Lá Fhéile Aibhneacha
(Law Ayluh Ow-wen-uch-ah)
2015 edition of the Festival of the Rivers ritual for Five Rivers Protogrove in Columbia, MD.
Tag Archives: ritual
Ritual – Lá Lúnasa 2015
July 19, 2015 my grove got together to pay tribute to Lugh. The main offering were items from our gardens. Here is the ritual we (will be) used. Our ritual was held at Gladsheim Hof, so we feel it appropriate to gift a gift to the God host of the hall, we do this right after we honor the land itself.
Gentlidecht – Offerings to the Gods and Ungods
A question I have heard often asked, “What kind of offerings should we make to ….?” can often result in head scratching and uncertainty. In Gentlidecht na gCuanaigh I have made an effort to make the selection of offerings as simple as possible. My methods are based on 20+ years of experience working with the beings in question but by no means are these the only offerings or offering method they would accept.
Ritual – Lá Fhéile Bhríd
As the title says, this is our ritual for Lá Fhéile Bhríd. Using the lunar reckoning this would have been January 21st, we held our ritual and feast on January 25th. We also made butter and Brigit’s Crosses this year. The butter will be used in our rituals for the coming year.
Gentlidecht – The Winter Season
The expansion of the ritual year has always been controversial within
the Celtic Reconstructionist movement with most people publicly settling
on only celebrating the four documented festivals of the ancient
Pre-Christian people. However, with the advent of the internet it has
become clear that many more folk from the CR community have quietly
expanded the ritual year to include other festivals. In the Gentlidecht Holiday Cycle I gave several examples of how the ritual year can be expanded to include many days to celebrate various heroes and gods throughout the year. In this segment I am going to focus on some ideas for a winter festival that are not based wholly on what the Irish are known to have done, but are events based on events in Ireland, American cultural activities, or the weather in my region.
The first option for a winter festival is to make offerings to the Cailleach, assuming you did not do so at Samhain. In Scotland, March 25th is a traditional day on which offerings are made to the Cailleach as this is when winter has truly lost its grip and by Bealtaine she is subdued. Here in the Midatlantic region of the United States winter does not usually begin in earnest until late December and only lasts through early March. By March 25th the Winter is usually well past and the early spring plants are already visible in the gardens.
If offering to the Cailleach is not to your liking, you already made her offerings at Samhain, or you want to stick with tradition then we can look to Ireland for an event that speaks to a possible festival at Winter Solstice, the shining of the sun into the roof box of New Grange. While New Grange predates the coming of the Celtic speaking people to Ireland, it does not pre-date the Irish who, as recent genetic research has shown, have been on the island since at least 2000 BCE with the arrival of the “Beaker People.” While we do not know the religious beliefs or the gods of these pre-Celtic Irish people, we do know that when the Celts arrived they continued to view New Grange as a sacred site, the home of Aengus Og. A festival for Aengus Og this time of year would be to bring joy to the darkness of winter. Being a god associated with youth and lovethis should be a rather fun event.
A third option is to take the secular activities that go on during the Christmas season (that is the most common term for it) and expand them into one that meets your religious needs. As an example my group uses this time of year to celebrate our patrons. This is reflective of the attitude that this time of year is focused on family and gifts so holding a ritual to give and receive gifts from your patron is perfectly appropriate for our culture.
So here are three ideas for you to consider for a festival at the winter solstice. You could make offerings to the Cailleach in the hopes that she blesses you with a mild winter. You could also hold a festival for Aengus Og to bring some light to the darker months. Finally you could celebrate the family. While none are traditional, what is new can eventually become tradition.
Note – There are many who make offerings to the Cailleach at Samhain which is also appropriate.
Ritual – Féile na Shamhna
This years ritual will be held in a park and is open to the public. As with all ritual drafts it may change by the date of the ritual but I wanted folks to see it prior to the event. The lunar date for the start of the month Samhain is October 24th, we will be holding our Feast of Samhain (November) on October 26th.
Féile na Shamhna
(Ayla na Hownuh)
Preparation
Collect the items from the items list (end of the document.) Outdoor rituals shall be organized based on availability of fire with the fire alter being at the center and everything else in relation to its location. For indoor rituals the main alter should be a table on which symbols of the gods and ungods, the Apple Branch, the representations of the Hearth Fire, Well of Wisdom and Bile, the seers bowl, saining smudge, and the apples are places. For both indoor and outdoor rituals a smaller table should be placed in a convenient location, on which the offerings shall be placed in order of need to facilitate a smooth ritual.
The ritual leaders should be selected for the follow roles: Guide, Druid (1,2,3, etc.), and Seer. Roles will overlap and others created as needed. Prior to the ritual the Druids should light the flame, fill the well with fresh water, and place whatever tools are needed on the altar.
Gathering
A bell is tolled three times calling the folk to the nemeton.
GO/SD/GP – The tribe is called together for {EVENT NAME}. Let us gather at the center.
Statement of Purpose
Druid 1: I have news for you; the stag bells, winter snows, summer has gone. Wind high and cold, the sun low, short its course, the sea running high. Deep red the bracken, its shape is lost; the wild goose has raised its accustomed cry. Cold has seized the birds’ wings; season of ice, this is my news.
Winter has come and it is the end of the annual cycle of the seasons and start of the new. The veil is thin and the ancestors call to us for recognition. Today we honor the ancestors of our blood, the loved ones we have lost and look forward to the coming year.
Opening Prayer
All:
By the land beneath us
By the sea surrounding us
By the sky above us
We come unto the gods and ungods.
May they light our way and
Bless our days,
Centering Meditation
A guide is selected to lead this guided meditation. Going through it with a calm voice and steady voice.
Guide: Close your eyes clear your mind and focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly visualizing the spiral of the cosmos around you.
Guide: We are at the center of An Thríbhís Mhór. ah-heeveesh-vohr
Guide: Inhale and as you exhale visualize your feet firmly planted on the earth.
