Rayne’s Ritual Way

Start Fresh Ritual

Samhain is among many things a perfect time to commune with your ancestors, your spirits animals, any deities that you keep close to your spirit. The veil between the worlds is the thinnest on Samhain. Being that it’s the Celtic New Year one of my favorite things to do around this time is a working to help remove obstacles in my path, it’s similar to new year resolutions, but none the less fun! I’ve adapted this ritual to include one of my Patron Deities: Ganesh.

Lore:

Ganesh became lord of all existing beings after winning a contest against his brother Kartikay. When given the task to race around the universe, Ganesh did not race away like Kartikay did instead he simply walked around his mother and father, Shiva and Parvati, both being the source of all existence. Ganesh rides a rat that represents the conquered demon of vanity and insolence. The conch represents the sound that creates Akash (the basis and essence of all things in the material world). The laddu (sweet) represents the Sattva (essence). The snakes represent control over the poisons of passions and refer to Shiva. The hatchet cuts away the bondage of desire. The mudra grants fearlessness. (There are several depictions of Ganesh this is only one. Research will help you if you wish to incorporate some of the items he is holding into the ritual, i.e Conch, hatchet, etc…make beautiful altar decoration) Acceptance of Ganesh as the divine force silences the rational mind and its doubts, forcing one to look beyond outer appearances. Thus Ganesh creates the faith to remove obstacles, forcing one to look beyond form, removing doubts and pointing out the spiritual side of everything. Thus Ganesh is often worshipped to remove obstacles.

Purpose:

The purpose of this ritual is to prepare the body for the ending of the year, and to help remove obstacles from your path.

Colors:

White

Herbs:

Agrimony

Frankinscense Resin

Hyssop

Myrrh Resin

Rosemary

*The energies of these herbs lean toward purification, substitution of available herbs that are of the same energy is permissible.*

Tools:

A depiction (statue, picture, etc) of Lord Ganesh

Five tea light or preference of candles to make the circle

Three (You can use fewer or less as desired) tea lights to represent different obstacles

A white taper/jar candle to represent Ganesh

Ritual:

Begin by setting up your altar and circle. . (I like to put the picture or representation at the back northern part of the altar, the candle in the center, and the obstacle candles at the front of the altar closest to you.) For the purpose of this ritual one candle will represent anger, one will represent fear of change, and one will represent the unknowable obstacles that we create for ourselves. Also burn your incense as to purify the space and your body. This is going to be a fairly simple ritual. Once the circle candles are lit cast your circle. Once cast light the candle representing Ganesh. Raise your arms above the altar and Invoke Ganesh:

Aum

Elephant headed Lord Ganesh

I call upon your ancient power

Son of Shakti destroyer of grief

I bow to the lotus feet of ganesha lord of all

Aum

Whatever it is that you choose to have your candles represent as you focus on each one, clearly see in your mind’s eye exactly what those obstacles are. And as you blow the first one out, see the obstacle, picture leaving your body, leaving your life, You are allowing Ganesh to help remove your mind’s limitations to him, you are giving him control of your life, and releasing those things you can’t control. Once all three candles are blown out, thank Ganesh, and blow out his candle. Dismantle the altar and clear away the space. I like to leave out a bowl of water, or throw a piece of bread outside to leave an offering out.

For me I have a problem controlling my feelings, especially anger, I have small fear of change I can’t control, and the third is representing the obstacles we can’t see in our own life that hinder our spiritual growth. Keep in mind that some obstacles are dire for our spirits. This ritual is more for personal obstacles we create unnecessarily for ourselves.

Brightest Blessings

Have an amazing Samhain,

Rayne