Divine Providence's topics - tribe.net

new related tribe - positive thinking (cross post)

StephanieMcWaters — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:25:42 GMT

Hey there, I thought that maybe some of you would be interested in this new, related tribe : D
Please join us, we would love to be able to partake of and share your thoughts, wisdoms, and positive energies with ours
Thanks!
~Stephanie

tribe.net/positivethinking

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

Divine Providence A perfect example!

opal honey velvet — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:03:06 GMT

I am grateful that the universe often knows better than I what is good for me. Through a series of traumatic events that had me thinking I had to stay here in CA, I ended up totaling my vehicle and now have the money to go home. I am a true native born Seatllite. I am SO HAPPY that the universe knew where I needed to be when I got distracted by everything that was happening. Much Gratitude to the Powers that be!
A special thank you and Gratitude to Dolphin in the Bay area tribe for his post on Abundance checks.

posted in Divine Providence - 3 replies

intergration

god-intoxicated — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 23:40:23 GMT

how about instead of using the arms race for security, let every country contribute something good to the global communty with rescourse and technology. That way we will have security based on our collaberative intergration and we won't need to threaten each other.....

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

ritual/ altar items

mistressofevil — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:47:07 GMT

hiya'll we brought a singing bowl and rattle, as well as other stuff from the altar, does anyone know where all that stuff ended up? We had to leave early. thanks!

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

THANK YOU!!!

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:58:02 GMT

I had a wonderful time at this ritual, and I want to thank everyone for being a part of it.

The pristine location, the intentions that were set, the XLR8R, the sound, and the people were all so gorgeous that I can only call it art.

Love to all of you beautiful freaks! MUAH MUAH MUAH!

xoxo,
Bridgid

posted in Divine Providence - 2 replies

TimeShift picture here

god-intoxicated — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:50:57 GMT

www.pbase.com/trance_mama...meshift_2007

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

Pictures?

djgreenman — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 23:27:50 GMT

anyne take any? Love to see them, super fun time :-)

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

Ritual Fire, Karma Dangers and Ethics.

lunaelfling — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:11:16 GMT

Hi All,

I've been asked to re-post an article I wrote last year right before the Timespell Ritual on Ritual Fire. Since we are once again invoking Specific Deities and bringing up highly charged energies I highly suggest anyone participating read this as well as the following post. For those of you who don't know me I am Luna. I am part of the XLR8R Krew. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.

Thank you,

Luna

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Karma Dangers and Ethics.

Ritual addresses or ‘channels’ a raw and potentially dangerous psychic force, so we have to be careful. We are literally ‘playing’ with fire and this can turn out good or bad, there is no morality in fire as such. There is a thin line between success, and physical or psychical problems or illness.

Performing rituals comes with a sense of real or perceived ‘power’ and there is an ego-attraction there that is hard to escape. For many being the center of attention is enough to make them ‘fly’, but remember the story of Prometheus. He took the fire from the Gods to bring it to the humans and give them civilization. But Hephaestus got the better of him, tied him to a crag and an eagle would eat his liver, that would regenerate everyday.

Or think of Phaethon, who attempted to drive the Sun Chariot without proper knowledge, nearly causing the incineration of the Earth.

Do not bury your emotions, but neither should you elevate them to the level of dictator or ego-maniac. The obsession of self-importance and personal identity is counter-productive in ritual work. Humility is the true trait of the magus.

If we see a ritual as a magical endeavor, intention is the main attribute and the key to success in terms of both material and immaterial results (Love under will: A. Crowley). The will is the driving force, expressed in intention, but has to be aligned with the various worlds and the ‘divine’ will. If love and truth are present and expressed in body, mind and heart of the people, little can go wrong. However, bad intentions by some can turn things sour, that’s why in the Veda’s so much attention is given to warding off black magic.

There are strong ethics involved in ritual work and magic in general. Not only do we have to be careful not to overstep the boundaries of participants and honor their cultural literacy (sensitivities, tolerance) but the purpose, intention and effects of a ritual need attention.

We can use the word Karma here, to indicate that what is done has a wider effect, it will resonate through time and all the dimensions. Apart from right or wrong we have to understand that a ritual effects, sometimes as a amplifier, many layers of the tangible and intangible realities. Start with respect for the Earth and the people, and try to extend that unto the other worlds, and you will realize that you and everybody are connected, and that what you do will come back to you, good or bad alike. Using a ritual setting and enclosure like a circle or a ritual space this (can) act as an amplifier, multiplying the energies and karma involved, this is sometimes referred to as ‘the law of three’.

