Special Occasion Rituals

Describe how it is different to write and perform a special occasion ritual instead of a High Day ritual. (minimum 100 words)

The first real difference is that the Core Order of Ritual does not need to be strictly followed for special occasion rituals as that is only required to be followed for public high day rituals. That being said, the format that the Core Order of Ritual gives us is a very well tested, and good format to use, so I wouldn't recommend abandoning it completely, but instead one could try to condense it some. There are many reasons for this. One common one would be due to mixed religions. It is not unlikely for an ADF Druid and a Garderian Wiccan wanting to get married, well, which ritual format would be use, or do you mesh the two together?

The other big difference is who the ritual is being done for. High days, we're celebrating the season, and the beings that we call into the ritual. With the special occasion rituals, we're more focused on doing something for or to an individual or a small group of individuals. These rituals are much more personal in nature, and the focus of the ritual should be them and the transformation they are going through. In this case, the beings that may be invited in are more of a witness, and not the being that is being celebrated. The other reason that the Kindred would be called in would be to provide blessings on the person(s) that are undergoing the transformation. Ultimately, the ritual is about the person(s) going through the transformation, and the ritual must suit them and their personality.

Define "rite of passage" in your own words. (no min. word count)

There can be many different kinds of rites of passage. The best laid out system we can look at are the sacraments that the Catholic church have: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing the sick (formerly Last Rites). (Seven Catholic Sacraments) With the exception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation which happen on a regular basis through ones life, the rest are rites of passage. What they all have in common is a transition from one stage of life to another.

Marking this transition through the use of a ritual which acknowledges the change, and prepares them for their new role in the community and in life is the purpose of all rites of passage. The other part of the rites of passage is they announce to the community that the person now is different, has different responsibilities, or whatever the changes are that the rite is celebrating. The best example that we can find everywhere is the coming of age rites, where the child goes in as a boy/girl and by the end they are recognized by the community as a man/woman.
Describe how the following elements of the Core Order of Ritual can be used in a special occasion ritual in a way that takes into consideration religiously diverse audiences that may not be accepting of ADF traditions and practices (minimum 50 words per element):
1. Calling for the Blessings and Hallowing the Waters

Most religions have something to do with waters being blessed and dispersed through the congregation, so this concept will be familiar to most people. Things that need to be taken into consideration include what specifically is the blessing (and making it known this is not the blood of some being), how are the blessings being communicated to everyone (e.g. is from an omen, or is it calling on the Kindred to bless it specifically), how are they going to be passed around (aspurge, one cup, multiple cups) and are you going to use water, alcohol, or both.

Honoring the Earth Mother

The Earth Mother is something everyone can relate to as the term “Mother Earth” is in common use. When dealing with a diverse crowd, it is likely best practice to bring up images of us all coming from the earth, and we will all return to the earth. We can also bring up the idea that she sustains us, so we should treat her well, and by making these offerings we are giving a token nourishment to the earth.

Inviting the Three Kindreds

Inviting the Kindred can be a touchy part to non-pagan groups. One way I have seen this done is to bring them in as discussion of what we all have in common. We all have ancestors, we all live within nature, we mostly have belief in higher beings. If we discuss these three Kindred in ways that they relate to everyone, and not use language like sacrifice, it is very easy to invite them to the ritual in such a way that those that don't know won't notice what you did.

Recreating the Cosmos

This can be easily done in a story telling type format. Tell the story of the creation, how the various symbols such a fire, well, and tree, all came into being and what their purpose is. While doing this as part of the theatrical aspects of story telling,, you can hallow the hallows as you go.

Opening/Closing the Gates

This is something that can also be included into the story that is told in part d. After you hallow the hallows, you talk about the guardian of the ways, and how they are a guide and guardian for those that need their assistance. Describe how a token needs to be given to them and give them a token as part of the story. Then, describe the hallows again, and how they are representations of the various things they represent.

Overall, the majority of the ritual can be done as a theatrical story telling of our cosmology. It can conceal what is happening, and even those that are counter to our religion can accept a story, as to them it will be just a story, and the sacrifices can be hidden in the theatrics of the story.

