Taking rituals seriously?

[wen_skinneth]

Please take no offense to my post. I am currently without religion and have been feeling a bit lost. I am learning about Wicca and I enjoy the aspects involving nature and the natural world. However, I am having a hard time taking the descriptions of rituals seriously. I am trying to consider them on the same level as communion and other Catholic ceremonies. Is there anyone out there who would like to share their feelings on this subject? I would like to eventually be a part of a coven or group and I am concerned that I won't be comfortable with the ceremonies. However, this all may be moot, since I have never witnessed a Wiccan ceremony. Your time is greatly appreciated.

[Myst]

Ceremony and ritual don't have to be part of a Pagan path. Yes Wiccans have rituals; but Witches don't necessarily. There are many Pagan religions out there, don't feel bound to practicing just that one! So if you are uncomfortable with them feel free to scrap 'em.

[Mairwen]

Who says you have to be Wiccan? Not trashing Wiccans, but I'm not one, and I'm quite happy where I am. :D

[bluecat]

There are many folks who feel the same way about many Catholic Rituals. I don't think you should try to compare them to rites and ceremonies of another belief. I have not practiced rituals and ceremonies in some time (with the exception of group gatherings). That does not make me UN-Pagan or anything like that, nor does it mean that I will not practice rituals or ceremonies in the future.

You should perhaps consider the purpose for the ritual and study it in that light instead of seeing how it compares to that of what appears to be your previous belief.

Blue :cool:

[wen_skinneth]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. It has made me realize that I have been very narrow minded in my search. That you for revealing that. In truth the reason for my post is that I have a hard time taking rituals and spell casting seriously. I was hoping that by reading about other's take on it I could resolve this prejudice and be more accepting. Thanks again for all your help.

[ladyrowan]

Originally posted by Rævyn Cigány


........and I can't count on both hands how many times I'd wished church would be FUN!!! Rae )0(

I don't know what his services are like, but our local vicar looks like he's up for fun - where else do you see a vicar jogging around his parish in a pair of tiny running shorts, trainers and nothing else?!

[Rævyn Cigány]

Originally posted by wen_skinneth
Please take no offense to my post. I am currently without religion and have been feeling a bit lost. I am learning about Wicca and I enjoy the aspects involving nature and the natural world. However, I am having a hard time taking the descriptions of rituals seriously. I am trying to consider them on the same level as communion and other Catholic ceremonies. Is there anyone out there who would like to share their feelings on this subject? I would like to eventually be a part of a coven or group and I am concerned that I won't be comfortable with the ceremonies. However, this all may be moot, since I have never witnessed a Wiccan ceremony. Your time is greatly appreciated.

I personally think taking ANY ritual completely seriously is boring. I find myself (especially when working with someone else) getting into giggling fits. I can't speak for the Goddess, but I honestly don't think she minds when Her children laugh and joke in Her presence. Catholic rituals (and I know this because I WAS one for 26 years, even an altar girl) are very stiff and stolid, and I can't count on both hands how many times I'd wished church would be FUN!!! So I don't think you should be too worried about being all solemn and staunch in your rituals, m'dear...smiling and laughing are good for the soul!!! :)

BB

Rae )0(