Harvest Home2014 CO1

HARVEST HOME, Māori

Lughnasa 2014, CO1

The first cultivation of food plants, or what we think of as farming, came into being about twelve thousand years ago. The ability to grow food products had a dramatic impact on the human way of life. Farming meant clans and tribes could settle in one area, creating communities and commerce. Rather than living a nomadic life of stalking herds of edible animals, people could settle in one place and venture out of their growing communities to forage only when hunting and the gathering of non-farm plants were needed.

These settled communities grew fast. Our ancestors discovered that this was an excellent arrangement for raising children, teaching survival skills, sharing work, and—most importantly—sharing food during the long winter months.

On the first or second day of August, Pagans and other rural people celebrate the harvest of the first grains; they have a variety of names for this festival. The most common in the English speaking west are Lammas and Lughnasadh. Lammas literally means "loaf mass”. And Lughnasa is Irish for the month of August, although many believe the word originally meant "Lugh's wedding." Lugh was a solar and fire deity, and Lughnasadh linked his Godly attributes to the archetype of mother earth's harvest bounty.

Native Americans in eastern North America celebrated the Festival of the Green Corn as a grain festival in honor of the Corn Grandmother. In ancient Rome the first harvest was known as Ceresalia, named for the grain Goddess Ceres, from whose name the English "cereal" is derived.

Many traditions from ancient celebrations have been preserved. Making small dolls or poppet out of dried grain is a common practice even now in the twenty-first century. These are kept as talismans of the harvest, treated like sacred objects, and then are usually burned when the winter and the risk of starvation has passed.

When the heart is torn from the flax bush where will the Bellbird sing?

You ask me what is the greatest thing on Earth, my reply is this:

It is people, it is the people

Altar Devotions

This is the journey of sacred footsteps - journeyed about the earth, journeyed about the heavens.  The journey of the ancestral gods who ascended into the heavens where they found the parentless source

From there they retrieved the baskets of knowledge.  These were distributed and implanted about the earth.  From which came human life, growing from dim light to full light - there was life.

Call Quarters

 Spirits of Earth, We call to you.

Lend your traits of wisdom, grounding, and patience.

The Flesh of life, the Strength of life, it moves from thee to me

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Air, We call to you.

Lend your traits of intelligence, psychic development, and innocence.

The Breath of life, the Knowledge of life, it blows from thee to me.

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Fire, We call to you.

Lend your traits of compassion, intuition, and empathy.

The Heat of life, the Will of life, it burns from thee to me.

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Water, We call to you.

Lend your traits of passion, inspiration, and creativity.

The Blood of life, the Passion of life, it flows from thee to me

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Cast Circle

Three times round this Circle’s bound. 

The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask Rangi, Father Sky to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell within these walls.

The second is a Circle of Hope – as we understand that all who pass through these doors will find hope in themselves and in their futures.

The Third is a Circle of Love – as we know that Papa, Mother Earth shines the light of her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.

Three times round this Circle’s bound. East, then South, then West and North from edge to edge this Circle is cast.  So Mote It Be.

 

Anoint

 

A hongi is a traditional Māori greeting in New Zealand. It is done by pressing one's nose and forehead (at the same time) to another person at an encounter. The head is regarded by Maori as tapu, the most sacred part of the body. The hongi is used at traditional meetings among Māori people and on major ceremonies and serves a similar purpose to a formal handshake. In the hongi, the ha (or breath of life), is exchanged and intermingled. The breath of life can also be interpreted as the sharing of both party's souls.

Unite energies

 

Welcome all welcome. Bring forth your love to the Marae.  Good health to everyone here. Bring forth your love to the Marae - Good health

 

Invocation

Cease the winds from the west, Cease the winds from the south, Let the breeze blow over the land, Let the breeze blow over the ocean, Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air - A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.

 

Greetings to the sky father, Rangi, the great heavens, the expansive heavens - the heavenly winds, the life-giving winds, the winds that caress the skin of all people.

 

Greetings to the earth mother, Papa, extending beyond the visible land and beyond the visible heavens - the earth mother trampled by our ancestors, the earth mother left in heritage by the ancient ones.