Originally posted Thu, November 9, 2006 - 4:28 PM

posted in Divine Providence - 3 replies

Need a Ride?? Saturday morning departure

Corus — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:55:20 GMT

Cory (Corus) and Danielle (Moonlit Ocean) are leaving Saturday morning in a rental car. We have room for 2 more people. If you or your friends need a ride then let us know.

Cory: 415-812-1195

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

FIRE :>}

bedouin — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:38:39 GMT

http://www.havans.org/intro.htm

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

We need insturments

god-intoxicated — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 02:21:49 GMT

if anyone has drums, bells, rainsticks, rattles....ect
also, shamans drum, the kind that you hit with a stick
bring it to mojave because we need them to invoke directions
thank you,
see you all down there,
not to die but to be reborn.....

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

Ritual Structure/Intention/Roles

mistressofevil — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:28:36 GMT

Once again, i will be the structuralist! I think that when we are dealing with powerful and magical energies there are certain things that should happen in order to create a safe sacred ritual space and to focus the intention of the ritual. Once we have a basic structure we can open it up for people to participate wherever they feel called! this is kind of a long message so, bear with me!

First we should agree on the basic Intention of the ritual. From what i gather from the Timeshift info that has been sent out and being that it is the Spring Equinox, it could be summarized as (adapted from catalyx's email) If anyone has anything to add or change about the intention, post it here:

Leaving the shadows of our ego behing in order to seed our world with clear visions of change as we are reborn into Spring.

as for the basic ritual structure:

- Clear and Sage the space. We will need a few volunteers to do be responsible for this.

- Cast a circle. We need 1 or 2 people who want to cast the circle. They will act also as the facilitor (s) of the ritual. This role would be good for someone who has a little experience with casting a circle and ritual.

- Invoke the elements. We need 5 (or more) volunteers to do invocations for each element. Invocations can be done anyway you want: words, dance, song, an instrument, etc....
Air. Fire. Water. Earth. Spirit.

- Invoke the Goddess. For this ritual, we will be invoking the Goddess Kali. This will be done with a series of fire eating and contact by kfire, megan and katya and her fire crew from San Diego.

- Invoke the God, and/or Ancestors. If anyone feels called to invoke a particular god, or the ancestors, we could do that as well.

- At this point it would be good maybe to open it up for other offerings people want to make. Dmitry had mentioned songs, poetry, etc. If there is anything people would like to share with the group, this is the time for it. I think we should set a time limit for this section, because really, it could go all nite otherwise. So lets agree on a time that we think would work.

- perhaps we should to all link hands and do some chants together to seal in the intentions we have brought forth.

- then, lets dance!!!

- also, if a few people wanted to gather in the morning to close the circle, it would be a good idea.

So to summarize, I think the major roles for the ritual should be decided ahead of time. If you are interested and feel called to participate, post here what you'd like to sign up for.
we need:
- space clearers
- Cast the circle
- air
- fire
- water
- earth
- god?
- ancestors?

Looking forward to making mojave magic with you all!
Blessed Be!
Megan

posted in Divine Providence - 11 replies

A basic description of Ritual

lunaelfling — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:22:27 GMT

In regards to the upcoming ritual I have been asked to repost my description of Ritual. (originally posted Thu, November 9, 2006 - 4:51 PM)

(This is for those people who find themselves at events where there is ritual and have no experience in it. People need to know what things are about before jumping into things just cause everyone else is doing it. This will give you an opportunity to step back just in case it goes against what you might feel comfortable with.) And yes I know its long but if you feel the need to participate in any ritual it would behoove you to know exactly "what" a ritual is (and this is like the subject title says, only a basic description).

Oh and if anyone would like for me to repost last years Timespell ritual please let me know. Or you can look through my blog postings and find it there.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A basic description of Ritual

The basic ingredients of a ritual are prayer, offerings, chanting, recitation, role-playing with at the level of specifics hymns, silent praying, oblations, libations, charms, consecration, formalized spells and visualizations, breath, movements, smoking, eating and drinking, posture, manipulation, orientation, colors, forms, symbols, etc. Sometimes the liturgy is specified to the minutest detail, like in the Veda’s, sometimes it is more free. Sometimes it is just a small routine, like saying thanks before eating, sometimes it is an extended sacrament with many routines.

Purification is usually part of a ritual to clean oneself from sins or bad karma, water and fire are both used for this, again in connection with prayer, chanting etc. Not only the participants but also the tools and implements need to be cleaned and purified. In the purification often (salted) water, complementing the fire, is used, but also smoke from sage, representing air.

