Aries/Libra Full Moon - Festival of Humanity
Ritual written* and led by Janine Donnellan(April 2006)
The Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra, at this time it is about the ascension and awakening of the divine being you are. A time when the Masters, Angels, Golden Solar Beings and Councils of Light illuminate humanity with the Light octaves at the level of Christ consciousness. What a wonderful moment to dedicate our drums. We are all a manifestation of this unmanifested light and bliss. Think of this day as an invitation to enter into a sacred circle with every one and every thing you encounter. This is an opportunity to open ourselves wide and take in all of life: the joy, the pain, the suffering, the ecstasy, the extraordinary, the ordinary.
The drum is the main tool of the shaman; the drum enabled the shaman to call spirits by means of sounds. The drum was not only a musical instrument, but it was also symbolic of the universe. The World (upper, middle, and lower), Sun, Moon, and many cosmological elements were depicted on it. The drum was the main helper of the shaman and was the symbol of his or her strength. This is indicated by the ritual of animating the drum.
It was common belief that the new drum had no powers, and it could not be used for religious rites, as it might break. Therefore, the ritual of initiation or animation was conducted so that the drum could come alive.
According to some traditions, all relatives of shamans were present at the drum initiation ceremony. The ritual of drum animation was conceived as a magical chase, the slaughter of the mythical beast, and its subsequent revival. The ritual ended with a meal during which people ate meat of a reindeer killed the day before. Afterwards, the drum was decorated with drawings, and pendants were attached on the internal portion and to the handle of the drum. The last step in the initiation of the drum was the singing of the shaman's song and the right of every relative to perform a circle dance with the drum that symbolized the joining and becoming a part of the powers of nature. This ritual activity was associated with the ideas of prosperity of the clan, life, success, and the fecundity of humans and animals.
Ancestors of the East, at the dawning of each new day, we ask that we may grow in wisdom. We wait in anticipation for the time when your light would shine in the hearts of all people so that they can remember the original purpose that has been engraved in our hearts and souls since the beginning. Ancestors of the East welcome.
Ancestors of the North, your warm winds embrace us with love and the abundance from Mother Earth. We have always known that as we follow our true purpose we will follow the path of balance and harmony and all that we require will be given. We open our heart to the soft wind of spirit. Ancestors of the North welcome.
Ancestors of the West, your spirits touch our dreams and sees deep inside our hearts, touch our hearts that we can learn how to walk the path of the spirit. We ask to see the true beauty of each moment and to discover the Great Mystery that is in us and all things. Help us learn from our dreams so that we can remember our true purpose. Ancestor of the West welcome.
Ancestors of the South, you have brought the cold winds and the rains each year to cleanse our Mother Earth. Cleanse our minds and our hearts. Blow the fresh, clean wind of spirit through us and sweep away our fears and limitations. Ancestors of the South welcome.
We call upon Gaia Goddess of Earth
We offer ourselves to you,
To honour, serve and learn.
We ask that your presence rise up
In acceptance of our offering.
We welcome You,
So Mote It Be.
Mighty God of Light
shining One,
We call upon your light,
To guide, initiate and direct.
We Welcome You,
So Mote It Be.
We call upon our guides and helpers this night
Our Higher self, our Totem and power animals
Stand now beside us in our journey tonight
Welcome
Each person dedicating their drum will begin by cleansing the drum in the smoke of the burning herbs. The herbs will consist of Sage, Rosemary, Wormwood and Frankincense, Copal and Mugwort. Cleansing herbs are burnt to dispel unwanted spirits, while sweet herbs are used to call upon the spirits. Each person will connect to the energy of the drum whilst cleansing the drum with the incense. Take a few moments to honour the animal that was sacrificed so that you could have this drum.
I call on the spirit of the drum to come forward and make itself known to each and everyone in this time and this place.
Upon each drum I ask that the spirit impart the mystery of its true intent and All That Is.
Oh Great Spirit we thank you for your presence and we acknowledge this great gift. May this gift be used in love, peace and harmony for the healing of the earth and all that is on the earth. May we work in alignment with the true purpose of the absolute.
As above so below
So mote it be
Spend a few moments in quiet meditation with the drum when the drum is awakened start drumming with the beat that is in your heart.
Great Goddess Gaia
We thank you for your presence & power
Hail & Farewell.
Mighty God of Light
We thank you for your presence & power,
Hail & Farewell.
To our guides and helpers
Our Higher self, our Totem and power animals
We thank you for your presence,
Hail & Farewell.
Ancestors of the South we thank you for your presence tonight
Hail & Farewell
Ancestors of the West we thank you for your presence tonight
Hail & Farewell
Ancestors of the North we thank you for your presence tonight
Hail & Farewell
Ancestors of the East we thank you for your presence tonight
Hail & Fare well
May this circle be open but unbroken
May the peace of the Goddess be ever in our hearts.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
And Merry Meet again.