 

Name the Working

Personal Space

You cannot see it but it is there.  We view our space as a part of us, its part of what we call our self.  It gives us a feeling of security and allows us the 'space' to breathe.  It keeps others away from us, keeps them at a distance. Yet is also welcomes those we love and trust.

 

It is our invisible 'comfort zone'

It is ours and aligned individually to us

It has breadth and capacity but no substance

It gives a margin to keep things out and away from us

It defines our own personal territory

It can expand or contract according to the situation

It is our final refuge when all other barriers are down

Cakes and Ale

 

Welcome the gifts of food, from the sacred forests, from the cultivated gardens, from the sea, from the fresh waters.  We acknowledge Rangi who is above us, Papa who lies beneath us.  Let this be our commitment to all!  Draw together and Blessed Be!

 

Thank Spirit

 

Draw on, draw on, and draw on the supreme sacredness -To clear, to free the heart, the body and the spirit of mankind. Rongi, suspended high above us, Papa, resting below us - Draw together and Blessed Be!

 

Release Quarters

 

Spirits of Water, we thank you.

The Blood of life, the Passion of life, it flows from me to thee

Your gift of healing we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Fire, we thank you.

The Heat of life, the Will of life, it burns from me to thee

Your gift of passion we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Air, we thank you.

The Breath of life, the Knowledge of life, it blows from me to thee

Your gift of wisdom we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Earth, we thank you.

The Flesh of life, the Strength of life, it moves from me to thee

Your gift of power we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell. Blessed be.

 

Open Circle

May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled - This Circle is open but unbroken.  Merry Meet, Merry Part and may we Merry Meet Again.

 

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Pagan Māori Circle 2014 CO1

Māori Circle

8/2/14 CO1

HARVEST HOME

 

The first cultivation of food plants, or what we think of as farming, came into being about twelve thousand years ago. The ability to grow food products had a dramatic impact on the human way of life. Farming meant clans and tribes could settle in one area, creating communities and commerce. Rather than living a nomadic life of stalking herds of edible animals, people could settle in one place and venture out of their growing communities to forage only when hunting and the gathering of non-farm plants were needed.

 

These settled communities grew fast. Our ancestors discovered that this was an excellent arrangement for raising children, teaching survival skills, sharing work, and—most importantly—sharing food during the long winter months.

 

On the first or second day of August, Pagans and other rural people celebrate the harvest of the first grains; they have a variety of names for this festival. The most common in the English speaking west are Lammas and Lughnasadh. Lammas literally means "loaf mass”.  And Lughnasa is Irish for the month of August, although many believe the word originally meant "Lugh's wedding." Lugh was a solar and fire deity, and Lughnasadh linked his Godly attributes to the archetype of mother earth's harvest bounty.

 

Native Americans in eastern North America celebrated the Festival of the Green Corn as a grain festival in honor of the Corn Grandmother. In ancient Rome the first harvest was known as Ceresalia, named for the grain Goddess Ceres, from whose name the English "cereal" is derived.

 

Many traditions from ancient celebrations have been preserved. Making small dolls or poppet out of dried grain is a common practice even now in the twenty-first century. These are kept as talismans of the harvest, treated like sacred objects, and then are usually burned when the winter and the risk of starvation has passed.

 

When the heart is torn from the flax bush where will the Bellbird sing?

You ask me what is the greatest thing on Earth, my reply is this:

It is people, it is the people.

 

Altar Devotions

This is the journey of sacred footsteps - journeyed about the earth, journeyed about the heavens.  The journey of the ancestral gods who ascended into the heavens where they found the parentless source

From there they retrieved the baskets of knowledge.  These were distributed and implanted about the earth.  From which came human life, growing from dim light to full light - there was life.

Call Quarters

 

Spirits of Earth, We call to you.

Lend your traits of wisdom, grounding, and patience.

The Flesh of life, the Strength of life, it moves from thee to me

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Air, We call to you.

Lend your traits of intelligence, psychic development, and innocence.

The Breath of life, the Knowledge of life, it blows from thee to me.

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Fire, We call to you.

Lend your traits of compassion, intuition, and empathy.

The Heat of life, the Will of life, it burns from thee to me.

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Spirits of Water, We call to you.

Lend your traits of passion, inspiration, and creativity.

