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.