Pagan Chants
06 Jun 2018 Comments Off on Pagan Chants
in Hymnal
Below you will find lyrics, midis/wave/mp3 files of chants and songs heard in the Pagan community at large, and in Blue Star rituals as well. Wherever possible you’ll find attribution to the original artists, please leave a comment if you know an unnamed artist or links to sheet music/cds.
Ancients: Charlie Murphy & Jami Sieber’s Canticles of Light
It’s the blood of the ancients
that runs through our veins
and the forms pass
but the circle of life remains
Practice with me:
Sheet music, attribution, cd link, midi and lyrics can be found at:
http://www.soulrebels.com/beth/bloodancients.html
A Rose by Any other Name
03 Sep 2017 Comments Off on A Rose by Any other Name
It is customary for Pagans to take on new names, names that reflect their spiritual ties, their devotional or magical practices.These names, unlike our legal names, are symbolic of who we are and what we do and for the most part, self chosen. In Blue Star, at every right of passage, there is an opportunity to take a new name, or one may be given to you if that is desired.
Throughout the earlier blog posts you may see “dead names” – names no longer used by Serenity members. Rather than try to “fix” these entries, we have left those names for the preservation of the past, which was essential to the creation of our present manifestations.
Arianthe and Alder have taken new names of Rhiannon and Taliesin upon the attainment of the Third Degree, and Dreaming Bear is now Ursula, and Mare is now Almitra as of their 1st Degree Initiations.
Do’s and Don’ts
21 Nov 2014 Comments Off on Do’s and Don’ts
Following these simple Do’s and Don’ts will help you to have a great first experience, and leave a wonderful first impression.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do: Remember your notebook
- Don’t: Worry if you forgot your pen, we have plenty.
- Do: Participate fully, hum/sing along
- Don’t: Hold back, – join in often.
- Do: Follow along physically – watch the handmaiden for posture cues.
- Don’t: Worry if you’re not sure.
- Do: Remember to bring a feast contribution
- Don’t: Forget to fill out an allergen-friendly card
- Do: Remember to wear comfortable and weather sensible street clothes
- Don’t: Wear green, red, or blue ritual robes, or amber or jet jewelry.
- Do: Provide a Craft/Magickal name if you have one
- Don’t: Provide a password if you don’t have one.
- Do: Remember to take any medications you may need
- Don’t: Forget to tell us if you have any medical conditions that may require special provisions.
- Do: Make conversation and introduce yourself to others before and after ritual
- Don’t: Continue conversation after the 10 minute warning.
- Do: Eat and drink of the snacks freely
- Don’t: Make a plate from the Feast Table until after the Food Blessing, Libations, and Officiants are served.
- Do: Thank the Priest and Priestess of the Ritual for the experience (After/During Feast)
- Don’t: Be afraid to ask questions to them if you didn’t understand something.
- Do: Help to clean up the space after Ritual and Feast
- Don’t: Leave all the work to others
- Do write about your experience in your notebook
- Don’t: Forget to contact the HP/HPS after the ritual to talk about your experience and future plans.
Whois: Serenity of Blue Star
13 Nov 2014 Comments Off on Whois: Serenity of Blue Star
Serenity Grove is a religious and spiritual fellowship that offers spiritual worship, guidance, experience, and education through and in the practice of Blue Star, a denomination of British Traditional Wicca. We are a family friendly Grove, we invite members and guests to bring their children and loved ones to be a part of the community. We provide children the opportunity to join us as well as ample opportunity to “do their own thing,” as we believe faith and spirituality should be chosen of free will, not force or indoctrination.
Lord Taliesin and Lady Rhiannon, 3rd Degree Initiates of the Blue Star Tradition, are the acting heads of Serenity Coven and Grove. Priest Cho Ku Rei, and Priestesses Ursula and Almitra, are 1st Degree Initiates, while Lady Morning Star is a 3rd Degree Initiate, and Elder (Emeritus) in the Blue Star Tradition. Together they comprise the governing body of Serenity Grove; Serenity Coven.
Serenity embraces an “It Takes a Village” approach to guiding and training those new to the path. This allows students the most access to information and experience. Students and Fellows of Serenity are encouraged to build bonds with each other and learn from all the Clergy when they first begin. Serenity Coven collaborates with other Blue Star Initiates to provide Serenity Grove with even more opportunities for enrichment, enlightenment and exposure to the rest of the Blue Star Family.
Serenity is actively working towards becoming an established Church, with 501(c)(3) status so that we may expand our outreach and support of the Pagan and Wiccan community of Northern New England. It is our hope that by facilitating public rituals, charitable donations, and volunteerism both in our cities and greater pagan community, our purpose and commitment will be self-evident to the State.
