Hindu magic - Ganapathy immersion in Riverside Ceremony (Richmond, London)

At this small ceremony by riverside in Richmond, in a quiet area, we Woodland Witches group, will perform a small Ganesh pooja, sculpt small statues of Ganapthy using floour-water paste (safe for environment) and then immerse them in the river with our prayers and wishes for good fortunes.

All welcome.

FREE Event. (donations welcome at the end).

Lord Ganapthy (Ganesh, Vinayagar)------

Vinayagar Sathurthi refers to the birthday of Lord Ganesh (Ganapathy) the elephant-headed God in Hinduism.

He is the first son of Goddess Parvathy (Shakthi) & Lord Shiva. Some myths say Ganapathy was created out of skin & clay of Goddess and sculptted into a boy and given life. During a misunderstanding and resulting war, the boy's head was cut of, and later an Elephant head was brought and affixed and Shiva brought him back to Life- thus he became Lord Ganapathy .. remover of obstacles.

In any ceremonies or events, Hindus give first pryers to Ganapathy so that event may go well .

Our Ritual - what happens?-------

We ("London Woodland Witches & Pagans" group) have held this event before.. and will be doing it again, as it launches a series of Hindu-magical circles and rituals coming up in autumn winter of 2025.

We'll be gathering in our Richmond Riverside spot (where we usually hold Isis boat rituals) to set up a Ganapathy altar. You can bring your Ganapathy pictures or statues to place on altra.

• Craft Activity: We will be `making' small organic and bio-degradable sculptures of Ganapathy out of water & cooking flour mix. It will be painted with some yellow tumeric paste (all safe cooking items). These will be imbued with our prayers and wishes for good fortunes and wellness. You can carve symbols or sigils on the back or base on your tiny Ganapathy sculptures.

There will be a simple consecration rite, followed by mantra chants, arti (flame & incense blessing), a quiet moment of meditation. Then we'll ceremoniously take the sculpted Ganapathy figures and immerse them in the river.

What to bring-----

• Food & drinks: As this is a Hindu-magical event, there will be no meat or wine. Vegan / vegetarian food & drinks are okay.
• bring your own Ganapthy figures to put on altar. These will be taken back . (only the crafted figures will be offered to river)
• Flowers & incense sticks welcome for altar.
• colourful decorations, fabric,
• LED lights, candles in lanterns !
• Some camp chair, stool, or cushion to sit on, as ground is flat.
• Insect repellent spray (as its summer by water).

Venue/ Meeting point--------

Buccleuch Garde Buccleuch Gardens, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UX

7pm outside Richmond station - if you want to walk/ travel with me to ritual spot (20mins). If i have heavy stuff to carry I may take bus rather than walk .

7.30pm: OR take bus 65 from outside Station, and get off at `Robins Court (stop R).. walk about 2minutes and cross road to riverside.. and into Buccleuch Gardens. Ritual spot is at far end, closer to river..

Ritual spot map location / coordinates:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rug1xFUWJJNLCMUS6

google coordinates: 51.451536, -0.302442

I will be out of online contact once i arrive at Richmond at 7pm ..so I can stay focused on magic & ceremony. Please make all enquiries well in advance. Check here on meetup for updates in comment section .

Om Ganapathy!

Blessings

-mani

Policy: NO Drugs, NO filming during ritual ! No children (under 18yrs) allowed. Our events are for members' personal, magical, spiritual purposes only!

About the Organiser : Mani is a Sri Lankan asian, brought up as Hindu, has lived in Uk since 1985. He was initiated into Wicca in mid 90's. As a Gardnerian High Priest, Mani has been running private Covens & public rituals for over 25years. Mani has a Physics B.Sc degree, some training in Transpersonal Psychology & counselling, and blends some Hindu & Shamanic practices into pagan rituals.

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www.facebook.com/groups/LondonWoodlandWitches