So now that class is over, it's time to do some in-depth work on my own again. I'll be delving deeper into my books and keeping track of the things I come across that really speak to me. This seems like as good a place as any to do that.
One thing we had to do was a project for the Full Moon ritual our group wrote for tomorrow night's (okay, okay, tonight's) ritual. We wrote blessings to pass out, and here were the ones that moved me. Please note I didn't write these, and I'm not certain who did.
Love is short, love is real,
Trust your heart, what you feel,
Live your life, sing your song,
Make it sweet and make it strong.
Even in the darkest night,
Believe in the wonder
Believe in the light
Believe in your soul
Believe your insight
Believe that, at last,
It will come out right.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it! - W.H. Murray
Last night was our dedication/naming ritual. Gypsy Crow, with her usual aplomb and sense of humor, was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better ceremony- both solemn and fun. A friend mentioned it was like her wedding day, and I have to agree!! That overwhelming mix of exhilaration, pride, love, and companionship with my peers will stay with me the rest of my life.
My name? Gryphen StormSong.
It was a bittersweet event as well, though, since it brings to a close our 10-week set of classes. It's amazing how close you can grow to people in only 10 weeks, one day a week (with a few extra days thrown in). I've gotten to know some AMAZING people, and I hope to be able to stay in touch with ALL of them as time moves forward.
So I missed the public Beltane ritual put on by Gypsy Crow and Blue Willow. I knew I was going to, as I had a camping trip scheduled long before I even enrolled in class and got to know everyone. I'm sad that I missed it, but at the same time my camping trip was AMAZING!
At one point I walked away from the 40+ people who joined me on this camping trip in order to just spend a few moments breathing. The place we were camping was spectacular, nestled in a valley in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with Tower Rock looming monolithic above us. There were several ponds scattered across the campground, and the sound of the frogs at night was serene.
I walked away, found a quiet spot, closed my eyes, held me arms out, and tipped my head back. It had been storming all day, and the name given to me during my God journey swelled into my heart: StormSong. The song of the storm filled me, overflowing from me, nearly bringing tears to my eyes. During this trip of companionship and comradeship, of spectacular flora, fauna and scenery, my spirit found peace among all the craziness of cooking and organizing for so many people.
As the peace flowed through me, I heard the sound of wings fluttering. I had been hearing the wings for a few weeks now, and I somehow sensed that the sound had something to do with the missing part of my name. I knew StormSong was right, but I knew deep down that there was something else. I just couldn't figure it out. Piecing together my clues, I thought maybe it was related to raptors- that was what my instinct was saying. But nothing seemed to fit with that. It was like it was right on the edge of my vision, but as soon as I turned my head it would flicker away.
I let it all go in that moment. I just felt, breathed, and just WAS. And it came to me clear as a bell- Gryphen. Why the strange spelling? I don't know, and I didn't for a moment question it. Everything snapped into place inside of me, and I knew for a fact that my name was Gryphen StormSong. I probably had the silliest grin on my face as I leaned into the wind, but it was simply a reflection of the sheer joy spinning through me.
So while I missed out on Beltane, I wouldn't have missed that moment for anything.
