Lustration of the Ancestors, Year 7

"LUSTRATION NOTES" By Rev. Iris "Isarma" Crain Of Host Temple Our Lady of the Sacred Earth Well, Lustration of the Ancestors has come and gone, and everything is piled back in my living area, with enough energy my cats have decided their not sure if sleeping on the piles is a good idea or not! I wish to thank everyone who made the event such a success, and the list is rather long, so please bear with me.... First and foremost, the head of the Tradition that makes everything worth it, Lord Don, thank you for your presence and guidance... your gracious manner and silent wisdom is inspiring, and your friendship in difficult times is more than a person could ask for.. I hope you know it is returned in spades... But after that Roast, I bet you think twice about letting me off the leash with an event again, eh? LOL	Above: Rev. Iris "Isarma" Crain of Our Lady of the Sacred Earth Temple, cutting fabric for robes during Lustration. Photo by Rev. Virginia Powell.
Above: Thursday Night Third Degree Initiation Group Photo, L to R: Rev. Terry Power, Rev. Debbe Tompkins, Rev. Virginia "Godmuddah" Powell, M. Rev. Don Lewis, Rev. Moonstorm, Rev. Windy LaJoie, and Rev. Rodney Dysinger. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf. Second, thanks go out to "the godmudder" Lady Virginia - although there are not words enough to express my heartfelt joy in calling you friend, you are everything I have always envisioned as a mother of the Tradition and High Priestess, and I can not express my honor in sharing the Golden Wand award with you. I promise to have Pepsi onsite next summer.... please return to us... Ladies Debbe and Windy - Two more gracious women could not have stepped last minute into Lady Krystel's place with more confidence and poise. -Lady Windy, I appreciate your honesty and look forward to working more with you, and understanding you and your varied roles better. Thank you for the Crystal Web ritual, and the heart of that ritual. You are truly unique.
Lady Debbe, such a large presence in such a small package! Thank you for your gracious manners and soft spoken strengths, heart-warming smile, and praise. I only hope that the event and my service was worthy of it. Lord Terry Power - I can not imagine the flight it took, but I will forever have your childlike face riding the Wal-Mart cart through the isles in my mind, tired though it was! You are a wonder and your class an inspiration, and I feel lucky to call you among my friends. Return soon, and this time I will make you my Persephone Wine... (not really a wine, but much better...) Lady Aine - The Tradition will never live down the Valkyrie ride of Floxy and Moxy... grins Beautiful sister, I am glad you are home safe, and know that my hearth welcomes you anytime you wish to return to it, which I hope is soon. Your assistance in several things over the weekend were invaluable, and I am quite sure the event would not have been anywhere near as much a success had your presence not been. Thank you.
Above: Rev. Jaqueline "Twin" deGraaf with Rev. Peter Hertzberg, Kapelmeister to the Correllian Tabernacle Choir. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.	Rev. Peter - Your forthright manner and honesty are a beautiful thing, and I am glad to call you friend as well. Poet and bard, warrior and friend, your inspiration and devotion to the Tradition are admirable. You my dearest are also expected back soon, and we will have to talk about fall Lustration. grin Lord Rodney Dysinger - I stand bowed before you, I have finally met someone who can procrastinate and stretch something out longer than I can! (lol) Thank you for your insights and your friendship, your devotion to the Tradition, and everything you did to make this event move smooth. Your guarding of the actual Lustration ceremony shows your worth to the Tradition, and I am glad I have been able to call you friend and repay that in some small measure. Now, you all should know about some wonderful people without whom the event would not have been half of what it was. For all the praise received in my name, I offer that I accept it for these people who's efforts made the event what it was, not me.....
Rev. Rene' Friberg and Dale Friberg - Our lovely Kitchen Witch and Coffee God, you are beautiful people I have been honored to have in my life for several years, and despite the occasional comments no one would have guessed that the menu for this week had only been a little over a week in existence and severely under-budgeted. You made it look so flawless that a year's worth of planning would do no better. Your devotion to the event, to this Tradition, and to me can never be repaid. Ever.	Above: Dale Friberg, as "Coffee God". Photo by Rev. Rene' Friberg. Jacqueline Degraaf - Another person who proves that the most awesome things come in the smallest packages. By the end of the event, it was proved you could learn to swallow, as you swallowed tears of joy in the adoption of your new daughter, Corinna. It was with sheer grace of the Goddess that I found it within myself to accept the honor of performing that ceremony in the presence all who were assembled, and perhaps no other praise could be bestowed upon me but that request. You are everything the students believe you to be and more, and you deserve every good thing which can come your way......Just in case..... Left: Lord Oberon of the Grey Council with Rev. Jaqueline "Twin" deGraaf. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.
