Offerings during GOSH, ADF Rituals
A large part of how we honor the Gods and Kindreds in our religion is by making offerings or sacrifices. In a typical ritual offerings are made to a deity of Inspiration, the Earth Mother, a Gatekeeper, the Three Kindreds (Land Spirits, Ancestors, Gods), and the Deities of the occasion. What to put where and when can be confusing for folks not familiar with ADF or GOSH liturgy and cosmology.
To Whom?
In ritual, usually certain people will perform certain parts (like calling to the Gatekeeper) and will make an offering to that power on behalf of everyone else.
There are sections of ritual devoted to the Kindreds during which it is appropriate for anyone to step forward and make an offering. The Kindreds are the spirits of nature and the land, our Ancestors, and the gods and goddesses of the pantheon who are not the deities of the occasion.
There is also what we call a Praise Offering section of ritual during which everyone is welcome to make offerings to the deities of the occasion.
The presiding Druid will make it clear what is happening when; both during the pre-ritual briefing and during ritual itself.
What?
What is offered is more personal. Lots of things are appropriate; flowers, grains, silver, candles, incense, herbs, alcohol, oil, etc. Take some time to think about what deity or Power is receiving your offering, and choose something that seems appropriate.
Since most GOSH rituals take place outside and most GOSH members are committed environmentalists and/or organic gardners, we as that any offerings be biodegradable and non-toxic to area plants and animals. Things like chocolate or salt are ok in small amounts.
It is not uncommon for offerings to be provided by the Grove. Often there is a bowl of grain, extra incense sticks, or something similar that everyone is welcome to use as an offering. When in doubt, ask someone ahead of ritual if such offerings will be available during ritual.
Where?
This can get complicated since ADF ritual has a Triple Center--you have some choices of where to put your offering. Fire? Well? Tree? And that can get a little confusing.
Here's a quick reference: The Fire is the Gate to the Gods, it's flames and smoke go up into the realms of the deities.
The Well is the Gate to the Ancestors, it's waters flow deep into the ground and into the realms of the blessed dead. Often offerings for the Earth Mother or underworld/cthonic deities will also be offered into the Well. Bear in mind that GOSH has a separate Mound and Well dedicated to teh Earth Mother, so if you have an offering for the Mother of All, feel free to offer it when we gather at the Mother Mound.
The Tree is the axis of the Worlds, it is also present here in the Green World we share with the Spirits of the land.
Think about what you're giving. If you are giving cream to a Goddess, pouring that onto the Fire will likely put it out. Pour it to the side of the Fire; it will be consumed, but will not dampen the ritual.
Are you giving a huge model of a longship to the Ancestors? It probably won't fit in the Well or will look funny poking out. Perhaps you can pour some oil on it and pour some of the same oil into the Well, then burn the ship.
Grains? Nuts? they will pop and spit out of the Fire and will gum up the Waters of the Well, it might be a good idea to scatter them around the Well or the base of the Tree for the Nature Spirits to enjoy later.
If you are unsure about what to do with an offering, ask the presiding Druid or Bard ahead of ritual.
Non-Physical Offerings
Druids cultivate an appreciation for all aspects of the sensual world. Some offerings are not physical thing to be burned or poured or put somewhere. Offerings of song, dance, poetry, etc are welcomed and encouraged in GOSH rituals. The question of when to make such an offerings can be tricky. Again, please let the presiding druid know if you plan to make a non-physical offering so s/he can work it into ritual.
In Conclusion
In GOSH, we hold the idea of Ghosti sacred. Ghosti may be roughly translated as 'hospitality.' Both the words 'guest,' and 'host' come from this word. You will hear GOSH members talk about "a gift for a gift," that is ghosti. This is the base of our relationships with each other and with the Kindreds.
We offer gifts to the Gods and spirits, they reciprocate by bestowing their gifts and blessings upon us. Offerings freely given create pathway between you and the God/Spirit to whom you are offering. By making frequent offerings, one forges a bond with the Spirits; a bond which will enrich your life and spiritual practice.
