AAwwaakkeenniinngg TThhee GGooddss

Ritual and Communion

AAWWAAKKEENNIINNGG TTHHEE GGOODDSS Ritual and Communion

Based on the writings of

TALOCH

Christian scripture states that God created humankind ‘in His own image’. I do not take this statement literally, meaning that human beings ‘look’ like God, or God like any of us; instead, I interpret this to mean that we have within us the finer qualities of the Creator – or at least, we can realise and manifest them within ourselves. This inherent capacity is the unique ability to create great change within our personal and outer worlds. I believe it is our directive and our purpose to do so, for in this way, we bestow honour upon the Creator of Life. At the same time, we show that our consciousness is maturing, evolving as all life forms do, and that we are thereby ready to accept personal responsibility for our own actions as individuals

and as a species. There is no reason we should expect a god or gods to fight our battles for us, as a child would expect of a big brother. To be otherwise is to remain stagnant, to refuse to grow. Spirits, whether called Angels by some or Ancient Relatives by others, may be of help and guidance in our quest to better our world. So can fellow intelligent beings encountered in other realms or frequencies, those travelers of the Cosmos who seek as we seek. All people of various paths and faiths; those with the best interests of humankind in their hearts, will, it is hoped, call upon their beliefs to begin the desperately needed change that is vital to the survival of all life forms. We must make it happen. There is need for such communion more than ever. Since humankind has moved away from ancient understandings of the hidden structure of the worlds, they have become disconnected from life itself. Though all around us may be hell bent on destruction, we must heal the wounds inflicted on ourselves and our planet, or suffer the consequences. The following are examples of Ritual and Ceremonial practices I have used at various times over the years that may assist an individual in their quest for communion among the material and spiritual realms. If we but seek, we shall find: the Doors will open.

Photo Credit: NASA Photo copyright free TTHHEE RREEAALLMM OOFF FFOORRMM

When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.

-John Muir-

“It is the nature of God to reside in mystery--ineluctable, inexhaustible mystery. And we do not need to understand the cabala of mathematical physics to apprehend the Mysterium Tremendum. We need only look out the window.

Let your soul go free for a moment into that scene outside your window...and there encounter gape-jawed and silent, the god of birds and birth defects, trees and cancer, quarks and galaxies, earthquakes and supernovas--awesome, edifying, dreadful and good, more beautiful and more terrible than is strictly necessary. Let it strike you dumb with worship and fear, beyond words, beyond logic. What is it? It is everything that is.”

-Chet Raymo, Professor of physics and astronomy-

I often stress that the Law of Nature is ultimately, the supreme law of the Realm of Form. To exist within it with acceptance will bring harmony, as we see by working with and seeking understanding of our cousins of Nature that share this living planet. We observe not only the outstanding beauty of their lives on this Earth, but also the sometimes harsh consequences of their being. Taking to heart these observations, we are taught that there are things we may strive to improve or change in our existence, yet there are other conditions that we must simply accept for what they are. We begin to come to terms when we make the realisation that nature’s law is not vindictive. Indifferent perhaps, and in some circumstances seemingly cruel in the extreme. But the Earth and its creatures have never ceased to evolve and change within a fixed set of rules. In the flux that is Life’s dark and light, this World of Form remains a realm of breathtaking wonder. Evidence shows that ancient communities worked their way across the land in response to varying natural forces of change, such as climate that affected weather, crop cycles and animal migrations. Shifting conditions generally occurred gradually over generations. The occasional natural disaster might throw a spanner in the works, bringing about a more rapid modification of the environment to which tribes had no choice but to adapt or perish. Yet overall, even as improved methods of manipulating the environment were developed, such as increasingly sophisticated techniques of agriculture, the majority of our ancestors lived within and obeyed the natural cycles of their world. They leant that when they overfished the rivers and lakes, they starved; their children died. They suffered when they overharvested medicinal or beneficial plants (“pass over three and pick the fourth”) or killed too many of one kind of animal (spare most females or young; balance predators to insure the survival of it’s children; ask for blessing to use it’s life energy and promise yours in return to sustain it’s offspring when your body fertilizes the tender grasses). Consequently, most of them learned to maintain the delicate Web. They came to

