Chat Host:

MERRY MEET AND WELCOME TO WICCA 101!

Tonight's class is offered by Annwyn. Her topic is Rites of Passage.

As a courtesy to our host, please keep all greetings, farewells and side conversations in IM until class is over. Likewise, please hold all questions and comments until discussion is called for by our host.

Disrupters will be warned once by the Chat Host. If disruptive behavior persists their exclusion will be called for.

When an exclusion is called, all are asked to do so WITHOUT comment either to or about the excludee.

KindredFlame:

wow... that's pretty cool...

Chat Host:

In case of disaster {g} could one or two of you who plan on attending the entire class please log as back up?

Annwyn, you have the floor.

Red Deer:

{--- a logger!

Chat Host:

thanks Red.

ANNWYN:

Merry Meet all

A rite of passage is basically a ritual to mark a milestone in one's life. Many of us grew up with varying rituals marking these events, even though not all were raised Pagan. These rites are important to help commemorate and prepare one for the next stage of one's life... to provide the inner strength necessary to move forward in the challenges that will face you and the rites can offer guidance and support.

In our seasonal celebrations we are introduced to and reenact over and over again the cycle of birth, death, rebirth so that we are able to come to terms with our own growing process and understand the connection of our own life cycles to the eternal process. The class tonight is really very basic... and most info readily available with a little reading and research. Nearly all of the rites we will discuss will follow a basic ritual outline or can be adjusted to meet the need of the situation or to best serve the rite you are planning.

Keep in mind... depending on the rite... you might have a simple private ceremony... for instance... in a Paganing ceremony... just the parents and child... or these rites may be public and within the gathering of friends and family... NON PAGANS may be present... you will want to adjust your words and actions so as not to offend Auntie Beth or make poor Grandma pass out at the mention of the Great Rite. Consider educating those present as you go... as part of the ceremony... describing what you are doing and why. I would hope those attending would be aware that it is a Pagan event they are attending... so no scene occurs during the rite. I think we will first cover Handfasting and then move to Paganing... first comes love... then comes... marriage... then comes... Annwyn with the Baby carriage... or something like that...

Paganing is also known as Wiccaning... It can also be called Rite of Child Blessing. In this rite you are presenting and dedicating a new life to the deities, petitioning for aid and guardianship. Whoops... went rite past that handfasting thing... huh? Preggers attack... sorry.

Chat Host:

}g}

Red Deer:

LOL - we know what's on YOUR mind

KindredFlame:

haha

ANNWYN:

Paganing is also a reminder to the family of the commitment of care and love needed for a new child

OH shut up... {G}

Valkyrie:

lol

ANNWYN:

Although... you may choose to dedicate the child to the craft... keep in mind FREE WILL... choose your words so that you are not forever binding this child to a certain religious path... He/she may later choose as best fits her/his own spiritual needs one such wording might be...

"Old ones... I welcome you to this circle in this sacred space. I present my Son/Daughter (NAME) who will be know among the magical folk as... (Magical name). I ask your blessings on Him/Her now as I dedicate Him/Her as a child of the old ways... This is not to bind her will or to manipulate or coerce her onto my chosen path but, rather it is an act of love, as I give her to you to watch and protect until she is wise enough to choose for herself by what names and in what manner she will offer you praise."

This is just an example... Create the wording that best suits the intent of your presentation to the Gods/Goddesses. Had I started where I wanted ... I would have told you also that in setting up the sacred space... with each of these rites... you may place the altar where it best serves the rite unless you ALWAYS do it a certain way... and choose that for this purpose also... also consider those attending... For a wedding you might want to be sure it is placed to accommodate your guests also... Then too... remember the season you are performing the rite... or you might choose to face to the quarter that correlates to the ritual being done. For instance... east... for Paganing... for new beginnings... Paganing is a joyous celebration You might or might not choose also to name another set of adults... Godparents if you will... to also over see the little ones spiritual well being.

Red Deer:

or Goddessparents, Annie

ANNWYN:

thanx...

decorations for the altar... should be joyful... again... colors etc. are a personal choice in these rites... white for the altar cloth is good for most... but those involved might choose other colors for various correspondences Just a mention of a few herbs for Wiccaning... Rosemary for protection... and of course for remembrance... this is a good one also most of these events. Daisies... scattered as decoration or as part of incense... for luck and joy. Elder... may be used to symbolically or literally bath the child Elder is known as the Tree Mother... protects and makes strong. Milkweed... good for anointing...

brings inspiration, imagination, and creativity.

