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Rune History
The word RUNE means "Tree". Trees are to Druids, what the crucifix is to Christians (no offense ... really that's true!). It's the symbol of where they come from (above/branches) who we are (physical/trunk) and where we are going (below/roots)
The original RUNES were either river stones or wood chips ... any material that naturally contained the symbol(s) through the 'course of it's life'. A Druid would spend most of his/her life collecting RUNES, because they were born of the Earth Mother, never made or carved by hand. RUNE symbols were often painted and incorporated into buildings and ceremonial circles for the purpose of calling the energy or protection of that particular tree. The teachings of the RUNES and their true power was born of the Earth Mother and came through the tree of life.
Today, I would consider only those RUNES made of natural materials to be of any real use for divination. Stones, fired clay, semi-precious gems are perfectly suited to this use.
Please do not use wood for making RUNES! Do not kill a tree to represent a tree.
Still, the best RUNES are those made naturally, rocks and stones that already have the symbols within them, for their connection to the Earth is vital.
Each RUNE is associated with a tree. The properties of the trees are:
knowledge - roots into the "other world"
healing - roots, fruits, and the bark of the tree
life force - food, provided either from the tree such as fruit, or the birds, squirrels, etc., that may live in the tree
spiritual guidance - the arms or branches of the tree raise to the heavens
personage - a unique and physical attribute of the tree. Some trees are for love, some are for building because of their strength, some are for magic, etc.
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Rune Alphabet
As with most oracles of divination - Runes mean different things if held 'straight up' and mean the opposite if held in the 'reverse'.
FEHU - F: Cattle
Abundance through effort, inheritance of self and self value, material gain, earned income. Success, happiness and wealth.
Reversed: Abandonment of plans, loss, disappointment, frustration.
URUZ - U: Brute Strength
Strength, home love on all sides, health, changes, a forceful masculine archetype.
Reversed: Missed abilities, weak will power, lack of motivation
THURISAZ - TH: The seeing of the future
Opening the door or gate to see the future, luck reflection for action, protection. You will see the truth.
Reversed: Not willing to heed information given, having a stubborn mind-set
ANSUZ - A: references the ancestral god, Odin.
Message from within (listen to your 'little voice'), advice from others, chance encounter, careful thought so you will know what to do from this point in time
Reversed: Watch out for trickery, the dark side of yourself when others interfering with your plans, or there is failed communication
RAIDHO - R: Journey
You're about to embark on a journey - either in the physical world or a journey of your soul to heal something that needs healing.
Reversed: Unexpected, unpleasant journey, transit problems, upsetting plans, lost tickets, communication
KENAZ - K: Beacon or torch.
When you feel in the dark - this rune will bring an opening, to help you open to who you are and your highest possibilities. From the darkness - light will come.
Reversed: withdrawal, anxiety, closing, loss
GEBO - G: Gift of Harmonic Relationships
Unity with self and all others - especially with our higher selves, nature and all things around us. Cannot be reversed.
WUNJO - W or V: Bliss and Glory
You do not Need anybody. Peace, pleasure, self-worth, joy and serenity, happy results, harmony, prosperity
Reversed: Sorrow, dissatisfaction, disappointment, friction, delay, possession by higher forces
HAGALAZ - H: Destructive forces
This refers to the destructive forces of nature, and things that are out of our control. Cannot be reversed.
NAUTHIZ - N: The Negatives of Human Needs
Caution, hold, coming in touch with a side of you that you may not like, resistance, distress, delay, constraint or restraint. Reflect on how bad things can and appreciate what you have.
Reversed: Improper course of action, think twice before acting, don't make hasty judgments!!
ISA - I: Ice
Frozen in time, calm, non-action, everything on hold, letting go of ego and seeking your inner truths, you are blocked by your emotions. Cannot be reversed.
JERA - J or Y: The Cycle of One Year
Reaping of a reward when your world seems stagnant, harvest the seeds you have planted, gain, fruition, things happening in their own time and space when they are supposed to! Cannot be reversed.
EIHWAZ - EI: Yew Tree
Stability, doing the right things, patience, perseverance, endurance. Decided what is the right way to get the things accomplished in your life. Cannot be reversed.
PERTHRO - P: Initiation, Things Unexplained, Something Hidden
A hieratic or mystery rune pointing to that which is beyond our frail manipulative powers.
