Note: I'm breaking this single post into several dated posts for my convenience. Each section will end with the date it was posted. Ideally this will make it easier for my eventual reviewer and myself to track the significant information without having to jump around to various portions of the blog :)
Okay, so, I shook the cobwebs off, and finally have settled down to do a solo High Day ritual. I was hoping to do a broadly Gaelic rite, but couldn't find one on the ADF site, then I had a light bulb moment and took a spin through the various liturgist's yearbooks available on the site (I believe for member's only). Lo and behold I found an Irish Rite from 2007 by Anthony Thompson. So I've printed it out and plan to rewrite it for solitary work using the checklist provided on page 22 of The ADF Dedicant Path Through the Wheel of the Year by Rev. Michael J. Dangler to ensure I keep the Core Order of Ritual elements intact. When I've created the new version of the ritual I will post the text and steps here. -9/16/2011
I've rewritten a fair chunk of the 16 page rite, whittling it down to about 8 pages now. I am also toying with the idea of finally doing my First Oath during this rite. I'm not sure yet as it's only a few days away and I haven't finalized the Oath yet. Likely I'll use this ritual as a 'dry-run' so to speak. I also have yet to consider what, if any, working I'd like to attempt. I'm going to continue researching and tweaking it, I'm also going to need to practice several Irish phrases beforehand. Happily the Liturgist provided a pronunciation guide/example and this page has several, if not all, of the phrases not only with a pronunciation guide but as spoken aloud by the late gifted scholar Alexei Kondratiev. Which, I am certain, will be invaluable. -9/17/2011
I've finished the adaptatoin of the ritual. It is probably a bit long for a solitary rite but as I'll be doing my First Oath I wanted to make sure the ritual felt...purposeful? complete? I'm not sure of the adjective but I was intent on not feeling as though I'd cut corners.
Okay, so, I shook the cobwebs off, and finally have settled down to do a solo High Day ritual. I was hoping to do a broadly Gaelic rite, but couldn't find one on the ADF site, then I had a light bulb moment and took a spin through the various liturgist's yearbooks available on the site (I believe for member's only). Lo and behold I found an Irish Rite from 2007 by Anthony Thompson. So I've printed it out and plan to rewrite it for solitary work using the checklist provided on page 22 of The ADF Dedicant Path Through the Wheel of the Year by Rev. Michael J. Dangler to ensure I keep the Core Order of Ritual elements intact. When I've created the new version of the ritual I will post the text and steps here. -9/16/2011
I've rewritten a fair chunk of the 16 page rite, whittling it down to about 8 pages now. I am also toying with the idea of finally doing my First Oath during this rite. I'm not sure yet as it's only a few days away and I haven't finalized the Oath yet. Likely I'll use this ritual as a 'dry-run' so to speak. I also have yet to consider what, if any, working I'd like to attempt. I'm going to continue researching and tweaking it, I'm also going to need to practice several Irish phrases beforehand. Happily the Liturgist provided a pronunciation guide/example and this page has several, if not all, of the phrases not only with a pronunciation guide but as spoken aloud by the late gifted scholar Alexei Kondratiev. Which, I am certain, will be invaluable. -9/17/2011
I've finished the adaptatoin of the ritual. It is probably a bit long for a solitary rite but as I'll be doing my First Oath I wanted to make sure the ritual felt...purposeful? complete? I'm not sure of the adjective but I was intent on not feeling as though I'd cut corners.
Fall Equinox Irish Solitary Ritual
Adapted from the ritual by Anthony Thompson in the 2007 Liturgist’s Yearbook
Fill the Well with water before beginning the rite. Have ready – Iron, Grain, Bonemeal, Oil, Stone, Corn Meal, silver, apple, bread, whiskey, and bone. Portion the offerings as appropriate and keep ready. Oil may be kept in a container to allow small libations. Test the oil with the fire beforehand to ensure the oil will burn w/the fire otherwise use another container to collect the oil and dispose of it with the other offerings.
Clap/ring bell/ Pick up cup/container with offering for the Outsiders
(Purification/Outsiders)
Outsiders! You who come from the outer dark,
You who stood against the gods and man,
You who are cold of heart and cruel of mind,
Fir Bolg (fur bohlg), Fomorians, all forces of chaos who would disrupt my rite
Take this, and trouble not my work!
Take the offering to an area outside the ritual space and leave it. Return to the shrine/altar
Likewise, I look within myself for those parts that are hostile, petty, or small minded,
which would distract me from the harmony I create today with the gods.
