2013 Lughnasadh Ritual Attendance

Our local Grove's Lughnasadh ritual was held this past Saturday.  It was an evening ritual and held on the land owned by my family.  The pantheon honored was Slavic, and I wrote the ritual (for complete ritual text, follow this link).  This was the first time a ritual I wrote was performed in a group setting.

Because it was a harvest ritual, I bedecked the ritual table in excess produce from our garden.  After the ritual, participants were encouraged to take whatever produced they preferred.

There was a smaller attendance than usual, and all the participants were women.  This was the first time since I began attending the Grove's rituals in May 2012 that there were no men present. The mood was calm and  friendly.  I lead the ritual and guided everyone through the Core Order.

During personal offerings each person stated their work out loud, which was a departure from the previous silent/whispered offerings of the past.  Hearing what others were feeling/asking for made me feel more like we were a group working together on common goals, rather than a bunch of individuals gathered to do piecemeal a ritual.

The omens were pulled and read by another Grove member, and spoke of change and adventure

I really felt connected during this ritual - to the words spoken, to the individuals present and to the Kindreds.  I'm sure part of this is due to the fact that I wrote the ritual, and the pantheon honored was my home pantheon.  This ritual definitely felt like a continuation of the Spring Equinox ritual my family performed, during which we asked the same deities to bless our planting.  It was really satisfying to feel the relationship between us and the Slavic pantheon growing.

2013 Summer Solstice Ritual Attendance

Well, the sunburn hasn't faded yet so I better write this up before time passes and I forget!

This past Saturday I attended the local Grove's Litha ritual.  This ritual was different from previous rituals in that we held the ritual at Gaea Retreat Center and then had space reserved for overnight camping.  The Vedic pantheon was the focus.

The heat index hovered near 100 degrees as the ritual began.  My part in the ritual was the invocation to the fire.  I had previously memorized my part and had brought the ghee that was offered.  During the "workings" session of the ritual one of the regular attendees (I don't believe she is an "official" member) had an adult naming ceremony.  This was very nice and I appreciated the symbolism of her walking around the fire three times.  We typically haven't had any major workings during ritual - maybe just a brief mention of someone needing healing/help and the burning of a small offering.  I really liked having something "active" to focus on besides that basic ritual order.

Like most participants, we stayed to camp and had a wonderful day of swimming and hiking and shared meals.  My daughters also made wianki (wreaths) and we let them afloat on the lake near sundown.  It truly felt like a holiday.

One last thought:  prior to this ritual I gave my daughters a brief history lesson, explaining the relationship between the Vedic pantheon and other Indo-European pantheons.  There are some pantheons that I just don't feel much of a connection with at all, i.e. Saxon and Celtic.  Sometimes it seems like those Gods/Goddesses and I don't speak the same (figurative) language - there is no animosity between us, rather just head-shaking bewilderment.  We just don't get each other and that's okay (at least for now).  But then there are other pantheons that I connect with right away and "get."  I consider the Slavic pantheon my primary pantheon - I have established relationships with several of Slavic deities.  I also have a connection with the Avestan and Vedic pantheons and have begun working with a few of those respective deities. 

2013 Beltaine Ritual Attendance

Yesterday I attended our local grove's Beltaine ritual.  The ritual was held on the property owned by my family and the Celtic pantheon was honored.  The ritual was in ADF Core Order and written by a local grove member.  The text was posted on Facebook a week prior; I was quite happy to be able to see the text in advance of the ritual.

Prior to the ritual I chose to recite the portion that honored Aine.  I don't feel particularly in tune with the Celtic pantheon, and choosing to hallow the tree or honor the Earth Mother would have been much easier for me...but that would have felt like a cop-out.  So I specifically chose the portion concerning Aine to force me to really focus on an unfamiliar deity and stay present in the ritual.

The weather during the ritual was its own force to be reckoned with; despite the date of May 4th the temperature was barely 40 degrees, and with a 20 mph north wind and with misty conditions the windchill was well below the comfort zone.  Plus, the strong wind made it a struggle to keep the fire going.  There was a bit of irony in the traditional language of the ritual, which mentioned the warming sun of spring and the coming of summer.  Staying on task during the ritual definitely felt like a struggle and required all present to be alert and mindful.

