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Samhain Celebration 2007The Samhain celebration went wonderfully. We had a beautiful altar of the dead and the ritual theme was the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou." More than 80 people arrived for the ritual so it was a full one. Samhain 2007 Blackberry Circle RitualThis was the written ritual that was practiced. During this ritual we not only celebrated Samhain but we also celebrated Gina's 14th birthday. During ritual there are many times a lot of impromptu happenings based on the situation or because someone forgot lines, or because Thora, a three year old little girl decides to follow Death around the Circle... but here is the ritual as written by Jon... Alter ConsecrationJON: Lift incense in air with left hand CATHERINE: Lift salt in air with left hand JON: Lift candle in air with left hand CATHERINE: Lift chalice in air with left hand Great RiteBalance a pinch of salt on the athame blade and sprinkle it three times into the water. Stir three times deosil with the blade of the athame. Hold the chalice in the left hand and the athame in the right hand. Say: Circle CastJON: I cast this space, a sphere set apart, Erecting the TempleAs above… JON with athame in air: And to The Dagda, the Black Snake, Unto Thee High and Holy Lady and Lord Calling the QuartersEAST: To the East I call forth the Spirits of Earth SOUTH: To the South I call forth the Spirits of Fire WEST: To the West I call the Spirits of Water NORTH: To the North I call the Spirits of Air JON: This is the time of Samhain, the Witches New Year. This is one of the most magickal times of the year as well for twice in the year the veil between the worlds thin allowing free passage between all worlds, all times, anything that has been and anything that will be. It is during the thinning at this time of year that we acknowledge our friends and family that have crossed over to the Summerland during the past year. At this time we ask that each of you name those who have crossed over and invite them to join us this one last time for revelry and companionship. Almost all cultures celebrate the death of a loved one by remembering the life of that loved one and what they have given that enriches the lives of those they touched. In New Orleans they have bands playing music and they parade through the streets in open celebration. Our neighbors to the south celebrate their dead on November third with Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, where they offer food and drink to their loved ones who have passed on and some actually have dinner over the graves of their ancestors. It also seems that every culture, even though they morn the passing of their loved ones, also know that there is something else beyond, whether it is a kind of heaven, another world, or in our beliefs the Summerland. Catherine and Jon move over to the “between” space. CATHERINE: Oh Guardian of the portals, keeper of the gates Catherine and Jon carry bread, an apple and a cup of wine and lay them on the altar of the dead CATHERINE: We offer thee a token for thy service. Each person may step into where the two Circles join and speak of their dead they wish to remember. JON & CATHERINE: Jon and Catherine take the cake and juice that was originally placed on the altar of the dead back to the central altar. JON: While this is the time of endings and of death it is also a time to celebrate life since all that dies must be reborn. Before anything passes from this life they must first be born into this life. With this in mind we celebrate the birth of Gina, a beautiful, young woman who has been a part of this Circle since it began. Catherine removes the cover from the birthday cake and lights the candles and invites Gina to the altar. Everyone sings “Happy Birthday” to Gina. Offer bread to the Earth points. JON & CATHERINE: To you Air, Earth, Fire and Water. ALL: This is my flesh to thee, the fruit of my labor. The cake is cut in very small pieces and placed on a plate to allow Gina to take them around the circle so people can individually wish her happy birthday. Offer wine to the Earth points JON & CATHERINE: To you Air, Earth, Fire and Water. ALL: This is my blood to thee, the fruit of my labor. Jon passes the Chalice deosil. ANNOUNCEMENTSAnyone can make any comments or announcements they may way to bring up PLAYDanny moves over to the cot and lies down on it. Keith stands just behind the cot in order to reach Danny’s shoulders while Jon kneels next to the cot and begins:
ClosingKarly comes back from the edge of the garage with Keith following her. She begins her song “Sleep Little Babe” at the North and walks widdershins. She moves her hand across everyone's face with the hidden fan blowing on their face. When she passes each of the Quarter Callers they blow out the torch and say their closing in a silent voice in order to not drown out Karly and her song. NORTH: All hail… WEST: All hail… SOUTH: All hail… EAST: All hail… JON: We are now asleep in the world of the living so that our ancestors, our mothers, our fathers, our friends and loved ones may join us for the rest of the evening to celebrate their lives and their legacy along side each of us. When the sun rises it will be time for them to continue their journey on to the Summerland and to the adventures that await them in their own futures. This Circle is open, but unbroken.
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