From "The Wheel Of The Year At Muin Mound Grove, ADF"

By Rev. Robert Lee (Skip) Ellison

© 2001

1) Consecration of Space followed by Musical Signal when finished. (Bell)
The consecration of space is done by having three members of the Folk of the Grove re-connect the Fire, Well and Tree with their roots to all the other sacred fires, wells and trees in the Cosmos. One example follows:
Well: "Sacred well, let your waters flow down, down to all the sweet waters beneath the earth. One again we ask you to become our mouth of the earth, our eye of the earth, our opening of the earth. Biodh amhlaidh! (pronounced - bee-awlah) Be it so!"
Fire: "Sacred fire, become once again all the fires who have burned and who ever will. And may you carry our words, praise and love up to the Gods and Goddesses, Ancestors and Nature Spirits. Biodh amhlaidh! (pronounced - bee-awlah) Be it so!"
Tree: "Sacred Bile, roots going into our Mother below and your crown stretching to the heavens above. We ask that you connect our world with all the other worlds. Biodh amhlaidh! (pronounced - bee-awlah) Be it so!"
The musical signal is usually given by ringing a bell a total of nine times in groups of threes.

2) Processional.
This chant is usually sung as people are approaching and entering our Nemeton area over the bridge.
Chant - We are a Circle Moving
(Words and original music below © by Marae Price) - MP3 As used in MMG
This is the original tune the chant was taken from MIDI
We are a circle moving \
One with another, we are \ (X2)
Moving together we are one. /
I am spirit, and I flow in you.
You are spirit and you flow in me.

3) Aspurging and Censing as people enter the area. (Water and incense)
Aspurging is done by sprinkling each person with water from a chalice while saying
"May we wash away all Earthly cares."
Censing is done by fanning incense smoke around each person while saying
"May the Spirit rise within you."

4) Sigil Marking / Opening Prayer.
A short declaration of why we are here is spoken, such as:
"We gather tonight to give praise to the great Ones, to the ancestors, to our friends in nature. We gather together on this Samhain night to help the souls of those who have passed in the last year to move into the next world. Feel the magic on this night!"
(Forcefully) "We are here to honor the Gods!" *
TÁ MUID ANSEO CHUN ONÓIR A THABHAIRT DO NA DÉITHE!
(ta mid anshow khun onoh'r a havart do na day-a)
(All repeat) "We are here to honor the Gods!" *
*This line is spoken forcefully, first in English, then in Gaelic, and the English part repeated by those assembled, while two people mark the Sigil by stepping back a pace outside the circle, then crossing to the opposite side and through the circle by a pace, then returning to their starting positions.

5) Honoring the Earth Mother. (Cornmeal offering).
In our Grove, we usually honor the Earth Mother first with a poem written by one of our members (Gloria). An offering of cornmeal is poured to the Earth around the circle as the poem is being read. One example of a poem is listed here.

Earth Mother,
As You walk these hours called Autumn
your mood is one of remembrance.
Your expression mirrors reflections of moments You've spun.
Like a cloak, you wrap nostalgia around you -
memories rich, with field and flower,
with inexhaustible Love.

The feel of tenderness hangs in the air.
You think of April, of maiden-dreams come to fruition
the interplay of surrender and Self, that brings you to ripeness and rest.
You sing the joy of August -
summer sounds laden with meaning,
scented phrases that soar on the wind
to the place of unending song.

Now, as you move through October, you pause...
not in resolve but in peace.
You become Wisdom, the Samhain-souled One,
complete, yet incomplete.
For, ever you are the Nurturer.
Unborn snowflakes quicken your womb -
symbols of unspoken good-byes
as time turns the Circle around and around.

Still your dreams wax unbroken.
Behind ancient eyes, April stretches, violets yawn...
once more to waken as Maiden renewed when the hour is full
When again your footsteps, fresh and green,
journey toward August profusion
through the portal to Promise conceived
on a frosty night when geese take flight across the October moon.