Write a full ritual for one of the following rites of passage (or other with written approval from the CC Preceptor):
1. Birth or adoption of a child
2. Wedding/handfasting
3. Funeral
4. Manmaking or womanmaking
5. Naming a child
6. Making an elder
7. Ordination or consecration
8. Divorce or separation
9. Retirement
10. Troop deployment and return

Naming of Child

(this is done as described in the answer to question 3... in a way to mask much of what is being done as this ritual would likely involve non-pagans)

Welcome everyone, we are gathered her to welcome this child into our lives, into our community. Let us start by finding our center.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in... and out. Again, in.... and out. See yourself as a tree, with your feet being your roots, and your arms your branches. With your roots, start pushing downwards. Through the floor, through the foundation. Go into the ground, the moist dark earth. Keep going down and feel the earth move to your will. As you go down, you will find stones, and boulders, go around them as you search for the cool waters deep in the earth.

As you reach these waters, draw them up into your body. Feel the cool water climb up your roots and into your feet. Feel them fill your legs, your loins.... draw them up into your belly, your chest. Feel them fill your whole body with the energies of the deep. Feel them spill out the top of your head, the palms of your hands, and pour back onto the earth.

Now turn your attention to the sky. High above you is a star of your own, shining down on you. Reach up to the start with your branches. Grow them up into the sky. Reach up and gather the light from the star. Feel the light coming down, into your arms, into you head. Feel the light fill your body. Feel it mingle with the waters. The light of order mixing with the waters of chaos. Filling you with energy from above and below. Take a moment, and rejoice in the power.

It is now time to release the energy. Hold on to the energy you need, and release the rest. Send the light back up to the sky. Send the water back into the ground. Pull your root and branches back in. Know you can tap into these powers when you need to. Take a deep breath in... and out.... in.... and out... and when you are ready, open your eyes.

This child is a child of the earth. We all are children of the earth, and the Earth Mother. Without her, and the bounty that she brings to our lives, we would not be here. It would not be right if we didn't honor and respect her on this important day, so we offer this token of appreciation to her and say Earth Mother, be with us.

We gather here around these symbols. The well that connects us deep into the earth in which we drop silver as the ancients did. The fire of this candle that burns this incense and sends it up to the heavens. The tree which is the center of it all, connecting the well below and the heavens above. We sprinkle the waters of the well and fan the smoke of the fire so they merge on the tree. We also sprinkle these waters and this incense around the room, connecting us all with the waters of the deep and the fires of the heavens.

In the days of old, there was always someone there to guide people through their journey. They were there to guard them on the path and give them the knowledge they needed to know as the journey went on. We call on these guides of old to aid us today, and to be with this child through their life. We pay the token we need to pay. We reach into the depths of the well, we soar on the flame of the fire, we travel the road that starts with the the tree.

Along this road we all need some allies. There are those that walked this road before us. These are our ancestors, our grandparents, our great grandparents. We ask that they join us and help this child on their journey. We also have the spirits of nature to aid us. These creatures of fur and feather. These trees and flowers, the seen and unseen all around us. We ask that they too join us and help this child on their journey. Finally we have the deities that look over each and every one of us. They come from many cultures and they have many faces. We ask them also to join us and help this child on their journey. The Ancestors, Spirits of Nature, and Deities are with us as we gather here this day.

I now ask that the parent(s) of this child call to their own allies to be with this child.

(parent(s) call on their allies as they wish)

(parent name(s)), by what name should this child be known? (parent(s) respond. If there is meaning behind the name, that should too be stated.)

Ancient and mighty ones! We give to you one more time and request that you look over (name). Aid them and guide them throughout their life. We also ask of you. Fill these waters with your blessings, with your support, with your comfort. Fill them with your aid and guidance.

Do we as a community accept these blessings? Will we as a community be here to help this child? Will this community accept and raise this child? Then these waters are blessed by the ancient ones and by this community. We now will share these waters starting first with the child and parents.

(logistics: pour a cup for parents and child, and have someone else start pouring the waters into cups for everyone else and pass them out)

As I pour this water over the child's head, may these blessings flow into them. May the waters fill them with the love and support of this community. May the waters fill them with the aid and guidance of the ancient ones.

As you drink these waters, we are all connecting with this child, and receive the blessings this child has received.

I now am pleased to present you (name), son/daughter of (parent(s))! Welcome to this community!

We have given, and we have received, now we must say our thanks to all that we have called upon this day. Let us start with the allies that (parent(s)) have called in.

(parents thank allies).

We once again call on the Ancient and Mighty Ones. Deities of old, Spirits of the Land, and Ancestors. We call on you and thank you once again for the blessings you have given, and for the aid you have given, and will give, to (name). Ancient and Mighty Ones, we thank you.

