THE OATH RITE
The bulk of this text is liturgy written by Carrion and Raven Mann of Whispering Lake Grove. Credit for material is given where necessary. In addition, there are notations to the text which show personal comments and personal insertions to the rite. Notations are found in the text of the Oath Review.
The rite was begun with the officiants of Whispering Lake Grove coming together to connect with the Spirits of the Land. The following is the Invocation I wrote especially for the occasion:
We stand by the banks of Wolf Run
Between the worlds of the Sacred and the Profane.
In this place where the soul may find peace and solace.
When the Rivers of Life threaten to sweep us away
Let this be the rock that anchors our souls.
Great Lord of the Dark Wood
Lady of the Shimmering Waters
Whose energies protect, guide and heal,
Hear our voices
To the Spirit of those who have called this place home,
To the Spirit of those who have worked this land,
Whose presence has shaped and formed this place,
Hear our voices
Today we come to add to the shape and form of this land.
Today we ask your blessings upon our work,
As we assemble for a common purpose.
Spirits of the Land, accept our offerings!
Offerings of honey and cream were made.
Chant: We approach the Sacred Grove
With hearts and minds and flesh and bone
Join us now in ways of old
We have come home.
Our guests assembled near the Nemeton as we continued with the rite.
PREPARATION
GROVE ATTUNEMENT (Chris T.)
Closing your eyes, take a few deep cleansing breaths.
Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
In through your nose and our through your mouth.
As you breathe, lay aside the worries, troubles and woes of the mundane world. (pause 4 count)
We now stand between Earth and Sky
Feel your feet firmly resting upon the Earth
Know that below us flows the primal waters
Cold, dark and chaotic; filled with the potential of all life.
Allow the primal waters to enter your being.
Feel the coolness of the waters as they pool within your belly, within your heart and finally, within your head. (pause 8 count)
Reaching high into the sky above
Feel the illuminating radiance of the Heavens
Know that above us burns the primal fires
Warm, light and ordered; filled with the spark of all life.
Allow the primal fire to enter your being.
Feel the warmth of the fires as they illuminate your mind, your heart and finally your spirit. (pause 8 count)
Feel the primal powers of Earth and Sky as they surge through you, lending strength and energy to your being. (pause 8 count)
As we open our eyes, know that we assemble as one folk to worship with a common purpose.
All:
May our worship be true.
May our actions be just.
May our love be pure.
Blessings, honor, and worship to the Holy Ones.
Honoring Our Grove Patron (Raven)
For our Ancestors the Sea was a place of danger and mystery. For those, who dared to travel upon the waves, they knew that each journey may be their last, as fierce storms and unforgiving waves wept over them. But, born from the Sea was Manannan mac Lir to calm the waves and quiet the storms.
As our Ancestors once did, we call this eve upon the Son of the Sea and Patron of Whispering Lake Grove that he may continue to guide and protect us as we navigate the storms of our lives.
We now call forth one among us in his honor (Carrion) 1
PROCESSION (All in song)
In song (Carrion)
Come we now as a people
To gather together at the sacred well.
Come we now as a people
To gather in the warmth and the light of the flame.
© Stone Creed Grove, ADF
Repeat
until all participants have entered the ritual space.
1st Phase
Starting the Rite & Establishing the Group Mind
Clear-Cut Beginning
OPENING PRAYERS
Musical Signal a drum beats 9 times.
Clear-cut Beginning (Eld Našr)
Once more the suns power wanes upon the Middle Realm, as we reflect upon one individuals accomplishments over the past year. We remember his journey as it comes to an end and yet know in our hearts and minds it marks only a new beginning. A cold wind continues to blow across the dying land, as the dark hand of chaos tightens its icy grip.
Honoring the Earth Mother and Sky Father
Earth Mother & Sky Father
(Chris T.) kneeling at the well.
Lady, whose heart beats within this land,
Chaotic Mistress of the swiftest waters,
Fair One, of the mist and shadows.
Gentle Mother of all growing things,
And Protectress of this hearth and home,
We ask for your blessings upon our work;
Bear witness as your child makes his oath this day.
Earth Mother, we call upon the life-giving magic of the Earth!
An offering of corn meal is made to the Earth Mother.
Mama2, accept our offering!
All: Mama, be welcome among us!
