I first went to the alter, gave thanks for the return of the Sun and then I placed upon the altar the incense, spring water, goblet, feather and the Goddess and God images. I set the altar, light some incense and sweet grass. I went around and honored the directions with the sweet grass.
Then I went about building a fire in the circle. As I collected the firewood I sang to the Sun Goddess asking her to bring her warmth, her smiles and beauty to melt the snow and bring forth the green of spring. Two other members came at that time and joined in the building of the spring fire. I took the incense and burner from the altar and smudge everyone with its incense.
Then I began invoking the Sun Goddess, calling upon the renewed virgin, the winter hag who now blushes with youth and fertility. I invoked the solar vulva to stir the passions of men and women to dance the green of spring into being, to bring joy and promise to all hearts that we all may find the kinship of friendship and love in this season of renewal.
We each took a turn and spoke of the Sun Goddess’s return and the balance she restores. Then we shared water in her name and blessed each other with “Thou art Goddess, Thou Art God, may you never thirst” and after which we sat down and had a small fest by the fire and warmed our feet. We talked of the coming season at SweetWood and made well wishes for another good season of celebration.
Then the crone spoke and said “what no naked dancing on this hallow day”? So as priest I arose to her suggestion and said why of course my lady and took of my clothes and shoes. The crone said mind yea that the blessing of the Sun Goddess is three times and so around the circle naked must yea dance. So as I dance joyously naked in the snow I called upon the Sun Goddess and sang praise to her. Upon the third time I jumped and landed in the snow and gave a great shout of joy all in her name…I had a vision of her smiling in amusement at my naked dance in the snow where upon her golden radiance melted the snow and brought forth the green of spring. Then I saw her dancing around a may pole naked with flowers in her hair.
Then we relaxed for a while and in due time I took down the circle. Thus was the first SweetWood Temenos Spring Equinox ritual.
Never Thirst
Iacchus