holidays and rituals

The Following is an ADF Yule Ritual, designed by the members of 'The Shadow Weaver Grove, ADF' (Defunct), for presentation on 16-DEC-89.

It follows the original ADF ritual format, and is presented for historical uses - ADF no longer uses this format and did not approve the ritual for usage/publication prior to such.

I. Starting The Ritual

The Following is an ADF Yule Ritual, designed by the members of 'The Shadow Weaver Grove, ADF' (Defunct), for presentation on 16-DEC-89.

It follows the original ADF ritual format, and is presented for historical uses - ADF no longer uses this format and did not approve the ritual for usage/publication prior to such.

I. Starting The Ritual

A) Processional:

To enter the circle, each person must pass through four "gates" representing each of the Three Worlds and Fire; Land, Sea, Sky and Fire. As a bell is rung, each person steps to the first guardian, and is asked, "What do you ask of the Gate of Earth (Sea) (Air)?" An answer is then given or left unspoken, and the person is marked by the Guardian (with mud, water and brush with a feather) and proceeds to the next Gate and is questioned again. The Guardian of the last Gate, Fire, smudges the person before they enter the circle. The Bell is held by Fire.

When everyone is in the circle, the chant "Hoof and Horn" is begun as the Guardians come into the circle and prepare their selves in like form.

B) Statement Of Purpose and Casting of Circle:

Senior Druid :

This is the time called Yule. As we Mourn the death and re-birth of the Belemos the Sun King. Also we celebrate the Magda -- Mother of Gods; for bringing forth the promise of renewed life.

Also we meet tonight in this time and place to seek wisdom and guidance from those who have gone on before us, and to bring light and learning to those who should ask it of us.

Gatekeeper of Sea:

We greet you, Brother Wabun, Golden Eagle of the East.
We ask that you watch over us this night, and share with us your wisdom, Let your keen vision guide us over the obstacles before us.
We greet you, brother Shawnodese, Guardian of the South, great Coyote. We ask that you walk with us this night, and guide us as we walk this path of learning.

Gatekeeper of Air:

We greet you, Cougar of the North. Grace us with your company, and walk with us this night as we seek the wisdom that surrounds us.
We greet you Brother Mudjekeewis, Great Bear of the West. Walk with us this night, and aid us in our journey to wisdom.

Senior Druid:

All Spirits here tonight, Grace us with your presence and aid us in our quest for wisdom. Guard us from harm and help our minds to open to the wonders around us.

C) Centering Meditation:

Group Meditation and collective consciousness:

All present are brought together with a group meditation, to form a "group mind"; to help everyone center and bring themselves together to work in accord.

It will be in the tree meditation that the wards are activated.

II. The Active Ritual:

A) Invoking the Gate Keeper

Invocation of Ogma the Gate Keeper, or Mannanon in English :

(visualization of the gate is a triangle shaped iris opening above the fire).

Gatekeeper of Fire:

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, open the ways for us.
O Mannanon, master of the realm beyond the seas, grant us passageway to your kingdom.
O great God of knowledge, we wish to walk your roads.
Reveal to us your teachings, reveal to us the safe path.
Come wash the nighttime clean;
Come close the gap of darkness in between.
We praise you for the brightness of your power.
We praise you for the gift of knowledge.
Guide us to the place we seek.
Walk with us Ogma!
Walk with us Mannanon!

Chant:

We invoke thee Ogma, Opener of every Gate
We invoke Mannanon, Opener of every Gate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate.

B) Individuals Invoke:

At this point, all present are asked to invoke a spirit or god(dess) which they feel is appropriate. If they wish to invoke or thank a particular diety, they should step forward and do so.

C) Consecration of the Waters:

Druid of the Gate of Earth:

Spirits of nature, of the trees and rocks, of the animals and Earth, give us your favor and your companionship, share with us the bond of spirit and of life on Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your teachings and Laughter, become one among us here tonight. Consecrate these waters.
Behold The Waters of Life!

(All Chant "Fur and Feather")

Druid of the Gate of Sea:

Ancestors of long ago, be with us, give us your favor and your wisdom, share with us the bond of kinship and of life upon Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your knowledge and your blessing, become one with us here tonight; Consecrate these waters.
Behold the Waters of Life!

(All chant: "Blood of the Ancients")

Druid of the Gate of Sky:

Gods and Goddesses, be with us, give us your favor and blessings, share with us the bonding of essence and our existance upon your sphere of life. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your strength and your peace, become one among us here tonight.
Consecrate these waters.
Behold the Waters of Life!

(All chant "Mother I feel you")

D) Individual offerings and prayers:

At this point, all present that wish to make an offering or offer prayers. The Guardian of the East goes sunwise around the circle, stopping at each person. If they have an offering or a prayer they would like to make, they step forward and do so. Set up the order before the ritual.

