Loads of spiritual allies

My friend Willow's spending the winter in a small cabin in a muddy field in the Ozarks. She'd like to write a book, and I'd like her to write a book. She needs a desk or a table, and doesn't have one yet, and I sincerely hope that doesn't prevent her from writing her book. Of course, I've got a desk and a table, and I'm not writing a book, so I don't have a leg to stand on, really.

I'm very much hoping that she'll write a book, or something, about how to make a ritual that works, one that counts, that gives the opportunity to each participant to feel empowered. She does this, when she leads rituals, and I've been trying to learn it from her, and I just know it'd be easier if she wrote it all down and I could read it. Easier for me, that is. And maybe easier for her, because then she wouldn't have to suffer fools like me botching up perfectly good rituals. Ok, the opportunity for botching would still be there, but then she could point to the book and say, "do your homework, witch."

I've got something of a reputation here on the farm as some kind of ritual leader, because I go to Spiral Heart's witchcamp every summer, and am something of a ritual addict. I just love standing in a circle, I think that's it. We can all see everyone, and we all have something to contribute and something to discover about ourselves. I really like Reclaiming rituals because of that... audience participation, for lack of a better word. I'm not really into esoteric secrets -- I think I'm too much of a populist for that. I've found that the wisdom of the group, when the group is connected and grounded, is truly greater than any high priest or priestess. I feel like it's the priestess's job to make sure the group is connected and grounded, and beyond that, well, maybe a nudge or two to "go that way," and keep the group on track. As far as the mumble mumble mumble performance, well, that's not so interesting to me. I don't want to be a spectator in a ritual, and my favorite rituals are when there are no spectators. I like it when we're all in the soup together. Being grounded, of course, first.

Anyway, I'm hoping Willow will come up with some words that tell us how to do this, because the default is, watch the priestess. Probably leftover habit from school and church. Blech, I say. Opportunity for mind to take a vacation and go someplace else, out to the woods and fields where there are no spectators, only participants in the great life dance of the world. Spirits and allies of all kinds are just waiting, future dance partners, one after another, why sit still and watch?
okey dokey artichokey,
much love,
Kelpie