Since this would become too long for a single post I decided to divide this entry. Today I'm going to talk about Rituals.
Introduction
Magic: Gather and directing energy through a ritual
Ritual made in a consacrated space
Gods and Goddeses represent the various aspects of the Divine Spirit: moving force that manifests under various aspects.
Wicca: The Wise Ones. "Bend" or "Shape" (Gaelic root). In its origin probably an Indo-European cult.
Male and Female vertent
There is not evangelist function
Celebrates life and death
Complement between God and Goddes: the Energy is neutral
Rituals
Celebration and practice of magic
Gather of energy and redireccioning to attain an objective
The energy that is out of control can become independent and, therefore, the circle is a way to retain it.
Archetype: nature's exterior force, invoked with a purpose.
The directing of energy occurs through an alterate state of conscience (ex. meditation, prayer, monotone and repetitive works, hipnosis, drugs??? )
Objects
I'm going to post the pictures of the objects I own. For those I don't own I'll find an interesting picture online :)
Auxiliars
They make the change of conscience and concentration easy
Consagration (purification)
- Through elements
- A night under moonlight
- Both together ^^
Athame
I tried to get one, but was never able to find one for sale. Also, knifes like this seem kind of dangerous. At least for my parents lol
- Ritual knife with two blades and black holder
- Direct Energy
Altar
My altar is very "private" (those who come in can see it, but I'd prefer not to post it online) But I'll describe it. It's a three legged round table I rescued from my father's house. It's said that these tables hold some kind of magic power and misteries, so I thought it would be appropriate. It has an object representing each element on the appropriate corner. From North to South: a "star stone", a incense holder shaped like a llama with an incense stick that has tied some feathers of my late bird Lípio, a burnt candle in a red holder, a glass cup. In the middle, representing the spirit, I have the most important part of my CD collection.
- Turned to North
- Objects placed on the corner that corresponds to the element
- Vortex of power
Pentagram
I was "separated" from mine. Haven't felt ready to buy a new one, even though my parents are always asking me if I want a new one.
- Also serves as amulet
- 5
- Open or closed (circle)
- Can be used to consagrate
- Earth
Cauldron
- Goddess
- Water
- Container of transformation
Wand
I actually got a branch to make one, but then I lost it
- Air
- Instrument for communication, evocating gods, directing energy
- Can be replacement for Athame
Incensory
My camera sucks, I'll add my own pictures later because it's not connecting to the PC... -___-
- God
- Air
- Meditation and Divination
Broom
- God and Goddess
- Water
- Purification and protection (cleaning the circle area)
- Fertility and protection of the houseCan be made of aromatic herbs
Chalice
Camera problem, I have one that was given to me by my friend
- Goddess
- Water
- Fertility
Crystal Ball
Camera Problem, will add later
- Goddess
- Receive messages or keeping energy
- Divination
Bell
- Goddess
- Air
- Signing ritual, calling
Sword
- Replacer of Athame
- God
- FireSymbol of Power
Book of Shadows
I'm going to post the pictures of my two books later. I was using one as a diary, but I'll start using it to something else. I have the one where I write these notes I'm translating to this blog. And my aunt recently gave me an oration book. It's supposed to be Christian, but I think the gods won't be mad if I use it to put my pagan prayers on. :) As for my old Book of Shadows, it consisted on a collection of everything I found interesting. When I did a ritual to try to get a new vision of life I left it under a wise tree, together with all the things that connected me to the past.
Knife
My father gave me one, I'll post picture later. It's not exactly the stereotype of a Pagan knife, but I love it very much because it was a present from my father.
- To work, generally white handle
- Earth
Tunic
I use a Gilaba, present from my mother from when she went to Oman. It's black and I think I prefer it that way, it's a good colour.
- Colour chosen according to ritual
- White
Celtic Cross
- Represents the magic circle
Private and Secret Name
I used to think I had one. Not true. Waiting till someone wiser than me names me. :)
- Protection
- Can help to alter the state of conscience to the ritual
Ritual
Draw the Circle
Sacred Space
Defines area of the ritual
Safety and protection
Cleaning and preparation of the space: representation of the elements
The drawing can be physical or by visualization. It initiates on the East side, clockwise
Invocation of the elements by the same order
- Earth - North
- East - Air
- South - Fire
- West - Water
Farewell to the elements with education anti-clockwise
Open circle anticlockwise, with verbalization of the idea (ex. "the circle is open but never destroyed")
Relaxing to release excess of energy
Structure of a ritual
- Purification of the self and space
- Positioning of the altar
- Circle
- Invoking quarters
- Invoking gods
- Gather energy
- Focus energy
- Meal
- Release energy
- Thanks and farewell
- Open circle
- Release excess energy
- Cleaning
And for today I conclude (except for the pictures) this chapter. The next one will be about the Archetypes of Gods. :)
I'd like to say as well that the Fall Equinox is getting closer. The Pagan Federation International is doing a public ritual. I would love to attend, as it would be my first ritual with other people, but unfortunately I have a veterinary medicine congress on the same day (I'm also skipping an anime con) It will have to wait for the next time ^_^