E) Sacrifice with the willow branch:

The Gatekeeper of fire makes a final offering of a willow branch to send off the energy to the deities of the occasion.

Gatekeeper of Fire:

Our praise goes up with thee on the wings of eagles; our voices are carried up to thee on the shoulders of the winds. Hear now, O Belemos, O Magda, we pray thee, as we offer up this sacrifice of life. Accept it we pray thee, and cleanse our hearts, giving to us of your peace and life.

F) Divination:

A scrying is done with crystal/flame, to find if the gods have accepted our prayers and will be with us. If the omen is bad, offerings are made again. If they are rejected thrice the circle is broken immediately, and the ritual ended.

G) The Fourth Consecration:

A fourth cup is consecrated.

Induction of Receptivity (Catechism of the Waters)

(d1= Gate of fire, D2=group responses)
D1: Of what does the Earth-Mother give, that we may know of the continual flow and renewal of life?
D2: The water of Life.
D1: From whence do these waters flow?
D2: From the bosom of the Earth-Mother, the ever changing All-Mother.
D1: And how do we honor this gift that causes life?
D2: By partaking of the waters of life.
D1: Has the Earth Mother given forth her Bounty?
D2: She has.
D1: Then give me the waters!

Final consecration and sharing:

D2: O Belemos, O Magda, hear us and answer us! Hallow these waters! We your children have praised you, and now we ask from you healing, blessing, power and inspiration...Behold the waters of Life!

Chant: ("Blood of the Ancients")

III. The Work of the circle.

Somebody explains what we are going to do and why we are doing it. Any magic working to be done will be done at this time.

Affirmation of Success:

D1: Belemos and Magda have Blessed us!
D2: Every time we invoke them, they become stronger and more alert to the needs of their people.
D1: With joy in our hearts, let us return to the realm of mortals, to do the will of the Gods and our own.
D2: Yet, before we leave, we must give thanks to those whom we invited here today.

IV. Closing

A) Thanking of the Gods and Goddesses:

Senior Druid:

Gods and Goddesses of old times, spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times and of our ancestors, our kindred, we thank you.

1) Their Messenger:

Gatekeeper of Fire:

Brother Hawk, we thank you and honor you for the messages you carry and the lessons you teach. Your medicine is strong and brings us clarity of vision and understanding in our everyday lives. We learn by you that none is greater, and all are equal in the eyes of the Great Spirit. We learn that all have gifts of value that they should not let sit in disuse. We thank you for carrying our prayers and gifts, and we ask you to fly in our dreams that we hear and remember the messages you carry, go in peace and guide our steps.

Gatekeeper of Air:

We thank you, great Cougar of the North. You have guided our prayers and shown us your boundless generosity. You have led us toward inner growth and taught us the prayers to heal our spirits and our minds. Your path is clear to us, and we thank you for walking with us again. We will remember your lessons. We thank you brother Mudjekeewis, Great Bear of the West. Once again you have kept our feet on the safe path, and held the light of your wisdom before us. We are grateful for your guidance this night, and we ask you; go in peace as you came in peace; that we may walk together again another time.

Gatekeeper of Sea:

We thank you, Wabun, Golden Eagle of the East. You have given us your light with unstinting generosity, and helped us to see the world within ourselves as well as the world outside. Your dawn has brought, as ever, new light to our hearts and we are grateful. Blessed Be! We thank you, Shawnodese, Coyote of the South. Again you have turned our eyes within us, that we may see the knowledge hidden there. You have opened our ears to the music of our souls, and we hear its beauty. We ask you to please return now, to your home in the desert, and to remember us, that we may walk together again.

Senior Druid:

All spirits that have been with us tonight, we thank you for your strength and blessings. THough you now return to your own places in the worlds, we hold you always in our hearts, and are stronger for your presence Go now with our love and our blessings. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. The circle is open.

2) Closing the Gate:

Gatekeeper of Fire:

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, we thank you.
O Mhannon, we thank you. Now let the Gates between the Worlds be closed!

B) Return from the group-mind, grounding and centering.

Reversing the Tree Mediation.

This is when the wards and such are relaxed.

Libation:

D1: To thee we return this portion of thy bounty, O Magda our Mother, even as we must someday return unto thee. [Everyone leaves, Gate keepers start out, everyone follows]
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SHADOW WEAVER GROVE ADF BELTANE RITUAL 5/5/1990

This is a transcription of the original planned ritual for a Beltane for the Grove (now departed), transcribed with permission by Joseph Teller.

It follows the original ADF ritual format outline structure, not the current one, as it predates the current format.

I. Starting the Ritual

A) Processional : (starting Chant {Ku-Wa-Te})

To enter the circle each person must pass through four "gates" representing each of the Three Worlds (Land, Sea & Sky) and Fire.

Each person steps to the first Gate Keeper and is asked:

"What do you ask of the Gate of Earth (Sea) (Air)?"