We call once more to the guide we started the journey with. We ask once more that you stay with (name) on their journey. Give them the aid, guidance, and protection they need. We also give you our thanks once more. Guide and Guardian, we thank you.

We now come back to the start of the road, at the base of the tree. We come back to the fire, we come back to the well. We are back where we have started. As we started with welcoming the Earth Mother, we shall end with thanking her, and say once more, Earth Mother, we thank you for all you have done for us as you were there first, and shall be there last of all. Earth Mother, we thank you.

We have gathered to welcome (name) into the community, and let the world know his name. We have done so, and have shared in the blessings. Go now in wisdom and peace. This rite is ended.

Write three full rituals, one for three of the following options (or other with written approval from the CC Preceptor):
1. Giving a child a driver's license
2. House blessing or cleansing
3. A child's first day of school or college
4. Empty nest
5. Graduation
6. First home
7. Purchasing a prom or wedding dress
8. Baby shower
9. Job promotion or change

House Blessing/Cleansing:

(grab hands of the members of the household) Tonight we are going to bless and cleanse this house. As we start, let us center ourselves. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in... and out... in... and out.... feel the worries of the day go away. Focus on your breath, and center yourself. Draw the waters from the deep into your body. Draw the light from above deep into your body. Mingle these forces, see yourself glowing with the water and the light. See us all glowing with the waters and light. Send these energies out from your hands and mix them with everyone here. Feel the energy pulse around our circle. We are acting as one, and we are here for one purpose. Keep a little bit of this mixed energy for yourself, and send the rest back where it came from. Take a deep breath in... and out.... in... and out... and when you are ready open your eyes and release your hands.

Now that we are in the proper mind to do our work, let us pay honor to the Earth Mother. Earth Mother, you who support us. You have been there since the beginning, and you will be there at the end. We are born of you, and to you we will return when we pass. Without you, we would not be. Earth Mother, We honor you and ask you accept our sacrifice.

We now hallow our hallows and recreate our sacred space, for this is where our magic will begin. We give silver to the well, the waters of the deep, our connection to the ancestors. We burn incense in the fire of this candle, the smoke rises to the heavens, our connection to the shining ones. We hallow this tree with the waters of the deep and the smoke of the heavens, connecting the tree to all the worlds. Let us also cleanse ourselves with this water and incense.

We now call on the Gatekeepers of old. You who are the magicians of old, the warders of the ways, and the messengers. We call on you to come and join us in blessing this house. We call on you to help open the ways between the worlds and spread our calls far and wide. We ask that you watch over and protect us as we do our work tonight, and we ask that you bring back what we need to hear. Gatekeepers of old, Accept our Sacrifice! Now, join your magic with mine, and let the well open as a gate, let the fire open as a gate, let the tree become the crossroads between the worlds open to the spirits and open to our voices. Let the Gates be Open!

Ancestors, you who walked this land before us. Our relatives. Our grandmothers and grandfathers. We call on you to join us in our works this evening. Aid us with the cleansing and blessing of this house. Ancestors, accept our sacrifice!

Land Spirits, you who are our allies. You of fur and feather, leaf and twig. The unseen spirits that we have allied with over the years. We call on you to join us in our works this evening. Aid us with the cleansing and blessing of this house. Land Spirits, accept our sacrifice!

Shining Ones, you who look over, guard, protect, and guide us in our lives, be you known or unknown to us. We call on you to join us in our works this evening. Aid us with the cleansing and blessing of this house. Shining Ones, accept our sacrifice!

Now, I ask that those in this household call on their personal allies to help with the work we are doing tonight.

(household members would call their allies)

We now have gathered all our allies, we are here to work the magic of this house blessing. First, we will light this smudge stick of sage, a purifying herb that will be used for this magic. We then will go around the house and cense the entire house, every room, every closet, the entire house with the sage. You will be doing the censing, and I will be there to help you. As we go around, I want us to keep repeating the following, while sending our positive energies into the sage, and into the smoke. “With this sage, I am claiming this place as mine. All that mean ill to me, I ask that you leave. All that share a purpose with me, please stay.”

(Have the household members light the sage on the sacred fire. We then repeat what I said to repeat as we walk around the entire house, every corner of every room, basement, and attic if accessible, and walk around the entire property. When we have done everything, we gather back at the sacred center.

Please repeat the following after me:

We have walked the property, we have sent sage smoke into every corner of the house. We claim this house and property as ours.