The Blood of life, the Passion of life, it flows from thee to me

May you be blessed and smile upon this rite. Hail and welcome!

 

Cast Circle

Three times round this Circle’s bound. 

The first is a Circle of Protection - as we ask Rangi, Father Sky to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell within these walls.

The second is a Circle of Hope – as we understand that all who pass through these doors will find hope in themselves and in their futures.

The Third is a Circle of Love – as we know that Papa, Mother Earth shines the light of her love upon all who gather here beneath this roof.

Three times round this Circle’s bound. East, then South, then West and North from edge to edge this Circle is cast.  So Mote It Be.

 

Anoint

 

A hongi is a traditional Māori greeting in New Zealand. It is done by pressing one's nose and forehead (at the same time) to another person at an encounter. The head is regarded by Maori as tapu, the most sacred part of the body. The hongi is used at traditional meetings among Māori people and on major ceremonies and serves a similar purpose to a formal handshake. In the hongi, the ha (or breath of life), is exchanged and intermingled. The breath of life can also be interpreted as the sharing of both party's souls.

 

Unite energies

 

Welcome all welcome. Bring forth your love to the Marae.  Good health to everyone here. Bring forth your love to the Marae - Good health

 

Invocation

Cease the winds from the west, Cease the winds from the south, Let the breeze blow over the land, Let the breeze blow over the ocean, Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air - A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.

 

Greetings to the sky father, Rangi, the great heavens, the expansive heavens - the heavenly winds, the life-giving winds, the winds that caress the skin of all people.

 

Greetings to the earth mother, Papa, extending beyond the visible land and beyond the visible heavens - the earth mother trampled by our ancestors, the earth mother left in heritage by the ancient ones.

 

Name the Working

Personal Space

You cannot see it but it is there.  We view our space as a part of us, its part of what we call our self.  It gives us a feeling of security and allows us the 'space' to breathe.  It keeps others away from us, keeps them at a distance. Yet is also welcomes those we love and trust.

 

It is our invisible 'comfort zone'

It is ours and aligned individually to us

It has breadth and capacity but no substance

It gives a margin to keep things out and away from us

It defines our own personal territory

It can expand or contract according to the situation

It is our final refuge when all other barriers are down

Cakes and Ale

 

Welcome the gifts of food, from the sacred forests, from the cultivated gardens, from the sea, from the fresh waters.  We acknowledge Rangi who is above us, Papa who lies beneath us.  Let this be our commitment to all!  Draw together and Blessed Be!

 

Thank Spirit

 

Draw on, draw on, and draw on the supreme sacredness -To clear, to free the heart, the body and the spirit of mankind. Rongi, suspended high above us, Papa, resting below us - Draw together and Blessed Be!

 

Release Quarters

 

Spirits of Water, we thank you.

The Blood of life, the Passion of life, it flows from me to thee

Your gift of healing we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Fire, we thank you.

The Heat of life, the Will of life, it burns from me to thee

Your gift of passion we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Air, we thank you.

The Breath of life, the Knowledge of life, it blows from me to thee

Your gift of wisdom we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell.

 

Spirits of Earth, we thank you.

The Flesh of life, the Strength of life, it moves from me to thee

Your gift of power we will know, we give you thanks and bid you go.

Hail and farewell. Blessed be.

 

Open Circle

May those who guide us with their light, protect us in the dark and walk beside us on the roads traveled - This Circle is open but unbroken.  Merry Meet, Merry Part and may we Merry Meet Again.

 

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Smurf Blue Moon 2015 CO1

Smurf Blue Moon 2015

Circle Dragonfly

 

Altar Devotions

(Light candles, sprinkle blue glitter)

 
To Granny and Grandpa Smurf, protectors of the wee blue ones and The Long-Life Force Stone. We remember and honor you.
 

Purify the Area

(With blue water from bowl)

 
 May this space be cleansed and purified of all un-Smurf energies
 

Smudge

 
May these roots of the Smurf-berry bush cleanse and purify you of all un-Smurf energies
 

Anoint

(head pop)

 
Welcome and Be Smurf’d
 

Cast the Circle

(Holding wand)

 
I cast this circle as in days of old, to welcome and protect the Wise Blue Ones as Their secrets are told. Three times round this Circle 's bound. From the North and the East to the South and the West then to the North again.
 
