Requirement #1: Key concepts from required reading:

What three factors ("subcategories") does Bonewits identify as determining the impact of "familiarity" on the success of a ritual? Briefly discuss the ways in which personal or family-only ritual is aided or hindered by these factors when compared to public group ritual. (Minimum 100 words)

Isaac defines the factors of Intra-Group Familiarity as knowledge, affection, and group identity (Bonewits 104). These factors all play a role in helping create a group mind. With the formation of a strong group mind, more “mana” can be created and controlled than when there is not a strong group mind. This in itself leads to a more powerful ritual experience.

Knowledge in this instance is referring to how well everyone in the group knows each other. The better everyone knows everyone else, their skills, and their weaknesses, the easier it is to assign parts and tasks in the ritual to people that are best suited. An example Issac uses here is if you have some strong singers, and some weak singers, you would want to mix them around so that the stronger singers can help the weaker ones with the songs (Bonewits 104).

With affection, Issac is talking about love and strong friendships between members of the group. The closer people are emotionally, the stronger the bond between members of the group, the better they can work together. As the affection between the group members increase, the more the members can let their guard down.

When we are talking about group identity, we are talking about a shared practice. If everyone in the group has the same world view, and agree on the same ritual practices, the better they will work together. When someone is not familiar with the world view and ritual practices of the group, they will be trying to figure out how everything works and fits together, and will not be contributing to the group mind, possibly pulling others from contributing as much, and that leads to a less powerful ritual.

For family-only rituals, normally everyone is familiar with the ritual style and world view. There also is likely to be strong emotional bonds between the group members as they are all in the family. Finally, everyone being familiar with each other leads to knowing the skills, strengths, and weaknesses of everyone else. With regards to intra-group familiarity, this is potentially one of the best set ups for a ritual group. For solitary this is mostly moot point though as you are the most familiar with yourself.

This differs from group rituals in that with larger groups, you lower the amount of familiarity with everyone else. There may be people of different world views, used to different rituals and even different hearth cultures that will lead to a bit more discord. There also is a larger chance for personality conflicts between members, or newer people are less known, all lowering the affection between members. The less the members know each other, and the less they have worked together, the less knowledge they have of their strengths, weaknesses, and such. While the potential for more “mana” is there the larger the group gets, it does not mean that it will be more powerful because of the less familiarity.

What six methods of prayer does Ceisiwr Serith describe? Briefly suggest an example of how you might employ each in your personal worship practices. You may include worship with a group if applicable. (Minimum 200 words)

Ceisiwr describes six basic components or methods of pray, namely words, posture, motion, dance, music, and gestures (Serith 17-28).

Praying through Words:

This is likely the most common way people think of when praying. We will say out loud, or recite in our heads prayers to the various beings. In my own rituals, this is by far the most common way I communicate.

Praying with Posture:

How we hold our body as a whole can in itself be prayer. A common way one see in the Christian religions is the hands held together when in prayer, this is a posture. Ceisiwr promotes the orans posture which is standing with arms out at right angles, hands flat facing forward. This posture is a way of you showing that you come expectant, but are not being submissive to the beings (Serith 21). In my personal practice, the normal posture I assume when calling on any of the various beings we call is standing and either one or two hands up in the air as in raising a glass in toast. The only exception to this is when honoring the Earth Mother. Here I normally either kneel or lay prostate.

Praying with Motion:

How we move can be a prayer. Likely the most common, according to Ceisiwr, is circumambulation, or walking in circles around something. Of course direction plays a role, and depending on what you are intending, clockwise or counterclockwise may be appropriate or send certain messages (Serith 23). While it may not be entirely intentional on my part, I do often do walk in circles in my own practice.

Praying through Dance:

Dance is yet another form of communication. This in itself can take some effort to coordinate, especially among larger groups, but it also is effective. As I am not much one to enjoy dancing, I rarely if ever dance, instead I will pray through motions.

Praying with Music:

Music is yet another form of communications. The use of words if a song or chant, different tones, rhythms and all else that goes with music can be a very powerful method of praying. Again, in large groups, this is more difficult to organize as not everyone may be familiar with the music. In my own personal practice, I normally, along with praying with words, pray with song or chant prior to speaking.

Praying with Gestures:

Where dancing is communicating with your whole body, gestures is communication through small movements of parts of your body. This can be the flick of a wrist, crossing of hands, a wave, raise of an eyebrow, or any other movement that doesn’t involve the whole body. We all use gestures, often without even realizing it. In my own practice, I use gestures such as drawing spirals with my hand when opening/closing the gates, and even how I make offerings.

What arguments does Ceisiwr Serith make in support of set prayers (as opposed to spontaneous prayers)? Discuss how these arguments apply (or do not apply) to solitary Pagan prayer. (Minimum 200 words)

The most interesting argument Ceisiwr makes for having set prayers is that the ancients had set prayers. As an example of this, he points out that the Rig Veda is nothing more than a collection of set prayers used by the Vedic people (Serith 66). Knowing that we have been using set prayers for ages makes it more appealing for many people, and makes it more acceptable in some minds to have set prayers.