Worship; there is the general devotional kind of ritual (Bhakti in the Vedic tradition) just honoring the deity or spirit without asking for anything, just thanking for the good we have received and regretting the sins we have committed. This can be done by simple prayer, chanting, prostrations or offerings and most important, by silence. Silence is one of the most powerful tools in any ritual!

Healing, of body and soul is also a common purpose of a ritual. In many cultures it is seen as a by-product of purification, getting rid of evil spirits or spells, but often the process of healing is more complex and a purpose in itself. Shielding and protection against evil influences can be seen as part of this process, with blessing as the way to call forth the good and positive. The use of spells as a tool in this respect is quite common, but is really a ritual class in itself.

Communion with the spirits, other participants and the community is a central theme. The communication with the spirit, asking for favors of a material or immaterial kind by sacrifice is a common aspect. Here the offerings become sacrifice, a gift in order to obtain something in return. The communication is twoway, as oracle signs or divination are interpreted as an answer of the spirit(s). Invocation or conjuration of major spirits, in the case of a fire ritual, is less appropriate as the spirits are supposed to be present anyway at a ritual at their honor, but they of course can and should be welcomed.

Sacrifices and offerings are a central act in religion (and magic), and even as we have limited the more bloody aspects of sacrifice in our modern world, nearly all religions still incorporate sacrificial notions. Sacrifice is a way to communicate with world of the gods, the unseen. The word sacrament, used for the core rituals (sometimes involving ingestion of a substance) in a religion, underlines this.

Already Plato saw sacrifices as communion with the Gods and divination as their answer. In Vedic ritual, the offering material, the deity, and the act of offering (libation/oblation) are the three main aspect of a sacrifice. (dravyam devata tyagah). A further step is the communion as in uniting with the divine, partaking in the consecration, even eating the transmuted sacrifice to achieve this communion.

Transformation of the participants is an essential process related to fire. It often comes down to reaching for a higher level of consciousness or power in the outer or the inner world. In Alchemical terms it is using the ‘secret’ fire of transmutation. The alchemical qualities of fire are well known, in fire rituals the transformation can be magical, psychological and/or social, but a funeral rite is of course also fairly practical. Rites of passage and initiations often use fire. Usually there is a physical but highly symbolic act, one has to take a step, make a move, cross a bridge. Jumping over the fire, through a fire-arch, or walking it’s hot ashes, juggling fire; the fire helps to transform and to achieve something new and better, a higher state. Burning old cloths or paraphernalia in order to be ready for a new set is a good example of such a symbolic act, a strong signal to the subconscious that change is happening.

Ascension is rising up to the divine level, in many cases entering the realm of the spirit in a trance-like state. Here the fire is more than a window, it is a doorway to heaven. One goes through the fire into another state or world. Descent is usually part of the ritual sequence, going to the underworld, facing death, but coming up again, regenerated, ready for celestial ascent.

In the shamanic type of ritual the trance aspect (doorway) is usually the most important, the shaman makes the ‘trip’ to the other world on behalf of his people or client(s).

Ritual Matrix - liturgy

There are many elements that make up a ritual, we could describe the whole thing as a matrix. The ritual matrix consist of an inner and outer part. The outer, tangible matrix involves liturgic scenario, its preparation and execution, timing based on celestial circumstances, the sacrificer(s) and the sacerdotal crew (priests/helpers), the ritual enclosure, the implements and tools, the sacrifice materials, the spectator/devotee crowd and its social setting. Then there is the virtual, inner matrix of private purpose and intention, consciousness shifts or jumps, magical visualization, internalized prayers, alliances and foeships with the unseen world and the karmic circumstances.

All religions emphasize that the inner and outer should be aligned for a ritual to be effective.

The liturgic scenario

A ritual can be seen as a sequence of actions with a symbolic meaning. The scenario of a magical or religious ritual is usually fairly formalized and has distinct stages. A rather extensive fire ritual would comprise of the following stages, that are related to the above mentioned purposes, but set in a liturgic scenario and logical order. Not all the stages are necessary in every fire ritual, but this is a kind of manual for setting up a ritual.

Stages:

o Preliminary preparation (of materials and sacrifices)

o Ordination of sacrificer, master of ceremony (priest), fire-chief and helpers

o Permission asking (of the spirits and owners of the land) and invitation-welcoming

o Cleaning the site

§ Staking or casting the ritual enclosure (circle or square)

§ Preparation of altar and fire(s)

§ Processions around and closing the circle, sometimes including the
attendance in a wider enclosure.

§ Entrance into the circle by participants

§ Dedication of the altar, fire-wood, utensils, tools and sacrifices

§ Honoring the four quarters, the sky and the earth (the vertical axis mundi) and
the inner dimension.

