These are working notes for a Creative Ritual workshop given for CUUPS some time back.
- Define Ritual
Ritual is the systematic working procedure dedicated to achieve a particular aim or effect
on individuals or groups.
- Purpose of ritual
Transitions, turning points, life movement, worship, formalizing meaning.
- The need for ritual
Rituals deepen the psychic and spiritual awareness. Our inner selves - subconscious, if
you like - needs ritual and ceremonial behaviors in order to mark and acknowledge
significant events. Rituals are an expression of the human need to belong.
- Define the differing groups that practice ritual and their characteristics
- Solitary
- Circle
Small core groups with visitors. Usually has a fairly set format. Visitors may be asked to
participate in a key role. Circle come and go and are seldom static for any length of
time.
- Coven
Committed group with an identifiable spiritual basis. At least in intent, they are long
term and constitute a community.
- Gatherings
Has many of the same elements as circle but are often one time or special event functions
organized by a group of temporary leaders.
- Festivals
Often use theater as ritual.
- Ritual Outline
- Establish intention
- Construct ritual outline
- Set up temple/working altar
- Cast circle
- Invoke Higher Forces
- Perform work
- Thanksgiving
- Close circle
- Deconstruct temple/working altar
To mark the ritual -- that is, to acknowledge the value of the ritual in the mind of
the participant -- the entire process must be moved from the mundane to the
"special" or sacred. Whoever is leading the ritual has a responsibility to guide
the group so that the physical, psychic and emotional attitude of the group members is in
some way altered. Without these alterations, a ritual may become shallow or even
meaningless.