Bealtaine 2013 Omens

The deities of the occasion were Medb and Angus.

The acting seer was Grey Catsidhe

The divination tool used was the Druid Animal Oracle.

Nature Spirits: the cat

Ancestors: the frog

Gods and Goddesses: the dog

Grey felt that the Nature Spirits, through the cat, were encouraging us to interact with our sensual side.  This was very appropriate to Bealtaine!  Nature encouraged us to indulge a little.

The Ancestors, on the other hand, sent us a message of healing and balance through the frog.  There’s the suggestion that, yes, we have earned the rite to indulge a little after the winter – but we must do so with moderation in mind.  Too much indulgence will make us ill and the ancestors want us to remember that.

The Gods and Goddesses once more sent us the dog, a card that symbolizes friendship and protection.  Grey interpreted this to mean that the Shining Ones are looking out for us and are happy with our efforts to grow closer to them.

Northern Rivers’ First Ever Bealtaine Celebration!

A view of our ritual area in the stone circle and our Maypole dance! Photo by Tara, 2013.

Bealtaine is my favorite high day in the light half of the year.  It’s such a fun experience so full of laughter, music, dance, color, and, of course, new life!  As a pregnant lady, I experienced the holiday at a slightly different “frequency.”  The day was still about fertility to me, and I was very much aware of the potential for creation and lusty trysts in the forest, but I was also aware of the growing life already present.  This time last week, the leaves were just emerging from their buds.  The sounds of baby birds were already audible from a cranny in my apartment’s roof.  Seeds have already sprouted.  Although the May Queen often seems to be a maiden in some celebrations, I truly felt the part and have for the last week.  I’ve found myself wearing dresses and skirts, donning flowers, and bringing smiles to peoples’ faces as I went about as an example of new life in action.

Our protogrove’s first every Maypole! Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

My baby wasn’t the only thing flourishing at our Bealtaine rite – Northern Rivers Protogrove is alive and well!  Once more, we gathered at the Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center.  They graciously allowed us to plant a Maypole into their property and expressed a desire that it remain there for the summer.  Two members donated the 4×4 and others joined in with donations of labor to dig the hole, create the ribbons, and provide music as we danced.  Everyone, including some new folks, added their energies to the Maypole as they attached their ribbons.  Only a few of us had ever danced the Maypole before, so it was clumsy and imperfect – but I had stressed at the beginning that Maypoles seldom are perfect unless you’ve had a lot of experience or rehearse it until all joy vanishes.  I would rather our Maypole be an imperfect ring of giggles and pure joy than a lockstep obligation.  Having a member play the bag pipes while we danced was also amazing and made up for all the hiccups!   Our goal for next year is to personalize the Maypole with engravings and wood stain.

Our Bealtaine altar. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

The ritual went well.  We continue to improve as a group and grow together in experience, love, and piety.  I included an art project in the rite – idols of the deities of the occasion, Medb and Angus.  I was happy to play with dollmaking once more and contribute to the visual atmosphere of our ritual.  They also provided a focus as offerings were poured or placed below them.

“Medb Idol” by Grey Catsidhe. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

“Angus Idol” by Grey Catsidhe. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

Dinner was a delectable potluck of Spanish rice, taco pasta salad, taco dip, soup, lemon bread, corn muffins, churros, brownies, stew, and tea.  We ended the night in high spirits and with closer bonds.

I’m very much looking forward to our next High Day Rite – the Summer Solstice!  It will be the first ritual that I personally don’t lead as I take a step to the side and allow some of the full members to write the liturgy.  I know they’re ready, and a visiting ADF bard is planning to attend and help with the musical aspects!  This allows me to relax as I near my due date.  Second, it shows me just how dedicated and passionate the others are about honoring the Old Ways, bringing open Druidic rites to the North Country, and keeping Northern Rivers going no matter what!  I’m very proud of our little group.

 

~ By Grey Catsidhe, protogrove organizer

Business Meeting Minutes – April 2013

Meeting called to order at ~ 5:30 pm.

Full members present:  Grey Catsidhe, Weretoad, Cat, Tara Loughborough, Andrew, and Cassandra.

1. Reactions to the Spring Equinox

   Everyone felt that the Spring Equinox celebration went well.  There was agreement that the group is growing together in experience and confidence.  Athough the drumming started awkwardly, everyone really wants to continue working on it in future rituals.  We will see if/how we can incorporate it into Bealtaine! 

2. Treasurer Reporta. The total deposits we received during the Spring Equinox period were $60.32.

   b. The total withdrawals equaled $55.19.  This figure is comprised of expenses on the protogrove PO Box, firewood for the ritual, and the use of the Kripalu Yoga Center facilities.

   c. Our current balance is $21.13.
   

