R is for Rites

R is for Rites

There are three sorts of Rites, and ideally a format can be found that combines them into one sort of Rite.

These are;

Rites of Passage, for humans at various life stages, useful for creating balanced communities.

Ritual magickal acts intended to create a specific result.

Life Rights, which we have in the form of Human Rights. For example; One of the inalienable rights  of sovereign citizens is not to be bound by contract.

At this time of history, consumerism which equates to debt slavery to a corrupt thing called interest & inflation based money, has lost its way. The human world is suffering, the natural world is suffering. We know that Mother nature can wipe us out with a plague within 48 hours, and if she does so, the survivors will be the remote indigenous peoples who are not yet using money anyway, whose lifestyles are pure and in harmony with nature, whatever their ecology.

Therefore, the role of Witch or Shaman as tribal medicine healer, means that it is our role to make amends of this mess. The struggle to liberate ourselves from money and consumerism on the one hand, the need and ability to embrace permaculture in our own lifestyles, in our own lifetime on the other hand; can be summarized in that we need to become totally self reliant for growing our own food. These issues are the two sides of the same coin, be it a pentacle if you prefer the tarot definition.

Our role as medicine healers, and the intention of the Archaic Revival; to return our tribes, our communities, humanity wholesale, to a better more organic way of being, involves our pioneering methods to re-introduce into society, the valuable Rites of Passage. Primitive societies maintain these customs, which at first seem strange to many tv zomba western consumers. We have to do it ourselves because it is within our awareness, it is our role as community keepers, it is our responsibility to do what we can to redress the imbalance. Experiencing Rites of Passage is vital to every one of us. It is a human tradition and a deep part of our species psyche. We have lost this in capitalism.

The art/craft of making an artifact such as a clay vessel or effigy; of planting a food garden; is one part of the essential plan. Inter-tribal and age-specific fire-dancing, spirit-drumming, mask-performance as we take on symbolic roles from the community myths; storytelling! We have inherited many myths from our ancestors, but we have lost the deeper understanding of their meaning., so that their repetition is largely pointless. Time Now then is to re-learn the skill of mythologizing the local heroes and their antics. What is desirable, mature, responsible behavior? What is anti-social, to be scorned? What is the difference between the bad ones being outcast and the teenage ones traveling beyond the tribe zone? It is the human element, the human touch, one on one and one on group, that we need to hold communities together. Shared experiences resulting in lasting symbols that we can all feel pride in. The bonding of Communities and the bonding of Family, the empowering of Self.

Masks made of locally found elements, made by groups of all ages and hung in the tribe huts for all to see, and share in their wearing at the Masquerade ceremony. 


My Personal Rituals

I do not actively work rituals in the sense of witchcraft spells, using elements such as oils and candles. I use these constantly as a natural part of my daily life! Assigning concepts to them to function as energy-threads.These surround me in my environment. The web of connections is my magickal-mind, (is less of a mindset than a mindflux) there is probably a specific word for this, an overlay superimposed upon material world that links it at fundamental particle level to steer the elements thus achieve the mystical results I want. Of course, it is quite natural that the Hive-mind and Jungian archetypes are a part of this. It makes sense to me to empower my belief structure by flowing with the generic belief regarding specific items, and so I have always tried to remain traditional in my interpretation of what works with what object. Inherent energies and the nature of a thing.


Zap Mama, Gbo Mata (station)

GBO GBA NSO MATANE
N’GBO n’GBO ha
GBO GBA NSO MATANE
He he

I play my station
At the start of the game
I never give my name

I grant myself
These very special powers
The virtual powders

Now I’m surfing
I’m jumping
I’m crawling
And I’m …

As I progress through the games
I get my virtual powers
The virtual powers
Powders

Now I’m surfing
I’m jumping
I’m flying