Not all of our members are able to take part in our public ceremonies. That is why we have created a simple ceremony you can hold at home.
Reindeer Moon ceremony (at home)
Preparation:
Clear a small area (a table or the floor) to represent the sacred space.
Set out a candle (in place of the fire), a stone, or a bowl of water as a symbol of nature's gifts.
Have a drum, rattle or your voice ready for simple sound.
Carrying it out:
Opening: Light the candle and say: "I open this space for the White Reindeer and its gift to us."
Cleansing: Move slowly around yourself (or around each other if there are several of you) with smoke from incense or juniper, or simply with a gentle fan (a dried leaf, a feather or a movement of the hand). Let this symbolise purity and the release of old layers.
Introduction: Briefly tell (or quietly reflect on) the pact with the White Reindeer: that it gave its gifts to humankind in return for our respect and care.
Drum journey/intention:
Beat a simple rhythm or hum.
Invite the White Reindeer in and ask for the experience of gratitude and reverence.
Sit in silence and listen for 5–10 minutes.
Sharing: If there are several of you, briefly share a feeling, an image or a thought that arose.
Closing: Extinguish the candle and say: "The ceremony is closed. The gratitude lives on within us."
Social part (optional): Sit together, share food, tea or a little drumming and song – informal and warm-hearted.
Reindeer Moon ceremony (outdoors)
Preparation:
Find a place in nature that feels safe.
Tidy a little space by a tree or a stone, or dedicate a small area as your ceremony space.
Make a small fire if possible, or use a candle or lantern.
Carrying it out:
Opening the space: Stand in a circle (if there are several of you) and be still for a moment to listen to nature. Then say: "We open this place for the White Reindeer."
Cleansing: Use a juniper sprig, birch leaves or simply movements of the hand in front of one another (or yourself) as a symbolic cleansing. You can also "brush away" old energy with your hands and release it to the ground.
About the pact: Share aloud or in silence the memory of how the Great White Reindeer gave humankind food, clothing and life force, and that our part of the pact is respect and gratitude.
Drumming/sound:
Begin a simple shared rhythm or listen to the sounds of nature.
Journey in spirit with the White Reindeer; imagine that you walk by its side and feel its gifts.
Sharing: After the silence/drumming, those who wish may say a single word, a feeling or an image.
Closing: Place a sprig, a flower or a small stone in the centre as a token of thanks. Extinguish the fire/candle and say: "The ceremony is complete."
Social part (optional): Play the drum, sing simple sounds, or share food and drink on the spot.