This poem is then followed by an Earth Mother chant.
Chant - Earth Mother (Author Unknown) - MP3
Earth Mother, we honor your body.
Earth Mother, we honor your bones.
Earth Mother, we sing to your spirit.
Earth Mother, we sing to your stones.

At this time, it is our custom to bestow a kiss upon the Earth, either directly or via our fingertips, while the presiding Druid says:
"And it is the custom among our people, our folk and our grove, to bestow a kiss upon our Mother."

6) Honoring the Bardic Deities.
This piece is usually done by the presiding Bard. One form of this honoring is a calling upon of the spirit of the bards of old to join with our grove for this ritual and to give our words the sweetness and inspiration needed.
"We call now upon all the Bards of old. We ask that we receive your inspiration to allow our words to flow with honeyed sweetness. May the fire of inspiration burn within us, not only for this sacred time, but whenever we call upon it."

7) Expression of Unity.
Chant - Spirit of Peace (Sufi chant, author unknown) - MP3
Spirit of Peace
To your cause we give our strength
That love may reign and war may cease
Mir, Miru, Mir

8) Two Power Meditation Earth & Sky.
Two people, male and female, with one doing the Earth part and the other the Sky part usually lead this meditation. We do this to incorporate the subtle energy difference between the sexes. We start by having the people get ready to meditate. Slow their breathing down, take deep, full breathes, clear their minds, etc. We then tell them to start using their "inner vision," that found in their mind's eye.

"(Voice One) Close your eyes and join hands. Take some slow, full breaths and allow your mind to settle and focus on the work to be done. Feel the hands of the people next to you, the wind on your face, the sounds of the trees and the smell of the fire. Allow all of these to fill your mind.

Now, using you inner vision let your being move out of your body and flow down into the ground. As you move down, you can smell the warm, clean smells of the earth; hear the sound of sweet water as it passes by you. You can feel the movement of energies around you. Follow those energies down until they join with the currents of molten lava flowing around and though the earth. These currents are the source of the power in the Earth. They flow all around and under the skin of our Mother. They change the shape of the continents and allow new earth to form. As you flow with these energies, allow your being to fill with them. Filled with the warmth of these energies, allow your being to start moving back up toward the surface, toward your body. As you move upward, you know that you are bringing these energies with you. Not just what's within you, but the totality of these energies. As you come back into your body, let these energies flow out from you and move around the Nemeton to join with all the energies from the other people here. As our energies mingle and move around the circle, you can feel the warmth fill our Nemeton."

"(Voice Two) And as you feel that warmth around you, let your being once again move out of your body. This time, allow it to move upwards. As you move up, you can hear the wind around you, smell the clouds as you pass through them and feel the water in them. Above you, you can see a star brighter than the others. This star is your special star, the source of the power from the Sky. Allow your being to move up until it merges with this star. The energy here is different from the energy of the Earth, colder but still very powerful. Let this energy fill you till your being feels full. Now start back down toward the Nemeton and your body, bringing the energies with you. Again, you're bringing not just the energies within your being, but the totality of those energies. As you come back into your body, let these energies flow out from you and move around the Nemeton to join with all the energies from the other people here and the energies from the Earth.

With the powers and energies of Earth and Sky joined together here with us tonight, be filled with the power and love that is here. Be at peace with yourself and with the others here tonight. Now, open your eyes and let your vision return to your mortal eyes as our work continues."

9) Creation Myth
This myth was borrowed from Sassafras Grove in Pittsburgh, PA. It was written by Eric Cannali and shared with us at the Wellspring Gathering in 1998.

"THE CREATION MYTH
Who are we? From whence do we come? What is the story of Our People?
Ni ansa…
(Pronounced Nee an-sa)
Not hard...
A great misty cloud had gathered together in the void
Swirling and spiraling; spiraling and swirling
Drawing ever-in upon itself.

At its center a radiance shone forth
And drove outward the surrounding cloud
gathering the waters together here below.

And so it was that the stuff of creation drew apart
To form the Fire Above
And the Waters Below.

The Solar Fire warmed the Cauldron of Creation
And stroked upon its waters with thunderbolts
And begat upon it Life.

