For Samhraidhreadh, I decided to look at some rituals already used by solitaries here at ADF, and have a go at one. I chose a ritual for Fall Equinox published on the ADF website, written by Aigeann (http://www.adf.org/rituals/general/sol-fall-equinox.html). My modified ritual is here; I have an outside personal shrine that I chose to perform the ritual at.
This was a list of supplies and what I chose to use –
Offerings (Bonemeal and Water)
Offering bowl
One unlit candle
Matches ( I have a lighter)
Pen or pencil
Small piece of paper
Fireproof container
[Opening. Rattle to signify beginning.]
Shining Ones, I ask for your presence and guidance during my ceremony of an Samhraidhreadh.
[Light candle.]
As I connect with the Well of Wisdom, the Fire of Change and the World Tree, I honor the Gods, the memory of my ancestors and the nature spirits who surround me.
With Mother Earth supporting me in all I do, I proclaim mo Shamhraidhreadh festival within this sacred space.
Here at the edge of space and time and reality, the power of my faith opens the door. I am a being of energy, I contain Fire in the Head.
This day
This night
In complete balance
All beings
naturally seek a life in balance
All of nature seeks a balance
To be out of balance
means one is without
Without time
Without love
Without peace
Without the Shining Ones
Drained and lost
Sometimes not understanding the emptiness felt
Life out of balance is a life changed
As water exposed to too much cold or heat
becomes unrecognizable
In this rare moment
a quick breath twice each year
I revel
in this balance
As in the checkbook figures that balance
As in the new life offsetting the passings
As in the day after the night
As in the cool of winter after the heat of summer
As in the wisdom of age after the impulsiveness of youth
Each life, each dream
are like the seeds carried by the winds
From dandelion puffballs
Some land on asphalt
Without water for balance
They cannot sprout
Some land in rivers
Without soil for balance
They cannot sprout
Some land in the forest
Without sun for balance
They cannot sprout
Some land in the meadow
All is in balance
They grow into maturity
[Meditate on where my life is out of balance. When the answer/s comes, write it down.]
Dandelion seeds are sometimes like my life
So much I cannot control
So much I cannot foresee
I have faith
In myself, in my ancestors and in the Shining Ones
I open my heart to my life taken
Like rain sweeping the seed off the asphalt
Like the current washing the seed onto the shore
Like the wind blowing the seed away from the forest
To the place
To that perfect meadow
Where all is in balance
So every hope, dream and desire
Can sprout and grow into its potential
If I can dream it
If I can visualize it
If I can work together with others
If I have faith
I will attain my goals
[Make offering. Set paper scrap on fire and place it in a fireproof dish to burn out. Meditate on creating balance.]
[Any additional praises, divination or requests may be added here. These can be any healing requests, offerings of poetry or individual prayers as well as statements of gratitude.]
My prayers have been given but my path does not end here. From this sacred space, I will continue to seek balance in my life.
Balance the individual with the community
Balance the preserving with the replacing
Balance the responsibility with play
Balance the shoulds with the wants
Balance the savings with the splurges
Balance the tears with the smiles
I will be open to the Shining Ones, my ancestors and the nature spirits whenever they come to show me the way. I am grateful for the gifts they have given me and will give in the future.
I now declare this Festival of an Samhraidhreadh ended, in peace and love.
Awen
