Circle Workshop Llamas 1998 CO1

 Lammas Monday, August 7, 2023

CUUP’s Llamas Ritual 7/31/98

Presented By Circle of One

Statement of Intent

HPS    August 1st marks the Celtic holiday of Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-na-sa), which is the beginning of the grain harvest. The importance of grain to life is evident in virtually every deity structure in every religion on Earth. The entire preparation of grain from seed to harvest parallels the life-in-death and death-in-life aspects of the Great Goddess, Mother Earth. 

HP     Lughnasadh marks the last heyday (hay day) of the Sun God (Lugh). It's the time of the Barley Moon, a time when the symbolic aspects of the life-sustaining elements of grain spill over into every part of life. In ancient times the last chaff of wheat or grain to be cut was kept and crafted into a corn doll. At Lughnasadh, she is called Corn Mother. In the spring, she becomes Corn Bride, the Maiden Goddess Bride. She is Macha, one aspect of the three-form goddess, The Morrigan (Maiden, Mother, Crone), who presides over the Celtic calendar of holidays.  While the various Celtic Gods wax and wane in power, Macha retains her strength and intensity in all Her aspects. 

HPS    This is a time of robust health and erotic energy. The ancient tribes met during this time of the year to gather news, settle any disputed arguments, arrange marriages, and show off strength and skill. As might be expected, celebrations are held outside, under the bright blue sky, and in addition to sporting events and horse races, there is mighty feasting.

HP    Now the Corn King dies as his body is harvested from the fields so that we may be fed, so that we may live, so that we may go into the winter months of darkness rich with his blood and love in our veins. The Dark King, Shepherd of souls, becomes stronger now. With Winter we will go inward, to the inner depths of our own souls. And He will embrace us with His love in the coming trials and celebrations of the Wintertime. Some of our hopes and dreams of the past year are harvested and tonight we give thanks. Some are not yet ready and we must insure their harvest.

Calling the Quarter

EAST:    HPS    Walks to the East, with incense, & calls quarter:

Guardian Spirit, Winged one, We beseech you into our Circle.  On the warm winds of Summer, Join us this night, and help our mid-summer dreams take flight.

Quarter Response    “I am  everywhere.  I fill the fleshy pouches of your lungs, I stir all things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree.  I cool you with my breezes and destroy you with my storms.  Without me, you would die.  Am I not Holy and worthy of praise? "        

HPS    Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

(HPS Gives Air (red) the incense burner symbolizing the element of air)

 

SOUTH:   HP     HPS    South, with Candle, & calls quarter:

Guardian Spirit, Fiery one, We beseech you into our Circle.  With long sun-filled days, and clear starry nights, bring us the passion to spice up our lives.      

Quarter Response    "I  live in the guarded embers of campfires and the pilot lights of stoves.  I  spring from the lightning and the hands of men, I warm you with my glowing cinders and I destroy you with my raging flames.  Without me you would die. Am I not Holy and worthy of praise? "

HP     Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

(HP gives Fire (white) the candle symbolizing the element of fire)

 

WEST:  HPS    Walks to the West, with water, & calls quarter:

Guardian Spirit, Watery one, We beseech you into our Circle.  On your soft flowing waves that can lull us to sleep, teach us the Mysteries of your briny deep.

Quarter Response    "I rise from the moist crevices of the Earth, I beat on the shores of Her body, I fall from the skies in silver sheets.  I nourish you with my gentle rains, and I destroy you with my furious storms.  Without me you would die.  Am I not Holy and worthy of praise? "               

HPS    Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

(HPS gives Water (gray) the water vessel symbolizing the element of water)

 

NORTH:  HP     Walks to the North, with salt, & call quarter:

Guardian Spirit, Earthly one, We beseech you into our Circle.  In your fields of abundance, teach us to know where to best plant ourselves, so our spirit will grow

Quarter Response    “I am your Mother.  From me come the fruits and grains and animals which feed you.  I am your support, and my pull on your bodies keeps you held firmly to me.  I cherish you and need your respect to survive.  Without me you will die.  Am I not Holy and worthy of praise? " 

HP     Welcome to our Sacred Circle. Rest and be refreshed.  So Mote it Be!

(HP gives Earth (black) the bowl of salt symbolizing the element of earth)

Casting the Circle

(All four quarters begin to walk around the circle holding the Air, Fire, Water, and Earth and the HP and HPS stand in the center)  

HPS     Black spirits and White, Red spirits and Gray;   Hearken to the words I say.  Four points of the circle, weave the spell, East, then South, then West, and North, three times circle round, I call you forth.  East is Red for the break of day, South is White for the noontide hour.  In the West is twilight Gray, and North is Black for the place of power.  Three times round this circle’s cast.  Great one, spirits from the past, Witness it and guard it fast.  It Is Done. 

