LBV
LBV Vampire Gathering


Several weeks ago I received a notice that Long Black Veil, previously the tri-state area's premiere vampyre gathering, was coming back for one night only on April 16th. I then received an email that prior to the party, a small gathering would be held where there would be some speakers on vampirism. I learned that the designated speakers were Michelle Belanger the Founder of House Kheperu and the author of the Vampyre Codex, Father "Sebastian" Todd of House Sahjaza and Strigoi Vii fame (or infamy depending on where the reader stands), and last but certainly not least the enchanting Madame X, Matriarch of House of the Dreaming. The icing on the cake was an email informing the reader that Don Henrie might be joining the festivities. I arrived early and alone. No sooner had I situated myself inside the meeting place than Father Sebastian introduced himself. He was personable and easy going. I had a pleasant surprise when I turned around to meet Shishain Kaleanen of House Quinotar. The speaking began with Father Sebastian and Ms. Belanger greeting the audience and reaffirming the need for harmony and understanding throughout the community, if not respect; a statement I feel is valid. They both spoke about their respected establishments and their purposes. Kheperu is a "wisdom tradition" that is dedicated to "balance, education and transformation" (www.kheperu.org ). They are often referred to as the scholars or monks of the vampire community. Strigoi Vii is a collection of "traditions, philosophies and teachings passed on to the community by the Old Covens of New York City" ("V" p18 www.vampyrealmanac.com). A focus of Strigoi Vii is to unite the ideas and teachings of vampirism under a new name and an evolved theory of spirituality. The speakers made an analogy of their institutions being yin and yang. House Kheperu focuses on freedom and exploration while Strigoi Vii gives more leverage to order and ritual. I witnessed a Strigoi Vii ritual performed. This particular ceremony was penned by Madame X. It was beautiful both in aesthetics and in structure. (As I describe the ritual I will be describing the procedures that I saw and related terms used in the Strigoi Vii tradition. Please bear in mind that I am writing about this ritual with an extremely limited knowledge of Strigoi Vii traditions.) There were four types of roles which participated in the ritual; Ramkht, Mradu, Kitra and Celebrants. The Ramkht is the priest or priestess, Mradu are the guardians or warriors, Kitra are councilors or altars of flesh and the Celebrants are those people who are not directing the ritual but are still taking part in it. The actual setting up of the ritual space is called Prelude. During the prelude of this ritual a pentagram was drawn on the floor, candles on plates were placed around the pentagram and the necessary accessories and tools needed for the ritual were placed on a table next to the pentagram. An Mradu lit the candles, placed water in the plate of one candle, incense in the plate of another and votive candles on another plate. This Prelude is meant to be done only by those who are directing the ritual. Next the participants were cleansed by the Ramkht and the Mradu before entering the Temple, or sacred space. The first member entered the Temple and painted symbols on each of the candles in red paint. The second partaker entered and blessed the candles with a sword. The third member came in and blessed the space with incense while the fourth followed suit with a large heavy bell. Then the fifth participant entered the Temple. Three Kitra entered the sacred space, each of them representing a goddess that is connected to vampirism; Isis, Kali and Diana who is thought to be a reincarnation of Lilith. The Kitra stood in the middle of the pentagram and held clay vessels filled with red wine as offerings. The women and the offerings were painted with protective symbols. The group then invoked Elorath, the spirit of the vampire community in Strigoi Vii tradition. The ritual was finished and then energy charged wine was offered to all present. Madame X entertained some questions about her ritual. Ms. Belanger and Father Sebastian then had some question and answer time with the group. When they were finished they invited Don Henrie to share some thoughts with the gathering. Mr. Henrie was very gracious and thanked them for allowing him to be present. He joked about Mad Mad House and expressed his hopes that the vampire community would grow. I later was able to steal Mr. Henrie's attentions away from the crowd for a few moments outside of the Long Black Veil party. I found him to be not only polite, but moreover, lovely. Don is a gentleman, a real vampire and a good person. I hope that you all will have occasion to meet him someday. I also had a chance to purchase "V", the book on Strigoi Vii traditions that is available to the public. I am slowly working my way through and I hope to have an article on that for you readers next zine. Be well all. Namaste.

Laura
Associate of the Vampire Church

© Vampire Church



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