The Linden Oak Tree Ritual
06/11/2016
Standing before this amazing old oak, it is not hard to see why many ancient cultures—and druids–celebrated in groves of trees. Or why many ancient peoples saw the face of the Gods in these beings. . . or saw them as a sacred bridge between earth and sky. This tree has seen the rise of the city and sprawl all around it. This tree has seen mankind forget their connections to the natural world.
We come today to celebrate it and our connections to the plants, the elements that feed them and sustain us, and so too the history, the ancestors, and spirit of this place.
Let us take three breaths together
One for earth beneath us
One for waters around us
One for skies above us
With the blessing of earth, sea, and sky untied in sacred fire we begin. . .
O Spirit, we greet you, we honor you.
We ask for your protection and blessing on our celebration of this mighty ancient.
Spirit of this place, spirit of this circle, we ask for your inspiration and guidance as we gather in celebration.
Let us wish peace to the directions:
Please say with me: We wish peace to all beings and realms of East and West, North and South.
Please say with me: We wish peace to all beings and realms below.
Please say with me: We wish peace to all beings and realms above.
Please say with me: We wish peace to all beings and realms within.
We mark this celebration with four offerings, a representation of each of the elements:
Fire: [Place ash on tree roots.]
I offer you the ashes of a fire made in joy as a reminder of the warming energy of the sun and the passion of our existences. We thank you Linden Oak tree for the shade you have long provided.
Earth: [Place garden earth on tree roots.]
I offer you the rich earth of a garden cultivated with love as a reminder of the blessings of the deep and fruitful earth. We thank this ancient tree for the bounty and stability she provides.
Water: Place [Dandelion Liqueur on the tree roots]
I offer you this liqueur, made of dandelions, water, and honey, a reminder of the dreaminess of deep and still waters. We thank this long lived tree for the wisdom she will provide.
Air: [Place feather on the tree roots]
I offer a token reminder of the winds. We thank and honor this ancient tree for the clear, pure air she will provide. May you be blessed as the winds stir your leaves.”
Spirits of this land, spirits of this circle, we ask for your continuing blessing and protection of this beautiful wise tree. Linden Oak, you are a symbol of our history, the sacred mysteries that sustain us, and the fellowship we build.
May you continue to grow strong and tall.
May the earth and summer rains nourish you.
May the fire of the sun, help you grow.
May the winds speak in your leaves to us.
Your gifts are many—but today, we recognize the peace and generosity you teach us. Shading those who need shade; mighty, but gentle; wise, peaceful, giant.
We now sing, offer poems and prayers, and other gifts in honor of you.
Tree of Many Feathers: 