#revdavinmaclugh

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Solitary Beltaine rite 2017:

Balancing of Feminine and Masculine 

      Solitary Beltaine 2017:

Balancing of Feminine and Masculine

By Rev. Davin Mac Lugh, ADF

 Beltaine is here! The warmth of the sun and Earth is returned! Green and growing things are burst back into life.  With the return of the warmth we find ourselves with called out to the green. It is time to celebrate life and growth with this turning of the wheel of the year.  Beltaine is often celebrated as a rite of fertility. In this we are looking at the coming together of the male and female; of masculine and feminine joining. This year let us as a solitary pagan work on the balancing and joining of the masculine and feminine that exists in all of us.

What you will need:

This rite can be performed indoors or out, however because of the season I am writing with the assumption most people will perform this rite indoors at a shrine of their making.

You'll need:

a cup or chalice and something to drink such as water or whisky

a bowl of water or other item to represent a "Well",

3 candles and heat safe plate or bowl to hold charcoal disk for incense offerings for the "fire"

Some sort of "tree" to represent the world tree.

A large bowl to place offerings into.  

a divination system such at runes, Ogham, Tarot or oracle cards ect.

a bit of silver

A recording device such as a smart phone or the like.

Offerings appropriate to your deity  of the occasion.  

an image of your deity(ies) of the occasion such as a picture printed from the internet.

Incense offering:  I suggest a mixture made up Frankincense, dried pine needles (chopped and ground to powder), and mistletoe (also dried crushed and ground to powder.)

Oats, cornmeal or flower for the earth mother offering.

A comfortable cushion or chair to sit on at the shrine.

     Preparing for the rite:

First take up the recording device and in a quiet place read out loud the following guided meditation into the device and save it.  During the rite you will play the recording to take you on a guided journey.

The meditation script:

               Take three gentle deep and slow breaths in and out. As you do so allow yourself to relax into your seat...untangle your knots, dull your edges, and allow yourself to mingle with the dust(pause). Close your eyes and with you inner sight see your shrine before you.  See the fire and the well, sense the power of the open gates above them. Just outside the light of the sacred fire all is mist. (pause)  Grey and white, swirling with the air currents and the currents of magic flowing around you and through you. (Pause) Turning your attention back to the gate, attune your thoughts to all that is feminine to you. Find all the qualities that you find feminine and give them a form, a shape. (pause) When you have that image firmly in mind say out loud "I call forth all that is feminine within me!" Visualize a form stepping out from the open gate that is your inner feminine.  (pause). Take a few moments to inspect it, even speak to it if you feel the impulse. (pause)  Now, letting the feminine stay there, think on what is masculine. What traits and qualities seem masculine to you? Can you give these things a shape and form? Do so now. (pause). When you are ready, call out "I summon forth all that is masculine in me" and with your inner eye as before, see the shape and form of what is masculine step out from the gate. Take a few moments to inspect this form of your masculine energy. feel free to speak to it if moved to do so. (pause) Good, now inspecting the two energies before you, does one seems stronger or more powerful in some way then the other? If so, what would it take to balance the two? Can you do it?, will you do it?  If it's something you can do now, then do so. (pause)  Once you feel you have balanced the two energies as close to equal as you can at this time, visualize the two forms looking at each other, then they slowly come toward one another until they touch.(pause) The touch then turns into a merging of the two. See them come together in a new form, The form of YOU! (pause). What does this balanced you look like? how does it feel to be around it?  If it feels right to do so, allow this balanced you to walk to you and enter into you merging once again into wholeness with yourself. (pause) If it is not right, or you're not ready, simply let the form turn and step back into the gate and the mists beyond.  Sit with what you have discovered and felt over this journey for a few more moments, then when you ready, slowly open your eyes, come fully back into yourself and precede with the ritual.

  Preparing for the rite:

Set up your shrine. Place the fire, well and tree in a triangle with the tree at the point farthest away from you (this makes it easier to access the fire and the well).  

Place your images of the deity(ies) of the occasion on either side of and slightly behind the tree.

If possible place your offering bowl  in the center of the fire, well and tree.  If not then on the floor in front of the shrine will do just as well.

for the fire place your three candles around whatever holds your charcoal disk.  

Gather your silver, incense and offerings and light your charcoal disk.

The rite:

I. Opening

               A. Opening prayer: "The wheel ever turns! I have come to mark the feast of Beltaine!  I call to the gods, spirits and ancestors, join me at my fire on this special day! I ask you forgive any errors and grant me your blessings.  So be it!"

                               1. Two powers grounding. (can be found on Pg. 95 of "our own druidry" book.

               B. Purification: *place some of the incense on the offering disk

                               1. *dip three fingers into your well and as you speak the incantation gently cast water in the four directions and say "by the might of the waters and the light of the fire may this space be made whole and holy."

                               2.  *again dip three fingers and gently cast water on the shrine saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make this shrine whole and holy."

                               3. *dip three fingers into the waters and gently cast water on yourself saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make myself whole and holy".

