A Wiccan Blessing of the Bikes By Steven Martin At MoonPath CUUPS July 3, 2003
Logistics: Sage Charcoal Smudge pots) Incense Fire in Fire Circle Altar table Black altar cloth Goddess and God sigils (Bolt & Nut Symbols) Goddess and God candles Crescent Wrench for Athame Quarter torches (No quarter altars) Q-cards for the Quarter Callers 10/50 Oil (for the anointing) Libation (wine and non-alcoholic beverage) Cakes Master Links Wood blocks for kickstands Ritual Scenario: We do usual CUUPS check-in and self-introductions inside. Then we center upon a poem reading:
Biker's Raving Raven A Not-So-Original Poem June 28, 2003. by El Rhondda Ystradyfodwg
Once upon a midnight dreary - while I'm riding, weak and weary, Over a quaint and curious road on Florida's eastern shore, While I nodded, nearly napping - suddenly there came a tapping, As of some part gently rapping - rapping in my piston's bore. Tis some problem," I muttered, "eating up my engine's core; I don't need this, I'm fucked once more." Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December, And each pipe spewed yellow ember - telling of mechanical destruction no longer could I ignore. Deeply I felt the sorrow - for vainly I had sought to borrow Tools & parts from my buddy - Stevedore, That lazy cheap bastard - my buddy Stevedore, Friends like him I need no more." Presently my soul grew stronger - hesitating then no longer, Jamming gear and throttle - gaining speed galore; But alas - louder came the rapping, So violent became tapping - and 'wimpy' described my engine's roar Don't die on me now you - you mechanical whore Dammit I muttered, I'm down once more." Deep into the darkness peering - long I stood there, wondering, fearing, Damning, sadistic thoughts no mortals ever dared think before; While the silence was unbroken - I rolled a joint and started tokin, And the only words spoken, were "You bastard Stevedore", "You cheap-ass bastard Stevedore." Back to smoking engine turning - my soul within me burning, Wishing I still heard - not tapping - but engine purring like before, Then from the sky this black bird descended. Alighting so gently on handlebars extended - this mechanical mystery for it to explore. Chill - cool a moment - and watch this bird - my bike explore. Its company's better'n ole Stevedore Tools I flung from saddlebag to gutter - disturbing bird with flirt and flutter, From handlebar to seat hopped Mr Raven - a perch he'd not visited before. Not the least attention paid me - not a moment stopped or stayed he; But with mien of lord or lady - perched on seat above my engine's core. Perched upon my seat it did - just above the piston's bore, Perched - then shat - I CAN TAKE NO MORE! Then this ebony bird beguiling my angered face into wicked sadistic smiling, By the grave and stern decorum of the attitude it wore, I grabbed a wrench and flung it cravin' - hoping to wound or kill this raven, Ghastly, grim, I yelled - "Ya shit & fly & leave your gore" "I gotta get this bike running you black-feathered whore." Quoth that raven, "Nevermore." Next, participant move to fire circle Light fire and torches Begin drumming and chanting Bikes make grand entrance riding into the fire circle Cleansing: The HPS will walk around the circle and with the smudge pot of smoking sage perform the cleansing: [Soft Drumming] HPS Let these wisps of smoke carry off all negativity from your being. The HP will walk around the circle and with the bowl of water performing the cleansing: [Continued Soft Drumming] HP Let these drops of water purify you in mind and body Casting The Circle: The HPS and HP will cast the circle in their traditional way. Greeting: HPS We meet in this circle of perfect love and perfect trust to ask the blessing of the Gentle Goddess and the Mighty God that those who ride may receive the following: HP May they be protected and kept safe. May they enjoy the strength and appreciate the beauty of these bikes. May they always ride with focus and wisdom. Watchtower Invocation: East: Ladies and Lords of the East We bring before you these bikes and their riders and all who may ride with them And ask your presence with them within this Wiccan Circle May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God Biker and Rider be safe on every journey, long or short. [Drumming - short sequence] South: Ladies and Lords of the South We bring before you these bikes and their riders and all who may ride with them And ask your presence with them within this Wiccan Circle May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the bike be always dependable. [Drumming - short sequence] West: Ladies and Lords of the West We bring before you these bikes and their riders and all who may ride with them And ask your presence with them within this Wiccan Circle May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the weather never be a cause for any harm. [Drumming - short sequence] North: Ladies and Lords of the North We bring before you these bikes and their riders and all who may ride with them And ask your presence with them within this Wiccan Circle May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the hazards of the road, animate and inanimate, be avoided. [Drumming - short sequence] Witness From The Altar: HPS Gentle Goddess, bestow upon these riders and their machines the gifts of beauty and love. HP Mighty God, bestow upon these riders and their machines the gifts of strength and wisdom. HPS - HP Are there any in this Circle who would stand with these Riders to serve as witnesses to this blessing? General Response: I bear witness to these Riders and their presence Anointing: The HPS will walk around the circle and with both hands clasp the right hand of the person: HPS This anointing is for your protection and awareness The HP will walk around the circle and with the oil anoint each person on the forehead:: HP Let this anointing be a visible sign of your non-visible blessing. Then the HPS and the HP will return to the center of the circle and proclaim: HPS The Goddess and the God have blessed you and your bike. HP The Lord's of the Watchtowers have acknowledged you and your bikes. HPS We who are your friends welcome you. HP There, Oh Circle-Of-The-Stars, shine in peace on them and their machines HPS - HP So mote it be! General Response: So mote it be! Libations and Treats: The Watchtower Caller of the West will distribute cups to all. The Watchtower Caller of the North will distribute the alcoholic libations the HPS and HP first, then to everyone [Soft drumming] The Watchtower Caller of the East will distribute the non-alcoholic libations everyone. The Watchtower Caller of the South will distribute the treats to everyone. [Do Not Forget The Libations and Treats For The Drummer!!!} Blessing of the Bikes: HP & HPS Bless this head light. May it show the way. Bless these handle bars. May they steer straight Bless these mirrors. May they reveal the idiots approaching from behind. Bless these seat. May those who sit upon them ride safely. Banishing of the Device: HP We see above us the New Moon. This is a time of beginnings A time for fresh starts. But in order to have a beginning, there must be an end. We have here a symbol of a monitoring device. Step forward and toss it into the fire. (Much applause) Watchtower Dismissal: East: Ladies and Lords of the East We thank you for your presence. May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God Biker and Rider be safe on every journey, long or short [Drumming - short sequence] South: Ladies and Lords of the South We thank you for your presence. May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the bike be always dependable [Drumming - short sequence] West: Ladies and Lords of the West We thank you for your presence. May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the weather never be a cause for any harm [Drumming - short sequence] North: Ladies and Lords of the North We thank you for your presence. May they always ride with the protection of the Goddess and God May the hazards of the road, animate and inanimate, be avoided [Drumming - short sequence] Opening the Circle: The HPS and HP will open the circle in their traditional way