The Circle of Life Festival – Horsham
Opens its doors to lifetime changes in a different way - Jean Francis
The Circle of Life Festival, a week-long series of celebratory and sacred events, included a variety of highly creative ceremonies and rituals designed as much to inspire and entertain as to heal. Ceremonies showcased the talents of Interfaith Ministers trained by the One Spirit Foundation, as well as a range of professional experts and celebrants. To link the occasions together I introduced each facilitator; speaking about their special talents, their location and the services they offer. I also gave a brief outline about what interfaith Ministers are, and what we do.
The Festival was launched on Saturday afternoon with the enthusiastic support of Horsham District Council and its Wellbeing Team and was opened by Councillor Brian
The opening Ceremony was followed by sacred music and story telling with the gifted and authentic Interfaith Minister Chris Corps. Sitting in the sunshine on cushions on the grass people listened to stories and music that celebrated the circle of life, birth, life’s journey and death, knowing that we can’t have one without the other.
There follows a description of some of the ceremonies that took place during the week. Sadly, space does not permit the inclusion of them all.
Celebrating the Animals in Our Lives, people gathered in the sunshine with their dogs, their memories and/or their pet’s cremated remains that were scattered as we walked through the ancient and beautiful St Leonard’s Forrest. We paused occasionally as the history of the forest was recalled, all the animals, including the last dragon in England that was slain by St Leonard in this very place.
The cycle of nature was acknowledged: spring, summer, autumn and winter, likening it to life. The walk was led by Jill Shuker and her colleague Emmy and the ceremonial pauses led by Interfaith Ministers Trish Norman and Jean Francis. Anna and her dog, from the charity ‘War Dogs’ joined us and walkers made voluntary contributions to the charity.
Ann Foley wrote: ‘We were warmly welcomed and given a small tissue lined bag in which to place our pet Poppy’s ashes. The children liked the fact that we were asked to collect something natural along the way and we were encouraged to hug a tree as we felt the need. At the T junction we stopped to hear a brief history of the area which included Saint Leonard and a dragon. My little girl said she loved the poems that were shared and indeed we were given the words to one called Rainbow Bridge. My little boy enjoyed letting the ashes of our beloved pet return to the earth and was on the lookout in case the dragon was still around! At our final destination the dogs were given water and dog biscuits. We all helped form a circle by sprinkling seeds on the ground and participating in the final celebration.’
A Blessing and Naming Ceremony took place on The Bandstand. It was a loving, lively and laughter filled ceremony for a little girl and was conducted by Minister Lesley Edwards in which candles were lit in memory of those unable to be present, for whatever reason. To occupy the children Lesley brought toys, rattles and a bubble machine. As she marked Bella’s forehead with the symbol of a circle a tiny frog in the bottom of the bowl attracted a baby’s attention.
A Croning and Crowning Ceremony, what a way to start the week! It was a very special ceremony for seven mature, wise women, who celebrated age, wisdom, fun and the beauty of inspiration and experience. This unique occasion took place at Age UK and was led by Interfaith Minister Hilary Franklin.
Aimee, the Hug Manager at Age UK wrote: ‘Both the members, staff, volunteers and people witnessing the ceremony felt that it was really beautiful and heart felt. They loved that so much care was taken in getting to know them and felt that the whole atmosphere was lovely. This is not something that many of our members would have been involved in before and they have been quite resistant to get involved however since taking part in the ceremonies many have mentioned that they wished they had given it ago.’