It is through ritual, both personal and collective, that we reverence and enliven those parts of ourselves that connect us to the external forces that sway the universe. In this way we become active, dynamic participants in the dance of life.” – Caroline W. Casey
Ritual is a physical act, imbued with intention. You can take a bath and empty the tub, OR you cleanse yourself of your past beliefs and release them down the drain. You can wash your windows OR you can increase the clarity by which you see the world. Whether it’s a mundane act like cleaning your home or weeding your garden OR a grand theatrical event, energy follows your intention. It is the simple act of creating an intention that enlivens the rituals throughout your day. As the magical muse Caroline W. Casey suggests, “The Invisible World would like to help, but spiritual ettiquette requires that we ask.” Adding, “Help is always available (operators are standing by.)” So how do we talk to the Gods, Spirit, and the Great Mystery? Through Ritual.
“Ritual is a direct expression of intention.”
- Lisa Dale Miller
Intention
Begin to let yourself focus on WHAT instead of how. As you begin to breath in, allow yourself to focus and clarify your desire. What is the purpose of your intention? What is the seed of your ritual? Let the door for magic and divine assistance while being grounded and present in the moment.
To be healed, have a house, connect with a partner, allow more abundance in…
Timing
Basics Moon Energy
When choosing a time for a ritual, first consider the nature of your intention. If you are wanting to start something new, birth something, bring renewed energy to something, you might plan your ritual for a New Moon or a Waxing Moon (growing -> full.) If your ritual is about bearing fruits, empowerment, transformation, celebration, etc. you might consider holding your ritual near or during the time of the Full Moon. When your intention is to let go or release something, the waning moon (after full -> dark) would serve you well. Learn more by visiting Moon & Sun
Today Forward
1.) Where is the sun and moon right now? What energy is available to me today? Check out where the moon is today and/or get yourself a We’Moon Calendar for more planetary information.
2.) When is the next new moon or full Moon? What energy will they bring with them and how can I ride the wave of energy they release? Check out the calendar Moon Tips and join the free monthly mailer to get a “heads up!”
Special Occasion – Planning rituals for significant times for you such as your birthday, holidays, anniversaries (of marriages and important events) as well as to honor the seasons, etc.is also powerful as it affirms our interconnectedness with life and all her cycles. Learn more by visiting Wheel of the Year
Tools / What to Bring
I fully believe that whatever you have is exactly what you need. I have found that spontaneity and creativity create the strongest and most meaningful rituals. Just as there is no right answer, there is no magical formula – just suggestions for “best practices”. Think about your intention and then ask yourself, what feels good? What wants to be on the altar? What colors do I want to bring in? Who are the people I want to invite? What time of the day or night feels good to me? As you practice the art of ritual your tool-chest will increase and your nature intuition for what feels good to you will take over.
If you are planning a ritual in advance, you might want to think about your intention for the ritual ahead of time and about what items/colors/fabrics would be symbolic of that intention. If you are including other people in the ritual and you are leading it, ask yourself “how would I like people to participate?” You will want to let people know in advance if they should bring an item of their own for the altar, an intention, a gift, food to share, etc. The energy is already moving through your intention. The more people focus their minds on the intention, the more energy starts to shift and move…and magic happens spontaneously. Supply Ideas
Basic Ritual Elements / Structure
- Declare your Intention (hold it in your mind, write it down, say it out loud…)
- Create an Altar
- Grounding / Cleansing – meditation, cleansing smoke, salt water, bells, etc.
- Creating Sacred Space – “Closing the Circle” & Calling the Directions
- Ritual – a physical act (representational/theatrical) done with intention.
- Feasting – Sharing food and drink, honoring abundance
- Giving Thanks – “Opening the Circle” - Creating Sacred Space
Ritual Starter kit
The complete elemental workout including Earth, Air, Fire and Water from Making the Gods Work for You by Caroline W. Casey.
To Earth an intention, write down what you are willing to release. “I am willing to release the following things________________.”
Then Air it by saying, muttering, shouting, or singing your intention.
Fire’s observation calls you to burn the piece of paper.
Take the ashes to the living Water of a stream, river, lake, pond or ocean and toss them in.
Believe nothing, entertain possibilities. We connect to something larger than ourselves when we perform a ritual.
Resources
Books The 12 Wild Swans, The Earth Path, Circle Round, Pagan Book of Living and Dying and The Spiral Dance by Starhawk & Friends
Website Reclaiming Tradition, Book of Shadows, Witch Vox, Visionary Activist