This was the first ritual I have attended which used ogham for the omens.  The ritual organizer is still in the beginning phases of learning the ogham, so that portion of the ritual was a bit clunky.

After a brief warming period inside after the ritual, we came together again to attempt a Maypole dance in honor of the season.  While the results were questionably authentic we had much fun in the activity.

Book Review: Comparative Mythology by Jaan Puhvel

I chose to read/review Jaan Puhvel's Comparative Mythology for my first Dedicant Path book review
with plenty of warnings about the depth and "academic-nishness" of the material.  With a background in anthropology, I was prepared to tackle the materials, having a strong foundation in European mythology and first-hand experience reading Levi-Strauss and the like in grad school. That being said, this is definitely not a book for beginners.

There is little doubt that Comparative Mythology was written as a text, as its format and content is clearly designed to follow a course syllabus.  However, the scope and depth of the analysis, coupled with the repeated use of specialized and obscure terminology belies the fact that this would not be a textbook for a 100 level course. If reading this book, be prepared to take copious notes and have a dictionary (and possibly, a world history companion) at your side if you desire to retain and process the material.

And what material is there?  Gold.  For all his wordiness there is no doubt that what Puhvel has compiled in print is a thorough, near-exhaustive survey of Indo-European (IE) mythology.  Starting from an introduction outlining the distinction between mythos, mythology and history, Puhvel then proceeds to review the mythology of several ancient IE cultures working his way through Vedic India, ancient Iran, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and Celtic, Norse and Balto-Slavic mythologies.
With each chapter he briefly reviews geographical and historical highlights of the period, and epic sagas are also discussed for the Vedic, Iranian and Norse cultures.

Personally, I enjoyed this read despite the amount of discipline it took to accomplish the task.  I greatly appreciated his reviews of Vedic and Iranian myths and applauded his outright acknowledgement that, for years, Greek myth has been The Standard for comparative mythology regardless of its obvious fusion with nearby cultures.  I even thought his review of Slavic mythology (a subject I myself have researched extensively) provided a thoughtful and well-supported foundation even with the limitations of such scant documentation for that subject.

That said, there were times where, as the reader, I was ready to give Puhvel a stern talking to.  His chapters on both Vedic and Iranian epics were written in such a way that a student new to comparative mythology had no hope but to be completely lost and confused.  In both of those chapters (and others as well) his references to obscure tribes and historical events makes for a difficult read for even the most dedicated student of ancient world history.  With a topic that literally covers thousands of years and geographical miles, it would be nice if Puhvel provided brief historical timelines and/or maps in respective chapters.  Additionally, there are times where his handling of some subjects seems unusual; there is no discussion at all of Hestia/Vesta in the Greek and Roman materials, and his Iranian references hinge on discussions of Zoroastrian concepts, rather than pre-Avestan sources and reconstructions.  There are no explanations offered for either example.

Exhaustive?  Yes.  Herculean?  Yes.  Worth taking the time to read?  Probably.  For someone dedicated to understanding the undercurrent of similar themes and characters in IE mythology the reading of Jaan Puhvel's Comparative Mythology should be on their "Must Do" list.  For the more casual student of IE studies there are many other available titles that would better suite the lay reader.

2013 Spring Equinox Ritual Attendance

Yesterday we celebrated the coming of spring.

I knew a few weeks in advance that we would be unable to attend the local Grove's spring ritual so I decided it was time to write my first full-length ritual following the Core Order laid out by ADF.

I chose to honor the Slavic pantheon as they are near and dear to me and my daughters.  I also decided that the purpose would be to formally ask winter (represented by the goddess Marzanna) to recede, and to request blessings upon our land from Piorun and Mokosh as we busy ourselves over the next few months planting our vegetable gardens, tending the berries and getting our first fruit trees established.  I carefully thought out which offerings would be most appropriate and did my best to craft language that was meaningful and sincere.  Since my daughters (ages 10 years and 12 years) would be participating, I purposefully kept the words fairly simple and the overall ritual brief.

The full text of the ritual can be found here.

We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the ritual.  Both girls did a wonderful job of following along and participating.  We each took turns pulling a card for the omens, using the Wildwood Tarot deck.

