For ease and brevity, I am going to use a broad definition when I refer to pagan. The HP/S should have a final word before the circle is opened. We will remember him forever. There is a reason for being here, and a reason for going. You could let them talk about their process, their feelings, their fears and hopes. Pre-Biblical mankind was divided into innumerable religious sects. Search our venue directory to find unique and unusual outdoor venues for your celebration. Why? The acts of cutting and tattooing, both of the corpses in preparation for the afterlife and the bereaved as a mourning practice, were widespread across these Pagan subcultures and had special significance in the conference of the departed. Many of our rituals are held in parks, gardens, private residences or halls. Jar Spells & Witch Bottles Join the Challenge! 1 : 0; This is a little different though. One must proceed carefully and respectfully, keeping ever in mind the emotional needs of everyone present. What I aim to do is show that paganism isnt scary, or even really alternative. Herbs, and flowers could be placed in and around the casket or coffin. I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising. Divination Decks John Huehnergard and Harold Lebowitz's recent University of Texas dissertation describes a lament for Pagan deity, Baal, by his father, El, and sister, Anat during which El descends from his throne and makes cuts in his flesh and face. These poems below remind the reader that love is the most important thing we have and never dies. Pagan Rituals Transcription: Wiccan prayer for the loss of a loved one Saying a Wiccan prayer with faith can help us overcome the painful death of a loved one, whether human or animal, and receive strength, wisdom and tranquility. Many also choose to read an elegy or obituary in honor of the deceased. else { Sheep and oxen were slain and their fat was placed on the body, their carcasses around it. fclose($count_dat); One is you, and one is your pet. Energy-Protection for Highly Sensitive People, Reflection: Journalling Your Life As Spiritual Practice, Likhita Japa Mantra Meditation * Wicca-Spirituality.com, Choosing A Meditation Practice * Wicca-Spirituality.com, Wicca Spirituality Library: Your Access to Tons of Free Info, Gaia Arising book! 1 Prehistoric Funeral Practices. Meditations on one's own personal death, or on a last communication with the loved one, or on a remembrance of past lives would be good. Don't worry about the words that you usespeak from your heart, just as you would if your pet were in front of you. //-->, More Choices? But I am sure with time you will show me how to be whole again. There may be moments during which sadness, tears, tension, anger and laughter are exhibited, but connecting with others in this manner can be very healing. (At this point, my other sister read this poem - I believe she wrote it herself, but from where she drew her inspiration, I can only wonder). Humor Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. I am the gentle Autumn's rain. google_color_bg = "E2E8E9"; Don't hold back. While the . (The following poem was written by my father - he says now that it is crude doggerel, but it speaks from his heart). A picture of the loved one. Forgive us if today we're sad, . Reconstructionism Sun and Moon, grant us birth,Give us life, death, and rest.For we shall meet againOnce our souls leave this world. If you had a specific faith, but want to have a funeral outside the usual church or place of worship setting, Kimba can assist clergy to create ceremony anywhere at all. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Viking Funeral & Burial Rituals. What I am doing in promoting pagan funeral, and preparation for funerals, is simply an extension of their hard work. Of quiet birds in circled flight. Celebrant. If they are not able to do this for themselves, they might appreciate someone lighting a candle for them, smudging them, or something. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. With sturdier limbs and brighter brain, This short pagan prayer can help your deceased loved one walk into Summerland, get divine peace and rest. The Other Side, the Places Beyond, Are warm, pleasing and beautiful with all ills gone, and youth anew. This collection of essays, prayers, and songs is a living document that draws on the resources of today's entire pagan community and fills the void left by ancient sacramental rites lost over the centuries. With everyone holding hands, she should speak to/of the Goddess, of the turning of the Wheel, of rebirth, of this person now gone, and how we will all meet them again to enjoy, once again, their many wonderful qualities. Nikola Tesla and "Pagan" Energy Reimagining the Wheel of the Year Norse Mythology Children's Book Reviews For Pagan Families Back To School For Pagan Children Thor: God of The Common People For this reason the snake that sheds its skin is viewed as a symbol of rebirth rather than as a symbol of evil or death. Most of the time, people will move from the sacred space area to another location for feasting and sharing of memories, exactly the same as most other funerals. a.appendChild(r); If we know someone is speaking words they dont believe in their heart, the audience can tell, and the words fall flat. Finding the heart of our spiritual longing, the threads of culture that unravel into far away countries and drift on waning links to old motherlands - it can be hard to know how to find our path, even when it calls us deeply. if ($ip_addr == $rem_addr) { But rejoice at the transformation of my Being. The most difficult problem that pagan folk run into when one of their members dies is that responsibility for their last rites goes to the next of kin. For the most part, these rituals are reconstrustionist -- that is, they are attempts to recreate in a modern context what ancient worshippers are thought to have done. Customs, Traditions and Folklore of Litha, Holding a Pagan Blessing Ritual for New Babies, Hold an Esbat Rite - Celebrate the Full Moon. After time has passed, put the stones in a safe place somewhere, perhaps in a drawstring pouch, or in a special box, so that whenever you begin thinking of your pet