Grief and Wailing Circle
As we sit in the closing edge of the New Moon window at Samhaintide we have the opportunity to let go of the year's deep grief.
Grief over the innocent lives lost in wars around the world.
Eco grief.
Grief we have dissociated from.
Grief we have buried.
Grief we have been sitting in but feel like we may never get to the bottom of.
Rage, too, is welcomed here for release. These two often sit together, grief and rage. All of the emotions that seek voice can be brought to the fire.
I will have the fire pit ready and burning with wood nearby.
You bring a folding chair/sit upon and your drum or rattle. If you want to write down what you are intentionally letting go of and place the paper into the fire, you're welcome to do that. You choose the time to burn your intentions, there will no formal timing for this.
Women take the center of the circle, sit on a folding chair or blanket, facing the fire. There is no talking, no chit chat, we come to circle quietly, circling the fire once before finding a place to sit.
Non-binary/gender fluid folks can choose to be wherever they feel most aligned.
Men gather, standing, around the perimeter of the circle of seated women, facing toward the fire. They are the Warriors, the Guardians, of this sacred space.
Everyone is smudged and the ashes from the smoke medicine go in the fire. Then the men are asked to take up vigilance and turn away from the fire, backs to the women.
There is a quiet opening circle during which women can say something or pass. Then we will drum and vocalize and release.
When the sounds stop coming, when all that has arisen has been given voice and let go, we will very slowly and one at a time stand, walk once around the outside of the circle to honor each person there, gather our things, and quietly leave. No speaking. No words. Absolute reverent silence.
Be sure to have your water bottle/hot tea with you and enough clothing to be comfortable outside for a couple of hours. In case of 'weather' we will move this event to shelter and the fire will be more of a burning bowl sized thing.
