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Ritual - The entire space of the circle becomes our sphere of inner working - it becomes a sacred area in which, like a magic carpet, we can travel to other states of being. - Phillip Carr-Gromim
PURPOSE & FORMAT OF RITUAL
The principle of ritual in the craft is to bypass the superego and speak directly to the higher self through poetry and art. In the structure of self, the conscious mind (adult, superego, rational mind) has no way of direct contact with the higher self (spirit, Universal consciousness). The method is that the adult contacts the subconscious (the child self, the archetypal self) and the child makes contact with the spirit. This is achieved by removing the ritual from the everyday or commonplace and making it "special," a notification to the conscious mind to let go and let the mystery take over.
A ritual can not be used in place of therapy. Performing a ritual will, at best, offer a temporary relief, but will not alleviate long-term issues such as abuse or mental anguish.
FUNCTION OF RITUAL
MYSTICAL / METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL
- Induces a state of wonder. Connects the self with the All (Universe consciousness).
- Brings awe at the mysteries of the All.
- Functions on a universal down to the personal level.
COSMOLOGICAL
- Brings mystery - expressed in themes and motifs - to the people.
- Helps people make sense of their world.
SOCIOLOGICAL
- Provides a way of verifying, nurturing, and preserving the customs of a social group or individual.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
- Guides and supports individuals through myth.
- Provides a means of processing transitions from birth to death, the passages of life (birth, menarche, manhood, adolescence, first sexual experience, abuse, rape, marriage, divorce, menopause, death, etc.)
- Provides a structure for celebrating life (affirmations).
ELEMENTS OF RITUAL
SYMBOLS
Symbols speak directly to the subconscious and allow a bridge to form between the conscious/material world and the unconscious/ethereal world. Symbols include but are not limited to:
- Symbolic Acts
- Drawing a circle or pentagram.
- Sharing bread and wine.
- Dancing and/or singing.
- Making something.
- Representations of Goddess/God
- Figurines.
- Figurative representations such as horns- bull or deer antlers, shells, mirror, flowers, nuts, fruit, berries, etc.
- Candles representing balance. The most common combinations are white and black, white and green, white and blue, silver and gold.
- Their Function Includes:
- The representation of something else.
- A vehicle by which one can join forces with.
- The essential consciousness of the group.
- The essential consciousness of nature.
- The essential consciousness of the universe.
- The essential consciousness of spirit.
ALTAR
The altar can be made from virtually anything, but needs to be big enough to hold tools and other objects desired for the ritual. Height is also determined by personal taste; some prefer a waist-high altar, some prefer it to be low to the ground and kneel in front of it to retrieve things. There is no set height or size, these things depend on the group and availability of the object - a coffee table makes a good altar and is more portable than a buffet. A cloth on the ground is perfectly suitable for an outdoor ritual, as is a small pile of rocks or a boulder. Keep in mind that, with the exception of menstrual blood in specific spiritual purposes, blood should be kept away from your altar. A butcher's block would not be a good altar.
TOOLS
In general, the most important tool is being worn on one's shoulders. The only required tool in ritual is the mind of the person doing the ritual. If anything else is used or desired, these things should be brought in before the ritual begins and placed in the appropriate places.
A suggested altar placement could be:
Standard Tools Include:
- Athame / sword / labyris.
- Wand.
- Incense burner (called a thurible).
- Bell.
- Pentagram.
- Chalice of water.
- Dish of salt (sea salt is preferred).
- Altar candles.
- Watchtower candles.
- Altar cloth | goddess/god representations or figurines.
ADDITIONAL RITUAL OBJECTS
objects used in your circle should represent the season, the purpose of the ritual, or some inner meaning to you. Even the ribbon for the maypole may carry additional meaning through color, pattern, or source. Spending money on theses items is not as important as the link you have with them.
Some Items Might Include:
- Crystals and/or stones.
- Fans.
- Water.