AN answer is given or left unspoken, and the person is marked by the Guardian (with mud, water and brush of a feather) and proceeds to the next Gate and is questioned again. The Guardian of the last Gate, Fire, smudges the person before they enter the circle.

When everyone is in the circle, the chant continues ("Ku-Wa-Te") as the Gatekeepers come into the circle and prepare themselves.

B) Statement of Purpose :

We are here tonight to honor the Goddess Danu, called the Earth-mother and to honor the God Belemos, Called the Sun King. We honor them and ask them to bless us and rekindle the warmth of the world.

C) Centering Meditation:

Group meditation and collective consciousness:

All present are brought together with a group meditation, to form a "group-mind"; to help everyone center and bring themselves together to work in accord.

D) Earth Mother Invocation :

Oh Earth-Mother
We praise thee
That seed springeth
That flower openeth
That grass groweth
We praise thee
For winds that whisper
Through the shining Birch
Through the lively Pines
Through the mighty Oak
We praise thee
For all things
Oh Earth-Mother who gives life

II. The Active Ritual

Invocation of Ogma the Gate Keeper or Mannanon in English:

(Visualization is a triangle shaped iris opening)

Gate Keeper of Fire:

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, open the ways for us
O Mannanon, master of the realm beyond the seas, grant us passage to your kingdom.
O great God of knowledge, we wish to walk your roads.
Reveal to us your teachings, reveal to us the safe path.
Come wash the nighttime clean;
Come Close the gap of darkness in between.
We praise you for the brightness of your power.
We praise you for the gift of knowledge.
Guide us to the place we seek.
Walk with us Ogma!
Walk with us Mannanon!

CHANT:

We invoke thee Ogma, opener of every Gate
We invoke Mannanon, opener of every Gate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate.

B) Consecration of the Waters:

[After each cup is consecrated it is passed around the members of the circle so that each may drink from it. When the cup returns to the start the remaining liquid is spilled unto the Earth or into the fire. Contents may be spring water, or an alcoholic brew if alchol it is preferred to have been brewed by a member of the Grove.]

Druid of the Gate of Land:

Spirits of nature, of the trees and rocks, of the animals and Earth, give us your favor and your companionship, share with us the bond of spirit and of life on Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your teachings and laughter, become one among us here tonight, Consecrate these waters. Behold the Waters of Life!

{All Chant "Fur and Feather"}

Druid of the Gate of Sea:

Ancestors of Long ago, be with us, give us your favor and your wisdom, share with us the bond of kinship and of life upon Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your knowledge and your blessing, become one with us here tonight; Consecrate these waters. Behold The Waters of Life!

{All Chant "Blood of the Ancients")

Druid of the Gate of Sky:

Gods and Goddesses, be with us, give us your favor and blessings, share with us the bonding essence and our existence upon your sphere of life. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. give us your strength and your peace, become one among us here tonight. Consecrate these waters. Behold the Waters of Life!

{All Chant "Mother I feel you"}

C) Individual Offerings and prayers:

At this point, all present that wish to may make an offering or offer prayers. If anyone has an offering or a prayer they would like to make they step forward and do so, individual offerings to particular patrons or spirit helpers are done at this time.

D) Sacrifice with the Willow Branch:

Gate keeper of fire makes a final offering of a willow branch, to send the energy to the deities of the occasion. It is sacrificed into the central bonfire.

Gate Keeper of Fire:

Our praise goes up with thee on the wings of eagles; our voices are carried up to thee on the shoulders of the wonds. hear now O Belemos, O Danu, we pray thee, as we offer up this sacrifice of life. Accept it we pray thee, and cleanse our hearts, giving to us of your peace and life.

E) Divination :

A scrying is done with crystal/flame, to find if the gods have accepted our prayers and will be with us. If the omen is bad, offerings are made again. If they are rejected thrice, the circle is broken immediately and the ritual ended.

F) The Fourth Consecration:

Here the wards are set to protect us during the magic working.

Druid #1 (Fire):

We greet you, Brother Wabun, Golden Eagle of the East.
We ask that you watch over us this night, and share with us your wisdom,
Let your keen vision guide us over the obstacles before us.
We greet you, Brother Shawnodese, Guardian of the South, great Coyote.
We ask that you walk with us this night, and guide us as we walk this path of learning.
We greet you, Waboose, White Buffalo Woman of the North, Grace us with your company, and walk with us night as we seek the wisdom that surrounds us.
We greet you, brother Mudjekeewis, Great Bear of the West. Walk with us this night and aid us in our journey to wisdom.
At this time, would each of you please meditate on your personal needs and desires.