understand that their very survival depended upon integration of and cooperation with the immutable Law of Nature. Ironically, the immutable Law of Nature is this: Change. (Birth/death/decay/regeneration; action/result/consequence - the true meaning of “karma”.) Today we rape the earth and will serve a terrible sentence for doing so. Regardless how we protest that corporate businesses are a blind force, controlling millions of people who are dependant on their jobs for livelihood, that it is ‘They’ who control and sanction a destruction against which we believe ourselves powerless, the simple fact is that “They” are all of us, from the most humble road sweeper to the Chairman of the Board. We together have built this world as it is, some of us by capitulation of our personal power to what we perceive as greater power. Yet, we are all Relations, and we are all responsible.

“Speak Truth to Power” -from a pamphlet published 1955 by the American Friends Service

Committee-

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Photo by J Stephens

UUNNIITTEEDD HHEEAARRTTSS CCEERREEMMOONNYY

(A Cleansing/Preparation Ritual) As with all Ceremony the preference of the individual is invariably the ‘right way’; however, it is pleasant to share spiritual moments with others. Hence, orchestrate a set ceremony in order to include all who wish to take part. Communion with others and the sharing of good energy is rewarding and fruitful on a personal level but can also serve a higher purpose. It can manifest a fantastic power of united Wills that serve to influence the greater Consciousness of the planet. In this Aeon one’s spiritual understanding is no longer necessarily an isolated, individual journey. Once connected to the greater Consciousness we are contributing

to the way in which all our tomorrows will be firstly thought then brought to being. Performing this ceremony in the style of the ancient Shamans, we initially prepare ourselves by seeking to bring silence to the mind. This can be achieved relatively quickly by breath exercises. Inhale deeply into the abdomen, then out through the mouth, and while doing so, relax the entire body. This will bring about a natural internal balance to the physical as well as a calming sense to the spirit. If there are a group of people, a circle is formed. One person is chosen as Facilitator, to stand in the centre and proceed as below: At the centre of the gathered Circle, the Facilitator, Spirit Drum held high, slowly turns counterclockwise (the direction the Earth moves around the Sun). Humming softly, the Facilitator allows the self to determine the proper tone, tune and frequency, and in so doing, is mentally reaching out to connect with the surrounding area. Still held high the drum is slowly and gently struck. These counterclockwise rotations are performed three or four times, making a full turning each time. Next, the Facilitator moves from the centre of the circle to the perimeter, walking the inner circumference anticlockwise, slowly beating the drum held at arms length, continuing to hum and vibrate sound to engage the surrounding energies whilst slowly increasing the speed and force of the drumming. As the Facilitator is performing the described ritual in the centre of the circle, those gathered on the perimeter contribute equally to the cleansing and preparation of the space by also humming and keeping up a constant rhythmic beating of drums, preferably in time with each other. This can be accomplished by using a simple counting method (1- 2 - 1- 2 -1 - 2 - 1 - 2 -1 -2: strike the drum on every 1 leaving 2 silent). Once the person in the centre starts to gain

a little speed to his or her drumming so the surrounding circle do so also, in accord with the guidance of energy. The vibration (humming) has a number of purposes. First, it is performed with the intent of cleansing and purifying the area in which one is working. It also serves as a prayer of sound in which ones Intent is projected from within. Third, it becomes an external expression of the Will, influencing the surrounding area in accordance with Will to fortify and create a place of peace and sacred communion. As the drum is struck its resonations enforce the voice, both modulating with the natural earth frequencies from which all life and form were shaped since the beginning of time. Intent is the key to this ceremony as it is with most. This word should be well understood as it pertains to the invoking/evoking power of the Will of the Shaman/Witch -Magician. It is to use one’s own gifted and unique ability to influence energies in accordance with the individual Will, but this is only one aspect of Magickal Intent. It is a subject one may wish to research and meditate upon, as full understanding of the term in this sense serves to enhance achievement. “The drum echoes the beat of our own hearts, which in turn is in harmony with the pulsing of Creation itself.” -Taloch-