Mighty Kindred, bless this house and those that occupy it. May it be full of good times and laughter. May it be a comfort in bad times. May it protect the occupants from the outside world. So be it.

Now, let us see what blessings the Kindred bring to this house. (pull and interpret omens. If bad, give more sacrifices and repeat the house purification)

Mighty Kindred, we have given to you, and you have give to us these blessings. Fill these waters with (repeat blessings) so that we may drink of them. Kindred, give us the Waters of Life! Behold the Waters of Life! And the first draught we pour to the unseen Nature Spirits who have chosen to stay and say thank you and ask you help guard this house. (pour a sacrifice to them, then pass waters around for drinking).

Now that our work is over, let us give thanks to those that have aided us. First, we give thanks to our individual allies. (those that called in their allies thank them)

Shining Ones, you have watched over this work, you have given your blessings. We say thank you for all you have done. Shining Ones, we thank you.

Nature Spirits, you have watched over this work, you have given your blessings. We say thank you for all you have done. Nature Spirits, we thank you.

Ancestors, you have watched over this work, you have given your blessings. We say thank you for all you have done. Ancestors, we thank you.

Gatekeepers of old, you have warded the ways. You have sent our words far and wide, and brought back what we needed to hear. For all you have done for us, we thank you. We ask that you once more join your magic with mine as we close the gates. Let the well become but water. Let the fire become but flame. The the tree become a tree again. Let the gates be closed!

Earth Mother, you are first in our lives and you are last in our lives. You were first in our rite, and you shall be last in our rite. We return to you anything we have left unused, and we say thank you for all you have done. Earth Mother, we thank you.

This house has been blessed, and this house has been cleansed. The rite has ended, go now children of earth in wisdom and peace.

Empty Nest

(prior to the ritual, the child and the parents would be asked to find an object of value to them that can live at the others house).

Let us start with centering ourselves. Take a deep breath in... and out... in... and out... and once more in... and out. Push out the stresses of the day and focus on your breath, in... and out... feel your body relaxing, feel your center becoming balanced and you breath in... and out... in.... and out... and with your next breath, breath out the last of your stress and be at peace.

We're here to celebrate this young (man/woman) moving to the next stage of their life, and moving to their own (house/apartment). This is not an easy time for them as they move to living entirely on their own, but it is also not easy for the parents as they too are not used to living on their own, and this house will feel empty. Tonight, we are here to mark this change in life, and try to make things easier for everyone.

We first give to the Earth Mother. This house was built from her body, and on her body. Without her, we would not be here. She is the beginning, and she is the end. As such, we remember her first in our rites. Earth Mother, Accept our Sacrifice!

We now give silver to the well, the waters of the deep, the waters of the ancestors. We burn incense in the fire, the smoke going high into the heavens, to the shining ones. We connect the heavens and the deep through the tree whose roots go deep into the earth and branches go high into the heavens. We now aspurge ourselves with the water, and cense ourselves with the smoke to purify ourselves.

We call on the Gatekeepers of old. You magicians, messengers, and guardians of old. We have called on you many times before to aid us with the opening of the gates, and we call on you once more. Gatekeepers of old, come and join us. Aid us in our works. Send our messages far and wide, ward us as we walk these holy ways, and bring back the messages that we need to hear. Gatekeepers of old, accept our sacrifice! Now, join your magic with mine, and let the well open as a gate, let the fire open as a gate, let the tree become the path between all the worlds. Let the Gates be Open!

Kindred three, Ancestors, Land Spirits, and Shining Ones. You of our blood, kin and this place. You of fur and feather, leaf and twig, seen and unseen. You who we know by name and you who watch over us without our awareness. All of you, come and join us as we celebrate this next step in our lives. Kindred Three, Accept our Sacrifice!

(Ask the parents and child to call on their allies to join)

We are here to mark the moving out of (child). Let us not try to kid ourselves, this is a big step in everyone's life. We are here to do a couple things. First, I am going to ask that the parents make sacrifice asking their allies and the Kindred to watch over their child. (make sacrifices). Next, I am going to as (child) to make sacrifice asking that their allies and the Kindred watch over their parents (make sacrifices).

Now I have asked each of you to bring something of value to give to the other. Take these objects, take some time and fill them with your energy. These will be a representation of you that you will leave here, or take to the new place. With these tokens, you will always have your parents with you wherever you are, or you will have your child with you here in this house. When you are ready, please exchange these gifts.

