I have a question for anyone who would know, is the blood brother ritual reconised by the church anymore? And if so, how does one go about obtaining certificates or the rituals? There are several ways I know of doing them. But I am just wondering if it is respected anymore.


Thanks for your time,


Shannon.

Ok, it's been 10 days ... And still no answer. Is someone looking into it or something? If so, would you please let me know?

I don't know maybe no one knows? I honestly have no idea myself.

Hi Shannon,
I am not sure if you are talking about the typical blood brther ritual that some of us did as kids, cutting or poking of a part of the hand or finger and pressing it to another person with the same kind of wound. I did a Google search and that was all I came up with. Today it is ill advised because of harmful pathogins. I could be wrong, but that is the only thing I could come up with.
Reverend Kim

Hi
Is it not part a of old Native America ritual? I have never heard of it being a part of any ones church.

Winter

Not recognised here in England - but I don't know about anywhere alse, sorry!

Uhm...M. Shannon?

I would like to know more about
the methods you know of?

Specifically, how, and why they were performed?

It sounds interesting!



You can pm or e-mail, if you prefer.

TIA


Kolt for Jesus Christ

It has it's roots in almost all religions actually...And yes, mine is but one of them.

The tribal custom is found all around the world, and has similar customs in each place (Native America, Africa, Asia, and Pagan Europe are some of the places it has existed). Two friends consecrate their friendship in a ceremony where the exchange of small quantities of blood symbolizes union. The blood is often considered to be magical, and this magic blood brings misfortune to friends who betray one another. Often, the expectation is that the friends will stay together for the rest of their lives. Not all tribal cultures have a custom of formally consecrated friendship, but it is quite possible that a majority of tribal cultures have had such a custom.

Pagan Blood-Brotherhood in Northern Europe for example had blood-brother rituals like many other places. As Christian missionaries swept across Europe, the earliest among them consecrated Blood Brotherhood ceremonies in the doorways of Catholic churches. This means that Catholic priests officiated at same-sex commitment ceremonies—but for the most part, these were not “gay weddings” since the ceremonies did not relate to sexuality. Like other Pagan customs, blood brotherhood had to be retained in order to keep new Christians happy, but it also had to be changed in order to reinforce Christian doctrine. Clerics were concerned that these intense relationships would distract people from God, and that the blood symbolism would compete with the symbolism of Communion. Therefore, they changed the ceremony to “Godsibb,” or “siblings before God.” Godsibbs were obligated to help each other in their material lives, much like blood brothers. At a certain point in the development of “gossipry,” an incest taboo was developed: opposite-sex godsibbs were taboo sexual partners in the same sense as brothers or sisters, and hence these relationships did not lead to marital jealousy.

Godparents was the next progression from godsibb. This custom watered down the ceremony more, by associating it with the birth of a child to a married couple. The implication was that although helping a couple raise a child was important, friendship was not important enough on its own to merit a ceremony. In Anglo cultures, godparenthood has been watered down to meaninglessness, and people even choose blood-relatives as their children’s godparents. There are no cultural expectations for Anglo godparents to be seriously involved in the child’s life, although some are.

The Latin American custom of compadrazgo, derived from the same source as godparenthood, actually became more intense, returned to its original function of cementing a ritual friendship between adults, and is still widely practiced. For those without children, the ceremony involves the “adoption” of a tree, shrine, or similar object. Both same-sex and opposite-sex friends can become comadre/copadre; in some places it is customary to have one woman and one man participate in compadrazgo upon the birth of a child, but the man and woman are not supposed to be married to each other.

Okay? Now today, it is no joke. I take it seriously when asked to prform one. I make sure they are tested for all blood diseases, as my previous background in Wicca demanded of me to. And I try to do my part in insuring that the ritual goes well. But, I no longer consider myself a Wiccan. But I still hold level 3 ranking in the Coven I was in. I view Wicca as being a stepping stone to the Khemetic/Kemetic belief structure.

I think of it as being a ritual to combine houses, adoptions, or for the pledging of brotherhood; love; etc...Blood is spirit, so to combine ones blood in a ritual is to conbine spirits.

The way I know how to do it, is the ancient Egyptian way. Ancient Egyptians had a right where the priest would evoke the Gods to come watch, you make your pledges before the Gods and your friend makes his, you then cut your friends hand and he/she would cuts yours, you both would join hands together over and bleed and then spit into a cup of either wine, beer, or meed, and you and your friend drink from it; but leave most of it for an offering to the Gods who came...As was bread and fruits. The priest would then wrap their hands in cloth or hide.

When we look at it this way...Jesus (who according to legends grew up in Egypt) did a blood brother rite at the last supper. If we take the Bible literally. For those Gnostic out there, I understand that the blood of Jesus was in his kids; etc...but by drinking a blood oath, would they not have there by sworn all of their loyalties to his kids and his teachings? It is something to think about.

As you all will find out, I studied almost all major religions before settling on one that felt right to me.

Look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_brother , and also http://www.celebratefriendship.org/chart.htm if you want to see the site I quoted today...Although the web page is a more gay oriented. But still, it is truthful.


