ritual

Sun 7.5.20

      It begins at midnight in an unlit room, save for candles, white ones signifying a pure heart at the start of a new adventure.  The room needs to be cleansed of the unhappiness that has occurred in it. Burning sage does the trick.  If there is none, improvise.  Open a window to the outdoors and pray for the removal of misery and woe.  If there is no one to pray to, pray to Spirit, which is the energy surrounding us. 

      Start by placing and lighting a candle in the direction of the North, from whence comes the cold, snow, and ice, where animals have thick coats and vicious claws.  One wants some of that power and protection.  Plead for it because, like the hibernating Bear, alone in a vulnerable place at a time of new beginning when the path is yet mapped, one needs defense.  Where the road leads, what will be accomplished is unknown.

      Turn then and walk East, whose domain is air.  There again place and light a candle invoking the residing powers, the great winds that bring change, storms and destruction, the sweet breath of life that support birds both large and tiny, and the thoughts and ideas that lead to new adventures.

      Now to the South, same as before, a lit candle and an invocation to the South’s warmth and brilliance, its fire, that which caresses the body, entices it to indolence and passion.  Think of the Snake, the biblical tempter, the Armadillo, the cats, Puma, Cheetah, Jaguar, sensuous, powerful, quick.  Some of that energy will open doors.

      Lastly the West, which is the domain of water, the depths, mystery, the abyss, profundity, a guiding force that can never be quite grasped.  Think of the fish who navigate this realm unaware of the world above them except for what lands in their water.  They hold the world’s secrets.  Light the candle, invoke this power.

A protective circle has now been cast enveloping you.

      What is this ritual about?  What does one hope to happen?  Speak of it to the powers of the four directions invoked; offer a gift that signifies impeccability in pursuing goals, making sure to follow through (a promise, a sacrifice,) on what’s been offered. 

      Look into the flame of a candle until a trance state is achieved and allow for the Spirit to enlighten you.  Afterward, open the circle by going in a counter clockwise manner to the four directions thanking the energy residing in each direction for sharing its power.

      Good food and wine are appropriate at end of ritual.

The favorite essay this month has again been, Nagual