From the Ancestors:  Ten of Stones * Home

Excerpt of interpretation: "The inner and outer community that sustains and supports the individual, not necessarily blood family but the trusted friends, comrades and lovers who offer security and affections."

As far as we are aware our family has no direct blood ties to Slavic peoples, but I have been personally drawn to those cultures for the past 20 years, and at least one of my daughters also feels a strong connection with the Slavic pantheon.  I saw this omen as an affirmation of our connection with the Slavic ancestors even if the ties are not of blood but instead the heart.

From the Nature Spirits:  7 * The Archer

Excerpt of interpretation:  "The dawn of new adventure, folded in the web of universal potential, waits for you to string the bow of your imagination and loose the arrows of creativity."

We have many plans for our land; plans for fruit trees, honey bees, outside shrines, bat houses...the list goes on.  In this omen I hear an echo of support from the Spirits of the land.

From the Shining Ones:  Kings of Vessels * Heron

Excerpt of interpretation:  "A deep belief in fairness, honesty and honour colours everything you do...However, your admiration of self-control can sometimes make you appear to rigid."

I see this omen as an affirmation from the Gods and Goddess that our worship is acknowledged as sincere and right.  But I also see a message that supports less structured forms of worship besides the ADF core order.  This is very touching because in our busy household I often feel fortunate if I am able to get my quick morning devotional done before rushing off to work and/or other family obligations.  I think this message was also important for my girls to hear since it encourages and affirms the more spontaneous and brief prayers that they are apt to perform.

Slavic Spring Equinox Ritual

This ritual was written by myself and performed in March of 2013.

<3 chimes each for the Ancestors, the Spirits of the Land, and The Shining Ones>

Initiating the Rite:  We have come here to honor the Gods.  Be with us, oh Shining Ones, in our workings; forgive any errors and grant us, we pray, your blessings.

Purification: <use sage> By the might of the smoke of the fire, this gathering is made whole and holy.

Honoring the Earth Mother:  Matka Ziemia - we are your children.  We pray that you bless and uphold our rite today, as you uphold the whole world.  Matka Ziemia - accept our sacrifice!  (offer cornmeal, then all repeat:  Matka Ziemia, accept our sacrifice!)

Statement of Purpose:  We have come today to do as the ancients did - to make offerings to the powers and receive blessings upon our land as we begin the first plantings of the growing season.

 
Recreating the Cosmos:

Deep water of the well - your cool liquid saturates deep into the ground, nourishing tender roots and seeds even while they slumber. Without you our world would be barren. Please accept this gift of silver as receipt of our gratitude. (put ring in the well)

Fire burning brightly - you have the ability to transform our offerings into that which is acceptable.  We thank you for the transformation of our sacrifices and offer you this oil in gratitude. (pour oil into the fire)

Mighty tree - you which weaves all worlds together.  Your branches stretch and reach towards The Shining Gods and Goddess, your roots meander deep into the soft earth beckoning to the ancestors, and your trunk connects them all here, with us, in our world today among ourselves and the spirits of this land.  We offer you this incense in deep appreciation of your services both in the past and that which you will provide here today. (light incense and place in front of tree)

Opening the Gate: Veles - punisher of broken oaths, mighty god of liminality and master of the gates between life and death:  we ask that you tend this gate here today, so that the Kindreds may join us in this holy space while keeping the outdwellers distant.  Veles, accept this sacrifice! (pour whiskey on the ground, all repeat:  Veles, accept our sacrifice!)

Let the gates be open.  The water, the fire and the tree flow and flame and grow within us.

Offerings to the Kindreds:
Ancestors, those who offered the first sacrifice and learned the proper ways to honor the Gods - you are welcome here at our fire!  We greet you with joyous hearts and kind words.  Join us here as we honor the Shining Ones in the ways you have taught us, and partake of this offering. Ancestors, accept our sacrifice! (offer mulberry wine, then all repeat:  Ancestors, accept our sacrifice!)

Spirits of this land, you who live among the trees, in the tall grasses and deep withing the native waters, you have a place here at our fire.  You who know the rhythms of Matka Ziemia, who see the rising and setting of the sun each day and whisper to the wild animals, you have a place here at our fire.  We give you honor and welcome you with this gift.  Nature Spirits, accept our sacrifice!  (offer salt, then all repeat:  Nature Spirits, accept our sacrifice!)

