Today I woke up early(7am which is early for me during summer vacation) to do my self-dedication ritual. I know you don't have to do anything really formal, but I decided to anyways. I used the ritual from ....For The Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham. I took along sandalwood incense though I didnt have to. But, hey incense makes me feel more comfortable during rituals. Especially my first OUTDOOR ritual. Anyways, after a purifying shower, I packed up and set out to find the perfect spot. First I went to a small brushy forest near my house. I knew there were large stones there that would be a great altar. Bad place, between the thorns and sticky plants. So, I decided to go to my grandfather's house which had about 70 acres in the back. After searching and finding the perfect spot, I set out a blanket and light the incense and started the ritual. By now its like 8:23am. I saw a squrriel who almost scared me to death because I first thought a person had found me and other subtle but weird stuff. After the ritual and meditation, I felt peaceful. When I started packing, I had the most giddy and happy feelings. Hyper. I couldn't help by smile. I truly felt very different, positively. Maybe it was because it was my first outdoor ritual. Or it had to do with the ritual. Nevertheless, next time I'll bring bug repellent because the mosquitos were annoying and distracting(though the incense kinda helped keep them afar). Back home Copyright ©1999 by Yemaya
