You know, sometimes you just gotta pinch your nose and click “send.” Whew, what a stinker! But now, time for more important things.
Like I said, I printed off more things than I’ll ever be able to read on the train on the way home. But using your suggestions, I’ve cobbled the following notes to outline for a possible ceremony.
Will save it to build on for next years. Should be a freakin riot!
Whaddya think? (I’m sure the neighbors will be impressed!)
Dress in ceremonial robe-type garb.
meet kids at door and blindfold them. Say nothing.
One by one, lead them out to the bonfire, silently.
Seat them on towels on ground.
Facepaint designs while blindfolded
CHANT:
We are gathered at the fall of the old year (Hallowe’en - end of the Celtic calendar)
On this night between the old year and the new year, the worlds come together;
Land and Sky and Sea become one world,
the world of Man and Faerie overlap,
the Land of the Living becomes one with the Land of the Dead.
Cast off your blindfolds so that you may see!
<FLASH FIRE>
We are at the center of all worlds now,
the fire binds all the worlds together,
and tonight we will speak with the worlds.
(PAST)
The wheel of the seasons is turning.
Everyone take turns, remembering some of the major events of the past seasons… both really good or sad ones.
-when each concludes toss herbs/sparkle into the fire.
Everyone chant “We remember”.
Here in this bonfire space - the center of all worlds- use this as a time to talk to the dead.
Not that you expect answers, but can say things you didn’t get to say while they were alive.
Before we exit the past,
Write something you regret from last year
fold it writing side in
toss it in the fire to put it behind them
(PRESENT)
We are gathered in this place, in this time
Take the opportunity to talk to the spirits of the woods.
Honor the Oak and the Ash, the Willow and the Thorn, mistletoe and ivy.
Thank the spirits of squirrel and fox, of crow and hawk.
Each person mention the significance of one particular aspect of our natural world, whether plant, animal or mineral.
(FUTURE)
As every moment passes, we are leaping into the future. What we know as the present becomes past, and the past recedes evermore.
PYROMANCY:
between the years is also between time
if you look into the flames, you may be able to see glimpses of the future and of the past.
Write something you wish to accomplish/ way to improve/good thought for the upcoming year.
Fold it writing side out.
Cast into flames to spread it among the ether.
Now howzabout someone getting your old man another beer, dammit.
Maybe I need to work on that ending a bit!
_
