3 Tips for Including Children in Ritual

• Keep the ritual short! It’s hard enough for adults to sit through a 4 hour long group ritual, can anyone honestly expect a three year old to maintain focus for that long? Remember: kids have short attention spans and are easily distracted. Handy rule of thumb: if your child is three years old, aim for 20 minutes. For every year older than that up to six years old add ten minutes (i.e. 3yo=20 min, 4yo=30 min, 5yo=40 min, 6yo=50 min) Older than 6, aim for an hour, hour and a half tops but only if the child is actively involved throughout the rite. Children under three years old: good luck.
• Keep it simple! Children already function more from the subconscious mind than the conscious mind, so complex symbolism isn't needed. Identify what it is the ritual is supposed to be about and what you are hoping to achieve. Now try to achieve it in the most direct fashion. For example, while a healing ritual for an injured love one could entail the use of 20 blue candles carefully moved about the Circle at specifically timed intervals in specific directions from specific point within the Circle, your child will only be lost and bored! A better option might involve focusing on the loved one, a picture perhaps or their name, and chanting to raise the energy.
• Keep it active! Children are naturally kinesthetic; they like to touch things and they learn and focus better while feeling, be it the object they are touching or the sensations of their moving body. So be sure to include lots of hands-on activities and movements as part of the ritual: not only will this help your child to remain focused but it’s also more fun for them!

Following the ritual outline as covered in the previous article Ritual Construction, and in keeping with these 3 tips, here are some ideas for involving your children in ritual:

• Purification: Children can use fans or feathers to “fan” the space and everyone participating. Or, children can asperge everyone and the space  with a spray bottle set to mist, or with a sprig of herbs dipped into a bowl of water (that an adult holds, woe to they who let the child carry the bowl or set it down so that multiple children can access it: you've been warned.) Older children can cense the space and participants, but how old exactly will depend on your child. For example, my eldest has been allowed to cense a space since he was four, however I wouldn't trust my youngest son, currently 5, with smoldering incense. 
• Creating Sacred Space: Whether or not you truly need an altar will depend on what you have planned for the body of the ritual, but generally, children do well with no tools or one tool: switching back and forth may be confusing and can lose a child’s focus. Casting the Circle can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a ritual for children! Let them run about the Circle edge, laughing and singing, this is especially good for protection magick. Music can also be used to cast the Circle, with children banging on small hand drums or shaking tambourines, maracas, or shakers (i.e. rattles.)
• Invitations: For calling the Elements, there could be a small bowl at each quarter filled with something representing that Element that the children can sprinkle. For example, a bowl filled with dirt that they grab a handful of and sprinkle it on the ground; a bowl of seeds they could sprinkle or blow, like Dandelion of Milkweed seeds; two sticks that are burnt on the ends that the child can tap together above their head; a bowl of water to hold and toss the water into the air and out of the bowl, so it rains onto the ground. Or the Earth could be called by stomping and humming lowly, call the Air by waving arms in the air and howling softly like the wind through the trees, march and clap to call the Fire, and sway, fluidly, while singing a gentle “oooo…” rising slowly up and down the scale. For calling Gods, I prefer a different style as I feel Gods should be approached in a reverential manner. A simple rhyming verse, arms held aloft, uttered in reverence serves as a nice contrast to the highly active nature of the rest of the ritual. It also serves to impress upon children the importance of worship and respect for the Gods.
• Body of Work: For magickal workings, chanting and dancing work wonderfully for children. Particularly strong magick can be wrought by holding hands, walking about the Circle, chanting (think “Ring Around the Rosies:” everyone falls to the ground, letting go of eachother’s hands when enough energy has been raised.) Also good are short, lively chants with a bouncy rhythm.
• Thank You’s and Farewells: Keep them similar to the way that Everyone was called to the Circle. If you danced in the Elements, dance Them out (perhaps slowing down as you go and lowering to the ground.) If you sprinkled/blew representations of Them, take what’s left in the bowl and scatter it, and place the bowl upside down on the ground; take the burnt sticks used to call Fire and toss them as far as you can.
• Dissolving Sacred Space: A Circle should always be opened in a similar manner as it was closed and this is no different with children than with adults. If your children ran the perimeter to cast the Cirlce, have them walk the Circle to open it. If everyone played music to close the Circle, play a slower song, moving down the scale, with a sustained end note. 

