Vernal Equinox Ritual

Vernal Equinox Ritual

from StarOak, performed as an open ritual by his coven in 1996.

The alter is set in the center of the room on a low round table draped in
green.  At the center of the alter is the "flower cone", a simple wicker
structure about a meter high and half a meter in diameter topped with a white
candle.  Around the base of the cone are placed small seed packets wrapped in
spring patterned fabric and tied with ribbon.  Gold & Silver candles (Goddess &
God) as well as painted eggs, feathers and items to be charged surround the
seeds.  At the four quarters on the alter are green hand-dipped beeswax tapers,
unlit.  Between the tapers are quarter-circles of egg shaped votives, 6 between
each taper, also unlit.  The center top candle will be lit before people arrive
for the ritual.  Chairs are arranged in a circle.  Just outside the perimeter
of the circle, at each quarter, candleholders sit on small draped tables.
Music will be playing as people arrive.  We will have asked everyone to bring a
few flowers or greenery with stems from their home, to be collected in wicker
baskets at the door as people arrive.  Programs will be handed out at the door.
Tables will be set up for the 'cakes and ale' portion of the program.  Drumming
signals the beginning of the ritual.

Drumming ends.  HPS comes to the  Center.

HPS: "Welcome to the Spring Equinox Celebration.  After we cast our Circle,
please stand as we call the quarters."

The circle is cast.  (Our HP improvised and was quite impressive)

As each quarter is called, caller lights the appropriate taper from the center
and lights three eggs on each side of the taper direction.  Then she/he turns
and calls the quarter, and takes the taper to the perimeter of the circle,
placing the taper in the candleholder outside the circle.

"From the East come the winds that carry the seed".

Spirits of East be here Now!

"From the South comes the sun, kindling the life of the seed".

Spirits of South be here Now!

"From the West comes the water that swells the sprout".

Spirits of West be here Now!

"From the North comes the Earth that nourishes the plant".

Spirits of North be here Now!

HPS: Center / God / Goddess Invocation (also improvised)

Gold & Silver candles are lit directly from the center.

Reading # 524 by Starhawk (in the UU Hymnal)!

East quarter:

Earth Mother, Star Mother

You who are called by a thousand names

May all remember - We are cells in your body

And dance together

South quarter:

You are the grain and the loaf

That sustains us each day,

and as you are patient with our struggles to learn

So shall we be patient with ourselves and each other

West quarter:

We are radiant light and sacred dark

- the Balance -

You are the embrace that heartens

And the freedom beyond fear

North quarter:

Within you we are born, we grow, live, and die

You bring us around the circle to rebirth

Within us you dance

Forever!

Crone: Short explanation of the significance of the vernal equinox.

Chant:  Into the Silence of the Night

HPS: Childrens' story: Persephone

HP: Introduction to the Flower cone.

"To symbolize the promise of Spring, we have arranged on the alter a cone of
crab-apple cuttings.  The cone shape represents power and focus.  At its base
are packets of wild-flower seeds.  These seeds can represent our hopes for the
coming time of warmth.  Surrounding the cone are candles in the shape of eggs.
Eggs are symbols of new life and hope."

Four children offer baskets of flowers around the circle

HP takes a flower from each basket and places them to start.

"We welcome you now to take some flowers and greens from the baskets. Starting
in the East, please come forward, a few at a time and place them into the cone.
As you do, please visualize something you'd like to "grow" this spring.
Something in your garden? A relationship? Perhaps a special project? As the
cone is filled with dreams of fruition, the seeds are charged with energy.
After all have placed flowers, we will dance to the coming Spring."

Dancer: Introduction to the spiral dance, including the significance of the
spiral.

Singer: Runs through chant: Spiralling Into the Center

Dancer: Leads once through the spiral, leading all back into a circle.  Walk in
circle until "home".  Signals drumming to end.

HP: Invite people to take a seed packet. "We'd like to invite you to come
forward and take a seed packet now filled with your energy.  Take them and
"grow" your "vision".

HPS: Grounds

Dismisses Quarters, snuff candles

Opens Circle.  (all improvised quite well)

 Baked goods, Fruit, Tea & Coffee

 Drumming with dancing and merriment!!!