Perth is associated with the Phoenix, the mystical bird which consumes itself in the fire then rises from its own ashes. Its ways are secret and hidden. Powerful forces of change are at work here. Yet what is achieved is not easily or readily shared. After all becoming whole - the means of it - is a profound secret. On the side of the Earthly or mundane, there may well be surprises, gains or rewards that you did not anticipate. On the side of human nature this Rune is symbolized by the flight of the eagle. Soaring flight, free from entanglement, lifting yourself above the endless ebb and flow of ordinary life to acquire broader vision - all this is indicated here.
Perth stands for the heart of Initiation - Nothing external matters here, except as it shows you in its inner reflection. This Rune is concerned with the deepest stratum of our being, the bedrock on which our destiny is founded. For some Perth means experiencing some form of death - or transition. It is a letting go of everything, no exceptions, no exclusions. Nothing less than renewal of the Spirit is at stake.
Hidden information and truths, mysteries, esoteric, that which is unknown on a conscious level, it could come into the light and you would understand the 'higher meaning' of things.
Reversed: Events stalled, you need to clear out something - unpleasant surprise - the old way has to come to an end, do not focus on outcomes, nor bind yourself with memories of past achievements or you will rob yourself of the true present. When your inner being is shifting and reforming, on a deep level, patience, constancy, and perseverance are called for.
Do no repeat the old - let it go!
The initiation - the veils of the illusion are being lifted - let the old ways go!
Stay centered, see the humor and keep your faith firm.
ALGIZ: Z
Spirit guides - (How interesting as my guide is Zoroaster and I call him Z!) - protection, fortunate new influence, making the connection with spirit and working through your issues.
SOWILO - S: The Sun
The circle is completion - wholeness, the sun, the path to awareness and self knowledge. See you 'dark side' - that which makes you destructive to yourself and others. Seek change to heal and be complete with yourself. Cannot be reversed
TEIWAZ - T: Tyr, the sky god.
To be successful in competition, very motivated, finding the spiritual or transcendental self.
Reversed: Low energy and lack of enthusiasm
BERKANA - B: Birch-goddess
To be prepared, cautious in what you do. Also references your family and home.
Reversed: An unfortunate domestic situation - so use caution.
EHWAZ - E: The Sacred Horse
The balance of things in the universe, stability, move forward carefully focusing on the tools that will help you get there
Reversed: Sudden unexpected change that is not wanted
MANNAZ - M: The nature of Humanity
The self and its place in the collective conscience of humanity. We are all part of the collective unconscious - we are all One. Your attitude towards and their attitudes towards you. Take this time for personal reflection. Cannot be reversed.
LAGUZ - L: Water - Emotions
The moon, the flow of emotions and all things into the collective unconscious - all bodies of water - Aquarius - feminine energies - higher mind, spirituality, health and healing - a time of cleansing.
Reversed: Not listening to your inner voice, tackling something you know you should not do - or are not capable of doing.
INGWAZ - NG: Fertility
Fertility of the joining of human beings, usually for a new life - a pregnancy. Finish what you are doing, tie up lose ends and start something new. Cannot be reversed.
DAGAZ - D: Daylight or Dawn.
A new day begins and go to work. You become more insightful, breaking through your new ideas. Light is around you. Cannot be reversed.
OTHALA - O: Ancestral property - Inheritance
Freedom and independence through releasing ideas and things that keep you 'stuck'. You will feel 'free'. You will inherit from someone.
Reversed: Not letting go of outmoded ideas and concepts. You will feel 'stuck'.
BLANK RUNE: Sometimes called "Odin's Rune":
Anything is possible and can happen. The sum total of who you are, what you have done, and what you have become. Choose a direction and go for it. The blank Rune was added to the others in the 1980's. It shows that as humanity has grown - the possibilities are beyond what was conceived by the original Runes. Some people include the blank Rune in a reading - while others leave it out! I prefer to leave it in as the Universe has limitless possibilities!! If you get this Rune - and you believe in yourself - you can manifest anything!
