The Four Elements
A Centering Meditation


(Similar to the Two Powers Meditation of ADF, or the Light Body Meditation of OBOD)

(This meditation may be done as part of the Tuatha de Brighid Basic Clanfolk Ritual outline, Ash, Oak, and Fir; as part of any other Druid rite; or alone, as a rite in itself. It is shown here as a full rite. If used as part of another rite, use only the Oak or Offering phase.)

Ash
Arriving Phase

  • Light candles and incense as you wish, but there should be an unlit candle
    in the Center, as well as the Incense, some stones or earth, and
    a bowl of water. These symbolize the Four Elements.

  • Enter from the East. Circle sunwise to the West, and sit facing
    Eastward toward the Center. Be silent.

  • Light the Candle in the Center, sound a musical note,
    and say a prayer of Beginnings.

  • Go to the East and say, May there be Peace in the East.

  • Go to the South and say, May there be Peace in the South.

  • Go to the West and say, May there be Peace in the West.

  • Go to the North and say, May there be Peace in the North.

  • Draw a Circle with your finger or wand or staff, sunwise,
    from the North back around to the North again.

  • Go to the Center, visualize Peace throughout the Earth, and
    the Circle within which you stand. Say,
    May there be Peace in this Circle, and throughout
    the whole Earth.

  • Sit where you are comfortable within the Circle, and be silent.
    When you are ready . . .


Oak
The Offering Phase

The Four Elements Meditation
(In all cases, the wording is a suggestion. Say something like . . . )

Earth beneath me, Sustainer of Life;
Air around me, Inspiring all Life;
Fire of Stars above me, Empowerment of Life;
Water within me, Refreshing of Life.


(Adepts will be able to enter into Centering on the Elements with these words alone.
A fuller meditation follows for those who desire it.)


Earth

Take the stones or dirt in your hand if you wish, or picture it with your Otherworld sight. Sit quietly, become aware of your breathing, and your body. Become aware of your Grove around you. Feel the ground under you, and become aware of the Earth. Image a tap root extending from your body down into the ground, into the rich, fertile Earth, through stones and roots, through Earth creatures and bedrock. Feel your rootedness in the Earth. Be one with the Earth.

          Say something like:
May the stability, richness, and fertility of the Earth be always a part of my being.

          When you are ready . . .

Air

Take the incense holder in your hand, if you wish, or picture it with your Otherworld sight. Smell the incense smoke rising around you. Breathe deeply and feel the Air enter your body. If you are outdoors, feel the breeze blowing across your skin. (If you are inside, you may wish to use a small fan so that you can feel the Air moving about you.) Let your awareness begin in your lungs, and emerge from your nose and mouth to spread outward from your body in a dome. Sense the Air all around you. Extend your awareness farther, through clouds, through flying birds, and be aware of the Air that envelopes you and all the Earth. Be one with the Air.

          Say something like:
May the Life-giving purity of the Air inspire me, enrich my blood, and be always a part of my being.

          When you are ready . . .

Fire

Take the candle in your hand, if you wish, or picture it with your Otherworld sight. Feel the warmth of the flame as it glows before you. Imagine the Stars overhead, or, if you prefer, the Sun. Imagine Sun or Star directly overhead, beaming light and warmth through the Heavens toward Earth, toward you where you sit. Down, down through the atmosphere, the beam travels, the energy-giving, living power of Fire. Imagine it entering your head and illuminating the brain cavity. Your brow begins to glow, as your head is filled with Light. Fire in your eyes is a sign to the World of your inspiration. Imagine the Light traveling down further, to your heart, Fire of Love; to your stomach, Fire of Metabolism; to your loins, Fire of Creation. Feel your oneness with Fire.

Say something like:
May the empowering energy of the Fires of the Universe ever be a part of my being.

          When you are ready . . .

Water

Take the bowl of Water in your hands, if you wish, or picture it with your Otherworld sight. Dip your fingers in it. Feel the cool wetness. Raise it to your lips and drink, a deep drink. Feel the cool wetness as it goes down your throat and enters your stomach. If you are carefully aware, you can feel it begin to radiate out through you bodyís tissues. Feel the coolness as it spreads through your cells. Be aware of the water that makes up most of your body. Let your memory go back to the womb-water from whence these waters came, and further back to the sea water from which your ancestors emerged. Feel the currents and tides your bodily fluids. Be at one with Water.

          Say something like:
May the cleansing and refreshing power of Water ever be a part of my being.

Resolution

          Sit in silence. Feel the Elements surrounding you. Be in balance between and among them.

          When you are ready, if you wish, perhaps repeat the opening prayer, or other words . . .

Earth beneath me, Sustainer of Life;
Air around me, Inspiring all Life;
Fire of Stars above me, Empowerment of Life;
Water within me, Refreshing of Life.

Fir
Farewelling Phase

  • Open your eyes, and return to your natural sight

  • Thank the Elements

  • Beginning with the North and going counter-Sunwise to each Direction, say Light and Life to the Northî (West, South, Eastî)

  • Undo the Circle, going counter-Sunwise

  • Sound a musical signal

  • The Rite is concluded

OakWyse
Copyright 1998

May be reproduced without alteration, with this notice

The original text of this ritual can be found on the web site of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.


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Revised: November 17, 1998.