Elements of ritual*

The first element is purpose: what is needed to make the ritual happen?

The second element is in intention. What is it that you must do?

The third important thing to think about is setting the space.

Where would you like your ritual to be?

How would you like to set the space?

You can use a blanket you can use tobacco you can use any of the 5 elements:

Water, earth, nature, fire or mineral.

You can bring objects of significance.

Think about what is meaningful to you

Next is the invocation. This is where you call in all the guides, protectors, etc. to support you in the ritual. And, you explain to them the purpose of the ritual

The next step is action. This is where you perform your ritual.

Consider what actions might be in service to supporting the intention you set.

How would you like to connect with the other world in support of your intention?

Would you like to give something away?

Would you like to take something on?

Would you like to sit in meditation?

It can be anything at all that is symbolic of this action.

It also helps to offer something to the other world of symbolic significance.

Once the action is complete it's helpful to sit in meditation and listen for guidance. Visualize yourself with this intention. How do you feel? Act? What do you need? Connect with and ask the land and all that is supporting you there.

Afterwards you close the ritual. You thank everyone who came. And you say out loud that the ritual is closed.

*These ritual steps are derived from Malidoma Patrice Some and Sobunfu Some.

Things to think about as you choose your symbols:

The fire element is good for connecting with ancestors. The representative color is red. It helps tune with vibrations. It lets us know how things are happening.

The water element is represented by black or blue. It is about peacemaking, reconciling, focus, balance and serene wisdom. It is about the energy of harmony.

The next element is earth. Earth is about groundedness support and seeing and being seen it's color is yellow.

The next element is mineral. It is all about stories and myth. It's color is white. And it is represented by bones and stones. It is everything that is remembered the deep wisdom within and of the universe.

The next element is nature. Nature is about change and transformation. It is about transmutation. Nature is a joker or trickster and helps people transition or adapt. The color of nature is green.