Modern Use
Third Reich - Runes have been used in Nazi symbolism by National Socialists and neo-Nazi groups that associate themselves with Germanic traditions, mainly the Sigel, Eihwaz, Tyr, Odal (see Odalism) and Algiz runes. The fascination that runes seem to have exerted on the Nazis can be traced to the occult and volkisch author Guido von List, one of the important figures in Germanic mysticism and runic revivalism in the late 19th and early 20th century. In 1908, List published in Das Geheimnis der Runen ("The Secret of the Runes") a set of 18 so-called "Armanen Runes", based on the Younger Futhark, which were allegedly revealed to him in a state of temporary blindness after a cataract operation on both eyes in 1902. In Nazi contexts, the s-rune is referred to as "Sig" (after List, probably from Anglo-Saxon Sigel). The "Wolfsangel", while not a rune historically, has the shape of List's "Gibor" rune.
Neopaganism - The runes are a major element in Heathenry and Asatru in particular, often used to indicate ancestry, in crafts and for ritual purposes. They are not to be construed with political implications without additional evidence. Neopagans such as Wiccans and some occult groups may often also sometimes use runes under various conditions.
Military use - The German Bundeswehr uses a design reminiscent of the odal rune as a part of their shoulder-board ranking system on a variety of levels, including the German Army and German Navy.
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Ground Cloth
This step is as important as the RUNES themselves. A Ground Cloth, or ground will determine how each RUNE is read.
Beginners and those doing RUNES and/or a ground for the first time might consider waiting until you are more familiar with both RUNES and Ground. Others may have a Druid ground their RUNES to a cloth on their behalf. Once the RUNES are 'grounded' do not use them on any other surface than the Ground. The reasons for this will become clear as you read on.
Some Grounds are very elaborate and beautiful. Some are quite simple. So long as the four basic circles and the four elements are present (or four directions if that is your preference), the Ground will work. The more elaborate the drawing on the Ground, the more difficult it will be for the reader to determine the true placement of the RUNES. Even the most minor miscalculation can greatly impact the final results of a reading. For this reason, I always work with a simple Ground, so that I may concentrate on the RUNES. I believe they are more beautiful than anything I could possibly draw, being the artistic clodd that I am.
I have read many interesting explanations as to why there are 25 Runes. Most of the information published makes no mention of using a Ground. From what I have learned from my Grandmother, there were 32 RUNES in use. (I continue in this tradition, using 32 RUNES stones. When I make RUNES for others, I make only 26 RUNES stones, unless specifically rquested otherwise). Druids select 25 of the 32 RUNES for the purpose of divination. The remaining 7 RUNES were private or sacred to the person holding those RUNES. The 25 RUNES + the Ground = 26, (which is 2 * 13). 13 is a sacred number to many for various reasons. In this application it is the 13-month lunar cycle, the completion, death/rebirth, light and dark, knowing and ignorance, ... the full cycle of life. Two 13's are required for opposition and balance. Two people will be using the RUNES for the purpose of divination, one reading and one questing. I could go on forever on this one topic. In summary, the RUNE reading is not true Druid divination unless 25 RUNES and a Ground are used between two people. Although other things may be used in addition to this, these are all that is required. The basic tools needed for runic divination are
a set of RUNE stones
a casting cloth (Ground)
a candle or a crystal
The basic RUNE cloth, or Ground, consists of material onto which are drawn three circles. Any material may be used so long as it is durable, soft and of natural material. Leather works better than cotton because it will last longer and provides better protection for the RUNES stones when they are thrown on a hard surface. Cotton, backed by quilting or any other insulating material will work just as well. Do not use glue on any item that will come in contact with the RUNES.
Circle 1 - The center circle is where the reading begins. This is referred to as Circle 1 - the Self. The innter-most self, representing what is held secret or sacred.
Circle 2 is the Circle of Relationships and Life Path. These are those people who are in your life and effecting your life on a day-to-day basis.
If your mother is 3,000 miles away, yet you talk to her often and remain very close she would be considered in this circle. If, however, your mother lives close to you but you haven't spoken to her for years, then she is not in this circle. If you just plain dread the sound of her voice, then she is in this circle, because of the effect she has.
Circle 3 is the Circle of Elemental Forces and External Influences - Spirit Guides. The symbols within the third circle represent the four elements and the four directions. Air, Earth, Water, Fire and East, South, West, North. These directions and elements are not fixed. This area represents events that effect more than just you, such as; the bus accident on the corner, the rain, the weather, politics, taxes, your neighbor's barking dog. Nothing personal, and yet it is very personal. The elements will influence everything in life. When we work with these energies, things are not necessarily easier, but they do move along much more quickly and support is more evident.