And the Life begat the Creatures
And the Creatures begat the Ancestors
And the Ancestors begat Us; the Living People.

Upright, like you, Great Tree
We bear upon us the mark of Creation
Then, now, and for all time.

Rooted in the ancestral waters of the World Below,
Spanning this Middle-World of form
And reaching ever-upward to embrace the Fire Above.

9) Historical Precedent.
This section is when a little history of the holiday is given. It is usually done by the presiding Druid.
"Samhain is one of the original Celtic fire festivals and means 'Summer's End' - when the sun's power wanes, and the strength of the gods of darkness, winter, and the underworld grows great. As Beltaine marks the beginning of summer, Samhain records its end.

Samhain is regarded as the Celtic New Year and also the 'Festival of the Dead.' It is believed that at this time of year the souls of the dead can walk amongst the living. On the night of Samhain, the door to realms beyond mortal comprehension is opened, the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, and the revolving wheel guarding the gates of the Spiral Castle has stopped for a brief moment.

This night and all of the first week of November once blazed with ritual fires - upon which the early Celts symbolically burned all the frustrations and anxieties of the preceding year."

10) Naming the Deities of the Ritual
Dagda (pronounced Dagh-dha) & Morrigan (pronounced Mor-rig-ahn).

GOD "Dagda,
Ancient God who bore the Tuatha De Danann,
Tribal Chieftain, Father who brings all Order
Bearer of the undry - the Cauldron of Bounty
He who gives according to one's measure."

GODDESS "Morrigan,
The Morrigu, triple Goddess,
Queen of Darkness, Death, and Chaos.
She who holds the secrets to Wisdom,
Bestower of Ageless Powers."

In unison - "We acknowledge you."

11) Establishing the Vertical Axis. (Silver (Well) and Oil (Fire & Tree) offerings)
Chant - Portal Song (Words by Ian Corrigan) - MP3
Come we now to the well, the eye and the mouth of earth
Come we now to the well, and silver we bring
Come we now to the well, the waters of rebirth
Come we now to the well, together we sing

Chorus:
By fire and by water, between the earth and sky
We stand like the world tree, rooted deep, crowned high
By fire and by water, between the earth and sky
We stand like the world tree, rooted deep, crowned high

We will kindle a fire, bless, all and with harm to none
We will kindle a fire, and offering pour
We will kindle a fire, a light neath the moon and sun
We will kindle a fire, our spirits will soar
Chorus

Gather we at the tree, the root and the crown of all
Gather we at the tree, below and above
Gather we at the tree, together we make our call
Gather we at the tree, in wisdom and love
Chorus

12) Establishing the Boundaries. (Cornmeal (Land), Water (Sea) & Incense (Sky) offerings)
First person pours corn meal around the outside of the sacred space saying,
"We ask that the Earth not open up and swallow us."

Second person sprinkles water around the outside of the sacred space saying,
"We ask that the Seas not rise up and drown us."

Third person throws incense and flour into the fire saying,
"We ask that the Sky not fall down upon us."

13) Evoking the Gatekeeper. (Oil offering)

Chant - Manannan Chant (Words Trad.) - MP3
God of the Sea, to you we say
Manannan Mac Lir
Please part the veil, so that we may
Bring the wise ones here
Open up the watery veil
To the spirits domain
In your coracle, we may sail
To where our hearts remain

"Manannan, rider of the waves, guide to the Land of Eternal Youth, come to us now in your coracle, 'Wavesweeper'. Manannan, we ask that once again, let the Well open as a Gate, and let the Fire open as a Gate, and let the Tree extend through the gate, to carry our voices to the Gods."
(Forcefully) "O Manannan, let the gates be opened!"
A MHANANNAIN, OSCLAÍTEAR NA GEATAÍ!
(awananan, oscleechar na gyatee)
(All repeat) "O Manannan, let the gates be opened!"

14) Acknowledgement of Outsiders. (Ale offering)
A cup of ale is taken to the south, outside of the ritual space, and given to the outsiders after saying:
"Ancient ones, we make this offering to you.
You who walked in the terrible chaos, and stood against the Gods.
Out of the chaos you led us to harmony.
Accept this libation and trouble not our working.

