I had the unique experience of completing my accreditation in behavioural profiling. Whilst this may be all good and well from a behavioural perspective what does this mean on an energetic level?

It is interesting to consider how each of us are “wired” I remember a time where personality profiling was the latest and greatest providing us with an analysis of ourselves from the conscious. We ended up endeavouring to fit into a perfect box that somehow was supposed to be the answer to all of our questions. I wonder how many of us decided to amend ourselves to reflect these results, and even more interestingly, how long did it last?

Now the latest and greatest is behavioural profiling, which is taken from the unconscious level. This is a reflection from a natural and core state in a specific time. After I had my analysis done I could feel myself decide to take on even more of the key traits. It reminded me of when seeing a psychic and manifesting the positive results irrelevant of their validity.

Whilst we all endeavour to fit in, be part of something greater and ultimately feel understood mechanistically we have a tendency to put things, items as well as ourselves, in a box – nice, simple, and black and white. However, the problem in doing this is that it creates limits around our individual potential and it diminishes our unique energetic signature.

Whilst I was undertaking this course I noticed a change occur within me that I had not noticed before. I noticed myself become more present in the physical realm. Whilst this may seem an expected state the more my energetic awareness evolves the more the physical becomes a chosen state rather than being automatic. At times this can be difficult in switching between the two and the term “keeping it real” can come into play. This got me thinking.

We are energetic beings within physical matter. For us to exist in harmony the two must align. This can become a challenge when working with energies as this strangely enough is our most natural state.

On the path to discovering the specifics of who you are, the attributes that allow you to be unique and the constant need to connect through belonging to something bigger, this is determined by the amount of people as opposed to being superior; all the while within our energetic self encompasses the unfolding layers of evolution and transformation.

Behavioural profiling gave me a gift I had not expected. It gave me the awareness and lucidity to know that which I already know. It is this familiar resonance that has left me feeling as though I have come home to me. The simple knowledge and awareness of clarity can be extremely grounding.

We all aspire to be better than what we already are. Imagine the sensation to know that through being open to you, it allows your energetic self to align on a higher vibrational level through the physical.

We often believe we must keep the two separate however, when integrated the result is so calming it provides a sense of peace and bliss.

You are one and when you play as one there can be only one result – harmony and balance.

By Hally Rhiannon-Nammu (copyright 2010)

Hello my blessed friends, and greetings at the beautiful end of another summer, and the

beginning of a bright and beautiful fall. I trust that the goddess has bestowed many a blessing on

you and yours.

During the summer, we are surrounded by festivities and celebrations, such as Beltane

and Lughnasadh. We celerate birthdays, sleepovers, and we spend time migrating back to mother

nature to enjoy her beauty . There are times, however that we are faced  with challenges in our

lives, not just during the summer, but at any time. Sometimes we feel that

we are not strong enough to cope, that our hearts and souls are breaking. Other times we are

overwhelmed by the responsibilities in our lives. I have had such a summer, and now , after the

bridge has been crossed over, i would like to bond with you, my readers, on a level that we all

have in common. The love of our mother goddess.

Recently my husband and I were faced with quite a few problems in our life. Finances

were high, communication was low, and our affection went down to nothing. We decided that it had

come time for a trial seperation. We both needed time to return to ourselves, and to find that part

of our relationship that had become lost in the responsibilities of every day life. I took a

sabbatacle, both of my children and I. We returned to the country, to heal and to refocus. My

husband stayed behind so that he could take care of the financial duties back home.

Perhaps now you are wondering what all of this has to do with the ethics and morals

of paganism. After all, that is what my column is about. But more than that, I want to connect

with you, my readers, and to personalize with you on my experiences. Continueing on.

After leaving the city, I found solice in the quiet calm of the country. The birds singing

in the early morning, the sun shining through the leaves on the trees, the cows grazing in the

nearby field. The air smelled so fresh, my lungs seemed overcome with an urgency to take it

all in. I was able to think, to uncongest my mind. I spent a great amount of time outside, with

nature and all that she holds precious and true. I had grudgingly acknowledged my wrongs,

had spent much time thinking about what to do right, and also much time wondering to myself

where the goddess was in my time of need. I felt alone, dried up, and lost, a lone ship out to sea.