G) Induction of Receptivity :

(Litany of the Waters)

[D1 can be Guardian of Fire, D2 can be the Group response. If the group doesn't know the responses one of the other guardians should lead them into them]

D1: Of what does the Earth-Mother give, that we may know of the continual flow and renewal of life?
D2: The waters of Life.
D1: From whence do these waters flow?
D2: From the bosom of the Earth-Mother, the ever changing All-Mother
D1: And how do we honor this gift that causes life?
D2: By partaking of the waters of life.
D1: Has the Earth-Mother given forth her bounty?
D2: She has
D1: Then give me the waters!

Final consecration and sharing:

A fourth cup is consecrated.

O Belemos, O Danu, hear us and answer us! Hallow these waters! We your children have praised you, and now we ask from you healing, blessing, power and inspiration...Behold the waters of life!

{Passing chant: "Ku-Wa-Te"}

III. The Work of The Circle

A) The Magic Working:

Tonight we pray for the prosperity of all those here. May our fortunes increase, may the Goddess and God smile on our endeavors and bring us good luck in all that we do. We ask that you bless these small tokens of our wishes, and grant us the success that we ask for.

{Here a small basket with a crystal and appropriate symbols of general prosperity were passed around so that all might add energy to it}

B) Affirmation of Success:

D1: Belemos and Danu have Blessed us!
D2: Every time we invoke them, they become stronger and more alert to the needs of their people.
D1: With joy in our hearts let us return to the realm of mortals to do the will of the Gods and our own.
D2: Yet, before we leave, we must give thanks to those whome we have invited here today.

IV. Closing:

A) Thanking and closing of the Quarters:

We thank you, Brother Wabun, Golden Eagle of the East. You have watched over us this night, and shared with us your wisdom, Your keen vision has shown us the obstacles before us. We ask you, go in peace, as you came in peace. So we may walk together again. We thank you, Brother Shawnodese, Guardian of the South, great Coyote. Once again your lessons have helped us, and shown us the truth in ourselves. We ask you, go in peace, as you came in peace, So we may walk together again. We thank you, Waboose, White Buffalo of the North. You have graced us with your company, and walked with us this night. You have helped us see the wisdom that surrounds us. We ask you, go in peace, as you came in peace. SO we may walk together again. We thank you Brother Mudjekeewis, Great Bear of the West. you have shown us your power and kept us safe in our journey to wisdom. We ask you, go in peace, as you came in peace, so we may walk together again.

B) Thanking of the Gods and Goddess

Gods and Goddesses of the old times, spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times and of our ancestors, our kindred we thank you.

C) Closing the Gate:

Gate Keeper of Fire :

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of KNowledge, we thank you.
O Mhannon, we thank you. Now let the Gates between the Worlds be closed!

D) Return from the group-mind, grounding and centering.

Reverse the Tree Meditation.

Relaxing of the Grove's Wards.

Libation:
D
1: To thee we return this portion of thy bounty, O Danu our Mother, even as we must someday return unto thee.
D2: We have finished this ceremony
D1: So be it!
ALL: Biodh se!

CHANTS USED DURING RITUAL:

{Ku-Wa-Te}
Ku-Wa-Te Lay-no Lay-no Ma-ho-te
Hi-ano, Hi-ano, Hi-ano
Ku-Wa-Te Lay-no Ma-ho-te
Hi-ano, Hi-ano, Hi-ano We are one with the infinite sunForever, Forever, Forever
We are one with the Infinite SunForever, Forever, Forever.

{Mother Nature Waits}
Mother Earth provides
Mother Earth Provides
Mother Earth Provides all for us to survive
Mother Earth Provides Mother Nature Waits
Mother Nature Waits
Because life never ends, she always begins again
Mother Nature waits.

{Hoof and Horn}
Hoof and horn, Hoof and horn
All that dies shall be reborn.
Corn and Grain, corn and grain
All that falls shall rise again.

{Blood of the Ancients}
It's the blood of the Ancients
That runs through our veins
And the forms pass,
But the Circle of life remains.

{Fur and Feather}
Fur and Feather and scale and skin
Different without but the same within
Great of body but one of soul
Through all creatures are the Gods made Whole

{Mother I feel You}
Mother I feel you under my feet
Mother I feel your heart beat
Mother I feel your heart beat Father I see you where the eagle flies
Spirit gonna carry me higher and higher
Spirit gonna carry me higher and higher

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NOTE : This ritual follows the original ADF Ritual Format, revised and as applied by a since defunct grove and is NO LONGER Officially valid or used within the organization - it is presented for its historical value.

I. STARTING THE RITUAL

A) Processional : Processional Chant (Grove Fire) To enter the circle, each person must pass through four "gates", representing each of the Three Worlds and fire; Lad, Sea, Sky and Fire. As a bell is rung, each person steps to the first guardian, and is asked "What do you ask of the Gate of Earth (Sea) (Air)?" An answer is given or left unspoken, and the person is marked by the Guardian (with mud, water and brush with a feather) and proceeds to the next Gate and is questioned again. The Guardian of the last gate, Fire, smudges the person before they enter the circle. The bell is held by fire. When everyone is in the circle, the chant changes to "Hoof and Horn", as the Guardians come into the circle and prepare themselves.

