How soon should I start participating in rituals?

[John E Fairweather]

Hey to the Group

I have a questions about my Wiccan studies.

I am currently reading my 2nd book on Wicca. I'm past the the point of questioning my interest, and ready for some more serious study. Is it too soon to believe that I can create and preform even rituals, even small ones?

What kind of rituals did others start with?

Any input would be appreciated
Thanks to all
BB
John

[Kerry]

Believe it or not, you probably already participate in ritual without being consciously aware of it. Rituals can be formal productions, with a clear template, or they can be as simple as a morning/evening blessing, gazing at the moon, or sitting in silence.

It looks as though you'd benefit from defining what "ritual" means to you, personally.
~Kerry~
HPS Forest Sanctuary

[Rebecca Hickman]

Kerry is right. Defining ritual and other Pagan terms and what they mean to you in your own words can be important to your path.

We as individuals participate in many rituals throughout our lifetime without even realizing it. Reciting a personal mantra or something which you'd like to manifest such as, "I'll get the job, I'll get the job, I'll get the job." Anything to pour your energy into can be considered a ritual. Even cleansing your body when you shower or bathe can be considered a ritual. As you prepare your meals you can prepare them with intent and give thanks to the earth or a certain deity for the meal. Sitting in silence or dancing and letting the energy take you are all lovely little rituals. Even going to sleep- resting the physical/earthly body, letting it slip into the dreaming world of unconscious messages and imagery, only to awake to the conscious world when the sun has risen once again. Anything... Life is a walking meditation. We are alive, creatures granted life and consciousness from a divine source. Therefore we a ourselves contain divine power and our very lives are divine rituals.

I do however know what you are asking. There are some Wiccan writers that believe you must dedicate yourself to Wicca and the Pagan path in a ritual that you design. A year and a day from this dedication you are to have another one. During this year and a day you are to study all forms of Wicca and paganism. That way when you do have your dedication ritual you are knowledgeable in the ways of Wicca and Paganism.

I don't think you need to perform a ritual, I don't think you need certain colored candles/stones/herbs, I don't think you need robes and costumes, I don't think you need to join a coven or clan.... There are wonderful open public ceremonies for sabbaths, full moon rituals, drumming circles, and healing circles you can attend regularly. You don't need to be advanced in anything, you don't need to be practicing in a certain way, you don't need to acquire certain "magical" tools. Do what moves you. Do what inspires you. Be around those who bring you joy and inspiration. If a certain ritual or group makes you feel uncomfortable then do what your heart is moving you to do.

Some of the most moving rituals I have been apart of were small, with good people, and devoid of ceremony or show. The energy is whats important. I see people running around in capes, medieval gowns, with swords, and "magical" wands.... We are children of this time, this space. We don't need costumes or tools. We need only our own divine presence and energy. "magical" tools are symbols, physical representations. They can be nice, but they are ultimately unnecessary. But! This is all my opinion. If costumes and tools aid you in your own personal workings then please! use them! This path is extremely individualized. And you must be careful of those who preach their way as the only true way.

The God and Goddess/Lord and Lady/The Great Spirit/The Divine Energy Source of Al things created us. In our perfect forms, in our perfect lives, on our perfect paths... Whatever is right for me is the right way.. for me! And the same for you. I have been apart of many groups, visited many clans and covens, drumming circles, temples, retreats, and rituals.... they are ALL different and perfect in their own way.

So please! when you do decided when its right to practice private or public rituals make sure they are comfortable and feel right to you! Our inner bells/gut feelings are primal energies warning us or rejoicing with us. Listen to yourself. You know whats right for you. But please! Don't do something or not do something because someone told you it's how its done or that its what you must do.

Remember to have fun! And rejoice in what you do! Ritual shouldn't be mournful, serious, or strict.. You are connecting with divinity and energy! You should feel joy and peace. Divine Love.

The End of my Rant...

-Rebecca

[John E Fairweather]

Thank you Rebecca and Kerry.

This was a lot of help and I'm glad I asked.

And, Kerry is right. In the past few days I have been getting early and greeting the sun with a prayer I've been working on. At the end of the day, I greet the moon in the same way. A very satisifying experience with little in the way of structure.

I think I'm on the right track, I just finished Scott C. book and I'm doing the exercizes for raising energy.

Both of the books I have read so far have said repeatedly that Wicca is very personal. So for me it is what I say it is. Now that's the kind of definition I like.

Thank you both for the input. It's nice to know I can ask question if I have to.

Take care, BB
John