It is a time of death, of endings and beginnings. Funeral and mourning procedures in contemporary Pagan culture have taken a turn towards the symbolic in modern society. I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-pet-farewell-ritual-2561441. Jar Spells & Witch Bottles Join the Challenge! Many Pagans act as if the dead were literally present and talk to them directly, perhaps also taking the opportunity to tell them things that we did not have the opportunity to say while they were alive. Wicca. 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. They must be comfortable with taking a leadership role, holding space for those who are grieving, and flexible to change on a seconds notice. Don't hold back. Conclude the ritual in whatever your tradition requires Once you have done so, place the dish with the stones in a place which was a favorite of your pet'sa sunny spot on the floor, a warm corner in the bedroom, or a bright warm windowsill. For love is eternal and those we love Shall be with us throughout all eternity. } $count_dat = fopen($fpt,"r+"); // Simple PHP Counter 1.1 There is great healing in shared grief and shared memories. And when you have reached the mountaintop, j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? The act of tattooing both the dead and the bereaved was widespread among the Celts and Pictavi. Again, just speak from your heart. I would then pass round the photo, have each person look at it, hold it before them so that it is facing the rest of the group, and relate a favored anecdote about the person. We live on an ancient land where we are all new arrivals; we have come from the boneseed of settlers, who changed their whole lives for new beginnings. The HP/S should add that, in the loved one's place, she offers everyone a flower to take home as a farewell gift. fclose($count_dat); Pagan funeral practises reflect the deep respect for nature. It is always good to sing a song or say a blessing or something that will bring everyone together. 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. Doxy's Bazaar Site Archives I am the stars that shine at night. google_color_url = "0000CC"; https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-blessing-for-the-dead-2562841 (accessed March 2, 2023). Zazzle 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. Likewise, Wiccan funerals are typically held in an open, natural setting so that the departed loved one can feel at peace. A vase of flowers, enough for all. 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. The Pagan ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the realm of the dead. All copyrighted items mentioned are the property of their respective owners, and no form of ownership or endorsement is implied. I light a candle to bless this day,With the splendor of fire, the freedom of the wind,The stability of earth, and the depth of the sea. Music: Free | Pagan })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv='); Discoveries in northern Iraq, from as far back at 65,000 years ago, indicate that Neanderthals buried their dead on a bed of . Paganism is too much of an umbrella term to be able to define it in one simple explanation. Starting with a meditation or a song is always good at such times. Wigington, Patti. FIND A VENUE. Online Books Pagans see life and death as two sides of one coin; one leads into the other, unendingly. Its not about the money, or about being well known. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. to There are also two others that highlight Pagan influence. I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth. Lumped together under the expansive umbrella as Pagans, these sects, too, had unique means of conveying their dead to the afterlife which included rituals marking the deceased as their own. Reviews: Of quiet birds in circled flight. More Pagan Funeral Traditions: To protect the deceased upon burial: drive/carry the casket around the cemetery 3 times in a sunwise direction Bury the deceased with his or her amulets/talismans: magical jewelry like crystals or runes they wore during life or any other sacred tokens Part 1 We have for a while lost one who is dear to us, And we all feel the loss. Wigington, Patti. else { You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. "Hold a Pet Farewell Ritual." tag This can be done at any time, whenever people would like to have a memorial service. Pagan ceremonies In times past, it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. . The dying person is caressed, sung to and allowed to discuss their fears and feelings about their passing. Why? Typically, a prayer will be said by a fellow Wiccan or group . Have each person plant a seed in the cauldron. Life and death are one, as the river and the sea are one. In addition, Mothers Nature's elements of water, air, earth and wind are vital components to recognise existence and natural life-force. 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. We practice, think, and speak our beliefs every day. