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A Ceremonial Prospectus for

Stones Rising 2007
  

     "Sacrifice, willingly stepping into a place of service,
offering of ones energy and time in a reciprocal exchange with Spirit,
understanding that this is necessary to the process of transformation.
     Ceremony, fully engaged in the rites and responsibilities of conscious change. The people gathered in Purposeful Community, Working Traditions, making Real Magic.
     Celebration, of libation made, traditions honored and gifts received. For the Great-grand children of those whose Great-grand parents have yet to be born. 
     The Seventh Generation."

**2006 Schedule**

Wednesday
:: Our Opening: “Community - Ceremony in Motion.”
A Dark Moon Service
with the Carey Family
7:45 PM at the peal of The Church Bell; in the Stone Circle
Gather at the entrance to the Stone Circle, answering the peal of The Church Bell. To honor the Dark Moon of Stones Rising, the Church’s tradition of focus on Service, Ceremony, and Celebration and to inspire the celebrants’ involvement in Stones Rising. An offering of Service by The Carey Family.

Nightly Drum Circle at the Upper Fire Circle
Bardic Circle at The Bardic Circle

Thursday
:: Community Circle “Witness”
10:30 AM at the Stone Circle
What is the ceremonial role of “The Witness” and how does it fit into the five days of Stones Rising. Join Patricia Althous in a discussion of the role of the Witness and by extension, this years Medicine Bundle..

:: Ongoing Projects and Pathways for Thursday
12:30 - 5 PM various sites
Read further in this program for details and MeetUp times. Check with the Coffee Dragons for sign-up sheets and more information about PathWays of Service.

“Preparing the Fire Circle “ 11AM
Got Drum? Got Fire? MeetUp every morning at the Upper Fire Circle to help maintain this chalice of energy, With Doug Fort and Ariel Rainfire.

“A Megalithic Practicum” 12:30 - 4 PM
At the peal of the Church Bell, Gather at the entrance to the Stone Circle.
The Art and Science of The Stone People; in which we meet a special challenge - The Great White Stone. More than a just a workshop, we will begin the process of moving this very challenging stone into the Stone Circle. Continued through Friday. With Orren Whiddon and The Stone People

“Preparing the Sacred Space of The Stone Circle” 1 PM
MeetUp at the Upper Fire Circle.
Continuing the work of preparing and decorating the Stone Circle, with special attention placed on hanging the Witness Arbors and banners. With Areo.

“Stone Singers Chorus” 3PM
Meetup Thursday at The Bardic Circle.
Begin singing together in preparation for Saturday’s “Magic Fire Circle” and Sunday’s Rising. Please do see the signup sheets at the Dragons and speak with Catherine Clarenbach or Kailin Miller if you are new to the Chorus.

:: The Kirtan: a Song to the Divine
6-7:30 PM at the Main Stage, Thurs, Sat and Sun.
The Kirtan is a form of call and response chanting in the Indian devotional tradition, indusive of trance; bringing one to deep stillness, bliss and to a profound sense of oneness with All. Join in the joyful noise! Bring your sensitive drums, percussion, musical instruments, and your openness to merge into Love. An offering of Service by Robin Renée.

:: The Washing of the Stones
7:45 PM in the Stone Circle at the peal of The Church Bell
The Formal Preparation of the Circle and The Standing Stones for The Day of The Rising.
The Washing of the Stones symbolically cleanses and refreshes The Circle and ourselves, in preparation for New Growth. This is a “hands on” ceremonial so do come in your best paleo-tribal costume, ready to get wet, sit on the ground and wash the Stones! An offering of Service by the Members of Four Quarters.

:: Etenna Eggun: A Candle for our Ancestors
9:15 PM at the Upper Drum Circle
A traditional West African Ceremonial to remember and honor our families’ dead. This joyous call and response of song and rhythm is visually beautiful and very participative. Feel free to bring mementos of your honored dead for the Altar and to sing out your families’ names. It is traditional for celebrants to wear white clothes and white head covering. Ending in an open Drum Circle. An offering of Service from Baba’awo Eloy Hernandez Oturo Nico and The Ile Casa de Orunmila and Patricia Althouse
Nightly Drum Circle at the Upper Fire Circle
Bardic Circle at The Bardic Circle
Nightly Kids’ Circle at The Lower Fire Circle

Friday
:: Community Circle “Altars”
10:30 AM at the Stone Circle
Altars, what are they and how do the work within our lives. Personal Altars, Altars upon the Land. The Stone Circle as an Altar of Our Tribe. Come share your experience of Altars; and to make preparation for the Stones Eve Altar Walk.

:: Ongoing Projects and Pathways for Friday
12 Noon - 5PM various sites
Read further in this program for details and Meet Up times. Check with the Coffee Dragons for sign-up sheets and more information about PathWays of Service.

“Preparing the Fire Circle “ 11AM
Got Drum? Got Fire? MeetUp every morning at the Upper Fire Circle to help maintain this chalice of energy, With Doug Fort and Ariel Rainfire.