§ Lighting the fire, ignition

§ Naming the fire and dedication of its main purpose (and at the same time
renunciation)

§ Opening the Gates (as an additional layer)

§ Purification stage

§ Burning sage and cleansing with smoke, blessing

§ Devotion and worship stage:

§ Silent devotion of sacrificer and attendants

§ Hymns or songs of praise, thanks and devotion

§ Communion stage:

§ Honoring the energies, evoke spirits

§ Offerings including donations

§ Charging and dedication of sacrifices

§ Sacrificial acts; consecration, libations and oblations (i.e the sacrificing of
something a person has or would do in order to recieve that which he asks
for)

§ Transformation stage

§ Preparation for trance

§ Silent meditation and visualization

§ Walking the fire, jumping the fire

§ Trance dancing and music

§ Closing stage

§ Blessing

§ Thanks to the spirits

§ Burning the implements

§ Closing and dissolving the Gates and the circle

§ Cleaning of the site

Preliminary preparation

In some cultures the officiants meditate, keep a fast, sexual abstinence or take a ritual bath. Preparing the wood, the utensils, the fire-sticks, offerings etc. beforehand, purifying them with incense or water and salt. It is advisable to use or even make utensils, vessels etc. that at the end of the ritual can be burnt in the fire. Sacrifices or the vessels used should not be put on the bare ground, but always on an altar or mound, covered with grass or some cover.

If one wishes to use the fire to overcome aggression or other negative tendencies in ourselves, one can prepare by identifying this negative force as the enemy, fix it into some material object, which is then to be burned in the ritual. The Physical Fire is then symbol of the evoked power, the inner aggression, that is to be transformed. The ‘Secret’ fire is the spiritual process.

In order to make clear for the lay audience what is happening, it helps to have a small handout with the basic rules - like not entering the ritual enclosure or at a specific point (stepping over some small fire for purification) and the outline of the ritual and maybe some basic songs or chants. Also in making clear who are in charge of the fire, the ritual, the music etc., dressing or even painting them in a specific pattern (concentric circles or sun-wheels -cross in circle-) is helpful and appropriate. At large gatherings some kind of crowd control is necessary and escape routes, emergency planning etc. is necessary.Permission and invitation

First ask for permission, from the people and the lower and higher spirits, that inhabit the place. Putting up an altar in many cultures means taking legal possession of the location/area. Then the audience or participants are to be invited to join and to partake of the sacrifice. This is important as taking part in a sacrifice uninvited is seen as a taboo, and there are usually levels of participation based on rank or status, like only Brahmans are allowed to drink the sacred Soma in Vedic ritual.

In a fire ritual there is no evocation or calling of the major divinities or spirits addressed, they are just welcomed, as they are ever present at rituals to their honor. Lesser spirits and Deva’s, especially those associated with the location, can be evoked or called. Invocation and trance (possession) are usually reserved for a later stage of the ritual, the conjuration (calling forth) of spirits and angels usually requires a more silent and introspective setting than a fire.

Dedication and renunciation

The name of the fire is optional, but it is a suggestion to seek the guardian spirits of the intended fire. There are certain angels associated with fire, like Gabriel (brings fire to human), Uriel (flame of God), Nathaniel (Lord of fire), Areal and Atuniel. The sacrificer or sacrificers have to state the purpose of the ritual, give the fire a name and maybe dedicate to something or someone .

However, it is good practice to then formally renounce this and all the personal goals stated or thought, and express to accept whatever the spirit(s) deem necessary. The goals of personal profits should be aligned with the highest good.

It is also good practice at this time to excuse oneself for any mistake in the execution of the ritual, the Vedic god to address this to is called Brhaspati, the Brahman of the gods, in Latin rites an apological sacrifice was called a piaculum .

Stating the purpose of the ritual and sacrifices, that is both positive intentions and negative (burning ego, destroy enemies, fighting chaos restraining timeloops) is usually done by concentrating them verbally and mentally in symbolic objects, either to be offered or burned and thus transformed in the fire.

By putting the negatively charged objects into the (base of) fire (items representing or charged with enemy, ego-traits) before it is ignited these will disappear or be transformed. Other, more positive charged) substances are thrown (on top of) or oblated (poured) in the fire; these sacrifices or offerings are part of the communication with the divine/spirits.

The circle, ritual enclosure, sanctuary

A ritual circle can be very real or totally virtual. Some people prefer an imaginary border, drawn by visualization, but others prefer a physical separation. The perimeter of the ritual enclosure, usually a circle or square, can be marked by stones at the cardinal points, outlined by corn flower, painted tobacco or by sticks or twigs. One can use candles or torches or even whole altars to indicate the East (Air), South (Fire), West (Water) and North (Earth) points and the access portal, where one can enter or leave the circle.

