Tonight is a glorious night, for tonight is the night of the full moon. This is one of the times the veil between our world and the netherworld is the thinnest. A time for much rejoicing, dancing feasting and libations.
It is a time of reflection, enlightenment and wonderment.
A time when the lesser hordes, (also known as mortals), get to rejoice and feast with the immortals. It is also a time when some mortals get to transcend into immortal status.
The likes of the Great Gumba and Kerry the Bard watch, listen and learn all year, to hopefully find one mortal who is worthy of transcending the veil and become one of the immortals. For this is how the Great Gumba himself became an immortal, The Great White Sage bestowed this privilege onto the Great One many moons ago.
Tonight is a night of much magic and rejoicing, the Gods of the four points are in attendance, the elemental Gods are also present, for tonight one shall transcend the veil.
Tonight, one shall become part of the immortal world and join forces with Kerry the Bard, The Great Gumba, Catherine of Kahtadin and others, to watch over the lesser hordes.
Let us understand what this means, tonight one shall become part of the whole. One shall be named. One shall learn of their great heritage, their heritage within their name.
Let us learn of EPONA.
A Celtic Goddess:
The Goddess of horses, The Great Mare, Mother Goddess, protectress of horses, dogs, prosperity and healing. A Celtic deity allied with trade in and domestic use of horses.
Concerned with healing and the fertility of domestic animals. Originating in Alesia in the heartland of Gallic resistance, during the final stand of Julius Caesar. The only Celtic goddess to have been worshiped in Rome itself and her popularity was spread throught the empire, (see also Morrigan). Her festival is celebrated on December 18th.
Epona is typically seen riding sidesaddle or in association with horses. She also sometimes is depicted holding cornucopia sheaves of grain and other fruits and sometimes with dogs. At Arm ancon she rides in a cart reminiscent of the Tour of other northern fertility goddesses.
Let us celebrate this new immortal.
Come forward into the light.
Tonight, you become an immortal, you join the ranks of
The Great Gumba, Kerry the Bard, Catherine of Kahtadin, and Prince Loughdaugh.
Tonight you become part of the Legends of the White Sage; you are and will remain part of the legacy that is the RED BOOK.
On this hallowed eve you will be empowered to do great and wondrous things, things that are only limited by your mind and will.
We the immortals bestow upon you your first set of immortal reignments, wear them well, for they will protect you from all that is evil, all that may wish to harm you.
It will protect you as long as you are true of heart and pure of intent.
Woven by the hands of the Bard herself, made with love and care.
Spun with the threads of the cloak of Antioch and that of the Golden Fleece. It shall serve you well in times of need.
May it keep you warm and dry.
Now, your weapon.
As your namesake Epona, you are from a long and revered line of Druids, (tree worshipers), you are a keeper of animals. A weapon is only for defense.
To you we present a dagger, slender and nimble, like your namesake Epona.
Notches on both sides of the blade, to remind those who would do you harm that you do have teeth and will bite back.
A Celtic cross in the handle, to remind you of your Druidian heritage, a keeper of the faith and nature.
A Golden phoenix adorns the hilt a symbol of rebirth, for whatever dies shall rise again.
Lastly two gold medallions, a symbol of prosperity and wealth, that which you freely share with Prince Loughdaugh.
Together with your cloak, you have been adorned with much.
Let us ask the gods for their blessing, and let them allow you to become one of the immortals.
All welcome, Princess Holepona. (HOL-E-PONE-A)
All that are present, Mortal, Immortal, and spiritual give your blessing this night to the one that shall be known from this day forward as Princess Holepona
For she is a good woman, a righteous woman and a woman of deep conviction.
The Great Gumba, Kerry the Bard, and Catherine of Kahtadin all vouch for her and ask that you allow her to cross the veil and become one of the immortals.
All that are here, past, present and future, all that have gathered and will gather, this is a great night, for tonight,
Princess Holepona. Was allowed to cross the veil and join her brethren the immortals.
So on this night the Great Gumba, has gained new Allies in the fight for good.
Huzzah to The Great Gumba
Huzzah to Kerry the Bard
Huzzah to Catherine of Kahtadin
Huzzah to Prince LOUGHDAIGH the keeper of the immortal flame.
Huzzah to Princess Holepona!!!!
So it was written into the RED BOOK.
So sayeth the Great White Sage.