3. Site Content 

   a. Grey encouraged members to share any altar photos, recipes, poems, ritual/workshop reactions, etc with her to add to the website.  She also requested that full members submit bios, explaining that people who are interested in the group may like to see that we are populated.  Bios can make a group seem more personal and real.  Also, by listing interests and talents, newcomers will learn who to talk to about certain interests.  Grey suggests including such information as what brought you to Druidism/ADF/Northern Rivers, any subgroups you belong to in ADF, rituals or workshops you have lead, special talents or interests, future goals, and any related accomplishments you’d like to share.b. Everyone looked over the first draft of the digital logo and made comments and suggestions.  Weretoad has been working hard to incorporate everyone’s input so that it reflects the group as a whole.  Weretoad will continue to work on it.  The goal is to have a black and white as well as color graphic.

4. Planning for Bealtaine

   
   a. Had a brief discussion about the background and purpose of the holiday.
   b. Reviewed hopeful timeline – gather at 3:00 to begin setting up.  Kid-friendly workshop will begin at 3:30 while Weretoad and Andrew prepare the Maypole and Grey Catsidhe and another finish setting up the altar.  Maypole will take place around 4:00ish followed by a pre-ritual briefing, ritual, and potluck.

   c. Discussed the Maypole.  Cassandra and Andrew reported that they are donating the funds for its purchase.  It will be a 16′ 4×4 from a local lumber store they have connections to.  It will have to be delivered by the lumber store due to its dimensions.  The Yoga center will be contacted as we have more information.

   d. Ritual parts will be as follows:

   - bardic spirit – Cat
   - Outisders – Weretoad
   - Gatekeeper – Grey
   - Nature Spirits – Tara
   - Ancestors – Cassandra
   - Gods and Goddesses – Cat
   - Angus – John
   - Medb – Grey
   - Seer – Grey

   Offerings with be discussed via FB.

   e. The date of our Bealtaine celebration was changed from May 5th to April 28th due to a schedule conflict with the Yoga Center.

5. Folk Ceremony

   Grey briefly discussed her desire to have the Folk ceremony soon.  Our soon-to-be-implemented new membership guidelines will require that Northern River rituals are lead by Folk.  This ceremony should take place between the Bealtaine and Summer Solstice rituals, allowing for Grey to relax due to maternity issues.  This will be further discussed via email/FB.

Workshop Reflection: Reiki 1

Our reiki altar featuring items to ground and pendulums. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2013.

Yesterday afternoon, some of our full grove members were treated to a very special workshop by reiki master Tara Loughborough.  As much as we love welcoming new folks to our gatherings, we decided to keep this a members-only event because reiki is such an intimate subject that requires a quiet, undisturbed environment for attunements and healings.  It made sense to have it at a member’s home and to limit it to a handful since attunements can take several minutes.

Why reiki?  While it’s not a traditional Druidic art, and doesn’t even come out of any Indo European culture, it’s meant to be a secular alternative healing technique.  Many of us are interested in energy work and developing our intuition.  Tara explained that reiki is an excellent way to practice these skills.  There are actually several ADFers who practice reiki.  It fits well into their healing work.  Finally, reiki has become a topic that interests many in the larger Neo Pagan and alternative spirituality movement.  We don’t view ourselves as living in a vacuum and desire to learn about other approaches to better ourselves and build bridges with others.

Tara went above and beyond in her workshop.  Everyone received binders with information on reiki in the Usui lineage and a CD full of calming music.  She patiently answered all of our questions and guided us through what we should expect.  Then, one by one, we received a first degree attunement before practicing.

It was a really interesting experience.  Personally, I saw colors during my attunement and felt the presence of Brighid, who approved of my learning more about this healing technique, and an ancestor – my late grandmother.  She was a nurse in WWII and also expressed delight in my learning more about healing.

Overall, it seems everyone had a very positive experience.  Even without visions of colors or beings, everyone felt relaxed and very positive.  We look forward to future reiki workshops and practicing our new skills!

~ Written by Grey Catsidhe, Protogrove Organizer

Protogrove Wishlist

By posting this, I’m not asking for anyone reading this to provide for us.  People involved in or supportive of Northern Rivers should not feel pressured to go out and purchase any of these items.  I’m simply using this space to brainstorm some things that would help with planning rituals, setup/cleanup, and our potlucks.  By posting it here, I’m “putting it out into the universe.”  When the time is right, these items will make their way to our collection.