Guide: We stand firmly upon the Sacred Land.
Guide: Inhale again and as you exhale imagine you are surrounded by the great calm ocean.
Guide: The Eternal Sea always surrounds us.
Guide: Inhale and exhale seeing the great blue expanse above you.
Guide: The Endless Sky spreads itself above us.
Guide: Inhale while visualizing the great spiral around you, with you at its center.
Guide: We are at the center of An Thríbhís Mhór.
Guide: And breath, open your eyes when ready.
Honoring the Local Land Goddesses
Druid 2: We honor the Five Rivers, the goddesses of the land; Potomac, Patapsco, Susquehanna, Gunpowder, and Patuxent. Givers of life that flow from the mountains and form estuaries of the Chesapeake.
We honor you and make this offering to you in gratitude for your waters that nourish this land.
Druid 2: makes an offering and says: Mighty goddesses of the land accept this offering.
All: Mighty goddesses of the land accept this offering.
Establishing the Sacred Grove
Sacred Hearth Fire
Druid 1:
I make sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
I make sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Let the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile, (bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Druid 1 : puts butter on the fire, then says:
I light the sacred fire of inspiration. Sacred fire, burn within us.
All: Sacred fire, burn within us.
Well of Segais
Druid 1 says:
I make sacred the well,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Let the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile, (bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Let the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile, (bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Druid 1: dips the apple branch into the well then says:
In the depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters, flow within us.
All: Sacred waters, flow within us.
World Tree
Druid 1 says:
I make sacred the branch/tree,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Let the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile, (bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Let the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile, (bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Druid 1 : dresses (takes water from well and pours it or rubs it on the tree) the bile, then says:
From the depths to the heights spans the world tree. Sacred tree, grow within us.
All: Sacred tree, grow within us.
Druid 1: raises arms
Druid 1: With the Flame of the Hearth, the Well of Knowledge, and the Sacred Bile the grove is erected and hallowed.
Parting the Mists
Druid 1: prepares an offering for the gatekeeper and says:
Druid 1: says: We honor Oirbsen (orib-sheen), Manannan, Patron of our tribe, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of Tir na mBan (teer na man), Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld. Oh Lord of the Otherworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, hear us this day and aid in the passage of the ancestors through the misty veil.
Druid 1: makes an offering and says: Manannan mac Lir, accept our offerings and gratitude as you part the mists. (mah-nuh-nahn’ mak leer)
Druid 1: Let the mists be parted!!
All: Let the mists be parted.
Inviting the Gods and Ungods
An Sinsear (en shen-shoor)
Druid 2: Mighty dead, you who have come before,
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this rite.
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this rite.
Druid 2: makes an offering and says: Ancestors, accept this offering.
All: Ancestors, accept this offering.
Aos Sí (ees-shee)
Druid 1: Great nature spirits, you who frolic in the wild world,
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
Druid 1: makes an offering and says: Aos Sí , accept this offering.
All: Aos Sí , accept this offering.
Gods of the Tribe
Druid 3: Great gods, you who are mightiest in all things,
Deities of our faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this rite.
Deities of our faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this rite.
Druid 3: makes an offering and says: Gods and goddesses accept this offering.
All: Gods and goddesses accept this offering.
Key Offering
Druid 1: Mighty ancestors today we honor you and the deeds you have done.
Ancestors of our blood, we honor you for you are the foundation of our family trees, our personal trees of life.
Ancestors of our blood, we honor you for you are the foundation of our family trees, our personal trees of life.
Ancestors of our nation, we thank you for the sacrifices you made and risks you took to bring about this nation in which we are grateful to reside.
Ancestors of these lands, we are grateful that you are also of my blood and will work to honor you in our treatment of the land.
Said Amergin to Athairne when he attempted to end his visit at the start of winter: “In the black season of deep winter as storm of waves is roused along the expanse of the world. Sad are the birds of every meadow plain, except the ravens that feed on crimson blood, at the clamour of harsh winter; rough black, dark, smokey. Dogs are vicious in cracking bones; the iron pot is put on the fire after the dark black day.”
In honor of you mighty ancestors, we contemplate the meaning of the season, the end of the Summer and the coming of the coldest months. A time when the earth sleeps and appears to die, remembering to consider the impact this season had on you, ancestors, a time to store away the harvests, bring in the animals, slaughtering those that are old for the winter meat and preserving more food for the breeding stock. A time of cold and darkness and isolation. We are to be thankful for time in which we live, the time of heaters, packaged foods and electricity.
Druid 1: makes holds up the offering and says: Ancestors!! Accept this offering with love and respect.
All: Ancestors!! Accept this offering with love and respect.
The Augury
Seer: Ritually washes their hands then forms the left hand into a tube, blows through the tube then says:
I am going within
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
The augury made by Finn to his men,
That Bride blew her palm,
Message of truth without a message of falsehood
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
That Bride blew her palm,
Message of truth without a message of falsehood
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
Good spirits and gods of my people,
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
Tell me what I need.
Seer: then takes the omen, interprets it, and records it.
Receiving the blessings of the Gods and Ungods
Druid 1: raises the blessing plate/cup high and says:
Tuatha de Danaan (tooah-de-danyan), Aos Sí , (ees she) and An Sinsear (en shen-shoor), we have praised you and made offerings and now a gift calls for a gift. We pray to you and ask that you give us your blessings. Make sacred these apples and infuse them with your vitality, strength and inspiration.
Lo, the blessings of the Gods and Ungods are upon us.
All: Lo, the blessings of the Gods and Ungods are upon us.
Druid 1: Slices and eats the blessed apple and passes it around.
Thanking the Gods and Ungods and Closing the Mists
Druid 1: We have given gifts to the gods and ungods and received gifts in return. Take these blessings into the world and use these them to live fruitfully and with honor. At this time we have come to the closing of this ritual and will give thanks to those who have come to aid us.