Another reason to have set prayers is for those instances of intense emotions, such as grief or joy, where words fail to come. Having a set prayer to say will give you the ability to pray, while allowing your mind to go where it needs to go. I recently experienced this when a good friend passed and I did a solitary rite for him. Having a set ritual with set prayers allowed me to do the rite without having to think about the details needed to do it.

If you have memorized prayers that you use all the time, the prayer can say itself, and you may have some profound moment where you realize a new or deeper meaning of the prayer being said (Serith 68). Ceisiwr also mentions an interesting phenomenon that happens when you are very comfortable and familiar with a memorized prayer, at times, the “prayer prays you”, or in other words, the prayer becomes you (Serith 67).

One final reason for set prayers is directly involved with group prayers. If you are trying to get a group to pray together, it is not easy if not impossible, to get the group to pray spontaneously. Using a set prayer, especially one that everyone has memorized, will make it possible for group prayer to happen.

Personally, I am divided on this. The majority of the prayers I do in personal practice are spontaneous at some point, but the songs I use are not. Based on my own experience, I do feel that the spontaneous prayers tend to give me more powerful results. For group prayers where the whole group would participate though, I would tend to do a call and response litany which would be a set prayer.

When we are talking about solitary rituals though, spontaneous prayer can be easier to come by. Ritual in itself can be more “loose” and less structured as it is only the solitary and the Kindred involved. On the other hand, a set prayer can put the solitary at ease and allow them to not be nervous when performing the ritual. In the end similar arguments for and against set prayer can be used for the solitary ritualist as for the group ritualist.

Requirement #2: Documenting personal ritual practice:

Keep and submit for review a journal documenting the development and observance of the personal/household worship customs described above covering a period of not less than four months, including one observance of a seasonal festival, such as one of the eight ADF High Days. Entries are to be not less than weekly. The text of individual prayers and longer devotional rituals should be provided as frequently as possible. Regular practices occurring less than weekly will be considered if they are documented as revivals or reconstructions of historically-attested observances occurring less than weekly.

Over the past 4 months I have been keeping a journal of my worship practices here at home. In general I did a weekly ritual every Sunday, usually right before bed. The typical liturgy was mostly done in song. The following is a typical example of what was done. All in italics or parentheses is not spoken:

Center myself with 9 breaths

2 Powers meditation

I have come to honor the gods.

“Mother Come Be With Us, unknown author”

Mother come be with us, may your blessings ever flow.

Mother still and quiet, take our love beneath the snow.

Blessed Mother, ancient and renewing,

Blessed Mother, take our love below.

Earth Mother, Accept my Sacrifice (grains)

“Fire, Bright Fire, by Pandora”

Fire, bright fire
Gate to the Shining Ones
Fire, bright Fire
Our passage to the Sky
Fire, bright Fire
Warmth of our Community
Spark of Life
We honor you now (extinguish incense)

Well, deep Well
Gate to the Underworld
Well, deep Well
Our passage to the Sea
Well, deep Well
Wisdom of the Ancestors
Waters of Life
We honor you now (drop silver into well)

Tree, great Tree
Gate that reaches everywhere
Tree, great Tree
With you we share the Land
Tree, great Tree
Our passage to the Otherworld
Source of Life
We honor you now (aspurge and cense tree throughout)

Sleipnir! Brother!, Son of Loki, Steed of Odin! You travel all nine worlds bearing Odin on your back, bringing messages with you as you go. Beautiful Stallion of Odin, you travelled to Hel to bring back Balder and yet only brought back a message. Sleipnir, aide me in bringing my words where they need to go. Bring back to me what I need to hear. Sleipnir, aide me as my gatekeeper tonight.

Sleipnir! Accept my Sacrifice (grains)

Now, Sleipnir, join your magic with mine. Let the well open as a gate, let the fire open as a gate, let the tree be the crossroads, open to my voice and open to the spirits. Let the Gates Be Open!

“Nature Spirit’s Invocation, unknown author”

Brothers and Sisters,

Honor we bring you.

Humbly we ask you,

Welcome us here.

We sing your praises,

Soul of the forest.

Bringers of beauty,

Throughout the year.

Nature Spirits, Accept my Sacrifice! (grains)

“Mothers and Fathers of Old, by Sabel”

From far beyond this mortal plane, mothers and fathers of old,
We pray that you return again, mothers and fathers of old.
To share with us the mysteries and secrets long untold,
Of the ancient ways we seek to reclaim, mothers and fathers of old.

Ancestors, Accept my Sacrifice! (beer)

“Hail all the Gods, (Words: First verse, Trad.; Second verse, Richard MacKelley; Bridge section, Gwynne Green. Music: Paul Maurice, Sean Miller, Gail Williams.)”

Hail all the Gods,
Hail all the Goddesses,
Hail all the Holy Ones,
We dwell together.

Powers of the sky,
Powers of sacred earth.
Powers of the underworld,
We dwell together.

