Invite
              participants to cleanse and purify prior to the ritual through
            a purification meditation, a walk in nature, and / or a ritual herbal
            bath. As each one arrives, they are called to bring and add to a holy
            space for the gathering. 
        Sanctify
              the ritual space, setting the stage for connecting with the
            group soul with a dedicated altar, saging, incense, and reflective or
            uplifting recorded music. Once all have arrived, bells may be sounded
            to call people to the meditation circle, or once everyone is seated,
            to unify attention.
        For
                the altar ... fresh spring flowers are always appropriate
                for this ritual. Themes of renewal and resurrection may be depicted
                in the items you place on the altar: colored cloths, symbols,
                statues, icons and minerals arranged in a manner that relates
                to the significance of the Aries Festival and the gathering itself.
        Hallow
              the space and time with a group prayer, invocation, sacred sounds
            and / or singing a song. During the gathering, songs can be sung together
            by the participants. Singing
            the Vision in unison aligns our hearts and souls in potent and magical
            ways.
        To
                unify the participants, a short talk on a Festival related topic          will
                bring people to a space of unanimity. Sharing understanding about
              the cycle, world events, or other relevant subjects is appropriate.
              Here are suggested themes we offer:
        
          A Meditation Focus on the Theme of Resurrection, appropriate
                    to this Festival. Taking turns, individuals may read these
                    words along with
                    the corresponding affirmations. As each one is read, each
                    person may light a candle on the altar or in the room to
                    seed these qualities in their own lives, as well as for the
                    entire
                    world.
                    Afterwards, a
                    still space may be held to strengthen the vision.
          Audio
                  pieces on the Festival of the Risen One Listen to these
                  in preparation for and leading up to the meditation.
        
        The key element is a guided
              meditation to connect the group to the Planetary Soul, leading
              into a time of silent meditation. Following the meditation, all may
              share impressions received.
        The
              Principle of Sharing is invoked by collecting donations for an organization
            or cause outside your own that is making a positive difference in the
            world. This deepens our experience of selfless service, and our connectedness
            to the greater world vision.
        To
              open or conclude the ritual aspect of the gathering, the The
              Great Invocation may
            be recited by all.