What makes a ritual? We've already talked about the feeling and connection that should go into it. Now let's talk about the mechanics.
Every ritual should start with planning and preparation I may not advocate following a set of instructions by rote, but that doesn't mean just stumble through something your making up as you go along either. Before you begin lighting candles consider what is the purpose of the ritual. Will it be a solitary or group ritual? Are there time frames, space constraints, privacy matters ect to consider? Take some time to make sure that area that will be used is free of debris that might be tripped over, especially if the ritual will take place after dark. Have back up plans for bad weather. Each person should take the time to make sure they understand what their role will be and what they will be responsible for. It is sometimes possible for incredible rituals to “just happen”, but it's best not to count on it. Nothing throws a wrench into the works like an injury or discovering that a critical tool was left outside the circle. Make sure you take care of all mundane matters like raking and buying candles first.
After the planning comes the preparation Most people will naturally think of preparation of the place and the tools, but we must also consider preparation of the self. Remember, your own body is your single most important ritual tool, but even before we worry about that prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Take a few quiet moments and relax. Ground and center, let the the stress of the yard work and the long line at the one stop candle shop slip into your past. Or better yet, gather it all up into a big bundle and PUSH it into the ground to be buried, the air to disperse, a fire to be consumed or a body of water to sink. Whatever, just get it away from you and your ritual place. Think about what is to come and start to get yourself into the right mindset for it.
How to prepare the body, like a lot of things is going to depend on factors like personal preference and time and resource constraints. I have heard of elaborate candle lit baths in herb steeped water with incense burning and Celtic harp on the CD player. I've also heard of dabbing a bit of salt water on each palm while intoning that by the power of salt and water I am cleansed. So which is right? If you answered both of them and anything and everything in between, congratulations It shows you've been paying attention. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the mechanics are not the important issue. What is important is that you are preparing yourself to go before your Deities. You will want to do so in a respectful manner. Whether this needs a full trip to the metaphysical day spa, or simply “running a comb through your hair before leaving the house” will vary from person to person, and ritual to ritual. Just like you wouldn't show up to help a friend paint his house in your Sunday best , or for your brother's wedding in your grungies.
Now that you have prepared yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically to be in a sacred place it is time to prepare your tools. Some advocate regular “maintenance “cleansings of frequently used tools, but whether you do so or not prior to being used is a get time to as least “rinse them off” so to speak.
Due to space, tool cleansing will be the subject of another post.
Well yet again it seems like there was so much to say that we're not going to be able to get to what makes a ritual until next time. I never realized how much was going on over the years that just happened without much thought until I started putting all down in written words. As always questions, comments, criticisms, whatever. At this point I'm afraid to promise yet again to get into the meat of rituals next time, but Goddess willing I will.
Until then PEACE LOVE AND MAGIC
vwytche
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