The Inauguration of a Messenger


      This ritual is to be performed only by an Arch(Uchel) Druid or Arch(Ard) Druidess. The rank of Uchel Druid or Ard Druidess can be acheived in only two ways: by being elected to the governing position of a Nemeton, or to be named as a Messenger.
      There are three Messengers, and these are: The Raven Messenger, The Fox Messenger, and The Wren Messenger. They follow in the above sequence, with each Messenger naming their successors, Herein follows the Ritual of the Inauguration of a Messenger.

THE RITUAL:

UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Kerridwen! Kerridwen!
Great All-Mother!
Attend unto us!
Hear us! Attend unto us!

Dagda! The Dagda!
Great All-Father!
Attend unto us!
Hear us! Attend unto us!

From ancient times
Thou hast given us
This Great Pattern:
That there would be
Three Messengers, Messengers Three!

















                                                All:
Kerridwen! Dagda!
Great All-Mother!
Great All-Father!
Hear us! Attend unto us!






UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Mother and Father of our Tuatha
Family of the gods and of humankind,
Great All-Mother! Great All-Father!
Hear us! Attend unto us!

These three messengers have been our guides,
And the protectors of our Ancient Truths,
From their inception,
Thirty eight hundred years ago,
Until this very day.

Here and now, this great tradition continues.
On this day, and at this hour,
We give you one of these:
A sworn soul, and a devoted servant,
Whose entire life shall be given
To the care and protection of the Children Of the Great All-Mother
And the Great All-Father Of the Tuatha of Kerridwen.




















(At this point, the Arch Druid/ess speaks directly to the chosen aspirant.)

Come now, and kneel before me,
For I have questions
That you must answer,
Whose answers may be,
To you, a matter of life and death.

Are you a duly initiated Gwyddon,
And, do you love our Lady Mother?










                          THE ASPIRANT:
I have been, and yes, I do!


UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Did you achieve the third degree?


                          THE ASPIRANT:
I did! Blessed Be!


UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Have you been a duly elected officer?


                          THE ASPIRANT:
I have been! Praised be!


UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
You have proven your eligibility,
Now answer these vital questions:

Do you willingly give yourself to this great task?





                          THE ASPIRANT:
I do! With all of my mind and heart,
I give myself willingly to this great task!



UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Is this only for the moment, or is this for as long as the Order shall require you?



                          THE ASPIRANT:
No, this is not a momentary thing, to be thrown away arbitrarily,
but I shall give of myself, fully and completely, as long as it be required of me.




UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
Then I, (name of Arch Druid/ess or Messenger), do declare before this College, here gathered, that this aspirant fulfills all of the ancient requirements of a messenger-to-be.
What name have you taken as your messenger name?





                          THE ASPIRANT:
I have taken the name of (name).


UCHEL DRUID/ARD DRUIDESS:
I(name of Arch Druid/ess or Messenger), name you Messenger!
Thou art the (Raven, Fox, or Wren Messenger)!
Thou art (name)!
Thou art (name)!
Thou art (name)!







(The Arch Druid/ess anoints the new messenger and gives them the embrace of their office).

Arise now, (name), and take up the office of Messenger to your people!
Tuatha of Kerridwen and College of (name of College),
I present to you the (Raven, Fox, or Wren Messenger)!





                      THE MESSENGER:
(extemporary and impromptu addressing of college)


                          ALL MEMBERS:
Ayea! Ayea Kerridwen!
Ayea! Ayea Kernunnos!
Ayea! Ayea! Ayea!