Thank you for your time.


Shannon.

It sound like some deeply spiritual influence.


I like the thought of blood being spirit.


Spilling blood has a profound affect on the
minds of people so I don't doubt the magical
influence it has.

Ritual sacrifice comes to mind, both for personal
power and as the historical way we've vanquished
things like spirits, demons and even sins.


People definitely have a common spiritual bond
to blood.

The blood brother rituals are a fascinating reminder
of how the spirit of our minds is influenced by the
blood of life.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me

I recall having a few blood brothers in my younger days, Yes we're still in contact with each other (most of us). Yes we would say a few words how we were then joined as brothers before god and all those who were present, that we were now sharing with each other, each of our spirits which flow through our blood, that we were then joined together just as closely as those being born to the same mother and father.

However, this act between schoolyard and neighborhood buddies (both boys and girls) was soon being frowned upon back in the beginning or early 1980's here in America, due to AIDS.

In fact I recall a radio show I listened to back in the early to mid 80's, whereas the topic of the show was AIDS and it's introduction and how it (while still in the ignorance stages of our understandings) may very well have been caused by and or being spread through this Act of Bonding amongst Friends. Scared the heck out of a lot of those who had done this act in our earlier years.

Later, as best as I remember it was maybe 1985 or in 1986. There were several TV programs which were reporting how it wasnt because of the Blood Brother Bonding Act, but from having sex with Monkeys, so well of course we were all able to relax better after learning that... Hey, hey, hey... calm down, just stop right there. I didnt say it, I'm saying we've heard a lot of ignorance about a lot of things, which is typically the course of events before learning about the truth of any subject.

Now, actually my wife and I just viewed a program on this very subject I believe within the last 6 months and we were discussing how we had both seen this subject before from back in that time frame and thought that this theory had already been eliminated. (So either way I would appreciate no flak on this, it is not the point of the subject anyway.)

My only point in commenting on this, was because I had a lot of friends who like myself, all have kids. And from that time forward, the idea of our children all participating in the bonding act of becoming blood brothers and sisters. The same way we each had once experienced, was left at the way side as something that we just dont do, or perhaps shouldnt do anymore.

Respectfully

Reverend Jack

I had a blood brother in the 70's.

We were barely in jr. high but we did so much together
(okay, maybe I liked his sister too) that we noticed
we had simultaneously healing scabs.

I'll spare you the rest....
We were just knuckle-heads who were afraid of
becoming separated as friends.

Well, at least that was my fear.

But now, I don't need a blood ritual to assure me of
a life-time, or even eternal, spiritual bond.

Still, I do find it fascinating how our minds need
some rituals to make things real to us.

It reminds of the question:

Would GOD still act on our behalf if no one prayed
for Him to?

The point being, is GOD doing what we want or what
GOD wants, dispite our rituals and prayers.

"The Father Always Knows Best"


Kingdom Of Lights Travelers for Jesus Christ

While you might not think so...but I am trying to preserve a ritual that has lasted for over the ages. And I am trying to insure that there is not a threat, okay?

I'm saying that IF you guys decide to include the ritual on the list, then let's make it mandatory to that they should be tested for ALL blood born viruses before we go through with one. And give the knife to them as a symbol of their friendship. And yes, I feel that you do need to be VERY careful with it nowadays, especially! Blood born viruses will kill people. The blood brother ritual however, should not be a contributive factor; if done right.


Thank you,


Shannon.

I'm not as concerned about the dangers?

To tell you the truth, I took for granted
that it was being practiced safely---(perhaps
because it is a practice intended to bond the spirit of our thinking)

And I'll tell you something else, I think we
should blood test before mariages again.

So, my personal belief is, is the blood
brother ritual an effective
practice or, is it a moment history?


Yes we should definitely preserve it as one of humanity's
spiritual practices, but has it reached
it's turning-point as a practice?

I mean, it is a valuable historical practice in all
of it's various cultures.

People would treasure seeing regular re-inactments,IMHO?
If you could become certified to do the re-inactments?
That would be how I would support it.




Kolt for Jesus Christ

That wasn't for you, it was for RevJack.



And it should not be washed away.

Hi, I’m kinda new here and I don’t look at the forums that much, but this post really got my attention.

When I was in high school, I had 3 very close friends and we decided to perform a blood pact. But we wanted to have something more solid than just cutting ourselves and combining our blood.

We went to a shop that sold amulets. The kind you can find at catholic shops to keep a few drops of holy water around your neck. We made small pin picks in our fingers and each squeezed a drop of blood into each amulet.

My point in this is that I don’t believe that to do a blood bonding ritual you have to physically share blood. I think the ritual is more about sacrifice; that you are willing to give up a part of yourself for someone else. And if that is the case, and if you are worried about any kind of diseases that one person may have, I think a keepsake amulet is the best solution. Plus you get something permanent that you can hold in your hand and remember the oath that you took for your friends.

Shannon

Let me clarify how my point in commenting on this was because I together with my own blood brothers and sisters from childhood, who like myself had kids being born around the same time. We all together discussed how "neat" it would be if our kids were as close as we were.

