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Business Insider, Rob Wile, Feb. 9, 2012
It's the latest in a series of investigations into Vatican finances dating back to 2010. In December of that year, Pope Benedict XVI decreed an updated anti-money laundering law for Vatican finances.
Late last month, an Italian TV program published letters written by the Vatican's ambassador to the U.S. that charged the Holy See's financial planners with cronyism and corruption.
In the letters, published by the popular Italian news magazine program "The Untouchables," Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan`o said that his appointment to the U.S. was motivated by a desire to get him out of Rome because he was causing headaches, according to Les Echoes' Guillaume Delacroix.
Vigan`o worried that his removal would cause disillusion among those hoping to clean up "corruption and dishonesty" in the city-state, including rigged contract bids and mismanaged investments, Allen reports.
The Vatican has denied the charges.
"PERCEPTIONS OF GOD" - JUNE 6, 2010 (KRYON CHANNELED BY LEE CARROLL) (Subjects: Quantum Teaching, The Fear of God, Near-death Experience, God Becomes Mythology, Worship, Mastery, Intelligent Design, Benevolent Creator,Global Unity... etc.) "(TEXT VERSION)"
".. For centuries you haven't been able to think past that box of what God must be like. So you create a Human-like God with wars in heaven, angel strife, things that would explain the devil, fallen angels, pearly gates, lists of dos and don'ts, and many rules still based on cultures that are centuries old. You create golden streets and even SEXUAL PLEASURES AS REWARDS FOR MEN (OF COURSE) - all Human perspective, pasted upon God. I want to tell you that it's a lot different than that. I want to remind you that there are those who have seen it! Why don't you ask somebody who has had what you would call a NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE? "
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What kind of gratitude practices do you have in your day to day life? Or do you have any?
Over here in Faye land, we're trying to infuse a little more gratitude into our daily routine so we've started a new tradition: at dinner saying one thing we are grateful for during that particular day. It can't be something like I'm grateful for my family or for the love in my family. No, it has to be from something that happened that day, so for example: I'm grateful for the funny birthday card I received because it totally made me feel like that person got me and took the time to find something that totally is me. It was sweet and totally awesome.
Want to see? I know you're curious:
outside
inside
It's totally a little thing but it's funny to me and it made me thankful to have people in my life who understand my lit geeky humour.
Mr Faye and I have talked a lot about what types of traditions we want to bring into our lives and why, and this one sort of fits the bill the best. He grew up in a home where they prayed before every meal but it became meaningless because it was the same prayer every day and it was done without thought. Within my Wiccan tradition there is a prayer before meals that we could do, but honestly I worry it would become the exact same thing: by rote ritual, which is something neither of us wants as a tradition.
So we like the idea of taking a family gratitude moment because it changes every day, makes us have to reflect back on our day, and remember something positive in it. We hope that as a tradition it'll help both us and Baby Faye remember to be thankful for what we have and to have a more positive outlook on our daily lives. It's so easy to get bogged down in the complaints and negativity. And while they have their place, we'd like to work on fostering happiness and a sense of peace in our lives through gratitude.
What do you think, do you have suggestions on ways to grow the practice or things that you do differently that you'd like to share.
Credit: http://witch-selena.blogspot.com
PART 1 CONCEPTS OF THE OTHER
Throughout Celtic story we find humans meeting the spirits in ways and places outside of or beyond common life. Gods, messengers, allies and opponents arrive among mortals bringing tales of their homes, of strange halls and wild places both near and far. In turn the tales tell of mortals who visit Other Folk. It is from these tales that we begin to understand the nature of what we often simply call the Otherworld.
The tales describe the dwellings of the Other Clans as being both very near to our mortal world and very far from our common lands. The armies of the Sidhe ride out from beneath the land. Mortals enter the courts and feasts of the Lords of the Mound, leaving behind common time and place. Other tales tell of emissaries arriving from over the sea, or of mortals who voyage, and of the lands of wonder, danger and vision that lie beyond the ocean wave.
Your studies should offer plenty of chances to read these tales. It is useful to immerse your imagination in the motifs of Celtic story. These provide raw materials with which we can build an understanding of the Celtic Otherworld.