Sunset Beach /kbg

The Ritual of Creation

The very rocks of Stonehenge, the bluestone of Wales from which it is hewn, have a Voice. This is no fantasy; no delusion. Within the circle of that ancient Henge, our drums especially, resonate in whirling patterns. Sound bounces off the stones much like the acoustics of a medieval cathedral or the Great Pyramid of Giza, built with the same purpose of echoing and amplifying frequencies. This fact has been known for years to many who attend these places; that the stone circles that dot our landscape contain unique aspects, among them the ringing response of the stones themselves. Recent scientific inquiry in the new field of archeoacoustics has postulated the theory that certain types of stone found at sacred sites around the globe may have been specifically chosen for their acoustic qualities to produce altered states and enhance ceremony. Certain frequencies facilitate visionary experience. The loss of common knowledge of such natural phenomenon is saddening. In an increasingly digitalized age, we are separating from Mother Earth and Her attributes, losing vital sensory mechanisms that once were part of every human life. We are increasingly a society of cell phones and television, of shortening attention spans and decreased

awareness of the vast world of the natural resonance that has shaped us, drowned out by the irritating hum, whistle and squawk of present day technology. The assumption that it was merely superstitious savages who danced round a fire to pounding rhythms, or drummed their way into the stone circles with nonsensical chanting, is a fallacy. Our ancestors did most certainly hold close something we have forgotten. Yet, we still have ears to hear. The following is a chant long in use within The Dolmen Grove, titled “The Ritual of Creation”. Besides being performed at other gatherings, it is often used to open Circles within the interior of Stonehenge, accompanied by strong drumbeats and the give-and-take chanting of the Spiritual Facilitator and participants.

***************************** To begin: in the mind’s eye, give energy a concrete image, such as being a sphere of blue. Begin to imagine this blue spherical energy moving anticlockwise around the body. Then conjure another blue sphere, moving clockwise as the first continues its anti-clockwise circuit. This imagery may take some practice but is attainable with sustained concentration and focus. Chant either alone, or, if in a group, have a Facilitator speak one line, with the ritual participants repeating after: Whilst facing East, these words are chanted: Not I nor thee before the Trees. Not I nor thee before the Earth Not I nor thee before the Seas Not I nor thee before the Fires Not I nor thee but the Great Lords of Air. Turn towards the South: Not I nor thee before the Trees. Not I nor thee before the Earth

Not I nor thee before the Seas Not I nor thee but the Great lords of Fire Turn to the West: Not I nor thee before the Trees. Not I nor thee before the Earth Not I nor thee but the Great lords of Water The final direction is North: Not I nor thee before the Trees. Not I nor thee but the Great lords of Earth” (The words of the chant and the facing of the Quarters are so crafted that the elements are introduced in a clockwise/anticlockwise manner. This mimics the double helix, the basic structure of DNA. That is, the words are designed so that the first verse begins with an acknowledgment of the Spirits of Earth while facing East to invite forth the Element of Air. As the chant continues, one is actually recognising the elements and spirits of the quarters by introducing them in a clockwise order. This is a verbal version of the above imagery of the blue energy orb, itself representative of the basic building blocks of life.) The imagery of the blue Orb, and the chant itself, further represent the combined essences of Earth, Sea, Fire and Air, harnessed by a controlling Spirit, brought together in the blue light sphere to provide strength from which to reach out and unite with the most ancient spirits of our lands. It is most important that the ritual be done respectfully as a form of honour to each elemental spirit and the special part it plays in the continuity of the existence of life upon our planet. “When singing a Song to the Four Quarters, let it be also to the Great Winds one sings, to which we are kin.” -Taloch-

Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”)Photo Copyright Free

R I T U A L OF T H E S T O R M

In all things of Nature, there is something of the

marvelous. -Aristotle-

The energy of a thunderstorm is a marvel to most of us. With an intensity that can at times be awe inspiring, it may too be a frightening and exhilarating experience to gaze into the Eye of the Storm. Many a tribesman, Witch/ Shaman in myriad cultures throughout time, have recognized the inherent power of the winds, rain, hail, lightning and thunder, and sought to connect with them for varying Magickal purpose. An old form of divination through interpretation of atmospheric conditions is known as “aeromancy”; likewise, divination by ‘reading’ thunder and lightning is known as “ceraunoscopy”. Divination via Nature’s signs is certainly one way to interact with storm power. But there is also the simple purpose by which we seek merely to identify with its

energy as a means of regaining our connections with the Source of human existence; that is, the sheer joy of becoming one with the natural world. It is beautiful to observe the raging winds that cause massive clouds to race across the sky, rolling and turning into shapes and forms as if giants were morphing before our eyes. Fluttering leaves and tossing about the tree branches, the winds sometimes literally beat against the eardrum with raging song. It is good to join in, banging our personal storm drum in time, stamping the feet, and letting bells and chimes sound out a greeting and acknowledgment. (All this within a reasonably safe place of course, away from any danger so that the storm may not directly seek you out in a most unpleasant way.) We must first know the identity of the Storm itself to properly honour it, “naming” it accordingly if one wishes. (In the practice of many of the Ancients is the wisdom that the energy of the storm will always be either male or female.) (Some Southern Native American traditions say that the Storm Spirit, separated from his wife, roamed the skies looking for her. To insure he would not beat down the crops in his raging, the tribal conjurer, with a wave of his feather and a gentle breath in the direction he wished the Storm to go, would point out the path the Storm Wife had taken, which was, of course, away from the settlement and its planted fields.) The genesis of lightning is said to be the product of the separation of negative and positive charges, resulting from the buildup of ice crystals in a potential storm cloud. Within a lightning storm, the particles of the thunderbolts themselves are either positively or negatively charged – never both. Lightning is the visible transference of ENERGY. This is an interesting correspondence. That our ancestors had some intuitive inkling of the positive and negative energy polarities (male/female) as they actually exist in nature is quite remarkable.

When the storm winds blow, by careful attunement we are able to determine its male or female gender in all things around us – some we can see, others may be more or less hidden. It is difficult to convey the ‘how’ of this observation but the energy, once tapped, will not be mistaken. And so we sing with Storm Spirit in all its glory. As It dances It’s energy out upon the earth we do likewise, shouting, singing and drumming to the four directions as It also shouts in the voice of wind and thunder, spreading It’s arms to confer the life giving sky waters over the earth as we raise our own in accompanying dance. Brothers and Sisters! New Born of the Mother! (or Father if the nature of the storm is male) * AH E AH E AH E AH GO DA DAY YAH AH E YAH! *(The syllables of the Voice of the Storm often come unbidden, and may be sung by you in any form you perceive them.)

TO DANCE IS TO LIVE!

Illustration: Dugald Stuart Walker (1883-1937)

Image in the public domain

Eagle Dance After a storm comes the gradual reinstitution of calmness and a time to have a bit of clear up. Not unlike the storms we may have in our lives, the aftermath is a time to repair and rebuild so that at its inevitable return, the next does not obliterate us altogether. It does no good to ponder all we have lost. We should focus instead on what we have left; what in fact, we may use to rebuild. The greatest lesson we can realize is that the storm will always find something loose; will always catch us off guard no matter how much we prepare. And so we bow before its wonder and awesome strength whilst continuing to match our skills against it, seeing it not as foe but as teacher. “Change comes with every storm, so let us seek to govern the change by understanding the storm” Taloch As calm settles after the storm has spent its fury, the animals come out of their homes and hiding places and set about their