Hail all the Gods!
Hail all the Goddesses!
Hail all the Gods...and Goddesses

Shining Ones, Accept my Sacrifice (beer)

Odin! One Eyed! You hung for 9 days on Yggdrasil in your quest for knowledge of the runes. You gave your eye to Mimir’s well in your quest for the knowledge of the future. You sit in your high seat so that you can see all. You send out your ravens Hugin and Munin so you can hear what is happening throughout the worlds. You are on an endless quest for knowledge. You came to me in my quest for knowledge, and I thank you for that.

Come, join me, aide me, and guide me in my works this evening!

Odin! Accept my Sacrifice! (beer)

Loki! Patron! Father! Guide! Guardian! Teacher! Friend! You are all these and more to me. You were there from the beginning and have been with me throughout all I have done. You have aided me and taught me what I needed to learn. I expect you to be with me in the future doing the same.

Loki! Come, join me, aide me, guide me in my works this evening.

Loki! Accept my Sacrifice (beer)

(if I did trance/magic work, the next 2 sentences would not be said) I have come to honor the Gods. As that is my only purpose here tonight, I make one final sacrifice. (light incense) Shining ones! Ancestors! Land Spirits! Odin! And Loki! I make this sacrifice to you all. The more I give, the closer I become to you. Ancient and Mighty ones! Accept my Sacrifice! (extinguish the incense)

Now for the omen. What blessings do I receive? (draw and interpret the omen)

Ancient and Mighty ones. I have given to you, and in good *ghosti tradition, a gift deserves a gift. (start pouring water into horn) Fill these waters with (state omen). Behold the waters of life! Behold the waters of life! Behold the waters of life! (drink waters)

(if I did trance and/or magic, it was done now as described in the Trance 1/Magic 2 journals)

And so now, I thank all that have aided me in my works tonight.

Loki! Father, teacher, guide, guardian. I thank you for all you have done for me. I give you my love, and I give you my thanks.

Odin! You came to me in my quest for knowledge, and have aided me in my works tonight. I give you my love, and I give you my thanks.

Shining Ones! Gods and Goddesses that look over me, Gods and Goddesses of this land, and Gods and Goddesses of elder days, all known or unknown to me. I give you my thanks.

Ancestors! Blood of my bones, blood of my kin, blood of this land. All who have walked this world before me, I give you my thanks.

Land Spirits! Fur and feather and scale and skin. Leaf and twig and flower and stem. Seen and unseen, the elves, the dwarves, the weights. I give you my thanks.

Sleipnir! You have aided me once more and have taken my words far and wide, and brought back what I needed to hear. Brother, I give you thanks once more. Now, join your magic with mine again, and let the well become but water. Let the fire become but flame. Let the tree become a tree once more. Let the Gates Be Closed!

Earth Mother! You were there at the beginning, and you will be there at the end. Without you, there would be no life. Earth Mother, I thank you, and return to you all that is left unused.

The Earth Mother and the hallowing of the hallows songs did change from the beginning due to season or the realization that I was getting too familiar with the rite and wanted to keep myself more conscious of what I was doing. The other songs were as follows:

“Blossom Lifter by JD Labash and StoneCreed Grove, ADF”

Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bless what we eat,
Bless what we drink,
Bless what we harrow,
and bless what we sow.

Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bloom with the wheat,
Bloom with the rye,
Bloom with barley,
And bloom with all grains.

Earth mother, blossom lifter
With all these things,
Let us rejoice...
You give to us,
And we give to you.

“Portal Song by Ian Corrigan”

CHORUS
By Fire and by Water, between the Earth and Sky
We stand like the World-Tree rooted deep, crowned high.

Come we now to the Well, the eye and the mouth of Earth,
Come we now to the Well, and silver we bring,
Come we now to the Well, the waters of rebirth,
Come we now to the Well, together we sing:

CHORUS

We will kindle a Fire, Bless all, and with harm to none,
We will kindle a Fire, and offering pour,
We will kindle a Fire, A light 'neath the Moon & Sun,
We will kindle a fire, our spirits will soar.

CHORUS

Gather we at the Tree, the root & the crown of all,
Gather we at the Tree, Below & above,
Gather we at the Tree, Together we make our call,
Gather we at the Tree, In wisdom & love.

CHORUS (with gusto)

I also did small things daily that are not in the journal. I took a daily omen by pulling one rune (or more if more wanted to come out) asking in one form or another “what will my day be like?” While doing this, I also acknowledged the images of Odin and Loki on my alter, normally with a nod to them. I also walked past my outdoor ritual space daily, and made a nod of acknowledgement to the tree which I planted in 2007 specifically to be my outdoor world tree, and where I pour all sacrifices made inside once the rituals are done.

I did a brief experiment at the end of the four months by doing a ritual a day, and one every four hours on Saturday in a way of seeing what a more monastic type experience would be. It was an interesting experience. I felt a little trapped though, like I had to put off any other plans that may have come up in order to maintain the schedule. I know this was not really the case, but it is what I felt, especially on the Saturday. I think this is something I could do in the future, but I don’t think it is something that I could do alone. The monastic experience, to me, really needs to be something done with multiple people.