- Decorations.
- Round or triangular objects.
- Pyramids.
- Tarot cards.
- Pictures.
- Libation bowl.
- Veils.
- Flowers.
- Any items needed to perform the ritual.
ACTIONS
Every action while in circle has meaning. Consider your movements and the purpose of the ritual. The physical and the mental should blend and work with one purpose.
Actions Include But Not Limited To:
- Casting the circle.
- Speaking or singing invocations.
- Spells, and narration, as in storytelling.
- Making something like a mask.
- Taking something off or putting it on like a mask or veil.
- Dancing or singing.
- Hugging or passing a kiss.
- Waving or fanning incense.
- Eating or preparing food.
- Taking a bath with herbs or salt.
- Swimming in a natural body of water.
- Cleaning the house / ritual area.
- Dressing for the ritual.
- Any action performed with the sacred in mind that is non-harmful.
COLORS
Colors affect the atmosphere of the ritual and the intent. While there are no rules concerning which colors are used, these are the usual associations of colors with properties; colors can mean different things to different people so that the color used should have a specific meaning to the person using it, not to any other color chart.
Suggested Colors:
- Black - grounding, mystery, deep earth, the crone.
- Brown - earth, stability.
- Purple - royalty, creativity.
- Lavender / ultra-violet - spiritual energy.
- Navy blue - depression, illness, dogma.
- Sky blue - serenity, tranquility, clear sight.
- Turquoise - intuition and protection.
- Green - growth, learning, fertility, the green god.
- Yellow - solar energy, joy.
- Orange - healing, physical energy.
- Bright red - love, passion, sensuality.
- Dark red - anger, rage, uncontrolled sex urge.
- Silver - the Moon, power of the Goddess.
- Gold - the Sun, power of the God.
- White - spiritual purity, protection, peace, the maiden.
SOUNDS & MUSIC
Music-Recorded: The music for ritual should be carefully chosen and listened to ahead of time. Depending on purpose, music can be fast and rhythmic for dancing, or slow and dreamlike for meditation or deep journeys. The list of available tapes and music for ritual is practically endless and depends solely on the taste of the people involved in the ritual, although it is generally felt that heavy metal, country/western, rap, techno/pop, and elevator music are incompatible with the purposes of sacred ritual. One also needs to ensure that the record / tape / CD player has batteries or the right chord plugged in, also that the music is inside the circle.
music-Live: If the group is going to sing, chant, and/or play instruments, one should make sure that the group members can sing or play the instruments. Live music can be powerful, but if some members can't sing, chanting can be used instead. The music should be known by the people performing it, and be simple (if everyone is going to participate) or well rehearsed (if one or two people are going to perform). Don't stop singing or playing if a note is missed, pay attention to the feeling and atmosphere and don't shatter it by stopping and apologizing for missing a note or beat.
Drums: Drums are a powerful way of raising energy or guiding a meditation. Keep the beats simple (4/4 or 6/8) for the beginners and try to make sure that the drummers can actually keep a beat. The "beat impaired" people can play some other noise maker or ring bells - things that don't require a beat, or they can dance while others play. Once again, pay attention to the atmosphere and realize that trancing (either for power raising or meditation) is impossible if some of the participants are hopelessly a-rhythmic.
Other: Sounds, particularly when one's eyes are closed, make up an important part of the environment. On the positive side these include wind chimes, fountains, rustling of trees, chirping of birds. Then there is the unexpected. one should try to anticipate these, such as a dog barking, traffic, neighbors, phones, air conditioning, change in music (the CD ends and a new one starts), children, and even your own coven mates who might snore during a meditation. When possible exclude sounds that don't belong.