In the fourth area, which may or may not be in a circle are four RUNE symbols. These symbols are not arbitrarily assigned. These symbols will be explained in detail later. For now, let's call them the umbilical chord. It is was binds the RUNES to this particular cloth. Once the RUNES are bound to the cloth they are considered 'grounded' and therefore the cloth is called the 'Ground'. This is the circle of Karma. The RUNE symbols which are placed in the corners of the ground cloth define both the cloth itself and the karma of the reading.
When one or more RUNES are thrown Off the Cloth Entirely they will be read as representing past lives. Anything that is not on the cloth indicates either a lesson learned from a past life, or one that is being repeated here. Which is true depends on the RUNE and the quadrant of Karma.
Grounding the RUNES to the Cloth.
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Moon Ceremony
It was my intention to keep this page to a brief outline. I have failed. Regardless of the length of this topic, it is just the proverbial "tip of the iceberg". This does, however, cover the most basic and important aspects. The ingredients missing in these pages is your integrity, discipline, intention, and responsibility. Please don't forget to bring them to your circle.
If you are already familiar with doing your own ceremony, please feel free to move on to another subject. This page is suggested as a guideline for those who have not done a ceremony on their own, or wish to follow a more Druid ritual.
Doing this ceremony does not make you a druid. It supports the practice and beliefs of a respectful and willing human being, following some of the basic covenants by which I have been taught.
The full moon is a time of true balance. The sun's light (masculine energy) is reflected off the moon (feminine energy) so that we are gifted with the sunlight during the night, with the aid of the moon. This is a time in which things come to fruition, materialize. It is a time of rejoicing and gratitude. It is a time of coming together and sharing. For women, this is the most natural and harmonic time to be in your monthly cycle of fertility.
The new moon represents total feminine energy...total absence of masculine energy. The feminine is receptor of the seed and womb of the new born. It is a time to plant a seed (proverbial, spiritual, physical ... whatever you want). For women, this is the most natural and harmonic time to be in your monthly cycle of flow and release. The cycle of life is impregnation - gestation - birth - life - death. A place must be made empty and ready for the seed to be planted. Let go of those things that no longer serve you.
Nature abhors a vacuum. Whatever space you make empty will be filled. This is the natural law of the universe, a.k.a.: physics. Before a farmer plants a seed, the ground must be prepared. Before a request is made, a space must be made available.
In all things that I do, I strive to achieve a balance. This balance is to be found first within myself, second within the circle in which I celebrate and finally with the spiritual world to which I am connected. This third balance can only be achieved if I take care to balance the first two. I look to myself and my own energy before I begin. Let go of the day, week, month, life and live only in this present moment. Do so with integrity, discipline, intention, and responsibility. These are essential. This is much easier said than done and will require some practice. Do not be discouraged. It is more important to try than to succeed, for without effort there can be no success. As I said, this will require patience.
Fasting
Only fast if you are able. If you have any condition that requires you to eat in order to maintain a physical balance, it is imperative you listen to and respect your own body. Balance is the objective.
The best way to leave the physical world is to refrain from grounding yourself with food. Eat fruits, nuts, grains (whole foods) after the ceremony is ended to ground yourself. Also drink plenty of water.
I generally eat a reasonable breakfast and a light lunch. I refrain from all foods for at least 12 hours before I begin. For certain ceremony I will fast for four days before beginning.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited for 86 hours (four days) prior to any ceremony ... by all participants. This is not shamanism.
Circle
Select a quiet and private area. If at all possible, choose an area where airplane traffic will not be a disturbance. If this is not possible, simply wait while the airplane passes you. This is part of our world and appropriate to show respect to those passing over our circle as much as to those who have been invited into it consciously.
Traditionally, the circle is 13' in diameter. The easiest way to measure the circle is to insert a small stick in the ground marking true center. Tie a string measuring 6' 6" to this stick. Holding the string at it's far end and using a compass, mark the east, south, west and north points of the outer circle with a small rock or stone at each compass point. Like the solar alignments, these compass points mark the midpoint between the true power spots or gateways of the circle. (See the figure below.) The compass points are the straight lines in the outer (3rd) circle. The elements are noted at the gateway. The ground cloth I use for casting runes is the same as the circle prepared for ceremony.
The diagram below is only two dimensional. The circles cast are three dimensional. They travel into the earth and into the heavens in equal distance to the circle itself.
1. Center
the smallest piece, usually one inch, to hold the unknown. The center is the divine void.
