TechnoDruid

It was the first time I had participated in a ritual with Brian (my husband of six years). His sudden interest in Neo-Paganism and ADF specifically excited me, and I knew we had to get moving as soon as possible. Ari (our four year old son) was also present, and has participated with me in rituals a few times before. I’ve been a Pagan for about 10 years now, but have never been a part of ADF ritual. In fact, due to the friends that I have, and Pagans that I know, the majority of rituals I have been a part of have been Eclectic Wiccan in variety. Though I have never been a Wiccan myself (and generally consider myself just “Pagan”) I have spent much time with Wiccans.
I traveled over an hour to reach it, held in a Unitarian Universalist Church by Stone Creed Grove, in Cleveland. Many things about the ritual and all that led up to it were traditions I would love to keep for years to come.
Before the procession, we meditated a bit. Later I found out that that meditation is called the “Two Powers” meditation.
They made a Brigid’s Bed out of a basket and corn dolly that was passed around for all to touch. A wand was laid in the Bed with Brigid. I made a Brigid’s Cross and laid it on the Hallows near the corn dolly (an effigy of Brigid).
Many offerings were made, of great variety; bannocks, milk, beer.
Brigid and The Dagda were the honored Gods of the day. Brideog was pronounced “Bree-ozh” and Brigh was pronounced “Breezh” so far as I could gather. That was new to me, but never having worked with Celtic deities, I shouldn’t be surprised if everything was new to me.
During the time that worshipers are allowed to make offerings, we offered Rosemary Oil, which I had read was acceptable to The Dagda. Other people read poems and sang songs as offerings. A.J. the Senior Druid played the Didgeridoo during the praise offerings. During several of the songs, hymns, and chants to Brigid I felt emotional and even moved to tears. Described with many attributes, the one that caught my attention was that she is a Patroness of the poor and needy. Those words resonated with me, being…well….not having a lot of money. They blessed and then passed around the “Waters of Life”. Brian and I had mead, and Ari drank water. Then, we passed through Brigid’s Girdle while chanting to Brigid and holding candles. We extinguished the flames with our fingers which I had never done before (and its surprisingly easy, just wet them first).
Near the end of the ritual, they asked for people who wished to renew their membership, or felt moved to swear an oath to the grove. Brian felt strongly that we should, and I was happy and proud. At the end of the ritual everyone shouted “hurrah”! It was a lot of fun and felt great.

The Omen was taken during the ritual and they used Oghams. They were:
1.) Coll (pronounced Cull), Hazel, Wisdom
2.) Ailm (pronounced Ahl-m), White Fir, Future/Vision
3.) nGeatal (pronounced Nyeh-dl), Reed or Broom, Labor/Tools

When I figure out how to do it, I will add pictures of the Oghams.