Step Fourteen: Workings : Step Fourteen: Workings Presented by:
Rev. Jessie “Medb” Olson
A study program based on:
“Ancient Symbols, Modern Rites: A Core Order of Ritual Tutorial for Ar nDraiocht Fein”
Review : Review Why is it important to affirm the Blessing?
Share Step Thirteen from your own ritual.
COoR Step : COoR Step Workings (if any)
Key Terms : Key Terms Magic
Working
Function : Function This step is set aside for more elaborate prayers and magical actions than other steps can accommodate.
The workings need not necessarily bear directly on the nature of the rite.
Naturally it would be good if rite and working suited each other.
Function : Function You'd have more power to call for rain if the main rite focused on a weather deity.
But needs arise suddenly, and it is not always possible to wait for the perfect opportunity.
One of the original intentions of calling to all three Kindreds in Step Seven is so that you would always have some power gathered for any purpose.
Function : Function f there is any special work to be done, such as a rite of passage, initiation, oath, healing, weather-working, or spell-casting, now is the time to do it.
Function : Function If there are no Workings, which may frequently be the case, then you may skip to the next step.
The Sacrifice has empowered the Kindreds and the Blessings have empowered the participants; the rite is already full and complete without any Workings.
It is in no way "wasted energy."
Placement : Placement The Workings section is strategically placed at the point of optimum power.
The worshipper is already thoroughly grounded and connected to the Cosmos, as well as supported by all three of the Kindred.
The Gate is already open, in case the Working must cover a long distance.
By this point the devotee is at peak potential.
You can then turn some of that potential to a specific use.
Techniques : Techniques The techniques you use depend entirely on the Working.
Suffice to say that whatever technique you use, it should be a relatively complete ritual unit in and of itself, with a distinct beginning, middle, and ending.
For more on specific kinds of workings, see the Related Reading slide later in this presentation.
Techniques : Techniques The length of the Workings section is variable.
If the working is the main object of the rite, as for example in a handfasting or funeral, it might occupy the largest part of the ritual.
If it is not a High Day rite, it does not have to follow COoR.
For High Day rites that are not specifically designed for your working, you should keep it to a reasonable length.
COoR History : COoR History The Workings section first appeared in the 1987 liturgy, when it was listed as "Optional Activity: Spell Casting or Rite of Passage."
Ancient and Modern : Ancient and Modern Worship and magic were not clearly distinguished in ancient times.
The two were bound up with each other.
In the same way, today our magic is most powerful when performed in the midst of worship.
Examples : Examples Example 1. "Sonoran Sunrise Grove" (Beltane) by Kirk Thomas, 2004 Liturgists Yearbook (Scottish)
The Maypole Dance
The Senior Druid of the Grove chooses a May King and a May Queen from the young people present. He crowns them, and they take up the first two ribbons of the Maypole.
The People take up the remaining ribbons of the Maypole, alternating male and female, and dance deosil around the pole while the Bards sing, “Cup of Wonder”.
Examples : Examples Example 2. "Imbolc 2006" by Anthony Thompson, 2006 Liturgists Yearbook (Irish-Celtic)
Magical Working: Dedicant Oath
AT: Now with the blessings of the gods flowing in us, let us turn to the Work at hand. Is there one present who would make an Oath as a Dedicant of Ár nDraíocht Féin?
BC: There is.
AT: Then what oath would you swear before the Gods and Folk?
BC makes her Dedicant Oath.
AT: Bíodh sé amhlaidh!
All: Bíodh sé amhlaidh! (“bee shay ow-lee”)
Related Reading : Related Reading “The Cauldron Spell" by Ian Corrigan, in Oak Leaves #36
"Irish Funeral Service" by Kirk Thomas, in Oak Leaves #30
"The Hidden Land: A Celtic Magical Working" by Ian Corrigan, in Druids' Progress #13
"Working Magic with the Two Powers" by Ian Corrigan
“Toward a Ceremonial Magic System for ADF" by John Michael Greer
Ecstatic Trance" by Linda Costello
"Step by Step through a Druid Worship Ceremony" by Isaac Bonewits, Druid's Progress #4
Self Test/Homework : Self Test/Homework Why are workings done at this point in the ritual?
Must a working relate to the nature of the ritual? Why or why not?
Write a working for your own ritual, if you desire one.