Praying to my Ancestors

[Incantation - Whispered, then rising into a low chant] (The sound of a cold wind, then a heavy, rhythmic drum like a subterranean heartbeat) By the root, by the stone, by the blood, by the bone. By the leaf, by the light, by the stars in the night. [The Invocation - Deep, rhythmic vocals, very raw] I stand where the silver moonlight bleeds through the leaves, In the heart of the wild, where the forest soul breathes. I summon the wisdom of those who walked before my time, To help me through the thicket, to help me with the climb. The old mists are fading, the paths I used to tread, I’m untying the knots of every tangled thread. [The Call - Building power, tribal and repetitive] Great Lord of the Wildwood, crowned in branches and gold, Guide me through the stories that the ancient trees have told. I struggle with the vessel, this skin and bone I wear, Teach me the grace of the stag, the courage of the bear. I crave the true connection, yet I tremble at the gate, Help me trust the wildness, help me trust in fate. [The Ritual Chorus - High energy, rhythmic chanting and heavy drums] Oh, Spirits of the Moon, oh, Guardians of the Green, Show me the wonders that are felt but never seen! Let the Animals rise from the shadows of the pine, To walk beside my footsteps, to make their strength mine. I manifest the vision to see my beauty through your eyes, Beneath the silver glowing of the ancient, watchful skies. [The Weaving - Slower, droning Tagelharpa and male humming] Spirit of the Forest... (From the roots, I rise) Mother of the Moon... (Through the starlit skies) Beast and Bird, defend me... (Open up my eyes) I leave the hollow echoes of the ghosts I used to know, Into the emerald silence where the healing waters flow. [The final chant - Faster, driving rhythm, building to a peak] I offer up my fears to the fire and the wind, For a life of true belonging, let the journey now begin. I am no longer wandering in the maze of someone's light, I am the fire-bringer, I am the creature of the night. With every breath I’m taking, with every step I find, I leave the heavy burdens of the ancient world behind. [The Ritual Chorus - High energy, rhythmic chanting and heavy drums] Oh, Spirits of the Moon, oh, Guardians of the Green, Show me the wonders that are felt but never seen! Let the Animals rise from the shadows of the pine, To walk beside my footsteps, to make their strength mine. I manifest the vision to see my beauty through your eyes, Beneath the silver glowing of the ancient, watchful skies. [Outro - Drums stop abruptly, leaving only a fading drone and an owl's call] By the root... By the stone... By the bone... I am home. [End - A resonant strike on a wooden log or deep drum]