Imbolc 2010: Holy Water, Sacred Flame
Jessie, my daughter, Anna and I headed out a little late due to Mommy's insanely insane headache. Ibuprofen and fellowship were miracle workers, pre-ritual. Overall, it was a beautiful rite. I love it when the participants have such a good handle on the Core Order, and Lees did a wonderful job as "Traffic Cop." Everything went smoothly, our workings were powerful, our omens were good, and no one died. Plus, we laughed. Lots of good energy. The word I left with tonight was "meaningful."
I am really starting to dig this role of Grove Bard more and more. The thing that makes me the most happy is how responsive the rest of the Grove is to musical workings. I think a lot of the time the lack of musical expression in the past has just been that we needed someone to focus the efforts of the group. There are so many talented people in the Grove, and several of them made my heart sing even louder during tonight's rite. Traci and Jan, I love that I can point to you and you know what I am asking of you--and that you do it beautifully and impressively. Molly and Seamus, I love that you begun the echo during Power of the Spirits before I got that far, and sang so well. Seamus, I am honored to stand next to you when you allow your voice to be a vessel for the inspiration that lives within you. All of you, all of you shimmer when you sing. As we continue to learn and grow our group skills in music, I can't wait to be able to sing counter parts and teach harmonies--and yes, Mike, this will come to pass. Singing in a round is the first step to harmonizing. You just have to get used to different people singing different things at the same time--and I've got a few more rounds up my sleeves as part of my master plan! No matter what it takes, you shine, Cranekin!!
Other highlights include the most successful Two Powers Meditation I have ever done in public. I have previously had a hard time tapping in when not alone, which I chalk up to years and years of solitary practice. I think the biggest help was Mike's delivery of the meditation. I actually saw something different with my mind's eye this time, and it was a lot closer to what I think actually happens. Thanks, Mike, for the imagery help.
The Waters portion of the rite included a "toning of the waters" in which we used a toning exercise to "charge" the waters. I really need to learn how to do this without needed a wall to hold me up for the next few minutes when we are done. Heh, it made the water tingle in my hand, so well worth the change, Shawneen!
Our Omens: Ngetal, the broom: Cleansing and healing, offerings accepted. Oir, the spindle: Hearth and home offered in return. And for those I've been talking to regarding Magic 1, Ceremonial Magick and Seidhr, you'll find it interesting that the third omen, further needs the Kindred have of us was Emancoll, the witchhazel: Powerful magics. I do believe Shawn pulled the stave and said, "They want us to use our magic." Let's just say, I get it, ok! I get it!
I began sewing my Cranebag this morning, and I learned that if you are going to sew leather by hand, you have to mean it. This might take a few days, but my first order of magic will be to consecrate my cranebag. I'm sure you'll read about it here. :)
Look out Silver Falls! The Cranes are coming to you on Sunday, and we are already full of the Light of Brigando! I can't wait to share your ritual space!
Khairete, everyone. I think my winter slumber and disconnected time is finally past. I am ablaze with the fire of rebirth and renewal, of healing, of music, of art and of inspiration. Greatness lies ahead. I can feel it.
I am really starting to dig this role of Grove Bard more and more. The thing that makes me the most happy is how responsive the rest of the Grove is to musical workings. I think a lot of the time the lack of musical expression in the past has just been that we needed someone to focus the efforts of the group. There are so many talented people in the Grove, and several of them made my heart sing even louder during tonight's rite. Traci and Jan, I love that I can point to you and you know what I am asking of you--and that you do it beautifully and impressively. Molly and Seamus, I love that you begun the echo during Power of the Spirits before I got that far, and sang so well. Seamus, I am honored to stand next to you when you allow your voice to be a vessel for the inspiration that lives within you. All of you, all of you shimmer when you sing. As we continue to learn and grow our group skills in music, I can't wait to be able to sing counter parts and teach harmonies--and yes, Mike, this will come to pass. Singing in a round is the first step to harmonizing. You just have to get used to different people singing different things at the same time--and I've got a few more rounds up my sleeves as part of my master plan! No matter what it takes, you shine, Cranekin!!
Other highlights include the most successful Two Powers Meditation I have ever done in public. I have previously had a hard time tapping in when not alone, which I chalk up to years and years of solitary practice. I think the biggest help was Mike's delivery of the meditation. I actually saw something different with my mind's eye this time, and it was a lot closer to what I think actually happens. Thanks, Mike, for the imagery help.
The Waters portion of the rite included a "toning of the waters" in which we used a toning exercise to "charge" the waters. I really need to learn how to do this without needed a wall to hold me up for the next few minutes when we are done. Heh, it made the water tingle in my hand, so well worth the change, Shawneen!
Our Omens: Ngetal, the broom: Cleansing and healing, offerings accepted. Oir, the spindle: Hearth and home offered in return. And for those I've been talking to regarding Magic 1, Ceremonial Magick and Seidhr, you'll find it interesting that the third omen, further needs the Kindred have of us was Emancoll, the witchhazel: Powerful magics. I do believe Shawn pulled the stave and said, "They want us to use our magic." Let's just say, I get it, ok! I get it!
I began sewing my Cranebag this morning, and I learned that if you are going to sew leather by hand, you have to mean it. This might take a few days, but my first order of magic will be to consecrate my cranebag. I'm sure you'll read about it here. :)
Look out Silver Falls! The Cranes are coming to you on Sunday, and we are already full of the Light of Brigando! I can't wait to share your ritual space!
Khairete, everyone. I think my winter slumber and disconnected time is finally past. I am ablaze with the fire of rebirth and renewal, of healing, of music, of art and of inspiration. Greatness lies ahead. I can feel it.