Wiccan Rituals
Rituals are very important in the practice of Witchcraft. It defines witchcraft because this nature-based religion is more than theology.
It has no specific gods and goddesses but witches still believe that they need to worship the Divine Source. Rituals and festivities are held regularly to center all witches. The events are also used to share knowledge learned by each member of the coven. Most witches do not believe the existence of gods and goddess but they still join covens. Why? This is mainly because they know that they are well provided for and so must give gratitude to whom it is due.
Witchcraft has many rituals to celebrate the gifts from the Divine Source. Most of these rituals are called under the “Wheel of the Year” which is the collective name for the festivities celebrated in a year. The first festival is called Lammas, which is a celebration of the first harvest. Witches also gather to ask for the guidance of the Sun for the longer nights ahead. Rituals and celebrations are held to give gratitude for the food and ask for assistance so that the harvest will lasts until the next one. There are tools that are used in performing Wiccan ritual. One of which is the athame. It is a double-edged dagger that is used not to cut but to perform magic.
Most festivals are celebrated as a group but it is not absolute. A witch can give gratitude even in solitude. All he needs to do is to meditate to center himself with nature. He should just make sure that he is able to talk and listen to whatever the Divine Source is telling him. It is very important to reflect on what blessings the witch has received. Festivities like the Lammas are also about giving back. Witches believe in equal trade and so it is no wonder that they want to give back whenever they receive something. It is an essential part of witches’ rituals. Saying gratitude and returning the favor. Wiccan rituals and festivities are held to bring back and maintain the balance here in the living.
Also, part of Wiccan rituals is the rites of passage. When told of rites of passage, it is common that the first thing that comes to mind is initiation and so it is what it is in Wiccan. The rites of passage are done to welcome a new member to a coven. It is also the step in becoming a real witch that belongs to a coven. The rites of passage have three degrees. The first degree is the beginning of a witch’s life in a coven. The second degree holds much more meaning. When a witch passes the second degree of the rites of passage, he is expected to be more knowledgeable and experienced in witchcraft. Gaining the third degree and the highest rank of these rites means that a witch has earned the right to joint even the most complicated rituals. He is also now allowed and is capable to form his own coven.
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