Samhain (otherwise known as Hallowe'en) 2013 was my first public Pagan ritual. Not only that, but one which I had to lead! I'd recently joined a group of Pagans called Silver Hill Pagans. It was a relatively new group and I'd known most of the other 11 members through previous groups.
We had established a regular meeting point, being the "Miner" statue at the Silver Hill area of Teversal Trail in Nottinghamshire. It was here that some of the group, before it's forming, had held small rituals and gatherings previously and was seen as a good location.
Chris was initially meant to lead the ritual, but was uncertain as to whether he could make it, so I was given the task of performing the main structure of the ritual, with other members of the group reading passages for each of the four quarters. We gathered at the top of the Miner hill in early evening, garbed in robes etc. Another group joined also, making around 18 people in total.
Firstly, all the items to represent each of the quarters were placed in position, and all gathered around in a circle, with the miner statue in the centre. I then cast and consecrated the circle with fire and water and read out the words of the ritual. Part way in, we gathered in the centre and had a feast; a great selection of home-mode food, mead and wine, before continuing with blessings to the ancestors.
The ritual was a great success and enjoyed by all. I felt quite a buzz that we had all got together and it had gone so well, and felt a truly magical experience.
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