It may be that the ancient idea of the Otherworld bears a resemblance to various metaphysical models. Those familiar with western magical systems might compare the Otherworld with the '"astral plane"' or the '"etheric realm"'. However, the Celtic spirit-lands don't seem to be causal to the common world in the way the '"astral"' is sometimes described to be. We might find a parallel with the Dreamtime of the Australian First Peoples - a mythic, storied and ritual reality in which mortals participate along with the Gods and spirits. Hindu cosmology presents a variety of '"lokas"' - worlds - in which Gods, spirits, ancestors and daemons dwell. The Norse have a similar system of Nine Realms. Celtic lore is far less specific about the number and order of the realms or worlds, though a variety of environments are described.
PART 2 VISION AND THE THRESHOLD
In this month's first exercises we will enter an imagined series of landscapes and environments. In some cases we will consciously select or design the spaces. In others we will enter visions that we do not deliberately create. We will consider this half-constructed, half-discovered imaginal world to be a Threshold, a place Between the common world and the independent reality of the Other Places. We can move our point of view, our '"presence"', into this Threshold realm in a form we invent, and in the same way the Gods and spirits can create forms that move and live in that space. The forms we see (AND MAKE) in the Threshold may or may not be the '"true"' forms of the spirits but that need not prevent us from speaking to them through those forms. The Threshold is a reflection both of our common world and of the Other realms beyond.
While we may consciously shape and influence it, the Threshold realm exists without our conscious making. Just as the landscapes of dream occur as if subjectively real so the places of Threshold are waiting for us when we arrive. Just as in a lucid dream we can shape events and places, but the life of the Threshold realm goes on, around or even without our conscious constructions.
PART 3 FIRST STEPS IN THE MIST
The very first Threshold technique is to learn to rise and move within an imagined point-of-view. In some spiritual systems students are taught to develop a detailed, repeating and specific '"body of vision"' which serves as the seer's '"vehicle"'. This does have value, but we find it best to recommend a more natural approach. Each of us carries a basic self-image and it is in that form that we can most easily approach our vision journeys.
One important trick of basic journey-work is to train yourself to keep your point-of-view located '"behind the eyes"' of your vision-self. By learning to keep your point of view firmly fixed in one place and in one direction at a time you create a sense of reality in your early visions that helps you move into the Threshold realm. Your point of view may move by drifting, flying or purposeful striding but you should be careful to keep it in one place at a time in most cases.
From that beginning you can move deeper into the Threshold in a variety of ways. We will use a symbol drawn directly from Celtic story - the Mist of the Between. By passing through the vision of the thick mist so common in the ancient forests you can emerge much deeper within the Threshold realm.
By passing the Mist we seek to enter a space in which we can both discover and create a greater, more ideal Sacred Grove. In next month's lesson we will move on to the work of passing the Mist and beginning the Inner Grove. This will become a base of operations for many further visions and workings.
Recommended
Credit: http://esoteric-soup.blogspot.com
Good relationships don't just happen; says Dr. Margaret Paul. In general people think if they need to work on their relationships, then it is not the right relationship for them! However just as we need to work on having a good health through physical exercise, proper diet and proper emotions, a good relationship also requires enough care and nurturing.
No matter how sweet and beloved our partner might be, there will still be shortcomings. There is a saying that Roses always come with Thorns! Although it might not be possible to remove the problems in relationships completely, we can still learn how to handle the difficult situations to save our relationship from a breakdown.
According to Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, one of the major reasons why a marriage or a relationship tends to breakdown is because one or both the parties tend to use each other as a "psychic garbage can." This means that if one experiences an extremely stressful day or if one is emotionally hurt by a third person, upon returning home the normal best solution seems to consciously or unconsciously dumping or releasing the stress or psychic garbage on the other partner. The result is normally heated exchange of words and in some cases physical violence. The effect is eventually a breakdown in a marriage or a relationship.
Basically a strong and healthy relationship is one of the best supports in life. As a good relationship can improve all the aspects of life and bring good health, happiness and peace of mind, an inharmonious relationship can also be a tremendous drain. Therefore it is necessary to take care of our relationships and look at them as an investment to achieve greater happiness in life.
1. Know, accept and love yourself
This is one of the basic requirements for a healthy relationship. Often we start a relationship in pursuit of happiness; expecting the other person to make us happy and if we don't find expected happiness, we tend to get disappointed and change the relationship. However real happiness comes from inside!
