Four Element Themed Gather

[Sarah Zordan]

Greetings All!

The Autumn Equinox Gather on September 24th is rapidly approaching.  The Order discussed having a gather where there is a theme carried through all the events of the day.  This is the gather date decided upon. The theme? The four elements and their qualities.

HISTORY-
In the past, four Elemental Champions were chosen to bring the elements to life by illustrating their qualities in Tournament and then embodying the same elements while the attendees engaged in a quest.  The Elemental Champions were arranged around the Manor grounds and then groups were guided to each element.  The goal was to discuss the aspects of each element and when the quest was completed, the groups were then led to Circle. 

DISCUSSION NEEDED-
As with most things, there is always a way to improve upon an idea from the past.  While the general structure might not change, there is room for flexibility in details as well as ideas to make these events run smoothly.  Some areas where details are undecided are: Among the Manor grounds, there are two water features.  Neither is close to the North which is where the Elemental Champion of Water should be located. Aside from moving the Kelly Fountain (which might upset the gentleman for who it was named and make him sad), how can this be remedied?  Also, what kind of things could be discussed at each location? What are the aspects of each element?  What aspects would you like to see discussed? Lastly, the Order decided to make this year the "Year of Bees"; How might that be incorporated into the days events?

AN IDEA-
Why not carry this into feast where the four elements are represented with the food?  Possibly something like: Vegetables for Earth, Fruits for Water, Herbs for Air and Spices for Fire?

Ideas and discussion for improvement is encouraged and desired. With everyone's input, this gather will be one to remember.  Hope to see you there!

[Elizabeth Nash]

For the water element, having a simple bird bath set up.
To bring out the year of the bees, have everyone who is doing this quest hold a candle. If we can get a lot of taper holders at say christmas tree shop, place them around the alter.

If anyone has any ideas of a period song or poem about the elements. please contact me!!

[Sarah Zordan]

Liz,

Having beeswax candles would be a great idea.  Possibly instead of putting them on the alter, everyone could hold onto them during circle and blow them out symbolizing the coming of winter and the days becoming shorter.

Where can one get a bird bath?  We'd want one relatively small... The gents already have tons of stuff to carry 

Thanks!

[Christian H. Tobler]

Hello!

Just catching up. Beeswax pillars for everyone would be pretty expensive, but votives would be cheaper.

Keep the ideas coming!

Yours in the Quest,,

CHT, GMOS

[Christian H. Tobler]

To get an idea of how this tournament has worked in the past, see this article from the Essays page:

http://www.selohaar.org/essays/pas4.htm

Bear in mind, this is just a template and can be amended as needed.

Yours in the Quest,

Sir Christian