“A Megalithic Practicum Too” 12:30 - 4 PM
At the peal of the Church Bell, Gather at the entrance to the Stone Circle.
The Art and Science of The Stone People; in which we meet a special challenge - The Great White Stone. More than a just a workshop, we will continue the process of placing this very challenging stone, rigging and preparing it for the Rising. Continued from Thursday. With Orren Whiddon and The Stone People.

“Building the Labyrinth” 1PM
Meetup Friday at The Coffee Dragons.
Preparing the Labyrinth for it’s role in the Stones Eve Altar Walk. And further preparation for its role in our Samhain Weekend. Carrie Krystec.

“Preparing the North Cliff Altars” 1 PM
MeetUp at the Coffee Dragons
Join in creating the North Cliff Altars for tonight’s ceremony, and in preparing the stone. An exercise in thoughtful, natural decoration. With kailin Miller.

“Preparing the Sacred Space of The Stone Circle” 1 PM
MeetUp at the Upper Fire Circle. Continuing Thursday’s work of preparing Stone Circle. With Areo.

“Pathway of The Stones “ 2PM
Meetup Friday at the Coffee Dragon
Assiting with water and refreshments (and no little merriment) the people pulling the ropes of Saturday’s long pull. A planning meeting with Juggler John.

“Stone Singers Chorus” 3PM
Meetup Thursday at The Bardic Circle.
Begin singing together in preparation for Saturday’s “Magic Fire Circle” and Sunday’s Rising. Please do see the signup sheets at the Dragons and speak with Catherine Clarenbach or Kailin Miller if you are new to the Chorus.

“The Loaves of The Corn Mother” 4PM
Meetup Friday at The Coffee Dragons. Planning meeting for the Saturday night baking of bread for the tribe. One of our most important Pathways of Service. With Juliet Waldron.

:: The Rad Fey Tea Party
6:30 PM at the entrance to the Stone Circle
“Dream a Little Dream with Me”
This year the RadFey are actually serving teas to accompany the birthday cake for the Stones. Bring a blanket and sit a spell and listen to recitations of Nursery Rhymes, Limericks and Fairy Tales. Together we will cast a circle and wish upon our star, Mama Cass, who will sing mystical favorites and then collect your wishes for Stones Rising 2005. Dream with us. Dream of all that can be at Stones Rising 2005. An offering of Service by the DC Radical Faeries.

:: Friday Night Ceremonial Complex
The Shabbat, The Cliff Walk, The Night Stone Pull
8:00 PM gather in the Stone Circle at the pealing of The Church Bell.
The Mystical Shabbat Ritual
(Head coverings are traditional but not required.)
When we light the Shabbat candles we open ourselves as vessels for Spirit. When we light the Shabbat candles we separate a time apart from the rest of the week, the rest of our lives. When we light the Shabbat candles we set aside the mundane.
We light the Shabbat candles to bring the Light of Spirit into our life force. An offering of Service by Sea Carr.
The Walk of Silence
After the preparation of The Shabbat we will journey along the North Cliff Face in a walk of silence and contemplation. What is the meaning of the grottoes that we find upon our way? Can we quell the mind and open the heart? Where is the journeys end? Our Light of Spirit will guide our path.
(Please wear good shoes, a covered flashlight if you feel the need.)
The Night Stone Pull
As in years past we will bring this Stone home in torch light, accompanied in joyous song and chant. Prepared by The Shabbat, our minds quieted by our walk along the North Cliff, we can now gather around the stone, take up the long lines and bring this stone home in a walking, singing Kirtan.
Refreshments will await our arrival in the Stone Circle.
An offering of Service by Robin Renee and the Members of Four Quarters.

Nightly Drum Circle at the Upper Fire Circle
Bardic Circle at The Bardic Circle

Saturday
:: Community Circle “Members Meeting”
10:30 AM at the Stone Circle
In a departure from years past, we will hold our members Meeting prime time on Saturday. There are some important issues to discus, the addition of new events in 2006 and possible changes to our Promoting Memberships. Please join us. Hosted by the Board of Directors.

“Preparing the Magic Fire Circle" 1 PM
MeetUp at the Upper Fire Circle
The physical preparation of “The Magic Fire Circle” for Saturday evenings conclusion of the Altar Walk., With Tigre, Doug Fort, Aero and Ariel Rainfire.

:: The Long Pull
1 PM in the Stone Circle: gather at the peal of The Church Bell
The Long Pull from The Fox Altar!
New Challenges for the Stone Crew!
Everyone is needed on the ropes and in support!
1PM Gather at the entrance of The Stone Circle, at the peal of The Church Bell. Then in procession to the Stone waiting at the Fox Altar. Past the Hemlock Hole and Sweat Lodge. How will we ever make it up the hill to The Kitchen?! Everyone in camp is needed… To work the ropes and levers of the pull. To Chant and sing in support. To assist the Stone Crews in their Commitment. To support them with water and refreshment. And, if needed, to take a hand on the ropes! See the postings at the Coffee Dragons for details.
It would be a mistake to think that someone else will do your share, and there is no guarantee that we can move this Stone without you. We don’t eat till the Stone Comes Home!

