Sumerian Ritual
We had our Ostara/Spring Equinox ritual at the Grove yesterday, done in a slightly different fashion. We decided to do a Sumerian style ritual, honoring Inanna and the return of her husband Dumuzi. We also mixed in our own flare for ritual, using 7 colored flags to represent the 7 gateways into her sisters realm. A small theatrical reinactment with Caryn as Inanna to help share the lore of the ritual.
During several portions of ritual, we rang bells and chimes to chase away the “outsiders” or “evil spirits.” During the main portion of ringing bells, as members circled around the sanctuary and started ringing their bells, a local church began to ring theirs in the distance, pretty much at the exact same time. When we stopped, so did they. It was amusing.
Besides the frigid cold, the ritual was a good one. My hands are still sore from drumming in the cold, but I think the heartbeat of a drum helps to keep the ritual breathing. To me, it seems to keep people in sync with the ritual.
I talked with Caryn a bit after ritual, and she mentioned to me that doing different cultural styles of ritual, give her a challenge as the chief liturgist. She can spout off a Celtic ritual no problem, but when presented with a whole new culture, it gives her something to really research.
I mentioned doing a Native American style ceremony, which she seemed really interested in. So I may get an opportunity (perhaps during the harvest) to help with a Native style ritual.
I also talked to her about my experiences with my recent experiences with the hawk totem, and found out that the hawk is actually one of her totems as well. And that she used to do some work with a Chippewa tribe some years ago, and that’s how she met her ex-husband.
After revels, and much consumption of candied dates and chocolate covered strawberries, I pulled out the guitar and did my usual after ritual “concert.” We had a coven visiting from Harford County, and they really seemed to enjoy it.
Once everyone left, I stayed and drank a bottle of mead with Squire Joe and Fuego to do some catch up and grounding. It was good to see Joe again, since I don’t get to very often. He’s going to be starting up a coffee shop soon down near DC and wants me to play there. I, of course, obliged.
Today is my relax day. I plan to just do some computer work and relax.
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