The CDO Beltaine Inauguration
by Paul Bills, Arch Druid of the Cumbrian Druid Order, and Craig Douglas, Official Recorder of the Cumbrian Druid Order
Well, the day itself started with promise and panic. Promise that the weather was beautiful, and panic because I still didn't have enough blossom to finish the crown! I'm sat in my living room typing this on Monday, and the hawthorn hedge across the road is in full blossom, now...
The Gods love to jest...
Arriving at Burns Farm, we were welcomed by a right dodgy looking bunch of people, who turned out to be IOD, along with Arthur, Kay and Fintan. We eventually made our way into Keswick after Steve the Roman got off his throne and put his game away, with my phone going mad (I followed advice and turned it off in the end...)
Image by Jo
I didn't know there was a market on! Wish I did, because there was some nice stuff there, including a stall selling leather items (like a belt to carry the sword...you lot have such a dirty mind sometimes...) I really must get that guys details..
Anyhow...
We met Jazzy and Hubby (David, isn't it?) along with Mike and Laksmi in Keswick, before heading off up to the stones. We seemed to have a lot of positive interest, the Town Crier (off duty, unfortunately, or we could have utilised his skills) seemed to like us, as did the many people we passed who beeped and waved, thumbs upped at us.
Image by George from the Phoenix Order
The Twa Dogs Inn very nearly became Castlerigg for the day when we got that far, but, we couldn't let down all those waiting for us at the top, so we 'walked on by' and carried on until we reached the top (pausing only once....well, maybe twice...for a ciggy break).
Coming over the last brow, we were met with the sight of dozens of robed Druids, and plenty of other wellwishers who had come along to support us on the big day.
And from this point on I, Perciville, will take over as MaC was still in a daze, from the lack of oxygen from that walk....
Fintan did us a great honour by piping the assembled onto the field and to the circle
Image by Jo
When they all arrived at the stones, they proceeded to walk round the circle, the original plan was to do this three times but after that walk they couldn't quite manage it. Skippy AKA The GreenMan took his residence in the sanctuary, MaC then proceeded to the centre of the circle, and then thanked all for coming and explained briefly what we was there for and what was about to happen. . .
Image by George from the Phoenix Order
Arthur then proceeeded to call in the element of the East, followed in well I would say quick succession, but Wayne had to get in place first, we all giggled (well I did - everyone else belly laughed) Wayne called in the elements from the South, this was Followed by Jo, Jemma and Josh calling in the West, followed on by Debs calling in the North.
Image by Jo
With the Circle now open, MaC Proceed to walk the May Queen round the Stones From East to East, as they passed each quarter we all shouted "All Hail the May Queen." and then returned to the centre, this was where Skippy The GreenMan then proceeded to walk towards the May Queen to Crown her with the Crown Of Flowers which was slightly delicate and got damaged by the wind.
We was then all called to the inside of the stones to hold hands and form a circle, to do the Druid Oath. In my opinion this was amazing the amount of Energies that was round us at this point made my hair stand on end. We then had a few readings. Jemma read her poem and she did really well, doing us all proud (especially the Cheshire Cat-like Jo)
Image by George from the Phoenix Order
then Lois who read "Earth Teach Me to Remember", by John Yellow Lark, then presented MaC with a runic offering from Tamaris, which is absolutely beautiful, and will take pride and place beneath our Apple tree.
Image by George from the Phoenix Order
The circle was then closed, with all the quarters thanked for their attendance at the ceremonies, and then it was the photocall (and MaC can take over again).
So... I was wandering around in a daze, doing as I was told by the photographer, and thinking "but we were over there when that happened, won't it look a bit odd...?" and "I want to have me picnic!" and I can vaguely recall him mentioning something about standing and stone, then when we wandered over for the group photo, and then everyone shouted at him, and I realised what he was using for a step.
So, he very quickly got off, looking slightly alarmed as a bunch of Staff and Sword-wielding 'hippies' muttered in his general direction (Jo went further and farted...), and then he borrowed the News and Star photographers step ladder to get the shot he wanted.
Photo's done - PICNIC!!
Image by George from the Phoenix Order
All I can say is - lovely people (including a group up from Portsmouth for a handfasting - the guy who stood as North was a bit tasty... although West wins the award for 'most dramatic cloak' ;)), lovely food, lovely drink (I finally tried mead! Bit strong, innit?) stunning surroundings, and all topped off by beautiful bright sunshine married with the infamous 'Cumbrian Windchill'.
I've said everywhere else, but I'll say it again. Thank you to all of you who came - I'd say thank you to everyone individually, but, to be honest, I'm still putting faces to names, and don't want to inadvertently miss anyone out!
Now....better get on with planning the next one...
MaC & Perciville
For more information about the CDO please contact: cdo.druid@btinternet.com
or go to our website at http://cumbriaorderofdruids.tripod.com