               C. Earthmother offering:  "Earth mother, all things come from you.  I honor you and your ways.  I ask that you bless this rite as you bless all the world. Earthmother accept this offering!" *take a hand full of the cornmeal/flour/oats and place them in the offering bowl or upon the earth if you are outdoors*

               D. Statement of purpose- " The forests are green! Flowers abundant! Life and warmth return to the earth! I keep the feast of Beltaine! As the ancients did before me and my children's children will do after me; I come to honor the god(dess) ______ and to celebrate life and joy!

               E. Hallowing the three hallows.  

                               1. Fire- *light the three candles of start the fire* "I light this fire as a blessing to all beings. Light of the heavens come and be in this hearth. Sacred fire, burn within me." *place some more incense on disk in center.

                               2. Well- "In the darkness flows the waters of wisdom, come and be in this well. Sacred waters flow within me." *place silver in well

                               3. Tree- *place 3 fingers in the well and gently cast water on the tree* "rooted deep and crowned high, the world tree connects us all.  Sacred tree grow within me."

                               4. Establishing the sacred Center- "The sea surrounds and supports me, the land stretches out around me, the sky arches over me, and in the center burns a sacred fire.  Let me pray with a good fire!"

               F. Opening the gates-

                               1.  Offering to the gatekeeper "oh! (name of gatekeeper being) Hear my call! I ask you to aid me in opening the gates between the worlds.  I ask that you watch and ward the open gates.  Gatekeeper accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal disk or other offering in the bowl*

                               2. *making a spiral motion with the hand starting at the center and spiraling out say "Let the fire be opened as a gate, let the well be opened as a gate, let the tree hold fast the way.  Open as an eye, open as a mouth, open as a door. by my will and word let the gates be open!" *spread your hands and arms apart from center as if opening great double doors*

II. Ritual body

               A. Inviting the three kindred

                               1. Ancestors- "by blood and bone, of spirit and stone, I call to the mighty dead.  Come and join me at the fire.  Mighty dead accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl or in a fire*                          

                               2. Nature spirits- "Noble spirits of land, sea and sky, of green sap and red blood, I offer you friendship, Be welcome at my fire.  Noble ones accept my offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl or in a fire.*

                               3. Gods- "Shining ones! Gods and goddesses of the realms, hear my call!  Know me as an ally and friend.  Shinning ones accept my offering! *Place incense on charcoal or offerings in bowl or in a fire.*

               B. Key Offerings-  *call to your chose deity of the occasion and place your offerings in the bowl or in a fire*

               C. Prayer of sacrifice- "Let my voice rise upon the fire, let my voice resound in the sea! OH mighty kindred You have turned to me as I have turned to you. Accept these offerings!"

               D. Seeking an omen- *take an omen to see what wisdom or blessing the kindred have for you tonight.

               E. The waters of life

                               1. poor your drink into the cup or chalice. "I poor the waters of inspiration, I draw from the well of wisdom, I fill the cauldron of my spirit with this drink." *hold the cup to the open gate "oh (name of deity of occasion) I have given to you.  Now as a gift calls for a gift I ask that your give in kind.  I open my heart to your blessing.  Let this be the ale of inspiration, and may your power flow through my veins.  Behold the waters of life!"  

                               2. *drink in the blessings

III. Closing

               A. Thanking the beings

                               1. Deity of the occasion- "I thank you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense or offering given

                               2. gods- "shining ones, I think you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

                               3. nature spirits- "Noble spirits, I thank you, peace and                                            farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

                               4. Ancestors- "mighty dead, I think you, peace and                                                   farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

               B. Closing the gates        

                               1. Ask the gate keeper to aid in closing the gates and give offering

                               2. *making a spiraling motion with the hand from outside to center "Let the fire be closed as a gate, let the well be closed as a gate. Let the tree no longer hold the way.  Closed as an eye, closed as a mouth, closed as a door. By the keeper of the gates and my will and word, let the gates be closed!" *bring both hands together as if closing large double doors.

               C. thanking the earthmother- *place hand on the ground "Earthmother, thank you for upholding my rite as you uphold the world.  Accept my offering"

               D. "the fire, the well, the sacred tree, flow and flame and grow in me. Thus do I remember the work of the wise. This rite is ended. So be it. 

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Solitary spring equinox rite 2017

Spring equinox solitary rite

by Rev. Davin Mac Lugh, ADF

Introduction

Where I live, the days are warm and pleasant, bird song fills the air, trees are once again adorned in their cloaks of green.  Grass sprouts bright green and we briefly enjoy the visual splendor of wild flowers blooming.  Other parts of the world are still having cold days, and the snow only just beginning to melt if at all. Whether or not you are still under feet of snow or facing 80 degree highs, we can look within and at our lives to see what is or is not flourishing and "springing" to life.

 What you will need:

This rite can be performed indoors or out, however because of the season I am writing with the assumption most people will perform this rite indoors at a shrine of their making.

You'll need:

a cup or chalice and something to drink such as water or whisky

a bowl of water or other item to represent a "Well",

3 candles and heat safe plate or bowl to hold charcoal disk for incense offerings for the "fire"

Some sort of "tree" to represent the world tree.