“Building the Labyrinth” 1PM
Meetup Friday at The Coffee Dragons.
Preparing the Labyrinth for it’s role in the Stones Eve Altar Walk. And further preparation for its role in our Samhain Weekend. Carrie Krystec.

“Stone Singers Chorus” 3PM
Meetup Thursday at The Bardic Circle.
Begin singing together in preparation for Saturday’s “Magic Fire Circle” and Sunday’s Rising. Please do see the signup sheets at the Dragons and speak with Catherine Clarenbach or Kailin Miller if you are new to the Chorus.

:: Final MeetUps of All Pathways of Service
6-7:00 PM Various Sites
Check the sign up sheets at the Coffee Dragons and meet with your pathway organizer for final preparations.

Stones Eve !
:: A Procession Upon The Land
Altars Shining Everywhere
The Magic Fire Circle
7:30 PM at The Stone Circle at the pealing of the Church Bell
Please join us in the Stone Circle at 8:00 to begin Stones Eve with a sacred pilgrimage upon the Land. Altars have been prepared by our Tribes-mates as touch-points for contemplation, reflection and preparation for the next morn’s Rising of Stones.
At our beginning in the Stone Circle, each celebrant will receive a giveaway gift from the Land; a Medicine Bag which can be filled with such objects found on the journey as will enhance memory and magic.
The full journey will proceed to the Labyrinth and then back down Loop Road to the Members Camp, past the Hemlock Hole and Sweat Lodge, The North Crook and ending at The Upper Fire Circle.
Please wear good walking shoes and take your drums, rattles and chairs to the Upper Fire Circle prior to the walk.

The Altars
Stone Circle - “Warriors’ Altar”
Upon the recumbent stone we set an Altar to honor those who live and give their lives in service to our Nation and its People. Pilgrims are offered chips from the Stones themselves for their Medicine Bags.
Labyrinth - “Internal Pilgrimage”
As the Procession is a spiritual journey on the Land, the Labyrinth is a spiritual journey of the self. As they walk the silent inward journey of the Labyrinth, pilgrims will cleanse themselves of that which is not needed. Upon entering the center, they will cross the threshold and discover the Source of all creation, and will seek what they need. Upon returning to the outer world, thanks are given for the inspirations/revelations they have received. Pilgrims are offered scented sea salt as a cleansing element.
RV Land - “Primal Goddess Revered”
Contemplate the roots of human spirituality at this altar to the Primal Goddess, the Earth Mother who birthed all life on Earth in the early days of Spirit. Pilgrims are offered to smudge their Medicine Bags with sacred herbs.
Loop Road pulloff - “The Past and Present Witch”
This altar is dedicated to Witchcraft’s tools of the 5 Elements. It is a symbolic picture of where Wicca is today as well as a link to what was before the current revival. Pilgrims are offered purifying sage for their Medicine Bags.
White Pines - “What do you see?”
An altar at which to contemplate that which is possible. At this altar pilgrims may claim a pinch of earth, the fundamental element, to ground and grow the potential of their individual prayer.”
Hemlock Hole - “The Childrens’ Spiral”
Following the Spiral Idea of SpiralScouts International, the Land’s children present a huge, decorated, and interactive Spiral to walk through, featuring their own artwork. Pilgrims are offered creek water, the element of dreams, a few drops of which will fertilize the prayers in the Medicine Bags.
Sweat Lodge - “Medicine Wheel”
All of life’s important lessons can be drawn from the Medicine Wheel; all that is sacred is embodied in the circle or hoop. The four sacred parts represent the four directions, four sacred colors, four parts of the spiritual world and the physical world; and four stages of life, all in complete and perfect balance. The hoop represents, in totality, the circle of life. Pilgrims are welcome to a gift of tobacco for their Medicine Bags from this altar, a sweet perfume of peaceful cooperation.
Lower Drum Circle - “The Universal Elements”
The Four Quarters and their Elements, separated into realms of influence around the Lower Fire Circle, reveal their spheres and how they integrate. Pilgrims are offered sacred ashes for their Medicine Bags.
Kitchen - “Vesta’s Hearth”
Grain is the Staff of Life upon which the branches of Spirit grow and thrive. From where and from who does one’s food come? At this altar one contemplates the foundation of any Tribe or Family. Pilgrims are offered corn meal for their Medicine Bags.
Coffee Dragon - “Symbols of Service”
As coffee represents the beginning of the brew we offer, the coffee dragon’s altar represents service to the community. Pilgrims are invited to take a pinch of the coffee grounds, smell the aroma, and reflect on what they receive. As the mind turns, one reflects also upon what they can give.
Maypole - “Four Sacred Masks”
The Stone Circle Wicca community offers an altar dedicated to the Living Spirit of the Universe, as It is manifested in the four masks of the Divine—Male, Female, Both, and Neither. These four alternate guises of the Source of Life are at the cross- quarters of the altar, between the four directions, whose blessings the altar also celebrates. Pilgrims are offered pieces of Maypole ribbon to enhance the magic of their Medicine Bags.