Druid 2: {PROPER – Thanks to the beings of the occasion}
Druid 3: Tuatha de Danaan, gods of our tribe, we thank you for your presence and blessings.
Druid 1: Aos Sí, these are your lands and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting our offerings of peace and respect.
Druid 2: Mighty Dead, thank you for attending and accepting our gifts. Pass back through the mists and return to the Otherworld. .
Druid 1: Manannan, we thank you for your attendance and parting the mists. We ask that you allow the mists to fall as our ancestors pass back into your realm.
Druid 1: Let the mists return and the veil be whole.
Druid 2: Mighty Rivers, these are your lands and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting my offerings of peace and respect.
Taking down the Sacred Grove
Druid 1: And now the Sacred Grove must be taken down. We honor the Hearth Fire and restore it to flame. We honor the Well of Segais and restore it to water. We honor the bile and restore it to branch. All is as it was and the Sacred Grove is dismantled. The ritual is ended.
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
All: Biodh Se! (bee-shay)
Items List:
Bell or gong for calling the folk to the temple space.
Juniper bundle for saining the attendees.
Representations of the Hearth Fire, Well of Wisdom and Bile.
Bowl with fresh water and ogham staves for the seer.
Butter for the consecration of the fire
Apple Branch for consecration of the well
Cup for water from the Well of Wisdom to consecrate the tree.
Offerings to the gods and ungods
Apples for the blessings on the folk.
Basket or bowl to collect offerings during indoor rituals.
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Local River Goddesses
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Corn meal
|
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Manannan Mac Lir
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Alcohol, water grasses, yellow flower
|
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Mighty Dead
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Food/bread
|
|
Spirits of Place
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honey/sage smoke
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Tuatha de Danaan
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Alcohol
|
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Ancestors
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A meal
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The folk
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Apples
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Lá Fhéile Finn mac Cumhaill and Lá Fhéile Aibhneacha
In the article Gentlidecht Holiday Cycle I mentioned several possible additional seasonal events that Genti can include in their calender to flesh out the ritual year. Two such events occur in September, with Lá Fhéile Finn mac Cumhaill (or if you prefer the Hero-Feast of Finn mac Cumhaill) at the start of hunting season and Lá Fhéile Aibhneacha towards the end of the month around the time of the fall equinox. Both are modern events created by genti to make offerings to specific beings that they consider to be special and worthy of devotion.
Lá Fhéile Finn mac Cumhaill is a festival that I propose should fall at the start of deer hunting season. Finn is a hunter, warrior, outlaw, poet and seer; living off the land and protecting his people from outsiders. In a forthcoming article on him I will make an argument that he is a hunter god (representing both hunter and prey) but for the purposes of this article lets just call him a ‘god of the hunt.’ As such placing his special day at the start of a hunting season is perfect, I chose deer season due to his associations with deer in the names of his son (Oisín) and grandson (Oscar) and in the name of his warrior band ‘fianna’ being modern Irish for a herd of deer.
There are two ways to handle this particular feast. The first way is to do it as a celebration of the opening of hunting season and to make offerings to Finn for his aid in a successful hunt. Another purpose would be to hold the feast after the first successful hunt and make offerings to Finn in gratitude. In either instance the offering of prey meat would be the most appropriate, though you would have to have something remaining from the previous year if you did it as a season opening feast. Other options would be pig, salmon or even mead…everyone likes mead.
The second event of September is called Lá Fhéile Aibhneacha, the Festival of the Rivers. In this instance the rivers are the deified river or land spirits of our local major water sources. I chose the equinox for this one to give genti a ritual to celebrate the second harvest and to give thanks to the rivers that provide the life giving fluids to our crops. Here in Maryland our offerings are to the five mountain born rivers that run to the Chesapeake, irrigating our fields, turning our turbines and providing the water supply. Of course you should look local for your land goddess.
There really is only one offering to make to the land goddesses this time of year, seasonal harvest foods. With all the farmers markets or even our own gardens this is a simple offering and makes the most sense since such crops could not exist without their life giving waters.
So, for us Genti the month of September can be a busy month. With two opportunities for the community to come together to worship and feast. In a coming post I will share my groups ritual for Lá Fhéile Aibhneacha.
Lá Lúnasa Ritual
Wanted to get this out BEFORE the festival date this time.
CLICK!
Lá Lúnasa
Preparation
The
participants gather the following offerings
participants gather the following offerings
|
Local
River Goddesses |
Corn
meal |
|
Manannan
Mac Lir |
Alcohol
|
|
Mighty
Dead |
Food/bread
|
|
Spirits
of Place |
honey/sage
smoke |
|
Tuatha
de Danaan |
Alcohol
|
|
Lugh
|
Harvest
Foods |
|
The
folk |
Apples
|
Prior
to the ritual the participants should light the flame, fill the well with fresh
water, and place whatever tools are needed on the altar.
Gathering
A bell
is tolled three times calling the folk to the nemed.
is tolled three times calling the folk to the nemed.
Opening
Prayer
Prayer
May the rains sweep gentle across the fields,
May the sun warm the land,
May every good seed planted bear fruit,
And late summer find us among fields of plenty.
Centering
Meditation
Meditation
D1: Close your eyes clear your
mind and focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly visualizing the
spiral of the cosmos around you.
mind and focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly visualizing the
spiral of the cosmos around you.
D1: We are at the center of An
Thríbhís Mhór.
ah-heeveesh-vohr
Thríbhís Mhór.
ah-heeveesh-vohr
D1: Inhale and
as you exhale visualize your feet firmly planted on the earth.
as you exhale visualize your feet firmly planted on the earth.
D1: We stand firmly upon the
Sacred Land.
Sacred Land.
D1: Inhale
again and as you exhale imagine you are surrounded by the great calm ocean.
again and as you exhale imagine you are surrounded by the great calm ocean.
D1: The Eternal Sea always
surrounds us.
surrounds us.
