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Our Yule ritual went off without much of a hitch... Although the wonderful priestess that was going to lead the ritual ended up ill and was unable to lead it so at the last minute someone stepped up and led the ritual off the cuff... Still turned out well. We had a little over 40 people show for the ritual and there were a LOT of new faces in the crowd. We are thankful they showed and hope they enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. This was a celebration of our two year anniversary of holding public rituals. As a part of the ritual those who have been there form the beginning as well as those students who survived a year under our tutelage were recognized. Among them were Kim, Lolita, Gina, Jeanie, Daniel, Stephanie (and Thora), Carolyn, Robert, James, Jennifer, Ben and Astra. Several will continue on as students furthering their education and others will move on to discover their own path. We congratulate each and every one of them. A special recognition was made to Dancer Mike for his contribution and for being such a friend of the Circle. Several people have made it known they are interested in being students in the next go-around. We will be starting classes in February once we find a definite place to have them. This time around the actual classes will be every Saturday for six to eight weeks and those who want to continue to learn the Blackberry Tradition will continue from there with their mentors. Online support will be made available this time for those who are attending the classes so if a class is missed at least some of the information will be there for them. But, back to the ritual... The Yule ritual was started with a discussion of the time of Darkness, where the Dark Lord has taken the Goddess to the Underworld so the Earth may rest for a time and sleep. While in the Underworld the Goddess learns that the rather stern Dark Lord is actually a caring individual and she falls in love with him. From that love and in the darkness a spark is born... The Bright Lord. The Circle was cast by lighting the North torch and then each person in the Circle lit a candle from the person next to them and as the candles reached each directional torch that torch was then lit from the candles. It was a nice way of casting the Circle as well as giving birth to the Circle of Light. There was some introspection, a lot of laughter, and a good time held by all. Following the ritual everybody partook of some excellent food and wonderful eggnog pie. The bonfire was lit and folks huddled around it, not so much because it was cold (it really wasn’t) but because it simply felt good and it seems most Pagans are closet pyromaniacs (LOL). A pirate gift exchange took place which became interesting at times, but luckily there was no bloodshed, probably because there were no readily available weapons. This was one of our more simple rituals but it seemed to have worked out well and the feedback received so far has been wonderful. Blackberry Circle would like to thank everyone who attended as well as all those who have attended over the past two years. Some have gone and returned, others have moved on to search other paths, but each and everyone of them have left a part of themselves with the Circle that will be forever cherished. And of course, the notification for posterity sake There will be an open ritual at Blackberry Circle on December 20th, 2008. Festivities will begin at 7:30 PM. We will be celebrating the birth of the Sun at a time of darkness. This will also be a special celebration since it will make the two year anniversary of the beginning of Blackberry Circle. As a part of the celebration we would like to remember all of the wonderful people who have attended the rituals and other events as well as those who have helped us grow during the past year. Festivities include:
This event will be child friendly so bring the young'uns Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. You are more than welcome to bring refreshments of your own liking. |