ENVIRONMENT
Environment is an important element in ritual. The ritual site should be scrutinized for adequate space, (don't try to pack 12 people into an efficiency apartment and expect them to dance around) scents, noises, plants, animals, insects, neighbors and activities beyond one's control.
wildlife: Although beautiful, wild means wild. all wildlife is potentially dangerous, petting a buck (or bear cub) is not a good idea, nor is cuddling with a squirrel with rabies; and then there are always the: fire ants, bees, mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers, flies, tarantulas, brown recluses, black widows. Always ask coveners about allergies and always bring an antihistamine.
Sheriff's Department: Occasionally the police get involved, sometimes because of noise, neighbors, permits, nudity, or just basic interest. The best way to handle this is for one member, usually the high priest/ess or a designated greenman to calmly and politely ask what the officer is concerned with. Never escalate the situation. Know your rights, keep your temper and follow the law.
Fire Department: Like the police, if you use too much incense and set of smoke detectors, or if neighbors see a lot of smoke for any reason, you may end up with the fire department showing up in the middle of your ritual. This happened to me twice, once during a ritual in a hotel room and some incense smoke leaked into the hallway (I covered the one in the room but not the hallway) and set off the smoke alarms and another time I was working outside making my athame using a hibachi and hammer to put the edge on the blade. The first time I was severely scolded by the hotel and the second time, the firemen continued to stand around and watch me make my athame. So be careful with candles and fire, and incense and smoke.
Plant Life: In addition to the obvious allergies such as hay fever, cedar fever, pollen in general can make ritual a torturous event; always ask coveners about allergies and always bring an antihistamine. Don't perform a meditation in a poison ivy patch, a cactus patch, or around flowers that attract bees.
Weather & Temperature: Watch the weather channel. Be aware of the temperature and storm fronts. Heat exhaustion, frost bite, an unexpected cold front or downpour is no fun if you're not prepared.
Be Intelligent: Here are some extra tips:
- Don't put candles or hot items like the cauldron next to curtains or robe hems. Much of our ritual garb is flammable! I discovered the hard way that candles, curtains and a strong breeze do not mix well.
- When outdoors take a fire extinguisher just in case. It doesn't hurt to have one available indoors, as well, just in case of an accident.
- Don't drink so much that someone falls into the bonfire.
- If you are camping try to find someone to bring a cell phone in case of emergencies.
- Take water with your in case of heat exhaustion.
- Notice the closeness of the site to the campsite showers, rest room, and sewage treatment.
SCENTS
Do a little research before ritual so that appropriate incense can be made or used. Frankincense invokes the Goddess and is a good all-purpose incense, as sage is a cleansing herb and can be used to get rid of unwanted energy. Cunningham's Incenses, Oils, and Brews is an excellent resource for scents used in ritual and the specific properties of the different materials. If you are using strong scents indoors, be sure to provide plenty of appropriate ventilation. Years ago, I once used bit of sulfur for incense for a particular ritual in a tightly enclosed ritual room. It was a BIG mistake. I had problems breathing almost immediately. I couldn't get out of my ritual room fast enough and the room stunk for several days afterward and I had to air it out big time. Valuable lesson learned the hard way. It would have been much better to have done this outdoors or use a substitute for sulfur.
CLOTHING
Street clothes are appropriate for informal ritual, and should be loose and comfortable. Outdoor ritual clothes depend on the security of the location. Rituals held on private land can be robed or skyclad according to the wishes of the group, and according to the environment (insects, poison plants, briars, fireants) and these things must be taken into account when planning what to wear. Most people have different robes for different seasons and functions-tunic and trousers for outdoors, wool for winter, light cotton for summer. The robes or clothing should be made of natural material-cotton, linen, silk, wool. The general rule is to wear whatever makes one feel Magical. When making a robe the following should be considered:
- Length: Ankle or mid-calf with slits up the sides for ease of movement.
- Style: Loose and comfortable; elastic is distracting for it does not allow for ease of movement.
- Decoration: Robes can be decorated with anything the person feels is magical and appropriate. Zodiac symbols, Celtic knot work, unicorns and fairies are common. Within the context of this tradition, skulls, swastikas, and abusive things in general are not considered appropriate or desirable (and I would closely question the person displaying them).