This is one of the important choices that you can take to improve your relationship. It means you learn how to take responsibility for your own feelings and needs, that instead of trying to get your partner to make you feel happy and secure, you learn how to do this for yourself through your own thoughts and actions. This happens when you learn to treat yourself with kindness, caring, and acceptance instead of self-judgment which always make you feel unhappy and insecure, no matter how wonderfully your partner is treating you.
If you don't know your own needs, wants, qualities and limitations, and more importantly if you don't love yourself you seek relationships as a source of own validation. The effect of such attitude will be aggressiveness, possessiveness, disappointment and unhappiness in a relationship. Even if you change your partner, since the cause and the need for self-validation is still in you, the second relationship will fall into the same pattern as the first one.
If you know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and if you love yourself for what you are, it is much easier to love people as they are and to accept their shortcomings.
This will also enables you to become open to change and feedback. When you have low self-confidence or even pride, upon receiving any feedback or comment you tend to react. Remember that we are all evolving, and our relationship is evolving with us. It is OK to make mistake! Just learn from your mistake and move on!
When you learn how to take full responsibility of yourself, then you stop blaming your partner for your upsets.
2. Know your partner
We have been born and grown up in different environments, with different backgrounds and ideas. Each person is a unique being and has a unique language of life. In every relationship it is extremely important to know the other person, his preferences and his language of life.
Often problems in relationships happen because of misunderstandings and misconceptions. Showing love has different meanings for different people. One can feel loved by a hug or a kiss or a physical touch, while another might feel loved through a present or a written poem.
Often we think we are not loved by our partner because we are not familiar with their language.
In many cases also we hurt their feelings unknowingly because we don't know them; their liking and disliking. Pay attention to the nonverbal signals!
Relationships can be improved easily by caring for the other person, learning their language and trying to see the world from their perspective once in a while.
Sometimes it is good to stop talking and simply listen to your partner.
3. Learn to take the whole package
As stated earlier, Roses always come with Thorns! No matter how sweet and wholesome a person is, still there are shortcomings. Therefore it is important to realize that we are all human beings and we all make mistake. Each person has strengths and weaknesses.
If you have chosen to be with a person, you must accept their strengths as well as their weaknesses. You must take the whole package!
One of the techniques which can help you deal with the difficult times in relationships is to capture your partner's good attitudes and actions towards you and the good times you have had together by writing down or taking photos or video. This will help you have a more realistic view of your partner and your relationship during difficult situations.
4. Stop blaming other person, focus on solutions
Often we tend to focus on problems and blame us or others for any problem that occurs in a relationship. However, verbally repeating the mistake of another person is nagging. Nagging will not work! Instead of wasting your time by nagging focus on the solutions.
Think about the reason you have this problem, the lessons that need to be learnt, the required actions and corrections and start implementing them on yourself as well as your partner.
In fact according to Dr. Jack Dominian, it is better for both partners to share joint responsibility and work together to solve it. The phrase "the problem with you is... " should be banned!
One of the techniques that have been emphasized by many specialists including Grand Master Choa Kok Sui which can help is the visualization technique. Imagine the person behaving properly, in the right way. Remember words and thoughts have power. What you think and what you say tend to manifest! If you focus on problems only, the outcome will be more problems. Avoid excessive criticism. Instead, create the right image!
5. Consider the state of your relationship, have a relationship target
First of all you need to know the nature of relationship in general and its purpose. Relationships help you evolve, especially a difficult relationship; they help individuals develop patience, tolerance and forgiveness, stated by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui. In fact relationships are like playing grounds to help us develop self-sacrifice, self-control, patience, flexibility and tolerance, not just to make us happy. If you have a realistic and proper view towards relationships it is easier to handle the difficult situations.
You also need to know the state of your relationship. Is it only in the physical level? Do you have good communication with your partner? Do you understand each other emotionally?
Are you able to have deep conversations? Do you have common way of thinking? Do you have soul contact? You can know the state of your relationship by observing what thoughts and words come out of your mind and your mouth, and your feelings towards one another.
When a relationship is superficial, it tends not to last. If you think you don't have enough harmony and understanding in your relationship, it's time to do corrections!
Have a relationship target. Think where you want to be with the same partner in another 10 years from now.
6. Increase love and respect
The real cause of the disappointments, emotional and psychological ailments is insufficient soul contact. Love is the answer, it is therapeutic.