A large bowl to place offerings into.  

a divination system such at runes, Ogham, Tarot or oracle cards ect.

a bit of silver

Offerings appropriate to your deity  of the occasion.  

an image of your deity(ies) of the occasion such as a picture printed from the internet.

Incense offering:  I suggest a mixture made up Frankincense, dried pine needles (chopped and ground to powder), and mistletoe (also dried crushed and ground to powder.)

Oats, cornmeal or flower for the earth mother offering.

A comfortable cushion or chair to sit on at the shrine.

Preparing for the rite:

Set up your shrine. Place the fire, well and tree in a triangle with the tree at the point farthest away from you (this makes it easier to access the fire and the well).  

Place your images of the deity(ies) of the occasion on either side of and slightly behind the tree.

If possible place your offering bowl  in the center of the fire, well and tree.  If not then on the floor in front of the shrine will do just as well.

for the fire place your three candles around whatever holds your charcoal disk.  

Gather your silver, incense and offerings and light your charcoal disk.

The rite:

I. Opening

               A. Opening prayer: "The wheel ever turns! I have come to mark the spring equinox! I call to the gods, spirits and ancestors, join me at my fire on this special day!  I ask you forgive any errors and grant me your blessings.  So be it!"

                               1. Two powers exercise. (pgs 36-37 of Our Own Druidry).  

               B. Purification: *place some of the incense on the offering disk

                               1. *dip three fingers into your well and as you speak the incantation gently cast water in the four directions and say "by the might of the waters and the light of the fire may this space be made whole and holy."

                               2.  *again dip three fingers and gently cast water on the shrine saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make this shrine whole and holy."

                               3. *dip three fingers into the waters and gently cast water on yourself saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make myself whole and holy".

               C. Earthmother offering:  "Earth mother, all things come from you.  I honor you and your ways.  I ask that you bless this rite as you bless all the world. Earthmother accept this offering!" *take a hand full of the cornmeal/flour/oats and place them in the offering bowl.

               D. Statement of purpose- " The nature spirits return! The snows have melted, warmth returns, and new life burst forth! Day and Night are once more equal. As the ancients did before me and my children's children will do after me, I have come to honor the equinox and to find balance in my life."

 E. Hallowing the three hallows.  

                               1. Fire- *light the three candles* "I light this fire as a blessing to all beings. Light of the heavens come and be in this hearth. Sacred fire, burn within me." *place some more incense on disk in center.

                               2. Well- "In the darkness flows the waters of wisdom, come and be in this well. Sacred waters flow within me." *place silver in well

                               3. Tree- *place 3 fingers in the well and gently cast water on the tree* "rooted deep and crowned high, the world tree connects us all.  Sacred tree grow within me."

                               4. Establishing the sacred Center- "The sea surrounds and supports me, the land stretches out around me, the sky arches over me, and in the center burns a sacred fire.  Let me pray with a good fire!"

               F. Opening the gates-

                               1.  Offering to the gatekeeper "oh! (name of gatekeeper being) Hear my call! I ask you to aid me in opening the gates between the worlds.  I ask that you watch and ward the open gates.  Gatekeeper accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal disk or other offering in the bowl*

                               2. *making a spiral motion with the hand starting at the center and spiraling out say "Let the fire be opened as a gate, let the well be opened as a gate, let the tree hold fast the way.  Open as an eye, open as a mouth, open as a door. by my will and word let the gates be open!" *spread your hands and arms apart from center as if opening great double doors*

II. Ritual body

               A. Inviting the three kindred

                               1. Ancestors- "by blood and bone, of spirit and stone, I call to the mighty dead.  Come and join me at the fire.  Mighty dead accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl*                                

                               2. Nature spirits- "Noble spirits of land, sea and sky, of green sap and red blood, I offer you friendship, Be welcome at my fire.  Noble ones accept my offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl.

                               3. Gods- "Shining ones! Gods and goddesses of the realms, hear my call!  Know me as an ally and friend.  Shinning ones accept my offering! *Place incense on charcoal or offerings in bowl.

               B. Key Offerings-  *call to your chosen deity of the occasion and place your offerings in the bowl

               C. Prayer of sacrifice- "Let my voice rise upon the fire, let my voice resound in the sea! OH mighty kindred You have turned to me as I have turned to you. Accept these offerings!"

Meditation: Spring is a time of birth and rebirth. A time when the sleeping power of nature bursts fourth in to life. The spirits of the plants suddenly seem to come out of their hybernation. Now is a good time to reflect on our own life. What parts of ourselves and our lives are still in hibernation? Do they need to be? Are there aspects of our selves that need to "wake up" and spring into life?  If so how? Or are there aspects of our life that should be growing anew but aren't? Is our career stagnant? our relationships? How about your relationship with the Holy kindred? Is it blossuming? Spend time pondering one or a couple of these questions.  After a time, when you feel ready proceed to the omen to see what guidance the Kindred offer.

               D. Seeking an omen- Ask the kindred, "what must I do to to make (whatever situation or aspect of self) flourish and spring into life once again?"  Take the omen and meditate upon its meaning in context to your life and the question.

