Circle of the Shepard Initation

Execution

Preparation:

A sacred circle must be prepared. For this ritual clay figures of animals that the local circle protects are placed on the ground, and are interweaved with branches and flowers to create a circle to fit all those who are present for the ritual.

The Ceremony:

Inside the circle are Jonmar and Penny. Outside of the circle are the rest of the Druids of the Circle of the Shepard in Starsummit, and anyone else who wants to witness. Jonmar: “Oh Helm, god of protection, Mielikki, goddess of the forest, and Silvanus, god of wild nature, In the time before time, in the world before worlds you were there.”
“Now repeat after me: Oh Nature’s most divine, hearken t me at this time, as I come to proclaim my allegiance to the Circle of the Shepard of the Druids, and to you, to be the protector of the wildwood and all animals.” Jonmar then places a sacred ancestral shepherds hook in front of Penny.
“Please continue Penny, repeat after me, As the Sheperd, I will protect all of those who cannot protect themselves, to ward off evil from all that it good and innocent, to have compassion for all living things” Jonmar than places an old wooden shield covered in moss in front of Penny.
Jonmar continues: “I thank you for all you have revealed to Gods and Goddess of Nature. Thank you for bringing Penny to us and guiding her to our circle. She will always be at home with us her brother and sisters. I ask that you keep Penny’s eyes, heart, and mind always open to receive these great gifts of nature.”
Jonmar now turns to the rest of the community watching. “Brothers and Sisters, friends. I want to officially present to you Penny, gifted by Cyr Undertree, to the Circle of the Sheperd.”
All of the witnessing Druids cheer, welcoming Penny to the family.
Shortly after food and drink appear and everything feasts. The feast will eventually disperse.

Components and tools

To create the sacred circle - various clay figures of animals that the circle frequently protects, there would be intertwined with branches and followers. 
There would be food and drink for a celebration after the ritual is completed.

Participants

The Ritual is lead by the High Druid of the Circle of the Sheperd, but any who have been initiated into the circle and those being trained into the circle are allowed to witness and share their support.

Observance

The Circle of the Shepard Initiation Ritual happens whenever a Druid is ready to choose its circle.

Primary Related Location

Starsummit