The center directions (up/down) establish the world axis or heaven/earth. The seventh direction is the one inside, the heart, the inner sky.

For cleaning, casting and consecration of the circle or enclosure there are numerous techniques, using all kinds of tools like sweeps and wands, ropes, a sword, or just your finger tracing a real or virtual circle. However, first clean the place, maybe using a sacrificial broom. To draw a good circle, start with a wooden peg or something (symbolically to nail down the serpent of the underworld) in the middle, connect a rope, then go the marker or cornerstone of the altar in the East. Then starting in the East make a circle or square for the enclosure, bordered by flags, stones or cornflower, painted tobacco in the Indian tradition, eventually a wider (second) circle to include those spectators that want to participate as co-sacrificers. The length of the sacrificer is sometimes taken as the root for measurements.

The main focus direction of a fire ritual is usually East, the ascent to heaven is through the fire towards the East. So the “sacrificial” altar, even if it is no more than a small leveled area, in many traditional rituals is situated looking at the fire in the East, so to the West of the main fire, but other directions are used these days too. And don’t forget the practical considerations, like the wind direction.

Every aspect of a ritual needs to be blessed and (con-)sacrated by calling the appropriate spirits, do some purification etc. This involves the site, the tools, the priests, the fire wood and sacrifices, the altar, the crowd and the ritual enclosure or circle.

Going (dancing) around the fire (usually in a circle, but sometimes the spiral form is used) is a common part of many rituals. In Hindu marriages the couple goes 3 or 7 times around the fire clockwise. Normally all movements around the fire are clockwise (deosil), with the exception of ancestor worship or the exposure of negative energies. Also at the closing of the ritual and the circle going counter-clockwise (widdershins) is appropriate.

For larger groups more circles are necessary to keep everybody within hearing range. Having dancers, musicians, jugglers each in their circle makes for more harmony and then the circles can move in opposite directions too.

The officials

Shamans, priestesses, priests or vocalizers, there needs to be some structure to facilitate the various ritual processes and procedures. Not only the leader of the ritual, but there are other important tasks and thus officials and it helps to have their function and duties clarified beforehand. It is good to separate the practical from the sacrificial and pure ritual, things like bringing firewood or security otherwise become a distraction.

The officiating ‘priests’ and other ‘officials’ should be recognizable, like standing at a specific place, wearing the paraphernalia of their office.

There are different functions, depending on the scope of the ritual. in the old Vedic rituals there were up to 16 priests, each with a very specific role, like the Brahman as the leader of the ritual, the Hotar as the one in charge of the Vedic hymns, the Agnidh as the fire-kindler, etc.

Usually there is at least a leader, also a kind of master of ceremonies, then a fire-chief, someone in charge of the offering/libations, musicians, drummers, etc.

Important, but usually overlooked these days, there needs to be a sacrificer or patron, the yajamana. He is initiator of the ritual, as a representative of his household, tribe or tradition and calls the name and stated purpose of the ritual, pays the priests, he is like the sponsor or producer and has a place of honor, In other words the DJ booth.

Gates

These are again virtual doorways, created within the ritual enclosure to perform specific actions and communications. The Gate would be the XLR8R as it addresses specific energies, which is opened and closed and driven to help to focus and direct or for that matter drives the energy.

The altar

The altar is the holy place in front of the fire or in the East or another appropriate direction. When placed before the fire, the fire should be in the East and the altar to the West of it.

Normally the altar is the symbolism of the center of the ritual and of the world(s), but in a fire-ritual it takes second place, unless the fire is on top of the altar. It is the (work)-place to prepare the oblations and libations, and arrange and display the devotional and charged objects, statues, pictures of divinities, your personal treasures etc. It can be adorned with crystals, thunder stone (meteor), objects should be positioned as to separate wisdom from chaos.

Special forms and patterns can be used on the altar or in building the altar. The numbers 5 (elements) or 7 (directions including the inner one) or 360 (days/nights) are used in constructing the altar. It is said “he who piles the altar will conquer both worlds”.

There is a reason to use the number 7 for the ritual enclosure, as in representing the seven temples in our lives: the DNA, womb, body, house, world, inner (imaginary) temple, cosmic temple (the cosmos, New Jerusalem).

For larger rituals, altars can be built at more places, like at the quarters (watchtowers) or corners. Going around the circle to the various altars then becomes a procession, with appropriate ceremonies at each altar.

