Ocean stands in the middle of the stone circle, in front of a rock altar on which a large white candle in a glass candlestick sits…surrounded by smaller tealight candles. She lifts her face to the sky… and then both signing and speaking, shares her thoughts:
Mother, I stand here at the Crossroads to mourn those who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I join with those who try to make sense out of this madness, I reach out to comfort those who must now put back together lives that were shattered one Winter morning. I have seen the response of good people since this incident occurred ~ of people who have given what they can to bringing sanity back to the world. I have viewed their prayers, seen their acts of compassion, felt their sense of healing and hope… all of which has been given freely. I now stand before you to give in my own way. With the blessings of the Lady, the Lord, and the Spirit that resides within me, I give the gift of magick to those in Newtown, and everyone everywhere who has been affected by this tragedy.
Gesturing to the candles on the altar, Ocean continues:
This gift cannot be touched, cannot be felt by mortal hands… but it can be sensed – by the heart and by the soul. On this day I will use the power of the five elements to send healing out into the world.
The candles are the earth… that which will be consumed to send my thoughts of healing.
The flames are the fire, purifying and bright… bearing those thoughts and prayers to the Goddess and God.
The wind through my hands and the breath from my voice are the air… carrying on the four winds my prayers and magick to those in need.
My tears are the water… cooling and soothing balm for my pain and the pain of others.
And my thoughts and prayers are the spirit… infusing something of myself into my work, that the world might feel it.
Ocean lights the candles on the altar – 28 for the victims of this tragedy and the center candle representing the Divine Spirit – where they will continue to burn in remembrance of this occurrence, and as a symbol of the magick which has been raised here for those in need.
Deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, OR A CANDLE IN THE COMMENTARY SECTION. THIS RITUAL IS FOR ALL, REGARDLESS OF YOUR OWN SPIRITUAL BELIEFS.
THANK YOU.
This sculpture shows the sign for "connect"...and that is what Deaf Pagan Crossroads is all about - making connections. Connections between Deafhood and Paganism, connections between the Deaf Community and the Hearing Community, connections between myself as the writer and you as the reader. I hope you will take the time to read my various posts, some of which are listed below. Welcome to the Crossroads, and I hope you make some connections here!
Absolutely a beautiful ritual, Osh. Such a heartbreaking tragedy for all of us, not just Connecticut. I’m not sure anyone fully heals from the loss of children so young, but I think this ritual will help some move on when they’re ready. Well done, SIster.
Thank you for the kind words, my sister.