Dedication of the Fennid Crane Bag

by John Machate

Copyright © 1998 John Machate
All Rights Reserved
May be reposted as long as the above attribution and copyright notice are retained.
May be altered to suit the needs of the user and the altered version reposted.

This short rite dedicates the bag you have made to its purpose and "transforms" it to the Crane Bag. This version is for those who are seeking the path of the Fennid (member of the Fianna) but it can be changed to suit the needs of any person. The rite is written in the Inis Glas format. Everything in italics is spoken.

Items Needed:

image or symbol of Manannan
alter cloth
Symbols for Land, Sea and Sky (I use my Circle of Stones to represent all 3)
milk or other offering liquid for the Spirits
Mead or an appropriate offering for the gods
libation vessel
Your completed leather bag.

Preparation:
Place your alter cloth on the ground with the Realm items arranged as such: Sky object is at the north. Sea is at the southwest. Land is at the southeast. If using the Circle of Stones, place it in the southeast, as it takes up a lot of room. The symbol of Manannan should be to the north. Place the libation bowl, with the liquid offering in it, nearby. I put it in the southwest. Your completed bag should be in the center of the triangle formed by the Realm objects, or in the center of the cloth.

The Center Point:
Stand quietly facing the north and relax with your hands resting at your sides. Clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly and follow along with this meditation, which will place you in the center of the cosmos.
"I am at the center of the world"
Exhale, move to one knee with palms on the ground before you
"I stand firmly upon the land"
Inhale and rise to your feet, moving the hands behind at hip height, palms up, cupping. Exhale and move the hands in an arc until they meet in front.
"The sea always surrounds me"
Inhale, move the hands to the sides, spread the fingers wide, palms forward. Exhale and raise the arms, bringing the hands together above the head, thumb & forefinger meeting to create a triangle.
"The sky spreads itself above me"
Inhale, lower the hands to the heart again.
"I am at the center of the Three Realms."
Exhale and lower the hands to the sides

Invocation:
Manannan mac Lir, Lord of the Mist, Ruler of Tir na mBam, Guardian of the gate of the Otherworld. I come to ask your assistance in the creation of my Crane Bag. I ask you to open the gate to the Otherworld to allow my family and friends to witness this rite. Spirits of the world, join us in this rite and witness the creation of a Crane Bag.

Dedication:
In times past the Fianna roamed Ireland. With them they carried their sacred treasures in the Crane Bag of Manannan Mac Lir. Today, each Fennid shall wear his own Crane Bag to bear his own treasures. (pick up your bag) Manannan, I ask you to bless this bag and infuse it with the nature of your own bag. Just as Fion wore the Crane Bag of Manannan Mac Lir, so shall I. Pour offering to Mannanan.

Close:
Manannan a Thiarna, thank you for this blessing, it is a gift that I shall wear close to my heart. Go in peace with my family. Spirits, thank you for your attendance (pour libation) and depart in peace.