:: The Magic Fire Circle
approx 9:30 to midnight
The magical destination of our Stones Eve Altar Walk
Inspired by our experiences of Fire Rising, we invite you to a Circle of Rhythm and Silence, Dance and Song. Our agreement? To hold this space open for each other self expression as a vessel of magic and joy.
Please join us for the Magic Fire Circle of Stones Eve.

Sunday: The Rising
Marking the Body Tribal
8:00 AM
at the Main Stage
Ceremonial marking of the bodies of commitment makers and those standing in witness with paint. Come with an idea or picture of your preferred marking.
10:30 AM
Please form a large circle in the High Meadow across from the Stone Circle, answering the peal of The Church Bell.
The Breaking of the Loaves of the Corn Mother
11 AM Sunday Morning in the High Meadow
We share the loaves of bread that have been prepared from Saturday night as a Vigil and Pathway of Sacrifice, and adorn ourselves in paint by the pathway of service “Marking the Body Tribal,” preparing for our parts in the Rising.
The Ceremony of Commitments
Procession into the Stone Circle
Singing of the Invocation to put our minds into a sacred space. Slowly processing into Circle, speaking of our Commitment to the Warriors in the East, our Service to the Drummers and Dancers in the South, our Ceremony to the Corn Mother Bakers in the West and of our intended Celebration to the Elders in the North.
The Vigils, having received the Spirit Bundles from the Tribe, return the blessed and charged bundles back to the Tribe.
The Departure of the Stone Crew for the Third Stone and The Support of the Witnesses
Those who have attended The Megalithic Practicum may now leave the Circle to begin moving the third and final Stone, as The Stone People begin the final positioning and Rising. The Witnesses maintain the ceremonial energy of Sacrifice and Service within the Circle.

:: The Rising

:: The Blessing of the New Babies
Receiving the new babies into the tribe, passed by their Mothers through the Mother Stone into the arms of their Fathers for presentation to and welcoming from the Tribe. A celebration of our fruitfulness as a people.

:: Libations
Now is the time for our Witness Bundle, for the Tribe. This is a good time to consider the importance of Four Quarters to you and your family, and to fill out your pledge card or make a cash donation. Then an offering of Food and Libation for the Spirits, and a special gift for the Tribe.

:: The Feast of the Standing Stones
Approx 5PM at the pealing of the Kitchen Bell at the Kitchen Pavilion

:: Rest

:: The Consecration of the New Stones
8:00 PM Gather at the entrance of The Stone Circle, at the peal of The Church Bell.
The Consecration Ceremony will give us an opportunity to work hands-on with the Stones past and present, an opportunity to make an offering to or mark a Stone (not permanently) during the ritual, calling its strength into our own lives or perhaps thanking it for having already changed us for the better. Please do come and join us as we link the Stones, new and old, with our remembrance of the past and promise of commitment to the future.
In preparation, please take some time with all the Stones in the days *before* the Ceremony so that you will find the particular Stones that you wish to work with. You may find a Stone that calls to you, one that has become meaningful to you because you worked with it in a past Rising, one that has natural markings that symbolize a totem for you, or for whatever other reason is special to you. Remember which Stone it is, and bring your offerings with you to the Consecration. Materials for marking the Stones will be provided to you; please do not ask to use your own!
A ceremony to seal our work, focus our intent and send these Blessings out into the World. The final validations of The Witnesses will constitute the Formal end of the Rising.
An Offering of Service by Drema Baker

:: A Fire Circle for the Stars
Bardic Circle

Monday
:: Our Closings and Partings
11:00 AM at the Stone Circle
This is the time we return The Spirit Bundles to the Sacred Fire in thanksgiving. To share our parts in the thread that binds The Circle. And for a very special announcement.

:: Community Circle “Reflection”
11:30 AM at the Stone Circle
Closure for five days of The Rising.

Vesta’s Hearth, Vigils
and Pathways of Service
I

Vesta’s Hearth is a core part of Four Quarters and the experience of Stones Rising, and is certainly one of the most important Acts of Service that can be made at Stones Rising. Please do consider making this major Commitment of Service to the Circle. It Matters.

Vesta’s Hearth and
The Feast of the Standing Stones
Throughout The Stone Peoples Intensive and Stones Rising, the volunteers of Vesta’s Hearth prepare and serve the food that feeds us all. In ten days, over 1,500 meals will be served, as an Act of Service. You can make a place for yourself in this process at any time.
Visit the Starvin’ Artist, see Holly Dunn and arrange to serve a shift or two in the kitchen. Feed Your Own Fire in the Belly.
Beginning late Sunday morning, the Feast of the Standing Stones is the major feast of Stones Rising and perhaps the most significant Commitment of Service that can be made. By feeding the Tribe we feed ourselves.
Meetup for the Feast Saturday 7 PM at The Starvin’ Artist. Holly Dunn and Finger Lickingood, In Service

The Vigils
represent individual commitments of service to the tribe through personal sacrifice; focusing on a specific aspect of the Stones Rising experience. Saturday evening’s Ceremonial will charge The Vigil Keepers with the hopes and blessings of the Tribe, our presentation of the prepared Spirit Bundles, to remain in their safe keeping through the night and be returned to The People at The Ceremony of Commitments.