The obvious question that comes out of the whole four months of journaling is what did I get out of this? There was definitely a closer connection to the Kindred that came out of this. Also, doing a liturgy that was mostly song gave me a set liturgy that I found myself being able to do without any thinking by the end. I am not sure that I like not thinking about what I am saying and doing. That is one of the reasons I changed up the Earth Mother call, and changed to Fire, Bright Fire, yet these became second nature by the end too.

As talked about in question 3 above, there is a good reason for having a set prayer, or in this case liturgy. I am more comfortable though with having a less set liturgy as it keeps me thinking and focused on what I am doing, and it becomes less and less a rote exercise.

Works Cited

Bonewits, Isaac. Rites of Worship: A Neopagan Approach. Earth Religions Press, 2003.

Serith, Ceisiwr. A Book of Pagan Prayer. Boston, MA: Weiser, 2002.

09/21/08

10:07:03 pm

Tonight I did my first ritual for the Liturgy Practicum course.
I started off with taking 9 breaths and doing a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the earth mother through singing Blossom Lifter. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant and then purified myself and my land with "by the might of the waters, and light of the fire, this grove is whole and holy".

I then called on Sleipnir as brother, offering grains and calling on him to aide me with opening the gates. We then opened the gates and I reveled in riding on Sleipnir's back through them to the center of all worlds.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation (from Sharing Blessings Album), then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

I then called on Odin to thank him for his wisdom and to call on him to aide me and guide me this evening. I called on Loki as patron and father to thank him for all he has done and for him to aide and guide me this evening. I then made a prayer of sacrifice saying thanks to all that have aided me to this point.

Omen was taken:

Hagalaz: major change
Perthro: chance
Naudiz: need

I took this as I'm getting the needed change I need, but that the outcome is still up in the air. To me this was a good step, and so I accepted the blessings.

I then did a trance journey and magical workings.

After all this, I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a night.

Overall, it went well. I was rusty on some of the words for the songs I used, but I got at least one round totally correct.

09/28/08

03:46:44 pm - personal equinox

Today, I did my weekly, and due to occasion, high day, ritual. I did it in a trance journey though as I was out of town on a business trip and had nothing to do ritual with me. All offerings were made at home when I got home.

So, I did the normal stuff, 2 powers, honored earth mother with the Earth Mother chant, hallowed fire/well/tree and omphalus (I had to bring one in at the last second as I realized I was going Greek) with the portal chant. I then called on Hermes to aide with opening the gates, offering wine, and opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation offering grains, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old offering wine, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods offering whiskey.

I then called on Dionysus and praised him, and discussed his importance to me and to the season. I offered him grapes and wine. Then, I pulled the omen. I pulled it physically here, 2 runes. I then in trance hallowed the waters, drank them, and thanked everything in reverse order and reminded them that I will give to them when I get home.

So, the omen I got was Dagaz and Isa. I read this as a stable day, with no life altering events to come. I actually like that omen.

10/05/08

02:37:01 pm

I did a daylight weekly blessing ritual this week.

I started off with taking 9 breaths and doing a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the earth mother through singing Blossom Lifter. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant and then purified myself and my land with "by the might of the waters, and light of the fire, this grove is whole and holy".

I then called on Odin to thank him for his wisdom and to call on him to aide me and guide me this day. I called on Loki as patron and father to thank him for all he has done and for him to aide and guide me this evening. I then made a prayer of sacrifice saying thanks to all that have aided me to this point.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do Odin and Loki give me?

Hagalaz: Change

Fehu: wealth

Laguz: emotions

Isa: stability

Uruz: strength.

After some meditation on that, I am reading it as I'm getting a change to move to a more healthy, emotionally stable state. Does this mean a partner in my future?

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well. I will have to do trance and magical workings later today.

10/12/08

07:32:54 pm

I then called on Sleipnir as brother, offering grains and calling on him to aide me with opening the gates and carrying my words and actions where needed. We then opened the gates.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Gebo: partnership

Naudiz: need

Ing: fertility.

I am reading this as I'm getting the needed aide and partnership for personal growth, possibly in the ADF CTP.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

10/19/08

11:30:33 pm

I then called on the Valkyries to carry my messages as they carry the slain, and to bring to me the messages back, offering them beer. We then opened the gates and I could see the mist part, and I was on the plain with Yggdrasil.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Fehu: wealth/cattle

Naudiz: need/constraint

Berkano: new beginnings.

I am reading this as I'll be going a new way financially, a needed way.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

10/26/08

2:00:00 pm – Grove Samhain

We gathered on a very warm October afternoon at Gretchen's house.

We started off struggling with the fire while a grounding/centering meditation bringing us to communicate with our ancestors was done by Gretchen. I then called on Bridget to inspire us.

Bright Brighid, lady of the forge, lady of the flame, lady of inspiration.

We call on you today to awaken our inner flame, to inspire our words, to inspire our thoughts.

Shape our words and thoughts as you would the metal at your forge into the epitome of beauty and utility.

Give us silvered tongues so that we may speak only truths.

Bright Brighid, inspire us this night! Bright Brighid! Accept our Sacrifice!

We then hallowed our center to the singing of the portal song, and then I called on Mannanan to open the gates followed by an offering to the outdwellers.

