Four weeks ago, I was invited to a pagan gathering by people we had met at CUUPS. I was invited to play the role of the Crone in the ritual. This was an out door gathering including a camp out, venders, activities for adults and children and workshops, with an all inclusive price. If I was not physically disabled I would have jumped at such a gathering, but being disabled it seemed like it would be a lot of work for both me and my husband.

The gathering was almost 2 hours away. I know that is not far, but with the price of gas it was a long ways. Camping out is not something I am willing to do now unless we can some how bring my bed with us. With out my bed, there is no guarantee I will be able to walk at all the next day. I know bringing my bed is not reasonable; and so, camping is out.

Three weeks ago, I got mail from another woman who we met at Yule, inviting me to the same ritual and to take part in the ritual as the Crone. I remembered her distinctly from the Yule gathering we went to. She was a very nice woman who I had spent a good deal of time talking with.

My husband saw this e-mail and asked me why I did not talk with him about going? After explaining all the difficulties, from camping, to trying to walk on ground that was not any where near level, he said we could go for the day, or even half of the day, do the ritual and then come home. I had not asked him for this as I felt badly about using so much gas when we would not really be there for a long time: not to mention how much work it would be to move me safely around the gathering for him.

After a couple of days of talking we decided we would go for half of the day, and I would take part in the ritual. I contacted the people holding the gathering and said I would come, so long as there was parking near by as my wheelchair does not do well in fields. I was assured there would be parking and they would have a chair for me in the ritual.

We decided rather than leave Mali at home alone we would take her with us. We packed her X-pen and food. The rise was a nice enough one. To get there we had to take back roads. There were lots of farms and gardens to look at along the way. Mali rides very good in a car. She does not get sick, but lies down and sleeps, unless we open a window for her, then she sticks her head outside.

The gathering was set way off the main road. We followed a dirt road into the forest passing what seemed to be a castle which was in the process of being made. There was a pond at the end of the road and two houses. To the right of the last house there were a lot of people sitting together talking.

When we arrived there was in deed parking for us near the pavilion. We were met by numerous people we had met at other indoor gatherings. They were nice enough to have a picnic table right near where we parked. I spent a good amount of time talking with new people and listening to the work shops. Mali was well behaved. She spent time playing with a couple of other dogs who were there.

We visited for a few hours before finding out the ritual had been postponed for a couple more hours. I never asked why it was, knowing many things can happen when one is the planner of such and event, and something must have. We were comfortable, happy and enjoyed the people we met immensely.

When it was time for the ritual, we were told my husband could take the car out into the field so I would not have to walk there. I was very grateful. We set up a chair for me in the North and another was set near the alter. I had received a copy of the ritual a couple of weeks before. It was a bi long but was a very moving ritual.

The HPs closed the circle in a way I have seen before, where each person would in turn speak to the one next to them, and in this manner the circle was slowly closed. She and her HP both went to their large alter. It was there the ritual began. Some people were dressed in ritual clothing, others in shorts and T’s. The sky was dark and it had sprinkled a bit before, but had lifted just before the circle started.

Each direction was called and the Lord and Lady evoked, The HP and HPs began their part of the ritual. A man who played the Grey man entered and spoke his words, intertwining his with theirs. When it came my turn, I was thankful I had remembered to bring my cane with me. I was dressed in a long dress which was a mix of black and white. I had been given a black veil to wear before the circle was closed.

Like the Crone I ambled into the center of the circle. I chose to not sit but to lean slightly against the alter. I did not speak right away. Like an old woman I gathered my thoughts and then lifted my voice clearly. I spoke the words of my part, making sure to turn all the way round so I might take in the eyes of each person there, know full well they could not see mine.

I ended my lines with a challenge, and then lifted the chalice from the caldron giving it to the HPs. This is when I decided to sit and hear out the rest of the ritual. I did not wish to have my ambling interrupting everyone’s concentration. The ritual ended as sweetly as it started.

Steve and I had been invited to take part in their feast which was to happen right after the ritual, but it was already 9 O’clock and I was tired, so we politely said next time. The ride home was just as nice as the ride there as the sun was still high enough for a while to see the farms and gardens.

Add A Comment