1. A cauldron just for Northern Rivers.  Currently I’m sharing my personal ritual supplies.  I don’t mind doing this, but I feel that the protogrove should have something of its own.  I won’t be grove organizer forever, so I might not always store the group’s ritual objects.  I will want to have my bowls and cauldrons around for personal use.  For now, while we grow, I definitely don’t mind sharing.  However, I do feel that our group ritual objects should belong to all the members and not primarily one person. 
2. A grove drinking horn and chalice.  Just as above, I’m sharing my ceramic drinking horn.  It was a wedding gift to me from my husband and has real sentimental value.  Transporting it to our rituals always makes me a little nervous.  I’m on the lookout for something similar – not made of real horn so as to include veg*ans in our rites.  I’ve been looking for a chalice for awhile too.  We definitely could use two drinking vessels so as to be more hospitable.  I would like to offer an alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage for our return flow.  I’m not necessarily attached to the idea of just a drinking horn and just a chalice.  Two chalices or two horns would work just as well!  I’m actually leaning more towards two chalices for space considerations now that I think about it…
3. A more consistent supply of incense.  This is always needed.  I’m thinking that a future workshop could be all about making our own incense and then using what we make for our rituals.  How intensely meaningful would that be?!
4. A separate tote or crate for our wood.  Right now, we have one tote dedicated to housing our group’s ritual supplies.  This makes transportation really easy.  Our bonfire fuel has no such container and kind of floats around.
5. More tablecloths.  I’ve basically donated the sheets I was using as tablecloths during my craft vending days for our potluck.  They’re red and work well for now, but I would like to have more colors to correspond with other High Days in the future.  This is just an aesthetic goal – nothing to do with practicality.
6. More altar cloths. Same as above!  Thankfully I sew and our collection grows each High Day.  These add symbolic meaning to our ritual setup, acting as mental keys which can be very powerful during ritual – especially to people who are new to the rites and Our Druidism!

That’s all that comes to mind right now.  It’s a humble little list.  I’ve already donated small offering bowls and a portable altar table to the protogrove that are just for the group to use.  That has helped immensely.

 

~Posted by Grey Catsidhe, grove organizer of Northern Rivers Protogrove, ADF

Spring Equinox 2013 Omens

The being of the occasion were the Nature Spirits.

The acting seer was Grey Catsidhe

The divination tool used was the Druid Animal Oracle.

Nature Spirits: the boar (torc)

Ancestors: the crane (corr)

Gods and Goddesses: the dog (cù)

Grey Catsidhe interpreted the boar to refer to the warrior spirit and possible challenges in the future.  We should feel the ability to charge ahead despite them, or perhaps we need to take up a warrior stance to defend the Nature Spirits around us.

For the Ancestors, Grey felt the crane indicated that the ancestors were listening as the crane is a liminal creature.  Although in the Other World, the Ancestors are listening to us.  If we start to pay attention to them, they have teachings to offer us.

The Gods and Goddesses gave us the dog, a creature of loyalty and protection.  Grey interpreted this to mean that the Gods are also there for us and pleased with our protogrove.  They offer us comfort despite any difficulties we may face.

The omens were good.

Spring Equinox 2013

Yesterday, Northern Rivers Protogrove gathered to celebrate the coming of Spring Equinox!  After spending Imbolc indoors, it felt wonderful to return to the stone circle at the Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center in Adams, NY.  Although there was still some snow on the ground and a chill in the air, we rejoiced at the signs of spring everywhere.

Weretoad and Andrew got the fire started.  I made some fun Spring Equinox fire starters using the method I learned from Book of Shadows and Blessings.  I decided to reuse some appropriately colored tissue paper since it can’t be recycled with other paper products anyway.  Perhaps next time I’ll experiment with some drawings or sigils.

Festive, spring fire starters. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

I wish we could have taken a photo of the altar.  I made a lovely, swirling green altar cloth for the occasion.  I worked hard to simplify the objects on the altar so that it wasn’t cluttered with too many tiny bowls.  I used some small pitchers to hold ale and whiskey which we used for most offerings.  A few smaller bowls semi-circled around them, containing dry offerings like incense and Irish oats.  It felt more organized!

I think the ritual itself went well.  It was only the full members in attendance (I think the cold is keeping a lot of people away for now), but it made for a wonderfully intimate ritual in which everyone felt comfortable.  Inhibitions were lowered more and people put more energy into their chanting, their ritual parts, and the call and responses.  We even experimented with some drumming in an attempt to wake up the Nature Spirits!  It started off awkwardly, and anyone who knows me personally realizes I’m not a musician and that performing on the spot kind of freaks me out – but I had to put the barriers down and just go with it.  I let loose and it was fun. If I couldn’t do it, nobody else would.  We didn’t drum long, but it ended in joyful laughter which is a good sign!  I’m very proud of everyone and I think we brought a smile to the Kindreds.

Ritual was, of course, followed by lots of food!  I made some hearty colcannon, Steve shared some veggie soup, Cat made some fruity tea, and there were a ton of other goodies!

Delicious chocolate Guinness cake from John and Tara. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

Yummy and seasonal deviled eggs from Weretoad. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

Some tasty Irish soda bread from Cassandra. Photo by Weretoad, 2013.

Sinful brownies from Patty. Photo by Weretoad.

As we ate, we discussed Druid 101 books people have read.  There were quite a variety discussed.  We enjoyed each others’ fellowship and even started to plot for Bealtaine!

Thanks again to everyone who comes and makes these celebrations possible!

All our lovely drums, including some egg shakers Cassandra and Andrew made, and a beautiful bodhrán that Tara painted by hand (center). Photo by Weretoad, 2013.