Of course, these are just suggestions, and what exactly you do will depend upon your child, their interests, and their capabilities (not to mention how many children you’re attempting to Circle with!) What works well for one child may bore another to tears, and what didn’t work 3 months ago may be perfect now. It’s important to be adaptable, flexing to the needs of your child. After all, including your child in ritual isn’t about you, it’s about them and making that ritual meaningful for them.

Other Articles You May Like
Teaching Children Paganism
Ritual Construction
Composing a Ritual 

Imbolc is a Fire festival, held in honor of the growing strength of the Sun and the awakening of the Earth from Her Winter’s slumber. On this day, candles will be lit, to both mimic and encourage the Sun, and snow will be ritually melted to both mimic and encourage the Earth. This day marks the start of Spring, a changing season, whose focus is upon beginnings and renewal. For this fact, Imbolc is also a day of purification and beginnings. 

Purification is an interesting process. Similar to cleansing, in magickal practice, for they both remove things, they are however quite different in focus and intent. With cleansings, the point is to remove that which is unwanted in order to be rid of it. But with purifications, the goal is on moving forward unburdened. This is fitting as this day does mark the start of Spring. What better way to start the new seasonal cycle than to be free of all which would hold us back, prevent our full enjoyment of the season, and limit our ability to harness this fertile energy and grow ourselves.

As a celebration of beginnings, Imbolc is also a traditional day of initiations*. In many Wiccan and Traditional Initiatory Witchcraft Traditions , Imbolc marks the day that individuals will be initiated into that Tradition and, thus,  forever changed through the energy transference that takes place in that ceremony. However, for solitaries, this day is well suited to Dedication Ceremonies, either for the first time, or in renewal, be that dedication to one’s path or to one’s Gods.Today is also a suitable day for Wiccanings.

On this day, then, as the Sun shines stronger releasing the Earth from the ice, let go of that which confines you. Don’t stop to acknowledge or analyze it, just let it go and move on. Let the gentle, growing strength of the Sun aid you in this release. Move forward unburdened. Let that be your beginning.

*Initiations as in “being initiated into something,” not initiate as in “to begin something.”  


Other Articles You May Like:
Common Imbolc Traditions
Spring: Life Begins Again
The Rite of Wiccaning

Generally, in sticking with a Wiccan **duo-theistic view, the altar is divided into three sections.The lefts side of the altar is dedicated to the female aspect of Deity, to one's Goddess of choice; the right side of the altar is dedicated to the male aspect of Deity, to one's God of choice; and the center of the altar is dedicated to both aspects and/or to unpersonified Deity, that is an All, to every aspect of Deity as joined to be Ultimate Reality.

Also, it is most common to face an altar to the North, the physical realm, or to the East, the realm of beginnings. It is important to note that though the altar is "facing" that direction, it is the back of the altar that is truly closest to that direction. In standing before your altar, you are the one, then, who is facing that direction.

At the back of the altar is where things like Deity statues or candles go. Behind these, you can place decorations or some sort of display for the rite or ceremony, e.g a May Gad for a Beltain Rite or a Scrying Mirror for a Full Moon Rite.

In the middle section of the altar is where Elemental representations go. This is most commonly in the form of your working tools, such as athame, wand, chalice, and pentacle.

The front of the altar holds the materials for any magickal workings that will be taking place. This includes things like a cauldron, mortar and pestle, incense, and candles.

Keeping these layout guidelines in mind, there is actually a lot of leniency in setting up an altar. It is important to remember, though, that there should be nothing placed upon your altar that is without meaning. Remember: an altar is a sacred place, do not desecrate it with mundane items like your cell phone or soda can.

So, on the spirit of leniency and freedom of expression and in honor of your own unique path and relationship with your Gods, here are a few examples of altar layouts. 