               E. The waters of life

                               1. pour your drink into the cup or chalice. "I pour the waters of inspiration, I draw from the well of wisdom, I fill the cauldron of my spirit with this drink." *hold the cup to the open gate "oh (name of deity of occasion) I have given to you.  Now as a gift calls for a gift I ask that your give in kind.  I open my heart to your blessing.  Let this be the ale of inspiration, and may your power flow through my veins.  Behold the waters of life!"  

                               2. *drink in the blessings

III. Closing

               A. Thanking the beings

                               1. Deity of the occasion- "I thank you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense or offering given

                               2. gods- "shining ones, I think you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given

                               3. nature spirits- "Noble spirits, I thank you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given

                               4. Ancestors- "mighty dead, I think you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given

               B. Closing the gates        

                               1. Ask the gate keeper to aid in closing the gates and give offering

                               2. *making a spiraling motion with the hand from outside to center "Let the fire be closed as a gate, let the well be closed as a gate. Let the tree no longer hold the way.  Closed as an eye, closed as a mouth, closed as a door. By the keeper of the gates and my will and word, let the gates be closed!" *bring both hands together as if closing large double doors.

               C. thanking the earthmother- *place hand on the ground "Earthmother, thank you for upholding my rite as you uphold the world.  Accept my offering"

               D. "the fire, the well, the sacred tree, flow and flame and grow in me. Thus do I remember the work of the wise. This rite is ended. So be it.”

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Kindred Wisdom

Three steps to great skill

Three steps to gain great skill:

Incubation

Difficulty

Memory.

               All skill, as all things, begin in womb of thought. Here skill must be protected and grown, give enough time, and practice the skill will emerge as it is brought to life.

               Great skill can only be achieved when there is sufficient challenge. A task to easily done will not cause one's skill to grow. Thus great skill can only be achieved by overcoming great difficulty. Not once, but time and again. With each challenge the skill grows until it reaches greatness. How great can a skill grow? It grows as great as the challenge it overcomes.

               A great skill must become memorized. It must be practiced over and over until it becomes so engrained in memory it is as familiar as walking, breathing, a pumping heart. 

**Kindred wisdom is a series of teachings in which I make use of Ogham divination to ask the Gods, Spirits of nature, and ancestors to give me a wisdom teaching to share. I draw four few. The first is the subject, the next three are related to the subject. This follows the form the the ancient Triads**

By fire, well, and sacred tree

Rev. Davin

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Solitary Imbolc 2017

photo used with permission. 

Imbolc 2017

by Rev. Davin Mac Lugh

Winter has come and it's cold grasp lays heavy on the land. Perhaps the snow is deep, or the day is grey and heavy with rain. We begin to feel the full weight of winter, it seems the rule of the Cailleach will never end. Yet if one is observant, you may begin to see subtle signs that spring will come. Buds on the trees that will burst into flowers in the coming weeks. Narcissists and Daffodils spring up in little explosions of color, in Europe the Snowdrop flowers push their way to the surface. Scottish lore tells us that it was on February 1st that Angus the ever young found and rescued the young Bridgit, prisoner of the Cailleach. In her rage the Cailleach sends great storms accross the land, but Bridgit and Angus are free and we know with the young lovers spring will come again.  

This rite is about cleansing away the things that "muddy" our spirit. It's about washing away the old and starting the year with a sense of renewed freshness and youth.  Bridghid will be the deity of the occasion.

 This rite can be performed indoors or out, with or without a full fire for placing offerings into.

What you will need for an indoor rite:

 You'll need:

a cup or chalice and some water

a small quartz crystal, carnelian, and jet

a bowl of water or other item to represent a "Well",

3 candles and heat safe plate or bowl to hold charcoal disk for incense offerings for the "fire"

Some sort of "tree" to represent the world tree.

A large bowl to place offerings into (if doing an indoor rite)

a divination system such at runes, Ogham, Tarot or oracle cards etc.

a bit of silver

Offerings appropriate to your deity  of the occasion.  

an image of your deity(ies) of the occasion such as a picture printed from the internet.

Incense offering

Oats, cornmeal or flower for the earth mother offering.

A comfortable cushion or chair to sit on at the shrine.

For an outdoor rite:

 You'll need:

a cup or chalice and some water

a small quartz crystal, carnelian, and jet

a large bowl of water, cauldron, or fountain to represent a "Well",

a bowl for carrying and to asperge water with .

incense for purifying the space

A fire pit or other safe place it have a fire in as well as wood for that fire

Some sort of "tree" to represent the world tree.

a divination system such at runes, Ogham, Tarot or oracle cards etc.

a bit of silver

Offerings appropriate to your deity  of the occasion.  

an image of your deity(ies) of the occasion such as a picture printed from the internet.

Olive oil in a bowl with ladle for offering to the Kindred

Oats, cornmeal or flower for the earth mother offering.

A comfortable cushion or chair to sit on at the shrine.

