Ritual Liturgy
of
The Order of the Sacred Oaks
13)* Bardic Sharing
Stories, songs, poems, anecdotes, folklore, triads
(preferably, but not necessarily, related to the purpose
of the ritual).
14) Prayer for Peace - see Appendix
15) Dismissing the Guardians
Thank and dismiss the Triad and Quarters
16)* Open the
Circle
The Priest or Priestess who cast the Circle will open it.
17) Benediction - see Appendix
18) Closing Salute
Swordbearer
performs closing salute - see Appendix
The following is to be the outline for all Grove rituals, i.e. all Esbats and Sabbats. Deviation is allowed for special occasions
with prior approval of the Grove High Priest/ess. Items marked with an asterisk (*) allow for choice and variation which is welcomed
within limits. If in doubt, ask. Those items unmarked will not be changed.
Note: where an officer is assigned, the member acting in
that capacity is implied, eg the High Priestess role may be taken by the member who wrote and/or is performing the ritual, not necessarily
the Grove High Priestess.
1) Procession into the Circle
Swordbearer, holding sword unsheathed and upright, leads procession into the
circle from the East and circles three times around the altar.
*May be in silence, chanting, to a drum beat or music.
2) Welcome to
Ritual
Priest and/or Priestess welcome attendees
We swear by Peace and Love to stand
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now
Confirming this,
Our sacred vow X3
“Let none be here except by their own free will.”
3)* Casting of the Circle
The Priest or
Priestess will cast the Circle with either the sword, an athame, a staff, or a wand.
Consecration and blessing of the Circle with Earth
& Water, Fire & Air.
4)* Calling the Quarters
Using one of the following options:
4 Mystical Cities and/or Tools
Gorias, (the East), the Sword of Nuada; Finias,
(the South), the Spear of Lugh;
Murias, (the West), the Cauldron of the Dagda; Falias, (the North), the Lia Fail.
4 Elements
Air, Fire,
Water, Earth (E,S,W,N respectively)
4 Totem Animals
Hawk, Stag, Salmon, Bear (E,S,W,N respectively)
5)* Invoking the Kindred Spirits
(the Triad)
SW - Ancestors, Druids of the Past
Symbolized by the cauldron or the well.
N - Nature Spirits, Druids of the Present
Symbolized
by the tree.
SE - Shining Ones, Druids of the Future
Symbolized by the fire.
6)* Invite the Lord and the Lady
Gold candle represents the
Lord, silver, the Lady.
7) Anointing the Circle
The Priest and Priestess anoint and welcome all participants (being sure to use magickal names where applicable).
8)
Druids Prayer - see Appendix
9)* Intent
The Priest or Priestess will explain in detail the purpose of the Ritual, including any history
or folklore, and explain what is to be achieved. The rite of Drawing Down the Moon may also be performed.
10)* Raising the Power
Raising
the energy (completing the Temple) shall be achieved through meditation, chant, song, dance, drumming or by other suitable means.
11)*
Magickal Working
Performance of magick to achieve the purposes of the ritual