We will now take omens to see what blessings the Kindred give you (take omens, if accepted continue, if not, make more sacrifices). Mighty Kindred, we have given to you, and you have given us these blessings. Fill these waters with your blessings (speak blessings). Give us the waters of life! Behold the Waters of Life! (drink waters)

We now will thank all that have joined us today, starting with (child)'s allies. (child thanks allies). We also thank the parents allies (parents thank allies). Mighty Kindred Three, the Ancestors, the Land Spirits, and the Shining Ones. You have joined us in our works this evening, and we are truly appreciative of all the support you have given us. Mighty Kindred Three, We Thank You.

Gatekeepers of old. We asked your aid in helping open the gates, in sending our messages far and wide, bringing back the messages we needed to hear, and warding us on our path. You have done so as you have done many times before. For all that you have done for us, you have our deep regard. Gatekeepers of old, We Thank You.

Earth Mother, You are first, and you are last. We come from you, and one day we will return to you. We honor you at the start of this rite, and we honor you once more at the end. For all you do for us on a daily basis, and for all you have done for us in this rite, we give you thanks. Earth Mother, We Thank You.

We have gathered to celebrate (child) moving out and into their own place. This is a big step in everyone's life. We have traded gifts of ourselves that I ask you display in a place that you will see daily. Let these gifts remind you that you have people that love you. Let them remind you that you are only a phone call away. Let them remind you of your connection, and that you are always welcome to come home or visit. Children of Earth, go now in wisdom and peace, this rite has ended.

Job Promotion/change

We are here to celebrate the new job that (name) has just accepted. Let us first start by taking a deep breath in... and out... in... and out.... relax you body, send the stress of the day down into the ground. Let a wave of calm wash over you.... over your head... over you arms and chest.... down your legs... Feel yourself becoming calm and relaxed. And breath in... and out... in... and out... and on the next breath join us for this celebration.

Earth Mother, from your green womb we have come. Without you, we could not survive and we should not be here. For all that you have done for us, for all that you will do for us. For the life you have given us, we give you our thanks. Earth Mother, Come and join us as we celebrate this new job. Earth Mother, Accept our Sacrifice!

To the well of the deep, our connection to the under worlds, our connection to the ancestors, we give silver. To the bright fire, whose smoke connects us to the upper worlds, our connection to the Shining Ones, we give you incense. To the tree, the center of it all. The pillar that connects the under worlds to the upper worlds, the road that we travel, we aspurge with the water from the well, and cense with the smoke from the fire, connecting all the worlds through you. As such, we now do the same to ourselves, and cleanse ourselves with the water, and scent ourselves with the incense.

Sleipnir! Wonderful eight legged steed of Odin, son of Loki. You travel all the worlds and bring your rider where he needs to go. We call on you to aid us today. Bring our words far and wide as you have brought your riders. Bring back what we need to hear. Ward us and guide us as we walk the holy roads. Sleipnir, Accept our Sacrifice!

Now, 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 between all the worlds, open to the spirits and our voices. Let the gates be open!

We're now going to open a sumbel for this celebration. The first round will be for the Ancestors, the second will be to the Land Spirits, and the third will be to the Shining ones. We will then have a round or more of toasts to (name) accepting the new job. This is a celebration and we are celebrating the new job, in the presence of the Kindred.

(first person for each round changes, and when thanking at the end, they are the person that does the thanks. Cup is passed around and person with cup is the one that speaks. The following are an example of what is said, but it will greatly vary as everyone speaks from the heart).

Ancestors! You of blood and bone. You of our kin and friends. You of this place, here long before us. We call on you to come and celebrate (name) and his new job. We call on you to give him the luck and strength that he will need to succeed. Ancestors, Hail!

Land Spirits! You of fur and feather, scale and skin. You of leaf and twig, flower and stem. You that we can see, and you that we cannot see. We call on you to come and celebrate (name) and his new job. We call on you to give him the luck and strength that he will need to succeed. Land Spirits, Hail!

Shining Ones! You who look over each and every one of us, our patrons and matrons. You who are known to us, and you ancient ones we have no names for. We call on you to come and celebrate (name) and his new job. We call on you to give him the luck and strength that he will need to succeed. Shining Ones, Hail!

Now, we make toasts and wishes of good fortunes to (name) with this new job.

(this is so personal and depends on the relationship with (name) and the job, etc... I cannot put a good example of what should be said here apart from it needs to come from the heart).

We now draw runes and ask what the Kindred give (name) as a blessing for the new job. (draw omen).