The first is the Circle of Protection, as we ask our God Grandpa Smurf to cast a protective eye upon all who dwell and visit within this mushroom.
The second is the Circle of Hope, as we understand that all who pass through these doors will find Smurf-ness in themselves and in their futures.
The third is a Circle of Love, as we know that our Goddess, Granny Smurf shines Her Smurf-ness upon all who gather here beneath this mushroom.
 
Three times round this Circle's bound. North, South, East and West from mushroom to mushroom this Circle is cast. So, Smurf It Be.
 

Call Quarters

 
North:      (light the candle, hold up Gardner Smurf)
Welcome Gardner, Smurf spirit of the North, of Earth. We ask that you bring your gifts of patience, endurance, stability and prosperity to this circle. Welcome to our rite. Enter our circle and be Smurf’d.
 
East:          (light the candle, hold up Super Smurf)
Welcome Super Smurf, spirit of the East, of Air. We ask that you bring your gifts of wisdom, intellect, perception and inspiration to this circle. Welcome to our rite. Enter our circle and be Smurf’d
 
South:      (light the candle, hold up Fireman Smurf)
Welcome Fireman Smurf, spirit of the South, of Fire. We ask that you bring your gifts of passion, strength, energy and will power to this circle. Welcome to our rite. Enter our circle and be Smurf'd.
 
West:        (light the candle, hold up Surfer Smurf)
Welcome Surfer Smurf spirit of the West, of Water.
We ask that you bring your gifts of emotion, pleasure and fertility to our rite. Enter our circle and be Smurf'd.
 
Spirit:       (light the white candle, hold up Angel Smurf)
Welcome Angel Smurf of Centre, of Spirit. We ask that you bring some happiness, craziness and fun to our rite. Enter our circle and be Smurf'd.
 

Unite Energies/Raise Power

 
Each of you will be given a kazoo. The first person will begin kazooing the Smurf tune. (Demonstrate) At the end of the tune, the second person will join with the first and kazoo the tune. Continue around until everyone kazoo's the kazoo kazooing the Smurf jingle.
 
Invoking God: (Light red candle, hold Grandpa Smurf in RIGHT hand)
I invoke and call upon you O Grandpa Smurf, Provider of Smurfberries, Master of all that is short and blue, Protector of the Long-Life Force Stone. Bring your power, blessings and Smurf-ness to our Circle this night.
 
Invoking Goddess:  (Light green candle, hold Granny Smurf in LEFT hand)
Great Goddess, Granny Smurf, Protectress of the female Smurfs. I invoke and call upon You this night to help us celebrate our gathering. Bring your love, joy, happiness and Smurf-ness to our Circle this night.
 

Working

 
Everyone will receive a piece of blue paper, and a blue pen. Write your personal goals to be achieved before the next Blue Moon on the paper.  When everyone is finished, we’ll put the papers in a decorated blue envelope and bury the envelope in the garden. Where our achievements will be able to grow and become reality.

History

 
The Smurfs began life as a Belgian comic and television franchise centered on a group of small blue humanoid creatures called Smurfs by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo on October 23, 1958. Physically, a Smurf is usually no more than three apples high and has a pear-shaped body with an oval head, springy legs and limber arms, with a short stubby tail sticking out their butts. Smurfs tend to age slower than humans and thus live longer lives. A Smurf reaching the age of 1,000 is not unheard of but only Pappa Smurf, the leader of the community, goes well beyond these years, possibly due to the effects of the Long-Life Force Stone which has kept the Smurfs from accelerated aging and their possible destruction. Smurfs are usually named after their personality disposition, for example Brainy, Greedy, Gutsy, Vanity, Lazy, Clumsy, Hefty, Jokey, Dreamy, Grouchy, or their profession, for example Poet, Actor, Handy, Harmony, Farmer, Clockwork, Painter, Tailor, Minor, Architect, Reporter, Timber, Barber, Baker, Doctor and many more. The only oddity, Smurfette, was believed to be a creation of the evil wizard Gargamel and his brainless cat Azreal both non-Smurfs.
 