B) Call to the Four Directions and Statement of Purpose:

Druid #1:

We greet you, Brother Wabun, Golden Eagle of the East. We ask that you watch over us this night, and share with us your wisdom, Let your keen vision guard over the obstacles before us.
We greet you, Brother Shawnodese, Guardian of the South, great Coyote. We ask that you walk with us this night, and guide us as we walk this path of learning. We greet you. Sister Waboose, White Buffalo of the North. Grace us with your company, and walk with us this night as we seek the wisdom that surrounds us.
We greet you Brother Mudjekeewis, Great Bear of the West. Walk with us this night, and aid us in our journey to wisdom.

---Statement of purpose---

Senior Druid:

This is the Imbolg, Brigit's Day. We honor Her as Patron of Bards, Teacher of Wisdom and Poetry, and as a Healer of the World. We honor Angus Og; Known as The Young Sun, protector of the Dawn Goddess, and a helper to all of Mankind. We honor the Goddess and God who bring us the promise of renewed Warmth and Renewed Life.

C) Centering Meditation:

Group meditation and collective unconsciousness: All present are brought together with a group meditation, to form a "group mind" to help everyone center and bring themselves together to work in accord. It will be in the tree meditation that the wards are activated.

II. The Active Ritual

A) Invoking The Gate Keeper

Invocation of Ogma the Gate Keeper, or Mannanon in English:

(Visualization is a triangle shaped iris opening)

Gatekeeper of Fire:

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, open the ways for us.
O Mannanon, master of the realm beyond the seas, grant us passageway to your kingdom.
O great God of knowledge, we wish to walk your roads. Reveal to us your teachings, reveal to us the safe path.

Come wash the nighttime clean;
Come close the gap of darkness in between.

We praise you for the brightness of your power.
We praise you for the gift of knowledge.

Guide us to the place we seek.

Walk with Us Ogma!
Walk with Us Mannanon!

CHANT:

We invoke thee Ogma, Opener of every Gate
We invoke Mannanon, Opener of every Gate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate.
You shall reach us, You shall teach us and reveal our fate
(repeat nine times)

B) Consecration of the Waters:

Druid of the Gate of Land:

Spirits of nature, of the trees and rocks, of the animals and Earth, give us your favor and your companionship, share with us the bond of spirit and of life on Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your teachings and laughter, become one among us here tonight. Consecrate these waters. Behold the waters of life!

(All Chant 'Fur and Feather')

Druid of the Gate of Sea:

Ancestors of long ago, be with us, give us your favor and wisdom, share with us the bond of kinship and of life upon Earth. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your knowledge and your blessing, become one with us here tonight; Consecrate these waters. BEHOLD the waters of Life!

(All Chant 'Blood of the Ancients')

Druid of the Gate of Sky:

Gods and Goddesses, be with us, give us your favor and your blessings, share with us the bonding of essence and our existance upon your sphere of life. Remember us and speak to us in our hearts. Give us your strength and your peace, become one among us here tonight. Consecrate these waters. Behold the waters of Life!

(All chant 'Mother I feel you')

C) Individual Offerings & Prayers:

At this point, all present that wish to may make an offering or offer prayers. The Gatekeeper of Earth starts and the next person sunwise around the circle picks it up. If they have an offering or a prayer they would like to make, they step forward and do so, the individual offerings to specific personal deities is done here. Set up the order before the ritual.

D) Sacrifice with the willow branch:

The Gatekeeper of fire makes a final offering of a willow branch, to send off the energy to the deities of the occasion.

Our praise goes up with thee on the wings of eagles; our voices are carried up to thee on the shoulders of the winds. Hear now, O Angus Og, O Bridgit; we pray thee, as we offer up this sacrifice of life. Accept it we pray thee, and cleanse our hearts, giving to us of your peace and life.

E) Divination:

A scrying is done with crystal/flame, to find if the gods have accepted our prayers and will be with us. If the omen is bad, offerings are made again (II.D.) If they are rejected thrice, the circle is broken immediately, and the ritual ended.

F) The Fourth Consecration:

A fourth cup is consecrated.

Induction of Receptivity:

(Litany of the Waters)

(D1 can be the Gate of Fire, and D2 can be the group response. If group doesn't know responses, have a second person give them.

D1: Of what does the Earth-Mother give, that we may know of continual flow and renewal of life?
D2: The waters of Life.
D1: From whence do these waters flow?
D2: From the bosom of the Earth-Mother, the ever changing All-Mother.
D1: And how do we honor this gift that causes life?
D2: By partaking of the waters of life.
D1: Has the Earth-Mother given forth of her bounty?
D2: She has.
D1: Then give me the waters! Final Consecration and Sharing:
D2: O Brigit, O Angus Og, hear us and answer us! Hallow these waters! We your children have praised you, and now we ask from you healing, blessing, power and inspiration.... Behold the waters of Life!