daily routine. In times past, perhaps the storm’s passing would bring out the great Eagle, soaring the sky to find dinner, its grace and precision of motion a thing of beauty. In Britain we look forward to the return of the Eagle. This magnificent bird that once frequented the skies has very much become an endangered species throughout the world. We may no longer have this beautiful bird in abundance but we can still use its image and characteristics to advise and guide us on our life journey purely by considering that which we may have in common with its spirit; what of its nature may resonate in our own. Indigenous peoples of various tribes throughout the world have performed traditional dances that were dedicated to the Eagle spirit. Even without the actual presence of this lovely creature, there is no reason why respect for this bird may not be incorporated into present day dance or song. Whilst the bird itself may be a thousand miles away, it is with aspects of its image and energy we work and conjure. Perhaps as a child, you placed a blade of grass between your thumbs, and blowing gently, produced a whistling sound. This is an excellent tool within a ritual when calling the Thunderbird spirit. Some people can produce the high pitched whistle without need of anything; as always within your work, it is your choice as to what you wish to do. The best successes seem to manifest by working with what is simple and at hand I prefer to invoke the Eagle spirit whilst out on the sea cliffs of my present home, or when visiting mountain country like my homeland in North Wales. Standing at a suitable place to gaze out over a vista, as if looking down with the eye of a bird on high, I hold my hands outward on each side, as if in flight. The words of my evocation will, as stated, be simple, and whilst they may change according to the particular purpose of

my working, below is an example: “Hear me my Brothers and Sisters of the Winds Carry my quiet voice to my cousin the great Eagle Cousin, please honour me and share with me your wisdom” I then blow or whistle so that my voice is carried on the currents of the winds that the spirit of the eagle may hear. The answer will come when the air currents blow back at me and are distinctly different than normal. It is usually only a matter of brief seconds before one feels a change in the winds themselves. One may also begin to feel the hands perspiring, or have the sensation of tingling.

**************** In all communion with the natural world, when awaiting an answer, it is good to remember: I am of two - Male and Female I see two things - that which is Beautiful, that, which is Ugly I hear two things - that which is Joyous, that which is Sad I smell two things - that which is Good, that which is Bad This is a reminder and a simple recognition that the world seems to work in “twos”. We can see this not only within ourselves but in all things. There is something about the contemplation of this simple prayer that prepares us to hear what is relevant in the response we may receive, priming us to pay attention to the true voice of spirit rather than every bird cry that may come back to us on the winds. “May the spirit of the Great Eagle give you strength, peace, and perseverance as you navigate the storms of life.” -Taloch-

“Crow Dance” by Taloch© Artwork by Semi Vine ©

How do you know but ev’ry bird that cuts the airy way, is an immense world of delight, closed by your senses

five? -William Blake-

Crow Ritual Crow is the gentle Messenger, often considered the go-between of this world and those strange and beautiful realms that are without number and have as many names. Aligned in some mythologies with the battlefield and death, he is so much more complex than that. In some traditions, he is seen as the Bringer of the Sun or Light; of clarity and understanding. He is the Balance between Light and Dark, the bestower of esoteric knowledge that is brought from the

darkness of our hidden selves to the light of our consciousness. He is also prophet and far-seeing eye. He is symbolic of hidden wisdom made manifest, of mind and thought. Father Crow’s black feather was used by the oldest of traditions as a purifying instrument for delineating sacred space itself and cleansing the ceremonial Circle. A gift of a feather from Crow is a precious thing. Budding from the Seed of Life itself, it can be employed in ritual as others use an Athame. Here follows an outline of a simple outdoors ceremony in which one may call upon the helpful spirit of Brother Crow: Holding your Crow feather at arm’s length, describe with it a Circle around you. At the same time, perform a simple and heartfelt chant as you cut the air with the feather. (Although many ancient chants have been lost to time and memory or otherwise destroyed outright by competing cultures, I strongly believe that if one is sincere in heart the spirits of the land will bring the right words to mind. I often intone “A e-yo-ye-he-ye-yo”, which is in fact tradition based. The words are natural tones rather than having inherent meaning.) Whilst chanting and creating the Circle, one must mentally concentrate on the purpose of your actions; i.e., the melding with and conversation of Crow Spirit. Personally, I will have within my mind such phrasing as:

“Father Crow, all is All. Father Crow, Gentle Crow

Gentle Soul.” Continuing with these thoughts, and concentrating your entire being on the Call, one should not be surprised to see a circle of crows gathering above your head, or perhaps a single one making its presence known to you. The inward joy of such an experience will be enough to erase any

negativity from your Circle. Then, in stillness and with respect, be prepared with open mind for the quiet messages and guiding thoughts that may follow your connection. As stated, this is a very simple ceremony, one that can be practiced by any, whether experienced or no. It is the sincerity of the Will and Heart that more often than not, provides the result – nothing less, nothing more.

Gentle, gentle bird Bird of Peace and Order

As black as the sky with no Stars Messenger between the realms

You are the voice in the ear of the Medicine Man Your call alerts the Stag Father and guides him to the fires

At the foot of the Spirit Mountain we gather in a circle round.

-Crow Dance- Taloch ©

Photo kbg 2010

Wolf Dance

On the ragged edge of the world I’ll roam, And the home of the wolf shall be my home.

-Robert Service-

Many places in the world have lost the privilege of sharing their lands with the Wolf. It does seem to be human character to look back in surprise after such an event and mourn its loss, although few appear to recognise to what degree humankind is responsible. In bringing the Wolf Spirit into our lives, we bring many things. The attributes of Wolf are complex and varied. He can represent instinct married to intelligence; wild nature; stealth in the world; social or family values – loyalty and courage. On a deeper level, Brother Wolf may be seen as a representation of the union of opposites. Where Wolf is in

one sense untamed wildness; something to be feared, it was also companion to the goddess Artemis and the Scandinavian god, Odin. Wolf image can offer a glimpse into the polarities of the male/female energies. Whilst the Wolf may be thought of as warlike or territorial, in myth it was nurturing wolves who suckled and later accompanied the Irish King Cormac. But above all, Wolf is a spirit of guidance and wisdom, teaching each, when called, according to his or her need. In creating a sacred space in which to invite the Spirit Wolf, a circle of stones may be set out on the ground or if you prefer, a circle of twigs. Outside the circle, trace your way round it, cleansing with smudge or incense. Do the same on the inside. The “incense” can be a tightly coiled or braided wrap of grass and leaf gathered from the immediate area. This creates a natural connection to the vicinity of your sacred space. (DO use caution, however, in gathering certain grasses or plants, and especially, in burning them. There are a few varieties that may be noxious or even toxic when set aflame. If you don’t know which ones these might be, DON’T harvest any. Use instead a prepared resin or stick incense with which you are familiar.) Using a drum gently beat a rhythm to guide the mind into the realms of spirit, or you may prefer a rattle or shaker. Each will bring about the desired effect - it is all about tuning to frequency to facilitate connection. We “turn on”, if you like, to the sound of drums, pipes and rattles, and by rhythmic movement in time. By attuning to rhythm, we become conductors; we enter into a mode where our senses are alert and our adrenalin pumping. As these methods allow us to totally melt away our attention to the mundane, we enter the realm of communion. (Some people are loud in circle, some are quiet - there is no law as to which is correct. It is what you feel and what you get out of it on a personal level that counts.)

I will then call out to the spirits, keeping in mind as I do so that much existed before the advent of the human race. Within the Ritual of Creation, this thought is brought forward. In this way I acknowledge and show my respect for the sequencing of the Great Chain of Being that brought us to be. Humans are of the Elements, we are born of them, made of them, and to them we return. We have lost touch with this reality, yet, at anytime we are but a thought away. The ceremony is called the Wolf Dance because that is the Spirit I am conjuring from within in the practice of it. It is the Wolf Spirit that will arise to connect with me as it has done for others over so very many thousands of years. And I shall do all I can to meet the Spirit half way in that wondrous realm where we and all spirits are invited. What does this Spirit teach? My answer would be, “What doesn’t it teach?” The question should be, “Am I able to understand the lessons passed through these rituals and put them into practice in my life as they are intended?” Some may take more or less time, but with perseverance and continuity, the personal messages of these rituals will eventually manifest within you.