D1: Inhale and
exhale seeing the great blue expanse above you.
exhale seeing the great blue expanse above you.
D1: The Endless Sky spreads
itself above us.
itself above us.
D1: Inhale
while visualizing the great spiral around you, with you at its center.
while visualizing the great spiral around you, with you at its center.
D1: We are at the center of An
Thríbhís Mhór.
Thríbhís Mhór.
D1: And
breath, open your eyes when ready.
breath, open your eyes when ready.
Honoring
the Local Land Goddesses
the Local Land Goddesses
D2: We honor the Five Rivers, the goddesses of the land;
Potomac, Patapsco, Susquehanna, Gunpowder, and Patuxent. Givers of life
that flow from the mountains and form estuaries of the Chesapeake
Potomac, Patapsco, Susquehanna, Gunpowder, and Patuxent. Givers of life
that flow from the mountains and form estuaries of the Chesapeake
We
honor you and make this offering to you in gratitude for your waters that
nourish this land.
honor you and make this offering to you in gratitude for your waters that
nourish this land.
D2: makes an offering and says: Mighty
goddesses of the land accept this offering.
goddesses of the land accept this offering.
Statement
of Purpose
of Purpose
Imagine if you will it is The
Second Battle of Moytura, Lugh has slain his grandfather Balor of the Baleful
Eye and now he and his men have found the vile King Bres who wished to
negotiate being spared.
Second Battle of Moytura, Lugh has slain his grandfather Balor of the Baleful
Eye and now he and his men have found the vile King Bres who wished to
negotiate being spared.
Bres said: ‘It is better to give
me quarter than to slay me’.
me quarter than to slay me’.
‘What then will follow from
that?’ says Lugh.
that?’ says Lugh.
‘If I am spared the cattle of
Erin will always be in milk’.
Erin will always be in milk’.
‘I will ask our wise men of this”
, says Lugh.
, says Lugh.
Hence Lugh went to the brehon,
and said to him: ‘Shall Bres have quarter for giving constant milk to the cattle
of Erin?’
and said to him: ‘Shall Bres have quarter for giving constant milk to the cattle
of Erin?’
‘He shall not have quarter’,
saith Maeltne; ‘he has no power over their age or their (offspring) though he
can milk them so long as they are alive’.
saith Maeltne; ‘he has no power over their age or their (offspring) though he
can milk them so long as they are alive’.
Lugh returns to Bres saying:
‘That does not save you, for you have no power over their age and their
(offspring) though you can milk them’.
‘That does not save you, for you have no power over their age and their
(offspring) though you can milk them’.
‘Is there aught else that will
save you Bres?’ asked Lugh.
save you Bres?’ asked Lugh.
‘There is in truth. Tell your brehon that for
sparing me the men of Ireland shall reap a harvest in every quarter of the
year’.
sparing me the men of Ireland shall reap a harvest in every quarter of the
year’.
Said Lugh to the brehon: ‘Shall
Bres be spared for giving the men of Ireland a harvest of corn every quarter?’
Bres be spared for giving the men of Ireland a harvest of corn every quarter?’
‘No, this will suit us, the
spring for ploughing and sowing, the beginning of summer for the strengthening of
corn, and the beginning of autumn for reaping of it. Winter for consuming it.’
spring for ploughing and sowing, the beginning of summer for the strengthening of
corn, and the beginning of autumn for reaping of it. Winter for consuming it.’
Returning to Bres, Lugh says: ‘That
offer does not rescue you, but less than that may,
offer does not rescue you, but less than that may,
‘What?’ says Bres.
‘How shall the men of Ireland
plough? How shall they sow? How shall they reap? After making known these three
things thou wilt be spared’.
plough? How shall they sow? How shall they reap? After making known these three
things thou wilt be spared’.
‘Tell them’ says Bres ‘that their
ploughing be on a Tuesday, their casting seed into the field be on a Tuesday,
their reaping on a Tuesday.’
ploughing be on a Tuesday, their casting seed into the field be on a Tuesday,
their reaping on a Tuesday.’
With that, the men of Erin learned
agriculture.
agriculture.
So now comes the harvest and we
tell this story as a reminder of the magic that is the cultivation of food and
how man had to learn to harness the power of the land and the sun. We give thanks to the gods for the guidance
in making the harvests possible.
tell this story as a reminder of the magic that is the cultivation of food and
how man had to learn to harness the power of the land and the sun. We give thanks to the gods for the guidance
in making the harvests possible.
Establishing
the Sacred Grove
the Sacred Grove
Sacred
Hearth Fire
Hearth Fire
Druid
1:
I make
sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
1:
I make
sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D1: puts oil on the fire, then
says:
says:
I light
the sacred fire of inspiration. Sacred fire, burn within me.
the sacred fire of inspiration. Sacred fire, burn within me.
Well of
Segais
Segais
Druid 2
says:
says:
I make
sacred the well,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
sacred the well,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D2: taps the well then says:
In the
depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters, flow within me.
depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters, flow within me.
World
Tree
Tree
Druid 3 says:
I make
sacred the branch/tree,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
sacred the branch/tree,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D3: dresses the bile, then says:
From
the depths to the heights spans the world tree. Sacred tree, grow within me.
the depths to the heights spans the world tree. Sacred tree, grow within me.
D1: raises arms
D1: With the Flame of the Hearth,
the Well of Knowledge, and the Sacred Bile the grove is erected and hallowed.
the Well of Knowledge, and the Sacred Bile the grove is erected and hallowed.
Parting
the Mists
the Mists
D1: prepares an offering for the
gatekeeper and says:
gatekeeper and says:
D1: says: We honor Oirbsen
(orib-sheen), Manannan, Patron of our tribe, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of
Tir na mBan (teer na man), Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld.
Oh Lord of the Otherworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, hear us
this day and aid in the passage of the ancestors through the misty veil.
