LUSTRATION OF THE ANCESTORS AND HALLOWING CEREMONY
April 15-18, Year 16 Aq.
Report by Rev. Lori Blackman
April 15-18, Year 16 Aq.
Report by Rev. Lori Blackman
Above: Rev. Ser Angela Munn, HP, Compassion League Temple is wearing. A blue feather pin in remembrance of Lady Pamela Frey. April 15, 16 Aq
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The Lustration of the Ancestors & Hallowing Ceremony of 16 Aq. was held in Jacksonville, FL, at the Mandarin Garden Club the weekend of April 15th – 17th 16 Aq.
This year’s Lustration Of The Ancestor & Hallowing Ceremony was hosted by Lady Angela Munn HPs, Compassion League Temple and it members. Much Help was given by Lady Laurie Denman HPs, Chosen Path Church and its members. Every Lustration is a very special, magical and spiritual event in its own right, but, this year’s Lustration Of The Ancestors was a special and very important time for The Correllian Tradition. The Ceremony included the hallowing of a new First Priestess coregent, Arch Priestess Stephanie Leon-Neal. The Hallowing Ceremony has not been enacted for 37 years, with Most Reverend Lord Donald Lewis-Highcorrell and Most Reverend Lady Krystel Highcorrell becoming First Priest and Priestess of The Correllian Nativist Tradition. When this ceremony was last performed The Correllian Tradition was a small familial Tradition. The Tradition is now a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and global family faith. The growth of the Tradition in the last 37 years leaves one to wonder and dream how grand We will be when this Ceremony is held again as We continue to flourish and grow. |
Above: The Headdress designed by, Lord Don for Lady Krystel for Investiture Ceremony. Below- Chalice created by Lord Don for Investiture Ceremony
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There has been so much preparation for this year’s dual ceremonial rituals. New Regalia were created for the High Priest/ess Hood and the White and Red Ladies and Men. This included just about everything from Robes, Tabards, Hoods, Stoles, Head dressings, dresses, medallions, Banners, jewelry and a Chalice and Athame. All created and designed by the joint efforts of M. Rev. Lord Donald Lewis Highcorrell, Lady Angela Munn HPs, Lady Laurie Denman HPs and Lady Alyssa Maxon-Kemp HPs along with many others not mentioned.
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Above: Lady Alyssa Maxon-Kemp sewing patches & Banners
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Above: Handcrafted
Chalice created especially for the Hallowing ceremony.
For those that arrived early and the many already in Jacksonville, Thursday began with fellowship. As with all Lustration many in attendance met their Correllian Family and dearest friends for the first time. That evening there was a pizza party and the decorating and setting up of The Temple and The Altar began. Tables were set candles and other decoration placed, Banners were hung; patches were sewn on stoles, the Spring 2016 Silent Auction and Corr- Store tables were set up, the stringing of the Peace Prayer Flags that were created by many members of the Tradition, sound and DJ equipment hooked up and the Ancestor Altar erected.
Friday morning’s fellowship began with breakfast provided by Lady Angela Munn, her wonderful husband, Pat Munn and Compassion League Temple. The last finishing touches and decorating was completed. Video cameras and tripods were placed and workshop area set up. Festivities for the day began when the doors officially opened at Noon with many Merry Meets, Hugs and Kisses and tears of joy over reuniting flowed. Cameras were clicking away while most reminisced.
Friday morning’s fellowship began with breakfast provided by Lady Angela Munn, her wonderful husband, Pat Munn and Compassion League Temple. The last finishing touches and decorating was completed. Video cameras and tripods were placed and workshop area set up. Festivities for the day began when the doors officially opened at Noon with many Merry Meets, Hugs and Kisses and tears of joy over reuniting flowed. Cameras were clicking away while most reminisced.
Above: The Ancestor Altar set up for the Lustration.
At 2:00 P.M. Lady Sherry Cooper presented a workshop on tinctures. Participants learned the process of making a tincture, proper storage and the many uses they have from medicinal to magical properties. Attendees of the workshop made their own tinctures. Some of the herbs used were Lavender, Patchouli, Yarrow, and Sage. Herbs, vodka and jars were donated by Rev. Lori B. See video from the tincture workshop HERE
Below: Scenes from the Tincture workshop. Left, Lady Sherry answers questions from the Audience. Right, actually making the tinctures. Far back:- Lady Sherry Cooper 2nd row (L-R) Rev. D. J. Fortney, Lady Lily Green HP, Dedicants Cher Davis and April Dawn Bennett 1st row (L-R) Lady Kai Aiden HP, Dedicants Josette , Katie Gunn, Elizabeth Miller and Rev. Phoenix Williams HP.
Below: Scenes from the Tincture workshop. Left, Lady Sherry answers questions from the Audience. Right, actually making the tinctures. Far back:- Lady Sherry Cooper 2nd row (L-R) Rev. D. J. Fortney, Lady Lily Green HP, Dedicants Cher Davis and April Dawn Bennett 1st row (L-R) Lady Kai Aiden HP, Dedicants Josette , Katie Gunn, Elizabeth Miller and Rev. Phoenix Williams HP.
