Yona Circle
Wednesday Works

Advanced Practicum
Ritual Experiences
Part I

Although we may not be aware of all Rituals that may come across our Paths or that we may conduct for one reason or another, know that as Practitioner of ADVANCED SKILL, they weave themselves into the very fabric of our days in one way or another, great or small. When divine energy moves in this way in our lives, it begins to define who we are as individuals. Washing our hair. Paying a bill. Speaking with another. (Plant and Animal alike) Cooking a meal. Doing laundry. Any activity where we “do” something can be imbued with Ritual, Magick or Medicine.

As stated, a definition of Ritual/ritual can be a regular pattern of words or actions. The way we answer the phone or door, our favorite topics of conversation, the way we get dressed, how we develop or maintain our physical and mental well-being, specific hygiene habits, and other tasks we routinely do –as stated above, do become the rituals that sustain our daily life experiences here on Earth. If we take a close look at our personal rituals, we can see how they can range from life-enhancing to life-depleting.

Whether public or private, rituals can also define moments that keep us going through routine days, give pleasure to our lives and reasons to celebrate various stages of growth throughout. Rituals can be formal rites that involve many Practiitoners, such as Samhain, or weddings and funerals, or informal, like watching the a game of a specific sports team, planting our favorite flowers, going out to eat with friends on certain days, or attending specific cultural events. Everything can be a ritual.

However, since our Souls Journey depends on our eventual evolution toward true Unconditional Love, seeking of eternal Knowledge, Self-Love and the like in this life, the most essential rituals are of Spirit. Spiritual rituals are an integral part of life, no matter what Path you walk. They promote our faith formation, add reverence to both our daily existence and inexistence in Matter. Rituals also keep us aware of that which is perceived as external and of Matter and strengthen our bong with Spirit and uncover the Knowledge to balance those for our growth.

Rituals invoke in us a greater understanding of, and continuity with, Divine Presence. They help us to understand the responsibilities of being a Practitioner of our chosen Path, no matter what Path we choose. Being whole in daily ritual of life or death, is to live a life that is genuine to your Path. These rituals are life-enhancing and extend beyond the human elements of energy, mood, and emotions. Rituals can reinforce strong character.

When we devote the time to being consciously aware of all the rituals of daily life and that which is asked of us on our chosen Path, they often teach us that we do not have to live “just so” to be in a state of Unconditional Love with Spirit, Universe, God or Goddess, Divine, Self or what name you wish to call The Powers That Be.


PUBLIC VIEW
We must strive to promote our beliefs by ethical and legal means in the public square as often as we each can. It is HIGHLY ADVISED to review all presented Ethics in Magick Lessons if they are not printed out for review. Values like those that are held by MANY humans, especially pagans, are not negotiable and are Divinely given by Free Will to ALL CREATURES, Plant and Animal. Knowledge about Divine Truth and what that means to you as a Practitioner is crucial to sound and Knowledgeable decisions that you make on your Path.

No matter how uncomfortable it can be or may become, public opinion pales if Practitioners hold fast to Self-Love and what is perceived as Universal Unconditional Divine Love FIRST. If we hold on to that Goddess or God or Patron Deity, FIRST. If we hold tightly to the Sovereignty of Self, FIRST. You shall endure.

NEGATIVITY AND RITUAL
Spiritual rituals take us beyond the scope and influence of temporal issues. In spiritual rituals that involve words, such as Invocations and Evocations, even though we may not feel what we are saying emotionally at the time, we say things because they express what is deep within our heart, beyond the capacity of those feelings. Feelings that can fluctuate according to our mood, current life situation, planetary alignment, season, social or political climate, etc. Negative events can cause us to be discordant with what we believe. READ THAT AGAIN. Other Practitioners will pick up on that. Deep down, hold on to your convictions and allow that strength to rise up in you. Let that energy aid your moment. Postpose it. Or, ask for help.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL  RITUALS
As Practitioners of the Arcane Arts, we have an abundant spiritual treasure trove of beautiful solemn, sovereign and informal rituals –along with Knowledge to share related to them. One definition of a solemn ritual is “sacred actions”. These are performed in a particular order, celebrate spiritual milestones in the community or in our life personally. A few of these days to illustrate:
Samhain of the Celtic Path, Yule of the Norse Path, Obatalá's feast day of the Yoruban Path, or a Deipnon for those on a Hekatean Path.

They are also found in the formal ceremonies of baptism or blessing or person or land, first Initiation or Communion, Rite of Passage, all life stages such as Birth, Marriage, or Death. Exorcism is also found to be a “formal” Ritual on many Paths. Many of these ceremonies are considered to have or are a sacrament to their Path.