Dennis then mad sacrifice to the Land Sprits, Gretchen made sacrifice to the Shining Ones, and Cary made sacrifice to the Ancestors. We then sang the Offering chant.

Gretchen then called on the Morrigan, and I called on the Dagda, putting the fire out with the whiskey that was offered. The fire got restarted, and a second offering of Whiskey was made. This caused me to do a private rite later.

We then opened things up for anyone to make offerings they needed to to the Dagda, the Morrigan, or the Ancestors. A wreath was passed around with ribbons to tie offerings and intentions to it to be burnt for the Ancestors. I also read parts of the story of the second battle of Mag Turid, and explaining why we have the Dagda and the Morrigan as our patrons for this rite, for the third year running.

We then made sacrifice of the sacred, 9 grain loaf of bread (bull) and then took the omens. The original omen for the Dagda was Blackthorne: Strife. After some more omen pulls, it was determined that was an omen specifically for me. Cary then pulled a omen for the Dagda which we accepted.

What blessings do we receive?

Ancestors: Apple

Morrigan: Witchhazel

Dagda: Ash

We then installed new officers for the grove. First I read the history of the Grove up to this point, and then challenged Gretchen to oath to doing the duty of Senior Druid. Cary then oathed to being the scribe, and I oathed to being the Pursewarden.

We then thanked all those involved and went inside to feast.

11:08:03 pm

I then called on Manannan, offering whiskey to him for his aide with opening the gates and carrying my words and actions where needed. We then opened the gates.

Then, I called on Dagda as he had told me during the grove's ritual a few hours earlier we needed to talk. I offered him the rest of the whiskey I had, the rest of the oil I had, and incense asking him to come to me and guide me as he wanted. This was my prayer of sacrifice for this ritual.
Omen was taken:

What advice does the Dagda give?

Aspen: communication
Spindle: community
Gooseberry: the fair folk.

He was telling me to work more with the land spirits of my land. I then promised to build a shrine for the land spirits in my yard by next Samhain.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well, and I now know I have more work ahead of me.

10/31/08

05:37:54 pm - Personal Samhain

I started off with taking 9 breaths and doing a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the earth mother. The fire/well/tree was then hallowed and then I purified myself and my land with "by the might of the waters, and light of the fire, this grove is whole and holy".

I then called on Sleipnir, offering grains to him for his aide with opening the gates and carrying my words and actions where needed. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits with seeds, Shining Ones with beer, and then the Ancestors with silver.

Then, I called on the ancestors that wish me no harm again, offering more silver to the well, incense, and wine. I then served dinner of pork, green beans, rolls, and Riesling and shared dinner with the ancestors in silence. The one thing I did notice is that despite the lack of a noticeable breeze in my dining room, the incense blew directly to the seat for the Ancestors.

When dinner was over, I took the omen, asking what advice the Ancestors had for me:

Uruz: Strength
Tiwaz: Justice/Right action
Elhaz: Elk/Protection

They told me that they were giving me the strength to do what has to be done, are are watching my back.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time. I then brought all offerings outside, including the plate of food for the ancestors, and poured the offerings out, and left the plate/glass of food sitting out over night.

Overall, it went well, and I now know I have more work ahead of me... and it doesn't seem like it will be a fun time.

11/02/08

11:01:47 pm

I started off with taking 9 breaths and doing a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Blossom Lifter. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant and then purified myself and my land with "by the might of the waters, and light of the fire, this grove is whole and holy".

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates and I could see the mist part, and I was on the plain with Yggdrasil.

I then sacrificed to the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, then the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Wunjo: joy and happiness

Isa: stability

Tiwaz: Justice/Right action.

I am reading this as I'll be getting the joy and stability that comes out of doing things for the right reasons.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

11/09/08

11:19:41 pm

As it has now gotten very very cold out, I'm doing work at my shrine inside. My well has been brought in, and my tree is now a rose that I was given 5 years ago.

I processed in from the shower to "We Approach the Sacred Grove", for some reason, this just came out of my mouth. I then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Blossom Lifter. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates and I could see the mist part, and I was on the plain with Yggdrasil.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

I then called on Odin to thank him for his knowledge and to call on him to aide me and guide me this evening. I called on Loki as patron and father to thank him for all he has done and for him to aide and guide me this evening. I then made a prayer of sacrifice saying thanks to all that have aided me to this point.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Elhaz: elk/protection

Ing: seeds/beginnings

Mannaz: Man/self

I am reading this as I'm being given the protection I need to start down a new path... I think this is saying to get in gear with the CTP.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well for the first indoor ritual of the winter.

11/11/08

10:51:52 pm

Veteran's Day Ritual

We gathered tonight to celebrate Veteran's Day and honor all those that have served.

We started off grounding and centering to Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and then processed in silence to the ritual area, censing, aspurging, and leaving egos behind on the way.

The Earth Mother was honored. Minerva then was called for inspiration as she can be seen to inspire many of our founding fathers:

Minerva, you have been inspiration for so many throughout history. You have played a great role in the founding of our country, inspiring our founding fathers. Your image has appeared time and again throughout our country. One image of you that has inspired me is the one on the base of a statue of John Jay where you are dictating the constitution.

