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Part 1
We have for a while lost one who is dear to us, And we all feel the loss.
But it is only for a time, and we will lose our sorrow.
There is a reason for being here, and a reason for going. The Other Side,
the Places Beyond, Are warm, pleasing and beautiful with all ills gone, and
youth anew.
There is a reason for leaving, when the purpose of this life is done. We
must all journey beyond to pause, to rest, and to wait for those who are
loved, In a place far from the cares of this world, with happiness and strength
renewed. For dying is only a mode of forgetting, a way of rest, a way of
returning to the Eternal Source, however we may see It.
It is said in ancient lore -
"Arrayed in some new fleshly disguise,
Another mother gives birth.
With sturdier limbs and brighter brain,
The old soul takes the road again".
You came and touched so many hearts
In so many different ways.
You gave so much, and asked very little in return.
There is an emptiness as if a part of me is missing,
But I am sure with time you will show me how to be whole again.
I know you are safe now, and nothing can harm you.
Remember, although we're apart,
We will always be together.
Part 2
Life and death are one, as the river and the sea are one. For what is it
to die but to stand naked in the wind, And to melt in the sun?
What is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from it's restless
tides That it may rise, and expand, and seek it's Gods unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence
Shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountaintop,
Then shall you begin to climb.
And when the Earth has claimed your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Part 3
(This was read as the coffin was taken from the room used for the service
to the crematorium)
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you wake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Passing Over Rite For A Pet or Familiar
This ceremony may be as formal or informal as desired. An altar should be
set up with a white candle in the center. A token of the departed should
be present. This can be a picture, a clipping of hair, a beloved toy, or
other object. A small square of cloth and a piece of ribbon should be present.
"I give thanks to you, friend,
For the time we shared together.
I give thanks for the touch of your soft fur,
Your shining eyes, kisses from your lips.
I give thanks for the sound of your voice.
Go now to your rest.
I will miss you, my friend,
As you travel on your way.
But I know that someday, somewhere,
If the gods will it,
We will meet again;
And the meeting will be one of love.
May the blessings of the Lord and the Lady
Be with you as you travel on your way!
Know that my love and blessings go with you
As you travel to the Land of Eternal Summer.
Blessed Be!"
Now, take up the token and place it within the square of cloth. Add to it
a piece of your own hair or other token of yourself. Using the ribbon, tie
the cloth up into a bundle, and say:
"Let us be bound together in love,
That we may merry meet again!
Blessed Be!" |