Then all of a sudden and out of nowhere, America had an outpouring of a serious and yet a very mysterious disease known as AIDS. It was an added twist to our own ideas of our children all participating in the same bonding act of becoming blood brothers and sisters the way we all once did ourselves.

So yes it was an idea that we as parents of babies and toddlers at that time, decided for ourselves that it may be best if it were just left by the way side and not encouraged for them {even at a later date}. Because at that time it {aids} was clearly seeming to be a very scary thought and we considered that maybe, just maybe it was something we shouldnt do anymore. Based on the fact that none of us were comfortable with the idea of it any longer especially after considering all of the facts at that time.

Now, you can go ahead and feel offended if thats the way your mind and heart feel over mine and my friends decisions made some 20+ years ago, prior to and without consulting with you over the matter. But perhaps you might also consider this was our preference. It was our choice, it was a wise choice. Maybe you would have then made a different choice and or decision. But why do you feel the need to judge me and my friends over our choice.

Furthermore, so that we're crystal clear on this issue. I was not at all saying that you or anyone should just forget about it and that it should be washed away, In fact those were not my words at all. I will continue by saying that your further comments came across a bit confusing, when you said:


While I read the frustration in your tone there, I cannot understand nor will I make any assumptions as to why it was there.

Also about where you said:


I'm still looking for the list you were speaking of.

Shannon, I merely commented on a post you started when you asked:


Since you did not appreciate my post, sharing my own experience in regards to your posted subject. Perhaps I'll see what I can do about directly answering the question as you asked.



Which church are you talking about?



See my previous post

In closing, I have no intentions of standing and blocking you from attempting to preserve a ritual that you desire to see continued. One that perhaps for your own reasons of which you personally may believe in or hold some value to you or your faith. So please do not insinute that my words mean or meant anything other than what I have so clearly said.


Respectfully

Reverend Jack

RevJack I am sorry if I came off as a jerk. I didn't know the meaning behind what you said Jack. You were rather veg in the story. I thought that you meant that it should die out and just be washed away.

And I thank you for posting your openion.

By list, I meant the list of rituals of the ULC.

And by church I was referring to any of the major religious doctorens (spelling?) It's late, and I am not thinking clearly. My mind is on other things, okay?

lizvand It's a nice thought, but if it was ever discovered by someone who wanted to do you guys harm, it could be used to do so in the wrong hands. But such amulets are quite useful for other things though...Exorcisms (because it contains the undying love for your friends and their love for you.), blessing the house of the friend, messageing the friends in times of trouble by meditating with it, sending them love when they need it most, etc. Just do be careful about who you tell and let see it.

I have a bit of info on this subject from an Indian perspective. The Lakota call this Hunkapa....making relatives. At one time it was done by sharing blood but some have addapted, because of disease and other things, to the exchange of a important gift as the symbolic gesture. If you are sure of the person and have no personal concerns, you can still have it done the old way, you just have to be careful.

I would urge all; Please! Do not participate in sharing the blood of others!! There is no way to "be careful" when bodily fluids have been transmitted from one to another. I am devout Native American as well, and I would forego my traditions before gambling on a foolish whim.

On another note; I will be leaving the forum and all internet connections, including emails, as of March 1st, and will return after Easter. I have recognized our dependency on telecommunications and cyberspace. I have decided to recall what it was like before we had all these impersonal impliments and will disconnect from all electronic communication devices, including telephone, TV, and computers. I know this will be a more meaningful and enlightening experience than giving up meat or chocolates for Lent....and much more difficult. I will miss you all! So I still have a few days left; any feedback before Sunday, March 1st?...God's Peace and Love....To`na Wanagi

Dear To`na,

I understand and respect your wishes. I will miss your absence and look forward to your return. My only concern is that these are not as times of old, and with that in mind, I hope you have made some kind of communication provision should you find yourself or your love, in a situation of danger or emergency. With the nagging of mother Campbell out of the way, I wish you well in your personal mission.

God's blessings,

Rev. Campbell.

Dear Mother Campbell
My faith is great and I am not anxious over God's Will being done. If I were not a person of faith, I would have concerns, but I have none. God will take care of me and all those I love. His justice is wonderful and acceptable to me. Whatever may befall us, it is the justice we deserve. I know you understand, so have no fear. I refer you back to your own posts on "Sanctuary", eh? Which by the way, I loved!

And Mother, will you please endorse my statements on transference of bodily fluids? You and I have experience in the health services fields, so it is our responsibility to pass on our knowledge to others....God's Love and Peace....To`na Wanagi

Dear To`na,


Oh absolutely! While I know it is important to maintain the traditions and practices of ones own heritage and culture, it is just as important to remember we are not in the day of our ancestors, and as a result, face very different health threats then they did. Wisdom is not just for the elders, nor is it the domain of a school or select few, and it is the responsibility of those who would honor that heritage, to ensure the continuing well-being of its participants. Perhaps it is possible to create a variation of the same religious applications. Something to think about anyway. It is said in my faith to trust the Lord too, but it also says not to test Him either! (Hint, hint, dear sister).

God’s blessings,

Rev. Campbell.