One night, while laying outside under the stars, I asked the mother goddess to aid me.

I knew that the decisions I was facing were not only going to affect me, and I needed guidence to

make clear and wise decisions to benefit the whole. I layed there, night after night, waiting for some

signal, some sign, that she had heard me.

I fell asleep one clear, warm night. The mosquitos were not biting, and the stars seemed to

be happy, twinkling brighter than before. My senses were more alert. The sign that I had been

Waiting for had finally come. As I lay there, undisturbed, an owl flew quietly above me, and as it did

it looked down upon me, and I heard a quiet voice in my head say to me “Follow your heart.” The

next day that same owl flew ahead, and looked down upon me again. This time there was no voice,

but the owl had flown so close that were I to have reached up, I would have touched him. He lingered

there, knowingly, and then went on his way. My spirit animal, my helper, had come to visit me, and

suddenly I filled with a knowledge that somewhere in me I had the strength to make those decisions

I needed to make. The mother goddess had heard me.

The next few months followed with several hurdles to get over. I had found a friend in my

brother in law, which drew speculation. I had no money which made times more stressful. My

sister in law and I were at odds, and that hurt. But through it all, I began to feel whole because I

knew that the mother goddess had heard me, she had listened, as she always does.

I went through humiliation, pain, and chaos. I came out better, stronger, and wiser. Our

mother goddess helped me to see the lessons of my errors, to show me that the glass is really

more than half full. There is pain in this world, but it is held in precious balance with happiness.

We need but to find that balance.

I often times find people of all races and religions asking themselves how their divine exists.

Trying to rationalize to themselves how something or someone that you cannot see can make such

a large impact on your life. We as humans strive to understand what we can see, and we strive to

explain what we cannot. But I ask you this, my dear readers, should we rationalize our mother

goddesses love for us?

When a parent loves their child, they do not rationalize, they feel. When a friend loves a

friend, they are willing to overlook their mistakes, and love them the same. Even young children

share love, without rationalizing. Love is irrational, and that is the beauty of it. The wild freedom

of our mother goddess to love us unconditionally, and forgivingly.

I believe that our divine, whether it be the mother goddess, or whichever divine that your

soul connects to, is found within our humility, our humanity. When we struggle, we find our

strength. When we hurt, we find our compassion. When we love and lose, we learn. The mother

goddess is not only around us, but she is within us as well. She is within that part of us that

needs time, alone, dedicated, sincere. It doesnt take much, just a few precious moments

each day to acknowledge her, and to give her thanks for all that she does within our lives.

I have a challenge for you, my friends. This next month, I want us all, myself included,

to not only spend more one on one time with the mother goddess, but to help shine a light for

those who are lost in the dark. We as a human race get so caught up in what needs to be, that we

often forget about what the heart needs to. Tell those you love how much they mean to you, hold

that persons hand as you walk. Help the elderly woman to her car from the grocery store. This month,

i want you, my readers, to help share the compassion and love to people, close and far. If our mother

goddess can improve our lives by being there and loving us unconditionally, then perhaps we can

make a difference in someone elses lives whith the love that she has bestowed upon us.

Until we next meet,

Brightest and most fervent blessings.

If you are looking for advice on pagan matters write to Naiyeetu at Naiyeetu@email.com

I deliberated over this month’s article. I have had so many things happen on a personal level this month that have challenged me, predominantly on a metaphysical level. It is strange how even in the darkest times that light can find its way through.

So, as I am a big believer of writing from the heart, I thought it would benefit everyone the most, if I did exactly that. This article is not about motivation or “feel good”, it is about standing true when everything logical seems to lose its place.

Before you read this, know that it comes from my heart and what is in yours may be different, so you don’t have to agree with me.  I hope there are some out there that tell me it is different for them – I welcome it!

For me, it has been an awakening of connecting to my ever faithful spirit guides and learning that no matter who someone is, who we believe them to be, that sometimes, they aren’t. The ability of accepting this is where growth happens, even through the tears of truth.

Family… our parents; our siblings and our relatives. Our lives revolve around them and they can have more power over us than we care to admit. What does this all really mean in the greater scheme of things?