This is a very basic altar set up. Despite its simplicity and inconspicuous nature, there is actually much meaning here. I used this small altar for several months when I had no space or ability to have anything larger. This sat atop my dresser and I used it daily for meditation, communion with my Gods, and spell work. 

Both stones were found on my family's land. The square stone brings to mind the physical world, it has four sides and it is very stable; it gives a good grounding. The Snow Quartz has a band of Granite running through it. In using this stone as representation of Deity, the band represents an imminent Divine and that though the Divine is responsible for all, I would not be here were it not for my family (who themselves are a manifestation of Deity.)

This type of altar set up is one that is familiar to any Kitchen Witch. Notice how all of the tools are common kitchen items? In fact, even the altar itself is nothing more than a kitchen table. And what is a wooden spoon but the wand of the kitchen? What is a teapot but a variation of a cauldron?

Were it not for the simple candle lit at the back (and the presence of the black handled knife, when there's nothing but herbs here...) there's nothing that unusual here; it could be the kitchen table of anyone with at least a budding interest in herbs. 

This is, of course, not a permanent altar. An altar can be set up whenever you have need using whatever you have on hand. This altar exists only so long as the need is there and there is work to be done. There is no distinction between magick and living, except that which we create in our own minds. 

This set up is a little more formal, with candles lit for a Goddess and a God, and dishes of water and salt. A large, rough crystal sits at the back of the altar, middle is filled with tools, and the front is littered with spell materials, primarily containers of various herb matter.

Still, there is nothing on this altar without meaning or purpose.

The red candles imply that the magick being wrought is of a protective nature. Given that this spell utilizes a small cauldron and charcoal briquette (upon which to smolder the ground herbs) this makes sense. The entire set up is evocative of Fire. 

With this in mind, the water and salt dishes may seem out of place, but both are used in casting a Circle, which only lends further evidence for the protection being sought with this magickal working.

And in considering the presence of the Deity candles, one can surmise that this is especially strong protection desired.

This is an example a Full Moon altar where scrying is to be done. This altar features a silver chalice at center, representative of Lunar Goddesses; a crystal sphere rests inside, reflecting the gentle light of the candles.

At the back of this altar is a censor (hidden by chalice.) Smoldering incense aids in altering states of mind and conveying intentions to other realms.

A small bell sits to the right, representing Air and the masculine, it's gold color compliments the silver chalice.

Though this altar is set up for a Full Moon rite, there are eight candles at the edge of the altar representing the Sabbats. As the Full Moon is a key point in the Lunar cycle, the Sabbats are key points in the Solar cycle. This further inclusion of Solar symbolism fosters balance and places emphasis on the connection shared between all.


*An altar is a dedicated space to your interaction with your Gods, a shrine is a dedicated space to your Gods’ presence.
**Duotheistic means two Deities; dualistic is part of worldview. Dualism states that there are two: this and that, black and white, good and bad. Wicca does not have a dualistic worldview: the Wiccan worldview focuses upon the connection between all and the resulting energetic interplay. There is no dualism within Wicca. The God and Goddess are not dualistic: They compliment eachother but They are not opposites.



Other Articles You May Like:
Altars
Sacred Space
Magick and the Mundane
Magickal Symbolism: Fertility Unveiled

Winter is a time of pause, reflection and self analysis. It is one of the times when the Crone turns to face us, reminding us just how mortal we truly are. Stand outside, let the wind tear at your clothes and hair, the cold bite at your skin, penetrating to the bone. Listen to the susurrus of the snow blowing across the ice, just as softly Her words can be heard: “all things must pass.” For these reasons, Winter is a perfect time for purificatory and cleansing magick. And these are ends to which the snow, ice, and cold of Winter are perfectly suited.

Snow is simple to work with magickally and it’s rather versatile. It can be used to “wash” items in to cleanse them. Altar clothes, ritual tools, crystals, and candles can all be “washed” in the snow. Just hold the item in your left hand, with your right take a handful of snow and rub it all over the items. Cleansing with snow is like cleansing with a million very small clear Quartz crystals, and that is the affect it has, as well. It leaves the items feeling freshly cleansed, but energized at the same time. Items like tools and crystals can also just be left outside overnight, buried in a snow bank, to be cleansed by the snow. 

