Invite
participants to cleanse and purify prior to the ritual through
a purification meditation, a walk in nature, and / or a ritual
herbal bath. As each one arrives, they are called to bring and
add to a holy space for the gathering.
Sanctify
the ritual space, setting the stage for connecting with the
group soul with a dedicated altar, saging, incense, and reflective
or uplifting recorded music. Once all have arrived, bells may be
sounded to call people to the meditation circle, or once everyone
is seated, to unify attention.
For
the altar ... fresh spring flowers are always appropriate
for this ritual. Themes of renewal and resurrection may be depicted
in the items you place on the altar: colored cloths, symbols,
statues, icons and minerals arranged in a manner that relates
to the significance of the Aries Festival and the gathering itself.
Hallow
the space and time with a group prayer, invocation, sacred
sounds and / or singing a song. During the gathering, songs can
be sung together by the participants. Singing
the vision in unison aligns our hearts and souls in potent
and magical ways.
To
unify the participants, a short talk on a Festival related topic will
bring people to a space of unanimity. Sharing understanding about
the cycle, world events, or other relevant subjects is appropriate.
Here are suggested topics we offer:
A
Meditation Focus on the Theme of Resurrection, appropriate
to this Festival. Taking turns, individuals may read these
words along with the corresponding affirmations. As each one
is read, each person may light a candle on the altar or in
the room to seed these qualities in their own lives, as well
as for the entire world. Afterwards, a still space may be held
to strengthen the vision.
Audio
pieces on the Festival of the Risen One Listen to these
in preparation for and leading up to the meditation
The
key element is a guided
meditation to connect the group to the Planetary Soul,
leading into a time of silent meditation. Following the meditation,
all may share impressions received.
The
Principle of Sharing is invoked by collecting donations for
an organization or cause outside your own that is making a positive
difference in the world. This deepens our experience of selfless
service, and our connectedness to the greater world vision.
To
conclude the ritual aspect of the gathering, the The
Great Invocation may be recited by all.