 The rite:

I. Opening

*if doing an outdoor right, I suggest lighting the fire at this point

           A. Opening prayer: "The wheel ever turns! I have come to mark the feast of Imbolc! As the ancients did, and my children's children will do after me,  I call to the gods, spirits and ancestors, join me at my fire on this special day!  I ask you forgive any errors and grant me your blessings.  So be it!"

                       1. Two powers exercise. (pgs 36-37 of Our Own Druidry).  

           B. Purification: *place some of the incense on the charcoal disk

                       1. *dip three fingers into your well and as you speak the incantation gently cast water in the four directions and say "by the might of the waters and the light of the fire may this space be made whole and holy."

                       2.  *again dip three fingers and gently cast water on the shrine saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make this shrine whole and holy."

                       3. *dip three fingers into the waters and gently cast water on yourself saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make myself whole and holy".

           C. Earth mother offering:  "Earth mother, all things come from you.  I honor you and your ways.  I ask that you bless this rite as you bless all the world. Earth mother accept this offering!" *take a hand full of the cornmeal/flour/oats and place them in the offering bowl if indoors, or cast upon the ground if outdoors.

             D.  Hallowing the three hallows.  

                       1. Fire- *light the three candles* "I light this fire as a blessing to all beings. Light of the heavens come and be in this hearth. Sacred fire, burn within me." *place some more incense on disk in center.  (If outdoors place a ladle of oil in fire)

                       2. Well- "In the darkness flows the waters of wisdom, come and be in this well. Sacred waters flow within me." *place silver in well

                       3. Tree- *place 3 fingers in the well and gently cast water on the tree* "rooted deep and crowned high, the world tree connects us all.  Sacred tree grow within me."

                       4. Establishing the sacred Center- "The sea surrounds and supports me, the land stretches out around me, the sky arches over me, and in the center burns a sacred fire.  Let me pray with a good fire!"

           E. Opening the gates-

                       1.  Offering to the gatekeeper "oh! (name of gatekeeper being) Hear my call! I ask you to aid me in opening the gates between the worlds.  I ask that you watch and ward the open gates.  Gatekeeper accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal disk or other offering in the bowl*

                       2. *making a spiral motion with the hand/wand/staff starting at the center and spiraling out say "Let the fire be opened as a gate, let the well be opened as a gate, let the tree hold fast the way.  Open as an eye, open as a mouth, open as a door. by my will and word let the gates be open!" *spread your hands and arms apart from center as if opening great double doors*

II. Ritual body

           A. Inviting the three kindred

                       1. Ancestors- "by blood and bone, of spirit and stone, I call to the mighty dead.  Come and join me at the fire.  Mighty dead accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl* (if outdoors, place a ladle of oil in fire)        

                       2. Nature spirits- "Noble spirits of land, sea and sky, of green sap and red blood, I offer you friendship, Be welcome at my fire.  Noble ones accept my offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl. (if outdoors, place a ladle of oil in fire)

                       3. Gods- "Shining ones! Gods and goddesses of the realms, hear my call!  Know me as an ally and friend.  Shinning ones accept my offering! *Place incense on charcoal or offerings in bowl.* (if outdoors, place a ladle of oil in fire)

           B. Key Offerings-  *call to your chosen deity of the occasion and place your offerings in the bowl or in the fire if outdoors*

           C. Prayer of sacrifice- "Let my voice rise upon the fire, let my voice resound in the sea! OH mighty kindred You have turned to me as I have turned to you. Accept these offerings!"

           D. Seeking an omen-  "O' (insert deity's name here), I have honored you well at this rite. Now as a gift calls for a gift, I ask you, what blessings do you offer in return?

                       Take the omen and spend a few moment s considering it in the context of the question.

           E. The waters of life

                       1. Take up the cup with the waters in it and place the quartz crystal in the water saying "By the power of Brigid, let these waters bring clarity adn purity, cleansing mind, body and spirit."

                       2. Drop Jet into the waters saying "By the power of Brigid, let these waters bring rest and comfort, and the peace of a calm soul."

                       3. Drop the carnelian into the water saying "By the power of Brigid, let these waters bring life and strength to the flesh, and joy to the soul."

                       4. Hold the cup with the waters up to the open gate of your rite and say "Exalted Bridgid, we have given to you. As a gift calls for a gift, bless these waters. Let these waters cleanse and renew that we wash away our ills. Behold the waters of cleansing!"

                       5. Take a few moments and think upon what troubles you, what you have failed at or mistakes you made that still haunt you. Pull up all the troubling feelings from the past year.  See them, feel them, hear them, then gather then together in your hands. Let them all be herded and pushed into the hands.  When you have them all there, take up the waters of cleansing and pour or wash your hands in the cleansing waters.  See, hear, and feel all your ills being washed away. Let them go.  If you like, dab some of the cleansing waters upon your brow, your heart, and your navel.  Repeat as much as you need to feel cleansed.  Once done, sit with the sensation of cleansing and freshness. Bask in it. When you are ready, close the rite as follows.  

III. Closing

           A. Thanking the beings

                       1. Deity of the occasion- "I thank you, peace and farewell."

                       *incense or offering given

                       2. gods- "shining ones, I think you, peace and farewell."