On to handfasting... also sometimes called Trysting... or trusting... commitment to meet again. Prepare sacred space to suit needs... Handfasting is sometimes equated with marriage... but not necessarily so... and not always legally binding in today's society. Generally we speak of handfasting in terms of Brehon Law which actually recognized many types of commitment... Domi O'Brien is one to check for exact info regarding the Brehon Law on this topic... A year and a day... is one type of commitment... 9 years was also considered as it was 3X3... or represented completion. The couple has the right to either renew... or to walk away after that time... however... if you are doing it as a legally binding ceremony... within your state laws... you will also have to END it within those laws. Some prefer a year and a day commitment before they move into something more legally binding... It is up to the Bride and Groom to decide the contract of their marriage... will it be monogamous... will it allow outside friendships/interest as with the Paganing... free will are the key words here.

a quote I thought appropriate for Paganing and handfasting is

"Conscious love is the wish that the object of love would arrive at its own native perfection regardless of the consequences to the lover, and this kind of giving love involves will... It is a delight that something or someone actually exists in its own right."

The joining of handfasting... is symbolic combining of God and Goddess to form a new creative whole can be seen as joining of spirit and matter often a garland of flowers is placed over the hands of the intended to bind them... also colored cords could be used... usually the left hands are used... the receptive hand this is linked also to giving one's hand in marriage... I chose not to insert an exact rite here... there are many available from different sources... or the ceremony can be written by the bride and groom to include the words of their commitment. One tradition in a handfasting is jumping of the broom... this can be seen as a fertility right... but it also represent entering into a new phase of life a doorway... sometimes the broom is then also used to sweep behind the bride and groom to get rid of any negativity that might follow them into their new life again we are talking a joyous occasion. The exchange of rings may be a part of the ceremony... although some see this because of current society standards as an act of servitude. the rings actually represent the wheel... or sacred circle, a symbol of oath made to honor

are there any questions about what makes handfasting LEGAL or not

caught you sleeping... huh... no fair

Red Deer:

NOT ME

Trekstor:

not sleeping!

Chat Host:

not sleeping have no question

ANNWYN:

You must have a licensed clergy... Pagan or non... present for it to be legal...

Red Deer:

a marriage licensee makes it legal or not

ANNWYN:

not just the license... it must be signed by someone able to make that document binding I won't cover a lot... but a few herbs... for handfasting...

Red Deer:

not necessarily clergy... a JP will do

ANNWYN:

I meant that to be included RD... you are right

Chat Host:

I think it depends on the state too. I didn't have to have anyone but the clerk sign mine.

ANNWYN:

But Auntie Beth... won't cut it

Good point Chat...

Red Deer:

unless she's an old witch, with credentials, of course

ANNWYN:

I guess what I mean to say... is to check with your state... for what is binding... decide if you want a legal ceremony also... or if you are happy with the spiritual commitment.

Red Deer:

{--- just had to give the walrus a hard time

ANNWYN:

LOL... won't say anything

Trekstor:

??

ANNWYN:

Herbs

Marjoram... romantic fulfillment... Caraway... faithfulness and passion... Lavender is good for both Handfastings and Paganing... Roses of course... There are many good herbals showing correspondences that will work for this rite... Again personalize it to suit the desire of those effected by the rite... to make it special and meaningful for those involved... Because the Great Rite... symbolically or literally will be a part of this rite... those herbs which carry sexual connotation... or aphrodisiacs might be considered... Satyrion root... damiana... work{G}... Skullcap... is often used... also... REMEMBER it is VERY binding... Be very sure of the commitment being made

Red Deer:

sandalwood and patchouli

ANNWYN:

Experience speaks for itself{G}. At the time of Paganing... although a name was give to a child the child will choose a new name at Coming of Age if he/she intends to continue on the path. Now... in the Coming of Age rite... age is a question generally for boys... 13 is appropriate... for girls the first menstrual cycle this is a SPIRITUAL coming of age... similar to a bat/bar mitzvah or confirmation... some may feel 13 is too young for someone to be COMMITTING to the craft... 16-25 are other ages mentioned...

Red Deer:

Annie?

ANNWYN:

I would think the earlier ages are appropriate as long as it is recognized again that it is the free will of the child... and the ceremony is to mark another phase of maturation

yes red

Red Deer:

I view coming of age as that... the time of initiation... not of permanent dedication

ANNWYN:

I agree... but wanted to leave this open for interpretation

Red Deer:

the time when you begin to truly learn and practice, in order to learn the LIFE

ANNWYN:

basically taking more responsibility for one's own path...

Red Deer:

aye

ANNWYN:

usually included can be questions presenting the challenge of learning more and studying more etc. It does add an additional seriousness to the approach. For my own girls... I have offered them rather not only the CRAFT but all religion so that they may learn more and be better prepared to make their own choice. While teaching them respect for nature... and responsibility for their own actions... etc. Girls do have the added physical association of the wise blood that gives them initiation into an eternal circle... That it be made special... boy or girl... this time of growth... I think is the key. If choosing to continue on the path...