I take this moment to feel these parts, to acknowledge them, to release them
Pause
Take this time to really reflect on the above, when ready proceed
Ta muid anseo leis na Deithe adhradh (Taw meej an-show leshna day-uh ah-rah)
We are here to honor the gods!
(Honoring the Earth Mother)
O Earth Mother, our lives are nursed from your bounty
You are the food that nourishes me, the wealth that enriches me, even the very ground I walk on
O great Mother Aine (Awn’-ya),all joy and prosperity comes from you, and it is you who sustains me.
For the love of the bounty you bestow upon me every day, Earth Mother Aine Chliar (Awn’-ya cleer), I honor you.
Kneel and touch/kiss/caress the ground. Hold corn meal and say:
Earth Mother, accept my sacrifice!
Take time to work through the Two Powers or OBOD meditation
(Statement of Purpose)
What I have sown through the year continues to bare fruit in the second harvest. When days grow shorter and become even with the night the Mother of All is fruitful and the Kindreds await. I remember my Ancestors, I celebrate with the Nature Spirits around me, and I honor the Shining Ones, so that I may enjoy their blessing throughout the harvest season.
(Fire, Well, and Tree)
Light the fire
Sacred fire that consumes and transforms
True and holy light of the Shining Ones,
Be blessed with my offering!
Let holy flame warm my spirit and my life
Light incense.
I kindle the sacred fire in wisdom, love, and power.
Sacred fire, Burn within me.
If the Well is empty fill it with water now.
O sacred waters that flow and swirl beneath all being,
Well of ancient wisdom, keeper of deep riches,
Be blessed with my offering! O great source of all,
Let me know the elder depths within myself
Offer silver to the well, ladle water from the well into the blessing cup 3 X.
In the depths flow the waters of wisdom.
Sacred waters, flow within me.
Sacred waters, flow within me.
Approach the Tree
O sacred pillar, boundary of all worlds.
Stand at the center of the sky,
Stand at the center of the sea,
Stand at the center of the land on which we dwell.
Let me be deepened in your depths,
Raised to your heights,
And strengthened in your strength.
Sprinkle water from the blessing cup on the tree, cense the tree with incense.
From the depths to the heights spans the world tree.
Sacred tree, grow within me
Sacred tree, grow within me
(Land/Sea/Sky consecration of space)
Fire and well and sacred tree, flame and flow and grow in me!
Let the land stay firm beneath me!
Let the sea be calm around me!
Let the sky hold fast above me!
Land and sea and starry sky, all surround and sanctify!
By the might of the waters, and the light of the fire, this grove is made whole and holy (3 X).
Biodh se amhlaidh! (bee shay ow-lee)
(Opening the Gate)
Call to Manannan Mac Lir
Oh Manannan, powerful son of the sea, holder of the magics of the crane bag, I ask you to hear my call. Oh Lord of the Underworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, join with me this day so that you may guide me safely in my working. Mist-shrouded rider of the maned waves, accept my offering and open the gates between your realm and mine.
Sing or chant
I stand at the border and watch the mists close in.
Waves rolling, rolling,
Where Shore meets the ocean, where land meets the sea and sky,
I call to you, Manannan,
Manannan, Manannan,
I welcome you as you one day will welcome me.
Make an offering of an apple to Manannan
Manannan Mac Lir, accept my sacrifice!
Gatekeeper open the portals!
Open the gates, open the gates, open the gates
Let the Fire open as a gate!
Let the Well open as a gate!
Let the Tree connect all the worlds!
Osclaitear na geatai!(os-kluh-tear’ na-gay-tee) Let the gates be open!
Pause
The gates are now open. The Gods, Dead, and Sidhe can hear my words, know in my heart only truth will be present herein. Now I call upon the Kindreds, inviting them to come and receive the honor that is their due.
(Honoring and Inviting the Three Kindreds)
Have bread ready.
Hear me, Old Ones, my ancestors and kin,
You whose blood flows in my veins.
From you who I spring and with you I grow in health.
Ancestors, remember me as I remember you.
Offer the bread to the Ancestors
Ancestors, accept my sacrifice!
Have bonemeal ready
Hear me, Spirits of the Land,
You of stone and stream, of beast and herb and tree.
From you I learn to live in harmony in our world, and with myself
Nature spirits, aid me as I aid you
Offer the bonemeal
Nature Spirits, accept my sacrifice!
