Once the gifts we have to share have been freely given, it’s our turn to receive. We’ve spent the previous stages of the ritual providing a welcoming and safe temple experience for each other and for the deities we’ve invited to attend. Now it’s our turn to receive the gifts, blessings, counsel, or other experiences the deities wish to share with us. This involves listening rather than talking, if you see what I mean.
At this point in the ritual, the people who are embodying the deities move to the altar and speak. They might tell the story of what happens at this time of year in the sacred calendar or deliver a message to the participants. This can be scripted or extemporaneous. For more elaborate rituals, a Mystery Play could be performed, with multiple people acting out a story from the mythos. This portion of the ritual can involve interaction between the officiants and the participants, if appropriate. If one or more of the officiants are practicing trance possession, this is the time for that activity to take place, with the goal of delivering the deity’s message to the participants. Remember that trance possession should be performed only by those with experience. It’s absolutely NOT necessary to do trance possession to have a fulfilling ritual.
The altar and this ritual format connect the participants with the whole Tribe pantheon, not just the ones you’ve officially called on. So always be respectful to all of them, since they’ll be aware when you’re doing ritual, even if you haven’t invited them (in other words, don’t joke or make offhand comments about deities who aren’t a formal part of the ritual or you’ll have to deal with their reaction sooner rather than later). You should also note that sometimes, a deity you haven’t formally called to might “pop in” as you’re doing ritual. This might happen because they sensed that they could help or support you in some way. Be open to hearing what they have to share with you, since it’s liable to be perceptive and helpful.
After the message, story, or play is completed, the officiants move back from the altar and the participants spend a short time in silent meditation, focusing on the altar and contemplating what they’ve just experienced. No one should discuss their experiences until after the ritual is completed and the altar and other items have been disassembled and stored. The end of the silent meditation can be marked by a quiet drumbeat or the gentle rattling of a sistrum.
After that, it is time to continue.
Ariadne's Tribe 