(orib-sheen), Manannan, Patron of our tribe, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of
Tir na mBan (teer na man), Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld.
Oh Lord of the Otherworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, hear us
this day and aid in the passage of the ancestors through the misty veil.
D1: makes an offering and says: Manannan
mac Lir, accept our offerings and gratitude as you part the mists.
(mah-nuh-nahn’ mak leer)
mac Lir, accept our offerings and gratitude as you part the mists.
(mah-nuh-nahn’ mak leer)
D1: Let the mists be parted!!
All: Let the mists be parted.
Inviting
the Gods and Ungods
the Gods and Ungods
An
Sinsear (en
shen-shoor)
Sinsear (en
shen-shoor)
D2: Mighty dead, you who have come
before,
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this
rite.
before,
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this
rite.
D2: makes an offering and says: Ancestors,
accept this offering.
accept this offering.
Aos Sí
(ees-shee)
(ees-shee)
D1: Great nature spirits, you who
frolic in the wild world,
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
frolic in the wild world,
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
Spirits
of family and the people that came to this land from faraway lands.
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
of family and the people that came to this land from faraway lands.
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
D1: makes an offerings and says: Aos
Sí , accept this offering.
Sí , accept this offering.
Gods of
the Tribe
the Tribe
D3: Great gods, you who are
mightiest in all things,
Deities of my faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this
rite.
mightiest in all things,
Deities of my faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this
rite.
D3: makes an offering and says: Gods
and goddesses accept this offering.
and goddesses accept this offering.
Key
Offering
Offering
D1: Lugh,
Master of all trades, King of the gods
You who slew Balor and defeated Bres.
You who through victory brought us ploughing, sowing and reaping.
Hear us.
Master of all trades, King of the gods
You who slew Balor and defeated Bres.
You who through victory brought us ploughing, sowing and reaping.
Hear us.
Mighty Lugh we give thanks for the gifts you have given mankind
and come with an offering of the fruits of our work. We bring you this harvest, from our own
fields and the fields of our community.
and come with an offering of the fruits of our work. We bring you this harvest, from our own
fields and the fields of our community.
D1: makes an offering and says: Lugh
accept this offering.
accept this offering.
The
Omen
Omen
Seer: Ritually washes their hands
then forms the left hand into a tube and blows through the tube then says:
then forms the left hand into a tube and blows through the tube then says:
Gods
over me, gods under me,
Gods before me, gods behind me,
I am on your path oh gods.
You, my gods, are in my steps.
over me, gods under me,
Gods before me, gods behind me,
I am on your path oh gods.
You, my gods, are in my steps.
I am
going within
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
going within
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
The
augury made by Finn to his men,
That Bride blew her palm,
Did you see the augury gods of art?–
Said the gods of art, they saw.
augury made by Finn to his men,
That Bride blew her palm,
Did you see the augury gods of art?–
Said the gods of art, they saw.
Message
of truth without a message of falsehood
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
of truth without a message of falsehood
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
Good
spirits and gods of my people,
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
spirits and gods of my people,
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
Seer: then takes the omen,
interprets it, and records it.
interprets it, and records it.
Receiving
the blessings of the Gods and Ungods
the blessings of the Gods and Ungods
D1: raises the blessing plate/cup
high and says:
high and says:
Tuatha
de Danaan (tooah-de-danyan),
Aos Sí , (ees she) and An Sinsear (en shen-shoor), we have praised you
and made a sacrifice. A gift calls for a gift, and we pray to you and ask that
you give us your blessings. Make sacred these apples and infuse them with
your vitality, strength and inspiration.
de Danaan (tooah-de-danyan),
Aos Sí , (ees she) and An Sinsear (en shen-shoor), we have praised you
and made a sacrifice. A gift calls for a gift, and we pray to you and ask that
you give us your blessings. Make sacred these apples and infuse them with
your vitality, strength and inspiration.
Lo, the
blessings of the Gods and Ungods are upon us.
blessings of the Gods and Ungods are upon us.
D1: Slices and eats the blessed
apple and passes it around.
apple and passes it around.
Thanking
the Gods and Ungods and Closing the Mists
the Gods and Ungods and Closing the Mists
D1: We have called upon the Gods
and Ungods and they have answered. With love and loyalty we carry the
blessings into our daily lives. As we prepare to depart let us give
thanks to those who have aided us.
and Ungods and they have answered. With love and loyalty we carry the
blessings into our daily lives. As we prepare to depart let us give
thanks to those who have aided us.
D1: {more praise for Lugh}
D3: Tuatha de Danaan, gods of our
tribe, we thank you for your presence and blessings.
tribe, we thank you for your presence and blessings.
D1: Aos Sí, these are your lands
and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting our
offerings of peace and respect.
and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting our
offerings of peace and respect.
D2: Mighty Dead, thank you for
attending and accepting our gifts. Pass back through the mists and return
to the Otherworld. .
attending and accepting our gifts. Pass back through the mists and return
to the Otherworld. .
D1: Manannan, today we celebrated
you and gave you praise and offerings. We thank you for your attendance
and parting the mists. We ask that you allow the mists to fall as our
ancestors pass back into your realm.
you and gave you praise and offerings. We thank you for your attendance
and parting the mists. We ask that you allow the mists to fall as our
ancestors pass back into your realm.
D1: Let the mists return and the
veil be whole.
veil be whole.
D1: Mighty Rivers, these are your
lands and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting
my offerings of peace and respect.
lands and here you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting
my offerings of peace and respect.
Taking
down the Sacred Grove
down the Sacred Grove
D1: We came and honored the
Gods, the Spirits and the Ancestors and now the Sacred Grove must be taken
down. We honor the Hearth Fire and restore it to flame. We honor the Well
of Segais and restore it to water. We honor the bile and restore it to branch.
All is as it was and the Sacred Grove is dismantled. The ritual is ended.