Passing sing/chant: (Grove Fire)

III. The Work of the Circle.

Somebody explains what we are going to do and why we are doing it.

Affirmation of success:

D1: Brigit and Angus Og have blessed us!
D2: Every time we invoke them, they become stronger and more alert to the needs of their people.
D1: With joy in our hearts, let us return to the realm of mortals, to do the will of the Gods and our own.
D2: Yet, before we leave, we must give thanks to those whom we invited here today.

IV. Closing:

A) Thanking of the Gods and Goddesses:

Druid: Gods and Goddesses of the old times, spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times and of our ancestors, our kindered, we thank you.

B) Closing the Gate:

Gatekeeper of Fire:

O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, we thank you.
O Mhannon, we thank you. Now let the Gates Between the Worlds be closed!

C) Return from the group-mind, grounding and centering. Reversing the Tree Meditation.

Libation:

D1: To thee we return this portion of thy bounty, O Danu our mother, even as we must someday return unto thee.

Final Benediction:

D1: Let us go out into the world, secure in the knowledge that our sacrifices have pleased the Goddess and God, and that we go forth upon the Earth under their protection. (This is when the wards and such are relaxed.)
D2: We have finished this ceremony!
D1: So be it! ALL: Biodh se! (Get back in and warm up)

CHANTS USED IN RITUAL

GROVE FIRE
Grove fire, burn bright
Kindled for the Gods delight
Burn fire, rise higher
Fire, guide us through the night.

HOOF AND HORN
Hoof and horn, hoof and horn
All that dies shall be reborn
Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls shall rise again.

MOTHER NATURE WAITS
Mother Earth provides
Mother Earth provides
Mother Earth provides all for us to survive,
Mother Earth Provides Mother Nature waits
Mother Nature waits
Because life never ends, she always begins again
Mother Nature Waits

BLOOD OF THE ANCIENTS
It's the blood of the Ancients
That runs through our veins
And the forms pass,
But the circle of life remains

FUR AND FEATHER
Fur and Feather and scale and skin
Different without but the same within
Great of body but one soul
Through all creatures are the Gods made whole

MOTHER I FEEL YOU
Mother I feel you under my feet
Mother I feel your heart beat
Mother I feel your heart beat
Father I see you where the eagle flies
Spirit gonna carry me higher and higher
Spirit gonna carry me higher and higher

Transcribed into computer media by Joseph W. Teller, unofficial Grove Communications Liason with permission of the previous Senior Druid of Defunct Shadoweaver Grove ADF.

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O Great Mother Earth! You, from between whose round hips all life springs, bless us this day with love and flowing life as we again come before you to lead your children in worship and magic.

O Sky Father, Great One of Thunder and light! You whose silvery drops quicken the Mother's seed with spark and breath, bless us this day with clear sight and clean spirits.

As we draw on these robes let us be clothed in your magnificence.

As we gird ourselves with these belts, let us become filled with your strength.

As we take up these adornments, let us be wqrapped about with your beauty and life.

We come before you with praise and with love. Let us, your priests and priestesses, be fitting channels for your power. With strength, beauty, love, and peace we yield ourselves to you as we lead your children home.

So be it!

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This article is an outgrowth of what I've seen in the Grove I've been working with. The major ritual writers in the Grove insist on using Guardians of the Quarters and casting a circle. From conversations with Himself, this is not unusual. It is hard to break people of old habits.

One of the major differences between Wicca and ADF is the use of circles. Wicca uses a closed circle with Guardians to both keep energy in and nasty things out. ADF is open, both psychiclly and physically. This is possible because demons or other nasties wouldn't interfere with a sacred space.

Wicca uses the circle casting and invocations of the Quarters to establish sacred space and to orient the participents to the four directions. This creates a sort of containment vessel,like for a nuclear reactor. You can build up lots of power before triggering it. Also, if you screw up, the damage is limited to the circle. The casting of a circle is is apparently an outgrowth of the Goetic (Mideval Christianity) magical system. In Goetic practice, the circle is a fortress. From within the fortress, you would summon a creature to appear in another warded area near you. The concept of the four elements plus spirit were created by Greek philsophers. This school of thinking is called Milesian. They taught that all substance is made up of one of the four elements. Various teachers thought different elements were the true one. The origin of the Wiccan elements is therefore origanally alchemical. By mixing the four elements, you could create any substance, including the 'phil
ers stone'. The four Quarters are mapped to the elements (earth - north, fire - south, water - west, and air - east; often with a fifth added, spirit at the center). In a Wiccan circle the energy flow is circular, except for specific occasions, you don't go widdershins.