Sacrifices

Sacrificing something that has value, in order to achieve a certain goal or the grace of the divine is very fundamental. The role of sacrifice in the Vedic/Hindu tradition for instance is essential, it was their way to connect the personal and the impersonal, also a way to ever renew the religion, as a personal sacrifice defies dogma and stagnation of a faith, it makes the ritual a personal meaningful event.

A sacrifice is more than a devotional offering (like flowers or fruits), it has to have ‘exchange’ value or meaning, both outer and inner, so there must be a real connection with the sacrificer(s). Many things can be sacrificed, the libations of special drinks or oblations of specially prepared (on an adjoined fire) food or ghee (clarified butter) or the offering (and consuming) of the magic drink soma (made of herbs with special powers (maybe psychedelic) are commonplace. But also virtual offerings, like a vow representing a personal sacrifice, often as a token of exchange for something. When eating or drinking the part of the sacrifice that is not put into the fire, one often says ‘may you never hunger or thirst’.

The basic role model for a Brahman is “Cooking the world” (lokapakti) and in a fire-ritual this has a literal meaning, all sacrifices should be cooked or be put in the fire before it is lighted, although it is allowed for the audience to throw rice or grain in the fire, while the officiant makes an oblation. Mixing with milk is seen as cooking.

This is one of the reasons that there are multiple fires at a large Vedic ritual site, one of them is for preparing the sacrifice, another to fend off the demons, the main one is for the sacrifice act. One can use grain, rice, milk and herbs, and as the participants will have a helping, why not make it into a tasty soup. It is customary to eat the cooked sacrifice as part of the ritual, and there should be no leftovers, whatever is not eaten goes into the fire. For cooking or as offering dish, clay or earthenware pots or dishes are used, as they can be thrown in the fire afterwards as to leave no leftovers. Iron should not be used in the sanctuary.

Oblations are usually made by using a ladle to pour into the fire, while chanting/drumming and are done facing east, calling upon the fire (Agni) to transfer the message.

The communion stage

This is bringing together the people and the spirit(s), bonding them and establish a link, a commun(icat)ion between them It is usually a holy moment, with people standing. Offering to the Gods by libation or offering and then sharing the food or drink is a common way to achieve this. One can include the co-sacrificers (part or all of the public) in various ways. Like by enclosing them with a cloth or silk thread and so connect them to the officiant doing the oblations etc. But holding hands at these holy moments works as well.

By calling upon the spirits the fire is used as the channel, in many traditions any specific verbal call or address (within a song or hymn) to the spirit is therefore to be accompanied by a special gesture like an offering, ladling the sacrifice into the fire.

At this stage, concentration and focus are important; the words, the stance, movements and even the breath is sometimes subject to the liturgical rules.

Circle work

The circle is a magical symbol, with no beginning and no end and can be used in many ways in a ritual. It usually stands for the sun and in a fire ritual the combination of fire and circle emphasize the connection, the correspondence between the two. The sun is often seen as the father. The Sundance of the Plains Indians is widely known, it is a most sacred ritual, unusually inside a circular lodge, wearing Isswun (sacred hat with two horns) and a painted body, sometimes piercing occurs (Sioux). One can use a mirror as a way to connect the sun (or moon) to the fire, using a hollow mirror or burning glass to ignite the fire at daytime.

Respect for the circle is essential, it is the sacred boundary between the worlds. In Wicca rituals, especially initiation, passwords are used to restrict entrance to the circle.

Entering (or leaving) the circle is entering a sacred domain, and some attention should be given as to the way one joins the circle.

A circle of people is the most common form of a ceremonial gathering, where everybody is at peer level and has an opportunity to participate. Creating (casting), charging, closing the circle is done in many ways, but the basic mechanisms are the same. Simple images as just holding hands, singing Ohm, a talking stick, there are many forms of circle work. Often one uses a symbolic item, like a pipe or a bowl, a crystal, etc., to pass around the circle, allowing the individual to partake in the community by devotion, prayer, speech or other expressions. Holding hands, singing Ohm, using mirrors, a rope, twine, candles, sending (breath) energy around the circle or onto a specific person, his or her surrogate or a charged object, story telling, smoking a (peace) pipe, circle work can take many forms.

Hymns, recitations and songs

There are many appropriate songs and texts, but a general exclamation is “svaha” followed by the name of the fire, divinity etc.

The songs, hymns, and mantra’s can be taken from any tradition, but should be simple like the Bhajan style, repeating a simple phrase many times. Having the songs op paper handout helps, but often it is hard to read so keep it simple.

A clear routine as how the audience can participate should be established, like using a lead singer (ie DJ) whose lines are repeated by the crowd. One aspect of communal singing or recitation is that it harmonizes the breath of the people.

