We Are Cosmic Dynamics

At the Solstices, in traditional PaGaian ceremony, we recognize and recall the sacred space (that is, “call the directions”), with recognition that we are Cosmic Dynamics of the elements, as poetically inspired by cosmologist Brian Thomas Swimme’s perception of water, fire, earth and air.[1] This recalling, and “creating of sacred space” is ceremoniously invited and concluded with some variation depending on whether it is for Winter or Summer Solstice, but the core is the same.

All turning to the East-

Celebrant: “We come from the East to this Place, and we remember that we are Water. Water that we are, we remember you.”

All: Water that we are, we remember you.

Celebrant: “Cosmic Dynamic of Sensitivity, that absorbs, becomes, whatever you touch; may we feel what we are, and respond compassionately.”

All: May we feel what we are and respond compassionately.

DRUMS as co-celebrant sprinkles water with a pine branch, around the circle; each may interact with the element as it passes.

All turning to the North –

Celebrant: “We come from the North to this Place, and we remember that we are Fire. Fire that we are, we remember you.”

All: Fire that we are, we remember you.

Celebrant: “Unseen Shaping Power of the Cosmos, that gives us form – flames that we are; may we dance with you and act with Creative Lust for all of life.”

All: May we dance with you and act with Creative Lust for all of life

DRUMS as co-celebrant lights fire in the pot, and takes it around the circle; each may interact with the element as it passes.

All turning to the West –

Celebrant: “We come from the West to this Place, and we remember that we are Earth. Earth that we are, we remember you.”

All: Earth that we are, we remember you.

Celebrant: “Deep Sentient Presence and Memory, you hold all the stories of life in your Body, we can learn it all from you; may we remember who we really are, may we hold the Wisdom of all time and no Time.”

All: May we hold the Wisdom of all time and no Time.

DRUMS as co-celebrant holds up rock or pot of earth and carries it around the circle; each may interact with the element as it passes.

All turning to the South –

Celebrant: “We come from the South to this Place, and we remember that we are Air. Air that we are, we remember you.”

All: Air that we are, we remember you.

Celebrant: “Cosmic Dynamic of Exuberance and Expression, Wind that moves the trees, the clouds, brings us rain and allows us voice; move us and inspire us to unfurl our being.”

All: Move us and inspire us to unfurl our being.

DRUMS as co-celebrant lights smudge stick, and carries it around the circle; each may interact with the element as it passes.

All turning to the centre –

For Summer Solstice:

Celebrant: “This is what we are … Mysterious Flashes of Water, Fire, Earth and Air (Celebrant PACING THE CIRCLE), in this Dynamic Place of Being, this Sacred Interchange of form and formlessness – this Event. We are at the Centre. The circle is cast, we are between the worlds, beyond the bounds of time and space, where light and dark, birth and death, joy and sorrow meet, as One.”

For Winter Solstice:

Celebrant: “This is what we are – Water, Fire, Earth, Air (PACING THE CIRCLE) – Sacred Mystery, Cosmic Dynamics, manifest in this Place and Time. The Centre of Creativity is Here. The circle is cast, we are between the worlds, beyond the bounds of time and space, where light and dark, birth & death, joy & sorrow meet, as One.”

…oOo…

The ceremonial circle then traditionally proceeds to the invocation and recognition of the sacred Creativity present in its fullness in each one.[2]

Glenys Livingstone 2017

NOTES:
[1] Brian Swimme. The Universe is a Green Dragon: Sea, p. 87-95; Fire, p. 127-139; Land, p.99-109; Wind, p.143-151.

[2] For the complete offered Winter or Summer Solstice scripts, see PaGaian Cosmology Chapter 7.

For a PaGaian Summer Solstice/Litha
Meditation:
$2.80