ADF uses a 3+1+1 system. It consists of the Three Worlds (Land, Sea and Sky), Fire and an Underworld. This is based upon the patterns that are found in Indo-European social and mythological systems. This pattern is farmers and other producers (Land), priests/brahmens (Sky), warriors (Sea), a Ruler (Fire) (the symbolism of Leader = fire might come from same idea or description as the Gods being 'bright') and the outcasts (Underworld). The Three Worlds are organic, in that real living creatures can be found there. The mapping of the elements to a directions is a major difference from ADF. "In Druidism, the World of the Waters is not in the west, it is everywhere." D.L. Bonewits. Instead of being 'between the worlds', an ADF Grove is at the center of all the worlds. The ancients did pay attention to the four directions when laying out there sacred sites and temples. They oriented them along the cardinal points. This occurs in many traditions. As an example, Freemasonry uses the four directions in laying out the Lodges. The four directions are mentioned when opening the Lodge, but only in reference to where people sit. There is no evidence either way that the ancient Druids used Guardians of the Wiccan variety. ADF ceremonies are open to any people who won't disrupt the ritual. Sacred space is open for entry and egress at all times. We are an inclusive, not an exclusive organization. Part of ADF's using open rituals is based upon having sacred space. That is what this ritual is meant to create. To use physical world security analogies, a circle is a fence. A Wiccan circle is the equivelent of a eight foot barbed wire fence with four security guards. At each ritual meeting, the fence is erected, guards posted and the ritual done. At the end, the whole thing is torn down and put away. An ADF ritual doesn't want such an exclusionary barrior. An ADF Grove would instead have the equivelent of a permanent two foot picket fence around it. You can't enter the area without noticing it, but it doesn't keep you out by itself. Any nasty things would know not to trespass. This ritual is designed to create such a permanent fence, without draining the person(s) doing the casting.

Site location: There are two factors in choosing a site for a Grove. The first is psychic. The second is physical. The area chosen needs to have the right vibes. It must be friendly and receptive to becoming a permanent Grove. (See Larry Cornet's article in DP 2 or the 1st anthology).

The physical layout: My personal preference is to work in a circlular shape for Pagan rituals. It is preferable to choose a site on property you own, so that you can change it as you want it. Try to make sure it will remain dry all year long, and if you want privacy, that you'll have it, especially during the winter. Next, mark the perimeter with some sort of permanent, visible sign. A good example would be fieldstones, bricks or cinderblocks. You'll probably want a firepit of some sort. It would probably be a good idea to check with the local fire department about the town ordinences affecting such things. Lay down some sort of base in the circle that will be usable year round. These preparations should be done before the ceremony. Some, like laying in a gravel drainage system, will take money (a dirty word) and hard labor. You might also want to build some sort of seating, be it only planks atop cinderblocks. There should also be some sort of safe path laid out to t rove that is free of roots and potholes. Provide some means of light for after dark workings. Also plan for some sort of handicap access.

There are some special considerations for this ritual. First, you'll need three good sized containers, one each for water, earth/clay/or similar, and an insence burner or smudge. The earth or similar should be in a slurry, that is liquid enough to spread, sort of like pancake batter. Second, some sort of permanent marker for each of the four directions. This could be a stone marker, wood carving or similar. This will stay outside for a long time, hopefully decades at least. Preferably it should be visible so people can orient themselves; or, for areas with inconsiderate Fundies, buried. For this ritual use more whiskey or hard alcohol for the final consecration than usual. Shadowpath Grove came up with the idea of having three Gates along the path to the Grove, one for each of the Worlds plus a firekeeper. As you pass thru each of the Gates, you ask the keeper for something or answer a question. You are then marked by the Gatekeeper with smoke (Sky), water (Sea) or mud (Land). If ADF decides to map each World to a I-E social caste, it might be nice to have the question or request match the Gate that way. That is instead of asking the Gate of Sky for something cereberal (Wiccan air = thought), ask something relating to the priestly or braman sphere of influence or something doing with say air travel.

THE RITUAL

People pass through gates to Grove. Once in the Grove, they could start a chant or stand quietly. I recommend that when people pass into the Grove, that they alternate going left and right around the circle from the entrance. Once all are there, do a settling song:

Tree Meditation:

Specifacation of ritual:

D1 or D2: Today we are here to establish an ADF Grove. May it grow, and in growing provide a center for us to work within. May we nurture it, as it will nuture us and our descendents. We ask Manannon, the Keeper of the Keys, Bridget, the Matron of Bards, the spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times, and the Gods of the old times, to hallow this Grove. May they watch over it, and keep it from harm. May they keep it sacred.

Invocation of Manannon the Gate Keeper in English (D2) and Irish (D1), and chant. Invoke Matron of Bards (Bridget). Triad invocations and consecrating of the waters. Nature, Ancestors and the Gods as a whole, being the order.

Praise offerings:

Starting with D2, offerings are made to the Gods of the occassion. This is the primary energy building. For this occassion, I've choosen Manannon as he is the Keeper of the Keys, and Bridget who is the Matron of Bards and the Hearth Goddess.

