review
by Blackcat
Modern neo-pagans are used to reclaiming spiritual symbols, often looking to the ancient Celtic peoples for inspiration. While the British Isles are well known as the last bastion of the Celts, this grouping of clans and tribes inhabited virtually all of pre-Roman Europe. We might think of them as Barbarians on the steppes of today's Poland and Germany, or as Scythians inhabiting what is now Hungary and Romania. Or perhaps we read of them as Gauls fiercely defending the area we call France against the Roman invaders to the south. In fact, for anyone with ancient European heritage there is a link in the long chain of one's history that is doubtlessly Celtic.
I can hardly think of a better time or place to reflect on one's heritage than at Samhain in a remote forest clearing for a weekend festival; especially when that festival is held by long-time community resource, the Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC). I'm referring, of course, to the ATC's 16th annual "Hecate's Sickle Festival," held November 4 - 6, 2005 on Whidbey Island.
The festival is held to celebrate the Samhain season, as well as to study Celtic mythology and history. This year's focus was placed on the old countries of Ireland, Briton and Wales. Participants were assigned to small clans, each dedicated to particular deities and other figures from the local Celtic lore of one of these nations.
The first night of the festival began with one of the strongest ATC opening circles I have had the pleasure to experience. The energy was crisp and direct. The participants were brought into the opening circle with chanting and passed through a glowing line of candlelight that brought everyone into a synchronized frame of mind. It was magickal and reverent. After the circle was cast, we had an immediate opportunity to work transformative magick. We were each handed a twig of hazel wood. I thought this small wand would be handy in a ritual I was facilitating later that evening, but alas, it was part of a sacrifice to the gods.
Holding our hazel wands in hand, each took hold of his or her neighbor's and formed a circle. The energy swirled about and we began to dance and chant around the center altar. As each person passed the altar, we thrust our hazel wand into a large wicker form. The wicker form was thrown onto a raging fire to release the energy, make the sacrifice to the gods, and do our magick. This powerhouse opening was only the first of many magickal moments over the weekend.
Later that evening was the skyclad ritual, whose purpose was one of release and honoring the self. I wrote this ritual and served as high priest. It was a great honor to be able to create sacred space for so many beautiful and wondrous souls. I used an innovation that I have found favorable in public skyclad rituals. Rather than disrobing prior to the start of the ritual, I asked the participants to remain partially clothed at the commencement, then disrobe together after grounding and centering. The act of becoming skyclad was woven into the fabric of the ritual itself. In theme with the festival, people actively released something that no longer served them.
The next day presented the focus of the festival. The main ritual event included the direct participation of each attendee in the clans. Each clan collectively wrote and performed their own ritual to consecrate space and make an offering to their patron deity and the community. In my clan, we walked into the lush Northwest forest, replete with fir, cedar and fern. Following a narrow pathway, we came upon a small glade at the base of an enormous cedar, where we circled and performed our rite. Regardless of whether an attendee was a seasoned coven veteran, a solitary practitioner, or new to the Craft altogether, the ATC provided each a unique and memorable opportunity to practice magick within a small group via the clans. But this was only the beginning.
Time was
allotted for personal reflection, so throughout the morning I hiked into the
primeval. Our
Good food is vital to the success of a festival. People need sustenance to fully participate. My experience is that magickal work increases the need for bountiful nourishment. The meal preparation for the whole festival was well executed, with hot and plentiful food. The kitchen staff worked with level leadership and teamwork.
Early that evening we returned to our clans and made our journey back into the woodland. This time, however, we walked through the darkness of night, first passing through the veil of mystery, magickally parted for us by our clan leaders. Deep in shadow, and at times hand-in-hand, we journeyed from station to station in solemnity and solidarity. Within each clearing of the thicket, we were greeted by a deity or hero of the Celtic pantheon. Some would find respite in the dwelling of a goddess, while others might be greeted by the sharp kiss of wind and rain, bracing for a new spiritual birth. Each station provided challenge and reward. The ritualists fully adopted the spirit of their deities in song, action, costume and poise. The evening was dramatic and stunning.
In an emotional swoon we returned to our starting point. I felt a connectedness of my mind, spirit, and body that I can best describe as a great honorable self-empowerment. We huddled closely, sharing hot cider and the blaze of the bonfire, despite the harrowing and rather heavy rainfall. In fact, the weather was so inclement that many people around me left the bonfire and headed indoors for shelter.
While at times stormy weather can add to the atmosphere of a ritual, there are also times when it becomes so uncomfortable it detracts. As Witches we may align ourselves with nature, but that's not the sum of it. We bend with nature; we work with the elements. A contingent plan for bad weather of moving into the main hall would have been much more effective for everyone. A large fireplace was available inside as well. Adjusting to the unexpected is a keen skill much more valuable than blindly following a ritual form.
It is no easy feat to facilitate a spiritually rewarding experience for over a hundred unique and distinguished pagans. Many, many individuals contribute to the success of a festival, including the willing participants. The ATC staff, with direction from arch-priestess Debbie Hudson, spiritual director Eric Lethe, ritual director Karen Fedderson, festival director Rory Busch, and founder Pete "Pathfinder" Davis, accomplished the feat superbly. I found the execution flawless, the food good and the location breathtaking. It struck me repeatedly how much this festival had been refined from previous years. The ATC achieved a fine honing in on the quality of the experience from the attendee's perspective. The ritual planning was improved with thoughtfulness to logistics.
The dawn brought many warm hugs and a few tearful eyes. Our clans were like adopted family; loved ones newly met. Our actions were of honor and learning; remembrance of loved ones met long ago.
Modern neo-pagans are used to reclaiming. We reclaim our family history; we reclaim our inner selves. We reclaim the ancient symbols of peoples from all over the world; we reclaim the symbols of the Celts. For all of us who shared this magickal weekend, there is, perhaps newly forged, a very strong link in our long chain of history that is doubtlessly Celtic.
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author