SLG Liturgical Outline

Musical Signal: A bell is rung to signal that it is time to do magic.

Opening Prayer: An opening prayer to announce the beginning of the ritual and to introduce its aims.

Processional: The participants make a journey to the Nemeton while singing or drumming. It sites where a processional is not practical the participants will circle the ritual area.

Purification: Each participant receives three purifications. These purifications represent the three realms of land, sea, and sky (represented by anointing with ocher, salt water, and smudging respectively).

Fire Consecration: An offering of nine sacred woods is made to the ritual fire. This act consecrates the fire and honors the spirits of the forest.

Well Consecration: The well (or a cauldron representing the well) is uncovered and consecrated by the addition of sacred water.

Invocation of Spirits of Bardic Inspiration: An invocation is sung or spoken to honor the Bardic Spirits and to ask for their assistance and inspiration for all of the participants during the ritual.

Honoring the Earth Mother: Our primary Deity is honored with offerings, songs, poems, etc.

Meditation: The participants are led by guided meditation to find their connection with the Land and Sky and to focus on the significance of the season.

Unity Chant: A chant is sung to unite the participants with each other and the world around them.

Statement of Ritual Purpose: A statement is made to announce the purpose of the ritual.

Naming Deities of the Occasion: Deities of special importance to the ritual are named and the reason for their selection is explained. This step is often combined with the statement of ritual purpose.

Planting the Cosmic Tree: The first portal between the worlds is opened through a guided meditation that transforms the bilé (central pole) into the World Tree. This act creates a portal between the worlds by creating a magical center and aligning the cosmos along its axis.

Invocation of Cosmic Fire & Water: Two invocations with offerings are used to magically create two additional portals by uniting the ritual fire and well with cosmic fire and water respectively, thus calling upon their ability to act as doorways between the worlds.

Invocation of the Gatekeeper: An invocation is used to call upon a Gatekeeper Spirit and to ask its assistance in finalizing the openings between the worlds by opening the gates and permitting entities to pass through.

Outsiders: The spirits of chaos are acknowledged and they are asked to not disturb the participants during the ritual or disrupt its outcome.

Invocation of Nature Spirits, Ancestors, and Deities: Three invocations are used to honor these spirits and to invite them to join our rite. This step is often concluded with a song honoring them.

Invocation of the Producers, Warriors, and Sages: The three archetypal classifications of the Deities and our ancestors are invoked and honored. The Producers include craftpersons and those who work with the land to produce sustenance, such as farmers, hunters, etc. The Warriors include all who use force of will and courage to protect and influence the workings of the world. The Sages include the scholars and bards.

Invocation of the Deities of the Occasion: An invocation is used to honor and invite the Spirits/Deities of special importance to this ritual. This invocation is often in the form of a retelling or reenactment of ancient tales that pertain to these entities.

Praise Offering: Offerings are given to the Spirits. These offering can be in the form of artistic performances such as songs, poetry, statements of praise, and dance. They can also be the offering of objects which often includes their sacrifice such as being thrown into the fire or well or being broken. (No blood is shed in ADF rituals.)

Seeking the Omen of Return: A divination is made to see if any omens can be found to tell us of the future.

Meditation of Group & Personal Needs: A moment is taken to focus on the needs of the individual participants and the needs of the community as we ask for blessings in return for our offerings and sacrifices.

Consecration & Sharing: Two chalices of drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are consecrated and shared.

Cauldron Stone Blessing: Those who wish may partake of the blessings of the Grove Cauldron Stone by receiving some of the sacred water which possesses the powers of bestowing health, wealth, and wisdom.

New Member Initiation: New members of the Grove receive their initiations and are welcomed into the Grove by Grove members.

Thanking the Spirits: The Entities that were invited to the ritual are thanked for their blessings and participation.

Thanking the Gatekeeper: The Gatekeeper Spirit is thanked and it is asked to assist us in closing the gates, thus restoring the boundary between the worlds.

Affirmation: A statement is made to affirm the results of the ritual and its completion.

Meditation: A guided meditation is used to focus the attention of the participants upon their connection to the Land and Sky and to allow any excess energy to be released.

Recessional: A final song is sung to signal our parting and to grant a safe journey to all.

Announce Ending: The conclusion of the ritual is announced.

Musical Signal: A final tolling of the bell signals the completion of the ritual.

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