What is a Ritual
A ritual is a more formalized form of raising and directing your magical energy. It is often seen in ceremonial magic, and has been included in many Wiccan traditions. Since a lot of witches, whether through in person training, or through the available literature have been exposed to or taught these principles, they are a somewhat popular practice among practitioners.
Ceremonial magic, the kind represented by ritual is often referred to as High Magic. More traditional hoodoo type practices are often referred to as Low Magic. This isn’t a judgement on their value, but more an indication on how much pomp and ceremony is involved in the working.
I think of Ritual Magic, or ceremonial magic, like putting on a play. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as ritual drama. Ritual dramas are often enacted for specific reasons, such as honoring gods, recognizing passages of time, or marking significant life transitions.
Purpose of Your Ritual
The first step in creating any ritual, or any spell or magical working, is determining your purpose. Why are you doing this ritual? What are you trying to accomplish? Defining your purpose will help you to identify what items you may need to aid you in your working, and what format you want your ritual to be in. Are you honoring a God or Goddess, a Sabbat, a Rite of Passage, a moon cycle? What is your intention? Where are you trying to focus your energy?
Take a moment to write this down. Try to distill it to a clear statement of purpose. The more focused your goal is, the more likely you are to accomplish your goal.
Items Used in Rituals
Next, you are going to pick your focus items. Honestly, you don’t have to have any. If you just want to dance naked under the full moon, you go right ahead and raise that cone of power.
Many people like to have a candle to pour their intention into, seeing their intent carried into the wind by the flame, which can also signify a sacrifice. Some people charm a stone or object to carry around with them, imbued with the energy from the rite. You can also create and charge a sigil, charge a piece of jewelry or a crystal.
Remember how we talked about ritual drama, this is your chance to set the stage. Are you going to wear a costume/ritual robe or other specific garment? Are you going to decorate with specific colors, or items, or flowers? Where are you going to perform the main parts of your ritual? Do you need anything to accommodate you in those areas (an extra candle to read by, or the items you are going to use in a spell, or offerings for the gods/spirits)? Do you have cakes and ale? (Hint: This libation has a dual purpose of helping to balance your blood sugar and personal energy after ecstatic workings. As above, so below. Take care of your physical body too!)
