Sprits and ensure our gifts are received.

Prometheus, Kindreds All, Accept this Sacrifice!

All: Prometheus, Kindreds All, accept this sacrifice!

Omen- (written by Jan Avende)

Having given offerings to the Kindreds, we now seek to know what blessings and advice they give us in return.

*Seer crushes and makes an offering bay*

Apollo Mantikos guide my hand.

See with my eyes, Hear with my ears, and Speak with my voice.

What blessings or wisdom do we receive…

From the Ancestors…

From the Natures Spirits…

From the Shining Ones…

Waters- (written by Jan Avende)

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 apply ourselves to the work ahead.

All waters are by their very nature sacred,

We set aside these Waters, for they have been won for us.

We ask that you allow us to partake of them and of these blessings,

To take these sacred waters into our hearts and our minds.

Shining Ones, give us the Waters!

All: Shining Ones, Give us the Waters!

We ask for The Waters of Community.

We call forth these Waters from the Well of Fellowship.

We draw these Waters 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!

Shining Ones, give us the Waters!

All: Shining Ones, Give us the Waters!

We open our hearts and our minds to the blessings we have been given.

As we stand amongst the Kindreds,

Amongst our Folk, and amongst our community

We call forth these Waters as our due.

We stand, united with all the Powers of the Worlds, ready to receive the blessing!

Shining Ones, give us the Waters!

All: Shining Ones, Give us the Waters!

Hallowing the Waters

Let the brightness of the Shining Gods fill these waters with the omens we have received: [Omen, Omen, and Omen].

Let their blessings grow in strength, just as the sun has cycled to its greatest power today,

Let the blessings shine with the brilliant power akin to this Summer Solstice Sun.

Theoi! Shine your blessing down upon us, and fill our Sacred Cup.

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.

We prepare to grow and nurture the community in which we live.

Shining Ones: Hallow these Waters!

All: Shining Ones: Hallow these Waters!

We, your children, rejoice in your gifts

Bless our spirits and our lives with your magic and bounty.

As we celebrate the strength of our community here today.

Behold, the Waters of Life!

All: Behold, the Waters of Life!

Receiving the Blessing

*waters are passed and quaffed*

“Blessings in the Waters” (by Traci Auerbach)

May the power of the Kindreds be shown to me.

May the omens and the blessings be shown through me.

May the blessings in the waters fill my soul.

May the wisdom of the Kindreds make me whole.

Working- Receiving the gift of fire and community from Prometheus

Story: The Finding of Fire (retelling of Hesiod, written by Thexalon)

In the earliest days of the world, there Gods, and there were Beasts, and there were Men. The Men feared the Gods, because the Gods were much older and much wiser than Men. And the Men feared the Beasts, because the Beasts were faster and stronger than Men could hope to be. Sometimes the Beasts would attack the Men’s village, and the Gods would send hail or drought, and the Men suffered. So the Men came together in council, and decided to leave tribute for the Gods and Beasts in the hopes that they would be left in peace.

The built a high altar and left trinkets for the Gods, and left food for the Beasts in the nearby forest. The Gods seemed to listen to the Men, and sent no more hail or drought, but the Beasts did not understand Men’s gifts and continued to attack the Men. And so the Men suffered still.

One of the Gods was named “Foresight”, and it was his job to observe and predict what would happen. He had an idea, and went to the king of the Gods to explain it:

“Ah, sir, you see how those Men down there keep offering us gifts? Perhaps we could make them our allies by helping them against the Beasts.”

“Why do we need allies? We’re Gods, and the Men have nothing we care about.”

“Not even the occasional dalliance?”

“You leave my private life out of this! And don’t tell my wife! Now listen, remember why I’m in charge here? I overthrew my father and his crew. He overthrew his father and his crew. These Men are our children – what do you think would happen to us if they got too strong? We cannot help them, and that’s all there is to it.”

“But wouldn’t it be nice to have Men down there happily doing what we want? We could enjoy more of their gifts, watch their triumphs in our name, …”

“Enough! You are forbidden to do anything to help them, do you understand?”

But Foresight had known what the king might say, and he had a plan. He went to the highest parts of the heavens, and took a small piece of the Fire he found there, and headed down to the Earth to give it to the Men.

But the king of the Gods noticed what Foresight was doing, and knew he had to stop Foresight from delivering his gift. He sent a storm, and flung a lightning bolt *KABOOM!* at Foresight. The king then rushed to where Foresight was, grabbed him and dragged him to the far ends of the Earth, and chained Foresight to a rock, and sent a bird to peck at him every day.

Some Men heard the commotion, and came to investigate what had happened. There they discovered Fire, still burning, forgotten on the battlefield. They were scared of it at first, but decided this might be useful, took it back to their village, and tended it, and cared for it. The Fire kept them warm, it allowed them to see at night, and the next time the Beasts attacked the Men brought out pieces of Fire and scared the Beasts away, and the Men could prosper.

Generations went by, with Men becoming stronger and wiser with the help of the Fire. And one day, a great hero of Men was wandering the Earth when he discovered Foresight, still chained to the rock.

“I was wondering when you would get here!”

“How did you know I was coming?”

“Listen, I am Foresight, and I knew that if I helped Men one day Men would find me, and help me in return.”

“But why are you chained here?”

“That’s not important right now. If you release me, I will be an aid to Men henceforth.”

“But how do I get you out? If these chains are too strong for you, a God, surely they are too strong for me.”

“Remember the tool that saved you from the Beasts? Try that.”

The hero took the Fire bundle from his pack, and rekindled it near the chain. As the chain heated, it became weaker, and Foresight and the hero pulled and bent and tugged until Foresight was free.

