ADF BASIC RITUAL NUMBER ONE by P.E.I. Bonewits, Sally Eaton and others

Procession, lead by D1 and D2:

D1: Ta muid anseo leis na Deithe a adhradh.
D2: We are here to honor the Gods.
D1: A Dheithe, an Airde, a Thabharthoiri ar Bheatha - eistigiagus freagairt orainn!
D2: O Gods, High Ones, Givers of Life - hear and answer us!

Processional song:

We come from the mountains,
Living in the mountains,
Turn the world around.

We come from the oceans,
Living in the oceans,
Turn the world around.

We come from the fire,
Living in the fire,
Turn the world around.

We come from the breezes,
Living in the breezes,
Turn the world around.

Settling song:

She changes everything she touches,
And everything she touches changes.

Tree Meditation:

When e'er we stand in a sacred place
Beneath the Sun's or Moon's bright face,
In a circle's rim or shady grove,
Our spirits go to the Gods we love.

Let all our minds go clear and free,
and form the image of a tree,
A youthful sapling of the glade,
Whose budding branches cast no shade.

Around this tender, supple youth,
Are seen its sturdy forbearers growth,
Those forest Elders strong and wise,
Who nurture those of lesser size.

So close your eyes, and in your mind
Become one of the spirit kind.
Cast off your cares and disbelief,
and enter tree from root to leaf.

Relax and breathe and center will,
Then let the peace within you swell
Until it is a thing profound.
Now send it deep in the ground.

In every little tender root
Feel water flow, and and then transmute;
The sap will flow through ever vein,
Our links to our ancestors regain.

Now let the sap rise in a flood,
And race to every branch and bud;
Each branch extend into the air,
Each leaf unfold in green so fair.

The gentle zephers toss each bough,
And to you calming breaths endow,
While rays of golden summer light
Give warmth and lend their power's might.

Let water rise and fire descend,
And lively air the branches bend;
Thus firmly planted in the Earth,
The elements give us rebirth.

Now let the green entwine,
And form our sacred grove devine.
With branch and root our circle form,
And magic from mundane transform.

We all are rooted just the same,
We feel the same supernal flame,
We drink the water free to all,
We hear the gentle airy call.

Now let us feel our spirits surge,
And into one great spirit merge
To let the Lord and Lady know
That we are ready below.

And let us all link hand to hand,
Before all of the gods we stand,
And in this hallowed space we start
To show all that is in our heart.

Specifacation of ritiual:

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

(English by Sally Eaton, Irish by James Duran)

(visualization is a triangle shaped iris opening)

D1: A Oghma, a thiarna na nGeatai, a thiarna an Fheasa, oscail na geatai duinn. Ta muid ag siul i do lorg, ta' muid ag siul ar do bhealach. Scaoil duinn do theagasc taispeain duinn cen chaol a siul faidh muid slan. Molann muid thu mar gheall ar do chumhacht. Siuil linn a Oghma!

or

D1: A Mhanannon, a thiarna na nGeatai, a thiarna an Fheasa, oscail na geatai duinn. Ta muid ag siul i do lorg, ta' muid ag siul ar do bhealach. Scaoil duinn do theagasc taispeain duinn cen chaol a siul faidh muid slan. Molann muid thu mar gheall ar do chumhacht. Siuil linn a Mhanannon!

D2: O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, open the ways for us. We walk in your footsteps, we walk your roads. Reveal to us your teaching, reveal to us the way to walk in safety. We praise you for the brightness of your power. Walk with us, Ogma!

or

D2: O Manannon, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, open the ways for us. We walk in your footsteps, we walk your roads. Reveal to us your teaching, reveal to us the way to walk in safety. We praise you for the brightness of your power. Walk with us, Manannon!

D1: Siuil linn a Oghma...
D2: ...walk with us Ogma!
D1: Siuil linn a Oghma...
D2: ...walk with us Ogma!
D1: Siuil linn a Oghma...
D2: ...walk with us Ogma!

or

D1: Siuil linn a Mhanannon...
D2: ...walk with us Manannon!
D1: Siuil linn a Mhanannon...
D2: ...walk with us Manannon!
D1: Siuil linn a Mhanannon...
D2: ...walk with us Manannon!