you can see the stones again, and remember him. A pagan funeral may include a ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the deceased. Cauldron Cookbook Other Features $count = 1; A Facebook post on the death of Pagans Motorcycle Club member Ronald S. "Rocky" Bedics Jr. at age 54. Pagan Ceremony. Use quartz, turquoise or amethyst, which are all-purpose healing crystals, or sugilite, which is associated with crossing over at the time of death. Beloved horses, dogs and slaves were slain, their bodies piled on top. As opposed to the emotional highs of a wedding, a funeral will involve expressions of intense sadness and grief. Simply, by performing the . Viking burial methods could vary depending on the geographical area, but there was one thing that united them. Like most religions, it contains a series of ceremonies or rituals marking various life milestones. The ancestors are of high importance and certain rites that must be performed for the deceased to be rightly honoured as they move on from one life to the next. Mother Goddess, Father God, I release myself from those who have left this planeAnd let them walk the blessed gardens of Summerland. Prayer helps us keep our heart and mind in the hands of our pagan deities or forces of Nature, guiding our steps. Place the two stones back in the dish in the center of your work area. Wigington, Patti. Wiccan Ritual, Their friends and loved ones are not excluded. Just like many altars, the mourning altar is usually very distinctive in its reflection of the life of the deceased. Jars of honey and oil placed around the body. I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face. A fourth can hold a cup of Water to the West -- if you're fortunate enough to hold your ritual near an ocean or river, use that to represent Water. Candles often signify our wish for the spirit of the deceased to find its way safely to its destination. The ritual space is cleared of furniture and the deceased's body is laid out at an altar (if there is a body present). Starting with a meditation or a song is always good at such times. Web Resources Again, just speak from your heart. They can share anything they like, for their own healing, for the loved ones' benefit, or for the group to share in. Say a prayer to the Goddess for your pet's safe passage to Summerland. google_alternate_color = "EEEEEE"; At the moment, a pagan funeral looks like most others. About: ALSO Wiccan. Vicki, although severely retarded (mentally she was about 3-4, could not read etc.) google_ad_format = "160x600_as"; new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], The Saturday morning reception at Schisler. // Author: Chi Kien Uong Pagans see life and death as two sides of one coin; one leads into the other, unendingly. I want to inform people, not just pagan or eco-friendly, but all people, as to the choices we have when it comes to marriage, death and funerals. A current Pagan funeral ritual might toll a bell 24 hours postmortem and throughout the funeral procession. We'd like to think where'er you roam A pagan funeral may include a ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the deceased. a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; had grasped the fact that she wasn't going to get better from her last illness, and had in fact asked me to "help her die". The sites included in this Google custom search have been selected by members of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum to help you find higher quality Pagan and religious information on the web. Being an Eclectic Witch Challenge Use Many Areas of Magick! Take a moment to meditate quietly, and focus on the two stones in the center. j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? One carries a feather, representing Air, and stands to the East. I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak. google_ad_channel = "3753422484"; Like water, let your spirit flow ever onward, Like the earth, be steadfast awaiting rebirth. Take a moment to reflect on the good memories you have of your departed friend or family member. google_color_border = "E2E8E9"; //2006-12-09: Cauldron Web Site } This is a ritual that you can hold after a pet has passed away. That the bonds of love never break. fwrite($reload_dat,"$rem_addr|$this_time\n"); Otherwise, your family is going to claim you and bury you as they want you buried, not as you or any of your pagan family know you would want to be buried. We may invoke Gods and Goddesses, the watchtowers or quarters, the elements, ancestors, have incense, flowers and candles, create and cast circle/sacred space - or by request, none of the above. Anthony Jacobson is a Florida writer working extensively in the genres of nonfiction, personal essay and memoir. google_color_text = "000000"; I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth. Ask this of many people, especially those of Christian or catholic spirituality, and the answer will be a resounding No. Lessons As a celebrant and member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, I am trained in both Traditional and Ancient Celtic Ceremony whether it be a Naming, Handfasting, Home Blessing or Farewells. Learn Religions. She died at the age of 35, after renal failure. Pagan Funeral Poems for a Partner or Spouse When you lose a partner or spouse, it's like losing a key part of yourself. Another stands to the South, carrying a candle or some incense to represent Fire. This can be done at any time, whenever people would like to have a memorial service. Pagan rituals usually start with spiritual support during the dying process. It is a painful reality that devout pagans often end up being buried in a Christian (or other religious) service, because the family is the one legally entitled to bury them. google_ad_width = 160; Another pagan ritual or element . Unleash Your Psychic AbilityLearn How To Develop And Use Your Under-developed Psychic Ability. (This was read as the coffin was taken from the room used for the service to the crematorium). This is radically different from the way in which most modern Americans die, and is probably a lot closer to the way our ancestors dealt with death. 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