Initiating Ritual and Purifying Space
[Ring bell]
This time is sacred to me, and I honor it. This space is sacred to me, and I honor it. This work is sacred to me, and I honor it.
Two Powers Meditation / Quieting the Mind
Earth Mother
I call to the Earth Mother.
She who is nearest and dearest.
Mother of waters, mother of fertile soil, mother of life,
Through your generosity, we flourish.
Earth Mother, hear me call to you and invite you to this ritual.
Earth Mother, accept this offering.
[Offering]
Statement of Purpose
The Summer Solstice marks the longest days of the year. It is the time to appreciate the glorious sun and the life-giving energy she brings. The long days help the plants grow tall and abundance is everywhere.
I take a moment to remember the ADF Virtue of Moderation. This virtue reminds us of humility at the time of the most growth. In all things, there should be moderation and balance. We only need enough to live, and the rest of the earth’s beauty belongs to itself.
Recreating the Cosmos
The cosmos is vast, but there is a sacred center.
The waters support and surround me. The land extends about me. The sky stretches out above me. And at my center burns a living flame. I stand at the center of worlds in sacred space and sacred time. May my worship be true. May my actions be just. May my love be pure. And may I pray with a good fire.
Guide
I call to Nehelennia to aid us in this ritual.
Nehelennia, Goddess of travelers,
Accept this offering and be welcome here.
[Offering]
Aid me and help send my offerings to the otherworld.
Opening the Ways
As I am in ritual space and ritual time,
I know that this world reflects the otherworld.
So may this fire become the cosmic fire
May this water become the cosmic well
May this tree become the world tree.
And may my offerings be transformed to spirit.
Kindred Invocations
Ancestors
I call to the Beloved Dead,
Ancestors of blood, of heart, of bone.
Those who have gone before,
I welcome you here.
Ancestors, accept my offering.
[Offering]
Nature Spirits
I call to the Nature Spirits,
With whom I share this world.
Beings of wonder and mystery,
I welcome you here.
Nature Spirits, accept my offering.
[Offering]
Shining Ones
I call to the Shining Ones,
Gods, Goddesses, and Godden.
Beings of blessing and guidance,
I welcome you here.
Shining Ones, accept my offering.
[Offering]
Beings of the Occasion Invocations
Grannus and Sirona Invocation
Grannus the young and beautiful,
Valiant hero with a far-reaching gaze,
You bring the heat of the sun to heal us.
You protect us from disease.
Bright God, you are the fire in the waters at the thermal spring.
Grannus, I thank you and praise you.
Sirona of the stars,
Divine cow of generosity,
You safeguard our wellbeing.
Goddess of snakes and eggs,
You bring healing and regeneration.
Goddess of healing waters,
I thank you and praise you.
Hail Grannus, Hail Sirona!
[Offering]
Sunna Invocation
Charioteer of twinned horses,
Goddess who races across the sky.
Goddess of the sun, these are your longest days.
Sunna, you are at your most powerful and glorious.
Fire of the sky and air, Day Star, Bright Wheel,
By these names I praise you.
Hail Sunna!
[Offering]
Omen
Now I ask for a message from the Kindreds, to see what they have to say and receive their mighty wisdom.
[Take omen]
Thank you for this message and for your presence in ritual.
Blessing the Waters
I have made offerings to the Kindreds, and so I shall ask for blessings in return. This is the nature of *ghosti. I ask the Kindreds for their blessings in my life and in this water.
[Name blessings and visualize them in the waters.]
Behold the waters of life!
[Drink blessed waters]
Thanking the Beings of the Occasion
To Grannus and Sirona,
Healers and warders of the folk,
For your gifts and presence here,
I thank you.
To Sunna,
Mighty and glorious sun,
For your gifts and presence here,
I thank you.
Thanking the Kindreds
To all the Kindreds: the Shining Ones, the Nature Spirits, and the Ancestors, thank you for being with me in this ritual.
Thanking the Guide
I call once more to Nehalennia.
Thank you for aiding me in this ritual.
Closing the Ways
I stand in ritual space and ritual time.
But I must return to the here and now.
May this cosmic fire return to a fire.
May this cosmic well return to water.
May this world tree return to a tree.
I know that my offerings have been transformed.
Thanking the Earth Mother
Earth Mother,
You who are dear to me.
I always remain close to you.
Thank you for being with me in this ritual.
Closing
Now, this rite is ended.
World Tree Heritage 