Which brings me to Rev. Brian Hochstein. The only man I know who can get as drunk with laughter as Twin and I while still (bravely!?) holding his own against us, and none of us were drinking alcohol~! Also the only man I know with a lower WS member number than even Lord Don! Your unending efforts towards this event from the moment you learned of it have never quit, even now. Your airport trips and store runs kept things (and me!) running smoothly and the behind-the-scenes work you have done can only described as Honor, Devotion, and Love of the Lord and Lady as manifest by members of this Tradition. Your willingness to fill in where ever you were needed (no matter how exalted or mundane the job) proves your value to the Tradition, our Temple, and me. Friend and Warder you ever will be, and I am honored to have stood with you in circle time and again as Priestess and servant of the Gods. Thank you my friend.	Above: Rev. Brian Hochstein, Chief Priest of Our lady of the Sacred Earth, during the closing ceremonies Sunday afternoon. Photo by Rev. Pamela.
Above: Rev. Christopher Stoekel casts circle during the closing ceremonies. Photo by Rev. Pamela	Rev. Christopher Stoeckel - While I know this was a vacation for you from your big trip to the big sandbox of Iraq, you busted a$$ helping get everything to and from the event, and added your unique and wonderful energy to not only the rituals but the event overall. You were great in your class about Pagans in the military, and I am glad you were home with us when you heard about the VA victory. Corinna (ArticSpirals) - You can not yet imagine the jewel you are, dearest. My sister Twin is blessed indeed to have a new daughter such as you, and that makes you my new niece, for which I have nothing but praise. Your selfless service is noted and you are most welcome at any event I autocrat.
Above: Rev. Highlander, Rev. Isarma, Rev. Ambros, Rev. Jaqueline, Photo by Rev. Virginia Powell.
Above: Rev. Loralyn, M. Rev. Don, and Rev. Talin. Photo by Rev. Ambros Thorn.	Rev. Ambrose and Tika Thorne - Thank you so much for everything you contributed to the event, your words, your skills, your laughter. You are both beautiful people who are welcome any time. I look forward to the video that proves just how goofy I appear on camera. (lol) Rev. Talin and Rev. Loralyn - Thank you both for everything you did in helping prepare for this event, and for being gracious enough to make sure our guest Oberon was well companioned. Also for the wonderful masks that make the Lustration Dance a most fabulous experience. You are both wonderful people who are welcome assets to the Tradition and the Temple. Thank you.
Lord Moondoggie (LOL) - Just as the Tradition will never live down the Valkyrie Ride of Floxie and Moxy, neither shall you live down your new moniker... although I have known it longer than most.... Your friendship and assistance over the last few months have been instrumental in making sure this event happened smoothly, and I am grateful for everything you were able to accomplish. Thank you my friend, and hope to see you soon and return your staff to you. Above: Rev. Terry Power, Rev. Don Lewis, and Rev. Moonstorm pose together after the Third Degree initiations Thursday night. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.
Rev. Boudicca & Rev. Tammy- Your wonderful service to the event comes on top of the fact neither of you were staff! You are both gems, and deserve all the praise which can be heaped upon you each, topped with my heartfelt gratitude. Without your selfless devotion to the overall success, the kitchen may have ceased to function and the entire event would have been less for us all. You are each an asset to the organization of any event, and this Tradition. Mandi Futter - Because of you, the Correllian Tradition Lexicon has several new words, including "moo," "merf," and "snap!." Your behind-the-scenes work was foundational as well, and you busted your fanny as much as anyone, sometimes through energy work keeping other members of the staff going. Above and beyond that, you kept me from getting too serious, no small task... Thank you.	Above: Rev. Boudicca and Rev. Jaqueline "Twin" deGraaf. Photo by Rev. Rene' Friburg.
Kyle Douglas - You are much appreciated, and I am honored to have been chosen as the sponsoring Temple for your new shrine, Shrine of the Sacred Sun. You impressed many people this weekend, young man, keep up the good work, you have a promising future... Kendra and Michael Arfmann - Your behind the scenes work is more appreciated than you can know. Thank you both for all you did for the event, and congratulations Kendra, I hope the experience you had leads you to greater things than you could ever have imagined... Rev. Tina Scott - As always, you give me the opportunity through both struggle and triumph to be my best. Thank you for all you did, all you always do, and welcome to the ranks of clergy my dear friend. I believe you will do wonderfully, as will all from the Temple who stepped across that threshold into that responsibility. Thanks also go out to your Fiancée Vaughn, who while not a member of the Tradition or even our beliefs, busted his behind during the clean up and made sure that we left the place cleaner than we found it. Most kind thanks to you both, and blessings.
