Samhain
   Descent into the Underworld
   Conducted in 1999 with BirchTree and DragonBears at the DragonBear’s Covenstead.

Advance Prep

Outdoors, create a “cave” from blankets and ropes between two trees. It needs to be large enough for two people to comfortably sit, and a milk-crate for a table. If possible, disguise it with branches. The entrance should be a short, low tunnel, and covered by a flap of blanket so no light from within the cave will show at night. The inside of the cave should be dressed with things of beauty, like veils, strings of beads, and crystals that catch the light and sparkle. A book, candle, and hand mirror are placed on the table. (Be careful to keep all fabric well away from the candle, which should be in a stable, enclosed holder.) The first High Priestess, speaking as Persephone, sits within the “Cave” prior to the start of the ritual, in meditation. Another Witch is needed to act as Guardian and Gatekeeper. He should wear a hood with a veiled face and hide out of sight by the entrance to the tunnel.

PART 1 - Mummer’s Supper

The second HPS leads the guests into Circle. Light Altar candles, Cast Circle, and call Quarters. HPS offers an explanation of the Celebration, and defines the purpose of the Ritual.

Bring forth offerings for Mummer’s Supper and place them upon the Altar. Break the bread and pour wine into the Chalice. Participants share names and memories of those who have gone before. As we remember our Ancestors, we invite them to share the feast with us, and share their wisdom with us. Pass the bread and wine, and share the feast with spirits.

PART 2 - Descent into the Underworld

HPS begins drumming a steady trance beat on the drum. Lead guests on Shamanic Journey to find inner strength and receive personal wisdom.

What needs to die? Where can the answers be found?
Explore an awareness of death, in preparation for descent into the Underworld.

One by one, HPS sends Guests to the entrance to the Tunnel. Each participant is reminded to cast aside their fears and accept the journey through death, and embrace the new life that emerges on the other side. The guest is led out of the circle, and met by the Guardian. Those remaining in the Circle continue to work with the heartbeat drumming, and appropriate chants, such as:
    It is the blood of the ancients that runs through our veins;
    The forms change, but the circle of life remains...

Challenge at the Gate:

The Guardian stops the seeker, and prompts them to offer their name. He then asks if they are willing to die to seek the deeper mysteries? Only those guests who are willing to continue may enter the tunnel. If they do not wish to enter, the Guardian sends them back to rejoin the Circle.

Confronting the dark face of the Goddess

The seeker crawls through the tunnel and enters the candle-lit cave. There sits the Goddess Persephone, holding up a mirror. She invites the seeker to sit before her and gaze into the mirror, and see the reflection of the Goddess that gazes back.

Receive guidance in the Deeper Mysteries

The seeker is invited to ask questions and receive divinations from Persephone. He or she is invited to let their old life die to be reborn anew. When done, the seeker is asked to sign the book, as a token of their journey.

Rebirth

The seeker crawls back out of the tunnel, and returns to the circle. The next guest is then led to the Guardian. When all who chose to face the challenge are through, the HPS within the Circle ends the drumming, and returns all guests from the journey. The Ancestors are thanked, the Quarters are blessed and released, and the Circle is opened.

PROPS:

6 - 8 blankets or tarps
rope
trees or other anchors for ropes
Bread & wine for Mummer’s Supper
Safety candle
Altar Candles
Chalice
Mirror
Book
Lots of pretty things
drum

~Flame RavenHawk