Dedicant’s Oath Evaluation
The part I liked most about this rite was that it was largely done on the fly, speaking from the heart rather than practiced speeches. My original plan for performing my Dedicant Oath was to do it during the Yule High Rite at CedarLight Grove. With the culmination of the past few High Rites as well as some group divination we performed while beginning to plan for the High Rite, we believed that the Gods were calling upon our group to “walk our talk” and prove our dedication to the old ways. On the docket for the night were two Dedicant oaths as well as a reaffirmation of the grove members’ Grove Oath. Unfortunately, the public High Rite had to be canceled due to a blizzard that swept through Maryland.
So instead, a large group of us did our own personal Yule rites at our respective homes around the same time and we spent the night in a chat room to discuss our personal experiences.Not being able to drive my car, I hiked up and over a few streets to my friend’s apartment in the snow so that we could perform our Yule rite and our Dedicant’s Oath as we had originally planned. We set up a sacred space on her porch and together with a third friend, we had our Yule right in which we honored Thor, Odin and Freya. It was very beautiful with the snow swirling and all the candles we had lit, shimmering off the perfect snowflakes that had fallen. We performed an ADF format rite, honoring the Earth, invoking the Kindred and opening the gates with the words that felt appropriate to us at the time. I really find that spontaneous rituals can be just as powerful and effective as long plotted and planned rituals. We also took the time at the beginning to do a Two Powers meditation, reaching upwards through the snow and clouds to the powers above and down deep below, through the frozen earth to the warm core. I feel that with our practice, we have started getting very good at working with these energies.
I think I did very well as far as making my oath went. We sang several songs for offerings to the Norse deities and then we each took the time to call our personal patrons and spirits and make our oaths. I called Lugh (my favorite part was that I built him a snowman as an offering, as I had forgotten my other offerings at home and thought he would appreciate the creativity!), the Morrighan whom I gave the gift of song, as well as my spirit animals and guides. And then I recited the oath I had written. I decided to go with a conachlon style poem, which is a traditional Irish poetry form where the last word of the previous line repeats at the beginning of the next line with the final line of the poem repeating the first line of the poem, giving it a spiraling effect. This past year I’ve developed a fondness for this style of poetry for invocations and such as I feel that it works as a great way to funnel the intention of what’s being written down into a particular point. I decided for this to go with three stanzas and three declarations of the oath at the end as I like the feel of doing things in three (also because three is a sacred number, especially in Irish Celtic tradition). In comparison to my friend’s oath, I feel that mine was very short. However for me personally, I think that I am better able to convey the feeling that I wish to get across in just a few words. I also chose to leave the oath a little open ended that it may also include any Spirits or Shining Ones that I have not met yet that may take an interest in me. The ring I chose to make my oath on was one that I had actually purchased sometime ago while shopping with friends. It had jumped out at me at the time; its relatively simple with two spirals and a ruby colored stone set in it. I had not thought of using it for this oath, I actually had another necklace I was planning on using. But when the time came, this ring seemed much better suited as something I can wear all the time.
I drew my omen from my Arthurian Legend Tarot deck; my favorite deck that has always worked the best for me. I drew three cards: the Queen of Cups, the Ace of Cups, and the Ace of Shields. I find this to be a very favorable omen. As it was an omen for myself, I took the Queen of Cups to represent myself, or at least the type of person I may achieve now that I have dedicated myself to this path: a creative woman of strength and integrity who can trust her intuitive senses. I found two ace’s to be extremely appropriate as I am starting a new path. The Ace of Cups represents a spiritual awakening and receptivity to a higher plane. It also represents the beginning of a major, beneficial cycle in life. I can definitely say that since giving my oath, I have noticed a distinct change in how I am able to perceive the world and feel energy around me. The Ace of Shields displays the receiving of recognition for achievements as well as stability of both material and emotional well-being. That is still something I am working towards but I do feel that it is within my grasp now. I really feel, after this reading, that giving my oath was definitely the correct choice for me and that this is going to lead me down the path that I was always meant to take.
(Word count, Dedicant Oath and Evaluation: 1129)
