The Dance of Life . . .
I learned the Dance of Life over twelve years ago, and practice it on all the Earth Holidays . . . supposedly past on, one generation from the Hopi Elders, it is a series of repetitive movements done in the four directions, connecting earth, sky, colors, and cultures . . . it is balancing for ones self, for the community, for the Earth, and when done with intention is power magic for invoking change . . .

Also, giving thanks and tribute to the Earth and her creatures . . .
Anam Cara

I'd love to hear how others show Her their devotion. Great question!!!!

SOOOoooooo, at the risk of sounding like I have a point of view on this topic....... ;-).......

I live in Humboldt County, California, where I'm surrounded by redwoods, the Pacific Ocean is 10 minutes from my front door, and there's fewer than 60,000 people within a 50 mile radius of me, almost 85% of them in the three towns of Eureka, Fortuna, and Arcata. I Believe, yet I've never found any "definitive" document that tells me "this is what She wants you to do to say Hello", so I don't USUALLY go through the motions of such things. I love Her, as well as Her presence when manifested in my close surroundings (such as when found in Nature, or in some of the women immediately in my life), and my devotion is present in how I live my life, how I interact with Nature, and in my relationships with Her children on this planet. Yes, I engage in rituals with others, often on "holy-days", and occasionally for Healing purposes, but those rituals are, I believe, effective (or not) based upon the genuineness and honesty of the people involved and their Intention in each matter.

I try to love as close to "unconditionally" as humanly possible. Those whom She has seen fit to place in my life deserve at least that much from me.

When I feel Her around me, whether on the beach, in my yard, or as I walk in Her forest, or when I watch Her roll by as I'm driving along the Redwood Coast, I say hello. When I see Her in someone standing in front of me, I silently acknowledge Her by showing them genuine respect, and get to wonderin' all over again what I did to have so many amazing, beautiful, wonderful women in my life after forty. When She presents me with something wonderful, I acknowledge her. When I go into Her forest, I DO NOT LEAVE SHIT ON THE GROUND, throw cigarette butts on the ground (#1 litter object on ALL US beaches from washing down storm drains) nor do I dump my used motor oil or car batteries, recycling instead. I don't just throw my old computer monitors down a ravine or gully. I show Her my respect and devotion in how I live my live, making a concerted effort to minimize my footprint upon her face.

I used to hunt. As I do NOT need to hunt for food, I no longer hunt, as each and every one of her critters I encounter in the wild obviously spent unimaginable energy learning how to survive in a world populated by intentionally careless, callous, destructive men and women. Same goes for trees n such- to exist, they have had to battle from day one to become the massive living thing they are. I try to buy recycled products whenever possible, recycle actively from home, and encourage those around me to be environmentally aware (and aware of where they fit in that greater picture).

Each of us has the ability to make a difference in Her world, and to Her children. Each of us has the ability to encourage others to show Her the respect She has so long deserved, yet has lived essentially without.

It's funny, really, a few months ago, a young lady friend made the comment to me that "you're the most religious, most devoted, spiritual person I know". I thought she was being kinda silly at the time, but as I have spent more time examining my life, I realize that she is onto something. The main difference between me (and most pagans for that matter) and "religionists" is simple- I HAVE NO RIGHT TO INSIST THAT YOU ACCEPT MY Truth, just as I respect your right to believe as you choose, provided you keep it to yourself and don't cram it down others' throats!).

But, if tradition and ritual are important to you as an individual, I believe that ANYthing done with honesty, love, and genuine devotion- be it spontaneous, practiced, scripted, or created from whole cloth- is, in fact, a great way to show Her your devotion.

Whadda you all think?

Love and Respect,

Tom

SOmetimes I am formal with my devotions to the Lady, but most of the time I just have an open dialogue with her as though She were my best friend present.