Ancient and mighty ones, we have given to you, and you have given to us. Fill the waters with (speak blessings). May these blessings fill us all, but may they also fill and aid (name) in the new job. Give us the waters of life. Behold the waters of life!

Now, let us thank all those that we have invited in. (person who made the first call would do the thanks for everyone. What follows is an example of what would be said)

Shining Ones! You have joined us in celebrating the new job. You have given us blessings, and given (name) blessings for his job. For all you have done and for all you do, Shining Ones, we thank you.

Land Spirits! You have joined us in celebrating the new job. You have given us blessings, and given (name) blessings for his job. For all you have done and for all you do, Land Spirits, we thank you.

Ancestors! You have joined us in celebrating the new job. You have given us blessings, and given (name) blessings for his job. For all you have done and for all you do, Ancestors, we thank you.

Sleipnir! You have taken our words far and wide. You have brought back what we needed to hear. You have warded and guided us on our path. For all that you have done for us tonight, we give you our thanks. Once more we ask you to join your magic with mine. Let the well become but water, let the fire become but flame, let the tree become but a tree once more. Let the Gates be closed!

Earth Mother! We come from you, and we will return to you in the end. You have supported us as we celebrate the new job. For that, and all that you do throughout our lives we give you our thanks. Earth Mother, we thank you.

Go now and continue this celebration, for this rite has ended.

Write a healing ritual different from other rituals written for this course.

We have gathered here today to perform a healing ritual to send healing energies to (name). Let us first get in the right frame of mind for this work by grounding and centering ourselves. Take a deep breath in... and out... in... and out... push down through the ground with your feet, with your roots... Push them deep into the ground, going down through the stones, through the soil... down until you hit the waters deep beneath us all. Draw in those waters, bring them up through your roots. Bring the up into you feet, your legs. Feel them fill up your belly, your chest. Watch them overflow through your crown and your hands. Feel your body consumed with the waters from below.

Now turn your attention to the sky, and the star that is above your head. Reach up to this star, draw down the light. Draw it into your head, into your hands. Feel the energies fill your chest, your belly. Watch as the energy fills your legs, your feet. See how this light mixes with the waters from below. The powers of order and chaos mixing within your body. Feel them mix within your body. Take a moment and let this energy fill up your reserves.

Now, push the light back to the sky, and the waters back into the ground. Draw yourself back to your body. Keep a small connection to the star above and the waters below so they can be tapped when we do our healing working. And take a deep breath in... and out... in... and out... and when you are ready, rejoin the group.

Earth Mother! You who surround and nurture us. Without you we would not be here. Without you we would not survive. You are the ultimate healer as we can see after events such as fires and floods. We call on you to aid us today as we work a healing for (name). Earth Mother, Accept our Sacrifice!

(sing portal song to hallow the hallows)

Let us now purify ourselves with the hallowed waters and smoke of the hallowed fires.

Odin! We call on you as the magician to help us with the opening of the gates. We call on you to help us by spreading our words far and wide. We call on you to bring back what we need to hear. We call on you to guide and guard us as we walk these holy ways. Odin! All Father! Magician of old! Accept our Sacrifice!

Now, join your magic with mine. Let the fire open as a gate to the heavens. Let the well open as a gate to the underworlds. Let the tree be the crossroads, connecting all the worlds together. Let the Gates be Open!

Ancestors! You whom are our grandfathers and grandmothers of old. You who are our blood lines. You of our friends and kin. You of this land. You who make up the Ancient Wise. We call on you this day to join us and aid us with this healing rite for (name). Ancestors! Accept our Sacrifice!

Land Spirits! You who surround us in our daily lives. Our companions, the animals, the flora. All of you spirits of nature that we see in our daily lives. All of you spirits of nature that we nurture in our daily lives. All of you spirits of nature that we don't see, but that are here none the less. We call on you this day to join us and aid us with this healing rite for (name). Land Spirits! Accept our Sacrifice!

Shining Ones! You whom we call our patrons and matrons, those that we have strong relationships with. You who look over all of use, be it known or unknown. All of you, whether we know your name, or your name has been lost to history. We call on you this day to join us and aid us with this healing rite for (name). Shining Ones! Accept our Sacrifice!

Eir! Companion of Frigg. You are the physician of the Aesir. You are the healer. You are the one we call to this evening. We ask that you aid us in our works this evening. We ask that you share your knowledge of healing with us. We ask you share your magic with us as we work a healing for (name). Eir! Come, join us at our fire. Eir! Accept our Sacrifice!