On this day where we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, we call on you to inspire us as you have inspired the founders of our country. Show us the things we need to see. Tell us the things we need to hear. Let us speak with silvered tongues, speaking only truths.

Minerva, we call on you to inspire us in our works tonight. Minerva, Accept our Sacrifice!

The fire, well, and tree were then hallowed with the Portal Song, and Lady Liberty was called in her Statue of Liberty form to be our gatekeeper, with pennies being given as an offering to her. Now that the gates were opened, the Kindred were called.

I then called upon Lady Liberty again for our deity of the occasion and have her embody the flag we had set up. Calling on her reminding ourselves of the sacrifices that have to be made, mostly by those in uniform, so that we can have our liberty and freedom.

At this point I told a little history of the day. Then the participants were asked to share stories of the veterans, alive or dead, in their families, and sacrifice a rose to the fire. We then remembered the Vets and current service members, making a sacrifice to them. A sacrifice of oil was then made to all those in office, and especially for those coming into office that they can make the right decisions for the country. Then we shared a meal (bread) and made a piacular offering.

The omen was then taken.

What blessings does Lady Liberty give?

Ing: Freyr, fertility
Ehwaz: movement, change, horse (spiritual journey)
Naudiz: need, constraint, destiny

We interpret this as her saying we're going the right way, and we need to continue remembering and celebrating the secular holidays. We are still at the start of something that needs to be done, and doing it is needed.

We declared this to be good, and hallowed the waters (water and beer) and drank them. All that were invited were then thanked and closed the gates.

Overall, it was a simple, and powerful ritual.

11/16/08

11:23:16 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Blossom Lifter. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Wunju: Joy/happiness

Ansuz: Deity/words

Dagaz: Day

I'm reading this as I'll have happy times with the deities this next week.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

11/23/08

11:37:15 pm

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Naudiz: Need/Constraint

Dagaz: Day

I am reading this as I need to relax and enjoy the next few days... useful advice considering Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

11/29/08

10:08:04 pm – Druid Moon

So, I made it on the journey tonight.

I did my normal solitary ritual in my bedroom because it's a bit cold outside to do a trance journey. Prior to starting, I set my watch to go off at 9:29 so I would know to get to the mound.

My normal ritual is 2 powers, Blossom Lifter (earth mother), Portal Chant (fire/well/tree), tonight gatekeepers were the Valkyries, then Nature Spirits Invocation (Land Spirits), Mothers and Fathers of Old (Ancestors), and Hail all the Gods (Shining Ones). I called on my patrons (Odin and Loki), and I called on the Ancient Wise to assist me in the journey. My omen was Tiwaz (justice), Uruz (strength), and Sowleo (wholeness), a good omen I would say. I pulled an Ogham to throw into the fire, I got Ailm (Fir, Far Seeing) and then drank my blessings and laid down for the trance journey.

I started off going through the looking glass, on this side were the Valkyries, on the other side was the Earth Mother. I traveled down a path into the mist, found the second gate with the eye and went through it. I then found myself on the path to the plain that the mound is on. At this point, my watch beeped, so I traveled quickly to the mound and found an entrance. This time it was wooden, with a big area carved out with a skull sitting in it. I traveled down the path into the mound and then came out into the chamber with the fire.

I got the distinct feeling that it was crowded, although I saw very few people there. Shortly after arriving, as I was walking to the fire to throw in the Fir, I saw Skip. As I was throwing in the wood, I saw Ian. I then for some reason got the impulse to walk clockwise around the fire for a bit. I think I may have seen Francesca, Bryan, and Barbara, but I'm not quite sure.

I did see Kirk, and he was huddling close to the fire, looking chilled. How is the weather in Washington Kirk? I found that I was wearing a cloak, so I wrapped him up in it and spent some time like that. I also found Jenni sitting off to the side on a bench knitting. I know I went and gave her a hug. Kirk and Jenni were the strongest visions I had the whole trip.

At that point, I felt the urge to head out, so I found an exit and left. It still felt crowded but yet looked empty, when I left. I traveled the path back the way I came, and came back to my body. This was about 9:40 Eastern.

I then thanked all that were involved, and closed the ritual down.

12/07/08

11:03:29 pm

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Kenaz: Spark/inspiration

Isa: stability/ice

Tiwaz: Justice/right action

I'm going to be inspired by the stability that comes from doing right action... That's good!

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

12/14/08

11:41:11 pm

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and traveler of all worlds, offering him malted grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Hagalaz: Hail/Destruction

Gebo: Partnership/Gift

Well, I'm going to have some kind of relationship issues coming up? If it's meant to be, it's meant to be.... *sigh*

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

12/21/08

11:45:15 pm

I then called on Mannanan to come across the seas and aide me with opening the gates, offering him beer. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

I then called on Dagda as he comes to me now and again and thanked him for being there. Then I called on Odin to thank him for his knowledge and to call on him to aide me and guide me this evening. I called on Loki as patron and father to thank him for all he has done and for him to aide and guide me this evening. I then made a prayer of sacrifice saying thanks to all that have aided me to this point.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Kenaz: Spark/inspiration

Ansuz: Deity/Words

Thurisaz: Thorn.