(Moondragon) standing at the sacred fire arms outstretched to the sky.
Flashing One of the Suns healing warmth
Brilliant Father of the Clear Sky
And Great God of the creative Spark
We are purified between your flames
Strengthened through your radiant light
And prosper from your fertility
We ask for your blessings upon our work;
Bear witness as your child makes his oath this day.
Sky Father, we call upon the illuminating power of the Sky!
An offering of clarified botter is made to the Sky Father.
Sky Father3, accept our offering!
All: Sky Father, be welcome among us!
Invocation for Bardic Inspiration
Bardic Inspiration (Carrion)
Goddess of Inspiration & Poetry
Great Mother of Song and Music
May our words echo in the sacred well
May our hearts and minds burn with your eternal flame.
May our songs resonate upon the wind
May you grant us the gift of inspiration and insight!
(Eld Našr) An offering of cream & honey is placed in the offering bowl for Brighid.
Lady Brighid4, accept our offering!
All: Brighid, be welcome among us!
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Purpose of the Ritual (Raven)
Today we gather between the Earth and Sky,
To honor the accomplishments of one among us.
We gather at the crossroads surrounded by the land, sea and sky.
To bear witness to an oath that is not sworn lightly.
This day we shall worship and honor the Kindred as one people
And seek their blessings upon this Dedicant in return.
As one journey comes to an end and another begins.
May all who gathered be welcome among us!
CONSECRATION OF SPACE AND PARTICIPANTS
Outdwellers (at the Southern fire, the Sacrificer lays a token for the Outdwellers) (Carrion)
Beings of chaos and discord!
Hoards, whose minds know not rest and whose spirits know not peace.
To all those whose screams and cries, harmonize not with our songs and praise.
Know that this time and place we claim as ours!
You may have held it in the past, you may hold it in the future, but for now,
Let it be known that it is OURS!
We have given to you all that we intend to give.
May order reign and chaos trouble not our gathering!
Purification of Participants & Space
The aspersing bowl is filled by Eld Našr, from the well and the censer is kindled from the Fire by Moondragon. Ritual participants are cleansed with water from the well and purified with smoke from the censor. After the participants are cleansed and purified, the Nemeton is cleansed and purified as the following power building chant is led by Raven
With the powers to create and destroy.
And the strength to cleanse and purify.
When all participants have been purified Raven will step forward saying:
Through the union of fire and water,
Our Nemeton is made whole and holy!
Once more we have met the threat of chaos with order and laid claim to this place. We have made sacred this space that we may worship and honor the Kindred as one people.
2nd PHASE
Recreating the Cosmos & Preliminary Power Raising
THE SACRED CENTER
Affirmation of Unity
(Carrion) Let us now raise our voices as one people.
Deep Peace (Author Unknown)
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the sacred flame
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth
May peace, may peace, may peace fill your soul
Let peace, let peace, let peace make you whole.
Repeat chant 3 times
Establishing Sacred Time (Raven)
In the beginning and so too in the end; there was but the fires of the Sky and the waters of the Earth. And between them lay a fertile land.
In the South the old Fir Bolg King, dreamed of birds, the sky grew dark as the great flock approached the shore.
From the North through smoke and mist came beings of great might and magic, the vast army of the Tuatha to overtake the land. Bringing with them four treasures that would assure their victory. Reaching the shore, the Tuatha burnt their ships and a great battle for the land began. Great numbers of the Fir Bolg fell as the armies of the Tuatha swept across the land. In defeat the Fir Bolg retreated to the lands of the Fomorians and the Tuatha De Danann lay claim to Ireland.
All in song (Carrion)
Fire, Well & Tree (chant)
Fire, bright Fire
Gate to the Shining Ones
Fire, bright Fire
Our passage to the Sky
Fire, Bright Fire
Warmth of the community
Spark of Life
We honor you now.
Incense is offered to the fire. (Eld Našr)
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.
Silver is offered to the well. (Eld Našr)
Tree, great Tree
Gate that reaches everywhere
Tree, great Tree
With you we share this land
Tree, great Tree
Our passage to the Otherworld
Source of Life
We honor you now.
The bile is aspersed with water from the well and censed with incense. (Eld Našr)
Words & music by Pandora.
