First Phase: Starting the Rite & Establishing the Group Mind
Musical Signal: Bosun’s Pipe – a loud shrill whistle for communication aboard ships.

Opening Prayer:

Shining Ones, we ask for your blessings in the spirit of these games. Let the spirit of Camaraderie connect us. We all share a common bond – the spirit of the Warrior. Standing next to you are your brothers and your sisters – greet them and welcome them.

Honor the Earth Mother:

Earth Mother, we thank you for the meat, vegetables, bread, and fruit that have made our bodies strong. We thank you for the stones that test our strength and the wood of the bow and arrows that test our skill.

Meditation:

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Let your spirit roam. Picture yourself in a landscape where your warrior aspect resides: the mountains, the forests, the fields, the seas…the arena of your choice. Take time to explore this landscape, bringing in rich detail, opening all your senses.

In this arena, you see other warriors like you. They are the faces of your ancestors; of warriors you have known; of powerful and wise warriors; of heroes and gods. Take time to be with them and share in any way that you wish.

Now, focus on a specific warrior who represents an ideal for you. Invite this warrior to stand before you and let your eyes meet. Speak with this warrior as long as you wish. Ask what you need for your growth and to come more fully into your warrior aspect. Receive these blessings and guidance.

Then picture those blessings and guidance as a torch. See the flame of the torch burning inside you, shining through you, and upon everything around you. This now is the Warrior aspect. Feel yourself in this place carrying with you the flame from your arena.
(Note: This is an adaptation of a meditation from Circle of Song by Kate Marks)

Second Phase: Recreating the Cosmos & Preliminary Power Raising

Statement of Purpose:

Today, we are here to build the warrior spirit, strengthen our ties to the each other and our groves and to connect more completely with our warrior aspect.

Outsiders:

In all competition, there are spectators to watch, to cheer and sometimes to jeer. May those who have
come to watch do simply that; watch.

Invoke the Gatekeeper: Heimdal

Heimdal, Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, you who can hear the grass grow, we call you. Heimdal, Warder of the Gods, you who can see for a hundred miles by night or day, we call you. Heimdal, Bright and gracious god, we require
your presence to guard these gates and watch over us as you have stood watch upon the Bridge. Heimdal, hail and
welcome!

The Well, the Fire, and the Tree

In the depths flow the waters of rebirth.
Sacred well, flow within us.

I kindle the sacred fire in wisdom, love and power.
Sacred fire, burn within us.

From the depths to the heights spans the world-tree.
Sacred tree, grow within us.

This well is no longer a well, but a gate opening to the underworld, a passage to rebirth. This fire is no longer a fire, but a gate opening to the heavens, a passage to wisdom.
This tree is no longer a tree, but a gate opening to the midrealm, a passage to life.
LET THE GATES BE OPENED!

The Nature Spirits, Ancestors, and Shining Ones were individually invoked by members of the Warrior Guild.

Third Phase: Major Sending of Power to Deities of the Occasion

Everyone was given the opportunity to call and honor their own warrior dieites by saying their name aloud.

For these assembled, I give praise and offerings at the beginning of these games!

Fourth Phase: Receiving and Using the Returned Power

The Sacrifice:

Selene, Chief of the Warrior Guild, offered her new waist sash, the newly decided symbol of a member of the Guild.

Seeking the Omen of Return:

I drew from my personal collection of furthark runes and drew Perthro. Someone
exclaimed “Take a chance!” – a powerful omen for the games.

Fifth Phase: Unwinding and Ending the Ceremony

Farewell to Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits

Close the Gates

Farewell to Heimdal

Thank the Earth Mother

Egress to Revelry!!!