|
By Ash, Oak and Fir – the traditional Tuatha De Brighid ritual outline.
A Note about the Tree Meanings:
Ash - Ash was used for the shafts of spears by the ancients. Thus Ash is chosen for the first part of the Ritual because it produces the ritual and, like a spear, thrusts us into the Holy. The Ogham name corresponding to this tree is Nion. It may come from the Old Irish word meaning “fork” or “loft”. The first meaning may have denoted the entire concept of writing, while the second, for us, may mean lifting us up into the sacred realm. In Ogham divination, the meanings of Nion may include wisdom and connection.
Oak - The Oak’s root system covers the same area as its branches, as it stands with its feet in the earth and its arms in the sky. This tree was considered the most sacred by many traditions, and it is the sacred tree of Brighid Herself. Thus, it is the appropriate symbol for the central part of our ritual. The corresponding Ogham name is Dair. The associated divination meanings include strength, stability, nobility and law.
Fir - As we go forward from our Rite, the evergreen boughs of the Fir remind us of the eternity to which we have been connected. The ritual may be ending, but it leaves us forever transformed. Our ties to the Divine are without end, they remain ever green and living. The Ogham corresponding to Fir is Ailm. The meanings associated with it include future vision, clarity, achievement and energy.
The Outline:
Note: The following outline is a for a full, formal Rite. It may easily be adapted for a solitary or a group ritual. The flow and some suggested elements are similar to most such outlines in the modern Druid traditions. The elements marked as “traditional” identify this as a TDB ritual. Another possible symbol that associates the Rite with Brighid and TDB is the use of the Fire-in-Water as the Sacred Flame – for instance, a floating candle may be used, or, alternatively, a candle may be placed in a container that symbolized water in some way. This outline is meant to be flexible. Some elements and parts may be combined, for instance, some may be added, and in general people are encouraged to be creative and look at their Rituals in and of themselves as an Offering to themselves and the Powers. It should be mentioned that this kind of ritual may be done very elaborately and with lots of tools, or in a minimalist manner, as the particular practitioner prefers. While a full Rite is generally meant to include the basic structure in some form, the basic devotional Rites do not have to follow this outline at all – they may simply include a blessing as an offering to the Powers, for instance, and a prayer for assistance or blessing from the Powers in return, though some mention of Brighid is encouraged. As well, the Sacrament of the Waters of Life does not have to be done on informal occasions.
ASH - Approaching
Arrival: We arrive to the sacred Rite with our mind, body and soul.
- May include the following elements:
- Dedication
- Processional
- Consecration of time (traditional)
- Consecration of space (traditional)
- Protection
- Purification (traditional)
Settling: We settle ourselves to the sacred purpose.
- May include the following elements:
- Affirmations
- Centering and/or meditation (traditional)
- Unity prayer
Hallowing: We hallow the focus and purpose of the Rite.
- May include the following elements:
- Declaration of the purpose of the Rite
- The Sacred Cosmos: (traditional)
- The One
- The World/Otherworld
- The Land/Sea/Sky or Midworld/Upperworld/Underworld
- The Four Directions
- The Center
- Lighting the Sacred Fire (traditional)
- Blessing the Tree and/or Well
- Blessing any other tools if needed
OAK - Offering
Offerings: We call to the Divine, and make Offerings.
- May include the following elements:
- Invocation of Godde and Gods/Goddesses (traditional)
- Invocation of Nature Spirits (traditional)
- Invocation of Ancestors (traditional)
- Invocation of Brighid (traditional)
- Invocation of Deities/Spirits of the occasion
- Special offerings of the occasion
Acceptance: We and the Powers accept Gifts of blessings.
- The Waters of Life Rite (traditional):
- Preparation of the Waters – Mysteries are invoked
- Blessing the Waters
- Asking for the Powers to bless the Waters
- Affirmation of blessings
- Libation
- Partaking of the Waters
Kinship: We celebrate and enjoy our companionship and Kinship.
- May include the following elements:
- Praise offerings
- Fellowship: songs, chants, dancing, sharing of food
- Toasts and boasts
- Divination
FIR - Faring Forth
Farewell: We thank the Powers, and ask Them to “go if you must, stay if you will.”
- May include the following elements:
- Prayers of thanksgiving (traditional)
- Devocation (traditional)
- Putting out the Fire (traditional)
Internalizing: We internalize our sense of communion.
- May include the following elements:
Retiring: We retire from the Rite and into the everyday world
- May include the following elements:
- Deconsecration (traditional)
- Benediction
- Recessional
|