COMPLETING THE COSMOLOGY
To Land, Sea & Sky (Raven)
The waters support and surround us.
The land extends about us.
And at the center burns a living flame.
Let us pray with a good fire.
May all the Kindred bless us.
May our worship be true.
May our actions be just.
May our love be pure.
Blessings, honor and worship to the holy ones.
Land, Sea & Sky text by Ceiswr Serith
OPENING THE GATES
(Carrion)
Hooded One of the Shadows,
Death holds no power nor fear over you.
For you journey freely between the worlds.
Mighty Lord of the Dead, we ask for your guidance and protection as the world of the living and that of the spirit become one in this place.
(Eld Našr) Irish whiskey is offered to Donn.
Donn5, Horned God of the Celts, accept our offering!
All: Donn, be welcome among us!
(Carrion) Let us raise our voices in song to the Gatekeeper!
All in song
Gatekeeper open the portals.
Between the Gods and mortals,
Power freely flows, as our magic grows!
Repeat chant three times
© Stone Creed Grove, ADF
(Raven, Carrion & Eld Našr)
Donn, merge now your wisdom and might with ours!
(Raven)
See the flame leaping forth from the fire.
(Carrion)
See the mist arising from the well,
(Eld Našr)
Flame and mist converging upon the tree.
Forming a meeting place between the realms.
(Raven) Striking a sigil or triskel over the well
Let the fire burning towards the heavens open as a gate that we may follow the way to the Shining Ones.
(Carrion) Striking a sigil or triskel over the well
Let the well whose depths reach the Underworld open as a gate that we may follow the way to the Mighty Dead.
(Eld Našr) Striking a sigil or triskel upon the tree
Let the tree, pathway between Earth and Sky, be open to us.
By the land before us!
(Carrion)
By the seas about us!
(Raven)
By the sky above us!
(Raven, Carrion, Eld Našr)
Let the Gates Be Open!
3rd Phase
Major Sending of Power to Deities of the Occasion
HONORING THE DEITIES OF THE RITE
(Chris T.)
Now that the world of the living and that of the spirit are one, we call out from the crossroads to the mighty Kindred!
(Chris T.)
Allies of the Middle Realm!
Bright and Shining messengers to the Otherworld
Elves, Sprites, and Faeries of the Hollow Hills
Protectors of this sacred ground.
Mighty Sidhe, be welcome among us!
(Carrion) Let us raise our voices in song to the Noble Ones.
Fur and feather and scale and skin.
Different without but the same within.
Many of body but one of soul
Through all creatures are we (the gods 2nd time) made whole.
Repeat 3 times.
Bird seed is offered. (Eld Našr)
(Chris T.) Noble Spirits, accept our offering!
All: Noble Spirits, be welcome among us!
(Moondragon)
Wise Ones of the Realm Below!
Beloved Dead of blood and spirit; Ancestors of flesh and bone
Great Cu Chulainn, Maeve and Finn
Heroes of myth and legend
Mighty Ones, be welcome among us!
(Carrion) Let us raise our voices in song to the Mighty Dead.
In song
From far beyond this mortal plan
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.
Repeat three times.
(Words and music by Sable)
Bread and Beer is offered (Eld Našr)
(Moondragon) Ancestors, accept our offering!
All: Ancestors, be welcome among us!
(Eld Našr)
Eldest and Brightest of the Realm Above!
Bringers of life, death, and rebirth.
Deities of Might, of Magic and those of the mist.
Blessed Children of Danu!
Shining Ones be welcome among us!
(Carrion) Let us now raise our voices in song to the Shining Ones.
Hail all the Gods.
Hail all the Goddesses.
Hail all the Holy Ones.
We dwell together.
Lords of the sky.
Ladies of the sacred earth.
Spirits and the ancestors.
We dwell together.
Hail all the Gods, Hail al the Goddesses, Hail all the Gods and Goddesses.
Repeat chant 3 times.
© Words by Paul Maurice, Music by Paul Maurice, Sean Miller and Gail Williams.
Clarified Butter is offered (Eld Našr)
(Eld Našr) Shining Ones, accept our offering!
All: Shining Ones, be welcome among us!