Rev Kestral and Rev. Kimber - Lustration begins a whole new phase in your growth, and I am honored to have been able to not only guide you each in that growth, but been present and assist in the initiation which transformed you from student to clergy. Thank you both for all your help, in the kitchens, in keeping an ear open for concerns, and in just being you both. DragonMage/Rob - When you weren't being a dutiful husband, you were helping out any way you could, and I wanted to say thank you. Often times when I say that, I am in such a hurry it doesn't seem like I mean it, but I do. Thank you James and Angella Crain - Few parents are graced with children as aware and conscientious as you two. I know this weekend came on the heels of 6 months of mom being at best distracted and more often completely inaccessible, and your devotion to the Tradition is second only to your love for me. I appreciate all the help and efforts both of you gave.	Above: Rob and Kimber at dinner. Photo by Rev. Virginia Powell.
I know this list is exhaustive, and yet I know I am forgetting people who put in special efforts. Everyone who came to the event is special to me, and brought happiness to the event. This is the largest event I have done thus far, and I have to admit it occurred with the least amount of last minute emergencies, for which I can only assume the Gods themselves were watching out for us all. Thank you each for having the faith in me to coordinate this special gathering, and I look forward to serving the community of Correllians again in the near future... In service to the Gods and the Ancestors, Rev. Iris "Isarma" Crain Temple of Our Lady of the Sacred Earth Olympia, WA
"MY LUSTRATION" By Rev. Ambros Thorn MM to all, Lustration was a blast. I had already felt close to so many over correspondences, but to meet them and to get to know them in person was even better. I feel Lustration should be a must, if the opportunity is ever there I strongly suggest one go. The food was wonderful and the coffee ever flowing. To that I say Thank You Kitchen Witch and Java Junki! Isarma I also want to personally thank you for putting on the Lustration. If it would not have been close I might have not gone and I’m so glad I did, so thank you once again. The opportunity to meet people like Lord Don, Lady Windy, Lord Terry Power, Lord Rodney, Lady Debbe Tompkins, Lady Virginia Powell, Lord MoonStrom, Twin, Isarma, and so many others was truly wonderful. It was also wonderful to meet Oberon and to talk with morning glory over the phone, two very wonderful people.
Above: Rev. Rene' Friberg conducts a Reiki class. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.	During Lustration I got my Second Degree Initiation and my Level I Reiki attunement. My wife Tika (Erica) also got her Level I Reiki attunement and her Dedication to the Goddess. She is so close to her First Degree I can taste it lol. Do to the fact that I’m the Shrine Keeper for the Star of Avalon Shrine and my wife is Shrine Co-Keeper we were able to attend the meeting after Lustration. Where my wife got the “Nod” from Lord Don to work on her Second Degree Project, so don’t be to surprised if you see her e-mailing more and to a lot of people. Her project is to help map lineage with in the Tradition.
My Second Degree initiation was a very powerful and personal experience. Ing I will be e-mailing you off list with the details. I was also extended another honor while there. One of my alter clothes I made for my Second Degree Project was used in all three initiation rituals and in the Lustration ritual. I was and am so deeply moved by that I don’t even know how to fully express it. Above: Friday Night Second Degree Initiation Group Photo with Initiates and Officiants. L to R: Rev. Rodney Dysinger, rev. Ambros Thorn, Rev. Isarma (kneeling) Rev. Highlander, Rev. Jaqueline de Graaf, Rev. Terry Power, Rev. Windy LaJoie, Rev. Moonstorm, Rev. Virginia Powell, M. Rev. Don Lewis, Rev. Debbe Tompkins, Rev. Aine Massie, Rev. Peter Hertzberg. Photo by Rev. Virginia Powell.
We were also one of the merchants their and I wanted to say to everyone that purchased a cup (which was about everyone), “Thank you so much”. For those of you who went able to attend I will be selling the same mugs on my shrine web site. If you are interested e-mail me off list. Rev. Terry also sold some very nice Wiccan Rosaries and they too will be afforded at the same location. The Lustration Ritual was very moving. At one point it felt as if the ancestors were standing right next to me. The announcements of the awards were very cool. The look of surprise on Lord Terry’s face was priceless and for one who prides him self on words was found almost speechless. When Lord Ing was announced I was filled with pride for not only being one of his students, but as member of his temple. I so wished he could have been there for that.