Invocation Goddess and God

HPS    Gracious Goddess, You who art the Queen of the Gods, Lamp of the night, the creator of all that is wild and free.  Mother of man and woman, lover of the Horned God and protectress of all;   Descend, I pray, with Your Lunar ray of power upon our circle here! 

HP    Blazing God, You Who are the King of the Gods Lord of the Sun, master of all that is wild and free.  Father of woman and man, Lover of the Moon Goddess and protector of all;   Descend, I pray, with Your Solar ray of power upon our circle here! 

Healing

HP    Tonight is a night to gives thanks for our abundance, however tonight our Earth needs Healing as well.  You are all probably aware of the Fires that have plagued our own East Coast.  Tidal Waves, flooding and other natural disasters have also caused considerable damage to other large areas.  Numerous lives have been changed by these episodes and many lives are still at risk trying to contain the havoc that is being done.  The Earth now has some horrific scars that will take many years to heal.  Tonight we can help start the healing.  We need to raise some energy that can be focused back into the Earth to repair the devastation that has been done.

HPS    At this point I would like everyone to join hands.  We will be doing a group OM.  I would like to do three separate OM’s.  On the first OM I would like everybody to visualize a green mist of healing energy forming in the middle of the circle.  On the second OM I would like you to visualize the healing energy forming a bright glowing globe in the center of the circle.  On the third OM I would like everyone to visualize that healing globe sinking into the earth to heal any damage that has been done.

Rounds

Spiraling into the center, Spiraling into the center,

The center of the Shield. The center of the Shield.

I am the Weaver,

I am the Woven One.

I am the Dreamer,

I am the Dream.

Workings

(Large bowl of Popped Corn)

HPS     Now is the time of the First Harvest, when bounties of nature give of themselves so that we may survive.  O God of the ripening fields, Lord of the Grain, grant us the understanding of sacrifice as you prepare to deliver yourself under the sickle of the Goddess and journey to the lands of eternal summer.  O Goddess of the Dark Moon, teach us the secrets of rebirth as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.

HP     We partake of the first harvest, mixing its energies with our own that we may continue our quest for the starry wisdom of perfection.  O Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun, gracious ones before Whom the stars halt their courses, we offer our thanks for the continuing fertility of the Earth.  May the nodding grain loose its seeds to be buried in the Mother’s breast, ensuring rebirth in the warmth of the coming Spring.  

HPS    As this basket is passed, take some for yourselves and offer some to the God and Goddess with a blessing of thanks and a wish for the coming season.

(There will be a cauldron placed in the center of the circle)

Cakes & Wine

HP     Father Sky, Strong One, bless this bread with strength and optimism, that we may meet each day with confidence and vitality

HPS    Mother Earth, Great Healer, bless this cider with health and harmony, that we may live each day in peace and happiness.

Together    All life is your own, All fruits of the earth, Are fruits of your womb, Your union, your dance. Blessed be!

Releasing the Quarters

North:  HP    Mother Earth we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter    I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

West:  HPS    Guardian Sprit of the Waters of the West we thank you for your presence here tonight.

Quarter    I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

South:  HP    Guardian Spirit of the Southern Flames we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter    I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

East:  HPS    Father Sky we thank you for you presence here tonight.

Quarter    I leave you with Blessings and Thanks. Hail and Farewell

Closing the Circle

(All four quarters begin to walk around the circle , counter clock wise, holding the Air, Fire, Water, and Earth and the HP and HPS stand in the center)

HPS    Dear Lord and Lady    We thank you for today, walk beside us all the way.  Keep us safe from all that would, cause us heartache if it could.  Guard our eyes and ears and lips;   give us strength to come to grips;   with each new problem we must face and some courage just in case.  Never let our footsteps stray, ‘lest perhaps we lose our way.  And whatever may befall, keep us humble through it all.  If a weight must be our share, make it one that we can bear.  And through shadows of the night, hold us close till morning light.  This Circle is now open, but never broken.  

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Separation Circle 2001 CO1

Separation Circles are done for a variety of reasons. This was the very first time we had to do one to release five of our Circle Mates who wanted leave Circle of One to begin on their own. This type of Circle is best kept uncomplicated as the Sharing Circle portion should not be hurried. It's important to allow the remaining Circle Mates their own moment to speak freely and to allow others time to offer advice or comfort.

Separation Circle 2001

ATTUNEMENT (Group Ohm)

ASPERGING

(Circle is cleansed with Salt, Incense, Fire, Water and Broom in a counter clockwise motion)

CASTING THE CIRCLE

(Widdershins for banishment)

We conjure thee, O circle of Power, Raise your boundaries for us this evening hour.

Thrice circle round our energies blend, Completing a wall with no beginning or end.

