Blog Pages
Title:Affirmation Workshop
Byline:to be somebody else
Banner:<image> Bison in the Black Hills
Welcome:Front page of the blog [to be determined]
About:Description of the blog and its goal
Skye:Information about the author
Ritual:Preface to the Ritual
Workshop:Preface to the Workshop
LGBTI:Side notes for PSG 2009
Comments:<merged with About>
Copyright:<merged with About>
Connections:Links to other material [to be determined]
About:About this Blog
<photo of Skye>Nicholas Sea, Wyoming 2006
About this Blog
This Blog details the Affirmation Workshop and Ceremony I have developed.
In this Blog I present my own experiences, and the insights I have gained from those experiences over the many years of my life. I also present a variety of quotes, references, and links to material by others, and to related resources.
As we know, insights change as we develop our own “different overview.”
Copyright and Fair Use
This Blog is created as a not for profit work of art for educational, research, and artistic purposes. All copyrights remain with their respective owners.
The author of this Blog and the creators of the content in this Blog shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of information supplied herein.
Please refer to Section 107 of USA Copyright Law for information on fair use of copyrighted materials. Requests by Copyright owners will be honored.
Guest Contributors
Guest contributors are encouraged to submit material to the author for inclusion in this Blog. The author is final arbiter of what is included in this Blog.
Gifts and Contributions
Funding for this Blog is provided by the author. The author is grateful for the work of WordPress and all of its affiliates, in providing software and hosting resources to the public for the common good. Without their generosity, this and other Blogs would be without a home. The author is most grateful and appreciative of all gifts and contributions received.
Skye:About Skye Ranger Nick
About Skye Ranger Nick
I live in Western Kentucky. I moved here in January 2006 from Madison, Wisconsin. Before Madison, I lived in Boone, North Carolina; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia; Urbana, Illinois; and many other locations.
<photo of Skye>Skye, 2006 Wyoming
Yes, I have moved around quite a bit.
I live in a small house, keep a variety of gardens, stay frugal, camp, hike, write, and engage in creative pursuits as much as possible.
I have been having lucid dreams and out of body experiences since the late 1950s. It took me many years to develop an understanding of the nature of my experiences.
Nicholas Sea
Red Fox House
Ritual:Preface to the Ritual
Affirmation Ritual
The workshop has at its core the ritual, and the ritual has at its core the workshop. The two are reflective of one another and they both enable one another. The goal is to focus on the self and one’s identity. The workshop provides a venue in which to listen and discuss; the ritual provides a venue in which to enact and commit.
The core ritual elements are present in both the workshop and the ritual. In the workshop these elements are presented as an activity; in the ritual they are enacted in the context of sacred space.
For the ritual I have written calls to the directions, to bring in witness to the rite, and inserted a type of oracle. It is absolutely necessary to understand, as always, that the charge and result of the ritual arises from what the group brings to the ritual. Sometimes the air trembles, sometimes it is calm.
It will serve the participant well, to read through all of the material available here. As the workshop and ritual are organic, this material is regularly updated. Life is long and worthy of our attention.
To be somebody else, change your mind.
Climbing out of the box
Crossing the line in the sand
Affirmations are about hard work, letting go;
Putting your foot out on the narrow rope bridge
Nicholas Sea
Red Fox House
Workshop:Preface to the Workshop
Affirmation Workshop
I have been pondering the question for some time, “How can I present what I know back to the community?” I have been at this Spiritual stuff for over 45 years, and I have been connected with the contemporary Pagan community for over 30 years. In that time, I have seen a lot.
One of my challenges as a Scorpio is that I have a stack of “relevant” material ten feet high. I can be rather wild eyed about it and struggle to “say it all in a word”. After all, it is all interrelated; albeit not as organized as I would like it. That is not practical however, somehow there has to be a beginning to the thread. Whenever one steps into the Circle, in the physical world one can mark the spot.
So, I decided that Affirmation and Patterning would be a good place for me to step into the Circle.
This workshop is organic, being regularly updated. In writing it, I brought together some of the elements I find important at the top of the pile, and I arranged them in such a way that they would provide a stepping off point for participants. The goal is to underscore how we see ourselves in an affirmative and upbeat manner. With enthusiasm, it is possible to transform ourselves both in our daily life and our inner life. That is what this workshop is about.
We are transformed every day, even though there is a tendency to recapitulate ourselves to an established familiar identity every morning, subconsciously and consciously. Identity change can be destabilizing. We tend to avoid this.
