#hedgefolk

by MomHen Public rituals are special beasts.I use that term deliberately. A ritual has its own life: It makes demands on those who would shape it; it rewards those who contribute to it; it has a beginning, a middle and an end, just as any living being is born, develops, and dies; it establishes a relationship to every being involved, tangible or not. Discounting the childhood Catholic masses and the ~1000 weddings I've photographed (which, let's face it, are very ritualistic), I've been attending rituals, mostly pagan and both public and private for - OMG it's been twelve years! I've played many roles in those rituals from rookie to elder, participant to High Priestess (High Priest in a couple). I've been assistant, conduit, shill, cheerleader, battery, fool and guardian. I've been privileged to witness some awesome rituals and have endured some that (for me) fell completely flat. But whatever happened, I can truthfully say that I've learned something from every ritual I've attended. In a closed/private ritual, you-the-ritualist (presumably) have at least a working familiarity with each of the expected corporeal (and incorporeal) participants, and design the ritual with the attending sensitivities and requirements in mind. The folks involved in the ritual (including guests) are familiar with the particular etiquette, have been schooled in the traditions and many have even rehearsed/performed the ritual. If this set of beings have been working together for some time, many of those considerations become taken for granted in the writing of the ritual. In a PUBLIC ritual, however, you-the-ritualist have no such assurances and cannot afford to make ANY assumptions. You may be dealing with veterans and newbies, traditionalists and eclectics, folks who may know more than you do and folks that literally have no clue, folks who have physical or mental abilities or disabilities, sensitivities and triggers. While it's impossible to think of everything, you must make a strong effort to do so, and be prepared for all possibilities and/or at least have an "exit strategy." This means they-who-run-the-show must be able to think creatively, be able to roll with whatever "punches" are dealt to them, and be able to handle any kind of energy that is thrown at them. Some of the pitfalls, perhaps most of them, can be mitigated by proper design, prudence, and communications. I offer these suggestions for those who wish to present public rituals. COMMUNICATE. Except for nagging, there is no such thing as over-communications. Of course you'll tell folks the date, time and address. But ALSO include: a general idea of the working (celebratory, meditative, somber, evangelical) or focus age-appropriateness (child-centered, -friendly, -tolerated or adults-only) a clue about its tradition (Gardnerian, Dianic, Feri or Wiccan-Shaman-Druid) directional resources (phone#, links to maps) parking, accessibility or transit considerations preferred attire suggested monetary donations, if any contact information for additional questions a reminder to be diet- and allergy- respectful (fragrance-free, labeled foodstuffs) If possible (if the advertising media permits), provide additional background material to prepare your participants for the experience. For instance, if you're planning a Samhain ritual, let them know what kind of food might be particularly welcome, and the symbolism that you will be using, perhaps the mythos behind your story or the basic concept of your working. PREPARE YOUR PARTICIPANTS. Shortly before your ritual, consider presenting a 5 or 10 minute orientation session for those who have never been in ritual or don't know what the Sabbat's about. Appoint/recruit someone who can play host and bring the newbie-off-the-street into line for the ritual. NOTHING will kill your momentum/energy quicker than someone demanding to know WHY you're flicking salt-water at folks, or why you're waving that sword around. Be certain that the new folks about to enter your circle know that they're coming into a space as sacred to us as any church, mosque, synagogue or temple. Also, in the interest of avoiding incidents in the middle of ritual, consider announcing before the ritual: what incense will be used; what's in the cakes and ale, who to look for if they need assistance, how/where to exit the circle if needed. PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR ASSISTANTS. Critically and realistically assess the public-presence talents and capabilities of those conducting the ritual. Rehearse at least once to get the logistics and choreography worked out. Do not expect everyone to get everything perfect, and be tolerant of cue cards and crib sheets. Disclaimer:I've ONLY got twelve years of exposure, and fewer years as ritualist under my belt. Many folks in the community have thrice that and more. This is intended as a reminder for those who already know this, and a checklist for those who are just learning. (c)2010, Lou Gastuch, all rights reserved.

