Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth
In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.
Liturgy for the Consecration of a Standing Stone
Hallowing the Bull Stone
Sweetwood Temenos
The people gather at the head of the path.
Statement of Intent (Priest)
Stone remembers.
480 million years ago—before the dinosaurs—the Bull Stone formed, on the bed of an inland ocean.
Five years ago, the Warlocks of the Driftless brought it—with the Stone's permission—from its immemorial bed.
Two years ago, we raised it. (I tell you, that Stone wanted to stand.)
Today, we consecrate it.
The Story
Procession
Horns sound. Led by priest, oil-bearer, crown-bearer, and libation bearers, the people process down the hill and through the woods to the Bull Stone.
Circumambulation
The people circle the Stone nine times, moving always to the right.
Chant: Giver of Pleasure and Life
Mass Anointing
Oil-bearer raises basin of fine oil. People imbue oil with their blessings. People dip hands in oil, anoint Stone, then one another.
Hymn
The Shaft Song (Priest)
Crowning
The Wreath-Bearer, a young girl, is lifted to crown the Stone with a wreath of leaves and flowers.
Horns sound.
Threefold Libation
Two women pour libations of water over the Stone. (Horn.)
A woman and a man pour libations of red wine over the Stone. (Horn.)
Two men pour libations of milk over the Stone. (Horn)
Ring-Dance
The people take hands and form concentric rings around the Stone.
Great Dance of the Wheel.
Song: Cornish Harvest Carol (With One Accord, We Praise the Lord)
Horns sound.
Recession
People recess back up the hill, leaving behind a young couple to make the initial love-offering to the Stone.
Photo: Robin Grimm
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