- Sleeves: Bell sleeves are easy to set on fire, sleeves should be loose but fairly close to the skin to prevent immolation, peasant sleeves have the same problems a bell sleeves. Puffed upper and close filling lower can work (see 11th century paintings), three quarter sleeves also work well. For summer in hot climes, sleeveless is best, as in a tunic top.
- Trousers: Drawstring tunic, Indian, or mid-eastern styles work very well.
- Saris: Are very pretty and highly flammable and movement restricting, billowing robes are impressive and dangerous. Be intelligent and consider that ritual involves movement and flames and the two are not compatible.
PREPARATION FOR RITUAL
CLARIFY THE INTENTION
You should always establish a purpose for the ritual. "Why am I doing this ritual?"
PLANNING
Proper planning is necessary when:
- Writing the ritual.
- Assembling the necessary elements.
- Finding an appropriate place.
EMOTIONAL PROCESSING
Some of the rituals will bring up feelings that one MUST deal with and not deny or repress. Sometimes these feelings will change the goal of the ritual, that is good. These changes should be acknowledged and taken into account. Perhaps the ritual will need to be revised, that's fine too, as long as the feelings are accounted for and the purpose is clear. For example, one might want to do a ritual to be cleansed and healed after a rape. At the time the ritual is being written, a tremendous amount of anger makes itself felt. The purpose and focus of the ritual might then change to deal with the anger and channel it towards a useful goal (such as a binding if the rapist has not been caught or was released after serving a very brief sentence). The anger in this situation is appropriate and should not be repressed. After this process, a cleansing ritual might then be in order, to get rid of interfering energies before the actual ritual takes place. If you are having trouble with the boss? Don't bring it with you to a ritual, unless it is the reason you are doing the ritual.
PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS
Clean the house or clear the area being used. This means killing the fire ants, spot the poison ivy for an outdoor ritual, if needed.
A note for those not from the South - fire ants are a highly dangerous invasion from South America that serve no function in the ecology. Every year there are at least 3-4 human fatalities from fire ants, which can kill a human in less than 2 minutes if the human is unconscious or immobile, as in a car accident. Their stings are toxic and livestock (and wild animals) are vulnerable to them also, costing mountains of money. So for those who think that killing the poor helpless ants is cruel, go step in a mound and get back to us Texans on the results. We have found that kerosene poured on a mound is the most effective way to permanently eliminate the little monsters. Logic (a brand name) also works if put down two weeks before the planned event.
Killer bees are also becoming a problem, and it is a good idea to check out the area quietly before the ritual drums cause the entire group to be stung to death... not a pleasant way to go. If a hive is spotted, call the Fire Department or the Forestry Service immediately. In Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico wild bees these days are potentially killer bees.
Set up the ritual area, then take a bath or shower and dress for the ritual.
Even if street clothes are being worn, bathing is an important part of psychological and physical preparation.
MANIFESTATION - PERFORMING THE RITUAL
TYPES OF RITUAL
Healing: For the self or others.
- Emotions.
- The body.
- Quit addictions.
- Identify causes.
- Eliminate behavior.
- Relieve depression.
- Heal disease.
The World
- Ecology.
- Pollution.
- Endangered species.
- To prevent disaster.
- To heal the earth.
- Alleviate famine.
- Alleviate drought.
As with all rituals including others, even a healing ritual must have the acceptance of the person being healed. If you can not contact them then send your energies out with the ability to be turned away.
Relationships
- Sacred marriage - sex magick.
- Balancing, alleviating problems.
- Discover cause of discord.
- Endings.
- Beginnings.
- Bringing a lover to you.
- Strengthening the relationship.
- Divorce.
- Separation.