You must be realistic! Everybody makes mistake. Just forgive and forget and continue living.
'By giving a person love, you make them grow. Project loving-kindness to your partner and the person will bloom.' (Master Choa Kok Sui, 2004, pp. 27-28)
You must remember that when two people interact closely, there will definitely be friction. The lubricant is Love. You can show love to your partner in the form of loving thoughts, loving feelings as well as loving words and actions. Love can also be increased by praising your partner and using nurturing words. The more love is experienced between the partners, there will be more openness.
But remember, real love never looks for paybacks; when you give, give whole-heartedly.
7. Spend quality time, don't take for granted
Most of the times, we tend to take our loved-ones for granted. Only we come to know their value, when they are away from us.
It is extremely crucial for having a healthy relationship to spend quality time together.
Any living being and any relationship needs nurturing to flourish; if left alone and uncared, it won't survive.
The more you spend dedicated, focused and quality time with your loved-ones, the more your relationship gets nurtured. Quality time means your full attention should be towards your partner, you must show that you care.
Remember when you were in love, how you used to find time for your beloved. Especially after getting married, relationships lose their quality since both partners get busy. No matter how busy you are, it is extremely important to set aside specific times to be together, to talk, play, laugh and make love.
8. Meditate, especially with your partner
There are certain meditations available that increase the love and harmony within the family; one is the Meditation on Twin Hearts.
Meditation on Twin Hearts is basically a technique to achieve cosmic consciousness or illumination. It is also a form of service to the world as the world is harmonized to a certain degree through blessing the entire earth with loving-kindness.
This technique can be used to harmonize relationships as well as to bless certain place, city or country. Based on the collected testimonials, any relationship can be improved tremendously by practicing this meditation regularly, especially in a group. It is advisable for families with problems to sit down together and do this meditation on a regular basis.
When a person does Meditation on Twin Hearts, divine energy enters the practitioner's system filling him with divine light, love and power; making the practitioner a channel of divine energy. This divine energy goes in and out of the aura, flushing out the cloud of negative thoughts and emotions, thereby cleansing the aura.
As a result, Meditation on Twin Hearts gives you a better physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, leading to a better relationship.
9. Speak out
Don't assume that your partner knows your problem. Speak it out!
Often we behave in a certain way to show our partner that we are unhappy! Don't fall into this trap. If you have a problem with your partner or an issue in your life, talk about it, express it to your partner clearly and in a proper manner. Sometimes we need to learn different communication skills to be able to express our thoughts and feelings.
You can also ask your partner if you feel and observe something in the relationship is bothering them. Give time and chance to them to talk as well. This will make your relationship stronger and help strengthen the communication between both of you.
10. Be responsible for your actions, learn your lesson
After childhood, we are all expected to be responsible for what we say and do. Unfortunately there are still many adults that feel safer and more comfortable to place the blame on others instead of themselves. This simple issue is one of the problems that can take the relationship into fail since after sometimes no one wants to be at blame all the time; besides it is exhausting to be around someone who always blames others but never takes the responsibility himself. After all the relationship is supposed to make us grow; if we do not take the responsibility over our own actions and behaviors, change is impossible.
One of the fast ways to improve a relationship is to remove the "blame game" and accept responsibility where it's due; then focus on solutions instead of complaining.
Remember that everyone makes mistake! It is part of life! Evolution requires time, process and lots of mistakes. So admit your mistakes, apologize and learn your lesson.
11. Keep it fun
Couples are usually more fun and playful in the early stages of a relationship. Especially after marriage, this attitude is forgotten as life challenges and resentments increase over time. Keeping a sense of humor enables you to enjoy life, get through the tough times easier and to deal with them more realistically.
Relationships flourish when people laugh together, play together and when excitement and humor is a part of everyday life. Stop taking everything so seriously.
Think about playful ways to surprise your partner. Once in a while try something new and exciting together and keep the relationship fun.
12. Don't react immediately, wait for the right time
In the midst of any argument or fight, remember that if you react it only worsens the problem. Stay calm and detached. Common response to argument is some kind of controlling behavior; both parties want to win, or at least not lose. However, the experiences have shown that controlling through showing anger, blame, judgment, resistance, denying even explaining and teaching is unsuccessful. The more we try to control, the more it adds to the conflict. The moment you react, you are psychologically entangled.