I now ask that everyone give a sacrifice to Eir so we all form a relationship with her, and so we all ask her for support in our work.

Before we continue, let us take an omen to see what blessings the Kindred are giving us in the works this evening. (take omen).

Ancient and Mighty Ones. We have given to you, and you in return have given to us. Fill these waters with your blessings. Fill them with (state blessings) so that we may use them in our works this day. Give us the Waters of Life. Behold the Waters of Life!

In the center of us is a representation (doll, picture, etc..) of (name). This is (name). This is our focus for this ritual. We will be sending our energies and our well wishes into this representation, and through it into (name). Let us all join hands as we stand around it. Let us start to intone to raise the energy. Tap into the waters below and the light above using the connection we made at the start of the rite.

(start intoning. When reaching the climax, direct the energy into the representation and end the toning).

Eir, we have raised this energy. We are sending it to (name). Direct this energy to do what needs to be done. Mold it to the right shape and right form. Eir! Help us help (name)!

We have honored the Gods, we have sent our healing to (name). It is now time for us to give thanks to all that have aided us.

Eir! You have come, and we have honored you. We have asked for your help, and you have aided us. For all that you have done, and for all that you do, we give you our thanks. We also ask that you watch over (name) and continue to aid in their healing as is appropriate. Eir! We Thank You.

Shining Ones! You that look over each and every one of us. You of this land. You that are known and unknown to us. Shining Ones, We Thank You.

Land Spirits! You who surround us every day. Those that we see, the animals, the plants. You who we don't see but surround us none the less. Land Spirits, We Thank You.

Ancestors! You of our blood lines. You of our friends. You who have walked these roads long before us. You who make up the Ancient Wise. Ancestors, We Thank You.

Odin! You have aided us once again. You have guarded and guided us as we walked these holy ways. You have sent and brought back the messages we have sent and needed to receive. We thank you once again for all that you have done. Odin, We Thank You.

Now, join your magic once more with mine. Let the fire become but flame. Let the well become but water. Let the tree be a tree once more. Let the Gates be Closed!

Earth Mother! You have supported us throughout the rite. You have aided us in our healings of (name). For all that you have done for us, and all that you will do for us in the future. Earth Mother, We Thank You.

This rite has sent healing energies to (name). We have done what we can at this time. I encourage everyone to use the connections that we have made today to continue sending the energies to (name) so that they may be healed. For now though, go in peace. This rite has ended.

Write a protection ritual different from other rituals written for this course.

We are gathered here to do a rite of protection for (name) as they go on their journey (describe journey). First though, let us ground and center. Start by breathing in... and out... in... and out.... focus on your breath... in through the nose, out through the mouth... in... and out.... with every breath in, you breath in calm... with every breath out, you release your worries. Breath in peace, exhale tension.... feel your body becoming more and more relaxed with each and every breath... in... and out... in... and out... now with our final breaths, push out the last of your tension, the last of your worries, the last of your stress, and be in inner peace... in... and out... in... and out... and one last time in... and out... and now join us prepared to do magic.

Earth Mother, From whose starry womb we have come. You are our mother. You care for and support us. Without you we would not be. We call on you today to aid one of your children and protect them on their journey. We call on you to support this rite. Earth Mother, Accept our Sacrifice!

Let us now hallow the hallows. (portal song)

(purify the folk with by the might of the waters and the might of the fire, this grove is made whole and holy)

Sleipnir! Beautiful eight legged steed of Odin, son of Loki. You who travel all the worlds. You who bring your riders where they need to go. We call on you today to aid us and guide us as we do our works this day. Ward us as we walk the holy roads. Bring our words far and wide, and bring back to us all that we need to hear. Sleipnir, we call to you asking for your help, and we give you this offering of grains. Sleipnir, Accept our Sacrifice!

Now, wonderful steed, I ask that you join your magic with mine. Let the well open as a gate, let the fire open as a gate, let the tree open as the path between all the worlds. Let the Gates be Open!

All you of the outer dark. All who abide beyond the light of this works fire. You who are not aligned with the purpose of our rite this day. We ask that you trouble us not. We will give you this offering at the end of the rite if you trouble us not. (open and put offering outside of the ritual space).

Ancestors! Our blood and kin. Those who have walked this world before us. You who are from this very land. Come to our fire, aid us in our works this day. Ancestors! Accept our Sacrifice!