Red Deer:

and girls grow from a direct lineage of their own sex

ANNWYN:

the young one may at that time choose a new name and begin gathering or making their own tools

Yes Red... I agree...

This being a VERY important choice involving the parent and child... I really leave this one open typically... it is a continued opening to the craft ways... more involvement in ritual activities etc... as appropriate... I'll leave it at that... and open for discussion later. Which out of sequence but... we'll go to Passing Over...

In this ritual... again there are so many personal views as to what occurs at this time... also... are we talking a funeral type ceremony or more of a memorial... or releasing ceremony. This can take on a very solemn tone... or can celebrate what is ahead for the deceased. It is a time to say good-bye... and a time for those remaining to find comfort and understanding of this process. If the actual body is not there... you can still prepare a place for the deceased within the circle. I would suggest that the ceremony reflect not only the departing ones wishes... but include symbolism that is meaningful to others attending Looking through many materials... trying to find something that would be appropriate for this class... I would have to suggest as far as a ceremony that explains the birth death rebirth process... "Requiem" from Eight Sabbats for Witches... it gives a substantial basis for this process... it is not my fave for practical application but gives good understanding. One that I thought was very good for releasing... and comforting was a poetic ritual by Paul Beryl... where the departed is invoked and spoken for in part...

"I am a new star in the night...

I am the gentle drop of rain upon your garden...

I dance with the Lady

and I am the music found within HIS pipes

This is the Ritual of Death.

It is a Feast of Joy,

for I leave my tools in your keeping

and as time makes its circle,

I shall be reborn...

Ours is the craft of Wicca.

We shall dance in the temples among the stars.

We shall meet again and dance again and love again, for such is the Law.

For now let me take leave and hold me no longer,

for I must be free.

I am the voice of the Beloved.

Find me within the Universe...

call upon me with as many names as there are stars in the sky.

I am one...

I am all..."

In passing over... we are again back to personal choice for altar decorations... herbs... colors... all associations. They should represent the need... and the intent of the rite several herbs suggested either encourage now or later continued communion with the departed... Anise, chervil, Thyme are simple choices... Basil... good to bring courage and dignity to the departed and those remaining... Aconite to invoke the spirit of Hecate... magical watchfulness over the rite... also more DIRE associations I will leave to your own study. Blue bells... to bring peace of mind and blessings. It is said... that if you plant a WILLOW in your lifetime... it's life at your death will ease the soul. It will offer safe passage. We believe... that this is not the end... and I suppose that should be an important focus for the rite... In my jumble of notes we've bounced around... and went right passed Croning

Red Deer:

also, befriend a crow...

ANNWYN:

yes... to take you over. ?

Red Deer:

crow takes you over - which many know, but also had brought you here to begin with

ANNWYN:

Croning is generally intended as a Woman's rite of passage...

Aye

Again let me say... I didn't cover all the associations that could be used for these rites... there are very good lists of correspondences... and I did not want to tie anyone into any one focus or intent.

On Croning... generally the age this occurs is about 50... some women choose 45 or the end of their menstruation. This is a time of women coming into their power... they no longer shed the wise blood but retain this wisdom... It however for women in our society to day is a time of degradation and loss of power... so perhaps this ceremony is even more important now... It is a time when women must find the power and the essence of who they are without exterior validation... and they must be willing to embrace this power within themselves... This rite should involve the individual only... or women only... in my mind However... I do assert that elderly in general are not considered valuable anymore in our society and I think that men... should at a time also when their personal power (in the outward world) may be fading... also be honored and revered for what they know... and what they have seen in this lifetime.

Feury:

Ann what are your views on replacement hormone therapy... I am a bit confused as to what I should and should not do to my body here

ANNWYN:

I think your physical well being should be considered first and that is a choice between you and your Dr... But I think acceptance of this passage gracefully is important...

Feury:

{smiles} Thanks . that's what I thought... I want to go as natural as possible within my health tolerances...

ANNWYN:

grace is part of the gift of what you have been through in your life. Croning... should be an affirmation of your life... and again acceptance of your power at this time... any questions or input on this?

Feury:

I have noticed that as I age... things that bothered me before . /. are no bother now... I like being having things so all together

Chat Host:

not yet for me Ann

ANNWYN:

LOL...

any questions in general for any of the rites...

Chat Host:

can I call you when I Crone though?