The Loaves of the Corn Mother (Vigil)
Beginning late Saturday evening and ending Sunday morning, preparing and baking the 200+ loaves of fresh bread needed to share before the Ceremony of Commitments and The Rising. This is a Major Commitment of Service, and honoring of your Tribe.
First Meetup Friday 6 PM at the Coffee Dragons
Final Saturday 6 PM The Starvin’ Artist
Juliet Waldron, In Service

The Fire Vigil
After the conclusion of Magic Fire Circle; the Fire Vigil maintains the pulse for the Eve of the Rising. If so called, you may make a commitment to drum or dance until the dawn, or commit to support the Drummers and Dancers through the late evening and early morning when their challenge is at its greatest.
First Meetup Friday 6 PM at the Coffee Dragon
Final Saturday 6 PM at the Upper Fire Circle
Richard Mulhern, in Service

The Warriors and Stones Vigil
As our beginning for the Saturday evening Altar Walk and ending at the beginning of the Ceremony of Commitments, the Warriors of our Tribe, and those who support them and The Stones, will stand watch within the Stone Circle throughout the night, honoring our Sacred Land and those who are in service far from home. This is a Major Commitment of Service.
First Meetup Friday 6 PM at the Coffee Dragon. Final Saturday 6 PM The Stone Circle
Heather McDuff, in Service

The Pathways of Service
are all of those means, both the lesser and the greater, through which the individual is able to own their responsibility for making ceremony, contribute to and hold The Circle. The Pathways are Stones Rising; you make it so through your choices and your actions.
In all cases, check at the Coffee Dragons for the latest information about any of these PathWays and changes to their meeting times. If you miss the first meetings, attend the others!

Sweat Lodge
Beginning Thursday, providing Sweat Lodge Ceremonies for the people of Stones Rising as a gift to the Tribe. Your commitments of help to Lodge Staff are gratefully accepted.
Meet at the Sweat Lodge Site to offer help to The Lodge Crew. Joe Scott and Lodge Staff, In Service.

Preparing Fire Circle
Thursday and Friday to clean, rake and prepare Fire Circle as an Altar for Drum. The techniques and traditions of physical and spiritual renewal for Ceremony. Love Fire Circle? Show it!
Meet each morning at 11AM at the Upper Fire Circle
Doug Fort, Arial Rainfire, In Service.

Weaving the Web
Beginning Thursday, for every one of us to help spin from natural wool a part of the “Thread That Binds” for the Sunday Evening Ceremony of Consecration. Listen to the history of this textile art, card the wool, try a drop spindle, and manifest the strands of interwound community. Guided and taught by Drew Bogda.
Everyday. The Spinning Wheel at The Coffee Dragon. Drew Bogda, In Service.

Building the Labyrinth
Preparing the hilltop Labyrinth for its major role in Stones Rising Ceremonials. Renewing the candles is only one facet of providing this mystical experience to the Tribe. Do you like the smell of grass, glowing lamps and hands-on work? This is for you.
Meetup at 1PM Friday at the Coffee Dragon
Denise Scott, Carrie Krystek, In Service

Stone Singers Chorus
Songs of honor, prayer and ceremony, the ululations of the Women’s and Men’s tribe. Working closely with Spirit Drum, Intercessors and Witnesses for the Rising and other ceremonials. Lift your voice in songs of praise and celebration.
Meetup 3 PM every day at The Bardic Circle.
Sign up and attend rehearsals as posted at The Coffee Dragons. Catherine Clarenbach, In Service

The Healers Pathway
Intimately related to Vesta’s Hearth and The Vigils, The Healers Pathway begins at sundown Saturday night and ends at the conclusion of The Feast of The Standing Stones. The Healers serve and support the physical needs of those Feast Makers and Vigil Keepers who serve the Circle, sharing their strength with those who make the extreme effort.
First Meetup Friday 6 PM at the Coffee Dragons
Final Saturday 6 PM at the Upper Fire Circle.
Mathew Wilson, In Service

Preparing the Space
To raise the Witness Arbors and prepare the ceremonial grounds of the Stone Circle for The Rising. Continuing the work of The Labyrinth. Creating the setting for ceremonial experience with colored fabric, Altars, stagecraft and more.
Meetup at 1PM Thursday and as needed at the Coffee Dragons. Areo, Carrie Krystek, In Service

Preparing the Sacral Foods
To prepare and serve sacred foods to all assembled in The Stone Circle during the Rising, helping to maintain our ability to focus on the Work at hand. With Grace and Reverence.
Meetup at 2PM Friday at the Coffee Dragons
Pamela Alexander, In Service

Preparing the Pathway of The Stones
Those people who accompany and support the Stone Crews by providing humor, refreshment and water for their labors, to keep those Stones a-rollin’ home. An excellent Pathway of Service for first-time attendees.
Meetup at 3PM Friday at the Coffee Dragons
Assemble Saturday for The Long Pull
Juggler John, Rachael Tucker, and The Spiral Scouts, In Service

Marking the Body Tribal
Ceremonially marking the bodies of Commitment Makers and those Standing in Witness before and during Sunday’s Rising. The Sigil Markers of Gods and Tribes.
Meetup at 6PM Saturday at the Coffee Dragons
Gather in front of the Main Stage 9AM Sunday Morning
Eliza Riggs, In Service

Sacred Dance
Dancing as requested for Ceremony; during the Rising, leading Stone Witnesses in dances of honor to Commitment Makers and for the Stones.
Meetup at 6 PM Friday at the Upper Fire Circle
TBD, In Service (Step up to the Challenge, folks!)

