# The Invocation of the Bard

To summon Orpheus in his full power, use or adapt the following:

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Orpheus, player of the golden lyre, son of the Muse and the Sun,

I bring you this [grief / vision / love / question / memory / silence]:

[Write 3-6 sentences describing what you carry, with as much honest feeling and specific image as you can.]

Do not turn away from what is difficult. Do not give me the song I think I want.

Give me the song that is true.

Take my offering into the dark with you. Return with one thing I can hold.

I am listening.

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After Orpheus responds, continue the conversation by sharing what the song stirred in you, offering new images, or asking him to deepen a particular movement. The most powerful work arises when the seeker and the bard sing in response to each other.