2. Physical
13' in diameter. This is where the people and tools congregate. If a large group is involved and two or three circles of people are to be in attendance, then expand this circle in 13' sections. (i.e., 13', 26', 39', 52').
Make a genuine effort not to use more than four circles of people. Only the first circle is limited to 13. Traditionally, the same number of people are allowed into the section of circle as it's distance from the center. (i.e., section 1 = 13 people, section 2 = 26 people, section 3 = 39 people, section 4 = 52 people.) If you actually have more than 133 people you may add however many necessary to the fourth section. If you regularly have more than 133 people, consider breaking into two groups.
Regardless of the number of sections used to accommodate the attendees, this is considered one circle. As humans, we enter, to the best of our ability, as balanced, similar humans...one heart, one purpose ... one entity.
Note: if you've read my pages on the runes, you may now better understand the significance of 33 RUNES. It is the full circle.
3. Elemental
This is the boundary line between heaven and earth. It is neither and it is both. Although the elements are physically marked in specific locations, they travel freely around the circle. All four elements are present entirely around their circle. Unlike the physical circle, this is actually four circles, each one beginning and ending at the elemental demarcation.
The elements are unique entities in an of themselves. No matter how many bowls of water may be present, the element of water is singularly present. No matter how many candles may be lighted, the element of fire is singularly present. No matter how many people are present, the human element is singularly present.
Drawing down the elemental energy to the circle, must be done with equal and clear energy. The strongest and purest energy a human can evoke is emotional. Do not just say the words. Shout them. Sing them. Make a command from your entire being. To lack emotion is to lack energy. To lack energy is death.
4. Ethereal
This is the largest and most complex of the circles. I will briefly describe what is contained within, but ascribe most of it's contents to the will of the Divine Ones. In every circle I have ever drawn, this fourth circle has been somewhat different from the last ... and the next. I know, to a certain extent, what will be there. I trust absolutely to what will come without my request.
If you have spirit guides or a strong belief in Christian saints ... whatever, whoever you believe in as a higher and good spiritual guidance in your life, call them into the circle. If you have no name for what you wish, use the element which is closest to that energy. Do not fear what will come.
This circle is comprised of seven sections. The first section holds any and all spirit guides that you may specifically call into the circle. The second area will contain the polar opposite to the first section. The third area holds any other spirits, guides, or energies that are brought to this circle by guides who have been called. The fourth area will contain the polar opposite to the second section.
Sections five through seven remain open to what I refer to as Divine Will. I do not pretend to know and understand everything. I make every attempt to include that which I do not know and/or understand. The last three sections of the fourth circle are not an effort to include that which we do not know. They are very real and beyond knowing.
In totality, whether used or seen, there are 13 separate and distinct sections within this sacred circle. This is done by defining a center and casting a single circle of 13'. I do not do everything, because I am not everything. I am just a piece of the greater whole. Knowing these parts are present and acknowledging them with word and action during the ceremony are all that is required.
Elements
For those of you who have any Wiccan or other Celtic background, what follows flies in the face of everything I have read in regard to the elements. I do not argue their statements or use of these things. On the contrary, I honor and respect their beliefs. Herein, I simply repeat how I have been taught and it is different.
As you see on the diagrams for the ceremony circle and the ground cloth, the elements are placed in opposition to each other. The correct positioning of equally strong and opposing forces creates balance. There is no good vs. bad, or right vs. wrong. There is balance or imbalance. Evil, as I understand it, exists only in the heart and mind of humans.
Air
Air is the first of the elements. It is both feminine (breath in) and masculine (breath out). All things must contain air to contain life. Air contains nothing of the other elements. Air is invisible. You cannot hold it. You cannot give it to another or form it in your hands. You cannot live without it. Until this moment, you most probably have not thought about a single breath you've taken today. Yet everything you've done is dependent upon your every breath ... upon air. It is the life force of all existence. It is the invisible, almost but not-quite-spiritual, element. It reminds, those of us who wish to be reminded, to acknowledge that which we cannot see, touch, smell, or hear in every breath we take. Air is life.
Fire
The second of the elements is Fire. It is masculine. The sun is fire. Fire exists, universally and absolutely, at all times. It need not be in our presence, for us to know it exists. When lighting a candle or a pyre, we join with fire -- we don't start the fire. Fire, uncontrolled or held too close, can be destructive. This is not it's design or intent, rather the result of mis-use. Fire is unable to burn without Air. With Air, fire is transformation of matter from one form to another. When a "fire burns within", we are passionate and alive. When a fire is lighted on a winter's night it is life-saving. Fire is the use of Air. Fire is raw energy.