The paradox is, though we tend to avoid identity change as a rule, we always have a litany of what we can bring into our lives, and comparisons of ourselves to some ideal.
To be somebody else, change your mind.
Climbing out of the box
Crossing the line in the sand
Affirmations are about hard work, letting go;
Putting your foot out on the narrow rope bridge
Nicholas Sea
Red Fox House
LGBTI:Side notes for PSG 2009
Affirmation Workshop
I have only recently begun to present this workshop and ritual.
During PSG 2008, when offering to make some contribution to the Rainbow Center for the following year, TJ and Utu suggested I could write the LGBT ritual for PSG 2009. Throughout the subsequent months, I had many ideas come to me; scribbling furiously. As Beltane 2009 fast approached, with inspirations from close friends, the Affirmation Workshop and Ritual format came to me. I committed to a workshop for Beltane and saw that what I was writing had broad scope.
One thing followed another and I had a ritual that I felt would be appropriate for the LGBTI community at PSG 2009. I wanted something upbeat and affirming; I want something that underscored our being a community and individuals. I wanted something that hinted at Spiritual growth and transformation.
It is no mistake that I have the Tibetan bardos of Birth and Dreams in the material.
The ritual is what we bring to it.
To be somebody else, change your mind.
Climbing out of the box
Crossing the line in the sand
Affirmations are about hard work, letting go;
Putting your foot out on the narrow rope bridge
Nicholas Sea
Red Fox House
Workshop Overview
Clear the space before opening
The function of this workshop is to bring us to focus on affirmations in our life. Affirmations are used to underscore who we are and where we are at in our lives; of what we would liketo let go in our lives; and what we would like to bring new into our lives.
This workshop seeks to underscore our accomplishments and
our resilience through affirmations and group vision.
Welcome to those present; each and every one of you; welcome to whatever Spirits who join us. Let us be present in good heart and good wishes for one and all, without exception.
Opening
Arrivals, quiet conversation
WorkshopCore, Affirmations Focus
Closing
Departures, quiet conversation
Clear the space after closing
Notes:
The workshop version does not include calling and releasing the directions.
The ritual version does not include the presentation and discussion.
Ritual Overview
Clear the space before opening
The function of this ritual is to bring us to focus on affirmations in our life. Affirmations are used to underscore who we are and where we are at in our lives; of what we would liketo let go in our lives; and what we would like to bring new into our lives.
This ritual seeks to underscore our accomplishments and
our resilience through affirmations and group vision.
Welcome to those present; each and every one of you; welcome to whatever Spirits who join us. Let us be present in good heart and good wishes for one and all, without exception.
Opening
Calling to East, and Air
Calling to South, and Fire
Calling to West, and Water
Calling to North, and Earth
Calling to Above, the Sky, and beyond the Sky
Calling to Below, the Planet Earth, and deep within Planet Earth
Calling to the Invisible Worlds, and Spirit
RitualCore, Affirmations Focus
Closing
Releasing East, and Air
Releasing South, and Fire
Releasing West, and Water
Releasing North, and Earth
Releasing Above, the Sky, and beyond the Sky
Releasing Below, the Planet Earth, and deep within Planet Earth
Releasing the Invisible Worlds, and Spirit
Clear the space after closing
Notes:
The workshop version does not include calling and releasing the directions.
The ritual version does not include the presentation and discussion.