                       *incense given

                       3. nature spirits- "Noble spirits, I thank you, peace and farewell."

                       *incense given

                       4. Ancestors- "mighty dead, I think you, peace and farewell."

                       *incense given

           B. Closing the gates

                       1. Ask the gate keeper to aid in closing the gates and give offering

                       2. *making a spiraling motion with the hand from outside to center "Let the fire be closed as a gate, let the well be closed as a gate. Let the tree no longer hold the way.  Closed as an eye, closed as a mouth, closed as a door. By the keeper of the gates and my will and word, let the gates be closed!" *bring both hands together as if closing large double doors.

           C. thanking the earthmother- *place hand on the ground "Earthmother, thank you for upholding my rite as you uphold the world.  Accept my offering"            

           D. "the fire, the well, the sacred tree, flow and flame and grow in me. Thus do I remember the work of the wise. This rite is ended. So be it."

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Kindred Wisdom

Three treasures of inspiration

Three treasures of inspiration: 

Vision: Inspiration gives us a way to see beyond what is there, but to what could be. 

Endurance: Inspiration will push us. It will drive one long past the time others would give up. Hold onto inspiration, and you will go farther, longer, then you ever thought you could.  

Journeys: Each inspiration is the first step of a journey.  Some times it’s short, some times it takes a life time, maybe several life times, but they are all Journeys. In these journeys we experience our fears, and our joys.  Where has your inspiration taken you?

**Kindred wisdom is a series of teachings in which I make use of Ogham divination to ask the Gods, Spirits of nature, and ancestors to give me a wisdom teaching to share. I draw four few. The first is the subject, the next three are related to the subject. This follows the form the the ancient Triads**

By fire, well, and sacred tree

Rev. Davin Mac Lugh

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Ireland Pilgrimage The Lia Fal

 I hardly know where to start when talking about my Journey and Pilgrimage around Ireland, and make no mistake for that is what it was. To me going to Ireland was as much if not more so a spiritual journey of discovery as it was a physical one. As this is a blog on spiritual matters I shall focus upon the spiritual aspects of the journey here. 

    Those who know me or have been following along with my writings here will know that my chosen hearth culture is Irish based and Bridgit is...well, my patron. Until just now I have been reluctant to use that term for my relationship with her as I have had a number of deities wax and wane in importance in my life. As I was saying, being so Irish focused in my personal practice this trip was pregnant with importance, meaning, and growth for me. I took this trip with my b’loved wife, an eclectic witch working closely with Manannan Mac Lir, and our good friend a kitchen witch, and also a devotee of Bridgit and heavily Irish “informed” in her practice.  Our plan was to travel around Ireland in a rented car, visiting mostly prehistoric sites, with an addition of a visit with the Brigidine sisters, the well of Bridgit in Kildare and a visit to Blarney Castle as it a part of my wife’s family  history. 

     Tara: The first site we visited was Tara, the place of Lia Fal, the stone of destiny, and where the high kings of Ireland were inaugurated. Having read much of the old lore over the years I felt very familiar with the place...historically speaking. Being there, was a very different matter. Not only is there the stone and the last remains of a Rath, we have a passage tomb. It’s a beautiful location with a magnificent view. Ravens, perhaps Rooks, were in abundance. There is an otherworldly feel to the place, but it’s subtle. The most profound experience for me was placing my hand upon Lia Fal.  The amount of spiritual energy within that stone was awesome in it’s original sense of the word. It wasn’t so much that the energy was “strong” or “powerful” but it was akin to more like being in a boat far out to sea, and placing your hand in the water, where the water is an analogy for the energy in that stone. It’s there, and it’s vast.  At first I thought it was the accumulated energy of thousands of years of ritual works being performed, but as I meditate upon it further I am beginning to think that the stone is perhaps a conduit that taps into a much larger source of spiritual energy. Either way, there is great power there.  

     Though I would have liked to do a small ritual at Lia Fal, there were just to many tourists. We decided to take a walk to a Fairy tree a ways off. There we found many offerings left by others and being alone, I dug into my crane bag and pulled out offerings.  A short impromptu rite and offerings were made to the spirits of the land asking they see us as allies and friends and that there be peace between us. 

[rev-davin-mac-lugh]

Beltaine Solitary rite 2016

By: Rev. Davin Mac Lugh

Beltaine 2016 Solitary rite

Beltaine is here! The warmth of the sun and Earth is returned! Green and growing things are burst back into life.  With the return of the warmth we find ourselves with called out to the green. It is time to celebrate life and growth with this turning of the wheel of the year.

What you will need:

This rite can be performed indoors or out, however because of the season I am writing with the assumption most people will perform this rite indoors at a shrine of their making.

You'll need:

a cup or chalice and something to drink such as water or whisky

a bowl of water or other item to represent a "Well",

3 candles and heat safe plate or bowl to hold charcoal disk for incense offerings for the "fire" or an actual fire. 

Some sort of "tree" to represent the world tree.

A large bowl to place offerings into.  

a divination system such at runes, Ogham, Tarot or oracle cards ect.

a bit of silver

A recording device such as a smart phone or the like.

