Dancing Lights Grove, ADF

This ritual will be honouring our Gatekeeper, Manannán mac Lir. Manannán is the ruler of the otherworldly island Emain Ablach, and is often thought of as a magician and trickster. In Dancing Lights rituals, Manannán is our Gatekeeper: He assists us in opening the Gates to the otherworld, and guards the ways between while we worship the Gods. On the Isle of Man, the Summer Solstice was traditionally the time that people would pay… rent to Manannán, bringing gifts of rushes and flowers to a high place. We have chosen to relate to this tradition by honouring Manannán on this day for His continued relationship with us as Gatekeeper. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring offerings for Manannán.

In the spirit of the festival season, and as we at Dancing Lights Grove wish to support our brothers and sisters in ADF as they do us, we will be making a monetary donation to Ár nDraíocht Féin towards the Nemeton Fund. Our Earth Mother and Gatekeeper wooden statues in our nemeton at the Brushwood Folklore Centre are in bad need of replacement. Contributions towards this donation are most welcome.

Please do NOT bring alcohol for offerings or to share; it is prohibited by the site. Please DO bring WATER for yourself.

WHERE IS IT?
This ritual will be at Heber Down Conservation Area, Group Camping Site 1, in Whitby, ON. When you reach the end of Country Lane, do not enter the main gate, turn to the right. One of our Grove Members will be waiting at the Gate to give further directions.
Please note there is no electricity/kitchen to warm up potluck food.

WHEN IS IT?
Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
We will be entering the ritual space at 2:30 p.m.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
- Material offerings and/or praise offerings for Manannán, or any other deity you wish to honour. As well, offerings of thanks to any of the Kindred (Nature Spirits, Ancestors, and Gods) are appropriate (no alcohol);
- Weather-appropriate clothing – THIS RITUAL WILL BE OUTSIDE;
- A dish for our potluck (please label all potential allergens – nuts, dairy, etc.);
- Your own plates and cutlery;
- $5 (or pay what you can) to help cover the rental cost of the site;
- A monetary donation for ADF’s Nemeton Fund, and/or a non-perishable food item for Simcoe Hall Settlement House.

Greetings to One and All!

Dancing Lights Grove, ADF will be holding a Bealtaine Ritual on Sunday, May 1, 2011, and everyone is invited!

This ritual will honour the Tuatha Dé Danann and their stories, from their coming to Ireland to their move to the faery mounds. We will be telling this tale, interspersed with praise offerings for the gods. Folk are encouraged to bring praise or material offerings for any of the gods of the Tuat…ha Dé Danann. A short list of gods includes: Aengus Óg, Áine, Airmid, Bóann, Brigit, Dagda, Danu, Dian Cecht, Donn, Ériu, Fand, Flidais, Goibniu, Lugh, Macha, Manannán, Miach, Morrigan, Nuada, Ogma.

The ritual will also include purification by fire and water from the influences of winter, so we can celebrate the beginning of summer.

We will also be decorating our Tree as our May bush, so bring ribbons and flowers for decoration.

WHERE IS IT?
This ritual will be at Heber Down Group Camping Site 1.
When you reach Lyndebrook Rd, instead of going into the main entrance, turn RIGHT and drive to the gate at the end of the road. One of our Grove members will be waiting there to direct you.
http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=108858147009051142348.0004893bdc7494c9a33da&ll=43.932903%2C-78.982902&spn=0.010616%2C0.019205&t=h&z=16

WHEN IS IT?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Gates open at 2:00 p.m., ritual will begin around 3:00 p.m.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
- Flowers and ribbon, for decorating the May Bush;
- Material offerings and/or praise offerings for any of the Tuatha Dé Danann, or any other deity you wish to honour;
- Weather-appropriate clothing – THIS RITUAL WILL BE OUTSIDE;
- A dish for our potluck (please label all potential allergens – nuts, dairy, etc.) and your own plates and cutlery (please note there are no kitchen facilities);
- A water bottle for yourself (no potable water on site);
- $5 (or pay what you can) to help cover the cost of the site rental;
- A non-perishable food item or other donation for Simcoe Hall Settlement House.

See you there!