Workshop and Ritual Materials
Pitcher of water / Bowl of rocks / Pile of handoutsColorful altar cloth / Basket of pouches / Workshop handbook
Purple bowl / Bag of note cards / Bundle of Sweet Grass
Small plate / Bag of pencils / Bundle of White Cedar
Lantern or votive / Small folding table / Burning Sage
Cowry Shell Gourd Rattle / Word Cards / Bag to burn note cards
Bag of Blessing Cards
Personal affirmations / Sample affirmations / Group affirmations
Workshop Core Sequence
1st / Introduce self and the title of the workshopRead the preface text
Read the workshop topic list of ideas
2nd / Note cards are passed around
Pencils are made available
Each person writes an affirmation on a note card
3rd / Each person places his or her note card in the purple bowl
4th / Bowl of stones is passed around
Each person takes some stones
Stones are held in hands or set in front of the person
Extra pile of stones is placed in front of speaker on small plate
Explain that the stones are being charged during the workshop
5th / Presentation is given; opened for questions throughout
6th / Cards are passed around a second time
Pencils are made available
People may write a second affirmation if they wish
Something new or repeating the original affirmation
7th / Second set of cards is placed in the purple bowl
8th / Stones are placed in the purple bowl on top of the cards
9th / Meditation on affirmations
10th / Water is poured on top of the stones
11th / Basket of pouches is passed around
Each person takes a pouch
Each person takes some stones from the purple bowl of stones and water
12th / The spirits are thanked
13th / Opened for final questions
14th / Meditation on affirmations, holding the pouches of stones
15th / Remaining stones are scattered someplace at the gathering
16th / Cards are put into a cloth pouch which is later put into the gathering fire later
RitualCore Sequence
1st / Introduce self and the title of the ritualRead the preface text
Read the ritual topic list of ideas
2nd / Blank note cards are passed around
Pencils are made available
Each person writes an affirmation on a note card
3rd / Each person places his or her note card in the purple bowl
4th / Bowl of stones is passed around
Each person takes some stones
Stones are held in hands or set in front of the person
Extra pile of stones is placed in front of speaker on small plate
Explain that the stones are being charged during the ritual
5th / Each person draws a card from the blessing pouch
Each person reads the card they draw
People may place their blessing card in the purple bowl or keep it if they like
6th / Blank note cards are passed around a second time
Pencils are made available
People may write a second affirmation if they wish
Something new or repeating the original affirmation
7th / Second set of cards is placed in the purple bowl
8th / Stones are placed in the purple bowl on top of the cards
9th / Meditation on affirmations
10th / Water is poured on top of the stones
11th / Basket of pouches is passed around
Each person takes a pouch
Each person takes some stones from the purple bowl of stones and water
12th / The spirits are thanked
13th / Opened for final brief affirmations, comments, or blessings
14th / Meditation on affirmations, holding the pouches of stones
15th / Remaining stones are scattered somewhereat the gathering
16th / Cards are put into a cloth pouch which is later put into the gathering fire
Clearing the space before starting
A bit of burning Sage is used to smudge the area where the ceremony is to be held. Visualizations of the area being clear are also done, and a verbal statement is made to the place and its local denizens regarding the ceremony to come.
Calling the Directions
East
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the East,
You who are the holders of Air, Wisdom, and Knowledge;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the East,
Right next to us, within an arm’s reach;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the East,
You who care for us and love us and want the best for us;
We are grateful for your presence here,
We are grateful for your guidance and your protection.
Blessed be.
South
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the South,
You who are the holders of Fire, Boldness, and Courage;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the South,
Right next to us, within an arm’s reach;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the South,
You who care for us and love us and want the best for us;
We are grateful for your presence here,
We are grateful for your guidance and your protection.
Blessed be.
West
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the West,
You who are the holders of Water, Compassion, and Grace;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the West,
Right next to us, within an arm’s reach;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the West,
You who care for us and love us and want the best for us;
We are grateful for your presence here,
We are grateful for your guidance and your protection.
Blessed be.
North
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the North,
You who are the holders of Earth, Strength, and Grounding;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the North,
Right next to us, within an arm’s reach;
Oh Grandfathers and Grandmothers standing here in the North,
You who care for us and love us and want the best for us;
We are grateful for your presence here,
We are grateful for your guidance and your protection.
Blessed be.
Above
The Sky, and beyond the Sky,
Above us and around us,
Oh Sky Fathers and Mothers,
All Radiant Beings,
Hear our words.
Blessed be.
Below
The Planet Earth, and deep inside Planet Earth,
Below us and around us,
Oh Earth Mothers and Fathers,
All Radiant Beings,
Hear our words.
Blessed be.
Within
The Invisible Worlds, and Spirit,
Within and around us,
Oh Spirit Selves,
All Radiant Beings,
Hear our words.
Blessed be.
Releasing the Directions
East
Oh Grandmothers and Grandfathers in the East,
We thank you for your presence,
And your guidance and protection;
Go now to your work,
As we go now to our own.
Blessed be.
South
Oh Grandmothers and Grandfathers in the South,
We thank you for your presence,
And your guidance and protection;
Go now to your work,
As we go now to our own.
Blessed be.
West
Oh Grandmothers and Grandfathers in the West,
We thank you for your presence,
And your guidance and protection;
Go now to your work,
As we go now to our own.
Blessed be.
North
Oh Grandmothers and Grandfathers in the North,
We thank you for your presence,
And your guidance and protection;
Go now to your work,
As we go now to our own.
Blessed be.
Above
To those Above,
The Sky and beyond the Sky;
Below
And those Below,
The Planet Earth, and deep inside Planet Earth;
Within