VERNAL EQUINOX FESTIVAL AT CLONEGAL CASTLE 22.3.14
By: Minette Quick
Members of the Circle of Brigid and all our regular FOI Members were
delighted to welcome Cressida Pryor to preside at our Vernal Equinox Festival on
Saturday 22nd March. We were also delighted that so many people came along to
join us and we all took the opportunity to meet and greet everyone in the
Theatre which was nice and warm on a cold but lovely bright day which was also
extremely welcome after the monumental rains and winds we have had these last
few months.
Having processed through the grounds of the Castle,
where members of DCD and NOT invoked Deity at the Druid Grove and Abbey,
Persephone's was also invoked at her Gate into the Temple and the company came
into the Temple and gathered at the Well for Blessings. On this occasion it was
lovely to have several newly Ordained priestesses present from The Three Mothers
Lyceum, trained by Cait Branigan and Deirdre Wadding. So at Cressida's request
two of them were invited to step forward and bless the water which they did with
great beauty and dedication, and after the remaining priesthood had stepped
forward to invoke, they also gave the individual blessings to everyone
present.
At the High Altar, Cressida again welcomed everyone
present and Invoked Isis. It was a great privilege to us to be able to have her
with us when she is able to come over to Ireland, and get to know her on a
personal as well as a ceremonial level. The Fellowship is in excellent hands
for the future, of that we are assured.
We had a beautiful Oracle
from the Goddess Lakshmi, and songs, poems and a deeply peaceful guided journey
from Cait Branigan. This was followed by a Mystery Play enacted by members of
the priesthood representing the Goddess Danu as the ancient mother of winter who
having carried the burdens of that long cold season, hands on her task to the
rising Goddess of Spring, Persephone. Olivia loved Mystery Plays and as we
watch the seasons go by and honour her memory in continuing this tradition, it
enriches our experience and brings them to life for us all, whether we are new
to the Fellowship or have been members for longer.
We completed
the main ceremony with another excellent poem from a member of the priesthood.
It should be mentioned that the poems that have been offered on these occasions
are all the work of those offering them, and show a great depth of understanding
which is wonderful and uplifting. After this a short chant to the words "Brigid
light the Path for us, show us the Way!" was sung by everyone. Notices were
given and thanks offered to Deity, after which the customary short healing and
counselling sessions were offered to those who wished to receive them. We all
then repaired to Osborne's for tea and good company amongst old and new
friends. It had been an excellent day altogether.
Archived Link: Vernal Equinox 2014
(photo of the High Altar of the Fellowship of Isis, Clonegal Castle Temple, by Minette Quick)