The saying that blood is thicker than water comes to mind. So much time is spent trying to appease our family and yet, most of us fail. Maybe the problem is that if we weren’t related and if these people were friends we probably would have dropped them a long time ago.

It then poses the question of where to draw the line when your “family” disregard, disrespect and believe controlling your every move is normal.

Control is an interesting thing in a family. We find ourselves believing that without it we cannot exist or that we lose something of ourselves. This tends to then force some of us to believe that we can maintain order and a level of sanity in our lives by trying to control those around us through mind games, guilt trips as well as using the “family” card.

Perhaps the creation of our families is not to have a harmonious life together supporting each other on our journeys, perhaps we find ourselves with these dysfunctional people to learn about ourselves; to learn what it is to compromise and remove judgement when that is all we feel.

It is said that each person comes into our lives for a specific purpose, so I wonder what your family means to you and your journey…

I would like to think that there are some out there with families that provide the support and unconditional love that we all hear about. That in essence, the symbolism of a family, when with pure intent, is magical and has the ability to evolve into something beyond the material world.

Whatever your relationship is with your family there is no right or wrong. Whatever your purpose is on your journey it is highly possible that the role of your family members is to highlight and confront matters others would ignore.

It is human nature to judge and compete. Ironically most of us are familiar with this due to growing up with the rivalry of our siblings. Some of us as adults are now wonderful friends and then there are those where the rift will never heal.

So, I ask the question – is blood thicker than water? Are we delusional in believing that our birth family is anything more than a reminder of all the things we want to avoid?

I would like to think of the birth family as a starting point. They are a reminder of where you have come from and not necessarily where you end up. If you evolve and they do not then the affect of water will follow – you will flow apart. Only if the thickness between you i.e. the symbolism of blood and connection is retained through communication, compromise, honesty and a willingness to accept irrelevant of all else, then you will create a stronger bond that will last for a lifetime.

Most of the families I know struggle to retain any sense of compassion and understanding. I have even found the family that stands by you is not the one from birth, but the one you created yourself. This would suggest that blood is not about birth right, it is about the bond and the connection. When you see your birth family in its truth without the façade of childhood emotion, you sometimes see things never thought possible. We all strive to be better people; we all strive to have a fulfilling life – how does your family support this?

Family to me is not about birth right. It is about connecting by standing in your own truth and sometimes this means disconnecting from those that you grew up with.

It is accepting without understanding and loving without judgement. It is knowing that no matter what you will both be there for each other because of the invisible bond that brought you together – and with this in mind, your blood may not be related but it will create a synergy that will not be lost when the tide changes.

Consider who in your life is part of your family and what this means to you…

Welcome to ‘It’s In the Cards’ for http://www.PaganPages.org. At one time this column appeared in Finer Things Magazine in New Haven, CT, and I am very pleased to be writing my column again; this time for the Pagan Community.

Every month, I will do a tarot reading for one person who I chose for this column. Also, by writing me, you will have a chance for a free tarot 10 minute reading on the phone. If you would like to contact me about purchasing a reading, please visit my web site at http://www.SubRosaMagick.com or white me at SubRosaMagick@aol.com.

Since I first began reading for the public 13 years ago, I found that I fell in love with being able to help people in their personal lives and on their path as a spiritual counselor. The cards, I have found, often tell us what we need to know, and not necessarily what we want to know. They provide a way for me to see deeper into the heart of an issue and often what magickal advice I also need to give to bring about change.

Even if you aren’t familiar with tarot cards as a form of divination, they also work in the same way other forms do, be it the Runes, I-Ching, oracles or Ogam. The symbols of the tarot speak on many levels, and allow a connection to be created with spirit; opening a doorway for the universe to communicate on a personal level. As an artist as well as a priestess, I acknowledge the power of these symbols, but as a psychic, I use them to “see” more clearly.

Mediumship isn’t something I intentionally practice, but sometimes I do receive messages from spirit or departed loved ones, and if I receive messages I will relay these to you as part of the reading.

This following is the question chosen for this month.

