Ritual the Wiccan Way
Most, if not all religions have some form of ritual. Ritual helps to remove you from the mundane and more you closer to your deity. Under Wiccan ritual we create a sacred space in which to work. Within this space we feel comfortable, just as those going to Church feel a comfort within the walls of the Church.
When to Do and Not Do Ritual
Wiccan do ritual for the Eight Sabbats and all Esbats. There are certain times when you would want to avoid doing ritual. When you are sick, sharing is nice, but not that nice. When you are hungry. a growling stomach can really distract from ritual. When you are tired, proper ritual takes time and energy. When you are Angry, bad energies will be developed; definitely wrong.
Ritual can be done either as a solitary or a coven. The format can be changed to fit the situation.
Ritual
When doing ritual there is a loose structure to follow:
Cast the circle
Call the quarters
Call the Lord and Lady
State the purpose of the ritual.
Do your workings
Share wine and cakes
Enjoy the company of each other within the circle.
Release deity and the quarters
Take down the circle
REMEMBER
Once the circle is cast you can not leave. Take care of necessities before the circle is closed. Animals can, and will enter an leave the circle, this shows no disrespect nor will cause any harm.
If a Ritual is to start at 7:30 P.M.; be there at least ten minutes early. Once the circle is cast you will not be permitted to enter.
If you have been asked to bring the candle, wine cake, etc.; for the ritual – do not forget them. It can really rune a ritual.
You are working with a croup, remember to show courtesy at all time.
If you have been invited to join a coven for ritual make sure you know what is required of you.
Your BOS
When the ritual is over you will want to record it in your BOS. There are exceptions to this rule. If you were a guest at a ritual check with the High Priest/ess to see if you can record their ritual. Many covens hold their ritual to be sacred and will not permit you to record them. What you can then do is record what the ritual was about and how you felt. As a solitary, record your ritual for future reference.
Remember to keep you BOS is a safe place when not in use. Like a diary, you have recorded many intimate items in it that your really do not want made public on CNN.
Big Wrap-up
Ritual is one way to commune with the Lord and Lady.
Prepare yourself before you do ritual
Record your rituals
Use a BOS to record your magickal doings and the results of them.
A BOS is “eyes only” material – don’t leave it where others can see it.