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Above: Rev. Ser Angela Munn leads the Despacho workshop
At 3:00 P.M. Lady Angela Munn lead a beautiful Despacho Ceremony. During the ceremony Lady Angela presented a demonstration on how to create a Despacho. The demonstration started with Lady Angela describing what a Despacho ceremony is, the many layers involved in creating the Despacho, how to use this in one’s own life and what to do with it once it was completed. One by one all participants in the work shop began to layer the Despacho with many different bounties from Mother Earth. Once the Despacho was completed, Lady Angela Munn carefully wrapped and tied it together than placed floral decorations on the outside front.
The Despacho ceremony participants then gathered by car and drove to The Saint Johns River. A procession line was formed as we gracefully walk down the very long dock of the Saint Johns River signing Native American Folk song “The River is Flowing”. The Despacho was then given to Lord Donald Lewis to place in the river as a gift to Pachamama (Mother Earth). See video of The Despacho workshop and Ceremony HERE
Left: The Despacho drifts out on the waters of the St. Johns River
Left: The Despacho drifts out on the waters of the St. Johns River
Left: Rev. Alyssa Maxon Kemp HP, Rev. Phoenix Williams HP, and Rev. Laurie Denman HP. At the St Johns River Rev. Phoenix brought through a spontaneous Oracle. The Oracle can be heard on the video of the Despacho Workshop
After heading back to the Temple from The Saint John’s River, we prepared for The Investiture Ceremony of the Hallowing of Arch Priestess Stephanie Leon-Neal. This began with all in attendance settling in for The Silent Supper. A delicious BBQ buffet was setup. Before the instructions for the evening were given and the bell for silence was rung, Lady Stephanie presented her four White and four Red Ladies with a beautiful gift of gemstone necklaces; we each blindly picked what the universe gave us. The Correllian Family enjoyed a wonderful meal in silence as We honored Our Ancestors. Lady Stephanie was escorted from the Temple after the Ancestors Feast for her evening of solitude, silence and meditation in preparation for her Hallowing.
After heading back to the Temple from The Saint John’s River, we prepared for The Investiture Ceremony of the Hallowing of Arch Priestess Stephanie Leon-Neal. This began with all in attendance settling in for The Silent Supper. A delicious BBQ buffet was setup. Before the instructions for the evening were given and the bell for silence was rung, Lady Stephanie presented her four White and four Red Ladies with a beautiful gift of gemstone necklaces; we each blindly picked what the universe gave us. The Correllian Family enjoyed a wonderful meal in silence as We honored Our Ancestors. Lady Stephanie was escorted from the Temple after the Ancestors Feast for her evening of solitude, silence and meditation in preparation for her Hallowing.
Once Lady Stephanie left the Temple the bell was again rung and activities resumed. Lord Richard Keen was our official DJ for the weekend festivities. Correllians mingled. socialized, danced and played a great game provided by Lady Lily Green. The overstuffed saran wrap ball was filled with all sorts of goodies from candles to chakra key rings, books and pendants and even a tarot deck. Thank you Lady Lily for a fun filled evening.
Right: Retired First Priestess Lady Krystel and Tradition First Director Lord Jason enjoy the dance after the Silent Supper. Lady Krystel had served as First Priestess for 37 years prior to taking Lady Stephanie as Coregent
Right: Retired First Priestess Lady Krystel and Tradition First Director Lord Jason enjoy the dance after the Silent Supper. Lady Krystel had served as First Priestess for 37 years prior to taking Lady Stephanie as Coregent
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Left: Chad Blackman, Rev. Kai Aiden HP, Chancellor Donald Lewis, and Rev. Phoenix Williams HP enjoy the evenings entertainments. People had come from all over to attend the event: Chad and wife Lori are from North Carolina, while Revs Kai and Phoenix are from different areas in New York state.
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Saturday morning all gathered by 9:30 A.M. to prepare for the Investiture. Lady Laurie Denman and members of Chosen Path Church provided a wonderful breakfast spread with many delicious homemade foods. While waiting for the return of Lady Stephanie from her night of solitude and silence, participants of the Investiture dressed in their newly made Regalia, dresses and jewelry.
Right: Rev Alyssa Maxon Kemp HP sews Rev. Elizabeth Hamilton into her dress before the ceremony. Gowns for the White Ladies and the Red Ladies were made by Rev. Ser Angela Munn HP (who notably was continuing to work on them in ICU while at hospital). Robes for the Black Ladies and Red Men were made by Rev. Laurie Denman HP. Because there were few and in some cases no occasions for fittings, some celebrants required spot fitting onsite. Despite these travails the regalia was wonderfully made -thank you Revs Angela and Laurie and Alyssa!
The Investiture Ceremony of M. Rev. Stephanie Neal, also called a Hallowing establishes Lady Stephanie in office as First Priestess Coregent of the Correllian Tradition. A Coregency is established when two people hold an office normally held by one alone, and are regarded as being both equally empowered.