Snow can also be used in the creation of a “snowbane” for banishing magick. Outside, form some snow into an image of what it is you will to be rid of. As you form the snowbane, fill it with all the energy and power that thing, person, bad habit, or whatever, has over you. Take your snowbane indoors now. Ideally, place it in a cauldron, but a large cooking or mixing bowl will do perfectly. As the snowbane melts, so, too, the power of what it represents has over you fades.

Snow and ice can also be used to intensify energy within your Circle, just be sure to do your ritual at a time when the winds are calm as Winter winds are prone to dissipation. To this end, the snow can be mounded up to designate the Circle boundaries and piled up a la snowman style for an altar and for smaller altars at the Quarters, as well. If you are particularly ambition and like to play in the snow, you could construct a small outdoor temple outdoors, entirely out of snow, much like an igloo. It need only be big enough for you to sit comfortably in and you could create a snow-sculpture inside to represent your patron Deity.

Another simple means to harness the power of Winter is to work your spells and rituals in silence, as silence is one of the virtues of the North and, thus, of Winter. Gestures alone are quite powerful and evocative, but, as Winter is a time of introversion, visualization alone can be quite appropriate.

These are just a few examples of ways to tap into the power of Winter and keep oneself aligned with the changing of the seasons.  Magick is flexible and permeates life, experiment and see what other ways you can up with.


Other Articles You May Like
Winter
Celebrating the Sabbats
Yule: the Winter Solstice (published 2010) 

During a successful grounding, there is a mutual energy exchange between the Earth and the individual. The individual aligns themselves with the Earth and excess energy (be it from within that person or from within the Circle, and thus channeled through that person,) is released down and into the Earth and new energy is then taken up from the Earth. So, unwanted energy is given from the individual to the Earth and balancing energy is thus given from the Earth to the individual. Mutual exchange: freely take and freely give.

So where does this excess energy come from? As part of any Magickal activity, spell, and many rituals, energy is raised. This can be done through activities such as dancing, singing, chanting, and/or breathing, paired with focus and concentration. Once this energy is raised, it is released into the Universe in order to bring about the desired outcome of the spell, magick, or ritual. But, once the energy is released, residual amounts of this energy may still remain, either within the Circle (if one was used: it is not mandatory to cast a Circle for every magickal working) or within the person(s) who raised that energy.

What does this energy received from the Earth do? When we align ourselves with the Earth, there is an automatic balancing effect that takes place. The Earth draws out the excess energy from us and in turn will give us energy that balances our own energies, as well as our Chakras. This leaves us feeling refreshed, energized, and at ease.

Residual energy left within the Circle can interfere with any other activities performed within that Circle. Once the Circle is opened, the energy will dissipate, however it could then interfere with any magick that had been wrought as well as affect the sleep of anyone in that area (if, for example, the energy was raised within someone’s home,) or attract unwanted etheric entities or energies. Residual energy left within an individual can leave them feeling disoriented, out of sorts, as well as spacey. They may have problems concentrating, feel agitated or uneasy, or be easily distracted. This is why grounding after raising energy is essential: it increases the possibility of success for that spell or ritual and leaves everyone involved in performing that spell or ritual in a good mental state where they can walk away from that working without any possible negative side effects.

So how does one go about grounding? Though, admittedly, grounding can seem like a complicated process, what with the multiple energy exchanges going on at the same time, it is actually rather simple to do and can be done through various means.

Any method that actually involves touching the Earth is ideal. Suggestions involve sitting, crouching or lying down upon the ground, making sure that both hands are palm down in contact with the Earth. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Exhale, feel the excess energy flowing down along your body and leaving through your hands and feet. Deep breath in, feel yourself relaxing. Continue to breathe until you feel calm, centered, and stable. 

Alternately, you could stand, feet steady upon the earth. Close your eyes. Deep breath in. As you exhale, visualize yourself as a tree and feel your feet becoming roots, burrowing deep into the Earth. Breathe in, feel the heartbeat of the Earth as your roots reach Her core. Exhale and release all of the excess energy down along your roots. Give that energy to the Mother, let Her take it from you to use as She sees fit. Take a deep breath in and raise your arms to the sky. See/feel them become branches, full of leaves, reaching for the Sun. Continue to breath and continue the exercise until you feel stable, strong, and balanced.