PERSONAL/PRAISE OFFERINGS
(Carrion) At this time one among us shall honor those closest to him among the Kindred. Chris will be given an opportunity to offer praise to any among the IE Kindred he chooses.)6
THE OATH
Ravens Words of Wisdom7
Chris Dedicant Oath (The Road of No Return)8
PRAYER OF SACRIFICE
(Raven)
Through our praise, love and sacrifice;
We honor Deities, as they walk among us.
Through communication with the Otherworld;
We receive their guidance, inspiration and insight.
Tonight we call out from the crossroads to our guests of honor!
As we prepare to make our final sacrifice.
The final sacrifice is prepared. (Eld Našr)
(Eld Našr)
It is in love, honor and respect that we have offered hospitality to our guests this night.
We have sung their praise; made our sacrifice.
It is our hope that our words and sacrifice have conveyed our love.
We call once more through the Gates and deep within the Otherworld that all shall know of our devotion.
Eldest and Brightest, we honor you.
The final sacrifice is made.9
Shining Ones, accept our sacrifice!
All: Shining Ones, accept our sacrifice.
THE OMEN
(Chris T, Raven, Eld Našr)
The Omen is taken by drawing three Ogham. Chris will draw three ogham and the seer will then interpret the omen asking if our sacrifice and offerings have been accepted.10 The Seer then leads the company to contemplate the blessings/warnings of the omen from the Kindred. While the omen is being taken Carrion will lead al present in the following chant.
(Carrion)
Let us raise our voices in song as the Kindred reveal their will.
In song
Come Druids all, Ovates and Seers
And let your minds be still
Earth, sea and sky will lend no fears
As the gods reveal their will.
Let every heart sing praise to them
And all our works be skilled
Claiming their blessings to the very end.
As the gods reveal their will.
(Words by Seam Miller)
4th Phase
Receiving and Using the Return Power
CALLING FOR THE BLESSING (Raven, Moondragon)
Two pitchers will be filled and set in the midst of the hallows.
The following words will be spoken over the pitchers.
(Raven) As in the ways of old we have given our gifts freely and as in the ways of old a gift is given unto us in return.
(Moondragon) We will drink deep of the Cup of Inspiration.
May the blessings of health, wealth and wisdom be ours.
(Raven) Mighty Kindred, your blessings upon us!
All: Kindred, your blessings upon us!
(Moondragon) We gather with you between Earth and Sky. We are proud to call ourselves your people.
(Raven) Once again, Mighty Kindred, your blessings upon us!
All: Kindred, your blessings upon us!
(Moondragon) We have brought our offerings. We have made sacrifice.
(Raven) One last time, Mighty Kindred, your blessings upon us!
All: Kindred, your blessings upon us!
(Eld Našr) The pitchers are lifted saluting the fire, well and tree.
HALLOWING OF THE WATERS
(Eld Našr) Behold the Waters of Life!
(Moondragon) Mighty Kindred, hear and bless us.
(Raven) Noble Ones, hallow these waters of life.
Mighty Ones, hallow these waters of life.
Shining Ones, hallow these waters of life.
(Eld Našr) lifts the pitchers before the participants.
(Eld Našr) Behold the Waters of Life!
All: Behold the Waters of Life!
AFFIRMATION OF THE BLESSINGS
(Eld Našr) Now Good folk, do you wish to receive the blessings of our honored guests? ________. Then we shall drink deep the blessings of the Kindred!
The Waters are passed, (Eld Našr & Moondragon) and all participants share the waters. As the waters are passed the following song is sung by all the participants.
(Carrion) As we receive the blessings of the Shining Ones let us raise our voices in song.
In song
Pour the waters, raise the cup, drink your share of wisdom deep.
Strength and love now fill us up, as the elder ways we keep.
© Stone Creed Grove, ADF
Repeat until the horns have been passed to all participants.
5th Phase
UNWINDING AND ENDING THE CEREMONY
THANKING THE BEINGS
(Chris T) Mighty Kindred of land, sea and sky,
Eldest, Wisest and Mightiest of the realms. May you continue to protect, guide and bless us as we walk this path. Kindred, we thank you for the knowledge and blessings you have shared with us. (A final token is offered.11) May there be peace between us until we meet once again by the hearths fire.
All: Kindred, we thank you!
