One critical mandate for the Transition Movement in the present Chaos Era is to createnew myths and associated rituals that guide us. What rituals do you participate in now; as a child? Do your stories speak to a world in turmoil? Who controls the narrative? This is a call for new rituals: a universal sharing and return to family, city core, gardens, fields, water, soul and Nature.

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Definitions

Ritual (2)

(a) A ritual “is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors’ goals and interests.” Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community.

(b) Semi-regular gathering of family or community members that share a Nature-based experience, value or dream often associated with formal roles and traditions. (W. Paul)

Universal

 (c) A globally understood sign (i.e. – meaning) that mandates care for all cultures. (W. Paul)

Return

 (d) To come back home; re-integrate; initiate; honor and acknowledge the sacred in all things. (W. Paul)

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New Sharing & Return Rituals

The Return of Ivory to Native Lands

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, elephants are healed and cared for on farms for visitors and locals alike. The big mammals are protected from poachers and considered sacred. Are they our equals? Can we see that Asian elephants and all earthly beings are part of a global family? That the return of stolen tusks from world-wide black markets is an act of healing, honor and learning with Nature. Tusk revenue returned to the farms support preservation and education. This program of “international return” to local care is a ritual of love, sharing and support.

Soil Building

With neighbors we clear grass heavy lands with controlled fires and shovels as a safety precaution and for soil building, turning-over the burnt wood and ash, adding compost from the neighborhood bins and then re-planting. With permaculture, we share knowledge and resources to keep fire on our side and to obtain healthy soils and sustainable yields.

Harvest Dance

Together we celebrate both Nature and Permaculture calendars, our union of science and spirit at last. Picking each crop as it matures, teaching the youth to dance, to sort, peel, prepare and cook for their sharing dance, a seasonal celebration.

Taking Down the Fences

Localization in the back yard! From a pragmatic point of view, taking down your fences can mean better friendships with your neighborhoods, a heightened sharing opportunity! Property lines are gone, yielding larger gardens and shared yields! Here is a return to our extended family of humans and animals, increasing views and openings to a local horizon; building resilience, trust and sharing between often fearful and isolated strangers.

The Convergence

The New College is born!  The Convergence is a spirit recharger, a fun zone, full of agriculture lessons, dancing allowed! The Convergence brain thrust propels  our union, sharing tech and spirit alike; accelerating our paradigm shift to a new land.

Sharing Expo

Bring what you have, take what you need. Ask a question, make a friend! Extend the Good Will model? The Sharing Expo is a true “Win-Win”, building and sharing the new network all at once; dissolving capitalism with new rituals.

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Our swing dance in the mud
Measuring, carrying, dumping, folding
Packing, balling, throwing, spreading, smoothing
Community shaping

Sacred is choosing the long view, re-loving Nature’s spirit, the shared view
We are growing local heroes here

Excerpt: The Cinnamon Cob Dance.  Lyrics & Poster by W. Paul