[MR] A Small Request for Prospective Crowns

[Terri Morgan]

I would like to take the focus away from any one candidate/peer's ceremony
and bring it back to a general discussion...

I admit, I knew in advance about both of my Peerage ceremonies - in that I
knew they were going to happen but not when. I treasure, more than I am
capable of writing, the wonder of my Pelican vigil and ceremony and I know
how long the work went into creating such a touching and deep experience for
me. Certainly, I would not (and neither would those who have purchased
copies afterwards) have such a uniquely beautiful Pelican medallion if my
Mistress, Grafin Judith, had not had 6 months to commission and work out the
design and making of it with Master Vortigen. The gathering of my friends,
the words of people I didn't even think had a care for me... these things
will forever be a treasure and inspiration to me.

I want the same for those who I see coming into a Peerage. It takes time and
co-ordination of a large body of people to create, not a memorable event -
it will be that no matter what - but one that serves to reflect the honour
and love that friends and supporters feel for a candidate. 

A Peerage ceremony happens once in a lifetime. (I know, it can happen more
often - but the vigil/self-examination/celebration is NEVER the same as that
first one.) It will be important to many people who are outside of the
peer/associate relationship, many quiet friends and supporters who would
like to craft a gift or be a part of the giving of honour to the
candidate... and that affirmation on the part of one's friends and
supporters is a big, vital, part of the day. Fear of the 'secret getting
out' should not stand in the way of that. Again, this will only happen once
in a lifetime.

I would like to see the emphasis placed on allowing those who have
watched/hoped/guided a person towards their Peerage be able to be there, to
celebrate, to craft and give a physical token of esteem and love to the new
Peer... I'd like to see that, more often than a mad scramble to get whatever
we can together and the stress of "can I tell _____? I know they'd like to
know but..." reflected in the faces of those who are trying to balance
secrecy with honouring the aspirant, the sadness of knowing that apologies
will have to be given during the following weeks as folks who have missed
the event ask why they were excluded from knowing.

With respect - the focus should be on what best serves, what best inspires,
touches, and honours the celebrant. I know of not one person who'd rather
have a secret ceremony missing people who are important to them rather than
that was 'leaked' but had them surrounded by the people who they'd want to
include in their celebration as they take that step into Peerage.

Hrothny
--
"Nobility depends not on parentage or place of birth, but on breadth of
compassion and depth of loving kindness. If we would be noble, let us be
greathearted."  online2much at cox.net