We acknowledge weaknesses in our turbulent natures, which we seek to drive out of us. We contemplate these ills and enemies and, for this sacred time, we set them aside."

15) Triad Invocations:

A) Ancestors. (Cornmeal offering)
The offering is sprinkled around the inside of the circle. An invocation is spoken at this time by the person giving the offering, such as:
"We call now to you who have come before, ancestors of our tribe and of the tribes that were in this place before us. This offering is for you. We ask that you give us your aid and your blessings in our work tonight."
(Forcefully) "Ancestors, be with us tonight!"
All repeat: "Ancestors, be with us tonight!"

Chant - Ancient and Strong (Words by Phoenix) - MP3
Ancestors calling to me
Power ancient and strong
Elders, sage, wise ones be
We have known you all along

B) Nature Spirits. (Herbal mix offering)
The offering is sprinkled around the inside of the circle. An invocation is spoken at this time by the person giving the offering, such as:
"We call to the Spirits of this land, creatures of land, you who walk, crawl, and grow, creatures of the waters, who swim, float and cleanse, creatures of the sky, who fly, glide and soar, and to those of the Fair Folk who live with us here, to all of you, we ask that you join your might with ours for this rite."
(Forcefully) "Spirits of the Earth, be with us tonight!"
All repeat: "Spirits of the Earth, be with us tonight!"

Chant - Mother Weave (Words by Phoenix) - MP3
Mother weave your circle tight
Spin a web of growing light
Bone and blood
Scale and skin
Bind us to you.

C) Gods/Goddesses. (Oil offering)
The offering is sprinkled around the inside of the circle. An invocation is spoken at this time by the person giving the offering, such as:
"We call now to all the Gods and Goddesses not named in our rite. We ask that you join with us tonight and give us your aid and your blessings in our workings."
(Forcefully) "Shinning Ones, be with us tonight!"
All repeat: "Shinning Ones, be with us tonight!"

Chant - Into the Light (Words by Phoenix) - MP3
I hail the Gods and I hail the Goddesses
I hail the Gods and I hail the Goddesses
Their powers growing, their powers flowing
Bring us your might, into the light.

16) Invocation of Deities Dagda & Morrigan. (Oil offerings)
As each invocation is spoken, an offering of oil is poured to the fire. This is usually done by two people.
"We call to you Dagda, father of Tribes, protector, and provider. Come to us now with your great club that takes life with one end and bestows life with the other. Come to us with your great cauldron of bounty and rebirth. Come to us now with your wisdom and knowledge to help and bless us in our workings."

"We call to you Morrigan, Queen of darkness and death. Come to us covered in the wings of a raven. Come to us swift as the winds. Come to us now with your wisdom and knowledge to help and bless in our workings."

17) Praise Offerings.
Done through individual offers of song, poetry, story, dance, artwork, etc.

18) Main Sacrifice.
It is the custom in our grove to take the Maypole that was erected at Beltaine, the symbol of the fertility of our fields, and return it as a sacrifice at Samhain.
Before the Maypole is broken, three women of the Grove stand at the altar, all of them holding the Maypole to symbolize the union of the cycle of birth, life, death, and regeneration. The participants proceed in a clockwise direction around the circle for everyone to touch it one last time. Energies honoring the Gods and Goddesses, Spirits of Nature and the Ancestors are poured into it. As the Maypole is broken into three sections by the Senior Druid and given to the women, a slow drumbeat begins and everyone chants in a low tone:
"ANEW"
When the three women enter the center of the circle, a slow dance begins around them. The beat and volume of the chant increases and the dance progresses faster as the Sacrifices are being made. Each of the women, in turn, offers a section of the Maypole to the fire. The bottom is offered by the youngest, the center by the middle aged woman, and the top by the eldest. Chanting continues until the sacrifices are consumed.

19) Omen.
As the omen is being taken, the chant 'Speak to Me' is softly sang in the background and continues until the omen has been taken. The name of any individual God/dess, Ancestor, or Nature Spirit can be substituted for the words 'Goddesses' and 'all the Gods' after the first repetition.

