In the next chapter of his book, SC provides a plethora of ideas for deepening your knowledge of Wicca and your connection to the outward ritual expression of it. This chapter is full of gems like a bullet point list of ordering rituals, Sabbat ritual actions, colors, and symbols references. He generously offers this easy reference to help guide a solitary toward study, immersion, and creativity in Wicca.
Page 113 is a bullet point listing of the order for any Wiccan ritual. It is handy when starting to memorize this order—seriously. Spend a little time just learning the order. I found walking through the order helped me remember where and what I was doing next. It was like blocking for a play. The more I had movement to connect the steps of ritual to the more easily I recalled the sequence. However what really struck me about the order of ritual is how closely it mirrored the order of a Christian church service of which I have experienced mainly Methodist and Catholic. I realize that some would call this heresy, but seriously? They parallel each other remarkably! Purification of self—you bless yourself with holy water when entering a church. Purification of space—incense is walked around a room, candles are lit, and music is played. Creation of sacred space—altar boys/girls (where allowed) prepare the altar for the priest and set out the bread and wine for the offering. Invocation—you betcha! Prayer to God and welcoming him and each other to service and reciting creeds and passages from the Bible. Ritual observance—holy day homily or singing together or chanting a response psalm sound at all like meditation on the Sabbat or raising energy for a purpose? Earthing a power—Catholics may say that the wine and bread becomes the body and blood, but really? How is this different from communing (nudge nudge wink wink) with the Goddess and the God during cakes and ale? Then there’s giving thanks to God before the congregation ultimately leaves the ritual area with a blessing from the celebrant. Hmmm…just a little like a coven breaking the circle or a solitary saying, “Merry meet, merry part and merry shall we meet again.” Come on people! They are so similar in ritual design!
Although I highly doubt any priest is going to encourage a congregation member to rewrite the origin myth of Christ. That might ruffle feathers although Anne Rice did just that with her Christ the Lord series. I do think that by using our own creativity in this manner we can expand our understanding and truly make Wicca ours. I love writing spells and prayers because they’re like little bits of poetry and I do so love poetry. However, I have not done the Wheel of the Year myth nor have I written a Sabbat ritual of my own. I have always read others’ or mish-mashed a few that liked into one. Therefore, I am going to write my own Imbolc ritual this year. I’ve got about two weeks so I better get crackin’! I think the creation myth assignment will be fun to do as well, but not as pressing as writing an Imbolc ritual…here comes the sun…Blessed Be!
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