Not everyone has the chance to take part in our ceremonies, so we have created a simplified version you can do at home – either indoors or in the garden. This version is suited to those with little experience of ceremonies, and requires only simple preparations.
What you will need:
A little soil (from the garden, a potted plant or a walk in nature)
A small edible offering (fruit, berries, nuts, a root vegetable, mushrooms, meat – anything natural, not processed food)
Birch sap, chaga tea or clean water
A small bowl or cup
A drum, rattle or simply clapping/humming (optional)
A candle (if you are indoors)
How to do it:
Preparation and intention
Find a quiet place where you can sit undisturbed.
Settle yourself comfortably on the floor, the ground or a chair.
You may want to read through the qualities of the Badger: focus, willpower, protection, strategy, healing and connection with Mother Earth.
Reflect on what you wish to focus on or restore within yourself.
Opening
Light a candle.
Close your eyes for a moment and feel yourself present. Take a few deep breaths.
If you wish, you can cleanse yourself symbolically by "brushing" your hands over your body from head to toe, letting whatever weighs on you fall away.
The ceremony
Place the soil in a small mound on a plate or in a bowl.
Place your edible offering beside it.
Mix the offering with a little of the soil in the bowl.
Drip a few drops of birch sap, chaga tea or water over the mixture.
Hold your hands over the bowl and set a clear intention: What do you wish to restore or strengthen within yourself? Focus on the qualities of the Badger.
If you have a drum or rattle, or want to clap, make a steady rhythm for a minute or two. If not, sit still and breathe deeply while keeping your focus on the intention.
Closing
Go outside and dig a small hole in the garden, or use a flowerpot if you are indoors.
Place the mixture of soil and offering in the hole/pot.
Thank Mother Earth and the spirit of the Badger for their support and wisdom.
Bow slightly forward as a token of thanks.
After the ceremony
Extinguish the candle.
Take some time to write down any thoughts or feelings that arose.
If you wish, you can eat a little food and celebrate yourself for having completed the ceremony.
The ceremony can be done alone or together with family/friends. The most important thing is that you do it in your own way, with respect for nature and for yourself. You can adapt the ceremony as it feels right for you.
This simple ceremony helps you bring forth the qualities of the Badger within yourself, and gives you the chance to reconnect with the knowledge of Mother Earth – wherever you are.
