First off, I’d like to wish everyone a happy Easter, even though it is a Christian holiday. If you’re like me, you still have family who celebrates and familial obligations require you to celebrate alongside your family. If you prefer not to celebrate Easter, then have a happy day! Spring is upon us!
I had a special altar set up for today, since yesterday I bought some tulips at the grocery:
Our tulips served as the Tree, a candle as the Fire, and a small cauldron filled with water as the Well. My husband’s and my blessing cups are in front. The omen is on the left side in front of the little bag, and the bowl contains our offerings that we made during the ritual. The white sage bundle was used to smudge the altar and ourselves before the ritual started.
We used the brief ritual liturgy from the Solitary Druid Fellowship. As soon as I sat down next to my husband to perform the ritual, I felt a shift in awareness take place. I also noticed (for the first time) that as I read the words for grounding and centering I visualized what I was saying. I’ve never had that happen to me in a ritual before, so that must mean I’m getting better at it.
We offered bread to the Earth Mother and Ancestors, garden sage for the Nature Spirits, mead for Heimdall (our Gatekeeper), Freyja, Sunna, and the Shining Ones in genera, and Yukon Jack whiskey for the final offering.
Our omen was as follows:
The Ancestors gave us Wunjo, on the left, which is joy. The Nature Spirits gave us Hagalaz, hail. I see Hagalaz as a rune of something oppressive “melting” into something of benefit. The Gods and Goddesses gave us Thurisaz, thorn, and a rune of Thor. Overall, I see this as a positive omen, though Hagalaz portends caution.
I wasn’t feeling well last week, so I hadn’t done ritual. As a result, my week wasn’t as good. I found myself in a sad mood more than usual during the week. I made sure to find time today to perform ritual even though my husband and I had to spend time with our families today for Easter. I feel confident that my week will be better this time around.
Blessings, Rosemary
The Druid's Cosmos 