In this stage we transform a space that might have been used for other activities into a temple. We do this by “awakening” the space and the items that will be used in the ritual. This means we’re opening the location, the objects, and the officiants to the presence of the divine so they can serve as welcoming hosts for both the deities and the humans who will take part in the rite. This applies equally to permanent altar/temple spaces and temporary ones like public parks.
For group rituals, be sure to have seating outside the ritual space for people who are waiting, as well as within the ritual space for those who need it. Bear in mind other aspects of accessibility as you’re designing your ritual, so that people with movement, hearing, vision, or other issues can have a full and meaningful experience.
The size and shape of the ritual space should be appropriate for the number of people and the activities that will be included in the rite (dancing, for instance). Since we don’t cast circles in Ariadne’s Tribe, the ritual space can be rectangular or any other shape that works for the location. Just be sure that all participants can see the altar during the ritual, and try to provide enough room that people don’t feel cramped or confined.
Prepare the altar and the side table beforehand, allowing only those who are setting it up to enter the ritual space. Others should wait outside. The altar should be set up by some or all of the officiants who will be performing the rite. It’s preferable, but not mandatory, to have the ritual area be out of sight of the people who are waiting. After the ritual is over, the altar and ritual area should still be treated with respect. While the clean-up and dismantling process can include anyone who wishes to help (it’s always good to have help!), the people who set up the altar should guide the process. After all, they’re the ones who know what goes where.
Once the altar is ready, everyone gathers outside the ritual space and lines up for the procession. For a group ritual, participants line up behind the officiants. Any people who will embody deities during the ritual go first, in order of precedence: the Mothers always go first, followed by any other deities involved in the rite.
The procession itself can be single-file or with several people abreast, whatever suits your ritual space. The officiant who will embody each deity can carry their deity’s figurine, or someone else can take on that task. Asking other people to carry the deities in the processional is a good way to encourage participation and help everyone feel like they’re an integral part of the group. If someone other than the embodying officiant carries a deity’s figurine, they should stand right beside or behind the officiant in the procession so they’re sort of a single unit, if you see what I mean.
If you’re going to asperge the participants, now is the time to do it, while everyone is lined up and waiting for the ritual to start. Have one officiant very lightly sprinkle the water (or herb-water or salt water) on themselves, then go down the line and asperge everyone, beginning with the other officiants, on through to the end of the line. Then they put away the water and get back into line so the ritual can begin.
It’s a good idea to ask people to turn their phones off at this point. It’s very unpleasant to have a phone sound off in the middle of the ritual and break the mood. A favorite way of announcing this is to say, “Now would everyone please turn their phones to their most reverent setting, which is off.”
Now speak the acknowledgment of the gift of metals:
We acknowledge all the metal we wear, carry, and bring into the temple as the Mother Goddess Rhea’s precious gift to humankind. Every piece of metal we use is her child. Let us always remember that.
Take a few deep breaths and focus on your intention for this ritual. Let the rest of the world fall away. Just for now, this rite is all you need to think about. When you’re focused and centered, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Ariadne's Tribe 