The Four Elements
A Centering Meditation
(Similar to the Two Powers Meditation of ADF, or the
Light Body Meditation of OBOD)
(This meditation may be done as part of the
Tuatha de Brighid Basic Clanfolk Ritual outline, Ash,
Oak, and Fir; as part of any other Druid rite; or alone,
as a rite in itself. It is shown here as a full rite. If
used as part of another rite, use only the Oak or
Offering phase.)
Ash
Arriving Phase
Light
candles and incense as you wish, but there
should be an unlit candle
in the Center, as well as the Incense, some
stones or earth, and
a bowl of water. These symbolize the Four
Elements.
Enter
from the East. Circle sunwise to the West,
and sit facing
Eastward toward the Center. Be silent.
Light
the Candle in the Center, sound a musical
note,
and say a prayer of Beginnings.
Go
to the East and say, May
there be Peace in the East.
Go
to the South and say, May
there be Peace in the South.
Go
to the West and say, May
there be Peace in the West.
Go
to the North and say, May
there be Peace in the North.
Draw
a Circle with your finger or wand or staff,
sunwise,
from the North back around to the North
again.
Go
to the Center, visualize Peace throughout the
Earth, and
the Circle within which you stand. Say,
May there be Peace in this
Circle, and throughout
the whole Earth.
Sit
where you are comfortable within the Circle,
and be silent.
When you are ready . . .
Oak
The Offering Phase
The Four Elements Meditation
(In all cases, the wording is a suggestion. Say
something like . . . )
Earth
beneath me, Sustainer of Life;
Air around me, Inspiring all Life;
Fire of Stars above me, Empowerment of Life;
Water within me, Refreshing of Life.
(Adepts will be able to enter into Centering on
the Elements with these words alone.
A fuller meditation follows for those who desire it.)
Earth
Take the stones or dirt in your hand if you wish, or
picture it with your Otherworld sight. Sit quietly,
become aware of your breathing, and your body. Become
aware of your Grove around you. Feel the ground under
you, and become aware of the Earth. Image a tap root
extending from your body down into the ground, into the
rich, fertile Earth, through stones and roots, through
Earth creatures and bedrock. Feel your rootedness in the
Earth. Be one with the Earth.
Say
something like: May the stability, richness, and
fertility of the Earth be always a part of my being.
When
you are ready . . .
Air
Take the incense holder in your hand, if you wish, or
picture it with your Otherworld sight. Smell the incense
smoke rising around you. Breathe deeply and feel the Air
enter your body. If you are outdoors, feel the breeze
blowing across your skin. (If you are inside, you may
wish to use a small fan so that you can feel the Air
moving about you.) Let your awareness begin in your
lungs, and emerge from your nose and mouth to spread
outward from your body in a dome. Sense the Air all
around you. Extend your awareness farther, through
clouds, through flying birds, and be aware of the Air
that envelopes you and all the Earth. Be one with the
Air.
Say
something like: May the Life-giving purity of the Air
inspire me, enrich my blood, and be always a part of my
being.
When
you are ready . . .
Fire
Take the candle in your hand, if you wish, or picture it
with your Otherworld sight. Feel the warmth of the flame
as it glows before you. Imagine the Stars overhead, or,
if you prefer, the Sun. Imagine Sun or Star directly
overhead, beaming light and warmth through the Heavens
toward Earth, toward you where you sit. Down, down
through the atmosphere, the beam travels, the
energy-giving, living power of Fire. Imagine it entering
your head and illuminating the brain cavity. Your brow
begins to glow, as your head is filled with Light. Fire
in your eyes is a sign to the World of your inspiration.
Imagine the Light traveling down further, to your heart,
Fire of Love; to your stomach, Fire of Metabolism; to
your loins, Fire of Creation. Feel your oneness with
Fire.
Say something like: May the empowering energy of
the Fires of the Universe ever be a part of my being.
When
you are ready . . .
Water
Take the bowl of Water in your hands, if you wish, or
picture it with your Otherworld sight. Dip your fingers
in it. Feel the cool wetness. Raise it to your lips and
drink, a deep drink. Feel the cool wetness as it goes
down your throat and enters your stomach. If you are
carefully aware, you can feel it begin to radiate out
through you bodyís tissues. Feel the coolness as it
spreads through your cells. Be aware of the water that
makes up most of your body. Let your memory go back to
the womb-water from whence these waters came, and further
back to the sea water from which your ancestors emerged.
Feel the currents and tides your bodily fluids. Be at one
with Water.
Say
something like: May the cleansing and refreshing power
of Water ever be a part of my being.
Resolution
Sit
in silence. Feel the Elements surrounding you. Be in
balance between and among them.
When
you are ready, if you wish, perhaps repeat the opening
prayer, or other words . . .
Earth
beneath me, Sustainer of Life;
Air around me, Inspiring all Life;
Fire of Stars above me, Empowerment of Life;
Water within me, Refreshing of Life.
Fir
Farewelling Phase
Open
your eyes, and return to your natural sight
Thank
the Elements
Beginning
with the North and going counter-Sunwise to
each Direction, say Light and Life to the
Northî (West, South, Eastî)
Undo
the Circle, going counter-Sunwise
Sound
a musical signal
The
Rite is concluded
OakWyse
Copyright 1998
May
be reproduced without alteration, with this notice
The original text
of this ritual can be found on the web site of The Order of Bards, Ovates and
Druids.
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