How To Formulate A Ritual
Disclaimer: This is UPG just from experience and upbringing. Though my background is eclectic with Wiccan foundings, I would still advise to give this a read to see if it benefits you! This layout can be done for coven working, a big group ritual or solitary should you see fit.
Formulating a ritual is much like writing an outline for a public speech. In order to have an effective ritual, you must have the following planned out (or at least thought about) beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery. What you need to determine are the following:
- Purpose - Supplies - Congregants - Time & Place
Purpose: The most important part of formulating a ritual is the whole purpose of it. Are you here celebrating a sabbatt or doing a type of large energy work? See if you can accomplish your goal as a spell before resulting in a ritual (there’s nothing wrong with doing a ritual instead of a spell, should you feel the need to. I just know spells are a lot less work from my own UPG). Examples: Ostara, Samhain, Fertility, Prosperity, Banishment, etc. Knowing the purpose of the ritual will help you with every other part of planning it.
Supplies: Think of all the supplies you need to bring with you in order to conduct the ritual. You typically need the following: - Athame / Wand - Representation of the Quarters / Elements - Representation of the Deity / Deities - Cakes & Ale - Candles & Lighter / Matches - Table to Hold Altar - Altar Decor Keep in mind if you’re doing something unique for the ritual that you will need to add (and possibly remove) from the mentioned list above. It’s important to know what you’re bringing and make a list, that way you’re assured you will not forget anything.
Congregants: Are you doing a solitary ritual? Then you don’t have to worry about this as much. If this is for a group of people, a coven, or a large event such as a pagan pride, then the number of congregants will be play a role. - Are you catering to a small group of people (such as 2-10), an average size group (such as 11-29) or a large group (such as 30+)? - How well do you know these people? Is it your own coven, your close friends, a random group of people or a mixture of the mentioned? - Are there people who are willing to take on roles for you (such as: Priest/ess, Altar Attendant, Gate Keeper, space prep, quarter calls, etc.)? - Are congregants experienced in ritual or are they newcomers?
Knowing things such as those mentioned above will help you in planning the ritual. In my UPG, the more you know your audience, the more authentic you can plan for it. Please keep in mind that not everyone who says they will be there or who says they will help you in ritual will end up doing it. It’s important to remember to go with the flow and not to panic.
Time & Place: Are you performing the ritual at your hose or someone else’s? Will it be at a public park? Know the area you’re working with. If it’s at your house, make sure to keep up with house care rules and aid those whose house your doing a ritual in. If the work is inside, make sure the area is clear of clutter and if it’s outside, make sure it’s clear of clutter and animal poop! If conducting a ritual at a park, keep in mind that you might need permission to do so beforehand. Each park laws are dependent upon the state your in, so make sure to check with those before the ritual. Also, keep in mind what kind of area you’re in. Some areas are more tolerable then others in terms of paganism. Keep yourselves safe!
Picking a date and time can seem not like a huge thing but you’ll find that some days just work better with your group then others. Is your group more available during the week or during the weekend? Are nights easier then days? Look at the astrology for the day to see what type of energy you’re working with.
Basic Outline: When writing up the ritual, I usually stick with an outline similar to the one listed below. Feel free to edit it and change it to what works best with you and your group. - Supply Checklist - Instructions Before Ritual - Cut Circle & Altar Activation - Quarter Calls - Deity Calls - Ritual - Cakes & Ale - Deity Dismissal - Quarter Dismissal - Circle Opening - Grounding
You may change the order if it fits your needs better. Remember, it is YOUR ritual!
Things To Remember: - Ritual does not always go as you planned it. Do not dwell on that fact. Go with the flow, you’ll feel much better. (and this one is the hardest one for me, because I like to be in control) - If you forget something, make sure you have back ups. ( i.e., extra candles, lighters, people helping out, etc.) - Use what you have. (it does not need to be expensive) - Memorize if you’re able to (there’s nothing wrong with having the ritual in front of you, but my UPG always shows that memorization makes a more powerful ritual since you’re able to focus more on the magic then the lines) - Let go and enjoy the *magic*
Key Words Mentioned: Priest / Priestess: person(s) who are leading the ritual Altar Attendant: person who helps with altar specifics such as lighting candles, setting up and putting away the altar and decor Gate Keeper: person who is able to cut the magical space due to emergencies or late comers Space Prep: person who is able to cleanse space and prepare it for ritual (or other activities) Quarter Calls: person(s) who are calling in the elements / watchtowers. Cakes & Ale: food and drink that are offered to deities and congregants of circle. Circle Cutting: cutting the circle separates the magical space from the mundane. Usually performed by the Priest with an athame. Altar Activation: person (usually Priestess) activates the altar for magical workings. This is done with using specific pentagrams above the altar depending upon the ritual. Grounding: sending the energy back to Earth or where it came from
And that is that witches! Let me know of any questions :)
