Materials:
7 pastel colored candles- yellow, pink or orange, pale blue,
royal blue, green, light brown and white
Crystal bell
Chalice or goblet containing the waters of life (in this case,
wine)
Circular shaped loaf of bread
Low Altar or small low table
Altar cloth
Any spring type decorations you might want for the altar
Set
up:
Scribe a circle with your staff that encompasses your altar
& allows plenty of room to move. Place the candles as follows
on their designated compass point on the circle: pale yellow
on the east, pink or pale orange on the south, pastel blue on
the west, pale green on the north. The remaining candles are
placed on the altar as follows: white representing spirit in
the center, with light brown (below) and royal blue (above)
on either side. The chalice & bell should be placed on either
side of the candles. These items should form a crescent shape
on the altar. The last item, the bread should be placed within
the crescent shape between the druid & the candles.
The
celebration:
Stand near the center of the circle. Close your eyes, breathe
deeply and begin centering yourself. Imagine your spirit reaching
down into the earth and up into the cosmos. When you feel grounded,
begin by walking to the candle to the east. Light it and say:
“Spirit of the East, I welcome
you and your gentle kiss borne upon the wind. Come if you will
and rejoice with us.”
Now, walk to the southern candle. Light it and say:
“Spirit of the South, I welcome
you and the awakening passion you bring. Come if you will and
rejoice with us.”
Now, walk to the western candle. Light it and say:
“Spirit of the West, I welcome
you and your gentle spring rains. Come if you will and rejoice
with us.”
Now, walk to the northern candle. Light it and say:
“Spirit of the North, I welcome
you and the fruitfulness of the awakening Mother. Come if you
will and rejoice with us.”
Walk to the altar and sit in front of it. Light the brown candle
and say:
“Spirit of below, I welcome
you and your gentle stirrings of life. Come if you will and
rejoice with us.”
Light the royal blue candle and say:
“Spirit of above, I welcome
you and your infinite lights. Come if you will and rejoice with
us.”
Light the white candle and say:
“Spirit within, enters here
in light and love to rejoice in the awaking of our Mother.”
Ring the bell seven times.
“Oh great Hashem, hear and forgive your humble servant.
You are everywhere, but I worship you here. You are without
form, but I worship you in these forms. I come before you today
to celebrate the return of life to the Earth Mother. I rejoice
in the awakening of the flowers and trees, may they bring us
great joy with their colorful blooms. I rejoice in the ecstasy
of the birds, singing in joy. I rejoice in the gentle kiss of
the wind, warm and gently caressing my cheek. I rejoice in the
awakening of the Earth Mother and the return of her children.
Hashem, cleanse my mind and heart and help me prepare to meditate
that I may be closer to you and her. I rejoice and welcome Alban
Eiler!”
Sit for a time in quiet meditation, breathing deeply and being
aware of the sounds and smells surrounding you and any feelings
you may have.
When you are done meditating, take the bread within your hands
and say:
“Blessed are you Hashem, and
blessed is your child the Earth, that brings forth the grains
and provide us with food.”
Break a small piece off and while sprinkling the crumbs on the
ground say:
“I offer these in thanks for your bountiful gifts.”
Return the bread to the table and lift the goblet.
“Blessed are you Hashem, and
blessed is your child the Earth, who provides us with drink
so that we never thirst.”
Drink from the goblet and pour some upon the ground and return
it to the altar.
Ending:
Rise to your feet and say:
“Blessed are you, Spirits of
Above and Below , Spirits of the North, West, South and East
and any others that may be in attendance. Thank you for being
a part of this celebration. Stay if you will or go if you must.
I wish you peace.”
The
celebration may be followed with a mini-seder celebrating the
fruits of the trees and be sure to include many spring flowers
in your decorations.
~~
Source Unknown ~~
