Items Needed:
Anything you want on your alter is fine. Fianna bands will have less than tribal groups and the individual may have even less but the gods don't judge us by our "toys."
Preparation:
If you have the materials available this is the suggested alter pattern. Sky object is at the north. Sea is at the southwest. Land is at the southeast. If using the Circle of Stones, place it in the southeast, as it takes up a lot of room. The symbol of the god or gods should be to the north. Place the libation bowl, with the liquid offering in it, nearby. I put it in the southwest.
The Center Point:
The Center Point is where we acknowledge the sacred center. This is not a time to create sacred space as all space is sacred, we are simply "centering" ourselves. I have provided a short version of the Inis Glas Center Point.
Stand quietly facing the north and relax with your hands resting at your sides. Clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly and follow along with this meditation, which will place you in the center of the cosmos.
"I am at the center of the world"
Opening the gate:
Ask Mannanan to open the gate between the Otherworld and ours.
Invocation:
This is where we would ask whoever the ritual is for to attend. Gods, spirits and ancestors should all be included.
Dedication:
The purpose of the ritual is described here
Rounds:
This is the time to pass the horn or cup or if you are by yourself. Have a few slugs of beer/wine while toasting the gods, spirits and ancestors. Pour the rest into a bowl.
Close:
This is the close of the ritual say good-bye to everyone and ask Mannanan to close the gate. If you are outside pour out the libation, if not then go outside as a group and pour it out. Thanking everyone again.
Exhale, move to one knee with palms on the ground before you
"I stand firmly upon the land"
Inhale and rise to your feet, moving the hands behind at hip height, palms up, cupping. Exhale and move the hands in an arc until they meet in front.
"The sea always surrounds me"
Inhale, move the hands to the sides, spread the fingers wide, palms forward. Exhale and raise the arms, bringing the hands together above the head, thumb & forefinger meeting to create a triangle.
"The sky spreads itself above me"
Inhale, lower the hands to the heart again.
"I am at the center of the Three Realms."
Exhale and lower the hands to the sides
