Oath Bonding of True Friendship

by J'Karrah, 2004

This ritual is to be performed between friends who are as close or closer to each other than brothers or sisters. By sharing this ritual, true friends bond their souls and destinies together as they journey along Life's pathways.  It should not be undertaken lightly or on a whim.

This ritual should be held outdoors at solar zenith (noon, generally) on the day of the full moon, preferably just after a rain shower so that the ground is damp, or else bring a supply of water to wet the ground with (there should be a patch of bare earth at the site). The ceremony may be private and just between the friends involved, before selected witnesses, or may include the entire Clan (note: while written for two, the bonding may be performed by several if desired)

Needed items:

1) Normal altar equipment

2) Exchange gifts, symbols of the friendship, or of shared ideals

3) Toasting drink for all involved

4) A new, sterile straight pin for each (don't share one).

Perform Draconic Circle Casting, Invite Companion Dragons

Step 1: With each friend alternating, call the Guardian Dragons of each elemental direction to witness the ceremony.  If you have Dragons who stand in as regular Quarter Guardians, and you have a name by which they are known to you, call their names before "Great Dragon of the (direction)  Also remember to turn and face each direction as you call:

Great Dragon of the East, and all the Dragons and Elements of Air, riders of the strong winds, you who live amongst the clouds, attend and bear witness to what is said here, and write our words upon the Wind!

Great Dragon of the South, and all the Dragons and Elements of Fire, you who dwell within the fiery volcanoes and who fly across the face of the Sun, attend and bear witness to what is said here, and burn our words across the sky!

Great Dragon of the West, and all the Dragons and Elements of Water, you who swims in oceans, lakes and rushing rivers, and who brings the cleansing rains, attend and bear witness to what is said here. May our words be spoken by the Waters of the World.

Great Dragons of the North, and all the Dragons and Elements of Earth, shakers and shapers of the world, keepers of mystery and secrets, attend and bear witness to what is spoken here. May our words be written upon the stones themselves!

Step 2: If there are other things to be said, or other good friends to be remembered, now it the time to speak of them. Then each friend in turn makes a footprint on the patch of damp ground, one overlapping the other. Next, each takes their sterile pin and draws a little blood from his/her thumb, and lets a drop fall onto the prints thereby sealing their kinship before the Dragons and any witnesses who may be present.

Step 3: The friends tightly clasp right hand to right wrist and each says to the other:

As long as Air moves, Fire burns, Water flows, and Earth remains, do I pledge to you friendship true and kinship everlasting. Bonded to you by my own will as my brother/sister, I will aid you in any way I can. I will fight by your side when needed and allow you to stand on your own when that is needed.  And I will defend you through all worlds and all ages.

This I swear the Dragons of our Clan, the Elements of Life (and these witnesses).

Each then lifts their glass high in salute to the other, drinks, and then in unison says:

So mote it be!

The rite is ended.  Close the Circle as usual.