Offerings appropriate to your deity  of the occasion.  

an image of your deity(ies) of the occasion such as a picture printed from the internet.

Incense offering:  I suggest a mixture made up Frankincense, dried pine needles (chopped and ground to powder), and mistletoe (also dried crushed and ground to powder.)

Oats, cornmeal or flower for the earth mother offering.

A comfortable cushion or chair to sit on at the shrine.

  Preparing for the rite:

First take up the recording device and in a quiet place read out loud the following guided meditation into the device and save it.  During the rite you will play the recording to take you on a guided journey.

The meditation script:

               Take three gentle deep and slow breaths in and out. As you do so allow yourself to relax into your seat...untangle your knots, dull your edges, and allow yourself to mingle with the dust(pause). Close your eyes and with you inner sight see your shrine before you.  See the fire and the well, sense the power of the open gates above them. Just outside the light of the sacred fire all is mist. (pause)  Grey and white, swirling with the air currents and the currents of magic flowing around you and through you.  See yourself stand and a path leading into the mists become apparent.  Cautiously, slowly you begin down that path, the mists effortlessly part before you.  You continue for a time following the path into the mists. (Pause)  A gate rises up before you. Two tall piller stones with a mantle stone across the top. (pause) through the gateway you see a bright sunny land, with a well kept path stretching out into the wood of this other world.  You catch the scent of summer leaves, and feel the heat of a gentle warm breeze.(pause)  Sunlight streams down through the trees and the leaves dance to the tune of the wind….You step through the gateway and onto the path. Birds sing and bugs gently buzz around as you walk along the path of brown earth. (Pause) a ways down you come across a plot of beautiful red flowers.  Stop and  enjoy these flowers.  Look at them closely, smell them, feel them, see how the color changes as they wave in the sunlight. (pause)

               As you finish your visual exploration you look down the path and there you see a magnificent white stag standing in the path.  His antlers are expansive and covered in soft velvet. His chest is round and stands proudly and strong.(pause)  His head comes up and he looks at you with soft brown eyes that seem to see everything around at the same time (pause) He slowly walks the rest of the way across the path and into the woods.  You quietly walk to where he was standing.  There you look into the woods and you can see the white stag standing atop a small rise looking at you as if wondering if you will follow; you do. (pause)  You step off the path and onto a much smaller path made by frequent use of the deer herds. As you begin down this new and wild path, the stag drops down off the far side of the rise and out of sight (pause) You are alone now on this wild path (pause). You turn to look behind you only to see the forest close with no path laying behind you from which you came. There is only the path ahead. With nowhere else to go you continue forward and up the rise. (pause)

               As you reach the top of rise you notice that the sun is starting to set, and the forest is cast in the special golden light that only comes at sunrise and sunset. You look down the other side of the rise, where you suspect the stag went and you see a campfire and many people gathered round (pause). There between you and the fire and the people is the stag, again waiting and watching for you.  He casually turns and walks toward the fire and the other people, and you feel a strong compulsion to follow (pause). As you get closer your realize that what you thought was rolling thunder in the distance is in fact the sound of drums. What you thought were the chirping of crickets and the humming of bug wings were the sounds of string and wind instruments.  What you thought was the song of birds, was actually the song of beautifully inhumane voices!  It is a music of pure unbridled joy, and you must get closer (pause) after a while of walking you break free of the underbrush and enter the clearing where the fire has grown to great size.  The “people” you thought you saw are not like any people you have ever seen.  Some are tall and painfully beautiful, yet delicate and fragile.  Other are small and winged and flit about.  Other’s still are short , squat and brownish in color.  Some are cooking, some playing music, and other’s dancing. All are smiling and laughing and enjoying themselves, and from the darkness of the woods out of the light of the fire come the soft intimate sounds that only lovers know. (pause) Soon you are noticed (Pause) some of these spirits smile and wave for you to join the festivities.  Others look on with a neutral  expression and a few seem openly disdainful that you are there. (pause) You step forward and walk to the circle of festivities.  Soon the spirits go on about their jovialities. (pause) A spirit comes to speak to you, listen to what it says. (Pause) The spirit leaves you, and in a short while, another spirit approaches you and gives you a gift. (Pause) Once opened and thanked the spirit leaves. (Pause) After a while you grow very tired, unable to stay awake, you lay down upon the soft grass, and fall asleep.

When you awake, you are you, in the here and now. You sit/lay in front of your shrine. Slowly wiggle  your toes and your hands. Open your eyes and when ready come fully back to yourself and your ritual.

 Preparing for the rite:

Set up your shrine. Place the fire, well and tree in a triangle with the tree at the point farthest away from you (this makes it easier to access the fire and the well).  

Place your images of the deity(ies) of the occasion on either side of and slightly behind the tree.

If possible place your offering bowl  in the center of the fire, well and tree.  If not then on the floor in front of the shrine will do just as well.

for the fire place your three candles around whatever holds your charcoal disk.  

Gather your silver, incense and offerings and light your charcoal disk.