If you think your partner is over-reacting or even if you think you know the solution explaining it in the middle of the argument doesn't work. Since your partner is emotionally imbalanced at that moment, he cannot understand you.
The best approach is to forgive your partner internally, keep your emotions under control, calm down the situation, and keep the talking for the right time. Keep it in mind that it is not the matter of who is right and who is wrong; it is the matter of doing the right thing for the sake of your relationship.
13. Give each other freedom
Many of the married men and women complain about losing their freedom after marriage. Although a person in a relationship might not be as free as a bachelor because of responsibilities and commitments, don't make it harder for your partner by being too possessive.
In any relationship there should be freedom. Freedom is the greatest gift one human being can give to another. Real growth usually happens when we feel free.
Don't be afraid that if you give freedom to your partner they might leave you. Only over-controlling and too much limitation can chase a person away. Giving freedom is not a guarantee that the other person will behave the way you want him to, but it is extremely necessary that you give space to others to be as they are. This is a sign of respect towards others and must be practiced.
14. Take care of unfinished emotional business
If there are a lot of anger and resentment in you because of a deed of your parents, friends or ex-partner in the past, face it, forgive and let go. Don't let the anger accumulate over time.
Accumulated anger, resentment, feeling of abandonment and even guilt not only affect your current state but also affects your future relationships.
Do not be unhappy. Remember that the past is the past! Let go. Learn to forgive and forget. Let go and go on living. Don't let an event in the past ruin your current life and relationships.
According to Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, 'Inner Forgiveness is therapeutic. If you do not forgive, you cannot be internally healed. Forgiving heals the soul.' (Master Choa Kok Sui, 2004, p. 15)
15. Use healing techniques
Sometimes a painful event in the past has been so devastating that we cannot easily forget; or some emotional issues that are affecting our relationship such as stress, resentment, fear or low self-esteem seem to be very difficult to remove. In such cases alternative healing techniques can be very helpful to remove the unwanted feeling or behavior from your system.
Pranic Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods dealing with behavioral and psychological issues. Its principles and techniques may be used to improve family relationships as well as save a marriage on the brink of a breakdown.
Pranic Psychotherapy is basically Pranic Healing applied in the treatment of psychological disorders. What we call disturbing emotions or thoughts are basically energy forms. Thinking and feeling in fact produce psychic beings which are called "thought forms" and "thought entities" that are real and can influence you and other people. 'When a person has a traumatic experience for example, the traumatic psychic energies produced are lodged in several chakras or energy centers which may in long run, manifest as stress or phobia.' (Master Choa Kok Shui, 2000, p. 17) Unless these thought forms and entities are removed from the system, using techniques such as Pranic Psychotherapy, they remain in the person's chakras and will continue to affect him and his relationship with others. Pranic Psychotherapy in this case can be applied to heal both partners and improve the relationship to a loving and harmonious level.
This news article is brought to you by DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE - where latest news are our top priority.
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I just wrote a post on two reasons why you should go on a short-term mission trip.
The two reasons are:
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SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS TEACH YOU TO PRAY (AND LISTEN).
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SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS EXPOSE YOU TO GODS KINGDOM.
When you step into a world of need in which spiritual things are much more present and evident than we sometimes care to admit in America, you are forced to depend on God in new ways.
On a mission trip, everything GROWS:
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Your prayer life grows.
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Your dependence on God grows.
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Your compassion grows.
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Your sensitivity grows.
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Your questions grow.
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Your passion grows.
And everything CHANGES:
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Your priorities change.
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Your focus changes.
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Your dreams change.
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Your perspective changes.
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Your attitude changes.
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Your life changes.
HOW DO SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS GROW AND CHANGE "YOU"?
Source: http://candle-magic.blogspot.com
original graphic by: Kadri Umbleja
"The power to reveal the future can be a blessed gift,"but be sure to use it wisely"don't get so caught up in knowing the future that you forget the present"
"- Jasmeine Moonsong"
Merry Meet and Good Morning :))) Blessings to you and yours for a magickal day today. Today is Saturday, June 23, 2012
Saturdays are ruled by Saturn. Saturn's seemingly infinite journey around the Sun connects us to a greater world beyond. Today is a day of wisdom and awareness. It's a wonderful day to work on spiritual awareness and connection with the divine. Take some time to meditate today and connect with the universal energy. When working with stones today choose to wear turquoise, labradorite, or diamond for protection. Use amethyst in amulets.