Siberian Shaman 1928 Photo in the public domain

FROM DREAMS A SONG

All that tread The globe are but a handful to the tribes

That slumber in its bosom. ~ William Cullen Bryant, from Poems (1821).

In our very Western culture many of us are concerned about the manner in which we are seen or perceived by our fellows. Whilst this may not be applicable to everyone, it is unfortunately the case for many. The result is that some of us never even get to the “starting post”, yet alone fully participate in the marathon of life. (Life is not a race of course, but in the best scenarios, it is a long distance endeavor.)

We dread ‘judgment’; how we may appear to others, or are paralyzed by societal expectations. Stepping outside the realm of everyday perceptions and into the realm of the extraordinary is only accomplished in a way that is unique to the individual. There is no place for anxiety about how others may judge us or our methods; it only hinders our full participation in the wondrous journey of the spirit.

******************************************* How often have you awoke singing, or within a dream found yourself singing a song? Quite often it’s the most wonderful song you have ever heard and yet moments after waking it is gone. To deal with spiritual communication in the most ancient of ways known to us we must be observant of our dreams. When the mind is centered upon natural harmony, we are open to suggestion and communication from many realms. We can reach that certain point within a meditative state that is akin to dreaming. This is a more controlled state; we have purposely entered into it. However it is equally valued and is as natural as sleep and dream. As an experiment, try in meditation setting your thoughts on asking for a song to carry back into the world of Now. Once you have been given the song (Dream Song), take it for use whilst in a Ceremony. Here is an example of a personal Dream Song, and how it may be formulated to ritual:

My day is short ( Oo Day a neh ) My tears are new (Oo day a nu)

My day is long (Oo day a lo) My smile renewed (Oo day a nu whey)

The words which were formulated in the dream are then set to a chant. (One need never translate the words as done above; they and the meaning are often sacred to the self alone.) The Dream Song can become a chant open to the world, incorporated into ceremony to be sung, chanted, called

and responded to. At times there may come phrases that you do not understand and that seem mere gibberish but, always go with them. It is by continuous practice of this most sacred gift that we will regain our connection to the eternal and ancient Self.

The great Sea Has sent me adrift

It moves me As the weed in a great river Earth and the great weather

Move me … Attributed to “Uvavnuk”, Inuit shaman woman This essay began by saying some of us may worry about what others think of us. I mean this in a spiritual way more than any other: will some find our words nonsense; will we look and seem ridiculous in ceremony or ritual as we open our hearts and put forth our visions? It matters not. One of the most revered spiritual icons or teachers in many cultures has always been regarded as some form of sacred clown or Fool. By standing unselfconsciously within a Circle, joyously expressing our Dream Song, our own voice adding to the music of the Winds, the crackling notes of the Fire, the beat of drums and the high glad trilling of the pipes, we open the Realms and draw down blessings in the simplest, yet profoundest, of ways. ******************************************************** The rituals and instructions set out herein may seem far too simple to some. One may wonder at their effectiveness. Within my practice, I have found simplicity to be the most effective of all. These rituals are only starting points from which one may take what is valuable to later expand upon in one’s own unique way.

Please keep in mind that these essays are but suggestions. They are derived from my own personal experiences and are not to be taken as an indictment or condemnation of other spiritual paths or practices. We are but one leaf on the tree; we are immersed in the same Sea, the waters of which may seem invisible to the eyes of the World of Form, but are instead an all encompassing transparency through which we pass, like Alice through her Looking Glass, into the World of the Formless.

“When all is said and done, it isn’t the Wand, it’s the

Magician.”

These articles © TALOCH 2011 stagwitch@dolmengrove.co.uk