CALLING THE QUARTERS

(Widdershins for banishment)

North:  Guardians of the watchtowers of the North, For tonight’s ritual, we call thee forth. Bring with you powers of earth and ground, Aid us this night so that peace may be found

West:  Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, Come forth this night per our bequest. Bring with you powers of water and rain, Aid us this night to release our pain

South:  Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, We summon you now with words from the mouth. Bring with you powers of sun and fire, Aid us this night in our hearts desire

East:  Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, Join us for the rite and later to feast. Bring with you the powers of the wind and the skies, Aid us this night to sever old ties

INVITATION TO THE GOD

Mighty God Herne, Father of all that is Magick. King of the Greats, Protector of all nature. Thou who casts thy golden ray upon the children of the earth. Smile upon thy witches and Priestess, Who seek thee here above, And lend thy sacred energies to our tasks this night

INVITATION TO THE GODDESS

Great Goddess Morrighann, Mother of all enchantments. Queen of the Devas

Provider for all nature. Thou who casts thy green ray upon the children of the earth. Smile upon thy witches and Priestess, Who seek thee here above, And lend thy sacred energies to our tasks this night

STATEMENT OF INTENT

We have gathered tonight to complete the separation of the ties that bind us to past circle mates who have chosen to explore different paths.  Now is the time to say goodbye to those circle mates and contemplate which direction you wish to see Circle of One take.  After tonight’s ritual, and before re-dedication in November, decide what you would like to see kept, and what you would like to see changed. We all have certain tasks that must be done between now and then and this is the time to create and complete them. 

SHARING CIRCLE

Everyone takes a moment to express any final feelings they have about events and people leading up to the separation. All positive and negative emotions are expressed, allowing for cleansing and new growth. 

BURNING OR BURIAL OF THE TOKEN

Burning of any remainders of previous member’s ritual tokens, garments and tools to release their energy and obligation to Circle. 

BLESSINGS

East, South, West and North, please aid us in this spell. Guardians of the protecting light, Be with us this day and all the night. Guide us away from harmful intent, Return ill will from where it was sent. Aid us in peace and serenity, As we will it, so mote it be

RAISING POWER

SEPARATION

(A ribbon symbolizing the ties that bind current circle mates with past circle mates is produced. On one half of the ribbon are knots, with spacing in between, representing previous members of the circle. On the other half are streamers representing existing members. Everyone forms a circle and each person holds a streamer.)

We call upon the energies of Universal Balance

We call upon the ancient energies of our people

We call upon the living essence of the Morrighann

We call upon the mighty presence of Herne

Underworld and heaven, Land and sea, We awaken these energies unto thee. Witness now that we renounce and sever, Break bonds and connection with (names of those being released from Circle). By all powers that are One Power, May the great sisters of Karma now weave all anew. And separate us from you. As we will it, So Mote It Be!

(The ribbon is severed between the knots, breaking all remaining spiritual ties.  The remains are placed within the fire. The ends of the half with the streamers is tied together to create a circle.)

CAKES & WINE

We charge these cakes of light and lunar wine. As we partake of them, let it be a sign that what is above shall be made to manifest below. What is within shall be without.  That we act on this plane to achieve our aims as well as placing our intentions on the astral level.

FAREWELL TO THE GOD & GODDESS

Mighty God Herne, Great Goddess Morrighann, Mother of all enchantments, Father of all that is magick, Provider and protector of all nature. We thank you for your strength and guidance this night, Go if you must, stay if you will, Hail and farewell.

RELEASING THE QUARTERS

Guardians all, we thank you this night. You’ve lent us your powers to aid in this rite. Four points of the circle who joined us here, We thrill in the knowledge to know you were near. Back to the homes from whence you came, Until the next time when we call you by name. Stay if you will, go if you must, Hail and Farewell.

OPENING THE CIRCLE

We release thee, O circle of Power. From the depths of the earth to the tops of the towers. Energies emerge with tales to tell, Our magick works to complete the spell

Thrice circle round, the energies fade, Out to the universe upon which it was made. This circle is open, but never broken.  Merry may we Meet, Merry may we Part, and Merry may we Meet again.

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Ask Permission 2023 CO1

Ask Permission 2023

Before cutting the branch of a tree or removing a flower, tell the spirit of the tree or plant what you are going to do, so that they can withdraw their energy from that place and not feel the cut so strong.

When you go to nature and want to take a stone that was in the river, ask the river keeper if he allows you to take one of his sacred stones.

If you have to climb a mountain or make a pilgrimage through the jungle, ask permission from the spirits and guardians of the place. It is very important that you communicate even if you do not feel, do not listen or do not see. Enter with respect to each place, since Nature listens to you, sees you and feels you.

Every movement you make in the microcosm generates a great impact on the macrocosm.

When you approach an animal, give thanks for the medicine it has for you.

Honor life in its many forms and be aware that each being is fulfilling its purpose, nothing was created to fill spaces, everything and everyone is here remembering our mission, remembering who we are and awakening from the sacred dream to return home.