Chant:

We invoke thee Ogma, Opener of every Gate
We invoke thee Ogma, 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)

or

We invoke Manannon, Opener of every Gate
We invoke Manannon, 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)

Invoke Matron of Bards (Bridget nominally)

O Bridget, our heart, Our brightest Queen;
Cast your blessings unto us.

We are your children, You are our mother;
So harken unto us.

You are the Cauldron now in our grove;
Earth-Mother inspire us.

O fire of love, O fire of life;
Please Bridget, come to us!

Triad invocations and consecrating of the waters:

Nature: Fill main chalice with whiskey and secondary chalice with water.

Hold them up and say:

D2: O spirits of the old times and of this place, our companions, our teachers, hallow these waters. Share with us the renewal of the Earth. Share with us comfort, knowledge, and blessing. Speak to our hearts, that we may become one with you all...Behold the waters of life.

D1: A sprideanna na seanaimsire, agus na haite seo, a chomhghuaillithe,a mhuinteori, beannaigi na h-uisci seo duinn. Roinnigi orainn athbheochan na Talun. Roinnigi orainn suaimhneas, eolas, agus beannacht. Labhraigi linn inar gcroi, le go mbeadh muid in aon bhall libhse...Seo iad uisci na beatha!

Sip from each chalice and passes to D2 then to sunwise (left), saying:

Behold the waters of life.

Asperging song/chant (Fur and Feathers) for while waters being passed.

Fur and feather and scale and skin,
Different without, the same within.

Many of body but one of soul,
Through all creatures, the Gods made whole.
(repeat nine times)

Ancestors:

D2: O people of the old times, our ancestors, our kindred, hallow these waters. Share with us the bond of life upon the Earth. Share with us comfort, knowledge, and blessing. Speak to our hearts, that we may become one with you all ... Behold the waters of life!

D1: A sheana, a shinseara, a mhuintir, beannaigi n h-uisci seo duinn. Roinnigi orainn ceangal na beatha ar Talamh. Roinnigi orainn suaimhneas, eolas, agus beannacht. Labhraigi linn inar gcroi, le go mbeadh muid in aon bhall libhse .... Seo iad uisci na beatha!

Asperging song/chant:

It's the blood of the ancients,
That runs through our veins.

And the forms pass,
But the Circle of Life remains.

Gods as a whole:

D2: O Gods of the old times, our mothers, our fathers, hallow these waters. Share with us your power to regenerate the Earth. Share with us comfort, knowledge, and blessing. Speak to our hearts, that we may become one with you all ... Behold the waters of life!

D1: A Dheithe na seanaimsire, a mhaithreacha, a aithreacha, beannaigi na h-uisci seo duinn. Roinnigi orainn bhur gcumhacht le go nginfeadh muid an Domhan. Roinnigi orainn suaimhneas, eolas, agus beannacht. Labhraigi linn inar gcroi, le go mbeadh muid in aon bhall libhse ... Seo iad uisci na beatha!

Asperging song/chant:

Mother I feel You under my feet. Mother I hear your heart beat.
Mother I feel You under my feet. Mother I hear your heart beat.
Father I see You where the eagle flies. Spirit going to take me higher.
Father I see You where the eagle flies. Spirit going to take me higher.

Praise offerings and major power raising:

The sacrifice: (diety names of holidays)

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 Name, o Name, 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..., an ..., 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:

D2: Have you accepted our sacrifice of life and human effort?
D1: Give unto us an omen!

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

D1: Rejoice! The NAME and NAME have accepted our sacrifices!

Meditation on personal needs:

Repetition on group needs: done by D1 & D2

Induction of Receptivity:

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 of Her bounty?
D2: She has.
D1: Then give me the waters!

Final consecration and sharing:

D1: A NAME, an NAME, Eistigi agus freagairt orainn! Bean-naigi na h-uisci seo duinn. Muide do chlann, a mhol thu, agus anoisiarrann muid ort leigheas, beannachtai, cumhacht agus tinfeadh... Seo iad uisci na beatha!

D2: O NAME, O NAME, 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 song/chant:

Burn bright, flame within me,
Kindled of eternal fire.
Of the people I do be,
And the people part of me,
All one in many parts,
A single fire of flaming hearts!

Meditation on reception of blessings and reinforcement of group bonds:

Affirmation of success:

D1: NAME and NAME 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.