Note that for the body, the most magical moment is between the breaths, that still moment of quiet introspection and magical contact.

There are ceremonies with extensive and precise formulas, texts and formats, but not everybody is able to memorize them. But at a fire-ritual reading from a paper is not so easy either, so keep it simple and open to improvisation. Some compromise is inevitable here. A suggestion is be to have the more formal texts pre-recorded and played via the Sound system, of course with an eye to having the participants repeat certain lines etc.

Charge

A very general address and opening statement intended to be non-denominational and acceptable to most traditions is:

Charge of the circle

All are welcome, no one to be turned away.

The circle has no beginning and no end, it has no time and existence but for the attention we give it.

Its charge, its call for us is to live in the now, to be present and to share, so we will become one in love and truth.

Welcome the energy of the four quarters, the air in the east, the fire in the south, the water in the west and the earth in the north. Let us also honor the spirit of the central axis, which connects us to the universe, allowing us to overview and accept our humanness.

A circle is perfect and we can hold it to its promise of perfection and renewal, again and again, so we can always and now forgive ourselves and start anew.

Celebrate in this circle the connectedness, which includes us here, the seen and the unseen, the worlds of matter, ideas and spirit, our past and our future, our fears and our dreams.

The circle will help us to connect our heart, our body and our mind energies, so that feeling, sensing and thinking join in the intuition of our common roots and destination.

Connect now by holding each other’s hands and softly hum the song of the origin, the sound of the universe, the Ohm, which reminds us that what is within, is also without.

All is one!

Scents

Fragrance and smell belongs to fire, but can be enhanced by using special wood, vernal grass or sage, etheric oils and of course incense, in whatever form (frankincense, myrrh). It can be offered, extolled towards the altar or the people, one can walk around the enclosure with incense-sticks or a censer or pass along incense sticks in the audience.

Divination

Any kind of divination or dowsing method is suitable, like I Ching, Tarot, pendulum, tea-leaves, cloud images, animals or a movement in the fire, in the end everything is connected. One can pose a question in general, but also people can have their individual questions written on a paper, which is to be thrown into the fire. The movement of the fire can be interpreted as a divine message, but this requires some practice. The practice of staring into the fire (scrying) resembles staring into a crystal ball, but there is also the effect that the rhythm and flickering of the flames induces (entrains) a meditative state (alpha brain waves), something which is also used in brain machines.

The long and the short of it

Although this may all seems like some long drawn out , a fire-ritual can be fairly short too. The different stages and intentions are maybe not applicable in a specific case,

Not all of the steps are necessary, one can take a limited purpose and limit preparation to making a circle, piling the wood, do some quick dedication and offering, what matters is to keep the general structure in mind and make the steps in the process short and efficient. Opening and closing however, are always necessary, leaving a ritual open ended is not good practice, the energy otherwise and lingers on, at the ritual place and in the minds of the participants.

In setting up a ritual keep the purpose and setting of the ritual in mind and choose from this outline, like a menu, what you like and is applicable to the situation. Purpose, timing, participants, place are the main constraints, your intuition and good intention the main tools. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, what matters is that you get involved.

Thu, November 9, 2006 - 4:51 PM

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

Bedouin suprize

god-intoxicated — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 05:41:28 GMT

I think I got Bedouin to speak at the ritual, what a treat huh?

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

*Meeting**

god-intoxicated — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 01:50:45 GMT

So were are metting on monday night (3.13.07) at around 7:00pm at Amanda's house in San Francisco. my tele is (408) 472-2994
I will post the adress soon. Please come with ideas for a creative ritual and good will.

posted in Divine Providence - 3 replies

Ride Share

skyfox — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:30:34 GMT

well i have a car but i don't think it is going to make it....but i have been entertaining the idea of flying to LA and renting a car there or finding someone from LA that would be into sharing a ride or something....

...or we could rent one of those big 10 person buses and take on of those!! who's with me????!!!!

E

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

Really need to get to this event

ZaCcarius — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 15:31:45 GMT

I miss my Tribe in Los Angeles, would love to score a ride to and from san francisco to this event. I have gas money, and I'm a very easy travelling companion, ask around.

Please please please help.

ZaC

posted in Divine Providence - 1 reply

Isn't Kali all about death?