Little is known about the Goddess Granny Smurf, the protectress of the female Smurf's Smurfette, Sassette, and Clockwork, the only known female Smurf's. It’s believed she was accidentally imprisoned in a haunted house called Castle Captor when she left the Smurf Village to go after Grandpa Smurf, and did not reappear until 500 years later. The God, Grandpa Smurf, the protector of all things Smurf was believed to be the father of Pappa Smurf when he was just a Smurfling.
 
The Long-Life Force Stone is a crystal, contained in a magic box that can only be opened with a special key kept safely hidden in Grandpa Smurf's beard. It controls the aging process of a Smurf, allowing them to live long lives. However, the crystal's power only lasts for about 1,000 years, after which it must be replenished with the power of the four primal elements to restore its power. One sign of the weakening power is that the Smurfs start to age rapidly and the Smurf Village begins to deteriorate.
 
The God Grandpa Smurf made a 500-year journey to find the location of the purest of the four primal elements in order to restore power to the Long-Life Force Stone and with the help of Papa Smurf, Handy, Greedy and Sassette, the samples were collected and the power of the Long-Life Force Stone was restored. Life was once again Smurfy!
 

The Blue Moon

 
The Blue Moon occurs when two full moons happen in one calendar month. Since the phase period of the moon is 29.5 days, you usually have only one full moon each month. But each month it's a little earlier than the previous month and eventually you'll find two full moons in a single month. (last night... the next being on March 31, 2018) This occurs about every 2.5 years, and the second full moon is called the Blue Moon. There is no physical difference in appearance, the second full moon looks just like the first.
 
According to folklorists, the term Blue Moon is at least 400 years old. The earliest known references to a Blue Moon were intended as examples of improbable events or something that could never happen. As time passed the expression evolved to mean something that rarely or never happened. Hence the expression Once in a Blue Moon is still popular today.
 
In the pagan community, the origins of the blue moon vary and the legend of these meanings cannot be substantiated. However, some believe the second full moon holds the knowledge of the Goddess Granny Smurf and therefore contains the wisdom of the 3-fold energy. This can be associated with the Goddess in her three forms, Maiden, Mother and Crone. But, for tonight’s purpose we'll call her Smurf’d, Really Smurf’d and A Whole Lotta Smurf’d! It can also be associated with the 3 natures of self as Mind, Body and Spirit.
 
Another view is that the Blue Moon represents a time of heightened or clearer communication between our physical being and the Divine. It can be viewed as a link between the physical (masculine energy) and the spiritual (feminine energy) making communication with Spirit easier and more apt to yield insightful and enlightened communications
 

Cakes & Ale

 
Please bless this food and drink. All that we do is in honor of the God & Goddess. May your Smurf's never hunger. May your Smurfs never thirst. So, Smurf-it be.
 
Release God and Goddess
 
(Extinguish red candle. Hold up Grandpa Smurf)
Mighty Grandpa Smurf, we thank You for the blessing of Your Smurf-ness. Stay if You will, go if You must. So, Smurf-it be.
 
 (Extinguish white candle. Hold up Granny Smurf)
Queen of the wee blue ones, we thank You for the blessing of Smurf-ness. Stay if You will, go if You must. So, Smurf-it be.
 

Release Quarters

 
Spirit - (extinguish white candle, hold Angel Smurf high)
Oh Smurf Spirit, we thank You for joining us this evening. We bid You well as You depart, may there be Smurf-ness between us. May You always Smurf’d Be.
 
West - (extinguish the candle)
Surfer Smurf, Smurf Spirit of the West, of Water, we thank You for joining us this evening. We bid You well as You depart, may there be Smurf-ness between us, May You always Smurf’d Be.
 
South - (extinguish the candle)
Fireman Smurf, Smurf Spirit of the South, of Fire, we thank You for joining us this evening. We bid You well as You depart, may there be Smurf-ness between us. May You always Smurf’d Be.
 
East (extinguish the candle)
Super Smurf, Smurf Spirit of the East, of Air, we thank You for joining us this evening. We bid You well as You depart, may there be Smurf-ness between us. May You always Smurf’d Be.
 
North - (extinguish the candle)
Farmer Smurf, Smurf Spirit of the North, of Earth, we thank You for joining us this evening. We bid You well as You depart, may there be smurfness between us. May You always Smurf’d Be.
 

