The Seven Stages Of Ritual

When creating seasonal rituals, it may be helpful to be aware of the following stages, and incorporate these - as you feel fit.

Of course there are no rules really, the best part about ritual is the individual expression and the depth of meaning attached to certain aspects of the enactments. 

These are just some helpful prompts to think about when incorporating ritual into your own spiritual practice. 

 

1. PREPARATION

This may take many forms. On the physical level it means getting the space ready, knowing what we are going to do and who will lead the ritual (if done with a group of people), gathering equipment and making sure there will be no interruptions.

on an energetic level, it means purifying any emotional or mental clutter that might stop people from being fully present at the ritual. This may take the form of breathing together, shaking out tension from the body, EFT tapping or some sound work like a collective “OM”. Essentially, this is the removal of energies that do not belong. Cleansing with the use of herbs or activated water is one of the most common ways of clearing energy and preparing for ritual.

2. ORIENTATION/OPENING/ GROUNDING

We need to know why we are here, and to locate ourselves securely so that we can be open to the ritual. Orientation may simply occur when someone greets people and states the purpose. In Maori ritual, greetings and the concept of opening the space are important. The hongi, where noses are touched in greeting and the mauri or spiritual essence exchanged, is a vital part of orientation. Karakia (prayers) in honour of the ancestors and the place also play an important role.

In the pagan tradition that developed out of the practices of Old Europe, sacred space is created by the 'casting of the circle', done through invocation or the linking of hands as people sit or stand in a circle. This gives the ritual its con-tainer. Next comes the honouring of the four directions with their associated elements, to allow orientation according to the direction of the sun and the hemisphere of the earth where the ritual takes place. In the southern hemisphere these are: south (earth), west (water), north (air) and east (fire) Finally the centre, the meeting point of all things, is named and honoured.

3. CENTRING

This may be interchangeable with orientation.

Closing our eyes for a moment of silence is a simple way to centre. Taking a collective breath, singing a song, chanting or even holding hands is another way. Invocations that call in greater energies also help us to centre, often bringing about a change of consciousness.

4. ENACTMENT

This is the heart of the ritual, when the central intention is carried out. On a marae, it may be when the speeches are made. In a Christmas ritual, enactment often consists of the handing out of presents, or the consuming of a meal shared together. In cacao ceremony, it is the physical drinking of the drink, acknowledgement of the sacred plant and connecting in to the heart space that is the activation part. In a spring planting ritual, enactment is the placing of seeds in the earth. In a harvest ritual, it is the uplifting of the symbolic 'first fruits', or perhaps a breaking of bread baked from the first grains.

Enactment may be accompanied by song or dance, meditation, symbolic actions of various kinds, stories, prayers or blessings.

5. DEEPENING

This phase allows for the meaning of the enactment to be absorbed. The singing of waiata (songs) in Maori ritual is an example of deepening, for it opens up space and shifts levels, so that we take in what we have heard in a different way. Meditation and silence also allow for deepening to take place, or even writing down what comes through for you on paper is a beautiful way to integrate and let it all sink in.

6. CLOSING

It is important to close the ritual formally, as often a special atmosphere has been evoked. People may have experienced quietness or a special opening in themselves, and need to know when to come back to everyday awareness. Closing may be done through gratitude and thanks, and honouring of the space shared or simply stating that this is now the end, with a formal blessing or prayer, or perhaps a song.

7. REINTEGRATION

This brings people back into the everyday world and is a bridging time. Sharing food and drink is the time-honoured way to reintegrate; with seasonal rituals, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy seasonal foods. Rituals may be celebrated with just one or two people, in a family, or in a community group. Each of these rituals will have its own flavour, and there will be different ways of going about it.

 

So it is beneficial to remember that rituals can be very individualised and do not need rules and structure to be potent. The most important things are the intention behind the rituals and what is wanting to be celebrated but also the enjoyment. Rituals are here to bring joy and connection. To each other, to nature and to ourselves.