Merry Meet,

My questions is:  Will my education really benefit me and my family or is it a waste of my time as my boss tells it?  Do I have a future?

The first thing you should know is, that yes, indeed, you have a future. Life, however, is what happens when we are making other plans. It struck me that you were born the same year as myself, in 1965, the Year of the Wood Snake. You are highly capable, with a quick mind, and your biggest weakness as a Pieces may be giving your power away to others, perhaps as you seem to be doing with your boss right now. The people who love you in your life will no doubt be the best judges. Whatever trials you may face, you can count on luck to carry you. As I told a friend recently, not trying have never garnered me anything in life, I’ve always gained more by trying anyway, and it may accidentally lead me to something better. I believe this is the key here – make sure you leave yourself open to something better than what your dreams currently are.

I have chosen a layout for you called the Pyramid Spread because it is a complex situation involving a number of people who may influence your decision. It is a ten card layout beginning with four on the bottom as the foundation, then building on top of them with three cards, with two more at the next level with the possible outcome crowning the triangle. I will go over every card and tell you how they relate to your current path, and the patterns that form from them.

These ten cards are:
1. The King of Pentacles (inversed)
2. Queen of Swords (inversed)
3. Two of Swords
4. Queen of Cups
5. Ten of Swords
6. Three of Cups
7. The Empress (3)
8. The Magician (1)
9. Two of Wands
10. King of Wands (inversed)

Your question begins with the King of Pentacles, which is inversed, and represents the question asked, either consciously or subconsciously. It seems much of this is focused around the material, and not in a good way, and in all likelihood, this is how heavy your boss’s impressions are weighing on you now. Looks like to me, that truly, he is not a happy person, and the real issue may be that he doesn’t want to see anyone else succeed, or be happy. Abuse of authority is something he can rationalize. Perhaps you may want to consider finding another job before he becomes more abusive.

Your second card is the Queen of Swords, which is inversed, and represents the root of the matter, and looks deeper into unseen and subconscious. This is something. Or someone else who is holding you back. This is a mature woman who may be bitter, and seem cold and uncaring, who does not know how to give to others. This feels like someone in your past who was a negative influence who affected your self esteem on a deep level, so much so that she is still influencing your decisions now.

Your third card is the Two of Swords. It represents the conscious, literal and practical matters regarding your question. There is a very real need to make a decision here, even if it isn’t the decision you were originally looking for push is coming to shove, because both this card, and the position it is in are very much saying the same thing: make a good logical decision then act!

Your fourth card is the Queen of Cups. It represents the heart of the matter, the emotions and intuitions. The Little Prince said, “It is only with the one can see rightly,” and that seems to be the case here. You need to follow your heart and your dreams – this is coming from a very real need within you. You have a right to be happy.

With these four cards forming the foundation of the reading, there is a message of duality, and of balance throughout it. Balancing the logical and the emotional is the key to making this decision. Only you know what that key is that will turn the lock.

So we now begin the next row of three, to where this situation is leading, in relation to the cards that form the foundation.

Your fifth card is the Ten of Swords. It represents the price that is to be paid. As with all things, there is an exchange to maintain balance. There is an ending here, something that you will have to let go of to move forward that will cost you anguish. It may appear to be a situation where all is lost, but this is a card of hope, because it is always darkest before the dawn.

Your sixth card is the Three of Cups. It represents unhelpful influences in the situation. Don’t let family influences, no matter how special they may be, keep you from your task at hand. I also see this card as the center of the reading – how much the rest of your life revolves your family.

Your seventh card is the Empress. It represents the unexpected. I feel this is a strong powerful woman who will be your ally. She will be the door your key will go to – when she appears follow her advice because she is very wise and worldly. She is more than she appears to be.

So what we have in these three cards signify three very different things, but the challenge of each one will come in succession. If you make it this far, then everything will get easier from this point forward.

Your eighth card is the Magician. Both the card, and its position suggests helpful influences. This is the place where you need to use your will, your own power, to make changes and create the opening you need – turn lead into gold.

Your ninth card is the Two of Wands. It is the suggested action you must take, that which is already in your hands. You need to challenge yourself creatively here.  Moving yourself into a new position that will better serve your needs, even if there is more work involved will suit you. Take time to pause and reflect before you go forward.

