Ceremony--Midwinter Gratitude to Animals

Materials:

Red glass candleholders
Tea lights
Hay or other vegetarian animal food
If snow is not available, then a white cloth or surface that will hold the candleholders
Meat, eggs, or if vegetarian, some other significant protein source
The winter tale of gratitude

Preparation:
If possible, fast the day before the ceremony which should be performed at night for ambiance purposes (to bring out the light of the candles.) If that is not possible, eat vegetarian during the day. It is best to cook fresh meat over an open flame if possible to represent the moment when the meat returned, which also meant light returned to the people. If not possible, try to cook the meat fresh in whatever way is available after the ceremony. Previously prepared meat will suffice if there are no other options.

Performance:
After setting up sacred space, preferably outdoors (though you can start indoors and move outdoors for the candle and feed portion of the ceremony,) announce the intent of the ceremony:

"We gather in this space at this time to show our gratitude for the animal beings that give their lives so we can continue ours. We recognize the sacredness of life and the sacrifice of that life so that we can go on living. May this ceremony put us in touch with the heart of the act of giving life so others may live and what has been given up for us."

 Next, read the tale. Afterwards, select who will represent the female principle and the male principle. Those representing the female principle should gather the hay/feed and place it somewhere accessible to wildlife (but not where that wildlife can damage property or others.) They should then repeat the line from the tale:

"We the women who transform death into life offer this sustenance to you beings whose flesh keeps us alive."

Then those representing the male principle should set down the candleholders in the snow or on the white cloth or surface and light them one by one in a single direction. They should then repeat the line from the tale:

"We the men who transform life into death honor your sacrifice with this display. Your life is precious as beings of the Earth. Your flesh is sacred to us because it keeps us alive. From here on out, every winter we will light the light of your blood and give to you of our supply so that you may be sustained. We are grateful for your sacrifice and honor your gift and your life."

Take a few minutes for personal reflection on this topic. Then bring out the meat, prepare it, and serve, eating each bite with the deepest of gratitude, lest there be a day when there is no more!