Your first wiccan group ritual: What you should know

A Wiccan ritual is a religious experience. The definition of ritual is repetition, and in this instance, ritual can be defined as an established series of actions that are symbolic in nature, meant to turn our attention towards what we consider sacred in our lives. Like any religious experience in any walk of life, it is a sacred time and space, to be treated with respect and reverence by all.

Solo or with a group, ritual is often performed at regular intervals. The general intent is to celebrate life’s cycles and seasons, connect with community,
and with God/dess. There are many traditions of Wicca, and each has its own established ritual observances, rites, and practices, but it can vary from group to group, person to person.

In the case of an “open ritual” the public is invited to attend and newcomers are welcome. A group ritual is a time for community, and everyone present, even newcomers, will be encouraged to participate rather than stand back and watch. The energy of each individual contributes to the ritual, and it is expected that some attendees will be nervous or reserved.

There is no absolute standard, but the following set of guidelines are very typical for open rituals:

1. All ritual participants are expected to abide by the Wiccan Rede, “Do what you will as long as it does not harm anyone.” We cannot always assume everyone shares the same ideas about what is and is not acceptable behavior, so always extend the same courtesy to others as you would want. As in all things in life, use common courtesy and good sense. Keep an open heart—no matter how separate and different we believe we are, we all have our humanity in common with each other.
2. Whether it’s your first ritual or you’ve been doing this for years, each and every participant has an important role to play: stay focused and present to what’s happening. If you are ready to take your experience further, you can help by contributing your energy to what’s happening simply by focusing on it. For example, help cast the circle by trying to visualize the circle in your mind’s eye. Use your imagination! I’ve got news for you, your imagination is your psychic sight. Also, look to those who are leading for cues on how and when to join in chanting, drumming, dancing, etc. so that you will contribute to the build-up and flow of energy. Ritual need not be solemn all the time, but be aware humor and playfulness are used purposefully.
3. Check ahead of time whether the ritual will be suitable for children, and if they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. When the ritual is appropriate for children and families, this adds an extra dimension of possibilities for distraction, but this is expected. Talking to your children ahead of time about what will happen is often helpful.
4. Once the circle has been cast, generally, enter or leave it only in emergency or necessity. Bouncing in and out of a circle will disperse the energy, and can distract the other participants. Arriving late is not encouraged, but if you arrive late, please stand by outside the circle and wait for a facilitator to cut you in (a symbolic way of cutting a door in the circle with a ritual knife) before joining the other participants. If you must leave, wait and ask a facilitator to cut you out. Children who are not old enough to know any differently, may come and go as they please. If they don’t understand they are breaking the circle, they are not breaking it. They are usually more connected to what’s really going on and don’t have as much trouble tuning in to these energies like we adults do.
5. Ritual tools, including drums, are personal and powerful—please ask the owner for permission to touch, handle, use, or play with any ritual tools.
6. Illegal substances are not welcome, and if a participant is obviously impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be asked to leave.
7. Do not let anyone pressure you into doing anything you are not ready for.
8. Asking questions is the best way to learn, the only silly question is the one that wasn’t asked! There is usually time for questions before and after, and for questions that may arise during ritual, hold them until an appropriate moment.
9. There are no mistakes. So don’t worry about ever making one! Self-criticism has no place in a ritual. Remember the bit about not harming anyone? This includes yourself. Nature in its most perfect state is naturally imperfect. Ritual is entirely about good intentions and doing your best!

Tagged as: ceremony, moving energy, Seasonal Energy, spiritual path, spiritual practice, Wicca