For many Paths, the most important and the most needed rituals are in receiving the sacraments. Having that Initiation into or through liminal space, to have or hold a symbol of divine body or Spirit is crucial to some Paths. A few examples of the se Paths are: Hermetic, Luciferian or Wiccan.

Sacraments are principal rituals that keep some Practitioners mindful of the presence and power of Divine Spirit and Universal Unconditional Love. They renew their spiritual energy, are channels of grace, and give meaning and purpose to all who practice this.

Grace from the sacraments can renew our faith and trust in Spirit, whatever that may be to you. It also increases Practitioner courage and peace with Self, provides a new outlook about trials, and impart spiritual healing where and when needed. Most of all, they help Practitioners on their Soul’s Journey, again, whatever that may mean to them.

Mark Searle wrote, “The meaning of each sacrament is derived from two things: its reference to the paschal mystery and the particular situation of the individual or community upon whom the sacramental celebration focuses.” (The “paschal mystery” is for ALL Experiences. EVERYTHING cycles. REST(UN-LIFE). For others it continues, BIRTH. LIFE. DEATH. REST. BIRTH. LIFE. DEATH. REST. BIRTH. LIFE. …and so on. Remember, what most know has been corrupted by those who colonized them. Early peoples knew of these cycles too.

Sacraments can leave an indelible mark on the soul, like confirmation and ordination, or they can be received repeatedly, like Cakes and Ale, or reconciliation and Holy Communion.

HEALING
Anointing of the sick, sending energy, Reiki, blessings, healing vibes, etc, can be received in a formal setting, such as a Shamanic Circle, healing Mass, sweat lodge, or even unexpectedly, after a major accident or unexpected serious disease. Anointing of the sick is not only for those who are dying immenantlly, but also for any Practitioner who is distressingly sick, scheduled for serious surgery, or in need of significant energetic healing in their lives.

The greatest sacrament is that of Self. It is the ultimate end of life Path of all who seek out the Path of Cleric. We are in service to others and, or, our Divine – that means something different to each of us as we recall, “no two Paths are the same.”

DEPTH OF SPIRIT IN RITUAL
Nothing else in human experience is like that of the Ritual. It is utterly unique. No personal devotion or private spiritual practice can be considered close to the energy received and shared at a ritual or rite with the fellowship of others who walk a similar Path.

With that in mind, share in Imelda’s experience of Ritual:

IMELDA’S REFLECTION
A perspective…
“I would like to share my way of putting myself into Ritual instead of just attending it. I began attending daily Ritual years ago at a nearby pagan church to give gratitude to my Patron Deity for a favor received. I had intended it to be just for the summer, but by the end of summer I was hooked. As time went on, I grew more and more to appreciate the sublime wonder that it is.

During Ritual, I felt that I received Divine Energy, energy that helped me to be triumphant over my own suffering. I then began feeling an increase in confidence, belief in Self that I have the strength and grace to triumph over my own problems.”

Experiencing trials and suffering may promote a broader knowledge and greater appreciation of rituals for others in a similar situation. When trouble comes, we can hold on to our power, trust or faith in our Divine, instead of resorting to a temper tantrum or sliding into depression. Our anchor is in that Universal Love to which I believe all roads lead.

Because rituals are a source for spiritual strength and divine support, sustaining a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and our Divine, they can bring comfort during prolonged disease, when medical treatment ends, or when life on Earth is coming to a close. Somehow, novenas of Masses or spiritual bouquets we receive during troubled times are more treasured, and the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion are more appreciated, than they ever were.

When someone is Experiencing a distressing concern, there may be times when family or friends share appropriate spiritual stories that can uplift a troubled heart. Such stories can dilute focus on the current trouble and confirm the goodness of Spirit, whatever that means to each of us. However, we should not overdo the spiritual side of situations even though it is a reality that needs to be kept in mind. In imminent death for example. We have to be careful to not override someone else’s belief when sharing ours. To those who oppose our values of Spirit, we can be channels of that Unconditional Love without using actual words.”

Wednesday YD2

General - Journal - Book of Shadows
SUBMISSION: YD2 WED WORLD M&Ms (Due BEFORE SOLSTICE)

PLEASE TAKE THIS TIME TO PRACTICE, RESEARCH, PREPARE FOR THIS WORK.
PLEASE COMPLETE PREVIOUS SUBMISSIONS.
Please provide a minimum of THREE PARAGRAPHS outlining WorK,
and ONE PICTURE of altar or elements utilized.
(Link to Ritual is found in Golanv Lessons via the link below.)

Please see link button below for Ritual playlists.

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