(Carrion) Lady Brighid, Great Mother of Song and Music. We thank you for your blessings of inspiration and eloquence. (A final token is offered.) May there be peace between us until we meet once again by the hearths fire.
All: Brighid, we thank you!
CLOSING THE GATES
(Carrion) Donn, Mighty Lord of the Dead; we thank you for your protection and guidance as we have walked between the worlds. (A final token is offered) May there be peace between us until we meet once again by the hearths fire.
All: Donn, we thank you!
(Carrion)
Donn. Great Horned One of the Shadows, we now ask that you close the gates, warding the way between the worlds once more.
(Raven)
Let the fire burning towards the heavens once more become but flames.
(Carrion)
Let the well whose depths reach the Underworld once more become but water.
(Eld Našr)
Let the tree, pathway between Earth & Sky, become but wood.
By the Land before us!
(Carrion)
By the seas about us!
(Raven)
By the sky above us!
(Raven Mann, Eld Našr, Carrion Mann)
Let the Gates be closed!
THANKING THE EARTH MOTHER & SKY FATHER
(Moondragon) Illuminating One of the Sky, may you continue to show us the way to courage and right. Bright Father of the Clear Sky, we thank you for the strength and healing warmth you have given us. (A final token is offered.) May there be peace between us until we meet once again by the hearth fire.
All: Sky Father, we thank you!
(Chris T.) Fair One of Ever Changing Beauty, may you continue to renew and sustain us. Gentle Mother of this land, we thank you for the blessings and protection you have offered us. (A final token is offered) May there be peace between us until we meet once again by the hearth fire.
All: Earth Mother, we thank you!
(Eld Našr) We now return all that has gone unused to the Earth and the Sky, may they continue to support, surround and sustain us. All offerings that remain are burnt in the fire or scattered upon the Earth.
STATEMENT OF ENDING
Unmerging, Regrounding & Recentering; Meditation
(Chris T.) Good folk, join me once more as we close our eyes; breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth (Pause 2 count)
As the mighty Oak is part of the forest, we are all part of the great circle of life. Remember the blessings we have received together this night. (Pause)
As we stand between Earth and Sky
Once more feel your feet firmly resting upon the Earth
Know that below us flow the primal waters.
Once more feel the coolness of the waters that have pooled within your belly, within your heart, and finally, within your head. (Pause 4 count)
Reaching high into the sky above
Feel the illuminating radiance of the Heavens.
Know that above us burn the primal fires.
Once more feel the warmth of the fires that have illuminated your mind, your heart and finally your spirit. (Pause 4 count)
Feel the primal powers of Earth and Sky, surging through you, as they have given strength and energy to your being. (Pause 4 count)
Keep of this power what you need, sending what remains forth from our beings into Wolf Run (Pause) See this energy heal and protect her as we conclude our worship.
May all that is be what was, that it may be again!
Musical signal a drum beats 9 times.
All: We will keep the faith until the sky falls upon us and crushes us; until the earth opens and swallows us; until the seas arise and overwhelm us.
Recessional Song
(Carrion) Once more may we now raise our voices in song as we leave our Nemeton.
CHORUS
The sky fuels the waters
And the waters sustain the skies
We walk together from this place
With the honored as our guides.
Strong in our purpose
We balance and survive
From many wells of fortitude
Our spirits are revived.
CHORUS
Joyous in our sharing
We honor dead and alive
With voices of sacred wisdom
We travel the path of our lives.
CHORUS
Fulfilled in our learning
Our souls will always thrive
In our varied hearts and minds
We keep the sacred for all time.
CHORUS
(Lyrics by Moondragon; music by Raven of the Sorrows)
Special Thanks To:
All who attended, participated and shared in our celebration.
Stone Creed Grove, ADF for the chants
Come We Now as a People, the Gatekeeper Chant, and Pour the Waters.
Ceiswr Serith for the text for recreating the cosmos.
The unknown author of Deep Peace.
Pandora for the chant: The Vertical Axis Chant
Paul Maurice, Sean Miller and Gail Williams for the chant Hail All the Gods.
Sable for Mothers and Fathers of Old and Fur and Feather.
Whispering Lake Grove, A.D.F.
