The Basic Parts of a Ritual

What are the basic parts of a ritual or rite?

    Copyright © 2002 Gray Seal
Usually we think of ritual as bearing on active magick, although certainly, it can also affect passive magick. Most often the change achieved is subjective (it may be subtle) and in the physical world. Outsiders may put them down to coincidence, but the effects are very real. Magical goals for a ritual should not be taken lightly. The successful practice of magick depends upon strong belief. The simplest ritual of them all must be belief itself. If you can believe in your desired results strongly enough, that act is a magical ritual which will achieve your results.

Often rituals are more formal than the above, but any full magick ritual must always reduce to these stages:

    1) visualization;
    2) prayer;
    3) ritual.

Sometimes a ritual must be repeated every day for a while to achieve difficult results or to overcome weak belief.

Basic parts of a ritual.

Visualization

It is said that your mind follows your attention. Wherever you direct your attention, there will your thoughts go too. By directing attention to a specific place or purpose you *focus* mental energy upon it. I know that for many people is difficult to visualize some goal, but... If you don’t know how to effective visualize your goal...use this incrediblesimple and quick formula:

Picture your goal clearly in your mind. The more definite and specific your idea of what it, is the better. Picture yourself having it or doing it. Visualize it as vividly and as intensely as you can and hold it in your thoughts for a few moments.

Use this every time you want to accomplish something. (Did you know that all famous sports champions use this technique? Nobody knows exactly why it works...but what matters is that it works.)

Prayer

Here is an short example of prayer:

I thank Gaia for the power she have given me
A channel for her love is what I be.
I return to her the gift she had given me.
I thank her for the power she lent to me for this working.


Ritual

That’s why you’re here…

More about the rites & rituals can be found here:

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft has influenced and guided countless students, coven initiates, and solitaries around the world. One of modern Wicca's most recommended books, this comprehensive text features a step-by-step course in Witchcraft, with photographs and illustrations, rituals, beliefs, history, and lore, as well as instruction in spellwork, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dreamwork, sabbats, esbats, covens, and solitary practice. The workbook format includes exam questions at the end of each lesson, so you can build a permanent record of your spiritual and magical training. This complete self-study course in modern Wicca is a treasured classic―an essential and trusted guide that belongs in every Witch's library.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn's Practical Magick) by Raymond Buckland.