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 Fall Cross Quarter is the beginning of harvest time, when the growth of the summer turns into the fruits of our labor. It’s a time to celebrate successes and prepare for the busy work of a harvest.
I take a moment to remember the ADF Virtue of Courage. This virtue is about strength and often involves the strength to see commitments through. The season we are entering is very busy, and we must move into this season with steady endurance. This does not mean we should take on more than we can handle, and we must have courage to fulfill the responsibilities we accept and decline the responsibilities we should not accept.
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 Thor to aid me in this ritual.
Thor, Protector of the folk,
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
Ziu and Zisa Invocations
Ziu, Law-Maker and Oath-Holder,
It is in times of reaping that we should remember you.
We are given gifts, and we are called to gift in turn.
Ziu, God of Order,
Keep us steadfast in commitments through busy times.
You are the source of good laws,
And it is our duty to see them through.
Zisa, Goddess of Unbinding,
You help us cut harmful ties in ourselves and between others.
Like pulling chaff from seed, you know what should be undone.
Zisa of the Pinecone,
You protect and shelter us in times of need.
The fertility of the land comes in cycles of give and take,
Reminding us of the abundance of unbinding.
Hail Ziu! Hail Zisa!
[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 Ziu and Zisa,
Deities who keep order in the world,
You who guide our way to right action,
You who nourish healthy relationships,
In times of harvest, we must be thoughtful in both deed and word.
We thank you for your strength, protection, and guidance.
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 Thor.
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 