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CELEBRATING LITHA

Also called summer solstice the longest day of the yearTakes place 21st June (Third lesser Sabbat)The summer solstice is a traditional time for bonfires to celebrate the longest day. Litha, this summer solstice Sabbat honors the longest day of the year. Take advantage of the extra hours of daylight and spend as much time as you can outdoors. Litha, Summer Solstice or Midsummer represents the Sun King in all his glory. It is a celebration of passion and of ensuring the success of the crops. The Goddess is heavy with pregnancy as is the earth.The Oak King, who represents the waxing year and rules from mid winter Solstice (Yule) to Summer Solstice (Litha), is triumphed over by his brother, the Holly King who rules from Litha to Yule, representing the waning year. The defeated Oak King retires to the Underworld to rest and gain strength. Though Litha marks the zenith of the Sun and the day of the longest light, it is also a day of sadness, because from this day on the light begins to decline, the days shorten, and though this is midsummer, we have begun to move towards Winter.The power of the Sun at Solstice is protective, healing, empowering, revitalizing and inspiring. It adds a powerful charge to all spells, crystals and herbs. Divination on this night is traditional.In the Wheel of the year the Goddess and God are King and Queen of the land. Litha begins with the Oak King in power but ends with the Holly King in power. Place a holly and an oak leaf side by side on your altar. At the end of your ritual place the holly leaf on top of the oak leaf.Light a bonfire as a tribute to the sun.Place an offering in a well, stream or spring to encourage continued water supplied to thirsty growing crops.Decorate an oak tree with ribbons and flowers.Watch the Litha sunrise and sunset.Gather herbs for magick and healing. Cast a midsummer spell and divine your future. Midsummer is the best time to charge your crystals with the magickal energy of the sun. Create a magick wand. Go before dawn on midsummer morning to your chosen tree. Cut the wand with a single stroke and leave an offering for the tree. Leap the bonfire for luck and health in the coming year. Wear a crown of ivy, oak, holly and flowers on your head. THE LITHA ALTARThe focus of this sabbat is again on fertility but also on strength and focus. Plans made at Imbolc, put into motion at Ostara, encouraged at Beltane should now be in fruition. It is a time to give thanks for the gifts we've been given and for our health. After this day things will change somewhat, waning again, and this must be prepared for. This is a celebration of work AND of pleasurable activities. It is also a good time for a dedication rite or a re-affirmation spell. To decorate your Litha altar use bright sunny, fiery colours and add Sun images either made by yourself or a photo or ornament. Some sort of fire on your altar is important, use candles or T light candles if you can't have a small fire in a cauldron. Use fresh summer fruits as a reminder of the earth's bounty and add plenty of flowers and herbs from your garden, sunflowers work well for this Sabbat, if you planted some at Imbolc they'll be ready to cut to use now. Use candles of gold, orange, red and yellow. A symbol or picture of Earth on your altar is a gentle reminder to honour Her. FOODSummer fruits, Fresh vegetables, Orange slice wheels, Sun-shaped breads, cake or biscuits baking potatoes, green vegetables such as snap peas, green beans, lettuce, broccoli, red yellow "> DRINKSIced tea, Lemonade, Ale, Mead, SYMBOLS OF LITHAFire, The Sun, Blades, Mistletoe, Oak Trees, Balefire, Sun Wheels, Dried herbs, Potpourri, Dream pillows, Summer flowers, daisies "> HERBS OF LITHABasil, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, Daisy, Elder, Fennel, Frankincense, Lavender, Lily, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Oak, Pine, Rose, St. John's Wort, Thyme, Vervain, Yarrow. FLOWERS OF LITHADaylilies, daisies, gladioli, and yarrow, sunflowers or whatever is in bloom INCENSE OF LITHAFrankincense, Lemon, Rose, Wisteria, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Pine, Jasmine, Lotus, dragons blood, COLOURS OF LITHABlue, Green, Gold, Yellow, Red, White, Corn Yellow and Tan STONES OF LITHAEmerald, Jade, Tiger's Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond ALTAR CANDLES FOR LITHABlue, Green, Gold, Yellow, Red, White, Corn Yellow and Tan SPELLSAll kinds of spell workings are appropriate at Litha but especially spells for love, healing and prosperity. OILSHeliotrope, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Lavender, Orange, All Mint Oils, Lemon, Saffron Ideas for Litha Litha is a time for healing of all kinds, and protection rituals. Burn a Wreath in the bonfire or try using Wreaths of Vervain and Mugwort which were burned in ancient times at the end of the festivals to burn away bad luck. Many families placed roses on the tables, as this is the Goddess flower for this time of the year. Try this yourself for a beautiful and fragrant decoration.

