Rededication Candle Ceremony

It is always a delight to present the Rededication Ceremony during the Conferences. The movement and music was originally brought to my community in New Jersey by one of our sisters in Leadership, who resides at our Motherhouse in Germany. The movement went so well with the philosophy of TCC, that I began using it as a ritual to end my classes, as well as for our first New Jersey Accreditation in 1994. Meara Joy Norice, who was auditing during this training, suggested that together we could create a “Rededication Ceremony” for the Denver, CO Conference — the first I had ever attended. It is from that time that the ritual has become a tradition.

I would like to offer some information so that teachers could use the ritual as well for their students when bringing their classes to a “graceful conclusion.” You are encouraged to be creative with the following information, honoring your own personalities and gifts.

Equipment:

1) Chant Tape Used: O GREAT SPIRIT by Robert Gass & On Wings of Song, available on cassette only from: Spring Hill Music Co 80306 (no phone #.

2) 6″ Tapers with Bobeches (round cardboard pieces that protect wax from dripping onto hand or floor) can be ordered from Autom Candle Supplies. $44.95 for a case of 250 (other lengths and quantities are also available.

OR using Tea Lights inside glass bowls work well, holding the bowl inside the left palm.

3) 3″ stack bowl (CAR-8015026) at $.90 each may be purchased from any Restaurant Supply Company.

4) Optional: Large candle in the center (with or without table) from which to light candles OR one person simply begins with a lit candle and passes it to the next.

Group Formation:

Works well with 10 or more persons in a circle. A Spiral is suggested for 24 or more. A spiral is formed to the left, the direction of movement. Soft music may be played during the lighting of candles. They may be lit one at a time, beginning at one end; may also be lit from both sides of circle or spiral. At the California Conference, the inner circle of the spiral was lit, then participants were invited to turn around to light the candle/s behind them, and the light then radiates to the outer circle. This format worked well with 176 participants.

Reflection Questions may be used/changed/added regarding Tai Chi Chih

Example: A reflection prior to the Lichter Tanz during Accreditation Week:

As everyone is lighting their candles, or as they are standing with their lit candles, ask the following questions to help facilitate a reflective mood, as well as remembering.

1. As you hold your lit candle, what does the light represent?
2. Recall your first experience of T’ai Chi Chih — what was that like for you?
3. What was the attraction?
4. What was your practice like?
5. Who was your initial teacher?
6. When did you first desire to teach T’ai Chi Chih, and who was your mentor?
7. What gifts did T’ai Chi Chih bring into your life?
8. What is your greatest hope as a T’ai Chi Chih Teacher?
9. What gifts did you receive from your Accreditation Experience?

Let us enter into the movement….. MUSIC

Beginning the Movement

It is better to Practice movement prior to entering the space where it will be done.

After lighting candles, all are invited to hold it in the Left Hand. Right Hand is placed on the shoulder of the person standing to their right.

∗∗ Take 1 step to the Left, bring right foot to left. Repeat. (count of 4)
Left toe points forward, side ward, backward, and in place. (count of 4)
Right toe points forward, side ward, backward, and in place. (count of 4)
Continue to repeat from the beginning ∗∗

Optional: Before moving, direct the group to hold the candle in both hands, asking:
What does the light symbolize for you?

Begin the MUSIC and enter into the movement for about 3-7 minutes.

After, invite all to hold the candle with both hands.

Ritual meanings:

Candle held in the LEFT hand. Yin side. Receiving. Heart side of the body — personal side — introverted side. The Light leading us on the journey.

RIGHT hand is placed on the shoulder of the person next to you…. We become connected. Yang side. Giving, as in giving a blessing, a handshake. Social Side — extroverted side.

During our class of TCC we have been on a journey. It has been said that the longest journey is the journey inward. TCC is an invitation to such a journey. But nothing must be taken, or can be taken… all must be let go of. In this journey of movement with the candles, we journeyed together, supporting another in the steps by being supported by the person next to us by holding onto the shoulder.

Moving to the left, I am creating space for another, for that person’s uniqueness. Pointing the toe in different directions can symbolize the four corners of the earth, the four seasons, or even the four Taffys! The steps invite me to leave a blessing wherever I go, and among those with whom I travel. The poet Rumi once wrote: “Wherever you place your foot, there rests a blessing”. Allowing space for another, I desire to accept others as they are, not as I expect them to be.

You have learned the movements of TCC. May the CHI teach and move you during your daily practice. It is only through daily practice that we will be able to circulate and balance the CHI… that we will discover its gifts in our lives… its essence in uniting mind, body, spirit. You will then discover its Essence.

As we extinguish our candle, may that which the light symbolized for each of us, burn brightly in our hearts, bringing light and its meaning to all with whom we come in contact.

N.B. Prior to blowing out candle, group can be invited to turn, facing outward to extend the Light/Chi energy over the world…

Enjoy!