The Moon tonight is Waxing First Quarter in Leo. The Waxing Moon is when the moon is getting larger in the sky, and moving towards the full moon. It is the ideal time for magick that draws things towards you bringing about positive changes. The Waxing Moon represents the Goddess in her Maiden aspect. The Maiden is all about new beginnings, youthful ideas and enthusiasm. The Moon in Leo draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People can tend to be melodramatic. The magickal color of the day is Gray, and the incense of the day is Rue. Have an amazingly magickal day!
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Each planet rules a specific day of the week. It is not absolutely necessary to follow this. This is for the optimum results.
Sunday, Sun (LEO)
The Sun's Day
Rules success, ambition, career, sport, healing
Monday, Moon (CANCER)
The Moon's Day
Rules psychic powers, clairvoyance, home, childbirth, feminine qualities
Tuesday, Mars (ARIES AND SCORPIO)
Tiw's Day
Rules courage, men, sexual energy, war
Wednesday, Mercury (GEMINI AND VIRGO)
Woden's Day
Rules communication, education, travel, mental agility, writing, acting
Thursday, Jupiter (SAGITTARIUS)
Thor's Day
Rules expansion, wealth, political power, law, business, insurance matters
Friday, Venus (LIBRA AND TAURUS)
Freya's Day
Rules love, beauty, music, the arts, the environment
Saturday, Saturn (CAPRICORN)
Saturn's Day
Rules karma, property, inheritance, agriculture
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Invocation of Lord and Lady
The following is the text of a ritual titled Invocation of the Lord and Lady which was presented by the Fellowship of the Sacred Grove at a local gathering in November of 1993. Prayers and invocations are not included in the text as these are delivered spontaneously by the Priest and Priestess.
PART ONE: THE PREPARATIONS
[Priest, Priestess, Bard and Quarters begin standing in circle just outside the circle that will be consecrated for the ritual. Other participants begin outside of circle and will later enter through South gate. Customarily, East and North are male, South and West female.]
1. The Warning
[The Bard moves to center of circle and addresses all.]
"We gather tonight to open the veil between the worlds.
This is not safe - To pass beyond that threshold we must leave behind the protections of the mundane world. We must remove the veils which disguise us and lay aside the jewels which dazzle our eyes. We must take the risk of Seeing, and of being Seen.
For our protection we rely upon the Lord and the Lady, whose Children we are.
Any who are not ready to approach Them in reverence, love and trust should leave now.
[Pause]
Those of you who have chosen to walk this path, prepare yourselves to meet God and Goddess.
[Bard remains in center.]
2.Claiming the Circle
[East takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.]
"In the name of the Lady of Light, and in my own name,
I claim this circle as a place of Men.
Let all who enter be bound to speak, and hear, the Truth.
So mote it be."
[West takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.]
"In the name of the Sacred King, and in my own name,
I claim this circle as a place of Women.
Let all who enter be bound to Perfect Love and Trust.
So mote it be."
[South takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.]
"In the name of the Lord of the Greenwood, and in my own name,
I claim this circle as a place of Nature
Let all who enter be bound to the sacred web of life.
So mote it be."
[North takes one step forward into the circle and speaks, facing inward.]
"In the name of the Queen of Heaven, and in my own name,
I claim this circle as Sacred Space.
Let all who enter be opened to the presence of God and Goddess.
So mote it be."
3. Marking the Circle
[All sing Listen to the Lord and Lady while Priest and Priest mark circle. When finished Priest and Priestess stand before alter in North, facing South.]
4. The Challenges
[East and West move to South gate and form Arch with athames. North crosses to South gate. Participants enter through South gate one at a time and are challenged at knife point by North and South, then shown to places by Bard.]
Who seeks to join this fellowship?
Will you support and defend your companions on this quest?
Do you swear to use that which you learn in this circle only in service of the light?
Are you ready to meet the Mother and Father of All life?
Then enter and be welcome.
[Comment: This took several minutes, but the effect of the delay was positive rather than negative. The lengthy challenge process acted to center and focus the entire circle.]
5.Sealing the Circle
[Bard speaks from center.]
We have stepped beyond time, to a place not of earth. In the presence of the Lord and Lady, we join together and are one.
