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"in ritual we connect with the greater energies that have the power to sustain and inspire us"
Juliet Batten (1995)
Oak Grove is a group based in Auckland, New Zealand who meet together to celebrate the magic of the natural cycles of life, the turning of the seasons, and our environment through ritual.
In the busyness of modern life, particularly living within an urban environment, it is easy to become disconnected from the natural rhythms, and lose a sense of connection to the earth, seasons, and to ourselves. It is our experience that the sacred space of ritual provides a way to reconnect to these , leaving us grounded, refreshed, and strengthened in our lives.
As well as providing a space for attunement with the changes in the natural world around us, we become aware of how the turning of the seasons mirrors the transitions we encounter in our own lives; the cycles of birth, maturity, death, and rebirth, both on a micro and macro level. In coming together mindfully and purposefully in ritual we can connect with something far greater than ourselves, yet also with our innermost selves as well.
By recognising and attuning to the seasonal changes we can reconnect to them and link directly to nature in a personal and direct way, and to the changes both within ourselves and within the outer world as the seasons turn. Indeed, just the earth around us moves through different cycles (spring, summer, autumn, winter), so do we in our own lives (birth, maturity, old age, death).
Most cultures throughout the world, including Celtic and Maori, have stories, myths, traditions, and celebrations which reference these changes. Our ancestors were far better at attuning to the seasons in their everyday lives than many of us are in the busy modern world and we can learn a lot from the teachings contained in their traditions.These can provide a foundation for our own connection to the turning of the wheel of the year and deepen our understanding of the important place the earth holds, and has always held, in our consciousness and wellbeing.
hrough ritual we celebrate the seasons and the magic of life. Ritual also offers a pathway for understanding our own inner Psyche, and connecting with the Divine (in whatever form) both within and without.
Where possible, our rituals are conducted outside in natural settings. They can take many forms, but generally include common elements such as establishing a sacred space, meditation, acts of purpose (e.g., planting seeds at Springtime), chanting, music, and dancing. Rituals are usually followed by a shared meal where everyone brings something to contribute, and stories, poems, songs, and merriment are also shared.
Of course, individual ritual is entirely possible and is encouraged. Yet it is also our experience that having opportunities to come together with others in a sacred space, at particular times throughout the year, offers a sense of connection and solidarity that solitary ritual does not. It can also be a powerful and profoundly fufilling experience.
Being part of a ritual group offers:
- connection with like-minded others,
- a supportive environment for personal and spiritual development,
- working with collective energy and a 'group mind'
- a sense of unity with a common motivation
- ongoing opportunities for learning
- opportunities to share fun and joyful times with others
hrough ritual we celebrate the seasons and the magic of life. Ritual also offers a pathway for understanding our own inner Psyche, and connecting with the Divine (in whatever form) both within and without.
Where possible, our rituals are conducted outside in natural settings. They can take many forms, but generally include common elements such as establishing a sacred space, meditation, acts of purpose (e.g., planting seeds at Springtime), chanting, music, and dancing. Rituals are usually followed by a shared meal where everyone brings something to contribute, and stories, poems, songs, and merriment are also shared.
Of course, individual ritual is entirely possible and is encouraged. Yet it is also our experience that having opportunities to come together with others in a sacred space, at particular times throughout the year, offers a sense of connection and solidarity that solitary ritual does not. It can also be a powerful and profoundly fufilling experience.
Being part of a ritual group offers:
- connection with like-minded others,
- a supportive environment for personal and spiritual development,
- working with collective energy and a 'group mind'
- a sense of unity with a common motivation
- ongoing opportunities for learning
- opportunities to share fun and joyful times with others
It is important to us to create a safe and supportive environment in which people may experience the Mysteries and develop as individuals. As such a process exists whereby existing members and those who are interested in becoming part of the group can get to know each other and come to a mutual decision if we are the right fit.
Initially the process of getting to know one another occurs via training where we offer support and mentoring for those interested in developing and deepening their knowledge and practice of ritual, natural magic, celebrating the seasons, and folklore.
Our training is a structured system that incorporates monthly lessons to help develop knowledge and direct personal practice, and requires trainees to take an active role in their own learning and development . There is no cost for training (only a contribution towards photocopying and materials costs) and we do not provide it for financial gain.
Following this there are opportunities to attend seasonal rituals which, wherever possible, are held outdoors so that we can better connect with the natural world around us.
For those who want to progress further into the Mysteries our group has lineage in various initiatory traditions. Whilst initiation is never something that we offer, those who are interested can approach the elders of group to explore whether this is a path that would be the right direction for them.