ANNWYN:

Sure... if I can still hear

Feury:

{s}

Chat Host:

heheh

ANNWYN:

Well that's about it... I left this info somewhat vague... so we could discuss... or those attending could fill in own their own there is a rite that I have heard called Blessingway ceremony it has to do with preparing for childbirth... opening and clearing the passage as it were... letting go of anything that might stand in the way of the mother or child opening for the birth I am writing one for myself currently... and will be happy to share when I am through

Chat Host:

I'd be interested in that Ann

ANNWYN:

Sure chatty

On the Croning and passing over ceremonies we didn't talk much about altar decorations etc...

Boomirang:

well ANN you should really consider writing a book and publishing it as that was a very good class

Feury:

what would you use... for the altar

ANNWYN:

in both of these I would consider it appropriate and important that personal items that have acquired importance and power should be used...

Thanx boom...

Feury... for Croning...

Boomirang:

:}

ANNWYN:

Items that have importance from your life...

things that have been valid in promoting your strength and learning...

things that represent the spiritual wisdom you have developed

things that affirm your power and wisdom...

things that remind you that although being able to bring children into the world is a gift...

that your ability to create goes beyond the physical...

that you personally as a woman are a voyage... and a direct link to the primal mother

I would direct my altar to the North

Should I go on?

Feury:

yes please

{-----listening

ANNWYN:

Have not planned this but would probably choose either a purple or black altar cloth... other than my person power items would keep altar simple...

Feury:

I just found this path... after bumbling around with Christianity and have a lot to learn so late in life

ANNWYN:

there was no bumbling... it just took you awhile{G}

Feury:

{G}

ANNWYN:

We are well past class time chatty...

Chat Host:

I know.

ANNWYN:

I will be happy to answer any questions... or relinquish floor. Yo Red... wake up...

Chat Host:

LOL

LoneSparrow:

Ann, how can i know that when i dedicated myself i really am dedicated?

Boomirang:

go on with youself ANN, doing great. :}

ANNWYN:

did you have intent to dedicate...

LoneSparrow:

Yes

ANNWYN:

are you committed

LoneSparrow:

Yes

Feury:

{s}

ANNWYN:

then I would consider myself dedicated... you might find your focus change... as you learn more and experience more...

LoneSparrow:

but i have doubt. why is that?

Red Deer:

because you are human, lone

Feury:

I have had that too ... wondering if I am doing things right...

ANNWYN:

{G}

Boomirang:

don't we all :}

ANNWYN:

If you are sure this is the path for you... don't doubt

LoneSparrow:

but in religion that shouldn't be that way, correct?

ANNWYN:

does your doubt stem from wondering if you are doing things "right"

BRB

Feury:

I meant as in doing the rituals right... I have a lot of dogma to unlearn {g}

LoneSparrow:

yes... i do not know if what i did was accepted and if it was right

ANNWYN:

My karma ran over my dogma

Red Deer:

faith is not a matter of whether you're "doing it right"

ANNWYN:

if you have made the choice... there is no right or wrong...

Red Deer:

it is a matter of whether you're following the right path...

Chat Host:

It is my opinion that if it came from your heart it was accepted and "right"

Boomirang:

what is "DOGMA" another religion?

Red Deer:

for you

ANNWYN:

Right Chatty

Harpin:

Right, faith is how you feel, not what you do

LoneSparrow:

it did... i made up the words

Feury:

{smiles} that is what my teacher said to me

ANNWYN:

following a specific doctrine

Feury:

dogma is what you have been taught all your life

Harpin:

MM all

LoneSparrow:

ok, well can u tell me when the next Major Sabbats will be?

Red Deer:

not necessarily, Feury

Boomirang:

thanx i SEE now

Red Deer:

dogma is what you have been taught that CAN NOT be questioned

LoneSparrow:

i mean i'm a newbie at this

Red Deer:

if you question, you are a heretic

Paganism has NO dogma

ANNWYN:

next will be the Autumnal equinox... Mabon

LoneSparrow:

when is that, please

ANNWYN:

it is generally a time of thanksgiving

Red Deer:

Paganism = the thinking human's religion

ANNWYN:

circa... September 22

LoneSparrow:

thanks

Feury:

I was talking about my Christian beliefs ... some things are hard to let go, they stick like glue

LoneSparrow:

ALSO.....

how can i adapt rituals for a solitary... like Drawing Down the Moon?

Boomirang:

so does rational

Harpin:

It is possible to combine elements of many religions into your pagan set of beliefs. That's the beauty of this path.

ANNWYN:

takes more focus and perhaps preparation... so that you are involved and not distracted by words...

Red Deer:

{--- needs sleep

LoneSparrow:

by how do you mean?

Red Deer:

Thanks for a great class, Annie...

ANNWYN:

you may choose to simplify the verbiage... or choose no verbiage... speak internally

ritual is not about theatrics