These two cards side by side speak of magick and intuition. A little bit of spell work should be called into play at this point.

Your tenth and final card is the King of Wands, which is inversed. This represents the final outcome. This is definitely a card of change, although it is the final outcome – it feels like a riddle. The tenth card is the crown of the reading, marked by a King. This person may actually represent an aspect of yourself rather than a person. Kings themselves can be fire, drive and ambition, especially coupled with the wands. Before taking this final leap, make sure you have looked inside as to what will hold you back.

I was told years ago that the brave die but once, but the meek die a thousand times. I see that it is possible, but you still make take a somewhat different direction than the one originally planned. I say go for it. Where there is a witch, there is a way!

Blessed be!
Rev. Alicia Lyon Folberth

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR READING TO APPEAR?

If you would like me to do a reading for you in the next issue of Pagan Pages, please send me your:
1. Name you would like me to use in the article (it doesn’t have to be your given name)
2. Full birthdate
3. Your question. Feel free to ask anything!
4. Send it to: SubRosaMagick@aol.com

Spirituality is an important part of life and should be felt on a daily basis.  It improves mental and physical health brings us through the bad moments in life and, also, helps us to see and appreciate the good.  Picture it as day or night.  They are beautiful but how much more beautiful are they with the sun’s rays or the moon’s beams caressing your skin & lighting your way.  Spirituality is akin to the sun’s kiss or the moon’s blessings.   A feeling grander with more benefits than any other.

So how do we get out of a spiritual slump or just bring more into our daily lives?

For the beginning of this path we can walk it together.  Let’s start with defining what spirituality is:

1.     What does spirituality mean to you?
2.    When you think of someone who is spiritual what do you see?
3.    What could I do every day to make myself be more spiritual?
I’ll start with my thoughts, but you write your own…

1.    Spirituality to me means walking with the diving.  By divine I not only mean the God and Goddess, but also, the divine elements and with the creatures of the earth.   Being created by the God and Goddess make these all divine.  On that thought being with myself meditating, relaxing, learning about me deeply, also, counts as divine interaction.
2.    When I think of someone who is spiritual I must admit I see a childlike image of a glowing person.  But on a more adult level, I see a woman who stands tall with a gleam of knowledge in her eyes.  Her glow comes from self assurance and self acceptance.  Her back is straight and she stands tall with the divine.
3.    Now I know what I want to achieve and feel, but how do I get it?  Simple, by DOING something about it.  I know I am looking to connect with the divine on a daily basis, so I made a list of things I feel will bring me to my goal.  After looking it over I decide on a simple book.  An Everyday book that I can read chapter by chapter with exercises I feel will enlighten me everyday.  I also decided to read one prayer a day from a prayer book.
Take the time to think of ideas and make your own list.  Think of things you would enjoy doing to make the experience special.

Now set aside time everyday.  Five minutes alone if that is all you have, and work towards being a more spiritual you.

Till our next leg of the journey…

“I am such an Idiot”; “I can’t believe I stuffed that up. I am so useless” and my favourite “It’s all my fault”. These are examples of some lines that we use when self talking. Not very positive is it? Have you ever stopped to wonder the impact that any of these sentences have on you, your self esteem and how you perceive yourself?

How often do you stop to tell yourself “you are so amazing” or “you are such a beautiful person”. Once a week? Once a month? Or have you ever?

We often get so caught up in what others think of us that we do not stop to look within on how we are projecting ourselves to ourselves. What you think of yourself and treat yourself is what is going to come out in everything you do. There are some that believe loving yourself involves complete self absorption and I am not talking about this. I am talking about appreciating and acknowledging yourself for the person you are today. Not focusing on the faults that seem so plentiful rather focusing on all the fantastic parts that make us unique and magnificent every day simply by being.

Words and language are the most powerful medium in which to communicate. The effect something someone says to has is very powerful and lasting. How often do you focus on something negative someone had said to you rather than a positive that may have followed?

