About Rituals
Using Rituals or invoking ritual space is a great way to learn the mysteries of the God/dess. Rituals are symbolic acts designed to call the powers of the universe into play for a particular purpose. You have already performed a ritual of sorts by wanting to learn more and opening this page.

The information below is about the Sabbats or holidays that Pagans hold rituals on. The information can be used to plan your ritual or to decorate your house or altar.

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Basic Ritual Format
The basic structure of ritual is very simple.

~~Create a sacred space~~

~~Invite the elements~~

~~Invite the God and Goddess~~

~~Do the ritual~~

~~Thank the God and Goddess~~

~~Thank the elements~~

~~Banish the sacred space~~

~~Ground the energies~~

I know that is a very basic outline. I have added more information below on the very basics. As I have stated many times spells, rituals, and any other magickal workings need to be written by the user. They are more powerful and effective when they are of your own thoughts and desires.

This is only an outline.

Preparation
The first thing you want to do is purify yourself. This can involve taking a ritual bath, fasting for several days, and doing a long meditation on your reasons for doing the ritual. What ever works for you.

Be sure to gather all the supplies you will need for the ritual... This can include your ritual notes, candles, incense, books, water, salt, matches, censure, figurines, herbs, athame, chalice, sword, bowls, and any other tools you feel you might need for a ritual. What you take into the circle is your choice. What you say and do dpends on what it takes for you to be successful.

Creating Sacred Space
Cast the Circle
Walk around the circle in a clockwise manner. Hold the Athame/Wand/finger out in front of you. Visualize the circle being cut away from the world. The circle is actually a sphere. Thus the saying "As above, so Below".

Purifying the Circle
Take the salt and water, mix them together using the Athame, your finger, or swirl the bowl. Dip your fingers in the water and as you are walking the perimeter of the circle, sprinkle it on the ground.

Charging the Circle
Take the incense and light it. Walk around the circle and let the smoke outline the circle and anyone else in it.

Inviting the elements
Most traditions start either in the North or the East. I am partial to the North, so here is where I will start. You can light a candle for each of the elements using a color appropriate to the element.

North
North is symbolic of the Earth, stability, strength, procreational fertility, and steadfastness. Colors associated with the north are greens, browns, and black.

East
East is symbolic of Air, change, communication, work, and beginnings. The colors associated with the east are yellows and white.

South
South is symbolic of Fire, creativity, fertility, passion and transformation. The colors associated with the south are oranges and reds.

West
West is symbolic of Water, depth, mystery, change, hidden power, spirituality, vastness, and endings. The colors associated with the west are blues and purples.

Inviting the Goddess and God
First, you must choose the Deities to invite, then invite them as you did the elements. "_________ , Goddess of ________I invite you to join me/us in this sacred space. Please bless our workings with your presence. ____________, God of ____________I invite you to join me/us in this sacred space. Please bless our workings with your presence."

INSERT SPELL/RITUAL WORKING HERE
If bread and water are shared, the time to do it is right after the main ritual is done.

Thanking the Goddess and God
"_________ , Goddess of _________ I thank you for joining me/us in this sacred space. Stay if you will, go if you must, blessed be. ____________, God of ____________I thank you for joining me/us in this sacred space. Stay if you will, go if you must, blessed be." You may also pour out the libation to the Gods at this point.

Thanking the Elements
Dismiss the elements in the reverse order that they were invoked.

Banish the Sacred Space
Banish the sacred space in the reverse order of setting it up.

Grounding
Imagine yourself standing on the Earth with your bare feet. Imagine your feet becoming roots growing deep into the center of the earth. Feel the strength of the earth around you. Concentrate on the energy flowing through you down into the earth releasing any negative or excess energy into it. Continue until you feel centered and at peace.

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