Thanking of the Entities involved:

D2: O NAME and NAME,
D1: A NAME, an NAME,
D2: We thank you!
D1: Go raibh maith agaibh!

All: Go raibh maith agaibh!

D2: O Gods and Goddesses of the old times,
D1: A Dheithe na seanaimsiri -

All: Go raibh maith agaibh!

D2: O people of the old times, our ancestors, our kindred,
D1: A sheana, a shinseara, a mhuntir -

All: Go raibh maith agaibh!

D2: O spirits of the old times, and of this place,
D1: A sprideanna na seanaimsire, agus na haite seo -

All: Go raibh maith agaibh!

D2: O Bridget, Fire of Life and Fire of Love, Mother of Bards and Goddess of inspiration, we thank you.
D1: A Bhrid, a Thine Bheatha agus a Thine Ghra, a Mhathair na Bardai agus Bheandia na Thinfeadh, go raith maith agat!

Closing of the Gates:

D2: O Ogma, Lord of the Gates, Lord of Knowledge, we thank you. Now let the Gates Between the Worlds be closed!
D1: A Oghma, a Thairna na nGeatai, a Thairna an Fheasa, go raith maith agat. Anois biodh na geatai idir na saolta a druidte!

or

D2: O Mhannon, we thank you. Now let the Gates Between the Worlds be closed!
D1: A Mannonon go raith maith agat. Anois biodh na geatai idir na saolta a druidte!

Reversing the Tree meditation:

Our sacred grove the Gods do love,
The Earth beneath, the sky above,
But now this ritual must end,
Toward our home and hearthstone fend.

Again we cleat our mind and heart;
The branches shrink and pull apart.
The roots untie and backward turn,
And spirit fire less brightly burns.

Let water sink, let fire go,
Let gentle zephers homeward flow,
And as if in a cleansing rain
Become a single tree again.

Then from this solitary tree
Your soul breaks loose, a being free.
Your body calls, your spirit flies,
Returns, you slowly open your eyes.

Libation:

D1: To thee we return this portion of thy bounty, o NAME 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 Gods and Goddesses, and that we go forth upon the Earth under their protection.
D2: We have finished this ceremony!
D1: So be it!
All: Biodh se!

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.
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This is an outline for a weekly family ritual using the ADF format. Total time needed for the ritual should be 10 to 25 minutes. The goal is to offer some small amount of worship to the Gods and non-Gods on a regular basis, and thus build up our accounts at Mount Olympus Savings & Loan. Also, by doing this type of ritual, people get comfortable with ADF's liturgical format.

Preliminary Ritual Activity

(A) Briefing - drop, this is a standard weekly routine. People should be familiar with it after doing it a couple of dozen times.

(B) Individual Meditations & Prayers - drop, this is a standard weekly or daily family routine. Gather in kitchen or household Grove. Wear special clothing if desired.

(C) Lighting the Sacred Fire(s) - yes; light a fire or candle, or light 3 fires/cauldrons (Heart/Mind/Body?)

(D) Pouring the Sacred Waters - yes

(E) Consecrating the Sacred Pole - no, optional anyways; if a pole is present, it is assumed to be consecrated already

(F) Consecrating the Altar & Tools - no, optional anyways; if an altar or tools are present, they are assumed to be consecrated already

1st Phase: Starting the Rite & Establishing the Group Mind Clear-cut Beginning: Consecration of Time

(1) Musical Signal - something very simple, like a single note on a horn

(2) Opening Prayer - Consecration of Space & of Participants

(3) The Processional / Sigil Marking - drop, small ceremony

(4) Purification(s) of Participants - I'd like to drop this, but something is needed to define the gathering in sacred space.

(5) Purification(s) of Site - drop, site is assumed to be OK for ritual use, optional anyways

(6) Honoring the Earth-Mother

ALL: Say prayer:

O Earth-Mother!
We praise Thee:
that seed springeth,
that flower openeth,
that grass waveth.
We praise Thee:
for winds that whisper
through the shining birch,
through the lively pine,
through the mighty oak.
We praise Thee,
for all things,
O Earth-Mother,
Who givest Life!