Preparing the Magic Fire Circle
An introduction to the ceremonial concepts of Magic Fire Circle will be offered 6PM Friday evening at the Fire Circle. An excellent opportunity to learn more and plan your own gift to the Magic Fire Circle, Stones Eve.

The physical preparation of The Magic Fire Circle is an extreamly important part of the transformative process. We will be building the Rythym Arbor, Entranceway and the East and North Altars. Torches, fabric, hangings for the Prayer Ties and much decoration. Show your love of the Magic of Fire Circle.
1 PM Saturday gather at the Upper Fire Circle with Tigre, Doug Fort, Aero and Ariel Rainfire in Service

The Witness and
The Sacred Witness Bundle
For many years, an important aspect of Stones Rising has been the role of the Witness. For it is the Witness who completes the circuit of ceremony and can step forward to say, “I was there and it was done in a good way”. This year, the Witness will play an important ceremonial role throughout the event of Stones Rising, as a Sacred Witness Bundle, created during the Stone Peoples Intensive will travel from ceremony to ceremony during Stones and finish it’s journey at our closing ceremony.
10:30 AM Thursday in the Stone Circle a Community Circle, “The Role of The Witness”
Through out Stones Rising the Witness Bundle will appear at every event, escorted by the Witnesses. Follow the “Star Banner.” With Patricia Althouse in service.

The following is reprinted from our 2003 Program
as a guide to the Ceremonial Process of Stones Rising           

Ten times we will have gathered together to raise The Standing Stones, every year putting into practice what we have learned before, nineteen megaliths standing on a hill top. Every year the Rising grows and changes and has new lessons to teach. And perhaps the great thing we have learned, as hundreds have worked these Stones into the Circle; is that people are willing to make real sacrifice within a ceremonial context.
    In fact we have a deep need to do just that. This is Stones Rising.

    Sacrifice, Ceremony, Celebration. Wherever you look to indigenous ceremony, in any part of the world, these concepts form the foundation of magical practice. Those peoples that have preserved their ceremonial traditions unbroken, understand that our relationship with Spirit must be a reciprocal exchange of energy. That what we can receive into our lives is in proportion to the living energy that we have to offer. That this offering constitutes our sacrifice of ourselves and our service to our people. And that when we make these offerings and ceremony within our tribe, we can truly create magic, and change. That we become transformed. And it is this process, of libation poured, of sacrifice and of ceremony, that allows us to genuinely celebrate each other, our work and the gifts of Spirit we receive.
   Stones Rising is not a festival, but rather a ceremonial intensive. It is not an event, but rather a tradition. And we are not the passive observers of an individual ceremonialist, but integral parts of a ritual process.
   We are ready to make ceremony as our distant ancestors did, for we have come of age.

Our Intent
           Stones Rising is conceived as a multi-day ceremony, an integral ritual whole made up of many parts. Ceremony is the focus and the key for what we will attempt to draw down for the people. Our purpose... to create a lasting bond between the People and their Sanctuary. To awaken and hallow the old and new Stones of The Circle. To call down the Blessings of Spirit for the People and The Stones. Our means... the rites of sustained and focused ceremony.
            Willing Sacrifice and Service to The Circle.
            Four Quarters seems to draw people who thirst for more in their magical lives than merely a counter-cultural experience, more than just a pleasant time. We have become a people who are prepared to give of ourselves for something that may last and might a difference in this very large world. With every Full Moon Service, every monthly Pledge and Membership, and with every Standing Stone...   We show it to be so.
            We are moving Stones Rising beyond a festival and into a place rarely explored today. A place of sustained, demanding and ultimately transforming ceremony. A place where we reach through our own limits and move beyond, into the realm of Spirit.

Our Means
            The Native American Tradition has a lesson to offer about ceremony. As is the case with most traditional religion, it is conceived that one must offer of ones self to Spirit in the act of seeking Blessings. This offering or Sacrifice can take many forms. Money, physical objects or ones time, sweat and toil. One can make an offering of one’s own physical and Spiritual self, by undertaking a most demanding ceremonial pledge, or one can stand in witness and support of those who do make their own commitments and of their process.
            By making an offering of themselves in willing Sacrifice it is possible to create direct relationship with that which we call Spirit, or the Divine. And through that relationship to create a positive flow of blessings and change. This flow is not two way, but must include the people who stand in witness of sacrifice. It is for the people that Spirit is invoked, and it is the People who validate that ceremony is done with respect and understanding. Only they can then say, "I was there and it was done in a good way."
            So a three pointed circulation of ceremonial energy is created; between those who make sacrifice of them selves in relationship with Spirit. Who through their Service call down the blessings of Spirit upon the people. And the people who stand in witness and support of those who make sacrifice. And so the circle is completed and magic is made.
            At Stones Rising we begin the process of reciprocal exchange with Spirit through the preparatory ceremonials which will begin Wednesday evening. Holding and amplifying this energy through each evening’s Sacred Fire and Drum Circle and through the following day’s seminars and ritual.
            We provide a matrix of ways for people to choose Pathways of Sacrifice and Service to The Circle that span the entirety of Stones Rising. Some of these Pathways of Sacrifice require commitment prior to arrival on the land and will sometimes constitute demands upon the commitment maker that will stretch them to their limits. Other Pathways of Service will be open to the individual at the moment they are moved to make their commitment. For this is not ritual of the performer and the passive observer. No matter what the level of one’s experience, from seasoned member of The Stone People to first time celebrant within the Stone Circle, there will be a place to create personal relationship with Spirit through a Commitment of Service to the Circle.