Smurf Theme Song

(kazoo's & singing)

 
Kazoo - Sing a happy song
Kazoo - Smurf your whole day long.
Kazoo - Smurf along with me!
Kazoo - Simple as can be!
 
Next time you’re feeling blue just let a smile begin, Happy things will come to you so Smurf yourself a grin! - Kazoo finale
 

Open Circle

 
We, came together this evening in perfect love and perfect trust; let us part the same way. Let us spread the laughter, joy and love we have shared in this Circle this evening outward to all; sharing it with those we meet. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond. Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again.

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Community, Esbat 2002 CO1

 

Tampa CUUP’s, 2002

Building Community

Anoint

(Two greeters outside the doors to challenge and welcome.  Two greeters inside the room to anoint.)

Statement of Intent

Purify the Area

(While HPS is talking each quarter approaches the altar, takes whatever their element is and walk counter clockwise around the circle beginning in their quarter..  Each quarter is responsible for supplying their own element…East, fan or feather - South, lantern or candle - West, water and bowl or mister - north, salt and bowl.  Return all elements to the altar.)

Call Quarters & Cast Circle

(The Quarters are sung in through rounds, starting in the East.  Everyone will follow, standing in their quarters facing in and ending in the center facing out.  As the Quarters are sung in HPS and HP walk the inner circle clockwise to cast.)

EAST:  The Air brings us wisdom, listen to the wind, The Air brings us wisdom, listen to the wind.  Sing Now to bring in the East, Sing Now to bring in the East 

SOUTH:  The Fire lights our passion with its burning flame, The Fire lights our passion with its burning flame.  Sing Now to bring in the South, Sing Now to bring in the South 

WEST:  The Water gives emotion, feel the moving waves, The Water gives emotion, feel the moving waves.  Sing Now to bring in the West, Sing Now to bring in the West 

NORTH:  The Earth is our body, we return to it, The Earth is our body, we return to it.  Sing Now to bring in the North, Sing Now to bring in the North 

ALL:  The Center is the Spirit, joining us as one, The Center is the Spirit, joining us as one.  Rejoice Now the Circle is cast, Rejoice Now the Circle is cast

Unite energies

(HP Will lead the room in a triple wave.  Beginning in the East.)

HP:  Building Community means learning to work together.  It’s knowing that you can do your part and trusting that the person next to you will do theirs when it’s their turn.  With this in mind we’re going to create an ongoing wave just like you’ve probably seen on TV or at a sports game.  Beginning in the East I want everyone to stand up with a shout, raise your hands up high and sit back down again.  As the people to your right sit down then it’s your turn to stand up, shout and sit down again.  We’ll do this three times sending the wave around the room three times.  Let’s all see just how smooth we can make this happen before the third time comes around.

Invocation

HP:  In an earlier age He was called Herne, Osiris, Zeus, and by many other names. He is the strength of the rock at thy back, the roots of the tree that anchor the Earth, and the call of the road that leads over the hill. By the powers of the running stag, by the darkness of night and the lingering tendrils of dreams, by the beauty of your own creation, He will charge thee: Always follow your heart and your instinct. The wealth of the heart will guide you where the cold edge of logic cannot take you. And so He joins us this night, to watch over and find joy in our gathering. So Mote It Be

HPS:  In the mists of time She was called Brigid, Isis, Hera, and by many other names. She is the quickening of the seed in Springtime and the peace of the quiet woods in Winter. By the powers of the steadfast Earth, by the darkness of death and the white light of birth, by the strength of your human spirits, She will charge thee: Strive always for the growth of your eternal soul. Challenge your mind, never accept complacently that which has been the standard merely for the reason that it is the standard by which the majority judges itself. And so She joins us this night, to watch over and find joy in our gathering. So Mote It Be

Name the Working

(Continue speaking about Community as the balloons are passed out.)

  

HP:  Everyone is being given a balloon…now don’t blow it up yet and when you’re done don’t tie it off…just hold it.  

