Alban Eilir or 'the light upon the earth' marks the continuous, full flow of regenerative energy that each spring time brings as flowers begin to blossom and the dark nights that seemed endless are finally matched by days of fresh, bright and colourful light.
Sunday 26th March 2023, 10:30 - 12:30
Copyright: (c) OBOD - The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids
About Alban Eilir
As the Sun grows warmer, so life begins to show through the soil. Small signs at first – the daffodils and crocuses – then more green as the bluebells and wood anemones spread through the woodland. Plants are seen by some as inanimate greenery with no actual feelings and life force. But Druids see life in all living things, from rocks and stones, to rivers and springs, plants and trees – all life is sacred. Have you ever thought about how you recognise the beginning of Spring? Is it the plant life? The weather? How does a plant know when it is time to grow? (from the OBOD website).
Now the Green Goddess has awoken at Imbolc, her bountiful nature begins to be seen across the land as proof of the imminent arrival of the summer becomes felt, innately. Lush grass emerges underfoot and animals that were barely stirring in February start to roam freely, birds loudly proclaiming the season in gardens and landscapes alike.
Meeting place
We will meet outside the Cambridge Museum of Technology, facing the river, between 10:15 and 10:45.
Location for gathering itself
We usually wait for around 10-12 minutes at the location above before heading into Stourbridge Common. To join us if you are running late, walk straight into the Common, keep straight as you pass a children's playground to your right and as you enter the open fields down a wide dirt track, look to your left for a group of trees. Hopefully, you won't miss us!
First time with us?
If you have never attended or taken part in a pagan/druidic/OBOD ceremony, worry not! The OBOD website has further information about seasonal rituals and ceremonies and we're happy to give newcomers a basic outline of what is involved, ahead of time. However, anticipating an element of surprise can be a wonderful experience! Our ceremonies are flexible, open to whatever you would like to contribute and are proudly inclusive of all identities. There are simple ceremony roles to have a go at, with pre-prepared lines to read out, but there is no obligation whatsoever to do so. Details of the roles will be sent out in advance of the ceremony. If you'd like to have an idea of what's involved, please get in touch with us.
Preparation for the day
All registered attendees will be sent a link to the ritual script booklet online as well as a preparation coversheet containing details of what to prepare/bring a week before the event. Key ritual items will be brought for the ceremony, though all are welcome to lay any personal items in the altar space we create.
Please do print your own booklet for the day, once you've registered and have received the ceremony pack nearer the date, especially if you have a speaking role in the ceremony or if you would like to read along with us. This is not essential as you are welcome to come and simply soak up the words and actions performed by others. A 'herald' at each ceremony will lead the ceremony and ensure everything runs smoothly.
We are mindful of the weather and dress appropriately, bringing water, a hat, suntan cream, coat and waterproofs, etc. Come rain or shine, hail or snow, we will meet!
Eisteddfod
In keeping with the practices of Welsh Druidry, we host a small eisteddfod after each ceremony, perhaps with some mead! This is a relaxing way to ground ourselves after working up energies in the rite and it gives us an opportunity to simply share social space with everyone.
'Eisteddfod' simply means 'to sit' in Welsh, or more accurately in this context, 'sitting and sharing together', to enjoy a festival of creativity. Those that wish to perform, talk or play for those gathered are warmly encouraged to do so. Bardistry forms such an integral part of practising Druidry and so this is a great way to share your latest creative musings, on whatever journey you might be taking, with a very appreciative audience.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony has finished, we may head over to the Green Dragon pub for a drink, a possible bite to eat and to warm up a bit! You'd be most welcome to come with us or join us later:
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/U2LAsxYC4eUVkPEFA
To register to attend this event and receive an online copy of the ritual 'script' booklet (when finalised) with details of what to prepare and bring on the day, please email us by Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date with this and future events and please do get in contact if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing you for our first equinoctial celebration of the year,
Corr réisc Grove.
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