Have oil ready.
Hear me, Shining ones of eld, you who uphold the worlds.
You who guide me and protect me, o patron and matron.
In you I grow in wisdom, strength, and purity.
Gods and goddesses, honor me as I honor you.
Offer oil
Gods and goddesses, accept my sacrifice!
(Honoring the Spirits of the Occasion)
It is the time of Mabon, the even day, when the waning light of summer is matched by the waxing darkness of winter. The faint echoes of summer breeze are still around, but the windy chill of winter begins to blow as well. We have gained harvest and weal from the summertime, and now we will make offerings to the shining ones that they may ward us and we may weather the winter well.
(Honoring Goibniu)
Have iron, ale, and grain ready
In the time of the second harvest, the Great Smith of the Tuatha De (too’uh day) strikes his anvil for the good of all. He is Goibniu (Gove’-new) the Strong Armed, the Thrice Striker, Forger of the Unerring and All-Quenching Spears, Brewer of the Ale of Immortality, Keeper of the Cow of Plenty and maker of halters and plows.
Hear us now, Gobhan Saer (Goh-bahn say-eer), First of the Tri Dee Dana (tree day’-eedah’-nah) and Host of the Feast of Ages, Son of Danu and Father of Keening, Spear Singer and Sword Saver for Seven Strifeful Years.
I your child pray you to come in, to let your strength fill my sacred space, and to indwell my rite and give me your blessing.
I make offering to you, I give you
Iron, that the powers of shaping be strong inside us,
Ale, that the spirits of inspiration and youth shin within,
And grain that my tools be sharp and my harvest sure.
Be welcome with me, Great Craftsman, Goibniue, accept my sacrifice!
(Honoring Cailleach Baere)
Have Stone, whisky, and bone ready
As the Earth slips into darkness the Hag of Baere (behr’-uh) is wielding her scythe and cutting the green corn down, to sow it again later in winter’s night.
She is the Cailleach (cal’-ee-ack), the wise and cunning old woman, who passed into seven periods of youth while her husband passed away behind her, grandmother to peoples and races of the Earth.
Her eyes are keen and sparkling like the cold river stream, her hands are gnarled like the twisted roots of ancient trees, and her skin is old and wrinkled like the scattered leaves of autumn.
When the Cailleach calls, deep within the forest, deep within the land, we can feel it in our bones, like the roots of old.
It is time to come home, into the darkness of the woods, where the old hag will cut us open, and we will grow new again, our frailty and weakness cut down like the corn.
Hear us now, Cailleach Baere, Great Ancient Grandmother, Lady of the Deep Forest, Old witch of the Roots and Cauldron.
I your child pray that you be with me, that you look kindly upon my holy rite, and that you come into my grove and give me your blessing.
I make due offering to you…
Precious stone, that the Bones of the Earth may be clothed again in life,
Whiskey, that the Waters of Life may flow in us and Spirit indwell flesh,
And bone, that the old and unnecessary fall away into peaceful rest.
Be welcome with me, Great Grandmother, Cailleach Baere, accept my sacrifice!
(Main Praise Offering)
I have called the gods, the spirits of the land around to me, and my ancestors and honored dead, and they have come.
I have called Goibniu and Cailleach and given them honor, and they have received our praise. Let me raise my voice in one final offering. I reach deep within and let out a sound of love and praise, and send that energy out to the Kindreds
Continue to hum etc until arriving at a natural conclusion
(Final Prayer of Sacrifice)
Holy ones, accept these offerings with all my love and thanks
Holy ones, accept my sacrifice!
Oil poured on fire 3X
Shining ones, Noble Ones, and Mighty Ones, we have given you praise and honor! A gift calls for a gift, and we pray to you as we offer up these sacrifices. Accept them, open our hearts, and give to us of your blessings.
Sing/Chant 3X
Let my voice arise on the Fire
Let my voice resound in the Deep.
May the spirits accept what I offer,
As we honor the old ways we keep.
(Omen for the Blessing)
Sing/Chant while drawing the Omen
Speak to me,
Speak to me, goddesses,
Speak to me,
Speak to me, all the gods.
View the omens
These are the blessings of the gods
Biodh se amhlaidh (bee shay ow-lee)
(Induction, Receiving the blessing)
All my work, all my offerings and praise, all I have done in my rite today, have led to this moment. I have made offerings to the Powers, I have divined what blessings they give me in return, and now I will receive those blessings.
