free*lite
last updated: 21.x.2004
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Lover
indeed, paradise is a place of pleasantness,
which blooms with the greenness of flowers and herbs -
it gives its very strength to the dry earth.
as salt purifies,
the earth of paradise is not darkened with evil.
lover places the flower into the water. if there are several (for example four) water bowls, place it in the one which has been designated for water.
handmaiden takes the salt...
handmaiden:
just as the earth uncovers itself
and brings forth flowers after dew,
so will the body receive its spirit and quicken
...and sprinkles some from the bowl into each water bowl...
lover:
the purest of air gives forth a soft caressing wind,
to which all things are naked.
lover takes and lights the spill...
handmaiden:
the dim fire engenders the bright fire of light.
the light is given strength by the dim fire.
...and lights the candles: if elements have been assigned to them, finish with
both:
from the earth, water, wind and fire conjoined
come flashes of living light.
handmaiden:
as fire is proven through air
so is spirit proven through spirit.
both drink a sip from the chalice: if a little is spilled, well then, the barrel is clearly brim-full. no matter that the mattress is purest white and the wine a deep lusty red. they pour a little of the wine into each water dish.
lover:
living light, be a symbol of the living light
and make this space ready for the body of the living light.
handmaiden:
as earth is proven through water
so is the body proven through flesh.
working
lover:
lady wisdom, as the moon of living light,
descend and dwell in your handmaiden.
you were poured forth before the beginning,
you were the beloved of the creator.
you were together when the strands of the world were woven;
to be consort and delight for each other night and day.
handmaiden:
come in the form and clothing of a man,
wonderful and beautiful, with glorious face.
come to me, take me entirely and press me to you.
so will i be both outwardly satisfied and fully transported.
lover:
how wondrously love's handmaiden dwells in the beloved.
one dwells in the other,
so that neither one knows their individuality.
handmaiden:
but they possess and rejoice in each other
mouth in mouth, heart in heart,
body in body, soul in soul.
one sweet divine nature flows through them both,
and both are one through each other,
yet will always remain individual.
lover:
we have the strength and wisdom
within us, and without, to perform or to refrain from acts
according to our own will.
closing
handmaiden:
you have been at my table
and i have given you my feast
and my wines from the full barrel,
by which we are so filled
that the bouquet alone makes us inebriated,
and we will never be other.
this next section can be used to snuff the candles, or not, as preferred.
lover:
paradise has bloomed.
it has given strength to the earth,
which has blossomed.
handmaiden:
water has given forth dew,
and the greenness of herbs.
lover:
from air has blown a caressing wind.
handmaiden:
dim fire has given strength
to the light of the bright fire.
both:
earth, water, wind and fire conjoined
brought forth the living light.
let us be one soul,
giving to nature all that is necessary for it,
without remorse of conscience.
nature is so well ordained by the unity of love,
that nothing forbidden is asked.
we have tasted the feast, and savoured the wines,
and we will not speak of the secrets we have been given.
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