Setup:
The altar, in the center, can be arranged that it is approachable from all
sides. It should be decorated with photos of the deceased, photos of their
ancestors and beloved friends and/or pets who have also passed (if possible),
flowers, symbols of deity or other spiritual symbols that were special to the
deceased (animals, plants, etc.), a tall, white taper candle (unlit), and plenty of
space on the altar for items to be placed later. Also, a bowl of salt, one of
water, a bell, a feather, and a censor of incense of either the deceased favorite
scent, one that is sacred to their Matron/Patron deity, or a blend of
frankincense and myrrh.
Each person should be dressed in their favorite, bright color with a dark
cloak or jacket over. They should also have an item (drawing, poem, rock,
flower, toy, photo, etc...) of something that represents a shared experience
they had with the deceased. Also, a small candle in a color that represents joy
or hope to them.
Music should be available, whether pre-recorded or live - preferable in the
genre that was a favorite of the deceased.
And of course, food and drink should be ready on the side.
Ritual:
Begin by having the participants enter silently from the West, and form a
circle with the altar in the center. If there is a person who was closely related
to them (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc) have them stand in the North.
Another who is closest to them, in the East, South, and West. The items they
are carrying (candle and symbolic item) can be placed in front of them on the
ground.
The HP steps to the altar and picks up the salt and water bowls, and brings
them to the person in the North. The Northern person takes the bowl of water
and holds it while the HP pours in the salt.
HP: With the salty water of the Earth and the Sea, in the memory of X, we cleanse
this space.
The person in the North, takes the bowl sprinkles it clockwise around the
circle until they are back where they started. They return to their spot,
handing the salt back to the HP.
The HP returns with the bowls to the altar, setting them aside, and takes up
the censor of incense, and a lighter or match and the feather. They bring them
to the Southern person, handing the lighter to them. The Southern person
lights the incense and takes it and the feather as the HP says:
HP: With breath of the wing, and fire from the soul, in memory of X, we cleanse
this space.
The person walks clockwise around the circle wafting the incense with the
feather until back in place, handing them back to the HP.
The HP returns to the altar and states:
HP: We have cleaned this area with Earth and Air, Fire and Water. We will now
call forth the spirits and energies that X loved so dearly.
(Examples given below - but should be adapted based on the path of
deceased)
North:
We call to the North
The Great Bear in the dark forest and cave
Of Earth and Bone
To join us in honoring the memory of X
East:
We call to the East
The Falcon on the wind
Of Air and breath
To join us in honoring the memory of X
South:
We call to the South
The Lion on the scorching Savana
Of Fire and strength
To join us in honoring the memory of X
West:
We call to the West
The Dolphin in the crashing wave
Of Water and wisdom
To join us in honoring the memory of X
HP:
We call to mother Ceridwen
Goddess of rebirth
We ask you to join us in honoring the memory of X
May you guid them as they return to Your embrace and cauldron for rebirth
HP:
We stand in this sacred space, gathered together to honor the memory of X who has
passed from this realm.
(Some personal statements about X and what they were
like...for example: This is not only a time of mourning and remembrance, but X
would want our hearts to be filled with joy as well.)
Now each participant, starting in the North, states one thing that they will
miss about X, for example: I will miss X’s laughter, or I will miss X’s
determination, etc.
HP, lighting the white taper candle on the altar: X will be greatly missed and
mourned. But they impacted each of us and brought love and life to our lives. Now is
the time to carry that joy and memory forth.
Now, each participant comes forward, one at a time with their object and
candle. They hold the object and tell a good memory of a time together that
the object represents. They place it on the altar, and remove their dark cloak,
stating:
Now is a time for joy
Now is a time for brightness
Let the joy that X gave to my life carry on
(Light the small candle from the altar candle)
With this flame, may their light shine on in my heart
Once everyone has done so, the HP states that it is time to celebrate, and
while the candle flames my be extinguished in the physical realm, the joy and
light of X’s memory will burn bright in the mind and heart.
Feasting and chatting and sharing memories -
The HP then gathers everyone together again to thank each spirit that was
called forth and ask the Goddess to guide X to peace.
Finally, for those who wish it, music and dancing after the circle is open.
Comments