Gods, the Spirits and the Ancestors and now the Sacred Grove must be taken
down. We honor the Hearth Fire and restore it to flame. We honor the Well
of Segais and restore it to water. We honor the bile and restore it to branch.
All is as it was and the Sacred Grove is dismantled. The ritual is ended.
All: Biodh Se! (bee-shay)
Opening the Gates / Parting the Mists
Just a quick something to start off the month…
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In ADF rituals there is a section in which a gatekeeper is called to open the gates between the worlds. In the version of Gentlidecht I practice we do the same, asking Manannan to ‘part the mists’ between our world and the Otherworld. Despite the similar practice the reasoning and even the mental visuals of the practice are very different.
The most common understanding of the ADF practice appears to be that they are opening triple gates between the worlds via the hallows which is most commonly a tree, well and the required fire. The opening of the gates allows the various beings to move freely and the free flow of energy. I have seen some state that the opening the gates is what makes the ritual sacred by opening the space to the realms of the gods, spirits and ancestors. This is not how we Genti understand things nor is it what we believe.
In Gentlidecht the Otherworld is something that exists along side ours. Access to it can be via the sea, though doors in mounds, by entering caves, or even by passing through a magical mist. In the legends it is where the gods and spirits live, and the dead go after physical death and that it has more than 70 names. The legends also tell us that the gods and spirits can come and go as they please without any need for a guide or for someone to open the door for them. There is not much said on the subject of the dead, except that at Beltaine and Samhain the veil between our world and the land in which the dead reside is the thinnest and that the dead can walk freely among the living during these periods implying that they can’t open the ways between the worlds on their own. As if the legends alone are not enough, experiences have taught many that the gods are imminent and that the spirits of nature are always around us. So inviting them to witness and accept our worship would not require any gates to be opened at all, except for the ancestors.
Leading us to the reason why in Gentlidecht we ask Manannan to part the misty veil. He is aiding in making it possible for the ancestors to come into our world. Visually you can imagine a thick mist that stands between the Otherworld and ours, what I call the Cloak of Manannan, being blown by wind and thinned making it possible to see into and eventually cross through. When the veil is thinned or parted the ancestors are able to move freely between the worlds. Of course it is not necessary for Manannan to part the mists at Beltaine or Samhain since during those periods the veil is already so thin the ancestors can come through on their own.
What is interesting to note is that there is no Indo-European precedent for this practice or belief. In fact there is a story in ADF that the reason they do it is because the organizations founder saw the gates being opened in an Afro-Caribbean ritual and thought it would be a good addition. As a result there are Celtic Reconstructionists that do not include a section to ‘part the mists’. Despite the lack of evidence within Indo-European rituals there is enough folklore in the Irish material hinting that the ancestors are unable to move freely between the worlds (except at Beltaine and Samhain) so we will continue to ask Manannan for his help with the ancestors.
If you have another perspective on the ‘gates’ in ritual please post it in the comments section of this blog.
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Note – For purposes of the blog I am clearly differentiating between ADF and Gentlidecht. The reality is ADF Druidry is not a monolithic belief but each grove and individual within ADF can have very different beliefs and practices. Five Rivers Protogrove, ADF is an ADF grove that practices Gentlidecht, meaning we use the ADF ritual structure but our understanding or reasons for doing certain parts of the ritual may vary from the more common understandings published on the ADF website.
Féile Manannán – Midsummer Ritual
I put the following ritual together for my Protogrove to use as part of our Midsummer celebration for Manannan Mac Lir but due to vacation schedules performed it alone at the edge of the Chesapeake near my office. Some parts of the ritual are taken from the “Paying Rent” ritual written by my friend Erynn Laurie.
Féile Manannán
Preparation
The participants gather the following offerings
|
Local River Goddesses
|
Corn meal
|
|
Manannan Mac Lir
|
Alcohol
|
|
Mighty Dead
|
Food/bread
|
|
Spirits of Place
|
honey/sage smoke
|
|
Tuatha de Danaan
|
Alcohol
|
|
Manannan Mac Lir
|
Rushes, yellow flowers, meade or food.
|
|
The folk
|
Apples
|
Prior
to the ritual the participants should light the flame, fill the well with fresh
water, and place whatever tools are needed on the altar.
Gathering
A bell is tolled three times calling the folk to the nemed.
Opening Prayer
In the honor of Manannan mac Lir, to the fruitfulness and profit
of our plantings and our work, in the name of the gods and ungods we offer
blessings to those gathered here.
of our plantings and our work, in the name of the gods and ungods we offer
blessings to those gathered here.
Centering Meditation
D1: Clear your mind and focus on your
breathing. Breathe in and out slowly visualizing the spiral of the cosmos
around you.
breathing. Breathe in and out slowly visualizing the spiral of the cosmos
around you.
All: We are at the center of An Thríbhís Mhór.
ah-heeveesh-vohr
ah-heeveesh-vohr
As you exhale lower yourself and place a palm of your hand on the
ground.
ground.
All: We stand firmly upon the Sacred Land.
As you inhale, rise to your feet, moving the hands behind at hip
height, palms up, cupping. Exhale and move the hands in an arc until they meet
in front.
height, palms up, cupping. Exhale and move the hands in an arc until they meet
in front.
All: The Eternal Sea always surrounds us.
As you inhale, move your hands to the sides, spread the fingers
wide, palms forward. Exhale and raise the arms, bringing the hands together
above the head, thumb & forefinger meeting to create a triangle.
wide, palms forward. Exhale and raise the arms, bringing the hands together
above the head, thumb & forefinger meeting to create a triangle.
All: The Endless Sky spreads itself above us.
Inhale; lower the hands to the heart again.
All: We are at the center of An Thríbhís Mhór.
Exhale; lower the hands to the sides
Honoring the Local Land Goddesses
D2: We honor the Five Rivers, the goddesses of
the land; Potomac Patapsco, Susquehanna Gunpowder, and Patuxent. Givers
of life that flow from the mountains and form estuaries of the Chesapeake.
the land; Potomac Patapsco, Susquehanna Gunpowder, and Patuxent. Givers
of life that flow from the mountains and form estuaries of the Chesapeake.
