Ptarmigan Moon - Home Ceremony
Preparation
Read a little about the ptarmigan and its meaning. The ptarmigan, or rievssat in Sami, is regarded as an ancestor bird. When it draws near to humans, it can be seen as the ancestors showing themselves.
Feel free to write down your intention for the ceremony: ancestral power, strength, success, energy, self-insight, rest, magic, spontaneity or the ability to let go.
Have a small drum, rattle or other sound-maker ready if you want to use it. If you do not have a drum, you can use this pre-recorded journey
Norse drumjourneys by Shamanic association of Norway
A candle (indoors) or a small fire/lantern (outdoors) represents the sacred fire.
Indoor version
Prepare the room
Clear a space, open the window for fresh air. Place a candle in the middle of the room.
Welcome
Sit down, breathe calmly, light the candle and say:
"I open the sacred space beneath the Ptarmigan Moon. Welcome ancestors, welcome spirit of the ptarmigan."
Cleansing
You can use incense, sage or simply run your hands along the body to "brush away" what weighs you down.
The journey to the ancestors
Beat the drum or rattle softly. Close your eyes and picture a ptarmigan showing itself. Follow it on an inner journey to the land of the ancestors. There you can build a small gamme (turf hut) or a house for the ancestors, and receive their blessing.
Return and sharing
End the drumming, breathe deeply and write down what you experienced in a notebook.
Closing
Thank the ancestors and the spirit of the ptarmigan. Symbolically blow three breaths on the flame before you put out the candle: one for the past, one for the present, one for the future.
Outdoor version
Preparation
Find a quiet place outdoors. Tidy the ground a little. Set up a lantern or light a small fire (if possible).
Opening the space
Stand upright, look at the moon. Say:
"Here I open the sacred space beneath the Ptarmigan Moon. Welcome to the spirits, the powers, the ancestors."
Cleansing
Take a few steps around the fire or lantern. Sweep the smoke over yourself or shake your body lightly as if to shake off the old.
The journey
Drum or sing simply. Follow the flutters of the ptarmigan in your imagination - see the ptarmigan lead you through the landscape to a place where the ancestors wait. Give them thanks, and build a house for them in your inner image.
Return
When you are finished, stand still and look at the moon. Let the silence be the answer from the ancestors.
Closing
Say:
"Thanks to the Ptarmigan, thanks to the ancestors. The circle is closed, but the connection remains." Put out the fire or lantern.
After the ceremony - The social space
Even alone you can mark this part.
Drink a cup of tea, eat something you like.
Play the drum or make rhythms for a while to celebrate.
Remind yourself that traditionally this was a time for community, gratitude and the sharing of stories.