(Get the participants involved in talking about what they want or need as well as what they may feel they can give back to their Community.  Keep them talking until all the balloons are passed out)

Perform the Work

HPS:  Ok…now it’s time to really think about what you would like to receive from your community.  Blow up your balloons and fill them with all your wishes.  Blow them up as much as you can and DON’T tie them off!! When everyone is finished we’ll hand our balloons filled with our wishes to someone else in the circle that we don’t yet know. (allow people time to move around and pass on their balloons)  Now once you have someone else’s balloon take a few moments to think about what you might have to offer to your community.  Place those abilities on the outside of the balloon.  Once everyone is ready lift your balloon up as high as you can and let it go!!  You’ll be releasing all your wishes and dreams as well as your abilities into the Universe.  Now since we’re a very responsible community everyone gets to clean up after themselves…everyone pick up the balloons!!

Raise Power

HPS:  We need everyone who can stand without discomfort to come into the middle of the room and make a really large circle.  

(Circle Mates move around the room getting people up and into the center of the room.  Once everyone is up the quarters assemble around the altar and wait until the participants are given further instructions. HPS moves around the inner circle counting off 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 etc.)  

Ok…now we’re going to meet and get to know each other.  All the number 1’s turn to your left and the number 2’s turn to your right.  Take a moment to introduce yourselves, bow, curtsy, hug…whatever feels comfortable.  When the singing starts everyone step forward, swing your partner around and move on to the next partner.  When the music stops it’s time to introduce yourselves again to whomever is now standing in front of you.  We’re going to do this a couple of times to give you a chance to meet some new people tonight.

Cakes and Ale

(HP & HPS: Each holds up a basket of apple cakes for the blessing, then hand them off to two of the Quarters who return to their quarters and begin passing them out with the same blessing - “eat and be blessed.”  They follow the baskets around the room to be sure everyone gets one.)

 

Together: He is the sowing seed, She is the fertile land,

He is the harvester’s blade, She is the hands of life,

                        They are the blessings of this cake.  Eat and be blessed.

(HP & HPS: Each holds up a bottle of apple juice for the blessing, then hand them off to two of the Quarters who return to their quarters and begin passing them out with tiny cups and the same blessing - “drink and be blessed.”  They follow the bottles around the room to be sure everyone gets one.)

Together:        He is the nurturing sun, She is the rich earth,

                          He is the sweet fruit, She is bearer of life,

                          They are the blessings of this wine.  Drink and be blessed.

Release Quarters & Open Circle

(The Quarters are released through chant (x3) while HPS and HP walk the inner circle counter-clockwise to release the circle.)

Quarters:  Elements of East, and West, South, and North!  With a rousing chant we called you forth, We release you now to carry the spell. Quarters all, hail and farewell

HPS:  This Circle is open, but unbroken, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry shall we all Meet again.

Feast

 

SONGS

She danced on the water, and the wind was Her horn; The Lady laughed, and everything was born. And when She lit the sun and the light gave Him birth. The Lord of the Dance first appeared on the Earth.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I danced in the morning when the World was begun; I danced in the Moon and the Stars and the Sun. Called from the Darkness by the Song of the Earth. I joined in the Singing, and She gave Me birth!

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I dance in the Circle when the flames leap up high. I dance in the Fire, and I never, ever, die. I dance in the waves of the bright Summer Sea. For I am the Lord of the wave's mystery. 

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

I dance at the Sabbat when you chant the Spell; I dance and sing let everyone be well. And when the dancing's over do not think that I am gone. I live in the music so I still dance on.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

The Horn of the Lady cast its' sound 'cross the Plain The birds took the notes, and gave them back again Till the sound of Her music was a Song in the sky And to that Song there is only one reply.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

The moon in her phases, and the tides of the sea The movement of the Earth, and the Seasons that will be Are the rhythm for the dancing, and a promise through the years That the Dance goes on through all our joy, and tears.

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

They danced in the darkness and They danced in the night; They danced on the Earth, and everything was light They danced out the Darkness and They danced in the Dawn and the Day of that Dancing is still going on!

*****     Dance, dance, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance said He.

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)

Llamas Sabbat 1998 CO1

Llamas Sabbat, 1998

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.  

Feast

Welcome to the CircleOfOne Archives

https://circleofone1.blogspot.com

Go Mbeannaigh    (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Beannaichte Be    (Gaelic, Scotland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

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

Xut Kala Xetl     (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)

Seja Abençoado     (Portuguese, Portugal - Blessed Be)