Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

150 Creating Circles & Ceremonies
This is a celebration and a party, a time for giving gifts and saying: “We’re here if you need
us—you don’t have to raise this kid alone!”
Elderhood (Crones & Sages)
Elders, like children, are priceless treasures of our community. After the age of 50 or so,
we may formally acknowledge and honor our elder folk for their wisdom, knowledge, skills,
or whatever they have gained from their years on Earth. Often they are the ones who settle
disputes, bless babies, and speak with greatest authority in councils. At this rite, another
symbol may be gifted to them in recognition of their value.
Death & Rebirth
Near or at the time of death, we give comfort and compassion in a rite of passing. Beloveds
gather to say goodbye, and to send the spirit out through the Circle. We ask that they be blessed
with peace, a time of rest, and then a new journey and a new birth. After death, we remember
them with a gathering called a wake. This is a farewell party where we share treasured memories
and stories. A funeral may follow, in which a few chosen speakers may deliver a eulogy (“good
words”)—speaking of the impact of the departed person’s life on their own, and on the world.
A time of death is a sad time, but also one filled with hope and joy, for death is part of life,
and just as the seasons turn, so we also will be reborn and continue. It is a time to let go and
move on. When a loved one dies, it’s a comfort to know that we may have inherited a guardian
angel in our lives, whom we can petition for aid (“may your spirit continue to guide us”).
The great cycle, the spiral leading ever forward, continues: the moments of a day, the
seasons of our lives, our lives themselves, generations, planets, stars, galaxies, and universes—
all turning in the great circle of life, one within the other. I am proud to be a part of this circle,
because fun, adventure, and growth are the greatest treasures I can imagine!
Blessing Way
By Cheryl Reynolds, 2002
I. Birth Rites
This is a blessing rite for a to-be-mommy. This can
be done before a baby shower or as the shower itself,
with gifting later. Here are the items needed:
• Large green pillar candle for the mother-to-be.
• Something with which to inscribe names on the candle.
• Small table and cozy chair for the mother-to-be, plus earth
cloth (this will be gifted to mommy after rite).
• A very long piece of twine, preferably red to symbolize the mother element.
• Matching small white or green tapers with candle hand protectors for each person
present at the rite.
Before mommy arrives, have all present inscribe just their first name on her green pillar
candle. When she arrives, set the candle on the table in front of her with some matches; place her
chair in the middle of the circle (we made an elaborate chair fit for a pregnant mommy!).
All participants should gather around her and hold hands. Have one women tie her hand
around to the women on the left with one loop...keep the string loose so the women can lift her
arms up and then go to the next women. One woman should go around entire room and link the
circle of women together hand to hand with the string, making sure that there is enough room
for the women to lift up their arms. The mother-to-be should link the last loop of the two women
together (do not tie the string—just loop.). All should be linked together, with mommy in center.
Through our Great Mother, you have linked us all together and created a circle around you.