Establishing The Grove
Preparation and Procession
People prepare themselves for the rite in whatever way that they want - meditation, silence, random chaos. We then process from the path to the tree ring, chanting "Hail to the Gods" (see attached chant sheet), and circle the Tree Ring three times deosil. At the end of the procession, the offerings that have been brought are placed at the base of the stump altar.Earth Mother Recognition
We know you by many names, from Danu to Kali to Ge, and yet you are she who is always here; and will always remain. When we think we begin to understand your mysteries; when we think that we understand; it is then that we see your depths most clearly. We honour you, and praise you. As you uphold our lives, uphold this rite.Opening Meditation
Silent heartbreat drum, fading into group chant as people start to join in. See chant sheet.Affirming of the World Order
"By Fire and By Water" chant, from chant sheet. If we can pull it off, we transition into this from the heartbeat chant.Opening of the Gates
Depending on who is gatekeeping, and how the energy of the group is flowing at this point (read: are we 100% chanted out?), either invoke Mannanan with the gatekeeper song, or else say something that seems appropriate that I'm not going to script.Offerings to the Powers
Acknowledgement of the Outdwellers
We recognize that not all of those who might approach this sacred Grove between the realms come with good will or good intention. For some, this is because of history; for some, this is because of different goals; for some, that is merely their way. We recognize that these differences cannot change at this time, and so we make a gift of recognition. As a gift demands a gift, we ask that you leave us alone for this time. Rice is scattered far outside the area of the ritual.Kindred of Nature
Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors brought their families, their axes, and their Gods to this land. They struggled to draw the livings they knew out of this strange land. Sometimes they feared the spirits already in this land - a fear enhanced by the conflict between our ancestors and those who lived here first. Sometimes they tried to pretend they did not exist; or were demons. From this fear and division came first war, but then exploitation, abuse, and theft - acts without honour. We acknowledge these injustices of our past.On this day, however, we call out to the spirits of this land, the hidden manitou. We seek reconciliation, as we try to live in peace in this land; as we recognize both its history and its future. We call out for justice with our brothers and sisters today - justice in all its forms.
We burn sage and sweetgrass in your honour. We know that the path is not short, to restore lost honour; yet today we make another small step.
The Dead
We call also on the experience and wisdom of those who have gone before us; blazing the paths we walk today. Some of them we know - recent ancestors of blood, or heroes who have made such a name that their deeds are remembered. Some of them we do not - those so far in the past that their names are no longer spoken; those who worked their deeds in silence and merely did what needed to be done.To all those dead, who bear us good will, we invite you to join us in our rite. We bring you bread, that you might not hunger alone. Bread is placed around tree.
The Gods
As has become our tradition, on this day of the height of summer, and on this anniversary of our Grove, we do not call on any specific Gods, but call on all those of the Shining Ones who have supported our work over the last year, and make offerings to all. We invite any and all who wish to speak of any of the particular Shining Ones, too, and to tell a story, make an oath, bring a gift, or simply acknowledge them in silence.Individual offerings here
As a grove, we also recognize you, and thank you for your support in the life of the Grove as a whole; that it survives and prospers. As a gift demands a gift, we offer sweet smelling oils. (Somebody pours oils on fire, in well, around the tree), while group chants "Hail to the Gods".
The Blessing
Omen
We have honoured the Kindreds, as they honour us. We now ask them for a sign of the blessings they offer us for the next year; as individuals and as a Grove. Standard divination format. Hopefully it doesn't suck; if it does, we change the text for the blessings a lot, or don't take, it or just generally listen to the results.Sharing of blessings
In this space between the Worlds, we share a drink of blessing with the spirits of Nature, the mighty Dead, and the Shining Gods, that it might nurture us and sustain us when we return to our daily lives. We drink in the spirit of this holy place, as we share it with our guests. We also ask you to give whatever blessings you can into the cup, that we might share among ourselves and with our guests.Share the cup