Dedicant Ritual
2006
Ritual text written by
(Unless otherwise credited)
Raven & Carrion Mann
© Whispering Lake Grove, A.D.F. 2006
OATH REVIEW
Each and every individual that takes on the challenge of the Dedicants Program comes to the proverbial End of the Road. Some work their tails off to get it completed in a year, and some take years to work through it. Regardless of how long it takes, the Oath Rite is, for some, the crowning achievement and some of us are privileged to have a local Grove to help celebrate this happy occasion.
On Sunday, November 5, 2006 I was joined by the members of Whispering Lake Grove in a wonderful rite. Written by the Groves liturgist and Senior Druid, we honored the land as I prepared to take the first of many poignant steps on the Druidic path.
The actual text of the rite is enclosed as a part of the DP requirement. I added notations to the original script as necessary throughout. These notations are included at the end of this essay. However, just reading the text doesnt convey the emotions and the sensations that I experienced. Hopefully, new traditions within the Grove were created, a telling of the history of the Grove and a special gift of status given to the Dedicant. Years ago, I did swear an Oath to our Patroness that, if we could find the way to buy a new house and put it on this land, I would dedicate the land to the use of the Druids and Wiccans that found a need for a private spot. Perhaps in the future, there will be other Oath Rites held in this sacred place.
The rite was held on my property in a Circle/Nemeton that I had designed years ago for my own personal worship. The place itself had been used for worship, bonfire parties with friends, and general lazing about in nature. This event was designed, in part, to give honor to the Spirits of the Land, to sanctify this land for future Druidic and Wiccan use. It made a significant difference to use my own land. I am familiar with the Kindred that reside there and we have a powerful relationship. To have held the rite anywhere else may have very well left them out of the equation, and an energy would have been lost which would have lessened the power of the rite and the uniqueness that made it my own.
Because this rite was for the benefit of my Oath, I had the privilege of inviting guests. I know I had invited more friends and family, but my Brother-of-Spirit came with his family and it warmed my heart to see him there. Of all of my friends, he is the most understanding of what I hope to accomplish along this path. Also, amongst those assembled were my niece and nephew. Honestly, they just wanted to come down to see their Uncle Chris and Aunt Sam, but I am sure that they received an unanticipated education regarding their Aunt and Uncles religious preferences.
With a clinical eye, I would say that the rite went very well. From my point of view, and that of the Spirits, the Mana that was raised during the rite was significant. I admit to having completely spaced out on some of my lines, but I think that had more to do with stage fright than failure to study lines. I learned some time ago that even if you forget your lines, speak with authority and no one will notice.
From a spiritual standpoint, I could feel the presence of the Spirits of the Land, moreso that any other time. It felt as though, during this one rare occasion, all of the Kindred of the Land actually presented. You could feel it in the air, you could feel it in the vibrations of the land, and because the Circle/Nemeton is next to a small creek, the sounds of the water were more prevalent than normal.
Once the rite was finished and everyone gathered in the house for a potluck dinner, the energies were continued throughout with friendly conversation and banter. Even long after everyone left for home, the energies surrounding the house, and the immediate area were extremely powerful. You could cut the air with a knife.
Now, I feel not just a new connection with the Grove and my extended family of Spirit, but there is a renewed connection with the Land. I am certain now that if I needed to, I could easily connect with the land, no matter how far I am away from it. These are relationships that are very valuable to me, and I will always cherish them.
This Oath was not the end, but the beginning of a long journey. There will be many stops along the way, and the road will not always be safe and sound. However, I know that I am no longer traveling the path alone. There are some that travel in front of me, there are some that travel behind me, but I doubt I will ever be a solitary again. Out there, new and wonderful experience are just waiting for me, and I have no intention at this point to just sit around and wait for them to come to my door.
The Kindred are about and magick is afoot!
Notations:
1.) Carrion gave us a history of the Grove, beginning with the origin of the name, Whispering Lake Grove, and why Manannan mac Lir is our Grove Patron.
2.) We chose to use the name, Mama because of the energy that exists between the Spirit of the Land and me. Though there are many Goddesses that could have been used in this instance, the familiar Mother Goddess was most appropriate.
3.) Again, I used a general familiar God form.
4.) Brighid is a personal Patroness, at least while I pursue the Bardic Arts.
5.) I have only recently connected with Donn of the Underworld. Only someone that has truly spent time on my property, or a personal connection with Donn would realize the appropriate nature of Donn as a choice to hold the gates.