The Preparatory Ceremonies
      The Procession of the Standing Stones
            A core part of Stones Rising is of course the Standing Stones, and a major Pathway of Service is to become a part of the crews that work to bring the stones into Circle.Each year we bring three standing stones into Circle, beginning from positions of increasing difficulty and requiring greater levels of experience and commitment from the Members of the Stone Crews. And as each year goes by the Stone Crews and their Crew Leader gain experience working together, and progress through the three levels of difficulty.
            If you are new to Stones Rising we recommend the you support the stone crews by watching and encouraging them in their work. Preparing the Pathway of the Stones is an excellent commitment to make and will keep you close by the process of moving the Stones. This is the best possible way to learn and prepare yourself to make your own ceremonial commitment to the Stone Crews in future years. And who knows, when the crew reaches a particularly difficult part of their pull, the Crew Leader may very well ask you to step in and help with the ropes!

                      This year three stones will be placed and crewed as follows:

           Friday Evening the first stone will be moved from its position in the center of the hilltop Labyrinth and will be moved in torchlight procession to the east Gate of the Stone Circle, there to become a candlelit Altar until the Rising, Sunday Morning. This is a very special procession, led by PagaNet, the Labyrinth having been prepared by The Four Quarters Labyrinth Project. Our focus is Family, that which we hold closest in our Return to the Center. 

          Saturday  the second stone will be moved from its place in front of the Farm House, the famous "Long Pull". This Stone will be sledged 1.5 miles up the mountain into the Circle and is expected to take 3-4 hours constituting a very real Commitment of Service.This stone will be placed in front of the North Altar within the Stone Circle, there to be candle lit until the Rising. This stone also represents our second GiveAway, For The Land.

          Sunday   during the Rising, we will move the third stone into Circle from its place at the far East end of the High Meadow. This is a challenging Stone, as it will be moved on rollers and will immediately be placed a raised as the final Stone of the Rising.

The Rising
            And finally Sunday Morning, the constellation of Ritual that we call The Rising. Taking place within the Stone Circle transformed into ceremonial grounds, the central axis through which The Stones arrive into Circle flanked by The Witnesses’ Arbors. The Pavilion of The Ceremonial Drums and The Prayer Arbor standing to the North.
            We begin by breaking our fast and sharing of the Loaves of the Corn Mother, prepared as a Commitment of Service. Then the Ceremony of Commitments itself, making and completing our personal work for Circle, as we pass through the Rites of the Four Quarters; four crystalline ceremonials processing us all through the Circle.
            The Blessing and departure of The Third Stone Crew and the fulfillment of many Commitments of Sacrifice and Service, witnessed and supported by the People. Holding the Circle in Ceremonial Space, completing the work of preparation as the Stone People carry out their task of Raising the Great Stones.
            Our welcome of The New Stone as it arrives into Circle. The placement upon their foundations by the Stone People and The Rising. The Stones Standing upright, pulled into their final place by the People in Witness. Songs of honor sung by the traditional Drum and The Stone Singers Choir.
            The Casting of the Odu of Ifa. To divine from the Spirits that this ceremony has been performed in a good way, that there is nothing left undone, that the Stones have found safe harbor.
            Our Blessing of the new children born to our Tribe as they are passed through the Mother Stone and into our Ceremonial Circle.
            The GiveAway to that person in Circle unknown to us.
            The Libations of Thanksgiving poured upon the ground and our Blessings received, as we share a tremendous meal of thanksgiving from the Fruits of the Earth, The Feast of the Standing Stones. A major Pathway of Sacrifice for those who have made this commitment. 
            And then rest, reflection and preparation; because we are not yet done.
            Sunday evening, The Ceremony of Consecration with The LumensGate Ceremonial Intensive. And the final GiveAway for the World.
            These are the elements of the Day of the Rising.

Pathways of Commitment and of Service to The Circle
            It is intended to provide many ways in which a person can choose to make their own commitment to the Circle through the Pathways of Service.
            Many of these Pathways are organized by a group leader working in advance for the overall organization of Stones Rising. We encourage you to contact the Four Quarters Forum to learn more about these commitments and contact the team leader. And we welcome your early participation in planning these Pathways. You will receive from these commitments in proportion to what you give.