Review the Omens, reflect on their import and meanings, record them. Pick up the blessing cup.
Kindreds, give me the waters!
Kindreds I call
Kindreds, give me the waters!
And as I am blessed, let all the worlds be blessed, for a third and final time I pray
Kindreds, give me the waters!
O Bright Craftsman Goibniue! O Dark Grandmother Cailleach! O Mighty, Noble, and Shining Ones, I have given to you, and now I ask you to bless me in turn, as a gift calls for a gift. Hallow these waters, o holy powers. Grant me the blessing I seek. Let the wisdom, love and power of the Gods, Dead, and Sidhe flow into this cup of Blessing. Seo iad uisci n beatha. (shee ahd ishka nah bah-nah). Behold the Waters of Life!
Drink
(Affirmation of the blessing)
I have drunk of the Waters of Life. I have taken in the true and wondrous blessings of the Kindreds, and I accept these gifts and acknowledge their power in our lives. Biodh se amhlaidh!
(The Working)
Recitation of the first Oath. If desired take a pendant or other jewelry/talisman and place it on the altar with the Hallows. Take a moment to calm and center.
I, [name] am a Pagan.
I follow the Ancient Gods.
I vow to seek virtue in my life.
I vow to strive to do right by those bonded to me, and those I am bonded to.
I vow to serve my community both Pagan and secular as best I may.
I vow to set my foot upon this path, the Druid's Way.
I vow to keep my rites and works as best I may.
I vow to study and learn,
I vow to deepen my knowledge and bond with the Kindreds.
These things I do so swear before and unto the Kindreds and the Earth Mother.
Should I prove false
May the Sea rise up against me,
May the sky engulf me,
May the land open beneath me.
Place the pendant/Talisman around your neck.
Biodh se amhlaidh!
(Thanking the Kindreds and Spirits)
I have called upon the Kindreds and they have answered me! With joy in my heart I carry the magic from my sacred grove in to my life and work. Each time I offer to the powers they become stronger and more aware of my needs and worship. So as I give thanks to those who have aided me.
Go raibh maith agait (gor uh mah ah’-git)… Cailleach, I thank you!
Go raibh maith agait… Goibniu, I thank you!
Go raibh maith agaib… Gods and Godesses I thank you!
Go raibh maith agait… Nature Spirits, I thank you!
Go raibh maith agait… Ancestors, I thank you!
Go raibh maith agait… Manannan Mac Lir, I thank you!
Go raibh maith agait … Brighid, I thank you
Earth mother, to you I give all that remains, for what comes from the Earth must surely return to the Earth. I pray that you uphold me in the world as you have in my rite.
If possible dispose of all remaining offerings in the Earth i.e. potted plant, outside etc
Go raibh maith agait… Earth Mother, I thank you!
(Closing the Gate)
Oh Manannan, wise gray one, with you I keep the old bargain…Lend your aid once more to my cause, join your magic again with mine, and help me close the ways between.
Close the gates 3X
Let the Fire be flame!
Let the Well be water!
Let the Tree stand alone!
Close the gates 3X
Duntar na geatai! (doon’-tar na gay’) Let the gates be closed!
Pause to ground
(Affirmation of continuity, Ending the rite)
I have done as my ancestors did and the Gods have answered! I go forth into the world secure in the knowledge that my offerings have pleased the gods add I go farther under their protection. The ritual is at a close.
Biodh se amlaidh!
Clap/ring bell 3X
I need to locate or purchase one or two of the offerings and I still haven't decided on a Well - I have a blessing cup that doubles as a well for my shrine but the mechanics of this rite sort of require something more. I'll have to think about finding/making/buying one or possible rewriting the ritual to adjust. Additionally, while the equinox falls on this upcoming Wednesday I may celebrate it Tuesday night or perhaps even the 26th as I will work from the 21st - 25th and want to be rested and clear headed for the ritual. I don't think this will necessarily be a problem as the ADF constitution states that a week's leeway before or after the actual date of the rite is acceptable.
This has been an interesting and fun challenge. I look forward to performing the ritual and learning from it, I also look forward to working on a ritual for Samhain/November 1st. I just hope I am off work those days as I would very much like to celebrate on the actual times partly because that time of year has always been special to me and partly because I feel pulled/interested in The Morrigan and really want to enjoy, celebrate, and worship joyfully and reverently without feeling rushed or cranky after eight hours scrubbing rooms :) -9/17/2011
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