Leave out milk and honey as an offering to the Fae folk

Put a ring of flowers around a bowl full of mugwort Light a white candle and place it in front of a mirror. Say your own Litha prayer over it, and then let it burn out Try a fire divination, stare into the coals of your bonfire as it settles or look for forms in the leaping flames. Make protection amulets for friends and family dispose of last years amulet in the Litha bonfire Tie a sprig of rowan, a sprig of rue, and three flowers of St. John's Wort with red thread and hang over the door.

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This is a nice introduction to the idea that everyone needs to find the meditation that works best for him or her - there is not one right approach that works for everyone. Oh yeah, and you do not need to be a Buddhist to get the benefits (with apologies to the traditional Buddhists who seem to hate the idea of meditation as a technology separate from the Buddhist tradition). From the Huffington Post. THERE\'S A DIFFERENT WAY TO \'MEDITATE\' FOR EVERYONE Susan Smalley, Ph.D. Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA Posted: May 12, 2010 10:24 AM The other night a husband and wife were asking me about meditation; the wife was a mediator and the husband was not. She clearly reaped great benefit from it and must have trying to get her husband to do it, but to no avail. I told the husband that I've been working to bring meditation to UCLA, in the medical school where our center is located (www.marc.ucla.edu), with a goal to teach meditation practices in a secular way, particularly in light of emerging research supporting its benefits on health and well-being. I also noted that meditation is really a means of investigating the mind, something perhaps we can all benefit from in this very "outward" oriented culture. I could see that he was interested (despite his wife's facial expression of 'I told you so'). But he acknowledged that he has been very 'turned off' by anything that seemed "New Age." It occurred to me how much I cringe at the idea of sounding "New Age" or of people, books, and programs that seem "New Age." I noticed how hard we work not to be seen as "New Age" in any way. But it's clear that these ancient practices of meditation, yoga, tai chi are emerging at a new time or a new age from their origins so that the term is, in a way, kind of accurate. But I know what I dislike about the "New Age" stereotype -- it's not the practice or exercises that are being taught -- but how they are being described. A more New Age teacher might reference "spirit, divine" or other metaphysical term while a more secular-oriented teacher would not. (The same practices taught in a religious setting would likely differ in description as well). Our Center classes provide tools for meditation using a framework of inward exploration, with experimentation and discovery the guiding framework necessary for practice. Many people tells us that through practice they experience a sense of connection to something larger than themselves but prefer terms like "humanity, evolution," the "universe at large" or "nature" to describe it. Others with a religious slant often describe that their connection to God is deepened through practice. Others note that they are happier, more content, and kinder to themselves, others, and the planet without reference to any other constructs. I remember in our first classes at UCLA overhearing someone in attendance say, "I always wanted to learn to meditate and now that UCLA says it's okay I'm going to do it." That made me pause and think how the setting within which we learn something can be deterring or supportive, but it certainly it plays an important role. The husband I met was seeking a tool or means of inward reflection but steered away from meditation because of its New Age clothing. As science dresses it anew, (described in secular terms with research around it) perhaps he can try it on again for size. There is some technique for everyone - whether that is walking in nature, sitting in a lotus position, meditation to music, or practicing calligraphy (among many, many others). There are clearly many ways to explore the mind. (For free guided meditations go to www.marc.ucla.edu and click on mindfulness meditations). Here are the meditations available at the link above (one stop education):

MINDFUL MEDITATIONS

For an introduction to mindfulness meditation that you can practice on your own, click on the following links, turn on your speakers and click on the forward arrow "play" button. To download an mp3 meditation, please right click 'download mp3' and select "Save Target As..." or it may do so automatically. To play a.wma file on a Mac computer you may need to first download Windows Media Player (free). 5 minute BREATHING MEDITATION (play) (mp3 download) 12 minute BREATH, SOUND, BODY MEDITATION (play) (mp3 download) 19 minute COMPLETE MEDITATION INSTRUCTIONS (play) (mp3 download) 7 minute MEDITATION FOR WORKING WITH DIFFICULTIES (play) (mp3 download) 9:30 minute LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION (play) (mp3 download) 3 minute short BODY AND SOUND MEDITATION. (play) -->this is an mp3 download 3 minute short LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION. (play) All meditations by MARC's Director for Mindfulness Education, Diana Winston. MINDFULNESS CLOCK (for PC Users) MINDFULNESS CLOCK (for Mac Users) Tags: Buddhism, meditation, Health, stress, Psychology, Susan Smalley, There's a Different Way to Meditate For Everyone, Huffington Post, Breathing Meditation, Loving Kindness Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, secular practice, well-being