A more advanced method of grounding may entail the use of visualization and the Chakras. Begin by pulling energy up from the Earth, through your Root Chakra. Feel your Root Chakra expand and open. Pull energy up through your Root a second time, now pulling it through that Chakra and to your Sacral Chakra. Feel your Sacral Chakra expand and open. Return to the Earth, pull more energy up through your Root, up through your Sacral, and now to your Solar Plexus. Continue to do this, with each Chakra, each time pulling energy up from the Earth and up through each Chakra, until you reach your Crown Chakra. 

At that point, push the energy out through your Crown, letting it shower down around you, cleansing your aura. Now pull the energy up through all of the Chakras, through your Channel, and out your Crown a few times. Once the flow becomes easy, reverse the exercise. Pull energy from the Universe down into your Crown. Pull Universal Energy down and through your Crown a second time, now pulling it down to your Third Eye. Continue to do this, in the same fashion as you pulled the energy up, until you reach your Root Chakra. At that point, you will push the energy out. Now pull the energy down through Crown, through your Channel, and out your Root several times, until the flow becomes easy. 

Now, simultaneously pull energy from the Earth up through your Root and down through your Crown. The energies will meet at your Solar Plexus, twirling about each other (like DNA) yet continuing on their respective courses through your Channel and out through either your Root or Crown Chakra. Continue the simultaneous flow several times, until it become easy. 

These are only three examples of grounding and surely do not encompass the only possible methods. Some methods may work better for you than others, though the one that works best for you may also be one that you come up with on your own.


Other Articles You May Like
Learning to Work with Energy
The Emphasis on Psychic Abilities
How to Cast a Circle

This is what could be determined as an Intermediate Meditation, as it assumes your child(ren) is already familiar with the process of meditation and you in guiding them through the process.

The room should be soft lit, perhaps with a few candles. It should be dark but with enough light that your child(ren) feels comfortable. Sit comfortably. Begin the process of relaxing and turning inwards, shutting off the mental chatter. With our children, we know that they have finished and are ready to begin by the dramatic sighs they make and the sudden posture change (still upright, but relaxed and not forced now.)

Remember to pause frequently to allow your child time to visualize and remind them of their breathing as needed (deep, slow breaths; in through your nose, out through your mouth.)

Say to your child: “Picture yourself outside. It’s Night and it is dark. 

“You’re in a meadow. The grass is tall and moves from the gentle Wind. There are trees around you, but they are far away; the meadow you are in is huge.

“Lay down in the grass. Feel how the grass is wet and cool from the dew. Lie down and look up. It’s Night, the Sky is full of Stars. 

“You see the Moon. The Moon is full, a big, bright circle shining down on you. Look at the Moon. Feel the light of the Moon touching you; feel the energy of the Moon entering your body.

“Keep looking at the Moon. Notice how the Full Moon is starting to wane. The Moon is getting dark on the right side and is getting smaller. Keep looking at the Moon. There is only a tiny sliver of light left. Watch now as the last bit of light grows smaller and finally …disappears.

“The Moon is nothing but a shadow now, dark, but you can still see Her. Just look at the Shadow Moon. Think about what you are feeling when you look at Her. 

“Now, look at the Stars that surround the Dark, Shadow Moon. See how the Sky stretches out for forever. 

“Focus now on your breathing. Deep breath in… and breathe out. 

“Open your eyes.”

Have your child record their experience in their Book of Shadows, journal, or a notebook just for this purpose for future reference. If very young, your child can draw pictures of what they saw and felt. Do not write it out for them; there is no easy route in magick or spirituality and this is something that must always, though subtly, be stressed when teaching children.

Talk about the meditation with your child. When asking questions, ask open ended questions. For example, do not ask, “Did you see any lightning bugs in the meadow?” Instead, ask something like, “What did you see when you were in the meadow?” Encourage them to talk about the experience, but be careful not to suggest things and alter their memories (which can be easy with especially young children.)