How to Plan a Blessing of the Land Ceremony

Some people gather at sacred spots to bless all the lands of the world.

For centuries, spiritual groups and religious leaders have offered blessings for lands. Any individual with a highly conscious goal can also offer such a gift. Whether you are blessing newly purchased property, or are gathering with friends in blessing Gaia or sections thereof, creating a beautiful rite for the ceremony takes some planning and foresight. Bring your sincere desire to clear the land of unwanted energies, and to invoke healing and well-being for the land itself as well as for all those who will walk upon it. Once your intention and purpose are clear, begin planning for the actual blessing.

Things You'll Need

• List of land laws and regulations, if public property
• Permit(s) for public land use
• Prayers and invocations books
• Ceremonial garb
• Ceremonial tools and ritual items
• Decorations
• Altar accouterments (optional)
• Banners (optional)
• Fire-prep items (optional)
• Dowsing rods (optional)

Instructions

1. Set the date for the event. Check with landowners or city officials to make sure no other event will conflict with your chosen date and time. Verify land-use regulations as soon as you set the date.

2. Create a guest list. Consider how many people the land or park will accommodate. Determine estimated attendance if you are inviting the general public. Select your guests if it will be an invitation-only event.

3. Create and send out any formal invitations several weeks in advance. Email smaller, intimate groups. Wait until you have secured a respected ceremonialist before sending invitations or announcements. Note if children will be welcome.

4. Decide who will lead the blessing ceremony. List how many assistants, "priestesses" or others you might need and schedule them.

5. Choose the focal area where the blessing will take place. Dowse the area to select the site for the altar, the "well," sacred tree, fire offering and other symbols, if desired.

6. Choose any and all accompanists, musicians and other celebrants. Invite and schedule them.

7. Book any caterers or bakers for food items and beverages, especially for large groups. Note a pot-luck on the invitations. Order large cakes or communal breads in advance. Order enough bottles of wine or mead to accommodate your guests.

8. Mark on a map or chart to locate and layout the actual areas for altars and sacred symbols. Determine where people will sit, stand, walk and feast. Determine the number of tables and chairs you will require.

9. Plan the flowers, wreaths and greens you may want for the ceremony. Schedule florist orders early or arrange a time for group members to come together and create the floral decorations.

10. Draft the ceremony. Choose from prior events, or read books and collections of suitable rites, poems and passages. Write in a call to circle, or the calling in of the elements. Add speeches or lines for other celebrants.

11. List all sacred items you want to include in the blessing. Purchase candles, incense and firewood in advance. Store these together until the blessing time.

12. Schedule a time to prepare the land for the ceremony. Remove debris. Construct or repair any fixed shelters or outbuildings well in advance. Set up trash recepticles.

13. Verify that your leaders, co-celebrants, assistants, musicians and other participants are able to attend, as the date draws near. Order any last-minute items as needed.

14. Gather all the items and verify rentals, food and beverage orders are on schedule the day before the blessing. Set up the outside areas as best you can, weather providing.

15. Remain calm as the blessing approaches. Take time to pray and meditate.

Tips & Warnings

• Determining estimated attendance helps in planning for food, gifting and lighting issues for evening events.

• Put every aspect you wish to include, honor and celebrate into the action plan.

• Some of the most beautiful blessings are very simple and short. Follow your heart and intuition.

• Always use caution when building fires on public or private property.

References

• Event Planning Tips
• Blessing Ceremonies

Resources

• Planning a Jewish Ritual
• Blessing Your House