Introduction into Ritual Work

Introduction

In tune with life cycles in people's lives and in nature, rituals provide an opportunity for us to connect with Deity, others, and our world. They enable us to enact our faith through symbol, story, and gesture.

Rituals are viewed as a way to connect with the divine. Rituals are observances that can be performed alone, in a coven or as part of an Open Circle. Some prefer a formal or traditional ritual, while others prefer spontaneity. Either way, there is usually structure that is followed for efficiency. It is this structure that this lesson focuses on.

There are essentially three types of ritual: The Sabbat Ritual, The Esbat Ritual, and the working ritual.

The Sabbat Rituals are events that celebrate the eight holy days of the Wiccan religion. There are: Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, Mabon and Samhain. This is a time to commune with the Goddess and God and focus on the turning of the wheel of the year. Usually, there is no (or only minor) magick worked on these days.

The Esbat Rituals are the rituals related to the moon. There are 13 full moons a year. It is a time to worship the Goddess. It is also a powerful time for magick. Some might also choose to do New Moon and Dark Moon Rituals. (In L&S, we also include the New Moon as a regular esbat to note as particularly imporant and work with that energy as well. )  These rituals are using for spiritual/psychic growth as well as magick.

Working Rituals are rituals done any other time that involve serious magick or spiritual effort. Such rituals might include a self-dedication, a handfasting (a Wiccan wedding ritual), a house cleansing, etc. What sets this apart from regular spell workings is that the work is of a nature that requires or warrants the presents of the God/dess and the spirits of the elements. There really aren't set rules as to when spell work requires a ritual verses just a circle. Use your discretion.

As I am sure you know, there is no one way to do anything in the Craft. What I will present in this class are generally accepted practices. Do not take them as law.

This class will center around the basic components of a ritual. They include:

1. Prepare your alter for your intent
2. Purify self and space
3. Meditate to Ground & Center your focus and intent.
4. Cast a circle
5. Call the Quarters
6. Invoke the chosen deity/deities
7. Statement of purpose
8. Ritual celebration/work and raising energy
9. Offering
10. Thanks the deities
11. Close the quarters
12. Open the circle
13. Ground (if needed according to ritual) and have a Simple Feast