Autumn 2002
Lammas Games Rock!
At this year's Lammas Games on August 4, Lugh smiled upon us with lots of hot sunshine, and spirited
participation in the games. 41 people, both adults and children, were in attendance. Several SEF
members volunteered their time generously to help keep everything running smoothly, and we're very
thankful to them!
New this year was the Martial Arts Posturing Contest, which left us all laughing. Old favorites
included the Priestess' Cat, Egg Toss, Sack Races, Threshing the Wren, Caper Toss, and Drag Races.
The Closing Ceremony was blessed by dragonflies alighting on the High Priest and Priestess, who
sacrificed the watermelon with traditional abandon.
The day was also marked by the long- hoped-for donation of 20 acres of land in Middlefield, MA, by
members Adair and Marin, to the SEF. Plans are already under way to build a Stone Circle, Memorial
Park or Cemetery, and campground. Colin and Angie graciously donated $1000 to help bring these dreams
to fruition.
If you missed it this year, we hope you will join us in 2003!
The Elements smiled upon us once again on September 14, as 50 members and friends of SEF gathered in
Middlefield on a bright but breezy day - a welcome respite from the scorching summer we've had! We
gathered to ask blessings on our newly-donated land, and on our endeavors to make it a spiritual and
symbolic center for our activities. Possible plans include a stone circle for outdoor worship and a
memorial garden or cemetery.
Everyone in attendance was invited to hand-paint a native stone in whatever symbols, colors, runes and
sigils represented their hopes, dreams, and commitment for our vision.
The opening circle was cast hand-to-hand by all participants (approximately 45 adults and 5 young
ones). After we welcomed and greeted each of the four Elements, offerings were made to the spirits of
the land. First, offerings were made upon the Earth in the forms of milk, honey, water, and wine as
we promised to be good stewards of the land. Then, large billows of incense smoke wafted
skyward as the priests and priestesses
asked that we be granted the gifts of
inspiration, illumination, compassion, and guidance.
While the clouds of incense still hung over the ritual site, all were called forward and each passed
their individually inscribed rocks through the incense smoke, then placed them together in the center
of the circle.
A joyous energy was raised by a chorus intoning a substantial Chant of the Elements, and by dancers
swirling their veils around the center of the ritual site. The scent of incense was carried
throughout the area and mingled freely with the scents of the woodland plants. In the spirit of
communal offering, several volunteers gathered around the brazier to make sure that all of the
available incense was cast upon the sacred fires.
Most of the participants then traveled down the road apiece to the lovely home of Marin and Adair (the
donors of the land) for refreshments, socializing, and an impromptu drumming and didgeridoo session.
The following clergy are available through the Society of Elder Faiths:
A licensed Wiccan Elder, with ministerial credentials from the Covenant of the Goddess and the Society of Elder Faiths (SEF), authorized to perform legal weddings and handfastings. Also available for other religious services and Rites of Passage. Debbie Fields-Berry P.O. Box 335, B.U. Station Boston MA 02215 dberry@bu.edu 508 839-3457
I hold legal credentials through the Covenant of the Goddess and am ordained though the Society of Elder Faiths. I am willing to travel within New England and will work with people of any Neo-Pagan tradition or non-Pagans with an earth centered focus. I require an initial face to face meeting with a couple at least 2 months before a wedding. I have also performed Wiccanings and am available for other rites of passage. Peg P.O. Box 485 Upton, MA 01568-0485 meagan@control.com 508 839-3457
SEF Messenger: The Community Newsletter of the Society of Elder Faiths
Autumn 2002
Editor : Jennifer
Staff: Morwynna
© 2002 Society of Elder Faiths
SEF Members may submit news to:
news@elderfaiths.org
;
or
PO Box 30, Marlboro, MA 01752;
or
508 839-3457