Chant - Speak to Me (Words by Phoenix) - MP3
Speak to me
Speak to me Goddesses
Speak to me
Speak to me all the Gods
The omen is usually done by one person with either runes or ogham cards or sticks. Other forms of divination have been tried with varying results. It is our belief that if the omen turns out bad, then the Kindred aren't happy with the offerings given and we give more. If it ever happens that we get three bad omens in one ritual, after giving more sacrifices in between, we would stop the ritual there and give extra parting gifts to the Kindreds. So far this has not happened in our Grove. After the omen is interpreted, people are given time to reflect upon how the omen is relevant to their personal lives and the grove as a whole.

20) Magical Working
The purpose of this working is to aid those who have had loved ones pass over during the preceding year to make an easier transition through their loss. We call upon any spirits that may still linger to move on into the light. It is also a time of individuals to put to rest conflicts they have been involved with in the preceding year.
"Come to the Light" is chanted as the torchbearer, bell bearer, and bearer of the Apple and cauldron of cloves walk slowly around the outside of the circle of people, stopping to face each of the three worlds. The bell is rung three times slowly while they stop in silent contemplation and hold high their implements. A member of the Folk begins a trance working while this is being done explaining the significance of the ritual in order to help everyone reach a state of like consciousness. This trance working continues during the next phase of the working, with the starmony/keening.
When the processional has addressed the three worlds, the torch and apple/cauldron bearers proceed to the inside of the circle of people. A starmony/keening begins as each participant puts a clove(s) into the apple (in a spiral design) to lay to rest unresolved conflicts, to send greetings or devotion to departed loved ones, or to help those beyond the veil to find peace.
The ritual continues until the apple has passed around the circle and everyone has returned to a quiet state. The member of the Folk who is leading the trance working can now lead the group back to the physical realm, but still keep them in a receptive state for the return flow.
(The apple is later buried to return it to the womb of the Earth.)

21) Return Flow
It is our belief that having given offerings to the Kindreds, that they will return the blessings to us, magnified many times. In our grove, we have established the custom of using a crystal sphere as a repository for some of this returned energy. This "Heartstone" (yes, the name was taken from the Mercedes Lackley stories of Valedemar, but it's still a valid magical idea) is kept for grove members to use if needed between High Days.
The return flow section is started by having three people, the Presiding Druid and two members of the Folk of the Grove, hold up the Heartstone, a large cup of water and a large horn of ale. The Presiding Druid then calls for the return flow to begin.

"Close your eyes and let your inner vision look upwards. Look through the gate and see the crowd of people and spirits looking down upon us. The Shinning Ones, Ancestors and nature Spirits have been given sacrifices of honor, love and praise. Now is the time when we ask them to return the blessings back to us magnified by their greatness! Shinning Ones, let your blessings flow into this stone! Nature Spirits, let your blessings flow into this stone! Ancestors, let your blessings flow into this stone! As this stone fills with the energy and blessings of the Kindreds, watch it with your inner vision. See how it glows and sparkles as the blessings flow into it. And now the blessings flow out of it to spill into the chalice of water and the horn of ale. See how they are glowing with the blessings received."

(Forcefully) "Behold, the Waters of Life!"
SEO AN USICE BEATH!
(show un ishkuh byah)
(All repeat) "Behold, the Waters of Life!"

The cup of water and the horn of ale are then taken around and given to the people. It is the custom in our Grove to give the first offering of the return flow to the ground while saying:
"We give this first offering to those of the Folk and of the members of the Grove that couldn't be with us tonight. May these blessing give them the strength and nourishment to do what they need!"
If people want to make a toast of things they have done since the last holiday, or make a boast of what they will do before the next holiday, before they drink the blessing is the best time for it.

22) Thanking the Deities Morrigan & Dagda. (Oil gifts)
As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"Morrigan, Great Lady, we thank you for your aid and your blessings tonight. As this rite is ending, we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."
(Forcefully) "Morrigan, We thank you!"
"Morrigan, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIT!"
(Mor-rig-ahn, gora ma-agit)
(All repeat) "Morrigan, We thank you!"

