For every ritual we draw an omen. We do this for a multiplicity of reasons. Most of the time we draw one card each from the Nature Spirits, Ancestors and the Deities and the cards are to see if they have accepted our sacrifices, any messages/warning/positive thoughts that they may have for Hollow Hills Protogrove and also if any of the messages pertain to the individual people attending the ritual. We often use the Greenwood tarot, but we have also used a Greek form of divination involving dice, and reading hot wax dipped into a bowl. One day I would love it if the Protogrove would have a rune and/or ogham reader.

After the divination is done, we also meditate on the omen and what it means to us as individuals and as a group.

Our omens for the Beltane ritual were very positive, and really were a reflection on the ritual we were performing. From the Nature Spirits we received Strength, from the Ancestors we received Spark of Life and from the Deities we received Joy.

I see the Strength card from the Nature Spirits meaning following the path that is right no matter what others might say. As Druids, we need to stay on the path and make people aware of the Earth on which they live and also to have the strength to help with recycling, cleaner air initiatives, not littering, using cars sensibly, etc. Anything we do to help the Nature Spirits will help them go stronger. The Nature Spirits are already strong, but as a united front, we will be even stronger.

The Spark of Life card from the Ancestors told two stories. The Ancestors gave us the spark of life. They were there before us guiding us. The card shows a bow drill – one of the ways that the ancient ancestors made fire –by rotating a stick with a small bow. This is a card of positive energy and also portrays the spark of life within all of us that we will give to future generations.

The last card drawn was from the deities and was Joy. It is portrayed by a crane, a very sacred bird. When they return from migration it heralds warmer weather. This card is about community warmth, joyful friendships, bonding with other people in different ways, and very happy times.

It was determined that the praise offerings were accepted because of the nature of the omens (we take them all into consideration).

We keep track of our omens from ritual to ritual to see if there are any trends or if anything has come to fruition, or if warnings were heeded.

Blessings,

Doreen Taylor
Grove Organizer
Hollow Hills Protogrove, ADF
Aldershot, Hampshire, United Kingdom