Shining Ones, Gods and Goddesses worthy of worship, you who make all things possible - join us here at this fire.  Your glory is brighter than all creation and inspires greatness in those who follow you - join us in this blessing of the land.  Accept this sacrifice and know that our hearts call for you. Shining Ones, accept our sacrifice!  (pour mead, then all repeat:  Shining ones, accept our sacrifice!)
 
Dieties of the Rite:
Marzanna - goddess of winter and death, mistress of visions.  You have once again woven winter across this land and blanketed the fields in frost and slumber.  But now is your time to recede to the shadows as the Earth warms once more.  We offer you this gift of bread and salt, in appreciation for the essential winter season that you crafted so well.  Marzanna, accept our sacrifice (put bread/salt in the fire, then all repeat:  Marzanna, accept our sacrifice!)

Mighty Piorun - god of lightning, dispenser of justice. You who triumphs over chaos and brings order to this world. Come to our fire!  With your mighty powers you control the rains, and as such decide which lands will be blessed.  It is your shield that plows the fields and heralds the planting season.  We offer you this gift of mead and ask in return that you moderate the skies above these lands so that our crops may grow healthy and bountiful.  Piorun, accept our sacrifice! (pour the mead into the fire, then all repeat:  Piorun, accept our sacrifice!)


Mokosz - goddess of grain, you who germinates and gestates the seeds, roots and shoots that brings life to our world.  Your gifts are abundant and provide nourishment and enjoyment both for our bodies and our souls.  We ask that you nurture the seeds and tender plants we place into the warming ground this growing season, and offer you this gift of vegetables in return.  Mokosz, accept our sacrifice! (place the vegetables in the fire, then all repeat:  Mokosz, accept our sacrifice!)
 
Personal Offerings
 
Omens:  We ask that the Kindreds speak to us, and offer us their teachings. <go through each kindred with the omens, then affirm the omens)> 

Hallowing of the Waters:  As children of the Earth we call for the blessings of the Kindreds.  We fill the bellies of our spirit with this drink - oh Holy Ones, give to us as we have given to you!  Let this vessel receive your blessings! (each person drinks from the cup)
 
Affirmation of the Blessings:  By this work we are blessed.  To all that have aided us here today, we give thanks. 

Thanking the Beings:
Mokosz - Beholder of creation - may we always be right in our worship of you and the recipient of your blessings.

Piorun - Mighty warrior!  We give our gratitude for your blessings here today.

Marzenna - Mistress of the dark nights, leave here today with our sincerest appreciation.

Closing the Gates:  Veles, we offer you thanks for minding the gates so that we could honor the Kindreds today in peace.

Thanking the Earth Mother:  Matka Ziemia, thank you for upholding this rite and blessing us daily with your generous gifts.

Statement of Ending:  May the tree be just a tree, the well just water, and the fire a simple fire.  Let us leave here today with blessings upon us and peace within us. 

2013 Imbolc Ritual Attendance

This past weekend I attended our local Grove's Imbolc Ritual.  This ritual was back on the land owned by my family, which was a nice change from the indoor ritual at Winter Solstice.  The ritual was written in ADF Core Order.

This was the first ritual I attended where the Grove Leader wasn't involved with the writing of the ritual.  We honored the Norse pantheon and the two grove members that wrote the ritual did a nice job.  I recited the Hallowing of the Fire and offered aromatic oils.

We had a new member in attendance and he had such a great and loving personality.  That really helped me feel better afterwards, as I felt very distracted and "not ready" during the ritual itself.  There had been a miscommunication about picking my daughter up from a sleep-over and I had to run and get her during the time that I would have normally been preparing the ritual fire and getting mentally prepared myself.  I also found myself disappointed that the ritual text hadn't been provided until ten minutes prior to the ritual - at which time parts were also distributed.  I typically like to know what part I have for the ritual in advance, so that I can really focus on the intent and commit to memory my recitation.

Through this experience I learned that I should consider offering to write more ritual parts, since it is something I enjoy.  Plus, it helps me feel more prepared and focused during ritual and makes for a much better ritual experience.