Ok, so, I'm going to be inspired in some weird way. I do have to work on Bardic for Liturgists... I'll take the inspiration.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

12/22/08:

11:07:12 pm – Grove Yule

We started out with a lovely grounding by Gretchen which started off with one candle, and seeing that grow to many and a bright light, while she also lit a bunch of candles. We censed, aspurged, left the ego, and then further grounded with the song We are One.

The Earth Mother was honored followed by calls to Kvasir for inspiration:

Kvasir! You were born out of spit of the Æsir and the Vanir at the end of their war. You were the wisest of the Skald, and not one person could question your judgment. The dwarves Fjalar and Galarr took you from this world, and mixed your blood with honey to make the Mead of Inspiration in the kettle named Ódrerir, and the vats called Són and Bodn.

O Liquor of Ódrerir and of Bodn and of Són, you saved the lives of the dwarves as they were fit to be drown by the giant Suttungr, who then took you and gave you to his daughter Gunnlöd for safe keeping. When Odin heard of Suttungr’s Mead he searched out Baugi, Suttungr’s brother, using the name Bölverkr. He tricked Baugi’s thralls to their death, and offered to replace them himself for the payment of a sip of Kvasir’s Blood. And so he worked, and so the payment was sought.

When Baugi was rebuffed by his brother in his request, he bore a hole into Gunnlöd’s home and Odin turned himself into a snake to enter. Odin spent three nights at her side, and finally was able to get three sips of the Dwarves' Mead. The first was the entirety of Ódrerir, the second was Bodn, and third was Són, thus all of your blood was taken by him. He then turned himself into an eagle and flew back to Asgard where to this day, the Booty and Find and Gift of Odin stays to give inspiration to those in need.

So Kvasir! We call on you to inspire us as you are the mead of inspiration. Give us silvered tongues! May we speak the truth, and what needs to be said! Kvasir! Inspire US!

Kvasir! Accept our Sacrifice!

We then hallowed the hallows with Fire Bright Fire, and the Valkyries were called to aide with opening the gates. To me they showed up very vividly in full battle armor, not the way they normally show up to me.

We then honored the Kindred and called on Frigg and Odin to come join us. Offerings were made, I read my poem of the wild hunt:

Off in the distance you hear such a sound,

Call of the horn and the bay of the hound.

With the caw of the crow,

And the fall of the snow,

Clearly it’s Odin who’s coming through town.

Nanna has said to look out for their flight,

Wild runs the boar that they hunt on this night.

With his men giving chase,

And the hounds setting pace,

Ducking your head you avoid their firm bite.

Tuck and you cover they fly overhead,

Watch for their eyes or you’ll live with the dead.

So you hide from their sight,

You should cower this night,

Odin hunts boar but would take you instead.

Sit in the house and you watch it go by,

Clang of the shields are in ample supply.

With the roar of the horse,

And the boom of the force,

After they pass see that nothing’s awry.

After the offerings were made, we did a shared meal. We then pulled the omen:

Laguz: Water/emotions, Wunjo: Happiness and joy

What a wonderful omen, we're getting emotional happiness!

The waters were hallowed and passed. We then thanked all that were involved, and closed with a joyous song, Solstice Song (which is about the returning of the sun). The offerings were returned to the snowy earth and much fun was had by all.

12/28/08

11:41:49 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

I called on Odin to thank him for his knowledge and to call on him to aide me and guide me this evening. I called on Loki as patron and father to thank him for all he has done and for him to aide and guide me this evening. I then made a prayer of sacrifice saying thanks to all that have aided me to this point.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Laguz: Water/emotions

Naudiz: Need/constraint.

Well, it's about to be new years, and I expect to be alone... I'm guessing that's the emotions that I need to go through.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/04/09

11:02:14 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Gebo: Partnership/Gift

Mannaz: Man/Self

Dagaz: Day

Naudiz: Need/Constraint

This came to me that I should look inside, and not outside... a time for introspection.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/11/09

11:12:43 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Portal Chant. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Isa: Ice/Stability

Wunjo: Joy/Happiness

Naudiz: Need/Constraint.

I need to enjoy the stability I'm coming into... well, I am starting a new project at work this week. I guess that's good.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/17/09

10:00:00 pm

I performed the following poem that was written specifically for our Spring Equinox ritual in a local Bardic Night.

Ratatosk Ode

Oh Great Squirrely One!
How you run up and down that tree,
From its serpent infested roots
To the crown adorned with feathers.
How do you not tire,
On this endless journey?

Oh great communicator of Yggdrasil!
You share the words of the wyrm, Níðhöggr;
You share the words of eagle on high.
Insults are hurled between the two.
You keep the order of the worlds
through the insults that you hurl.

Ratatosk, Great Squirrely One!
We call on you to be our communicator:
Spread our words throughout the worlds
From the crown above to the roots below.
Ride that great horse, Ygg,
On your path between the worlds!

