Rituals: Some words of introduction
What is a 'Ritual'? What do we mean when we use the term?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a ritual as 'a religious or solemn ceremony involving a series of actions performed according to a set order'.
As with everything on this website, I can only speak for myself and as I do not rigidly follow any of the Traditions, my brand of Paganism is particularly free-flowing and innovative. I borrow from wherever I feel appropriate and follow what my heart tells me and generally steer clear of set procedures. But there are certain elements which I might incorporate into my rituals to add focus and structure.
A ritual may be held for a variety of purposes - as a celebration, to give thanks, to request something, or maybe just for a better sense of connection. And just how much 'ritual' i.e. our 'series of actions performed according to a set order' is involved, is largely determined by the purpose for which it is held.
The rituals suggested here are for the purpose of celebrating the various Festivals and as such do not need to be too formal. However, we usually cast a circle and call the quarters because it gives a greater sense of occasion and focuses our attention on the purpose of our gathering. And a vital part of whatever we are doing is an acknowledgement of the Spirit of Place. It is only polite to ask permission of the resident spirit for their permission for you to be there!
The rituals that follow are intended as guidelines and should be adapted and improved according to your own thoughts and ideas. Especially things such as the casting of the circle and the calling of the quarters. Think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Make up your own words. Don't worry if they don't come straight away, that is what these rituals are intended for. To get you thinking.
Getting Started
Firstly, try to choose somewhere to hold your ritual where you won't be bothered by onlookers and where you won't bother them. And if there are other people around then try to be discreet.
As the whole concept of Rituals may be new to you, some words of explanation may be helpful. All the rituals begin with casting a circle and 'calling the quarters', both of which are explained here:
Casting a circle - We cast a circle for a variety of reasons - these can include to keep something in, to keep something out, or to delineate sacred space. For our purposes here we shall be creating sacred space. To do this, you really need nothing more than your intent. Whether you walk around a circle to form it, or sit in the middle of it and imagine it around you, doesn't really matter, but you might find it easier to envisage by actually walking it. This should be done clockwise, following the path of the sun. It doesn't matter how large you make your circle, but you may find it logical if you begin casting it in the East. Don't worry if you feel you get it wrong. It is your intent that matters here. As you walk around, hold the index finger of your right hand out in front of you and think of the stream of energy that you are projecting from your body to create this sacred space. Imagine it as forming a physical barrier and if you like you can speak, or whisper your thoughts as you do so. Why are you creating this space? What is it intended to be?
Now you have your circle don't step outside of it. Stay within it and treat it for what it is - an enclosure of sacred space.
'Calling the Quarters'. Again it depends on what you will be doing in your circle as to how formal this gets. For our purposes here we shall simply be acknowledging the presence of the elements that make up life - Earth, Air, Fire and Water, each of which have a corresponding point of the compass. When you call the quarters, walk round your circle and stop at the relevant compass point, facing outwards. As with everything, take your time and think of WHY you are doing this.
It is essential that at the end of your ritual you return the space to normal use. Just a few words are necessary, spoken whilst walking anti-clockwise around your circle. And never forget at the end to thank the Spirit of Place for making you feel welcome and allowing you to be there.
But whatever you do, ENJOY it because our Festivals are a time of celebration.