Foresight was good to his word. And so now, if you have a difficult decision to make, sit quietly by the Fire and listen carefully – the voice of Foresight will whisper from the flame and tell you the path of wisdom.

Working: Receiving the gift of fire and community from Prometheus (written by Jan Avende)

*a tea light is given to each celebrant. A taper is lit from the Fire,

and used to light each candle in turn*

Children of Earth, think now on the gifts that we have received.

Prometheus knowingly made a sacrifice,

so that we might have such a bright and shining gift.

Think on the community that can be built around a Fire.

Think on the prayers that can be spoken around a Fire.

Think on the offerings that can be made around a Fire.

In it’s simplicity, this flame burns hot and strong.

When you lack for community, let this flame remind you of your folk.

When you lack focus, let this flame be your guiding light.

When all the world seems dark and unforgiving, let this flame brighten your heart.

Children of Earth, the gift of Fire is ours,

and through it we may continue to find joy and light,

warmth and community in our lives.

Take this flame, extinguishing it for the moment,

Back to your hearth, where you may again rekindle it.

With it’s life and light, be warmed and reminded of the joy today.

Rejoice, for we have the gift of Fire!

And now, Children of Earth, having honored the Kindreds, received their blessings, and done good work, it is time we thank those we have called so that we may take the blessings we have received out into our community and out into the world.

Thank Prometheus- (written by Jan Avende)

Prometheus, Flame-haired trickster,

For you presence here today,

And for all the gifts you have given us,

We say: Prometheus, we thank you!

All: Prometheus, We thank you!

Thank the Shining Ones- (written by Jan Avende)

Bright and shining Theoi,

Mighty Gods and Goddesses on High.

You who shine down your wisdom upon us

And walk with us, guiding us, each day.

We say: Theoi, we thank you!

All: Theoi, We thank you!

Thank the Nature Spirits- (written by Jan Avende)

Nature Spirits and Noble Guides,

You who, through your living, teach us the ways to honor the Earth.

Nymphs of all the realms, as we walk amongst your blessings

And listen to your sweet songs,

We say, we thank you!

All: Nature Spirits, We thank you!

Thank the Ancestors- (written by Jan Avende)

Ancestors, Mighty Dead, Heroes,

Those of our blood and bone,

Those of our friends and folk,

Those of our hearth and home,

You have taught us the ways of old and given us the path to walk,

You have toiled and worked so that we might grow in our gifts.

We say: Ancestors, we thank you!

All: Ancestors, We thank you!

Thank Atlas- (written by Jan Avende)

Great Titan and Mighty Mountain, Atlas.

You who have stood as our Star-Crowned and Earth-Shod pillar,

Holding the earth and sky asunder, aligning them as our axis mundi.

You have stood firm as we celebrate here today.

You have Guarded the Ways for us as we rejoice here today.

Accept this gift now *make offering* and know we honor you for the work you do.

For the connections you’ve helped us to maintain,

And for aligning the cosmos itself,

We say: Atlas, we thank you!

All: Atlas, We thank you!

Close the Gates- (written by Jan Avende)

Let this Well be but water, ever sacred in its own right,

but no longer a Gate opening to the many paths.

Let this Fire be but a flame, ever sacred in its own right,

but no longer a Gate opening to the many ways.

Let the omphalos no longer be the Center of the Worlds holding us at the Crossroads.

Let the Gates be Closed!

All: Let the Gates be Closed

Thank Ouranos- (written by Jan Avende)

Ouranos, Brilliant Sky Father,

You who shine down your wisdom,

Who drape us in your star-studded cloak,

Your primal forces breathing life into us.

We say: Ouranos, We thank you!

All: Ouranos, We thank you!

Thank Okeanos- (written by Jan Avende)

Okeanos, great Surrounding Sea,

You who encircle the Earth with your nine shining streams,

Guiding the stars and the tides.

Your form laps against our shores as your Waters wrap us in their blessings.

We say: Okeanos, we thank you!

All: Okeanos, We thank you!

Thank Gaea- (written by Jan Avende)

Gaea, Earth Mother, All Mother,

You who gave life at the beginning of all things,

You who ground us in your soil and sustain our being.

We walk lightly upon your bosom as we honor you.

For you support this day and all days,

We say: Gaea, we thank you!

All: Gaea, We thank you!

Thank the Muses- (written by Jan Avende)

Sweet voiced Muses Nine,

You have sung with my voice, danced with my feet,

enflamed my passion, and sweetened my words.

For the fire you have filled us all with

And for letting it pour forth in harmony and wisdom

We say: Muses, we thank you!

All: Muses, We thank you!

Thank Hestia- (written by Jan Avende)

For Hestia, I pour these last libations.

First-Born, and Last-Born,

Lady of the Hearth

And Keeper of the Sacred Flame.

Though your flame may go out on our hearth,

May it continue to burn ever strong within our hearts.

Hestia, we thank you!

All: Hestia, We thank you!

Recessional-

Song: “Walk With Wisdom”

(- Sable)

Walk with wisdom from this hallowed place.

Walk not in sorrow, our roots shall ere embrace.

May strength be your brother, and honor be your friend,

And luck be your lover until we meet again.

Mist to Open. Mists to Bind.

an Initiate-Priest's journey diving the depths

Walking the Path

Cradled in Silence

Rekindling the Fire in our New Home

Trance-Along: Finding a Shared Space

Introduction to a New Deity

Making Sacred Ink

My Vocational Statement

Discipline 1

Teething Charm: Dr. Tally’s Soothing Tooth-Tiger Liniment

ADF Style New Moon Rite