At the end of the night, I was asked if I could get the squirrel to leave as he apparently showed up, the intention of the poem.

01/18/09

11:02:29 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Ansuz: Deity/Word

Naudiz: Need/Constraint

Mannaz: Man/Self

Considering this is the first of a week of nightly rituals, and 4 on Saturday, I think it's speaking to the needed spiritual connection I am going to be getting.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I then did trance and magic work.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well. This is just the first of a week of daily ritual, and 4 times on Saturday.

01/19/09

09:47:14 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Laguz: Emotions/Water

Ing: Seed/Fertility

I'm seeing this being emotional fertility, for the near future. A good thing.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/20/09

08:09:34 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods, and finally the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Perthro: Chance/Wyrd

Elhaz: Elk/Protection

Berkano: Birch, New Beginnings

I think this is speaking to a couple things on my mind telling me I need to take the chance, and if I do, it'll be a new beginning, and my back will be watched. A good omen overall.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/21/09

11:03:14 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Laguz: Emotions/Water

Eihwaz: world tree/Ash/focal point

Ehwaz: Horse/spiritual travel

I'm reading this as my spiritual work is going to be the focal point of my emotions. Ok, not bad.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/22/09

10:23:53 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, and finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Gebo: Partnership/Gift

Opthila: Home/inheritance

Sowleo: Sun/wholeness/harvest

Naudiz: Need/constraint

So, I need to look at my home life and apparently get a couple small annoyances off my chest. Ok, will do.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/23/09

10:12:24 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. As this is in my house and I just took a shower, I did no purification.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old and caught the hiccups during the first go through. All songs from here out were only sung once due to that. Finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Laguz: Water/Emotions

Fehu: Cattle/Wealth

Uruz: Ox/Strength

Dagaz: Day

So, I'll be getting Emotional and Financial strength in the near future.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water. I then gave incense to the Ancestors to stop the hiccups.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well.

01/24/09

09:55:49 am

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. I then purified myself with sage and water.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old, then finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Eihwaz: Yew/Change

Tiwaz:Right Action

I'm getting the change that is proper. I'll take that.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well, 3 more to do today.

01:54:39 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. I then purified myself with sage and water.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old then finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Thurisaz: Thorn/Protection

Naudiz: Need/Constraint

Ok, so I am getting the protection that I need, even if it may be painful...

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well, 2 more to do today.

05:47:20 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. I then purified myself with sage and water.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old where my lamps started to sputter, then finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Thurisaz: Thorn/Protection

Ehwaz: Horse/spiritual travel

So, spiritual protection. I didn't know I needed it, but I'll take it.

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well, 1 more to do today, and I won't have my 2 oil lamps as I am out of oil, hence the sputtering earlier in the rite.

09:50:55 pm

I centered myself with 9 breaths and then did a two powers type meditation where I connected myself with the waters of earth and the light of the heavens. I then honored the Earth Mother through singing Mother Come Be With Us as there is now snow on the ground. I then hallowed the fire/well/tree with the Fire Bright Fire. I then purified myself with sage and water.

I then called on Sleipnir as brother and messenger to aide me with opening the gates, offering him grains. We then opened the gates.

I then sacrificed to the Land Spirits singing Nature Spirits Invocation, then the Ancestors singing Mothers and Fathers of Old then finally the Shining Ones with Hail All the Gods.

Omen was taken:

What Blessings do I receive?

Eihwaz: Yew/Change

Opthila: Home/inheritance

Good changes at home. I'll take that!

I accepted this blessing and drank the water.

I thanked all that were involved, and I closed the gates. I then thanked and kissed the Earth Mother one last time and called it a day.

Overall, it went well. This also ends the experiment of a ritual a day, and 4 on Saturday, in a sort of Monastic experience. I liked it, but I did feel limited by the structured times I set for today. That is all part of the experience though.

Liturgy Practicum 1: Domestic Cult Practice in ADF

Works Cited

09/21/08

10:07:03 pm

09/28/08

03:46:44 pm - personal equinox

10/05/08

02:37:01 pm

10/12/08

10/19/08

11:30:33 pm

10/26/08

2:00:00 pm – Grove Samhain

11:08:03 pm

10/31/08

05:37:54 pm - Personal Samhain

11/02/08

11:01:47 pm

11/09/08

11:19:41 pm

11/11/08

10:51:52 pm

11/16/08

11:23:16 pm

11/23/08

11:37:15 pm

11/29/08

10:08:04 pm – Druid Moon

12/07/08

11:03:29 pm

12/14/08

11:41:11 pm

12/21/08

11:45:15 pm

12/22/08:

11:07:12 pm – Grove Yule

12/28/08

11:41:49 pm

01/04/09

11:02:14 pm

01/11/09

11:12:43 pm

01/17/09

10:00:00 pm

01/18/09

11:02:29 pm

01/19/09

09:47:14 pm

01/20/09

08:09:34 pm

01/21/09

11:03:14 pm

01/22/09

10:23:53 pm

01/23/09

10:12:24 pm

01/24/09

09:55:49 am

01:54:39 pm

05:47:20 pm

09:50:55 pm