6.) During the Praise portion of the Rite, I presented silver to the Noble Spirits, Mead to the Ancestors, and for Hecate I attempted to raise Mana through song. I sang I Cant Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley to my wife Samantha. This is one of Samanthas favorite songs, and favorite artists. Personally, I think it worked beautifully.
7.) At this point Raven gave his own words of wisdom. Though I will not put the words here, they will not be forgotten in the near future, especially as I continue my path.
8.) My Oath is given separately at the end of this essay.
9.) I presented my pentacle as a final sacrifice. This seemed to me to be a symbol of the Pagan that I once was. Taking this Oath, I have become something different and I felt it necessary to show this through sacrifice. Fortunately, I was presented with a suitable replacement by my Grove that I will treasure for a long time.
10.) The omen is presented along with the Oath at the end of the essay.
11.) The final tokens used for this rite were small treasure boxes I decorated for the occasion. Each one was designed specifically for the intended Deity.
THE OATH
An Oath is not merely the spoken words. An Oath takes on a life of its own and becomes a part of the person. It changes a person on all levels; mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. To break an Oath is to break that part of yourself and what is broken inside, shows on the outside. It is because of this that I do not take Oaths lightly.
Over thirteen years ago I made an Oath to the Mother Goddess that I would serve in what capacity She saw fit. In those thirteen years I have had many wonderful, scary, exciting and astounding experiences. I have met some of the most wonderful people and each has changed my life in some way. I stand here, before my family, both of blood and spirit, before human and Divine to renew that Oath in reflection of those changes.
Organizations such as ADF come and go as their purposes are met and fulfilled. Groves, like the trees they represent begin small, grow and prosper, and, yes, eventually they may pass to make room for new growth. So, I do not swear allegiance, but I do promise that I will be there as long as I am needed, and as long as I am welcome.
The Sacred Kindred, in their myriad forms, enter and leave our lives. Sometimes they stay with us for decades, and sometimes only for the few moments that their energy is needed. So, I make no Oath to specific Kindred. However, I do promise to love, honor, and worship the Kindred, and to always honor the right of others to worship as they feel, for it is said that within all religions you will find the spark of the Divine.
Lastly, I swear that through the nine Sacred Virtues I will strive to become more than I am. To learn from the lessons I have already experienced and hopefully make a difference within the community through my actions and words. To live according to the Old Ways and make the ways of my Ancestors, my ways.
Before all those assembled here, before all the powers, especially the Earth Mother and Sky Father, this I swear. May the sky fall upon me and crush me, may the waters rise and overwhelm me, and may the earth open up and swallow me if I am foresworn.
Let my voice rise with the Sacred Flame. Let my voice resound in the Holy Well, and let my words pass the boundary to the Spirits. Mighty, Noble and Shining Ones accept my sacrifice and my Oath.
THE OMEN
(As interpreted by Whispering Lake Groves Seer, Eld Nadr)
(T) Fearn (Alder) Counsel, guidance, oracular knowledge, inspiration, creativity
(D) Luis (Rowan) Protection, defense, sanctuary
(G) Gort (Ivy) reversed Challenge, difficulty, restriction, choking out, binding
(This omen was deemed a good one)
The Kindred walk with us as guides and counselors. Their mere presence in our lives blesses us with inspiration and creativity. We have only to ask a question and draw the fews to receive their direct knowledge and wisdom.
Our allies among the Kindred protect those places we hold sacred and dear when we are absent. Should we have need, they will come to our defense; but like any proper ghosti relationship, this is a two-way street. We must, therefore, be prepared to do what we can to defend the Kindred when we identify such a need. Finally, wherever we find and honor the Kindred, we shall also find sanctuary from the mundane/profane world.
We must not forget that the path of the Old Ways is never easy. For our Ancestors, every day was a fight for survival. Though the dangers we face in this day and age are certainly less physical, we often face situations that can be just as deadly to us emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We must always be prepared for the challenges and difficulties every Pagan must face; and though the Kindred cannot prevent such things, they will do what they can to aid us.
PICS FROM THE RITE
The Processional
One Nervous Oath Taker
The Sacred Fire
My Friends
(Bile and Sacrifice Table in the background)
