An Ode to Ritual
When I began formally training in the energetic healing arts (mostly out of interest in helping the sensitive children I was working with as an occupational therapist, and a little bit of being urged by colleagues), my first teacher used quantum practices. No tools were necessary for the modalities I began with, outside of my own body and intuition. Occasionally, a tool was used here or there (a spray, a crystal, etc) if a person was interested in using them; tools were certainly not a must have. I learned how to tune into the energy of the sensitive children that I had been working with for over a decade. I loved the ease, fluidity, and flexibility in which I could support children in a loving and non invasive way that complimented my more traditional therapeutic skills.
I became curious and longed to continue learning, as I saw beautiful, extraordinary, and exquisite changes in the children. They loved being heard. They intuitively would sense that I was open to things, and would spontaneously share things with me that the parents were shocked that they shared about energy, ghosts, and—wait for it—extra dimensional beings. I knew that I was on to something big, and continued my training.
I became enamored with the idea of shamanic medicine. I read books about different cultures around the world, and even a story about an autistic child whose parents had him working with shamans. I trained in a shamanic women’s group for a year, and learned all about rituals, using sacred tools, and deeply honoring the earth and the cosmos. Working with the rituals was transformative for me. Something lit up in my DNA, like a new (or dormant) codex that was waiting to be unlocked.
I’ve considered this deepening into my own medicine over the years. Specifically, I think that it was the ritual with objects and tools that gave me some grounding. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, I believe that our modern lifestyles have removed us from ritual—and it’s to our detriment. Our ancestors were using rituals to harvest abundance in crops, honoring the seasons—including having seasons of work and effort and seasons of rest and germination—had more connection to the birth and death processes, and were tied to the rhythm of the Earth.
In our modern and capitalistic culture, rest is not valued, and we are driven to always be in the expansion/production cycle. Our vacation time is limited and the number of scheduled c-section births for convenience has become the new norm. We make everything work around convenience versus listening to our intuitive needs to rest, and going with the flow of nature. I wonder if this is why isolation and addiction are so prevalent today?
So how, can we begin to bring more ritual back into our lives? Here are a few suggestions for bringing in modern day rituals:
Create an altar and develop a meditation practice. Don’t overcomplicate this; anyone can do this! You can simply designate a space to meditate, and use a small table. You may place beloved family items or photos, a candle, statues, crystals etc. Virtually anything works. Treat it with reverence, and as a sacred spot where you can frequently return “home” to.
Consider working with the cycles of the moon for creative projects. The new moon is a great time to dive into the development of new ideas, project, and brainstorming. The period of the waxing moon (between the new moon and the full moon) is a great time for creative pursuits: writing, painting, sculpting, etc. The full moon is a good time for light editing, and the waning moon (between the full moon to new moon) is a time for rest and integration of the creative pursuit.
Create family or personal traditions for celebration and grief. A regular trip or destination, a party for the solar return, honoring the passing of loved ones, and visiting or decorating graves are all examples.
Learn about and incorporate your ancestral traditions. It can be illuminating to read books about, watch documentaries of, or look up the cultural practices of your ancestry. If there is a particular practice that draws you in, notice that. Learn more about it and look into further ways to engage with it, whether it’s with traditional dance, music, art, or other cultural or religious practices that you are in alignment with.
Develop clearing and grounding rituals to help clear the energetic clutter. This is a great way to establish ritual. Learn to ground your energy and clear your energy field (see this blog post for more specific tips).
Pause to give thanks for your meal before eating. This simple practice of gratitude is a powerful way to bless the food and fill your heart. This is a tradition honored in most old world cultures and societies.
Tarot or oracle deck card pulls. Find a deck that resonates with you, and learn about it. The simple practice of pulling a card while inviting your higher self/Spirit/Guides/Angels to offer you some wisdom and support. Get curious about what comes up. Learn to trust.
Over the years, I have trained in a number of modalities which honor both ritualistic practices with quantum practices. I have found a beautiful weaving of both that involve sacred tools, but none that I am bound to or by. My personal energetic practices are varied, and fluid. I think it’s important to find things that interest you, and that feel right. Lean into your intuition, and have fun with the process. Developing modern day rituals is a way to create routines and habits that honor our ancestors, and provide a deeper connection to ourselves.
If you are called to further your connection to ritual and would like to be in the company of others, please check our upcoming events. We will be offering both new moon and full moon events through 2025, and we hope to see you soon.
