As with anything I post, this is simply one way to do this. It is not the only way. You are not 'wrong' if you practice a different way. Each of us have different ways of doing things. Be true to yourself, always do what feels right to you! Always feel free to add your opinions and make suggestions! BASIC RITUAL OUTLINE How to do a basic ritual..... 1)Do the alter devotion this consists of cleansing and consecrating any items on the alter in the name of the lord and lady.The energies are then symbolically mixed together and blended to create a focused point of power.This is a mental as well as a physical action. 2)Creating a sacred space consists of carrying the four elements (earth air water fire ) in a clockwise , circular pattern individually around the room or outside area where a ritual will be preformed to purify the space where you will be working.Blessings are usually silently requested.This is a mental as well as a physical action. 3)Casting the circle consists of physically walking in a clockwise (deosil) circular pattern to create a invisalbe circle of energy.A blessing either verbal or mental is usually requested in the form of a circle casting rhyme or statement. witches may use several variations of movement to cast a circle. 4)Calling the quarters consists of standing at the north , east , west , south (respectably ) and inviting the energy's of that element into the circle.Blessings and assistance are usually requested verbally.Element correspondence and what it is called differ from witch to witch or group to group. 5)Invoking the god/goddess or both consists of standing in the center of the circle and requesting that the lord or lady or both enter your circle.Blessings and assistance are verbally requested. 6)Performance of the magickal work consists of all preliminary actions involved in spell casting,as well as performing the spell are done here.In a holiday ritual the reinactment of a myth or a legend falls here.If a reenactment and magical working are planned , the reenactment is performed first , followed by the magickal working. 7)Raising energy consists of mental focus on the desire through singing or drumming , clapping ,humming breathing , ect.... The technique will vary from person to person or from group to group. Some groups will also raise energy before the invocation to promote harmony within the group. 8)Thanking the lord and lady consists of a verbal thank you and request for a blessing.Most Wiccans do not ask the god or goddess energy to leave unless the ritual calls for the departure of these spiritual energy's. 9)Closing the quarters consists of releasing or sending away the quarter energies requested in #4 above. 10)Releasing the circle consists of moving in a counter clockwise (widdershins) circular direction around the room or area to remove the circle put in place in #3 above.The energy collected from this circle is then put into the alter , one`s tools , sacred space is not usually released. 11)Grounding and centering consists of a mental exercise that can contain physical movement to remove excess energy within the body and mind that has been raised during the ritual. Some times a witch will ground and center at other points in the ritual as he or she feels the need