My wife handled the bulk of the videoing of Lustration. We are still cataloging the photos and videos. They should be done real soon. During the event her camcorder had an accident. The roast of Lord Don and Lord Terry’s class on ethics are still on the camera. We are going to have to take it to a shop in order to retrieve those videos. Also before I release any of the videos I have to check with Lord Don. I have some permission for some parts and some people. As the details get worked out I will post an update. Well I believe I have written enough for now. Thank you again to all that helped make this happen and those who attended. What a wonderful family we have. Speaking of family Twin and Corrina had a very beautiful adoption ceremony. I’m so glad and honored to have been there to see that. They are both sweethearts and I’m so very happy for them. Bright Blessings and Love, Ambros
"BACK FROM LUSTRATION" By Rev. Boudicca Merry Meet All, Well, I'm back from Lustration and settled in. I had a wonderful time! I met so many wonderful people and was able to put faces to the names I have been seeing for the past few years. There are some really wild people in our Tradition! Lord Don was as gracious and caring in person as he is on line. I thought I would feel intimidated but when I actually met him, he dispelled that idea. We had great workshops and lots of input (and output) in them. The Lustration ritual, itself, was awesome. Everyone had told me to expect rain all the time in Washington, but we had only one day of rain and the rest were just beautiful, sunny days (slightly overcast at times). Hmmmm, sounding light a weather man. . .sorry.	Above: Rev. Boudicca with Rev. Don. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.

Above: Saturday Night Outer Court Ceremony Group Photo, L to R: Aleta, Kyle, Tika, Kendra, and Myrna. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.	Above: Saturday Night First Degree Initiation Group Photo of Lord Don with Initiates. L to R: Rev. Don, Rev. Corinna, Rev. Pamela, Rev. Loralyn, Rev. Boudicca, Rev. David, Rev. Kestral, Rev. Kimber, Rev. Brian, Rev. Tina, Rev. Rene', Rev. Talin, Rev. Runestar, Rev. Christopher, Rev. Rev. Cheryl and Rev. Jessi. Photo by Rev. Virginia Powell. If any of you are trying to decide as to whether to go to a Lustration, don't think twice. . .GO! It is an experience that you will never forget. . .and will enrich your life always. I know it has done so for me. Blessings to All, Rev. Boudicca
"LUSTRATION NEWS" By Rev. Rod Dysinger (As sent to members of Heritage Temple) Merry Meet all, Just wanted to drop a note, and a thank you, for allowing Liz and I to represent Heritage at the Spring Lustration. One of the highlights of the weekend was the inclusion of Lord Oberon Zell-Ravenheart at this event. Oberon spent the week with us (we got to share a cabin with Lord Don, Lord Oberon and Lady Debbe). Liz talked with Oberon about donating some of his books to the Temple Library - so we should be receiving those soon. (on a similar note, Raven Grimassi has already sent three books for the Library, thanks to Liz).	Above: Processional entry at the beginning of the Lustration ceremony. Rev. Rodney kneels at center with sword. Photo by Rev. Matt.
Above: Rev. Pete Hertzberg leads the "Correllian Tabernacle Choir" in the Lustration Hymn. Photo by Rev. Rene' Friberg.
Above: Rev. Tatum Salem as Sonifer during the Lustration ceremony. Next to Rev. Tatum are Rev. Liz Hamilton as Elders' herald and Rev. Aine Massie as Vocifer. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.	Several new Orders were introduced - one of which will be headed by Lady Debbe, who is starting a Contemplative Order in the Hoopestion area. Another Order will be known as the Order of Aries - for military, prior-military and military family members. Much discussion and energy was directed towards the Pentacle Quest this weekend. As you know, it paid of handsomely with the V.A. finally accepting the Pentacle as a religious symbol - much gratitude to all those who sent energy and time for this Quest. Personally, I was delighted to be in charge of the 3D initiations - we have two new 3Ds in the Tradition now. I also helped set up and participated in the 2D initiations and was tapped to act as High Priest for the First Degree Initiations - I was most honored to serve in that capacity. I also taught the 'Life Passages' course; and sat in on several committees on a wide range of topics. Drank way too much coffee and somehow got a few hours sleep now and then.
Liz was kept quite busy - she helped with the Welcoming committee, the general 'paperwork' that all events run on, and assisted in the First Degree Initiations. (not to mention keeping me, Lord Don and Lord Oberon supplied with coffee.) She was kept very busy trying to help keep the schedule 'on time' - which everyone knows is like herding cats. One of the big highlights of the weekend was a 'Dean Martin' style Roast of Lord Don. I was one of the Roasters, along with Rev. Pete Hertzberg, Lady Debbe, Rev. Terry Power, Lord Oberon, Rev. Renee Friberg and Rev. Iris Crain. This was filmed and will be available on YouTube soon. Fall Lustration will be in the Hoopeston area, and I do hope that many of you can attend, Hoopeston is about a 4 hour drive from here. Blessed Be .... Rev Rod	Above: Lord Oberon speaks during the Roast. Photo by Rev. Jaqueline deGraaf.
Click HERE to see the Lustration ceremony on video.