I’ve decided that I’m doing my Celtic knotwork wolf track that I designed, and that I’m doing it in ‘sand’ so that I can save some of the sand for future working, and give back some of the sand to land, sea and sky in blessing and to release and solidify my Oath.

I’ve decided that the ‘sand’ painting will be composed of soil from three sources – my garden here at home, my land out in a neighboring city, and the field and rough area that I have spent so many happy hours playing and walking my dogs. This is the first triad. The second triad is the chant during the ceremony, which will consist of the three vows I need to take; and the third Triad will be after creating the wolf track mandala in soil, releasing a portion to the sky, a portion back to the land and a portion to Chalk River.

The whole point of this is to demonstrate my willingness to prepare, take the time to do what is right instead of what is easy, and demonstrate my commitment to developing my Path and my artwork to the very best of my understanding and ability. Part of this, too, is the knotwork I’m using is that of my own design – it is my personal power symbol, and also symbolises my commitment to originality and creativity, instead of copying what others do. This also connects my Oath to Land, Sea and Sky and to the Deities that I am currently involved with as well as any future Ones who may present themselves over time.

The actual ritual is but a small portion of my demonstration of energy, commitment and time, and this feels completely right. I see and feel it in my head, and the ritual itself is broken into a Triad – the waulking chants as I gather the soil and blend it; the úrnaigh agus fuinn during the soil painting itself; and the úrnaigh, Oath fonn and triad of dispersal to complete and seal the Oath.

Triads are such a beautiful way to work, because it gives one a natural beginning, middle and end as well as three nice elements to work with.