We honor you and make this offering to you in gratitude for your
waters that nourish this land.
waters that nourish this land.
D2: makes an offering and says: Mighty
goddesses of the land accept this offering.
goddesses of the land accept this offering.
Statement of Purpose
D1: At Saint John’s Eve, near Midsummer on
the Isle of Man, the people paid rent to Manannán mac Lir, the first king of
the island. The Manx Traditional Ballad says:
the Isle of Man, the people paid rent to Manannán mac Lir, the first king of
the island. The Manx Traditional Ballad says:
“If you would listen to my tale
And if you thought the narrative pleasant
As best I can with my mouth
I shall speak to you of the blessed Isle
And if you thought the narrative pleasant
As best I can with my mouth
I shall speak to you of the blessed Isle
Who was the first man who possessed it
And how came it to him
How Patrick sent the first Christian
And how it came to Stanley
And how came it to him
How Patrick sent the first Christian
And how it came to Stanley
Young Manannán, son of Lir
That was the first man who possessed it
As far as I can see
He was nothing but a heathen
That was the first man who possessed it
As far as I can see
He was nothing but a heathen
Not with his sword did he defend it
Nor with his arrows nor his shield
But when he saw ships a-sailing
He would hide it round about with mist
Nor with his arrows nor his shield
But when he saw ships a-sailing
He would hide it round about with mist
Some would go, bearing their rushes
Up to the summit of the great mountain Barrule
Others used to leave their rushes below
With Manannán upon Keamool
Up to the summit of the great mountain Barrule
Others used to leave their rushes below
With Manannán upon Keamool
Until Patrick came among them,
Who was a mighty man filled with magic art,
He drove Manannán into the sea
With his evil company, unjustly”
Who was a mighty man filled with magic art,
He drove Manannán into the sea
With his evil company, unjustly”
The ballad was written by Christians, yet Patrick is described as
driving out Manannán unjustly. To this day Manannán’s name is regarded with
reverence on the Isle. Rent for the Isle of Man was paid to him in rushes,
though the word may also translate as flags or wild irises. Some went to the
top of Barrule, Inis Man’s holy mountain. Others paid their rent at the
seashore.
driving out Manannán unjustly. To this day Manannán’s name is regarded with
reverence on the Isle. Rent for the Isle of Man was paid to him in rushes,
though the word may also translate as flags or wild irises. Some went to the
top of Barrule, Inis Man’s holy mountain. Others paid their rent at the
seashore.
Though we do not live on the Isle of Man, Manannán is for us the
keeper of the gates between the worlds, the lord of mists who allows us passage
in our journeys through the Otherworlds, and teacher and guide for our tribe.
And so it is at this time that we pay for our passage by giving honor and
offerings to Manannán mac Lir. We bring him food and drink, and we bring him
yellow flowers to symbolize gold and jewels for his pleasure.
keeper of the gates between the worlds, the lord of mists who allows us passage
in our journeys through the Otherworlds, and teacher and guide for our tribe.
And so it is at this time that we pay for our passage by giving honor and
offerings to Manannán mac Lir. We bring him food and drink, and we bring him
yellow flowers to symbolize gold and jewels for his pleasure.
Establishing the Sacred Grove
Sacred Hearth Fire
Druid 1:
I make sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
I make sacred the fire,
The first fire born of lightning
from which all fires are lit.
The hearth fire which warms our homes
and binds our people.
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D1: puts oil on the fire, then says:
I light the sacred fire of inspiration. Sacred fire, burn
within me.
within me.
Well of Segais
Druid 2 says:
I make sacred the well,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
From which the five rivers flow,
Salmon swimming, hazels hanging high.
Bubbling brightly Segais, source of wisdom,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D2: taps the well then says:
In the depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters, flow
within me.
within me.
World Tree
Druid 3 says:
I make sacred the branch/tree,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Towering high, hanging heavy with hazel,
Spanning and connecting the Three Realms,
The mighty bile of the grove,
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
All:
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
Let the flame be the hearth fire,
Lets the water be the Well of Knowledge
Let the tree be the bile,
(bill-uh)
I stand in the grove at the center of the realms,
D3: dresses the bile, then says:
From the depths to the heights spans the world tree. Sacred tree,
grow within me.
grow within me.
D1: raises arms
D1: With the Flame of the Hearth, the Well of
Knowledge, and the Sacred Bile the grove is erected and hallowed.
Knowledge, and the Sacred Bile the grove is erected and hallowed.
Parting the Mists
D1: prepares an offering for the gatekeeper and
says:
says:
D1: says: We honor Oirbsen (orib-sheen),
Manannan, Patron of our tribe, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of Tir na mBan (teer
na man), Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld. Oh Lord of the
Otherworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, hear us this day and aid in
the passage of the ancestors through the misty veil.
Manannan, Patron of our tribe, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of Tir na mBan (teer
na man), Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld. Oh Lord of the
Otherworld, bearer of the silvered apple branch, hear us this day and aid in
the passage of the ancestors through the misty veil.
D1: makes an offering and says: Manannan mac
Lir, accept our offerings and gratitude as you part the mists.
(mah-nuh-nahn’ mak leer)
Lir, accept our offerings and gratitude as you part the mists.
(mah-nuh-nahn’ mak leer)
D1: Let the mists be parted!!
All: Let the mists be parted.
Inviting the Gods and Ungods
An Sinsear (en shen-shoor)
D2: Mighty dead, you who have come before,
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this
rite.
Ancestors of our blood, Heros of our people
We offer you this gift with love and loyalty and invite you to witness this
rite.
D2: makes an offering and says: Ancestors,
accept this offering.
accept this offering.
