Starwood Rituals
Magical and spiritual ceremonies and rituals have always been an important part of the Starwood Festival. They combine and raise the energies of the diverse attendees of the event to practical and celebratory purposes. This presents the rare opportunity in just a few short days to experience the workings of a number of different paths, facilitated by clergy, leaders and/or teachers from each. Besides the Starwood Opening and Closing Rituals and the Midnight Rituals, there are several offered during regular workshop periods throughout the event.
The Midnight Rituals
The Dionysus/Jim Morrison Ritual - Jason Mankey - Wednesday
For one night, allow yourself to be swept up in the mystery, might
and magick that is Dionysus! Celebrate life through music, dance,
love, and drink as we gather to worship the god of bards and bars.
This is an interactive ritual, all set to the music of the Doors,
full of poetry and motion. We'll also celebrate the bride of Dionysus,
beautiful Ariadne - truly a Goddess and worthy of praise. Join us as
we update the ancient rites for use in the 21st century.
Rafael's Fire - Starwood Drummers' Community - Thursday
Let us meet in the Circle of Ash and pay tribute to the passing of
our friend Rafael in the manner in which he contributed to our
festival on so many nights: a drumming fire circle of Middle-Eastern
rhythms with plenty of belly-dancing and warm camaraderie! The
Starwood Community of Drummers, led by Billy Woods, Alex Wedmedyk
and Ed Haggard, will offer a drum on the Paw Paw Fire to send it to
Rafael in the next world, and remember his spirit to the Starwood
Fires of Wisteria.
Honoring the Magus: A Ritual to Dr. John Montanee, Drum Loa -
Friday
An altar to Dr. John Montanee will be constructed and those attending
will be invited to leave gifts. Dust and waters from the Doctor's
gravesite will be combined with his signatures and documents from his
life and used to invite this grand loa to enter and head, heart, and
hands of the drummers and their drums heads. This ritual is meant to
offer honor and respect to the good Doctor; to invite him to rejoin
the community of living drummers...not to ask anything of him. It is a
celebration of Dr. John's transition from "patron of ritual drummers
(New Orleans Voodoo Tarot; Martinie and Glassman, 1992)" to drum loa.
Attendance at an earlier session is helpful in the performance of
this ritual though not necessary. Please bring any percussion
instruments you may have. Dancers are very welcome.
Here are just some of the other rituals and ceremonies, or
workshops that include rituals, offered at Starwood this year:
- Opening Ritual - ACE / Ian Corrigan & Liafal
- Deep Rapport Workshop / Group Mind Ritual - Philip H. Farber
- The ADF Druidic Sacrifice to the Spirits - Ar nDraiocht Fein
- Aphrodite's Sacraments - Laurelei Black
- A Greater Feast: A Rite of Passage - Nema Andahadna
- Modern Fae Magic: Into the Mouths of Weird and Allies of the Wild - Andrieh Vitimus
- Coronation of the Queen: A New Face for the Goddess - Paula West
- Living Goddess Temple - Denise Cumor
- Sunrise Ceremony: An Initiation into the Mysteries - Denise Cumor
- Hail and Farewell Grounding Circle - Rebecca Crystal
- The Sweatlodge Ceremony - Doug Sundling
- Closing Ritual - ACE / Ian Corrigan & Liafal