This ritual focuses on destroying barriers and increasing the positive elements that will help us overcome AIDS. The ritual space is purified according to personal practice. Invocations to Athena, Hermes, and/or Brigid may be done.
Those gathered will be divided into five groups. One will be assigned to each of the elements with one group in the center. Each group may be led by a particular coven or group of coven leaders. The center (altar) group will present each elemental group with the obstacle to overcome and later accept the positive "goal". We have divided the elements this way:
Air - Knowledge/Ignorance
Fire - Commitment/Indifference
Earth - Funding/Red Tape
Water - Empathy/Hostility
When confronted with the obstacles the small groups will be wrapped with crepe paper by the center group. Some suggest the spectral colors, we suggest the following:
Air - White
Fire - Red
Earth - Brown
Water - Blue
The groups break their bonds, overcoming the obstacle. When all four are done, each quarter group presents the center group with a candle symbolizing the positive quality. They are all placed on the altar and tied with silver thread. As they burn, the group can dance to raise energy. Afterwards, all are given candles charged during the ritual that were on or under the altar to take home and spread the light. Cakes and Wine/Libations can follow.
All present will be divided into five groups.
* In the east - air
* In the south - fire
* In the west - water
* In the north - earth
In the center are the drama facilitators. Each group is "lead" by an experienced person.
Water, salt are consecrated. Circle is drawn with wand. Circle is blessed with water and incense.
Invocation to Athena, Hermes and Brigid as to purpose of rite.
Air group speaks INTELLIGENTLY on AIDS. Statements like "The HIV virus is very fragile and is only passed through intimate contact." They are all bound with PURPLE crepe paper. They begin to make IGNORANT statements like '"you can catch AIDS from shaking hands". They are temporarily defeated by the IGNORANCE of the crepe paper. Then they rally and tear apart their bonds.
Fire group speaks about dedication to finding a cure for AIDS, expressing COMMITMENT. They are bound with GREEN crepe paper. They speak with INDIFFERENCE. They slowly overcome and break free of their bonds.
The Water group talks about EMPATHY. They are bound with ORANGE crepe paper. They speak of HOSTILITY. They break free.
The Earth group talks about adequate FUNDING. They are bound with RED crepe paper. They become tangled in RED TAPE. They overcome the challenge.
Each group charges a taper with their positive element. The tapers are placed on the altar and bound with silver thread. They are lit and all dance around in a single or double circle and send energy out to spread our will. Extra candles on the altar are also charged.
Juice and cookies are blessed and shared. All are given candles to take home to spread the light.
The deities are thanked, and the circle is closed.