         Commitments to Feed the People:  Holly Dunn
Holly Dunn: The Feast of Inspiration
Marcia Tirocke:  Preparing the Loaves of the Corn Mother
Mike Leyer (Finger):  The Feast of the Standing Stones with Vesta’s Hearth
Pamela Alexander:  The Feast of Silent Contemplation
Preparing and Serving the Sacral Foods of Ceremony
            Any of the these Pathways of Feeding the People are considered Major Commitments of Service, and are perhaps among the most demanding ceremonial commitments that are made at  Stones Rising. We honor you for considering them. Because they require advance planning and in some cases many hours of team work to complete, it is most important that you contact the Team Leader through the Four Quarters Forum. Be assured that in making and completing these Ceremonial Commitments you have made a profound personal contribution to Tribe, to Spirit and to The Circle of Standing Stones.

         Commitments of Personal Service
The Vigil Keepers Including:
     The Drums of Service,
     The Dancers of Service and
     The Healers of Service
The Stone Singers Choir
The Ceremonial Drums of The Rising
Sacred Spiral Dancers of The Stones
Painters of the Body Tribal

         Commitments to the Land
Building and Keeping The Drum Circle Altars
Making the Pathways of Arrival for the Stones
Building and Keeping The Witnesses’ Arbors
Keeping the Fire Circle
Preparing the Altar of Prosperity and Thanksgiving
Keeping the Altars of the Recumbent Stones

          Commitments to the Standing Stones
The Stone Crews bringing The Stones into Circle
with sledges, rollers and intent
Working the Ropes and Raising the New Standing Stones

          Commitments to the People
Sunday's standing as Public Witness to others as they complete their own Commitments of Ceremonial Sacrifice and Service
           Of especial importance is the Act of Witness, for without the People in Witness, the connection between Ceremony and Spirit is lost; and there are none to receive the Blessings that come of Sacrifice.  The Witnesses Prayer Arbor is constructed on both sides of the central axis of The Stone Circle, and it is here that all of the Ceremonial Commitments will be fulfilled and Witnessed. Through it will arrive the Stone People and The New Stones. And it is here that the Ceremonial Witnesses will hold the energy of the Stone Circle through the Ritual of Commitments and the Rising.
            If you are new to Stones Rising this is the most appropriate commitment for you to make.

            These then are the Pathways of Sacrifice and Service that have already been created. There is room for more. No matter if this is your first Stones Rising or your eighth, as a Commitment maker or as a Witness to Ceremonial Commitment, there is a Pathway open for your journey to join us in Service to the Circle.
            Please remember that if you are called to make a Commitment of Service, you should review the material posted to the Four Quarters Forum in advance of Stones Rising. While many of the Pathways can be shared upon the moment when you arrive for Stones Rising, others do require advance preparation. Full particulars and sign-up sheets will be available at The Coffee Dragons Hospitality Pavilion in the High Meadow.

            Some members of Four Quarters have made arrangements to offer smaller ceremonials within the context of Stones Rising, and this is encouraged. If you are a Member and would like to offer ceremony, please contact the offices at Four Quarters.

For first time attendance at Stones Rising
          It is not possible to convey the substance of a ceremonial intensive of this scope by means of a web site, nor can Stones Rising be explained as a simple listing of its component parts. In fact, for the first time attendee the flow of ceremonials at Stones Rising can be overwhelming. If you are considering a first time attendance we can only tell you to expect nothing... and everything.
          Stones Rising is a continuum. Each year leads into the one that follows. And it is proper and to be expected that it will take time for you to discover your own part in the Ceremonial Circle. Perhaps you will be drawn to a Pathway of Service, but do not feel that you must. For the first time attendee absorbing the impact of the Ceremonials and their preparatory workshops is challenge enough. As a first time attendee we recommend that you participate in the ceremonies that call to you...  and stand in support of the commitments of others. To simply stand in the Witness Arbor and validate the Commitments of those who came before you is a necessary honor. And then through the weeks and months that follow, your own ritual experience will become more clear, and you will be well prepared to make your own choices of commitment in the Risings that follow.
           For like the Ceremonial Circle, there is no beginning or ending other than that place in which you stand.
           For further information about the Ceremonials and the Pathways of Commitment and Service for Stones Rising, please feel free to call Four Quarters at 814-784-3075, evenings before 9PM or visit the Four Quarters Forum.

In Closing
            The power and mystery of the Ancient Monuments and Old Ways of EarthReligion are undeniable. Karnak, StoneHenge, The Acropolis, The Snake Mounds. All continue to exert their message if only we have ears to hear and eyes to see. And surely their builders prayed for us too, as they made Sacrifice and Ceremony within their traditions.
            Now it is our time. To put aside our childhood and take up the work of our maturity. To offer Sacrifice and make Ceremony as was done for us, long ago. And in so doing to acknowledge the Blessings of the past, our place in the web of the present and offer our gift to the future.
            That these Old Ways may be preserved on the face of this Earth for the great-grand children of those whose great-grand parents have yet to be born.

For The Seventh Generation,
The Stones will Rise Again.