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Dragons, Oh My!
Mystic Moon�s Sabbat in the Park in celebration of Midsummer was blessed with perfect summer weather and the presence of faeries, a nymph, a dragon and a muse. Bright sunshine lit the ritual area and gentle breezes from the lake kept everyone comfortable. Around 80 happy Pagan folk gathered at Mt. Trashmore on June 19th to honor the new reign of the Holly King and to rejoice in Summer�s glow.
The ritual was performed by the Tidewater Pagan Women�s group and was a new and innovative approach to a familiar theme. There were 16 participants in the ritual itself and all went smoothly despite the large number of people working together.
The ritual began with a warm welcome and informative discussion about the meaning of Midsummer and how we would be celebrating the day; the significance of the events that we were about to witness. Following this, the Muse was called and she joined us with a special treat � an a capella rendition of the song, �Magick of the Night� which was sung to the tune of �Music of the Night.� Her sweet voice rang out over those assembled speaking of mysteries and magick and wonder.
When each quarter was called, a representative of that element entered the circle and bestowed gifts upon the ritual ground. The Air Faery in dazzling white mirroring summer clouds coquettishly entered the circle sprinkling faerie dust all around. So much did she enjoy our company that she was reluctant to leave us and continued to frolic about. From the South a mighty Fire Dragon was called forth, her bright red wings and tail glistening in the summer sun. Her gift to the circle was her playful energy and her fire with which she lit the cauldron blaze. A little playful, a little grumpy, a little sleepy and with many a might roar, she communed with us as any well-bred dragon would. Flowing gently in from the West, a beautiful Water Nymph blessed us all with her drops of enchanted water yet stayed her hand and let none fall from the sky. She thrilled us all with her calming influence. And from the North, a spectacular Earth Faerie in rich verdant green filled our circle with her stability and her gift of Blessed earth from her hand. True to her nature, she bound us all together and provided focus.
The circle was cast hand-to-hand with song which was led and directed by the Faery Queen, the Dragon, the Nymph and the Fae. Once safely inside our sphere of power, the Goddess and God were invoked in their triple aspects. The invocations were performed in song by the Faery Queen. The Charge of the Goddess was given by the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone; each addressing their own particular realm of power and influence.
In reverence to the God and in celebration of the Rite of Midsummer, Oak leaves were burned in the Cauldron by the Crone while the Mother and Maiden placed Holly branches around the circle. This reenactment of the death of the Oak King and the rise of the Holly King was accentuated with the rendition of a lovely poem, read by the author, telling the tale of the two Kings and their dual reign. Tribute was then paid to all the fathers who were present in circle. They were honored with words speaking to the all- important role fathers play in our lives and to the love and respect they hold within our hearts. They were then gifted with tokens of our gratitude and affection.
The Great Rite was performed in an innovative way. The ritual team being a group of all women, used cut apples to signify the male and female aspects of life. While chanting of love and lovers, the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone brought the two halves of their apples together in a symbolic act of union. This was followed by the ceremony of cakes and ale. After the blessing, we were once again treated to the capricious antics of the Nymph and the Fae (perhaps the Dragon was asleep). Frolicking and playing, dancing and skipping, still they managed to both entertain and pass out the food and drink.
Dismissals were given and the circle was opened with a lovely chant performed by the whole ritual team (those in the ritual as well as those who had worked behind the scenes to make the day a success).
The ritual, however, was only the beginning of the festivities! Laughter and fellowship were everywhere. As brightly as the Sun shone that day, it could not compare to the glow of friendship that filled Shelter #3 and the ritual area. Mounds of wonderful food, brought by all, lay waiting on the picnic tables. Folk ate and drank and talked of good times and faeries and dragons and the Magick that can be found whenever people gather together in Her name.
Beginning with Imbolg 2004, Mystic Moon has been hosting Sabbat festivities in addition to their full moon Esbats (held at Mystic Moon) and all their other activities. At Ostara the Sabbat rituals were moved to city parks and became known as �Sabbat in the Park.� These events (as well as the Esbats) are open to all respectful seekers and they have been a great success. The rituals are performed by different groups allowing one to experience a great diversity in belief systems and methods of worship. As well as providing a sacred space for us to honor our beliefs, Debbie and Brian Foley (owners of Mystic Moon) are unequalled as hostess and host. They have a very special ability to make everyone feel welcome and at home. It is a joy to be in their company and all are greeted and bade farewell with a warm hug and sincere hospitality.
The group, Tidewater Pagan Women, the ritual presenters today, was founded only nine months ago by Linda Reichert. It is both an e-group and a physical group. They have around 45 members and are engaged in many activities: supporting a battered women�s shelter, fostering sisterhood and women�s spirituality, developing a network to provide comfort and support, education and guidance to those in need. They have recently published a cook book, Tidewater Pagan Women�s Recipes from the Hearth, to raise money for the shelter and their other efforts. They meet regularly for workshops, fellowship and fun. Currently they are not accepting new members but in September, near their first anniversary, they will be opening the group to a limited number of new members.
Evidence of what a group of women working together can accomplish was certainly apparent today. Most of these women had never worked with each other before they came together to write, orchestrate and perform today�s ritual. Sixteen ladies were actively involved in today�s Rite � each with their own beliefs and ways of doing things. Yet in a brief amount of time and with help from other group members working outside the circle, they came together and acted with like mind and like intent. The whole of what they were today inside that circle far surpassed the sum of their individual parts!