Kirlian — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:20:59 GMT

I really don't know anything about the new moon or much of the mythology that surrounds Kali. But I am interested in meeting new people and dancing. I have poetry on my profile I will read if anyone wants to hear it. I can start a drum circle and make it work......I am available for pre and post volunteer help.......Where is this gathering?

posted in Divine Providence - 3 replies

Charge of the dark goddess

mistressofevil — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:29:43 GMT

As part of the ritual for the Timeshift event on 3/17/07 in the mojave desert, we will be invoking the Goddess Kali. Anytime we invite a Goddess, God, being, spirit, etc into our circle we need to do so with careful attention to what kind of energy will be brought forth. We call in the energies of other beings to assist us in our magical journeys, to teach us, to guide us, to inspire us... this is done with only the intention of the greater good for everyone (whatever that might be for each individual), and by intending no harm.
Kali is a particularly fierce and chaotic Goddess, who is often feared and misunderstood. She is a mother Goddess embodying both destruction and creation. "Kali" is the feminine for Kala, or time. "she who devours time/She who is the mother of time". Kali is so appropriate to the concept of Timeshift. She is the destroyer of egos and will assist us in casting off the weight of winter and our egos, transforming us and preparing ourselves to be reborn into Spring (Spring Equinox is on March 20). Here are just a few links to more info about Kali if you want to know more about how the Goddess Kali can assist you in your own personal ritual.
www.goddess-kali-ma.com/
www.shreemaa.org/drupal/node/271

Also, i read this posted on tribe awhile back and i think its so beautiful, I thought now would be an appropriate time to share it.

A CHARGE OF THE DARK GODDESS
Wisdom and empowerment are the gifts of the Dark Goddess of Transformation.
She is known to us as Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshkigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inanna, Tiamat, and by a million, million other names.

Hear me child, and know Me for who I am. I have been with you since you were born, and I will stay with you until you return to Me at the final dusk.

I am the passionate and seductive lover who inspires the poet to dream.
I am the One who calls to you at the end of your journey. After the day is done, My children find their blessed rest in my embrace.
I am the womb from which all things are born.
I am the shadowy, still tomb; all things must come to Me and bare their breasts to die and be reborn to the Whole.
I am the Sorceress that will not be ruled, the Weaver of Time, the Teacher of Mysteries. I snip the threads that bring my children home to me. I slit the throats of the cruel and drink the blood of the heartless.
Swallow your fear and come to me, and you will discover true beauty, strength, and courage.
I am the fury which rips the flesh from injustice.
I am the glowing forge that transforms your inner demons into tools of power. Open yourself to my embrace and overcome.
I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm.
I am the crucible in which all the aspects of yourself merge together in a rainbow of union.
I am the velvet depths of the night sky, the swirling mists of midnight, shrouded in mystery.
I am the chrysalis in which you will face that which terrifies you and from which you will blossom forth, vibrant and renewed.
Seek me at the crossroads, and you shall be transformed, for once you look upon my face, there is no return.
I am the fire that kisses the shackles away.
I am the cauldron in which all opposites grow to know each other in Truth.
I am the web which connects all things.
I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time. I make the weak strong. I make the arrogant humble. I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised. I am Justice tempered with Mercy.

Most importantly, child, I am you. I am part of you, and I am within you. Seek me within and without, and you will be strong. Know me. Venture into the dark so that you may awaken to Balance, Illumination, and Wholeness. Take my Love with you everywhere and find the Power within to be who you wish.

by Tiger Eye

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

Kali Ma New Moon Ritual

Catalyx — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:55:47 GMT

this was the ritual i found that matches many of my intentions for the gathering...

http://www.sibyllineorder.org/rituals/rit_kali.htm

posted in Divine Providence - 5 replies

meeting needs to be planed

god-intoxicated — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:33:20 GMT

Im not sure when yet, but we need to meet at least once, some time in the next couple of weeks.
For those that want to partcipate:
we're gonna have positions for each direction (7 total)
plus individual times for song or poetry, Alissa is doing the opeing song.
Meanwhile, there is gonna be a fire performance, maybe inter-twined with ritual.
Lets gather our ideas.

posted in Divine Providence - 0 replies

participate

god-intoxicated — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 22:11:05 GMT

We are thinking of letting people participate with their own ideas,
so if you have anything you want to say to the community out loud, or sing, or any ideas
please let it be known so we can try to incorperate it.

posted in Divine Providence - 11 replies

Divine Providence's topics - tribe.net

new related tribe - positive thinking (cross post)

Divine Providence A perfect example!

intergration

ritual/ altar items

THANK YOU!!!

TimeShift picture here

Pictures?

Ritual Fire, Karma Dangers and Ethics.

Need a Ride?? Saturday morning departure

FIRE :>}

We need insturments

Ritual Structure/Intention/Roles

A basic description of Ritual

Bedouin suprize

*****Meeting******

Ride Share

Really need to get to this event

Isn't Kali all about death?

Charge of the dark goddess

Kali Ma New Moon Ritual

meeting needs to be planed

participate

*Meeting**