Vernal Equinox Ritual

We'll begin with a brief introduction and explanation of what the ritual will
involve, including an explanation of Kami; spirits that dwell in nature. The
ritual will proceed along these lines :

Place items from nature (rocks, sticks, shells, etc.) on the altar at the
Eastern window.

Ceremonial washing of hands from water dipper.

Walk through a gate and, facing the altar, clap hands to get the attention of a
Kami. Take the item of the Kami who answers you from the altar.

Circle around the space and be seated in a circle.

When all are seated sing "Tree Planter's Round" recorded by Libana on "Fire
Within"

     Sing oh you falling rain, dance oh snow
     Swell you river, river, river
     Blow wind blow

Spoken meditation by Peter Glaze. Silent journey/meditation to speak with Kami
in your chosen object.

After all are done we'll go around the circle and ask people to describe what
they experienced (or pass, if you prefer) and then place their item back on the
altar.

Then stand, facing the altar to pay homage and give thanks to the Kami for
their presence. We'll sing "When We are Gone" recorded by Reclaiming & Friends
on "Second Chants"

     When we are gone, they will remain
     Wind and rock, fire and rain
     They will remain, when we return
     The wind will blow, and the fire will burn

Closing comments and thanks.

Closing song "Trees of the Wild"  recorded by Linda Hirschhorn on "Roots and
Wings"

     You shall indeed go out with joy, and be lead forth in peace
     You shall indeed go out with joy, and be lead forth in peace
     Before you mountains and hills, shall break into cries of joy
     And all the trees of the wild shall clap (clap) clap their hands!

End by sharing refreshments and chatting with folks.

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Animism meditation

Written by Peter Glaze, aka Raventree
Please credit the author if this is reprinted or reposted

All things have life.  An energy about them that connects them to the world.
And deep within each of us is something that responds to that energy...

With our inward senses we can hear the voices that were once the Gods of the
peoples who wandered among them.  The voices of the natural world, of the
mountains and trees, rocks and free running water.  The voices that tell of our
own interconnection with all that is.

We only need to listen.
Try it now.

Breathe deep.  Quiet your mind.  Listen to the drum of your heart...

You have each selected an item that attracted you.  Know that there is already
a bond between its spirit and you.  Extend your perceptions into the space of
its physical incarnation.  Open your mind to the other world, the world of
Spirit, the place where all the things that are can speak, and where your
object dwells as Kami, as one of the beings that hold together the world.

See and feel its shape and power.  Hear the sound of the world singing. Hear
the voice of the spirit within you.

Shift your perception until the being before you has an appropriate form, for
communication.  A human, a dwarf, an animal or if you are so inclined, even an
image of its original physical shape.... So long as you can deal with the being
before you being able to speak, we're golden...

Notice details about the chosen aspect of your spirit associate.  These will be
important to your remembering your experience later.  Don't stare, it's
impolite.  But remember the place in which you are, and colors, shapes, faces,
coiffure, number of limbs, sex, clothes or lack thereof...  Remember the acts,
and perceptions of activity behind the image you see...

Greet the object's spirit with respect.  It may well be that you are old
friends, but in this place, formality is probably in order... Inquire after its
health, and that of its relatives, remembering that its answers refer to the
devas of the planet.  Make small talk on large subjects... Rocks have an
unusual perspective on human affairs, though frankly they're seldom concerned
with a person's individual well being.  They take the long view, the coming and
going of species is a common enough topic, and they're sure to have suggestions
on the matter as it applies to us.  Speak of your own life if you will, and
they will respond with tales of the beginning of things, and of their patient
ways... Speak of your place, and they will respond with their own. Speak of
your needs, and they will tell of the gifts that indwell in their physical
natures.  Remember this...

...Let em work...

It is time now to return to normal perception...  Say farewell to your new
allies.  Offer, if you wish, to return at a later time.  Promise, if you intend
to do so, that their physical aspect will be well treated, in the interim.
Ask, if you will, how that might be done.... Touch, once again the physical
form of the spirit.  Remember your own body.  Feel your own legs, arms, neck,
head, heart, loins...  Center your perceptions in the here and now but know
that you can return to the place from which you have just come of your own
will... Take a deep breath, open your eyes, sit up, and join us in the
circle....