A large part of how we honor the Gods and Kindreds in our religion is by making offerings or sacrifices. In a typical ritual offerings are made to a deity of Inspiration, the Earth Mother, a Gatekeeper, the Three Kindreds (Land Spirits, Ancestors, Gods), and the Deities of the occasion. What to put where and when can be confusing for folks not familiar with ADF or GOSH liturgy and cosmology.
To Whom?
In ritual, usually certain people will perform certain parts (like calling to the Gatekeeper) and will make an offering to that power on behalf of everyone else.
There are sections of ritual devoted to the Kindreds during which it is appropriate for anyone to step forward and make an offering. The Kindreds are the spirits of nature and the land, our Ancestors, and the gods and goddesses of the pantheon who are not the deities of the occasion.
There is also what we call a Praise Offering section of ritual during which everyone is welcome to make offerings to the deities of the occasion.
The presiding Druid will make it clear what is happening when; both during the pre-ritual briefing and during ritual itself.
What?
What is offered is more personal. Lots of things are appropriate; flowers, grains, silver, candles, incense, herbs, alcohol, oil, etc. Take some time to think about what deity or Power is receiving your offering, and choose something that seems appropriate.
Since most GOSH rituals take place outside and most GOSH members are committed environmentalists and/or organic gardners, we as that any offerings be biodegradable and non-toxic to area plants and animals. Things like chocolate or salt are ok in small amounts.
It is not uncommon for offerings to be provided by the Grove. Often there is a bowl of grain, extra incense sticks, or something similar that everyone is welcome to use as an offering. When in doubt, ask someone ahead of ritual if such offerings will be available during ritual.
Where?
This can get complicated since ADF ritual has a Triple Center--you have some choices of where to put your offering. Fire? Well? Tree? And that can get a little confusing.
Here's a quick reference: The Fire is the Gate to the Gods, it's flames and smoke go up into the realms of the deities.
The Well is the Gate to the Ancestors, it's waters flow deep into the ground and into the realms of the blessed dead. Often offerings for the Earth Mother or underworld/cthonic deities will also be offered into the Well. Bear in mind that GOSH has a separate Mound and Well dedicated to teh Earth Mother, so if you have an offering for the Mother of All, feel free to offer it when we gather at the Mother Mound.
The Tree is the axis of the Worlds, it is also present here in the Green World we share with the Spirits of the land.
Think about what you're giving. If you are giving cream to a Goddess, pouring that onto the Fire will likely put it out. Pour it to the side of the Fire; it will be consumed, but will not dampen the ritual.
Are you giving a huge model of a longship to the Ancestors? It probably won't fit in the Well or will look funny poking out. Perhaps you can pour some oil on it and pour some of the same oil into the Well, then burn the ship.
Grains? Nuts? they will pop and spit out of the Fire and will gum up the Waters of the Well, it might be a good idea to scatter them around the Well or the base of the Tree for the Nature Spirits to enjoy later.
If you are unsure about what to do with an offering, ask the presiding Druid or Bard ahead of ritual.
Non-Physical Offerings
Druids cultivate an appreciation for all aspects of the sensual world. Some offerings are not physical thing to be burned or poured or put somewhere. Offerings of song, dance, poetry, etc are welcomed and encouraged in GOSH rituals. The question of when to make such an offerings can be tricky. Again, please let the presiding druid know if you plan to make a non-physical offering so s/he can work it into ritual.
In Conclusion
In GOSH, we hold the idea of Ghosti sacred. Ghosti may be roughly translated as 'hospitality.' Both the words 'guest,' and 'host' come from this word. You will hear GOSH members talk about "a gift for a gift," that is ghosti. This is the base of our relationships with each other and with the Kindreds.
We offer gifts to the Gods and spirits, they reciprocate by bestowing their gifts and blessings upon us. Offerings freely given create pathway between you and the God/Spirit to whom you are offering. By making frequent offerings, one forges a bond with the Spirits; a bond which will enrich your life and spiritual practice.