Grove. CEREMONY FOR PLANTING A GROVE  (From OBOD)

A grove should be a circular shape. First ask the spirit guardians of the site if you may plant a grove. If you receive permission, use your guidance and intuition, together with a knowledge of the site and conditions, to choose the types of trees to plant.

The ceremony that follows assumes a group of at least four people, one at each of the four quarters. Further participants can complete the circle, with one person at each place where a tree is to be planted, for example. The saplings, ready for planting, should be placed in the centre of the circle. The holes should already have been dug, and the earth piled beside each hole, ready for refilling.  The person placed in the East is in overall charge of the rite.

E. We are gathered at this place of Light and have left outside all disturbing thoughts.

W. Let us begin by giving Peace to the quarters, for without Peace can no work be.

N. (turning outwards): Peace to the North.

S,W,E similarly.

All then turn inwards and say: All: May there be peace throughout the whole world.

E. In this blessed circle of land we ask that we may plant a sacred grove, as did our forefathers and mothers at the dawning of our age.

N. In token of our homage to this place, we swear to tend and care for this Sacred Grove, that it might provide refuge and solace for humans and animals, plants and nature-spirits.

E. May both the circle and the saplings be purified by water.

W. (Placing hands over water) I ask that this water might be blessed and consecrated for the purposes of this ritual. (Walks clockwise around circle, sprinkling circle and trees).

E. May the circle and the saplings be consecrated with fire.

S. (Lighting incense in censer). I ask that this incense might be blessed and consecrated for the purposes of this ritual. (Censes circle and trees clockwise).

E. Let us now plant the trees, in the hope that each one of them will grow roots deep into the soil and branches high into the air, creating a Grove of majesty and beauty for all to see. (Planting is then carried out, as previously arranged. A small heap of earth and a watering can is left in the centre of the circle. When the planting is completed, the Companion in the N says:

N. We ask that this earth might be blessed, and that it might feed and nourish these saplings well. (Each participant then takes a handful of earth and sprinkles it about the base of each tree.)

W. We ask that this water might be blessed, that it may sustain and refresh these young saplings well. (Takes watering can and gives water to each tree).

N. In earth and water will you grow.

S. In the air will your leaves speak as you reach towards the fire of the sun.

E. We ask for the blessing of the Nature-Spirits that this Grove might become a truly holy and sanctified place.

W. We ask for the blessing of the Inner Guardians of the Order and of our Druid forebears that this Grove might become a truly holy and sanctified place.

E. We respect and honour and admire you, O trees, for you represent both Peace and Power - though you are mighty you hurt no creature. Though you sustain us with your breath, you will give up your life to house and warm and teach us. We give thanks for your blessing upon our lives and upon our lands. May you fare well in this chosen place. Awen.

All: intone Awen three times as Ah-OO-En.

The above ritual appears on the OBOD Home page at:  http://druidry.org/obod/text/OBOD.html

     

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Author: Originally by Taliesin einion Vawr, Revised by Celtic Church of Dynion Mwyn, Inc. Copyright © 1977, 1992, 2003, 2009 by Celtic Church of Dynion Mwyn, Inc.   All rights reserved. Revised: 13 Dec 2011 02:24:04 -0500

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