The North Country Druidic Study Group’s First Ever Ritual!

I’m very proud to say that the North Country Druidic Study Group’s first ritual went well!  We celebrated the autumn season and honored the Nature Spirits, thanking them for the harvest.  There were 11 of us in total.  For 7 attendees, this was their first time joining the group.  It was also a first exposure to ADF Druidic ritual in many cases.  This made things a bit awkward at times, simply because everyone is learning – including myself with regards to properly explaining roles, chants, and expectations.  My usual ditziness reared its ugly head, of course, but I like to think it makes for a more relaxed environment.  😛  We have some growing to do, but our first ritual went well and several people told me afterwards that they loved it and are so excited to be involved.  Some have also expressed gratitude that I’ve started this group since finding things alternative to Wicca is very difficult in the North Country.  I’m happy to oblige.

Washing local potatoes for a vegan, gluten-free potato salad!  No Druidic gathering is complete without a potluck.  Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012

The finished product.  It was delicious!  Everyone who came was very generous.  I wish I had taken a photo of the spread.  There were scrumptious homemade rolls, cake, pies, apple flatbread, apple  strudel, veggies, teas, and salads.  Mmmmm!  Just about everyone remembered to bring their own plates, cutlery, and cups.  I’m really trying to cut down on waste out of respect for the Nature Spirits.  Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012.

The group’s first ever altar!  Because everyone is learning, I took charge of bringing all the ritual tools – including a cornucopia to house our key offerings.  Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012.

A closeup of the offerings in the cornucopia.  Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012.

Later, I brought the offerings into the forest near my home.  I carried them to the shrine I visit and carefully laid the items out.  Look at the group’s generosity – tomatoes, squash, peppers, flowers, herbs, berries, and pumpkin seeds!  They go back to the Earth Mother and the Nature Spirits.  Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012.

Future gatherings are already in the works! We’re planning a coffee hour this month and we will be celebrating Samhain early November. Wish us luck as our acorn of a group germinates into a sprout!