Because we are so busy telling ourselves off for something we haven’t done or achieved rather than acknowledging the fact that several steps were taken in the right direction somehow deems it acceptable for others to do likewise. The irony is that it doesn’t feel very nice. Yet, when given a complement it feels uncomfortable because it is so unfamiliar. So many of us complain because no one says anything positive to us and yet, we don’t even do this for ourselves. We crave validation and really, it starts with looking in the mirror and telling ourselves “you are awesome”.

Every minute of every day there is a conversation happening in our minds. How often do we take note or rather when don’t we? The voice doesn’t always provide us with the right choices or offer us positive re-enforcement as it often works as a voice of protection, of safety and comfort. Consequently, we tell ourselves that we can’t, we shouldn’t, we won’t and often let this guide the decision of our actions, whether this serves us or not.

However with a bit of reprogramming this voice can actually support you as the beautiful person that you are today and provide caution not detriment.

It starts with knowing and believing that what you want and how you want to live our life is for the greater good of yourself and moving towards the best that you can be. Believing that you deserve a life of happiness, fulfillment and success.

This however isn’t enough. When you think about your dreams and what you want to fulfill in your life what do you say to yourself? I can’t; I won’t; I shouldn’t or do you tell yourself I am awesome! I have strength and courage to do anything?!

Each day when you hear your self talk becoming negative, use a different, positive word in replacement. Start with one word and slowly replace a sentence. See the difference this makes to how you view yourself and how you come across.

You know you are fantastic. You just need to tell yourself.

I’ve Volunteered to do a Ritual, Now What do I do?

A practical guide to performing public rituals

You feel drawn to volunteer to do public ritual. You volunteer, commit yourself and then…PANIC ATTACK! You’ve never done a public ritual…where do you start? What do you do? That’s what this article will address and discuss.

One thing to point out right away, there is really no “wrong” way to do a ritual. Whatever feels comfortable to you as the leader should be what you do. However, it is good to do enough research that you don’t end up mixing elements that end up being incompatible – with possible nasty consequences.

The first thing to do is to decide what your ritual will focus on. If it is for a Sabbat, research the various aspects of that day. What or who do you feel drawn to? What activities would be appropriate for the event? Will there be children? If so, how can that be taken into account? If you are doing a moon-based ritual, again, research your subject. Look at what each moon means in various cultures, or pick a subject that has to do with the season you are in, or something in your own life that would appeal to others. With some groups it is traditional (although not required) that some sort of “take it home” activity occur. If you are not “crafty” (and not all of us are) pick something easy or choose to do something more intellectual so that what is brought home is not necessarily tangible, but valuable nonetheless.

After figuring out what you want to do, the next step is to secure a site, and figure out when and what time. Get that information locked down and out to the public at least 3-4 weeks before the event so people have time to plan. Notify local lists, make flyers, put it in the paper if possible, get the word out as much as possible. If you are doing a feast afterwards, make sure you note that on the flyers, along with any instructions such as “bring food appropriate to the Sabbat” or “provide your own plates, cutlery and cups”. If needed, recruit helpers/fellow planners as early as possible also. If it is traditional to plan a feast for afterwards, make sure you also decide what you will bring and keep in mind where the ritual will be held so you can make suggestions as to food or drink to those participating in the activities.

Now it is time to start planning your ritual. Sit down and prepare an outline of what you want to do. This is your “recipe” for the rite. After you have the recipe down, make your “shopping list”. Write down (don’t rely on your memory, write it down!) all the items you will need. By that I mean, not only things like “salt, water, incense” but practical, little things like “bowl for water and salt, matches or firestarter, juice, cups, etc.”. Don’t forget to include those things you will put on your altar or altars. Don’t forget to include your feast offering in your “shopping list”. Also, if you have helpers “assign” them specific tasks in the outline so you know what YOU are responsible for and what OTHERS are responsible for. Make sure your helpers know well in advance what they are supposed to do so that they can prepare.

Once you have your outline, flesh it out. Are you calling quarters? Casting a circle? Doing something different to create Sacred Space? Are you indoors? Outdoors? These things need to be considered. Are you creating one altar? Or several? Make sure you make a comprehensive list of what you are putting on the altar(s) and put a checkmark or something next to anything you might need to buy so you don’t forget. One thing many people don’t remember to bring is an “offering basket/bowl” to be passed around or put on the altar or entrance for donations (assuming, of course, you are hoping to get reimbursed for your expenses). If you are asking someone else to bring libations, or things for the altar or ritual, make sure they are aware of this in advance and contact them a couple of days before to make sure they remembered it. A friendly reminder is usually appreciated and will save the person and you possible embarrassment at the ritual itself.