Aos Sí (ees-shee)
D1: Great nature spirits, you who frolic in the
wild world,
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
wild world,
Spirits of this place,
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
Spirits of family and the people that came to this land from
faraway lands.
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
faraway lands.
We offer you this gift in friendship and invite you to witness this rite.
D1: makes an offerings and says: Aos Sí ,
accept this offering.
accept this offering.
Tuatha de Danaan (tooah-de-danyan)
D3: Great gods, you who are mightiest in all
things,
Deities of my faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this
rite.
things,
Deities of my faith,
We offer you this gift with reverence and honor and invite you to witness this
rite.
D3: makes an offering and says: Gods and
goddesses accept this offering.
goddesses accept this offering.
Key Offering
D1: Manannán mac Lir, Lord of Mists, Lord of the Sea and of Change,
Rider of Aonbharr the Splendid-Maned, hear us.
Shapeshifter, holy trickster,
Keeper of the Gates between worlds, hear us.
Rider of Aonbharr the Splendid-Maned, hear us.
Shapeshifter, holy trickster,
Keeper of the Gates between worlds, hear us.
Manannán mac Lir, Lord of Wisdom
Father of Mongán, armorer of Lugh,
Keeper of the Crane Bag of Wisdom and Secrets, hear us!
Patron of our grove, protector of our tribe.
Guardian of wisdom and knowledge, hear us.
Father of Mongán, armorer of Lugh,
Keeper of the Crane Bag of Wisdom and Secrets, hear us!
Patron of our grove, protector of our tribe.
Guardian of wisdom and knowledge, hear us.
Manannán mac Lir, King of the Land of Women.
Husband of Fand, lover of Aine,
Keeper of the Cloak of Mists that drowns all sorrow, hear us.
Husband, lover,
Guardian and beloved of women, hear us.
Husband of Fand, lover of Aine,
Keeper of the Cloak of Mists that drowns all sorrow, hear us.
Husband, lover,
Guardian and beloved of women, hear us.
D1: makes an offerings and says: A Mhanannán,
accept our offerings! Hear our prayers and share in our joy and celebrations on
this night that is dedicated to you.
accept our offerings! Hear our prayers and share in our joy and celebrations on
this night that is dedicated to you.
The Omen
Seer: Ritually washes their hands then forms the
left hand into a tube and blows through the tube then says:
left hand into a tube and blows through the tube then says:
Gods over me, gods under me,
Gods before me, gods behind me,
I am on your path oh gods.
You, my gods, are in my steps.
Gods before me, gods behind me,
I am on your path oh gods.
You, my gods, are in my steps.
I am going within
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
To the doorstep of the sí
in the name of Finn
Stronger in sight then all.
The augury made by Finn to his men,
That Bride blew her palm,
Did you see the augury gods of art?–
Said the gods of art, they saw.
That Bride blew her palm,
Did you see the augury gods of art?–
Said the gods of art, they saw.
Message of truth without a message of falsehood
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
That I myself shall see
The semblance, joyous and mild
Of all that is hidden to me
Good spirits and gods of my people,
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
Give me the sight to see all I need,
With vision that shall never fail, before me,
That shall never quench nor dim.
Seer: then takes the omen, interprets it, and
records it.
records it.
Receiving the blessings of the Gods and Ungods
D1: raises the blessing plate/cup high and says:
Tuatha de Danaan (tooah-de-danyan), Aos Sí , (ees
she) and An Sinsear (en shen-shoor), we have praised you and made a
sacrifice. A gift calls for a gift, and we pray to you and ask that you give us
your blessings. Make sacred these apples and infuse them with your
vitality, strength and inspiration.
she) and An Sinsear (en shen-shoor), we have praised you and made a
sacrifice. A gift calls for a gift, and we pray to you and ask that you give us
your blessings. Make sacred these apples and infuse them with your
vitality, strength and inspiration.
Lo, the blessings of the Gods and Ungods are upon us.
D1: Slices and eats the blessed apple and passes
it around.
it around.
Thanking the Gods and Ungods and Closing the Mists
D1: We have called upon the Gods and Ungods and
they have answered. With love and loyalty we carry the blessings into our
daily lives. As we prepare to depart let me give thanks to those who have
aided us.
they have answered. With love and loyalty we carry the blessings into our
daily lives. As we prepare to depart let me give thanks to those who have
aided us.
D3: Tuatha de Danaan, gods of our tribe, we thank
you for your presence and blessings.
you for your presence and blessings.
D1: Aos Sí, these are your lands and here you
shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting our offerings of
peace and respect.
shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting our offerings of
peace and respect.
D2: Mighty Dead, thank you for attending and
accepting our gifts. Pass back through the mists and return to the
Otherworld. .
accepting our gifts. Pass back through the mists and return to the
Otherworld. .
D1: Manannan, today we celebrated you and gave you
praise and offerings. We thank you for your attendance and parting the
mists. We ask that you allow the mists to fall as our ancestors pass back
into your realm.
praise and offerings. We thank you for your attendance and parting the
mists. We ask that you allow the mists to fall as our ancestors pass back
into your realm.
D1: Let the mists return and the veil be whole.
D1: Mighty Rivers, these are your lands and here
you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting my offerings
of peace and respect.
you shall remain. We thank you for attending and accepting my offerings
of peace and respect.
Taking down the Sacred Grove
D1: We came and honored the Gods, the Spirits
and the Ancestors and now the Sacred Grove must be taken down. We honor the
Hearth Fire and restore it to flame. We honor the Well of Segais and
restore it to water. We honor the bile and restore it to branch. All is
as it was and the Sacred Grove is dismantled. The ritual is ended.
and the Ancestors and now the Sacred Grove must be taken down. We honor the
Hearth Fire and restore it to flame. We honor the Well of Segais and
restore it to water. We honor the bile and restore it to branch. All is
as it was and the Sacred Grove is dismantled. The ritual is ended.
All: Biodh Se! (bee-shay)