itual Components

  The basics of ritual are fluid and changeable.  Not all of the segments listed here are necessary or desirable in any single ritual.  This is a broad-based list, to be considered, and to aid in selecting appropriate segments, assembling them in a smooth and cohesive order.
   Some basics should always be used in ritual, and some should be used in conjunction and in a certain order:

When raising energy or working magick, a circle should be cast to contain and define the area, and to defend against outside influences and questionable energies.

Blessing or consecrating the defined area helps assure fresh energy within your sacred space, and aids participants in achieving the proper state of mind for sacred workings of magic or worship.  If your instincts tell you that this is unnecessary or an emergency situation precludes this, simply visualize a wave of brilliant, clear light washing the area clean for you.

Some form of raising power will aid any type of magickal working.  This can be as simple as a breathing exercise or as involved as a dance and chant to raise a cone of power.

If you have called quarters, angels, or invoked the Lady and/or Lord, say some form of "thank you" and release them.  I doubt that a lightning bolt will fry you where you stand if you forget this, but it is good manners and good form to say "farewell' in some fashion.  It also helps disperse the residual energies.

If you raise power and send it somewhere, ground the remainder in some fashion.

The partaking of Cakes & Ale is a grounding act as well as an act of communal sharing.  Trying to raise energy after Cakes & Ale is putting the cart before the horse.

  Ritual is affected by the season, the number of people attending and their needs, the magickal working or worship to be performed, the weather, and so on goes the list of variables.  Processions, candlelighting, music, chanting, dancing, drumming, meditations, elaborate altars and decorations, all these things can be added or subtracted as time and needs permit.  The secret is to add as much detail to your sacred tapestry of ritual without cluttering the picture.  Bare bones ritual works well when there is little time to prepare and the need is great.  Pageantry and symbolism can speak volumes when the time and talents of the organizers will permit the planning of more details into the rite.
   Like seasoning a stew, remember to add only as much to a ritual as is really needed to enhance and compliment the natural flavors.  Let common sense arrange the order of events, and let the right-brained, artistic, magickal and instinctive side of your Self tell you if it flows well or if something is out of synch.  Don't hesitate to run through the entire rite in your head or actually read through the various parts.  If you have a regular working group (and your ritual become lengthy or elaborate), read through or practice it together to see how it works and flows.  This is particularly helpful when planning an 'event' ritual for a large group.  If only a handful of close-knit worshippers is coming together, you can be impromptu and make no plans at all.
   Consistency can be helpful.  Quarter calls, seasonal traditions or stories, or favorite and powerful chants can add a sense of confidence to a rite, but constant repetition can get you in a ritual rut and send you screaming into the night, searching for freshness and inspiration.  Don't be afraid to shake it up every now and then.

ix Basics for Easy Ritual Planning

Consider these six basics (in any order that works):

When - Is this celebration a sabbat, an esbat, a mundane or seasonal celebration, or a pressing need such as an emergency healing or cleansing?

Where - Inside, outside, rural or city?  Forest clearing or inner city, your ritual location must be considered.  It will have a vital influence on the preparations and how much stuff you'll carry along.

Why - What are you doing in ritual?  Select tools and make plans accordingly for initiations, seasonal worship or celebration, the working of magick, etc.

What - Tools, supplies, altar arrangement, cakes & ale?  Or two rocks, a stick and a candle?  (Don't forget the matches!)  This  is where list-making is a must!

Who - How many people will come?  Will your space hold them?  Who need seating?  How many will go into asthmatic spasms if you smudge the daylights out of them with your new sage stick?

How - Who's leading, who's writing, or do we just do it off the cuff?  Get organized!

On to "Basic Ritual Outline"

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