The rite:

I. Opening

               A. Opening prayer: "The wheel ever turns! I have come to mark the feast of Beltaine!  I call to the gods, spirits and ancestors, join me at my fire on this special day! I ask you forgive any errors and grant me your blessings.  So be it!"

                               1. Two powers grounding. (can be found on Pg. 95 of "our own druidry" book.

               B. Purification: *place some of the incense on the offering disk

                               1. *dip three fingers into your well and as you speak the incantation gently cast water in the four directions and say "by the might of the waters and the light of the fire may this space be made whole and holy."

                               2.  *again dip three fingers and gently cast water on the shrine saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make this shrine whole and holy."

                               3. *dip three fingers into the waters and gently cast water on yourself saying "by the might of the waters and light of the fire I make myself whole and holy".

               C. Earthmother offering:  "Earth mother, all things come from you.  I honor you and your ways.  I ask that you bless this rite as you bless all the world. Earthmother accept this offering!" *take a hand full of the cornmeal/flour/oats and place them in the offering bowl or upon the earth if you are outdoors*

               D. Statement of purpose- " The forests are green! Flowers abundant! Life and warmth return to the earth! I keep the feast of Beltaine! As the ancients did before me and my children's children will do after me; I come to honor the god(dess) ______ and to celebrate life and joy!

               E. Hallowing the three hallows.  

                               1. Fire- *light the three candles of start the fire* "I light this fire as a blessing to all beings. Light of the heavens come and be in this hearth. Sacred fire, burn within me." *place some more incense on disk in center.

                               2. Well- "In the darkness flows the waters of wisdom, come and be in this well. Sacred waters flow within me." *place silver in well

                               3. Tree- *place 3 fingers in the well and gently cast water on the tree* "rooted deep and crowned high, the world tree connects us all.  Sacred tree grow within me."

                               4. Establishing the sacred Center- "The sea surrounds and supports me, the land stretches out around me, the sky arches over me, and in the center burns a sacred fire.  Let me pray with a good fire!"

               F. Opening the gates-

                               1.  Offering to the gatekeeper "oh! (name of gatekeeper being) Hear my call! I ask you to aid me in opening the gates between the worlds.  I ask that you watch and ward the open gates.  Gatekeeper accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal disk or other offering in the bowl*

                               2. *making a spiral motion with the hand starting at the center and spiraling out say "Let the fire be opened as a gate, let the well be opened as a gate, let the tree hold fast the way.  Open as an eye, open as a mouth, open as a door. by my will and word let the gates be open!" *spread your hands and arms apart from center as if opening great double doors*

II. Ritual body

               A. Inviting the three kindred

                               1. Ancestors- "by blood and bone, of spirit and stone, I call to the mighty dead.  Come and join me at the fire.  Mighty dead accept this offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl or in a fire*                          

                               2. Nature spirits- "Noble spirits of land, sea and sky, of green sap and red blood, I offer you friendship, Be welcome at my fire.  Noble ones accept my offering!" *place incense on charcoal or offering in bowl or in a fire.*

                               3. Gods- "Shining ones! Gods and goddesses of the realms, hear my call!  Know me as an ally and friend.  Shinning ones accept my offering! *Place incense on charcoal or offerings in bowl or in a fire.*

               B. Key Offerings-  *call to your chose deity of the occasion and place your offerings in the bowl or in a fire*

               C. Prayer of sacrifice- "Let my voice rise upon the fire, let my voice resound in the sea! OH mighty kindred You have turned to me as I have turned to you. Accept these offerings!"

               D. Seeking an omen- *take an omen to see what wisdom or blessing the kindred have for you tonight.

               E. The waters of life

                               1. poor your drink into the cup or chalice. "I poor the waters of inspiration, I draw from the well of wisdom, I fill the cauldron of my spirit with this drink." *hold the cup to the open gate "oh (name of deity of occasion) I have given to you.  Now as a gift calls for a gift I ask that your give in kind.  I open my heart to your blessing.  Let this be the ale of inspiration, and may your power flow through my veins. Behold the waters of life!"  

                               2. *drink in the blessings

III. Closing

               A. Thanking the beings

                               1. Deity of the occasion- "I thank you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense or offering given

                               2. gods- "shining ones, I think you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

                               3. nature spirits- "Noble spirits, I thank you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

                               4. Ancestors- "mighty dead, I think you, peace and farewell."

                               *incense given or offering given

               B. Closing the gates        

                               1. Ask the gate keeper to aid in closing the gates and give offering

                               2. *making a spiraling motion with the hand from outside to center "Let the fire be closed as a gate, let the well be closed as a gate. Let the tree no longer hold the way.  Closed as an eye, closed as a mouth, closed as a door. By the keeper of the gates and my will and word, let the gates be closed!" *bring both hands together as if closing large double doors.

               C. thanking the earthmother- *place hand on the ground "Earthmother, thank you for upholding my rite as you uphold the world.  Accept my offering"

               D. "the fire, the well, the sacred tree, flow and flame and grow in me. Thus do I remember the work of the wise. This rite is ended. So be it."

  !��U�̢