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Interesting to see the emergence of a postmodern theology - not surprisingly, he's Episcopalian. He has received both praise and criticism for his efforts to reform Christian theology and bring it into the 21st century. Bishop Spong's call for a new reformation includes 12 Theses for a new Christianity: The complete document in Bishop Spong introduces the 12 Theses is his "Call for a New Reformation"

THE 12 THESES

1. Theism, as a way of defining God, is dead. So most theological God-talk is today meaningless. A new way to speak of God must be found. 2. Since God can no longer be conceived in theistic terms, it becomes nonsensical to seek to understand Jesus as the incarnation of the theistic deity. So the Christology of the ages is bankrupt. 3. The biblical story of the perfect and finished creation from which human beings fell into sin is pre-Darwinian mythology and post-Darwinian nonsense. 4. The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes Christ's divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible. 5. The miracle stories of the New Testament can no longer be interpreted in a post-Newtonian world as supernatural events performed by an incarnate deity. 6. The view of the cross as the sacrifice for the sins of the world is a barbarian idea based on primitive concepts of God and must be dismissed. 7. Resurrection is an action of God. Jesus was raised into the meaning of God. It therefore cannot be a physical resuscitation occurring inside human history. 8. The story of the Ascension assumed a three-tiered universe and is therefore not capable of being translated into the concepts of a post-Copernican space age. 9. There is no external, objective, revealed standard writ in scripture or on tablets of stone that will govern our ethical behavior for all time. 10. Prayer cannot be a request made to a theistic deity to act in human history in a particular way. 11. The hope for life after death must be separated forever from the behavior control mentality of reward and punishment. The Church must abandon, therefore, its reliance on guilt as a motivator of behavior. 12. All human beings bear God's image and must be respected for what each person is. Therefore, no external description of one's being, whether based on race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, can properly be used as the basis for either rejection or discrimination.

Spong ends this article by saying:

"So I set these theses today before the Christian world and I stand ready to debate each of them as we prepare to enter the third millennium." The whole article is worth the read if you are interested in understanding the ways Christian theology and practice might change for the better, although there are many - even within his own denomination - who do not agree with Spong's position. Bishop John Shelby Spong leads the 2:00 pm audiences through a week-long conversation based on his newest book: "Eternal Life: A New Vision - Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell". This week having been inspired by the Eileen and Warren Martin Lectureship Fund for Emerging Studies in Bible and Theology, Jack Spong in his unique style makes accessible to the ordinary layperson emerging understandings within contemporary theology, and offers new ways in which to engage with traditional concepts. John Shelby Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001. Acclaimed as a teaching bishop who makes contemporary theology accessible to the ordinary layperson, he is considered the champion of an inclusive faith, both inside and outside the Christian church. In one of his recent books, "The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Discover the God of Love" (2005), Bishop Spong sought to introduce readers to a new way to engage the holy book of the Judeo-Christian tradition. A committed Christian who has spent a lifetime studying the Bible and whose life has been deeply shaped by it, Bishop Spong says that he is a believer who knows and loves the Bible deeply, but who recognizes that parts of it have been used to undergird prejudices and to mask violence. A visiting lecturer at Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide, Bishop Spong delivers more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room-only crowds. He was previously a 2:00 pm Lecturer of the Week at Chautauqua in 2000. His bestselling books include "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism", "A New Christianity for a New World", "Why Christianity Must Change or Die", and "Here I Stand". His extensive media appearances include a profile segment on "60 Minutes" as well as appearances on "Good Morning America, Fox News Live, Politically Incorrect, Larry King Live, The O'Reilly Factor, William F. Buckley's Firing Line," and "Extra." His newest book is "Eternal Life: A New Vision - Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell". Tags: Religion, culture, Philosophy, postmodernism, FORA.tv, Bishop John Shelby Spong, Transcending Religion, Christianity, Eternal Life, A New Vision, Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell, theology, 12 Theses, New Christianity, Call for a New Reformation

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