Articles

Performed 12:00 EDT on May 4, 2002 at Ames Nowell State Park in Abington, MA

(Originally published in Oak Leaves #2)

Maypole, flowers, Queen of the May
dance for us, dance for us, dance for the day

Weave ribbons and roses and daisies galore
round staffs, and young heads, then cover the floor.

Birgita, Birgita, Goddess of the flame
Birgita, Birgita, Goddess of the flame
Awaken the flame within my being
Awaken the sacred fire within my being

Words by Lisa Theil

We are blessed with the waters of life
And the air that we breathe
Will bring us freedom

And the fire that we kindle tonight
On this sacred earth
Will bring us together

The Grove is prepared with the water cauldron, fire or fire candles, and censer. There may be a small Bile, or this may be dispensed with for small group rites. There is a cup or cups for drinking memory and blessing, and material for the Fire of Sacrifice.

The waters support and surround us
The land extends about us
The sky stretches out above us:
At the center burns a living flame.
May all the Kindreds bless us.
May our worship be true
May our actions be just

Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bless what we eat,
Bless what we drink,
Bless what we harrow,
and bless what we sow.

Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bloom with the wheat,
Bloom with the rye,
Bloom with barley,

(Originally published in Oak Leaves #2)

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN ADF?

This ritual is designed to be performed as a part of the standard ADF ritual, inserted immediately before the opening of the gate. It replaces the lighting of the fire.

(Originally published in Druid's Progress 12)

(Originally published in Druid's Progress 12)

Of the first fire, she sings -
of the first fire of Spring, she sings,
Her voice ringing clear in the cold winter air,
as she rises and gathers her things.