The StarDragon Branch meeting got started a bit late but I had not been clear to the co-coordinators that while I would schedule it I didn't consider myself responsible for seeing that it happened or got started on time. As soon a I let them know I didn't intent to do the heralding, they arranged to let others know it would be starting. I only attended part of the meeting as my festival organizing responsibilities pulled me out of the meeting before it was done. Nests gave a description of what was going on with their nests and I spoke as publisher of Nest to Nest. But I must admit that I feel that there is a lack of momentum for the Branch that we don't seem to be able to overcome. I am not sure why it is or why we don't seem to be able to generate more activity. I have blamed it on the numbers of people who are currently involved or on the fact that we are spread rather thin but I am actually beginning to think that it is more about an inability to inspire others or perhaps not really having a message for others at all. In any case, I think the next few years will tell whether the Branch survives and thrives or just continues to limp along.
Part way through the meeting Anne Greenstar needed some materials for her tie-dye workshop so I headed off with her to get that going. Then I stopped in the house to see what was going on and found two of my lovers happily together in my bedroom. They invited me to join them but I felt obligated to return to the meeting so only played a little then very reluctantly but responsibly dragged myself off. Another guest asked for a broom as she wanted to sweep the deck while collaborating on a writing project. Luckily our deck has outdoor electric outlets and they were able to sit on the deck, feeling the breeze, looking out at the trees and land, and work. I stopped for several minutes to speak with them then finally headed out to the meeting. On the way out I met one of the facilitators coming back in. He told me the meeting was over so I did the only thing a sensible person could do and dashed back to my bedroom. Fortunately for me the fun was not over:) I had a wonderful time. It was a good way to eliminate some of the stress related to preparing to do my clergy challenge ritual in a few hours as well.
I'm not sure that my memory of getting ready for the ritual, the ritual, or after the ritual is very accurate. We did end up being late at starting, something I am not happy about but I believe it was not later than half an hour getting started. Earlier Tom and F. and I took things down with the car and set up the quarter altars and central altar and otherwise finished preparing the site. Then we went back for the ritual run through. People began to get dressed for it and Tom soon was ferrying people to the site. It is a bit of a trek and anyone who had concerns about making it got a ride there. Others headed down the trail. M. and F. and I trotted down to the circle site last after doing a few last minute things.
Basically I thought the ritual went pretty well. However, when we first started Tom had forgotten that I asked him to be responsible for seeing that the water and incense made it back to the place where it would be needed next after everyone was purified with them as they entered the circle area. And then M. jumped the gun on the circle-drawing chant so I ended up not introducing things the way I intended to do. We did end up starting over again though after the first few moments. Other than that the only other problem was the Hecates were supposed to wait until Eris and Harmonia sprinkled the Crone with the elixir of fire and water combined to stimulate the change from Crone to Maiden. So they started the change themselves, leaving that whole part out, and each of the aspects spoke and then shifted the cycle. One of the Hecates also took charge and told the other Hecates what to do which caused some problems in the energy flow but it all went ok. And then at the end Harmonia told us that we had released the center and go do so to the other aspecting Deities when it was pretty clear she had not left yet but we did what she said because I don't like to argue with the Deities in ritual particularly :) I intend to put the script of my clergy challenge ritual up here soon.
Afterward Tom and I with a little help from some others, my nestmates in particular, cleared up the circle area, packed everything back up again, and after he took some people back, we loaded up the car. I noticed that F. was busy talking with others so that we cleaned up most of it without him. Tom did a final people run and I walked back with M. and F. again. But by that time I was really tired and my legs hurt from the rapid walk to the ritual site, or maybe from the dancing around the fire I did that morning, or the sex in the afternoon, or maybe from the combination. I barely made it back up the hill. Then it was time for the potluck. Luckily for me Tom kept an eye on me and saw to it that I ate. Jack Chocolate brought mead and I had some of that. It was quite good and very relaxing.
Later people were sitting around the bonfire and singing songs. I had the opportunity to connect with another lover so did so. It was really good but I couldn't find my underpants afterwards. He seemed to remember me taking them off and I was pretty sure that I had them on when I got to his tent. But he never found them. Two days later I found them in a pile of clothes I had taken off after the ritual but I swear that I put them back on when I changed clothes. Since we invoked Eris in the circle though I figured she was just having a laugh at my expense and I hope it was a hardy one and I definitely thank her for being so gentle.
Finally tired I headed back to the house and went in the hot tub. After a bit the May Royalty, Prince and Princess, stopped by intending to head out to their hotel. They decided to join me for a bit and we spent a pleasant time talking and soaking. As they were leaving the Prince said he had heard I was a good kisser and asked for a sample. That was quite enjoyable! And a nice way to end a very long and amazing day.
Copyright © 2001, 2002 Kyril Oakwind