Consecration of a Grand Dame / Knight Commander
into
The Noble Order of Tara
Note About This Rite
Submitted by Linda Iles, GDC, O.T., Hon. Secretary, Circle of Isis
This is a draft of a Consecration of a Grand Dame Commander conducted by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson during Convocation at Isis Oasis, October 2009. Olivia led the consecration serving as Grand Dame Commander and Chancellor of the Order. Those present participated during the rite as Olivia indicated, one by one. Everything was absolutely spontaneous, no time to prepare, we all just spoke whatever words came when Olivia directed us. I took notes immediately afterward, assisted by Olivia, to fill in gaps. The wording and acts of the ritual are as close as I can get them to be under the circumstances.
We've been fortunate to have Olivia with us during the annual FOI Convocation at Isis Oasis for some time now. Every year Olivia conducts ordinations, dedications, consecrations and other rituals. Those of you who have the opportunity to witness rites conducted by Olivia know that the rites may follow a certain general pattern or structure, but on the other hand there is a lot of spontaneity. No two rites are ever done exactly the same way twice. Olivia said the designations of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Companions in the rite can be adjusted to accommodate titles held within the Noble Order of Tara by those serving as ritual participants.
This Consecration Ritual is presented here as a sample rite - a guideline for composing a rite of Consecration of a Grand Dame/Knight Commander. It gives an idea of what Olivia does when officiating such a rite.
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On the altar, a lighted candle, holy oil, burning incense, a bowl of water (to serve as a cauldron), an athame (to serve as the spear), a wand (to serve as the sword) and a stone (representing stone of destiny). Companions, Dames, Knights, Dame / Knight Commanders, Grand Dame / Knight Commanders assemble. They form a procession beating a drum, rattles, sistra, tambourines, etc. In single file, they all enter the space reserved for the rite, singing and gather before the altar. The designated Sponsor stays outside, accompanied by the Candidate for Consecration as a new Grand Dame / Knight Commander.
Sponsor knocks firmly on door three times.
1st Companion: Who seeks admittance to our assembly?
Sponsor: I bring a Candidate who seeks Consecration as Grand Dame / Grand Knight Commander within the Noble Order of Tara.
Grand Dame Commander: Assembled Companions is it your will that the Sponsor and Candidate enter?
Companions agree to allow admittance.
2nd Companion: You may enter.
3rd Companion: May the Sponsor come forward.
Sponsor: (steps forward) I act as Sponsor.
Grand Dame Commander: Has the Candidate been well prepared? Do you deem the Candidate ready?
Sponsor: Yes. I deem the Candidate ready.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Companions) Companions, do you find this Candidate worthy?
Companions agree.
Grand Dame Commander: (to all assembled) We will now call upon Tara, Goddess of the Sacred Hill of Ireland, Brighid of the Wells, Dana and Morrigan and to come to us from the east, south, west and north to bless our assembly and the Candidate.
1st Companion picks up bowl of water (representing cauldron), invokes Brigid in the East for strengthening of the heart, inspiration and creativity to bless the Candidate.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Candidate) Relate to us now your experience with Brigid of the Sacred Waters. Have you received Her blessing?
Candidate responds.
2nd Companion, picks up athame (representing sword), invokes Dana in the South for strength as guardian/champion of truth and justice to bless the Candidate.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Candidate) Relate to us now your experience with Dana of the Sword of Destiny. Have you received Her blessing?
Candidate responds.
3rd Companion picks up wand (representing spear) invokes Morrigan in the West for strengthening of inner vision/illumination to bless the Candidate.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Candidate) Relate to us now your experience with Morrigan of the Spear of Light. Have you received Her blessing?
Candidate responds.
4th Companion picks up stone (representing stone of destiny) from altar, invokes Tara in the North for earth, strength of body, mind and spirit and firm foundation to bless the Candidate.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Candidate) Relate to us now your experience with Tara of the Sacred Mound. Have you received Her blessing?
Candidate responds.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Companions) Companions, do you find this Candidate(s) worthy?
Companions agree.
Grand Dame Commander lifts arms upwards outstretched forming a “V”. Instructs those assembled to do likewise.
Grand Dame Commander: May the Will of Tara, Guardian of the Hills, Rivers, Mountains, Oceans, of all the land and sea, be known to us and fill us with inspiration.
Grand Dame Commander then bends downwards towards the ground, with arms in the same position so that they now form a “/\”. Instructs those assembled to do likewise.
Grand Dame Commander: May we in turn act as her vessels, making known Her Divine Will upon Earth.
Grand Dame Commander and all assembled assume normal positions.
Grand Dame Commander: May the Candidate approach.
Grand Dame Commander: (anoints forehead, heart and palms of hands with holy oil) May the virtue and fragrance of this holy oil infuse your being. I anoint you in mind, heart and hand to serve in the Name of Tara. Do you accept the role as Grand Dame / Knight Commander of her Noble Order within the Fellowship of Isis?
New Grand Dame / Knight Commander responds.
Grand Dame Commander: (to Candidate(s) Tell us of your patron Deities, the name of your Priory and the work you intend to undertake in the Name of Tara and her Noble Order.
New Grand Dame / Knight Commander does so.
Grand Dame Commander: In the name of Tara, Dana, Brigid and Morrigan I proclaim you as Grand Dame / Knight Commander of the (Priory name) of the Noble Order of Tara. Face the assembly and receive their blessing.
New Grand Dame / Knight Commander turns to face the Assembly.
The Assembly of Companions blesses the New Grand Dame / Knight Commander and welcomes her / him and the new Priory into the Noble Order of Tara.
New Grand Dame / Knight Commander leads a period of silence and meditation. Healing rays and energy are sent forth.
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