Rituals

Opening Ritual - Goddess is Alive, Magic is Afoot!

Facilitated by Greenleaf Coven

Greenleaf's Bio: We are a loosely-knit group of Witches, Pagans, Shamans, Independents, and Just Folks who choose to come together for worship, work, and fellowship.

Members of Greenleaf have presented programs for TV, newspapers, radio, and have also presented programs at Southwest Missouri State University and at Drury University. The founders and board of directors of Greenleaf are: Reverend Patricia A. Allgeier, Reverend William D. Byler, Reverend Kathleen P. Mullins, and Monte A. more...Tarrant. Greenleaf Coven was founded and made legal in the state of Missouri in 1993, although we have been chartered on and off by the Church and School of Wicca since 1976.+

Our religious traditions are primarily influenced by the Celtic and Germanic traditions although we are pretty eclectic with the understanding that, as all Wiccans and Pagans, we believe in a Prime Creative Source that is both our Mother and our Father. We teach karma, reincarnation, and the Law of Multiple Return - that is, everything you send out is returned to you multiplied. The Mother Earth and all life is sacred and should be treated with love and respect. We encourage people to express gratitude every day for all that we are given. We also encourage people to ask questions, to recognize and develop their abilities and talents, and to try to get through life doing good and causing as little harm as possible. Greenleaf Coven exists as a church and support group for those who do not find their home in the traditional churches. While we do not proselytize nor do we seek out members or converts, we are always available for people who need us.

Transition to Motherhood Ritual

Facilitated by Jennifer Grotpeter

Description of Workshop/Ritual (3 sentence minimum if possible): We will be honoring the transition from maiden to mother with love and humor. Mothers of all sorts are welcome- expecting mothers, women who aspire to motherhood, moms who have grown children or little children. Everyone will be able to take something positive away from the ritual. Daddies can come, too!

Jennifer's Bio: I have been following a solitary pagan path (although I do belong to the St. Louis Witches' Hat Society) for slightly over ten years now. I have two young children; their craft names are Epona and Flora, and their births occasioned this ritual. I look forward to sharing the pain, love and humor of the transition to motherhood with the guests of Pagan Picnic.

Eldering Ritual

Facilitated by El Bee

It has been two years since we publicly honored worthy people as Elders of our community. We will once again hold a special ceremony to recognize and honor individuals who have risen to the top because of their public and private contributions to the Pagan community.

An Elder is not self made. One is only an Elder by a will of the people. This community is fortunate to have so many people who are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the many. This is our chance to thank them and officially elevate them to the status of Community Elder.

To this end, we will be accepting nominations within the guidelines listed below. All nominees will be contacted and a determination will be made of their qualifications and acceptance of this honor.

• Nominating Guidelines: Must be a least 45 years old
• Must have at least 10 years of public community service
• Must be known to a significant number of people
• Must know where the bones are buried and will take that knowledge to their grave

Please send your nominations for Elder along with an explanation of your reasons and a contact number to Elbee. All nominations must be received no later than May 20, 2008 to be considered.

Closing Ritual

Facilitated by Ancient Ways

Ancient Ways Bio: The Circle of Ancient Ways is an open gathering of Eclectic Pagans who have found fellowship in shared rituals, free form group study, and socialization. We are not a coven, nor do we adhere to any tradition. We are an open circle of American Pagans.

The group is a resource for those unique adventurers exploring a completely personal path within the broad spectrum of Paganism. We are a diverse bunch, each person walking their own path but coming together to celebrate the seasons and cycles of nature and to socialize and fellowship with one another.

We have been an active and open group in St. Louis, Missouri, since June 1, 2006. Members of the group come from all over the metro area, and some of the online members come from various parts of the country. We value all members of our group as each individual adds their own personality and energy that balances and expands the whole.

Talents abound in our surroundings as we have those skilled in ritual arts, naturalist pursuits, poetry, chants, healing arts, shamanistic techniques, herbalism, divination, various aspects of magickal living and more!

Ancient Ways Email Group