- Handfasting
Rituals that involve relationships and thereby the will of others are done in a general way and are aimed at the relationship rather than a specific person. If you wish a new lover, you do not name a person you focus on the qualities you seek. Even then care should be taken, read about the lover who wouldn't leave long after you wanted them out of your life.
Family
- House blessings.
- Holidays.
- Engagement.
- Anniversaries.
- Birthdays.
- A Wiccaning or Paganing of a new baby.
- Leaving home.
- Coming of age - first menstrual period or manhood ceremony.
- Readiness for first sexual experience.*
- Croning.
- Saging.
* In pagan households, sex is regarded as sacred and natural. Therefore, when a young man or woman reaches the age of sexual activity, a ritual might be done presenting her/him with birth control and a ceremony acknowledging the responsibility involved in being sexually active.
Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, is universally reviled by sane people including Pagans. Pagan families view it as an abomination and perversion of our most sacred mystery. A ritual involving sex performed with a young person would be repulsive and abusive.
Problem Resolution
- Argument.
- Holidays.
- Engagement.
- Finances and/or career/job concerns.
- Questions on what path to take.
Seasonal Celebrations
- Samhain.
- Yule / Winter Solstice.
- Imbolc.
- Spring Equinox.
- Beltane / Beltain.
- Summer Solstice.
- Lammas.
- Autumn Equinox.
- Other holidays.
Personal Concerns
- Relieve anger.
- Transformations.
- Self-knowledge.
- Find a job.
- Find a new home.
BindingsIn this Order, we do not perform curses or hexes. A binding is used to prevent harm from being caused and to bring a perpetrator to justice. It is ventured into only under extreme circumstances.
Other
- Mask making.
- Talking sticks.
- A party.
- Manifestations (not to be confused a seance).
- Storytelling.
- Drawing down the Moon and Sun.
- Embodying a Goddess/God.
- Meditations.
- Initiation.
- Dancing.
- Finding your power animals or spirit guides.
- Anything else not included above that does not cause harm.
TEN GUIDELINES OF RITUAL
Remember the intention.
Let the myths inspire you.
Use your intuition.
Benefit all and harm none.
Keep it simple.
Stay balanced.
Keep in touch with your feelings and the feelings of others in the circle (and acknowledge them).
Honor the power of words (don't say things in circle that don't belong in the ritual space).
Keep the imagination alive. (Create, don't stagnate.)
Attend to detail - ritual altars consciousness and the details create a greater impact. If the ritual is complex - practice or rehearse if you want to keep the details under control.
QUESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:
Where is your ritual going to be performed?
How will you eliminate / control noise problems?
Are your neighbors going to call the police if you have drumming?
Are the participants comfortable with being skyclad / robed?
What music will you use?
What incense?
What is your purpose?
If your ritual is outside, have you made provision for interruptions, insect & plant control, allergies, neighbors?
Are your smoke detectors going to go off in the middle of the ritual?
Are the participants clear about what they will be doing?
Is there enough room for what you will be doing?
Did you take possible weather conditions into account?
What kind of food will your ritual require and how will you provide it (consider potluck)?
Can the participants afford the materials for the ritual? Budgets can be tight for some members of the circle.
Do you have the location of the nearest emergency room in case an accident or illness? Do you know the health conditions of the people in the group?
Please visit these pages for more information about the Sibylline Order of Wicca and their informative articles.
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(When the links to these pages were checked while updating the page, they are no longer available. December 2008)
Let
The Truth
Be Heard!
Often a Book of Shadows begins with a book blessing.
This poem is adapted from Silver Ravenwolf's "To Stir a Magick Cauldron"
reminds us of who we are and why we keep this book.
BOOK OF SHADOWS BLESSING
I will serve the Great Goddess
And give reverence to the Great God
I am a Pagan Witch
A stone in the ancient circle
Standing firmly
Balanced on the earth
Yet open to the winds of heaven
And enduring through time
May the old gods witness my words
Blessed be.
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