It is a good idea to make not only an outline, but a “script” of the ritual. The outline is great for your helpers to have so they know who is doing what when. But, unless you plan to do everything “off the cuff”, it might be good to actually write down, where appropriate in the ritual, what you are going to do and say. Memorize this if you wish, or keep it handy to refer to during the ritual. No one will fault you for having “notes”, especially if the ritual is complicated or lengthy. Personally, I would keep a first public ritual simple, but that is up to the individual and what help they have from other people. A lot also has to do with what “tradition” (if any) they choose to follow. Some traditions have very strict and complicated rules that must be followed if the ritual is going to be a true sampling of the tradition and not a rip off.

One thing to be very aware of…if you are doing a public ritual do NOT assume that everyone knows the “proper” way to do things according to the tradition you are using. Chances are, that is not at all true. Also, you might have “first timers” who have no idea what to expect. Before the ritual starts, make sure you explain a little about what is going to happen, any special things the attendees will be expected to do, etc. You don’t have to reveal any ‘mystery’, but a quick overview is always appreciated.

So, what “makes” or “breaks” a public ritual? In my experience it is all about organization and understanding your participants. It doesn’t matter if you base your ritual on Wicca, or Celtic Reconstruction, or Voodoo or whatever, just be organized about it. If you are planning an activity that will take some time and involve only one person or a few people at a time (such as doing divinations), come up with an activity that the others can do that relates to the ritual while they are waiting. Have appropriate music in the background if you just wish people to sit quietly and meditate. If there are going to be children present, be sure they have something to occupy themselves. Having to make “idle conversation” in the middle of a ritual while waiting for your turn at something is not conducive to a spiritual experience.

Questions to ask yourself before you commit to doing public ritual or at least before the day of the ritual:

1.     What is my reason for doing this ritual? What do I hope to bring to the larger community OR what do I hope to learn from doing this? (you can actually have answers to all three questions, sometime you both want to give and receive from a ritual)

2.     Who will be there? (i.e. children, lots of newcomers, etc). About how many will be there? How is the best way to handle the group size-wise? Where is the best place to hold this type of thing, considering the amount of people expected?

3.     Who can I call on to help? Where do I go to find the resources for research I need to do? Do I have the physical tools I need? (i.e. altar stuff, libations, etc.)

4.     If necessary, do I have the permits needed? If not, where do I go, who do I see? Do I have the financial resources to carry this out?

5.     Have I advertised this event adequately? Do I want to have lots of publicity, or only a little?

6.     Am I prepared for this? Have I rehearsed what will happen? Are my helpers all lined up? Are my supplies all bought and organized, ready to go? Have I planned for weather (if necessary)?

The biggest challenge for a first-timer doing public ritual is to be confident in oneself. Prepare, prepare, prepare but also be open to the unexpected and don’t be rigid. Don’t come down on yourself if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned…sometimes it just isn’t meant to. Once you have done the ritual, all the participants are gone, the place is cleaned up, and you are looking forward to sleeping because you are so physically and emotionally exhausted, take a moment and give yourself a “pat on the back”. You just accomplished something you can remember and be proud of the rest of your life. Leading a public ritual is to give a piece of yourself to the community. There is no greater gift than this.

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author bio:

Mariposa is a UU Pagan of 8 years duration. She spends much of her time reading, playing Celitc harp, and writing poetry. She calls her method of writing "Muse-inspired", as she writes the poem complete and whole at one sitting with, usually, only very minor changes. Also, if she gets "inspired" she must right down the poem at once or she "loses it". Mariposa currently holds the Office of Spirit for the Church of the Sacred Circle in Salt Lake City, and is also clergyperson of that pagan church. She hopes to get training to become a volunteer for the "No One Dies Alone" hospice program that sits with dying patients when family and friends are not available.