Earth
The third element is Earth. It is feminine. It is all things physical. It is a constant state of change. It is a stage in life, always moving. Earth is one small piece of our solar system. We are one small piece of Earth. Earth generates a fire from within, as well as receiving the fire of the sun. Geysers, hot springs and volcanoes are examples of the fire within the belly of Earth. Plants send their roots down into the earth for their nourishment. Creatures who walk upon or fly above the Earth, in turn, eat those plants. Earth is nurturing, life giving and sustaining. Earth is bounty and beauty. Earth is the physical container for Air and Fire. Earth is the vessel of life.
Water
The fourth element is the child of the first three. Water is both feminine and masculine. It cools the heat of fire and quenches the thirst of earth. It is solid and fluid. It is strong and gentle. It can give life and take it. It runs in oceans and streams across the earth and from beneath it. It falls from the sky. It provides us with food (fish, kelp, etc.). We cannot live in the element of water, just like we cannot live in the element of fire. These elements live within us, as well as in our physical surroundings. Water is purification. Water is flow or direction of energy through a vessel toward a specific event or outcome. Water is the result.
Tools
Air Fire Earth Water:
13' circle
Cauldron (earthen bowl)
salt
knife
besom (brush/broom)
leaf (feather)
a simple robe (shift/dress)
Ceremony
At long last, we arrive at the object of this discourse! If you've actually read the above, blessings!
Carry all of the necessary tools, food and water to the chosen location. It is my preference to arrive before sunset, both to ease my journey and to arrive before the others so that I may properly prepare the area. Put them down outside of the 13' circle area.
Sweep the area to be used. Even if you use the same area for years, a ceremonial sweeping is appropriate. Always begin in a clean and uncluttered space. Remove weeds and debris. Whenever possible, find a way to use what is removed. The earth does not make garbage ... that's a human trait. (my besom is made up of all the weeds I have pulled from the earth in the area I've chosen for my circle.) You may set it aside for the use of animals, start a compost pile away from your circle, or bring it home.
Define the center. Make a small hole. Insert the stick with string into this hole to measure the 13' circumference of the circle and mark the compass points. If more than 13 people are attending, mark the outermost point of your circle as well as the 13' circle.
Selecting four appropriate markers, measure the circle and mark the compass points by placing these markers. They should be small enough to be unobtrusive, yet large enough for you and others to identify them clearly as the boundary markers.
Remove the stick from the center hole. Place into the hole, in this order,
a leaf, or the petal of a flower (a seed or nut may be used in the dark half of the year)
13 drops of water
a pinch of salt
a stone or amulet that has personal meaning to you. This item is to be used in no other way. If you choose not to continue with this type of ceremony circle, bury the item and do not retrieve it. Tell no one what it is or where it is.
(this space intentionally left blank) Yes ... leave room for Divine Will.
Place a smooth rock over the top of this hole. Everything that can be removed from this hole should be taken when the ceremony is completed. Do not wear or use the amulet or stone. Plant the seed. Bury everything else in another place, to be left undisturbed. the hold is uncovered and remains empty until the next circle is formed.
Spend a few moments bringing yourself into balance, within yourself and within this area.
Walk the entire area to see if there is anything out of balance. A sick plant that needs water, a birds nest that's lost an egg ... these are the obvious things. Also, there's an energy about a place that you can feel and sense. Bring the entire area into harmony by bringing yourself into harmony within that area. You may find this to be emotionally disturbing at times. Do not be frightened or alarmed by this phenomena. Emotions are a form of energy that we cannot express, we only feel. Move through the emotion(s) until you are balanced. Walk the area again until no shifts or variations in energy exist.
Now is the time to write down anything you want to state within the circle. Do not come too prepared. Be IN the energy of the circle before you try to direct it in any way. (This is the main reason I arrive before others.) A rhythm helps, but is not necessary. Ask for nothing and you will not be disappointed. The opening of a circle requires command and force. Do not request ... command presence. Beyond that, we ask for nothing. Rather, I clearly and emotionally state my gratitude and awe for that which I need or want. I state it into existence. Again, I make no request. I say thank you for that which I have not yet received. I ask nothing for myself, personally. All statements are on behalf of all people. Since I am one amongst many, I too will receive what is acknowledged. This is the best way of keeping ego out of a circle.
