| A Standard Ritual Outline: |
| Processional: we often sing as we enter our ritual space. Words of Welcome (Purpose and Precedent) we clearly state why we have gathered together. Honoring the Earth Mother: we make offering to the Mother of All who supports and nourishes us. Offering to Bardic Inspiration: we call on a Deity of inspiration or intone the Awen so that our rite may be beautiful and a fitting gift to the Gods. Honor the Triple Center: we consecrate our ritual space by anchoring it in the Center of all Worlds. We honor the Fire (Sky), the Well (Sea) and the Tree (Land). In Norse ritual, we often also light the Yule Log honoring each of the Nine Realms as we do so. Offering to the Outsiders: we make an offering to those Spirits & Beings who are not the focus of our rite (ie: other pantheons), or might hinder our work (ie: forces of Chaos) and ask them to leave us in peace. Opening the Gates: we call on a Gatekeeper to hold open the ways between our world and the realms of the Gods and Spirits. Then the presiding Druid performs the magical act of Opening the Gates; Fire = Gate to the Gods, Well = Gate to the Ancestors, Tree = Axis of all worlds. Offering to the Three Kindreds: we make offering to the Nature Spirits; the Ancestors; and the Shining Ones (Gods and Goddesses) Invitation to the Deities/Beings of the Occasion: we call to the Goddess and/or God who we are honoring in our rite. It is not uncommon for one of the Kindreds to be honored in ritual (ie: Ancestors at Samhain) in which case a specific invitation and sacrifice would be made to them at this point. Praise Offerings: everyone is invited to make offerings to the Deities of the Occasion, whether spoken, sung, danced, a work of art, an oath, a handful of grain, etc. In Norse ritual we sometimes hold a Sumble (rounds of toasting the Gods, the Ancestors, and ourselves). Main Sacrifice: the main sending of energy or praise to the Deities of the Occasion. Omen: we take an omen, Runes or Ogham, to see if our offerings were pleasing to the Spirits and what blessing/wisdom they offer us in return. Return Flow: we consecrate the Waters of Life (ale, mead, water, or cider) to carry the Blessings. We share these together as a way of internalizing the Blessing. Thanks and Farewell: we offer thanks to those who have aided us in our rite. Closing the Gates: we bid farewell to the Gatekeeper and close the Gates. Words of Farewell: and our Rite is ended. |
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| Past Liturgies |