Right: Rev Alyssa Maxon Kemp HP sews Rev. Elizabeth Hamilton into her dress before the ceremony. Gowns for the White Ladies and the Red Ladies were made by Rev. Ser Angela Munn HP (who notably was continuing to work on them in ICU while at hospital). Robes for the Black Ladies and Red Men were made by Rev. Laurie Denman HP. Because there were few and in some cases no occasions for fittings, some celebrants required spot fitting onsite. Despite these travails the regalia was wonderfully made -thank you Revs Angela and Laurie and Alyssa!
The Investiture Ceremony of M. Rev. Stephanie Neal, also called a Hallowing establishes Lady Stephanie in office as First Priestess Coregent of the Correllian Tradition. A Coregency is established when two people hold an office normally held by one alone, and are regarded as being both equally empowered.
Left: The Altar for the Hallowing ceremony. On the altar are pictures of previous Correllian First Priestesses now among the Ancestors. At the front of the altar is the banner of the Correll Mother Temple. To either side are Rev. Don and Rev. Stephanie's personal banners. All the banners are hand-made by Rev. Alyssa Maxon Kemp of the Order of Artificers
Participants in the ceremony were First Priest Lord Donald Lewis-Highcorrell, First Priestess Retired Lady Krystel Highcorrell, First Director Rt. Rev. Jason Highcorrell, First Elder Rt. Rev. Windy Lajoie, Rev. Janice Christian HP, Rev. Anastasia Marie Allen, Rev. Michael Neal HP, Rev. Phoenix Williams HP, Rev. D. J. Fortney, Rev. Richard Keen HP, Rev. Kai Aidan HP, Cher Davis, Rev. Lily Greene HP, Rev. Alyssa Maxon Kemp HP, Rev. Elizabeth Hamilton HP, Ivy Adams, Rev. Lori Barberio Blackman, Rev. Laurie Denman HP, Rev. Karen L Kelly HP, and Rev. Sherry Cooper HP!
The ceremony began with the Retired First Priestess and the White Ladies going to retrieve Lady Stephanie from her vigil.
Right: Lord Don with First Elder Rt. Rev. Windy Lajoie during the first part of the ceremony
The ceremony began with the Retired First Priestess and the White Ladies going to retrieve Lady Stephanie from her vigil.
Right: Lord Don with First Elder Rt. Rev. Windy Lajoie during the first part of the ceremony
Above: The processional entry of Lady Stephanie. At the head of the procession are Rev. Michael Neal HP and retired First Priestess Lady Krystel.
Upon the arrival of Lady Stephanie, The Red Men, First Priestess Retired, The White Ladies, and procession party were outside the Temple to greet her. They formed a Procession that led Lady Stephanie around the Temple three times. Stopped at the entrance of the Temple, Lady Stephanie was addressed by The Red Man and First Priestess Retired. The elaborate procession regalia was then removed by The White Ladies, leaving Lady Stephanie in a simple white robe for the ceremony.
Entering The Temple, Lady Stephanie was greeted by The Red Ladies. Smudged, cleansed anointed and addressed with her four questions. She was brought into the circle and received by The First Priest. To see this (for many) once in a lifetime Ceremony go HERE
Entering The Temple, Lady Stephanie was greeted by The Red Ladies. Smudged, cleansed anointed and addressed with her four questions. She was brought into the circle and received by The First Priest. To see this (for many) once in a lifetime Ceremony go HERE
Left: Lady Stephanie is presented at the Altar of the Ancestors
Right: Lady Stephanie joins hands with Lord Don and Lady Krystel before being bound into office |
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During the ceremony Lady Stephanie was literally bound into office alongside Lord Don and Lady Krystel. The ceremony featured numerous Oracles, culminating in Lady Stephanie's first Oracle as First Priestess. Then Lady Stephanie received red regalia, and enacted the Great Rite with Lord Don, using an Athame and Chalice hand made for the occasion and never used before.
Right: Lady Stephanie and Lord Don enact the Great Rite using a bird-headed
and a mermaid Chalice
Above: Many of the Hallowing celebrants in a group pose after the ceremony, L to R (Back) Rev Anastasia Marie Allen (New Mexico), Cher Davis (Florida), Rev Sherry Cooper HP (Missouri), Rev Laurie Denman HP (Florida), Rt Rev Jason Highcorrell (Illinois), Rev Rick Keen HP (Florida), Rev Janice Christian HP (Florida), M Rev Stephanie Neal (Georgia), M Rev Donald Lewis (Florida), M Rev Krystel High-Correll (Illinois), Rt Rev Windy Lajoie (Massachusetts), Rev Lori Blackman (North Carolina), Rev Karen Kelly HP (Texas), Rev Phoenix Williams HP (New York). (Front) Rev D. J. Fortney (Georgia), Rev Ivy Adams (Georgia), Rev Alyssa Maxon Kemp HP (New York), Rev Lily Green HP (Georgia), Rev Elizabeth Hamilton (Pennsylvania), Rev Kai Aiden HP (New York)
Read about the rest of the weekend on the NEXT PAGE