As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"Dagda, All Father, we thank you for your aid and your blessings tonight. As this rite is ending, we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."
(Forcefully) "Dagda, We thank you!"
"Dagda, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIT!"
(Dagh-dha, gora ma-agit)
(All repeat) "Dagda, We thank you!"

23) Thanking the Triads.

A) Gods/Goddesses. (Oil gift)
As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"To all you Gods and Goddesses who were here but not named, we thank you for joining with us and giving us your blessings. As this rite is ending, we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."
(Forcefully) "Gods and Goddesses, We thank you!"
"NA DÉITHE, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH!"
(Na Day-uh, gora ma-agiv)
(All repeat) "Gods and Goddesses, We thank you!"

B) Nature Spirits. (Oil gift)
As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"To all of the Spirits of nature, we know you are around us every day and are always in our lives, we thank you for joining with us and giving us your blessings. As this rite is ending, we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."
(Forcefully) "Spirits of the Earth, We thank you!"
"SPRIDEANNA NA TALAIMH, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH!"
(Shprih-dennuh nuh tulluv, gora ma-agiv)
(All repeat) "Spirits of the Earth, We thank you!"

C) Ancestors. (Oil gift)
As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"Ancestors, without you we wouldn't be here. We thank you for joining with us and giving us your blessings. As this rite is ending, we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."
(Forcefully) "Ancestors, We thank you!"
"ÁR SINSIR, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH!"
(Aur shinshur, gora ma-agiv)
(All repeat) "Ancestors, We thank you!"

24) Thanking the Gatekeeper and Closing the Gates. (Oil gift)
As the parting is spoken, a gift of oil is poured into the fire.
"Manannan, rider of the waves, you have been our guide to the Land of Eternal Youth tonight. We ask that you come to us now as our rite is ending and we give you this gift in parting, given out of love, with nothing asked in return."

"Manannan, we ask you once again to, let the Well be again a well, and let the Fire be again a fire, and let the Tree be again a tree."
(Forcefully) "O Manannan, let the gates be closed!"
"A MHANANNAIN, D?NTAR NA GAETAÍ!"
(awananan, doontur na gyatee)
(All repeat) "O Manannan, let the gates be closed!"

25) Reversing the Two Power Meditation
This meditation is reversed at the end of the ritual by having the people allow the energies to move back to their source.
"(Voice Two) Now, once again hold hands and close your eyes. Using your inner vision, look at the Nemeton filled with bright swirls of energies. Energies that have come from above and below and from all the people here. Take those energies from above and bring them back into yourself. Now let your being expand upwards, back toward your special star. Bring those energies with you and guide them on their way back to the star. As the energies leave your being, keep what you need for yourself, and then let the rest go. Let your being move back into your body as we continue."

"(Voice One) Now as you look around you, you see that the energies of the Earth are still swirling around you. Take those energies into yourself and start moving them back into the Earth. Let you being flow with them, down, down into the Earth. When you've gone far enough, allow the energies to flow back to where they came from, keeping as much as you need for yourself. Let your being move back into your body. As this phase of our work draws to a close, allow your body to be energized by the energy that has gone through it. Open your eyes and look around you to the other people here and to the Nemeton itself. Be at peace with yourself and with the others here."
(Forcefully) "Biodh amhlaidh! Be it so!"
(bee awlah)
(All repeat) "Biodh amhlaidh! Be it so!"

26) Announcement of End.
Everyone comes together in a group hug as the chant is sung. This chant is especially meaningful if everyone looks around the circle and into people's eyes as it is sung.

Chant - All I Ask of You (Sufi chant - author unknown) - MP3
All I ask of you
Is forever to remember me
As loving You

27) Recessional
As the chant is sung, people start to leave the ritual area.

Chant - Walk With Wisdom (Words by Sable) - MP3
Walk with wisdom, from this hallowed place
Walk not in sorrow, our roots shall ere embrace
May strength be your brother, and honor be your friend
and luck be your lover, until we meet again

Last updated - 4/6/04