Land Spirits! You of fur and feather, leaf and twig. All of you seen and unseen, the elves, dwarves, the weights. Come to our fire, aid us in our works this day. Land Spirits! Accept our Sacrifice!

Shining Ones! All of you ancient and wise ones! Those we call by name, and those that have names unknown to us. Come to our fire, aid us in our works this day. Shining Ones! Accept our Sacrifice!

Thor! Great thunderer. You who bring the rains. You who protect the travelers. We call on you today to help us in protecting (name) on their (journey). We call on you to direct our energies to where they need to go for their safety. We call on you to look over them on their journey and protect them as they need it. Thor, Come to our fire, aid us in our works this day. Thor! Accept our Sacrifice!

We are gathered here to aid (name) with (journey). Let us first all make sacrifice to Thor and the Kindred to ask their aid in our workings today.

We have all given to the Kindred and to Thor. We have formed a connection with them and will now ask them what their blessing are. (take omen).

Ancient and Mighty Ones! You who walk the holy ways! We have given to you, and in the traditions of *Ghosti-, you have give back to us. Fill these waters with (blessings). May they fill us as we drink them so we may work our magic for protecting (name) on (journey). Give us the Waters of Life. Behold the Waters of Life!

We have given to the Kindred, and we have given to Thor. We have received their blessings, and we shall now work our protection magic. (name), stand in the center of the circle. Let us all not put a hand on (name). Now, visualize your feet as roots. Reach down with your roots... down through the ground. Deep into the earth, through the rocks, through the soil. Find the waters deep with in the earth, the waters of chaos. Draw these waters up into your body. Draw them into your feet, into your legs, into your body. Fill yourself up with these waters of the deep.

Now reach up to the sky. Draw down the solar powers, the lights of order. Feel them fill your head , your arms, your chest... Drawn them down through your whole body. Mingle the waters of chaos and the lights of order. Feel them fill up your body with the energies that they bring. You are now filled with energy that you can send off to protect (name) on their (journey).

Now, let us direct this energy into a bubble around (name). Send it out of your hand and into them. See it fill them with this energy that we have drawn up from the deep and down from above. Now (name), direct this out of your body, and make it a bubble surrounding you. Control this energy so that it will be with you as you on on your (journey).

Thor! We call on you once more. Seal this energy around (name). Use it to protect them as the go about their (journey). Aid them and protect them! Thor, We give you one more sacrifice to ask this of you! Thor, Accept our Sacrifice.

Now, remove your hand from (name) and release what we have drawn up, push the light back up to the sky, let the waters drain back to the ground. Bring yourself back into balance, but remember that you can always connect to them whenever you need to. Take a deep breath in... and out... in... and out... and find yourself centered once again.

Thor! We have given to you, and we have asked you to protect (name) on their (journey). We thank you for all you have done, and for your watching over of (name). Thor, We Thank You.

Shining Ones! You who are known and unknown to us. We have given to you, and you have given in return. For all that you have done, we give you our thanks. Shining Ones, We Thank You.

Land Spirits! Be you animal or plant, seen or unseen. We have given to you, and you have given in return. For all that you have done, we give you our thanks. Land Spirits! We Thank You.

Ancestors! You of our blood, kin, or of this land. We have given to you and you have given in return. For all that you have done, we give you our thanks. Ancestors! We Thank You.

Sleipnir! We have walked the holy roads, and you have guided and guarded us on our journey. We have sent our words out wide and far, and you have brought back what we needed to hear. For all that you have done for us, Sleipnir, We Thank You.

Now, join your magic with mine, and let the fire become but flame. Let the well become but water. Let the tree become a tree once more. Let the Gates be Closed.

Outdwellers! At the start we asked you to not bother our rite. You have left us alone, so we will uphold our end of the bargain. Outdwellers, we thank you, and ask that you accept our sacrifice.

Earth Mother. We asked you at the start to aid us in our works, and you have done so. We once again give you our thanks for all that you have done for our, and for all that you do for us throughout our lives. Earth Mother, We Thank You.

We have called upon the Kindred to provide protection for (name). We have drawn up energy from the waters below, and from the light above and used that energy to do protection magic to protect them on their (journey). We have accomplished what we have come together to do. Go now in wisdom and peace.

Optional: If any of the rituals submitted for questions 4-7 have been performed, provide a brief description and analysis of the ritual performance. (no minimum word count)

None of these rituals have been performed.

Works Cited

“The Seven Catholic Sacraments”. American Catholic. Web 29 Jun. 2014. <http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=29>