[Bard crosses to take place in circle, then takes hand of next person deosil and says We are one. Each participant takes the hand of the next repeating We are one until the whole circle is joined. When the circle is complete, the Bard announces again We are one!]
PART TWO: THE MYSTERY
1. Pathworking
[Priest moves to center and leads all in pathworking. After preliminary relaxation and centering, the working takes the participant first to four symbols - a living tree, a sword, a cup, and a standing stone - each of which holds a message for the visitor. Then the participants journey to an ancient clearing around a weathered stone alter where, in times long past, their ancestors honored the Lord and Lady. In that holy place, the participants call the Guardians of the Quarters, then prepare to invoke the Lord and Lady.]
[Comment: The actual invocation of the Lord and Lady follows without transition, inviting the participants to continue to experience it in the ancient clearing.]
2. Calling the Lord and Lady
[Priestess joins Priest in center. Priestess invokes the Lord. Other celebrants invoke Lord and/or Lady as they feel inspired. Priest closes invocations by invoking the Lady. All invocations end with Come join with us. which is repeated by all.]
3. Chant:
Priestess begins chant alone, all join in after first time through. Participants should stand, clap and dance as they feel moved.]
Isis, Osiris, Woden and Freya; Lord and Lady, Brigid and Lugh
[Chant builds in power to be cut off at peak by Bard striking staff on the ground.]
4. Readings
[During chant East and West have stepped outside circle and deliver readings from opposite sides of circle. Bard is at center. Bard speaks.]
Hear now the words of the Great Mother who is called Isis, and Freya, and Brigid, and many other names.
[West speaks.]
Think not that I am far from you, for you can see my visage in the moon, and hear my voice upon the wind.
I am the silence of the sea, and the secret of the standing stones.
I am the beauty of the green earth, and the mystery of the stars.
I am the Mother of all things, and the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.
I am the source of your beginning, and I am the fulfillment of your desire.
[Bard speaks.]
Hear the words of the All Father who is called Osiris, and Woden, and Lugh, and other names beyond counting.
[East speaks.]
You know me not, but I am with you. My face is the sun, and my voice the thunder.
I am the strength of the forest, and the keenness of the sword.
I am the rune giver; the patient teacher; the revealer of secrets.
I am the warrior, the defender of the weak and the companion of heroes.
I am the Horned One. I am the gateway to the Mysteries, and I am Mystery itself.
[West speaks.]
Arise and come unto us, for mine in the womb that bore thee and the breast that nursed thee. Your joy is our joy, and your sorrow, our sorrow.
We would teach you the ways of healing, and the joys of love, for our law is love unto all beings. We give the knowledge of the eternal spirit, and beyond death we give peace and reunion with those who have gone before. We would lead you to love and to freedom. Call on us, and we will show you the hidden paths.
[East speaks.]
Follow my white stag into the deep forest. There is mystery in the wild places, and a path that leads between the worlds.
The path is not easy, for it leads to that which cannot be given by another.
Those who would share our freedom must create it anew within their own hearts.
But no one who walks that path walks alone. Fear not to call on us, for we have not forgotten our Children.
5. Great Rite
[Priest and Priestess take positions in center of circle, Priest kneeling with chalice, Priestess standing with athame. Priest makes spontaneous prayer to Lord and Lady. Priestess prays and/or responds on behalf of Lord and Lady, customarily ending with So mote it be as she lowers the athame.
[Comment: a common theme here is to invite the Lord and Lady to join with us as they join with each other, but sensitivity to the inspiration of the moment is the prime concern.]
6. Blessing
[All sing We all come from the Goddess as Priest and Priestess circle group, touching and offering a blessing to each in turn. When all have received a blessing, Priest and Priestess return to circle and all join hands. Priest and Priestess signal end to song by returning to center.]
PART THREE CLOSING
1. Thanking the Lord and Lady
[Priest thanks Lady, Priestess thanks Lord.]
2. Return to Mundane Consciousness
[Priestess return to circle. Priest resumes pathworking in ancient clearing, thanks quarters and draws participants back into normal consciousness. Priest returns to circle.]
3. Opening the Circle
[Bard moves to center and addresses all.]
The rite is ended, the circle is open, may the blessing of the Lord and Lady be with you all. So mote it be. (All respond.)
END
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