Assumption, Sonnet to Li Ban

Assumption Ceremony. An assumption ceremony in the tradition of the Green Mountain Druid School training is the culmination of three years of training and involves journeying to meet a God or Goddess from any pantheon who steps forward to be assumed. Preparation involves spending time in contemplation, ceremony and synchroncity with the deity who chooses the supplicant. To merge with and co-create ceremony with a deity is a daunting task requiring the ability to deeply commune with the magical realms in a safe way, with humility, curiosity and reverence. This work is a requirement of third year students, supported by the teachers, and is witnessed by first year students in an evening ceremony. 

Li Ban is a pre-christian Goddess of the Irish pantheon of gods and goddesses, originating in Northern Ireland. Li Ban translates to "Paragon" (or Beauty) of Women. She is triple goddess aspect, the maiden and a water oracle. Her tale speaks of a great loss, her guilt at having survived when others did not, her retreat to solitude, and her rebirth as a mermaid of the great Loch Neagh.

To speak too much of the ceremony would take the mystery from it, so instead of explaining what it was like, I share this poem I wrote to the Goddess, Li Ban, who chose me and this photo taken just prior to assumption.

Sonnet to Li Ban

Beneath the lake so wide and deep,

She bowed her head in shame and loss

A grieving heart sank into sleep

And fiery tresses turned to moss.

The curving sky the sun did yield

The silver moon grew full and soft

In the deep her fate felt sealed

Her cry to heaven flew aloft

To know forgiveness and release

From a burden carried not one’s own

Oh Ancient One, maiden of peace

With your grace may love atone. 

The girl burst forth from sorrowed cave,

By bright, iridescent tail and fin and wave.

Assumption with Goddess Li Ban