The sacrifice:

D2: Our praise goes up with thee on the wings of eagles; our voices are carried up to thee on the shoulders of the winds. Hear now, O Manannon, O Bridget, we pray thee, as we offer up this sacrifice of life. Accept it we pray thee, and cleanse our hearts, giving to us of your peace and life.

D1: Teann ar moladh suas chugat ar sciathain iolar; beitear ar nglortha suas chugat ar ghuailne na gaoithe. Eistigi anois, a Mhanannon, an Bhrid, mas e bhur dtoil e, agus sinn ag ofrail na h-iobairte seo ar son na beatha. Glacaigi lei, mas e bhur dtoil e, agus glanaigi ar gcroithe, ag roinnt arainn do chuid siochana is do bheatha.

The Omen:

Possible repetition of Praise offerings and Omen seeking, if needed.

D1: Rejoice! Manannon and Bridget have accepted our sacrifices!

Meditation on personal needs:

Repetition on group needs:

D1 or D2: Today we are here to establish an ADF Grove. May it grow, and in growing provide a center for us to work within. May we nurture it, as it will nuture us and our descendents. We ask Manannon, the Keeper of the Keys, Bridget, the Matron of Bards, the spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times, and the Gods of the old times, to hallow this Grove. May they watch over it, and keep it from harm. May they keep it sacred.

Induction of Receptivity (The Catechism of the Waters):

Final consecration and sharing with passing song/chant:

Meditation on reception of blessings and reinforcement of group bonds:

Consecration of boundry:

D1: Today we mark the planting of a new Grove. Groves are at the Center of all the Worlds, and have as their edges, the Three Worlds. We mix the Waters of Life with the World of the Land! (pour some of waters into the bucket of dirt or clay slurry and mix)

D2: Today we mark the planting of a new Grove. Groves are at the Center of all the Worlds, and have as their edges, the Three Worlds. We mix the Waters of Life with the World of the Sky! (pour some of waters onto the censor of incense, this is when the Waters of Life must be whiskey or similar hard liquer)

D1: Today we mark the planting of a new Grove. Groves are at the Center of all the Worlds, and have as their edges, the Three Worlds. We mix the Waters of Life with the World of the Sea! (pour some of waters into cauldron of water and mix)

With the mixing of the Waters with the materials of the Three Worlds, D1 and D2 motion three people forward. The three Gate Keepers would be good ones for this. These three people each take one container and walk around the perimeter painting the edges as marked earlier by construction. Hopefully everyone will now see a faint circle of energy around the Grove. If the path to the Grove is easily defined, you might want to paint it also. While the boundry is being defined do a chant:

"We All Come From the Goddess"
We all come from the Goddess
And to Her we have returned;
As our Ancestors
Worshipped Her air, land, and sea.

D2: As Groves are at the Center of all the Worlds, so are they also on the Earth. Being on the Earth, they have orientation. Thus we mark the directions. North! South! East! and West! (after saying each direction, pour some of the Waters of Life upon the markers)

D1: By marking the directions we know where our Center is in this World. This Grove becomes a crossroads. From such a crossroads, we can go anywhere. By knowing the directions may we also safely return to this place.

D2 motions forward four people to move the directional markers from the center to their permanent locations. Try and avoid having the three Gate Keepers and the Fire Warden doing this. Another possibility is to have all of the members of the Grove lend a hand moving and setting up the markers. This is especially good if the markers are large and/or heavy. If setting the markers will take more than a minute or so, do a chant to keep people focused.

After the markers are set:

D1: To the creatures of the Three Worlds, Land, Sea and Sky; and to the four directions, North, South, East and West; I do declare this space to be sacred! Let none tresspass upon it with evil intent. May it grow, and in growing provide a center for us to work within. May we nurture it, as it will nuture us and our descendents. We ask Manannon, the Keeper of the Keys, Bridget, the Matron of Bards, the spirits of the old times and of this place, people of the old times, and the Gods of the old times, to hallow this Grove. May they watch over it, and keep it from harm. May they keep it sacred. Biodh se'!

All: Biodh se'!

Affirmation of success:

Thanking of the Entities involved. Closing of the Gates. Reversing the Tree meditation. Libation to the Earth. Final Benediction.

Recessional song/chant: Walk with Wisdom

Walk with wisdom
from this hallowed place.
Walk not in sorrow,
our roots shall ere embrace.
May Strength be your brother,
and Honor be your friend.
and Luck be your lover until we meet again.

End notes: Some of you might want to add a few lines about consecrating the hearth or firepit. Obviously, the chants I've selected are suggestions, as are the actual words. It is the intent of the words that is important.

References:

Druids Progress #2 & 4

"World Civilizations", Burns & Ralph, 5th edition, vol. 1

CELTIC,