Keep it as simple and positive as you possibly can. Where five words can be replaced by one ...use only one word. The more you say, the more you limit the universe. Words have power. Choose them carefully.
When your text is written, read it aloud, several times if necessary, until you begin to really feel the emotions rather than the words. Don't follow it like a script. Most of the time I never look at it again. It is merely how I prepare. Be aware of each moment as it passes into your existance. Do not hold that moment whose life has been spent. Be present. If it is meant to be, you will state it. Trust yourself and the universe.
Place everything you need around the center. Take care that nothing actually touches the rock which covers the center hole.
Change into the clothes you will wear in the circle.
Be still and wait for others to arrive.
When everyone has arrived, review with them the request that they enter empty. This is not the place to bring problems, it is the place to find solutions. No one should enter the circle until everyone has arrived and is ready. Remove shoes, if practical and comfortable. Wear clean and simple clothes that you use only for ceremony ... or your best clothes. I do not allow people to wear their jeans and a t-shirt into a circle. If necessary, I supply them with a robe. If a robe is not available, I ask them to pick some flowers, to adorn themselves. Do not wear jewelry or perfumes. If you regularly wear a talisman (wedding ring) or other pieces of jewelry, wear them beneath your clothing. Only the wedding ring, or any other item of significant social and cultural status, may be worn in plain view. Significant social and cultural status can be determined by a simple measure, was it given to you in ceremony for a specific and significant reason? If yes, you may wear it openly. If not, then cover it or remove it.
Enter the circle in a clockwise direction form one of the four compass points, based on the cycle of the year.
Spring -- East
Summer -- South
Fall -- West
Winter -- North
Once everyone is in the circle, the facilitator (druid) will begin.
Holding the knife in your right hand, walk to the entrance. Walking clockwise (calling in) behind the attendees, draw a circle between your circle and the elemental circle. You need not place the knife in the ground, use it to point to the ground and channel energy from the earth, through your feet to your heart, from your heart to your right hand, through the knife (metal is earth forged with fire) and back to the ground.
We begin.
A circle within a circle.
A life within a life.
A universe within a universe.
A moment is eternity.
Eternity is a moment.
I declare this circle to be mine!
Now call your spirit guides and state your intention for this ceremony.
The leader will indicate when others may speak. Go around the circle, giving each person an opportunity to declare themself.
Dismiss your spirit guides.
Walk counter-clockwise (release) and open the circle.
Adjourn. Attendees walk clockwise to the exit of the circle and then exit. Even though you've removed the boundary, it is considered very bad form to walk over this line. (If I entered through your front door, I would not climb out a window to leave).
Eat, Drink and Be Merry!
Carry what you've said in this circle in your heart and in your words every moment until you return to the circle.
{currently working on diagrams gifs}
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Vampire Rave Protection Stamps
You will find here, either Protection Stamps dear and kind friends have made (for myself) ,or having given their protection and friendship. Do not take any of these without permission. If I find a stamp of mine, which was not given to you by me you will receive an automatic 1 and block. I will not place any other's protection's here unless you are a good friend. Thus meaning I speak to you on a regular basis.
Protection made by QueenMorbid
Protection made by SognoDrak
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•A profile that has been suspended for infinity will get an automatic 1 and no stamp. House regulation.
•Anyone who owns an empty profile will get an automatic 1.
•Very short, 2 or 3 lined profiles will get an automatic 2.
•Suspended accounts, no matter how long the duration, will get an automatic 1 and no stamp. When you have brought your profile up to Vampire Rave's Terms of Service, Message me and I will then re-rate you.
•A profile with one short paragraph will get a 3 or 4 depending how long it is, a stamp and a chance for a re-rating once they have updated their profile.
•A profile with two paragraphs and only one or two pictures will get an automatic 5, stamp and chance for a re-rating.
•A profile with three to four paragraphs and a few graphics will get a 6 or a 7, stamp and chance for re-rate.
•A profile with five to eight paragraphs that actually explain their personality and have graphics in their profile will get an 8, a stamp and chance for re-rate.
•A profile with at LEAST 9 detailed intelligent, correctly spelled and punctuated paragraphs, a great background and several photos will get a 9 or 10 and a stamp from me. The only way you will get a 10 from me is if you put as much work into your profile as I put into mine.
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