Between the Vows
26 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Between the Vows
in Announcements, Serenity Zine
As the wheel keeps spinning we find ourselves nearing the holy celebrations of Lammas (loaf-mas) and Lughnasadh, we also find ourselves at the middle of our hinge vows.
On the 1st of August, it will be six months since you stood before the Coven Sword and made an oath, a promise to yourself, to the Gods, and before your community. On that same date, it will be 3 months until your commitments end.
It is time to reflect on what has passed and consider how you will move forward.
If you have not begun, what things have been holding you back? Can you find a solution to the obstacles?
For those who have started, how has the process been going? Has it been easy, or hard? Has it helped your Craft or your life? What inspires you and keeps you plugging at it?
With three months to go do you think your vow was reasonable, and well considered, or do you think you bit off too much? What sort of changes would you have made, or will you make in the future to ensure your success?
Litha Celebration and Handsfasting
09 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Litha Celebration and Handsfasting
in Sabbat Recaps, Serenity Zine, Tabs on Trad
On June 21st, Serenity celebrated the Summer Solstice most festively.
Mare served as Priestess, with Fox as Priest; Barley and Morningstar served as Summoner and Sensechal respectively. Epona and Cernunnos were invited to celebrate the Summers Sun.
There was much love shared, as Christina, aka Mare and Kevin shared their vows in front of family and friends, promising a commitment for all the seasons to come.
The newlyweds received the blessings of their tribe, and returned all the love they received with nourishment.
A Journey dance was held, brooms and fires were jumped, gifts were given, and love was honored. The Colloquy of the Oak and Holly King was performed over a feast of of summers freshest bounty.
Ostara 2014
01 Apr 2014 Comments Off on Ostara 2014
in Sabbat Recaps, Serenity Zine Tags: Ostara
A small, belated update.
This year Serenity’s Ostara was performed by Dreamingbear (Priest) and Arianthe(Priestess). This was Serenity’s first ritual in the new covenstead, on Riverside Dr.
Serenity’ Ostara celebration was held Saturday March 29th, calling the Goddess Eos (Dawn) and God Astraeus (Dusk) – asking them to join us as we woke the earth with traditional Egg sacrificing to wake up the Cocheco River Spirits. We planted seeds, and enjoyed a delicious potluck brunch.
There were a great many guests, and young children about – racing for eggs in the morning hours after receiving their Welcome Spring Baskets.
Sweeping Songs
08 Jul 2013 Comments Off on Sweeping Songs
in Hymnal
Willow and Ash Branch: WillowAndAsh
Willow and ash branch, tied ‘neath the moon,
Lend us your magick, finish the rune.
As the Triple Goddess, all three entwine,
Maid, Crone and Mother ancient as time.
Dance ‘round the circle, dance where ye will,
Traces of magick echoing still.
All hearts are one heart, beneath moon and sun*
Here in this circle the spell has begun.
*Original lyric is “when all Gods are One”
Corn of Golden Broom/ Besom: cornofgolden
Corn of golden broom
Tied ‘neath the moon
Ashen handle, oak seed charm
Dance in magic, ward off harm
Chorus:
Weave the circle well
Weave the enchantment well
Sweep the circle well
Sweep the circle well
By the sickle shorn,
By the maiden born,
Tread the floor and thread the air
By the spellcraft that we bear
Chorus:
Weave the circle well
Weave the enchantment well
Sweep the circle well
Sweep the circle well
Rowan and Bracken: (aka The dOIge) rowanandbracken.mp3
Chorus:
Rowan and bracken, bracken and thorn
The light moon is waning, the dark moon is born.
Kali, Hecate and ancient Danae,
Storm moon and crone moon dance in your sway.
Gone is the morning, dark is the night,
The rade in stone circles is danced in moon’s light.
Willow be bowed and ash tree be blown,
Black crow shall sing now the song of the crone.
Chorus:
Rowan and bracken, bracken and thorn,
The light moon is waning, the dark moon is born.
Kali, Hecate and ancient Danae,
Storm moon and crone moon dance in your sway.
Bluebell, bluebell did I hear you ring?
In moorland and wood knoll your death toll you sing.
Bright is the candle but dark is the heart,
And deep is the darkness where the Veil has it’s part.
Chorus:
Rowan and bracken, bracken and thorn,
The light moon is waning, the dark moon is born.
Kali, Hecate and ancient Danae,
Storm moon and crone moon dance in your sway.