Centering, Grounding, Merging

(7) The Grove Meditation

(8) Unity Chant / Song

(9) Stating Ritual Purpose & Historical Precedent ALL: We are here to honor the Old Gods and non Gods. As our ancestors honored them regularly, so do we. By our regular worship of the Old Gods and non-Gods, they grow stronger and more responsive to our needs. For to long have people not worshipped them, and them have slept. Let us awaken them with music and tales.

(10) Naming Deity(ies) of the Occasion & Reasons for Choice

D1: We honor INSERT NAME(S) in this time of year.

2nd Phase: Recreating the Cosmos & Preliminary Power Raising Describing the Vertical Axis

(11) Planting the Cosmic Tree / Honoring the Sacred Pole

(12) Evoking the Gatekeeper / Defining the Ritual Center

D1: We ask Mannanon to open the Gates between our world and the three Realms of the Gods. Chant (3 times): We invoke Mannanon, opener of every Gate. You shall reach us, you shall teach us, and reveal our Fate.

(13) Evoking the Fire & Water Deities & Linking to Center

Gaining Assistance and Preventing Interference

(14) Invoking the Bardic Diety(ies) or Spirit(s)

(15) Acknowledgement of Outsiders - libation and prayer/command to leave ritual alone

(16) Filling Out the Cosmic Picture Ex: Triad Invocation of Nature Spirits, Ancestors, Deities in Three Worlds

Ex: Invocation of Helpful Beings of each World/Realm

Ex: Invocation of Helpful Beings by Province/Function

(17) The Settling & Focusing

3rd Phase: Major Sending of Power to Deity(ies) of the Occasion

(18) Descriptive Invocation of Deity(ies) of Occasion

Primary Power Raising

(19) Praise Offerings, Dance, Libations, etc.

A quick storytelling/mythology reading. During an entire year, it would be nice to cover one full mythology, especially if it could be done in synch with the seasons. This is a good place for children to start taking part, by reading shorter parts.

(20) The Sacrifice

Sacrifice to the Dieties of Occasion of some sort of piece of tree, or maybe a libation of food and drink.

(21) Seeking the Omen of Return - assumption is that sacrifice has been accepted, just a question of how well it was received. use any method of divination

4th Phase: Receiving and Using the Returned Power

Preparation for the Return

(22) Meditation upon Personal and Group Needs

(23) Induction of Receptivity

(24) Consecration Agreement (see also Robinhood [ITV version] for more ideas on consecration agreement and/or consecration of the Waters)

Return of Energy from the Gods: (Catachism of Waters)

D1: Of what does the Earth-Mother give that we may know of the continual flow and renewal of life?

All others: The Waters of Life!

D1: From wence do these waters flow?

All others: From bosom of the Earth-Mother, the ever giving All-Mother.

D1: Has she give forth of her bounty?

Summer-all others: She has!

Winter-all others: She has not, but we have stored up her blessings for these times of want.

D1: Give me the Waters of Life!

Reception of Power from Deity(ies) of the Occasion

(25) Consecration and Sharing - see above

(26) Acceptance of Individual Blessings - passing of the Waters with a chant during, before or after

(27) Reinforcement of Group Bonding

We have partaken of the blessings of the Earth-Mother and the Gods & non-Gods. By sharing these Waters, we share with each other our faith and belief in the Old Gods and non-Gods.

(28) Spell Casting/Rite of Passage - optional, should be done at Grove ritual, not family ritual

5th Phase: Unwinding and Ending the Ceremony

Unwinding the Energy Patterns Created

(29) Thanking the Entities Invited in Reverse Order

(30) Thanking the Gatekeeper & Closing the Gate

(31) Affirmation of Past/Future Continuity & Success

(32) Unmerging, Regrounding & Recentering: Meditation

(33) Draining off Excess Power: The Restoration

Thank Earth-Mother: "To Thee we return this portion of Thy bounty, O our Mother, even as we must return unto Thee."

Clear-cut Ending: Deconsecration of Time & Space

(34) Final Benediction -

By our regular worship of the Gods and non-Gods, they grow stronger and more responsive to us. Let us go forth knowing that they guide us and hear our praise of them.

(35) Announcement of End - This ritual is ended.

(36) Dissolving the Sigil - no Sigil formed, so not appliciable

(37) Musical Signal - see the notes for the opening musical signal

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