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me will know that I have passed comment that I miss the more intimate moments, when it is
just the handful of original members getting together and having a chinwag. Of course we
know each other so well now that it makes for an entirely different atmosphere.
Well the Goddess smiled upon me and just a week before our Handfasting she arranged just
such a gathering. What could be better?
The weather outside was frightful, but the warmth inside delightful……………
Diane had prepared some tisanes (the correct term for a concoction of water and herbs) for us
to try and made some in front of us, talking us through their various properties and benefits.
Then just for the hell of it – we had a blind wine tasting session! As if that wasn’t enough we
brought out the cake and biccies………………….
We chatted away in the way that close friends do when not encumbered by the “political
correctness” of being in public if you know what I mean and a good hearted laugh was had by
all.
Thanks guys - I love you all. Xxxxxxxx
See you on the other side :p
Jean D Hopman
The Rationale of Ritual
All religions. Faiths, creed, belief systems have some form of ritual. It may have various other
titles but essentially it is an occasion where a person or group of people focus their energies
and make connections with their path. In most religion this has become rather organised and
usually involves some sort of hierarchy and building dedicated to their chosen divinity. For
pagans this more often involves communing with nat ure and celebrating all of its’ aspects and
elements. Some choose to focus on a Deity, and some choose to connect with the earth’s
energies. The good thing about paganism is there is no one to tell you that you are doing it
wrong. Okay – even I had to chuckle at that one – of course you will always find people who
will tell you that you are doing it wrong but as soon as that thought has left their lips/ fingers,
someone will repost that one must follow their own individual path and do what is right and
comfortable for them. There isn’t really any doctrine or dogma. There is of course tradition and
guidance and many choose to use it, especially in the early days of researching and seeking
their own particular path.
I will focus on my own personal ritual experience with a nod to the bigger picture. Ritual is
important to me as a separate time from the “mundane” that is the everyday and ordinary
concerns that I have to deal with. It is a time to stop, clear my head and focus on the more
spiritual nurturing of my existence. It is necessary to make that break from the stresses and
pressures that can drag us down, and breathe some “clean air” metaphysically.
For many years I was a solitary only meeting with like- minded people for conferences,