Quarter Calls/Partings
08 Jul 2013 Comments Off on Quarter Calls/Partings
in Hymnal
The Wind Blessing, AKA Ever-it : Wind Blessing.mp3
Oh, East Wind be behind you,
Calm wind that blows.
Scent of the air upon you,
In youth my heart may grow.
Chorus:
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
And guide you where you may go.
Oh, South Wind be behind you,
Warm wind that blows.
Fires of love surround you,
In passion my heart may grow.
Chorus:
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
And guide you where you may go.
Oh, West Wind be behind you,
Stormy wind that blows.
Waters of life remind you,
In wonder my heart may grow.
Chorus:
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
And guide you where you may go.
Oh, North Wind be behind you,
Ancient wind that blows.
The green woods be about you,
In wisdom my heart may grow.
Chorus:
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
And guide you where you may go.
Oh, Four Winds be behind you,
Strong winds that blow.
The Lady’s blessing upon you,
In love my heart may grow.
Chorus:
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
Ever it be remembered,
And guide you where you may go
The Great Winds Song. : Great Winds Song
This song is fairly complex, the parts between parenthesis are sung by the Circle,
the rest is sung by the Priestess.
Fair be the Eastern wind to thee
(Go as you may go)
Gentle as Spring time Breezes Be
(Though the days pass over thee)
Fair be the wind to thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Go as you may go
(Never the storm sadden thee)
Though the days pass over thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Warm be the Southern flame to thee
(Go as you may go)
Passioned as lovers kisses be
(Though the days pass over thee)
Warm be the flame to thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Go as you may go
(Never the storm sadden thee)
Though the days pass over thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Calm be the Western sea to thee
(Go as you may go)
Reflecting her deep mysteries
(Though the days pass over thee)
Calm be the Sea to thee
(Kind now the winds to thee)
Go as you may go
(Never the storm sadden thee)
Though the days pass over thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Firm be the Sacred Earth to thee
(Go as you may go)
Growing the Straight and Mighty Tree
(Though the days pass over thee)
Firm be the Earth to Thee
(Kind now the winds to thee)
Go as you may go
(Never the storm sadden thee)
Though the days pass over thee
(Kind now the wind to thee)
Blessed be the Four Great Winds to thee.
(Go as you may go)
Blessed as the lady ever three
(Though the days’ pass over thee)
Kind now the winds to thee!
Stormcrow’s Initiation
06 Jul 2013 Comments Off on Stormcrow’s Initiation
06 Jul 2013 Leave a Comment
Seekers!
05 Jul 2013 Leave a Comment
in Seekers!
Blue Star is a path found by Seekers, in that the Seeker or Student is always responsible for deciding when and if they are ready to move forward in their experience and teaching.
You may come to events, rituals, and classes as a guest of a student, but no one will ask you if you want to join. That is a choice only you can make. The path you take is yours to define.
Attending a Grove
Every Grove has their own standard requirements for attending their non-public functions.
You will want to talk to the Grove Priest or Priestess in order to discover theirs.
Here you will find Serenity’s Policies.
Who’s In Charge?
Blue Star has 3degree of Clergy, – these are people who have the duty and obligation to Serve the community.
One of the most basic ways they Serve is by offering direction to those who are seeking, and help them to find the right path.
When you attend a Blue Star Sabbat or Public Ritual – many times (but not always) the people leading the Ritual will be the Priest or Priestess of the Grove.
On Rare/Special Occasions, this may not be the case. This is because Blue Star is a Teaching Religion, and part of teaching those who are in training to become Priests and Priestesses,
includes running Rituals.
- Blue Star Initiates May:
- Wear Amber, Jet, or Amber and Jet Jewelry
- Red or Most (often) Blue Robes
- A cord around their waist which is black, grey/silver, and gold.
- Have a 7 pointed star (septagram) tattoo on their wrist.
Of course, if you still “can’t tell” the best thing to do, is to ask!
Finding the Right Teacher:
Finding Blue Star is “Right For Me” is the first step on your Blue Star Path. Next you will want to find a teacher and/or Grove which is most suited to you.
In a similar fashion to Groves, Each (H)Priest and (H)Priestess has their own requirements for accepting new students.
A unique quality found in the Blue Star community of Priests and Priestesses, is the level of communication shared between Clergy.
Blue Star Priests and Priestesses will help you find a teacher who can best help you on your path. If and when you feel certain that you would like
a particular Priest/Priestess to teach you, you will want to express that desire and interest and intent, and discover their requirements.
If for any reason you or the Priest/ess you have approached do not feel that there is not a strong sense of compatibility, you may request the Priest/Priestesses aid to find a Teacher for you.
