How to design a ceremony

[Yvonne Belisle]

HOW TO DESIGN A CEREMONY

How do you create a ceremony that's right for you? Ritual is the name for ceremonies that have been done over and over again through the ages in exactly the same way. But for many, the old rituals no longer feel right. For others, there are so many rituals, from so many corners of the earth and so many settings of the timespan that feel right, that you want to borrow, improvise, adapt, personalize, modernize. But some things never change. All Ceremonies use some or all of these:
1. A location made special for the occasion.
2. Words, original or traditional, said aloud or silently, in speech, or poetry, or chant, or song.
3. Sound and rhythm...music, drumming, horns, woodwinds, clapping, tapping, rattling.
4. Lighting...often flames from candles.
5. Movement designed for the occasion.
6. Symbols: rocks, shells, semi-precious stones or crystals; totem animals.
7. Aromas or scents.
8. Herbs, flowers or plants.
9. Food and drink
10.An appropriate place to put these things. Some call this special place an Altar. Some place them directly on the ground, believing that Mother Earth is our primary and most sacred altar.

[Mairwen]

Would be interesting to see how someone picked up some/all of these elements and incorporated them into a rite ~ or built a rite around them.

I'd volunteer, but writing rites right makes me :crazy:. :rolleyes:

[Myst]

Comments and Suggestions Welcome.
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Have ready a black candle, a representation of yourself (picture, drawing, trinket), a black candle, appropriate incense (mugwort, mandrake, st john's wort), consecrated salt and water, a candle or trinket to represent each element, a wand or athame, and any other tools you wish. Perform the ritual skyclad if possible, or wearing ritual garb (if wearing ritual garb try to wear something black or dark coloured).

Cleanse yourself as usual, smudge or spread salt or blessed water or use a bell to cleanse the area, then use your besom to sweep the circle.

"As I sweep this circle be it cleansed and ready for my work"

Use your wand (preferably, or athame or finger) to cast the circle as usual, or cast it with these words;

"I cast this circle on this night. Be thou the gateway between the worlds, in the name of the Lord & Lady. So mote it be."

Invite elements as usual, by lighting candles, drawing a pentacle in the air in the direction of each element, etc.

"Oh air of east, you who bring creativity and wisdom, you are invited on this night to witness and bless this ritual"
"Oh fire of south, you who bring passion and strength, you are invited on this night to witness and bless this ritual"
"Oh water of west, you who bring emotion and change, you are invited on this night to witness and bless this ritual"
"Oh earth of north, you who bring solidity and prosperity, you are invited on this night to witness and bless this ritual"

Invite Gods (possibly Cernunnos, Herne, Zeus or Anubis, and Hecate, Kali, Inanna, or Lilith, or any combination thereof, or the Lord & Lady), spirits, fae folk, etc. as you desire)

"On this night I welcome you Hecate, Goddess of night and witchcraft, gatekeeping and protection, to my circle, that you might witness and bless this ritual with your protection and guidance.

On this eve I cast aside the past, that I may enter into a new phase of my life in which I seek and grow, learn and conquer. I pledge to face my fears and resolve personal issues and cast aside that which no longer serves me. I will face darkness and grow to understand how night balances day, and dark balances light. I will work with Kali, Inanna, Lilith, and Hecate to learn their dark powers"

At this time burn the representation of your former self.

"I burn this trinket to symbolize my sacrifice of my former habits and that which no longer serves me. I come reborn to the Otherworld in the service of the Gods."

Light the candle.

"Let this light illuminate my path that I might walk through the Realm of Shadows."

Light the incense.

"Let this incense be my gift to you, Hecate, that you might help me find my way. May we walk together along this path that I have chosen."

Meditate on your decisions, your path, and seek guidance if you wish. Prepare yourself in any way you wish. When done, thank energies and spirits as you wish, and open the circle.

"Hecate, thou who art gatekeeper and guide to the Shadows of the Otherworld, I am blessed by your presence, guidance, and wisdom. Thank you for your blessing, may we walk together."

"Earth of north you have blessed me with your presence. Depart in peace and my blessings take with you."
"Water of west you have blessed me with your presence. Depart in peace and my blessings take with you."
"Fire of south you have blessed me with your presence. Depart in peace and my blessings take with you."
"Air of east you have blessed me with your presence. Depart in peace and my blessings take with you."

"May this circle be open, but unbroken, for the good of all and harm to none. So mote it be."

Here it might be a good idea to ground by having celebratory cakes and wine etc. :)