Student Voices - Sacred Relationships

By Helen Parker

Sacred Relationships….  Well, that was the theme of our 2nd weekend together of Rites and Rituals Ceremonialists Training.

This time, there was none of the nervous anticipation of the first weekend.  I couldn’t wait to get there and meet up with my new friends.    It's fair to say we’ve developed a strong bond with each other since first meeting up back in January. So much so , that our group chat is entitled “ New old friends”.

And of course, I couldn’t wait to see what Lindy and Victoria had in store for us, especially after seeing the list of things to bring. Journal? Check. Photo of a wee me? Check. Musical instrument?  Were we forming a band as well as becoming ace ceremonialists?  My curiosity was piqued.

 Sacred relationships?  My thoughts automatically turned to marriage . After all that is a huge part of what we are there to learn.   So, part of the time was spent exploring not only the rituals of a meaningful marriage ceremony , but we also learned about the legal stuff. Who knew that a marriage schedule had to be signed with a fountain pen in black permanent ink?     Everything made perfect sense when I was fortunate enough to shadow Lindy conducting a beautiful marriage ceremony  in Perthshire the following weekend.

Then of course, there’s the sacred relationship with myself. The one person who was there at the beginning and will be there at the end.   After a beautiful meditation session, we opened up to each other and spoke about the “wee me” .  Who we were, how we   felt. We then introduced our wee selves to the group and placed our photos on the altar.  Since then, I’ve thought a lot about wee Helen.   She’s still there.   I owe it to her to be kinder to myself . Leave out the  negative self talk and  take responsibility for my health.

I’ve already mentioned the growing bond between us all.      You know when you’re among kindred spirits.   It feels so easy and natural .   And it was great for us all to share a meal and a few wines together on the Saturday night, putting the world to rights.

Rites and Rituals is an amazing, soulful community which I am privileged to be part of. We couldn’t have asked for better mentors than Lindy and Victoria.  In time, I look forward to sharing my experiences with the new  Rites and Rituals ceremonialists who join us. 

And as for the musical instrument?  I brought a wee tongue drum along, and it was great using it in one of the sessions , exploring feelings and attributing different sounds to them.   Wee Helen loved that bit.  And, to the delight of the neighbours, she’s  been practicing hard at home.

 So here’s to the next weekend !