I keep emphasizing the fact that you should write your own rituals in order for the feeling and intent to be genuine. However, for those just starting out that don’t know what to do, I suggest you do some research and read some of the rituals that others have posted online. The important thing is to find out how to accomplish the purpose of your ritual. Don’t just parrot those other rituals though, try to make them more personal to you. In time, as you learn to trust yourself, those rituals may trace their roots back to other sources, but they will be all you!
The content of the ritual will change depending on the purpose, but the basic outline is reasonably consistent. This outline is especially helpful when doing rituals with a group, but most of it can apply to either group or solo work.
The content of the ritual will change depending on the purpose, but the basic outline is reasonably consistent. This outline is especially helpful when doing rituals with a group, but most of it can apply to either group or solo work.
Preparation
This step happens long before the ritual takes place. A thorough prep will minimize disruptions.
This step happens long before the ritual takes place. A thorough prep will minimize disruptions.
- Safety first! Make sure your ritual space is cleaned up and free of hazards.
- Gather your items – make sure you have all your tools, libations, offerings, feast items, etc. It’s a pain in the neck to have to stop in the middle of a rite to run and get a forgotten item!
- Inspect and test your items. Is your script easy to see and read? (Remember, you’ll probably be reading it by candlelight) Your candles and incense are in good shape and your matches/lighter are in working order?
- Rehearsing the ritual may be a good idea, especially for groups. Everyone should have a good idea of what their role is and when they need to perform it.
Welcoming – for groups
- Introduce everyone, and let the group have a pre-rite chat to get to know each other a bit.
- Give a brief run down of the ritual, and let everyone know what to expect, and what is expected of them.
- Go over some do's and don’ts of ritual etiquette. This will be especially relevant for newcomers, but it never hurts to remind everyone.
- Encourage questions now. The middle of the rite may not be the best time for a Q&A session.
Purification of Participants
The method of purification is really up to the participant. Some prefer to fast, or have a ritual bath. Others meditate, or perform a smudging. Often, in a group setting, participant have done their own purification before arriving, and a smudging is done for everyone before the ritual.
The method of purification is really up to the participant. Some prefer to fast, or have a ritual bath. Others meditate, or perform a smudging. Often, in a group setting, participant have done their own purification before arriving, and a smudging is done for everyone before the ritual.
Opening Bell
The bell is rung to focus the attention of the participants, and to signal that the rite is about to begin.
The bell is rung to focus the attention of the participants, and to signal that the rite is about to begin.
Grounding/Centring
- Grounding - Mentally/physically linking to the earth, stars, moon, any source of natural energy. This allows us to draw on that energy as well as our own.
- Centring - Locating the centre of ourselves, allowing us to behave based on free will, and not in reaction to stimuli. This lets us connect with ourselves and with the entire universe.
Merging – for groups
Merging is the process of getting the group on the same wavelength. Everyone needs to be concentrating on the same idea.
Statement of Purpose – for groups
This is a verbal affirmation that all are acting together in the process and are on the same page. This statement should be very clear and detailed, no room for any ambiguity.
Merging is the process of getting the group on the same wavelength. Everyone needs to be concentrating on the same idea.
Statement of Purpose – for groups
This is a verbal affirmation that all are acting together in the process and are on the same page. This statement should be very clear and detailed, no room for any ambiguity.
Consecration of Participants
This step can be done at the same time as the purification as well. Purification removes any unwanted or unneeded energies, consecration brings desired energies in to fill the vacuum.
This step can be done at the same time as the purification as well. Purification removes any unwanted or unneeded energies, consecration brings desired energies in to fill the vacuum.
Purification and Consecration of Elements and Tools
This step is not necessary to perform before every ritual. This is meant for new items, or items that have been subjected to some exterior force. For example, the item may have been exposed to unwanted energies such as anger, hostility or fear. Perhaps someone else has handled the tools and disrupted the energy. Or maybe it just hasn’t been used in a long while and it needs a recharge.
Purification of the Ritual Space
Just as the participants and the items need to be divested of unwanted energies, so does the space. Clear as big a space as you think you may need, better too large a space than too small.
This step is not necessary to perform before every ritual. This is meant for new items, or items that have been subjected to some exterior force. For example, the item may have been exposed to unwanted energies such as anger, hostility or fear. Perhaps someone else has handled the tools and disrupted the energy. Or maybe it just hasn’t been used in a long while and it needs a recharge.
Purification of the Ritual Space
Just as the participants and the items need to be divested of unwanted energies, so does the space. Clear as big a space as you think you may need, better too large a space than too small.
Cast the Circle
Call the Quarters
Invocation/Evocation of Deity/Deities
Communion, Offerings and Libations
This is the time to share food, drink and gifts with your guests, corporeal and ethereal. This can also be done after the main rite.
Call the Quarters
Invocation/Evocation of Deity/Deities
- An invocation should only be done by an experienced practitioner. When you invoke a spirit/deity, you’re inviting that being into yourself.
- An evocation is inviting the being into the space, but not into yourself.
Communion, Offerings and Libations
This is the time to share food, drink and gifts with your guests, corporeal and ethereal. This can also be done after the main rite.
Perform the Main Ritual
Releasing the Deity/Deities
Thank them for their attendance and their attention. Don’t just dismiss them, they’re not your servants. The message you want to send is “Thanks for coming. Our work is done and I know you’re busy, so if you have to go, feel free. If you want to stick around, that’s good too!”
Dismiss the Quarters
Open the Circle
Releasing the Deity/Deities
Thank them for their attendance and their attention. Don’t just dismiss them, they’re not your servants. The message you want to send is “Thanks for coming. Our work is done and I know you’re busy, so if you have to go, feel free. If you want to stick around, that’s good too!”
Dismiss the Quarters
Open the Circle
Earthing
Many people get earthing and grounding mixed up, or think that they mean the same thing. But they’re actually almost opposite in meaning. When you ground yourself, you’re tapping into a source of natural energy. When you earth yourself, you’re actually dispersing excess energy.
Clean-up
Leave your space as clean as you entered it.
Many people get earthing and grounding mixed up, or think that they mean the same thing. But they’re actually almost opposite in meaning. When you ground yourself, you’re tapping into a source of natural energy. When you earth yourself, you’re actually dispersing excess energy.
Clean-up
Leave your space as clean as you entered it.
Writing
Make some notes about the ritual you just held. Journal about your feelings and experiences. Jot down suggestions on what could be changed or improved. This should all be recorded in a section of your BOS.
Act in Accord
This is an important step. Magick requires effort and follow up. Casting a spell to attract more money doesn’t mean a pot of gold is going to fall on your head. It means that you’ve created a scenario where an opportunity will arise. It’s up to you to take advantage of it.
This is an important step. Magick requires effort and follow up. Casting a spell to attract more money doesn’t mean a pot of gold is going to fall on your head. It means that you’ve created a scenario where an opportunity will arise. It’s up to you to take advantage of it.
If you're new to ritual or magickal works, you're probably wondering what some of this stuff means. What's the circle for? What are the quarters? How do I purify and consecrate tools? And so on..... I'll discuss those things in more detail in future posts. Until then, blessings be yours!