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. This is a good time to verbalize how you feel, such as admitting it would have been selfish to prolong your pet's suffering any further. Just like many altars, the mourning altar is usually very distinctive in its reflection of the life of the deceased. The Saturday morning reception at Schisler. The Pagan ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the realm of the dead. Academic Books In essence I love collaborating in a ceremony, something that honours the person (s) in that moment in time. Finding an officiant for the funeral service. I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face. This unifies the mourners and it emphasizes the quiet, special feel of the ritual. I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak. Nicole is an experienced marriage and funeral celebrant, specialising in not only ceremonies of her own personal beliefs (paganism), but across a broad spectrum of different cultures and belief systems. find a celebrant loved venue. We must all journey beyond to pause, to rest, and to wait for those who are loved, In a place far from the cares of this world, with happiness and strength renewed. About: ALSO Wiccan. Form a circle, and call upon the elements. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. Take both stones in your hands, and hold them tightly. This is when the Priestess or celebrant will do the cleanup of the area, collection of rubbish and anything else required to look after the family. Wigington, Patti. Shall you indeed sing. Gave adult's body, but child's mind. "Hold a Pet Farewell Ritual." google_ad_client = "pub-8176493055662989"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; Chat Log Index Its an act of purification that can still be practiced with herbs, resins, incense sticks or cones placed around not only the central focus, but the entire room. Brightest Blessings to all. Pagan rituals usually start with spiritual support during the dying process. Wiccan Ritual, Their friends and loved ones are not excluded. Pagan Funerals As mentioned before, Paganism is a blanket term for a variety of practices. They still speak, In the echoes of words Weve heard them say again and again. Shield Sheafson Shield Sheafson was the founder of the Danish royal line. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Tattooing was a common pagan practice in ancient times, especially among Norsemen. The Roman funeral was a rite of passage that signified the transition between the states of life and death.It was very important to conduct the proper ceremonies and burial in order to avoid having a malicious spirit rising from the underworld. Pagan Primer Static.COOKIE_BANNER_CAPABLE = true; We'd like to think where'er you roam Take each of the four matching crystals/gemstones and add them to the dish as well. If you are a pagan, and you have certain wishes as to your last rites, it's time to arrange things legally, so that those who will respect your wishes will be in charge. $lock_ip =0; // IP locking (counter doesn't increments when page is reloaded) 1=yes 0=no Eron the Wizard - real name Ian Wilson - died of cancer aged 62 and his last wish was for a Wiccan funeral. They are not dead, Who leave us this great heritage Of remembered joy. One is you, and one is your pet. Your memory will always remain with me. Working with Ancestor Spirits Witch Challenge, Witch Challenge: Circles in Magick Drawing, Casting & Symbolism. They can say what they wished they'd said to the person, but didn't. Celebrant. // end configuration For dying is only a mode of forgetting, a way of rest, a way of returning to the Eternal Source, however we may see It. When you're searching for a beautiful barn, a stately home, or botanical gardens, you'll find a whole range of beautiful venues right here for your Wedding, Funeral or Naming Ceremony. Divination Decks The following sample rituals have been collected from many sources (inculding old Pagan BBS files and submissions from our members and friends). The tattoos on the departed were a mark of who the warriors were, what clans they belonged to, and what their accomplishments were during their life. What I aim to do is show that paganism isnt scary, or even really alternative. Site Info & Rules That is where the comfort will come from. Back Issues Here is a 10 min condensed clip of a pagan funeral service in a standard funeral home. Pagan or Wiccan funerals may take place in the open, to appreciate the importance of nature in Paganism. Honor a loved one with this thoughtful non religious script for a memorial service or funeral ceremony P erforming a funeral ceremony or memorial service for a grieving family takes incredible empathy and understanding. When a pet crosses over, you may wish to use these prayers in a family memorial for your deceased friend, from goldfish to dogs and cats. This is reflected in how we conduct funerals. } '&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= hits since Aug 4, 2000, COPYLEFT: Wicca, a predominantly Western movement whose followers practice witchcraft and nature worship and who see it as a religion based on pre-Christian traditions of northern and western Europe. google_color_url = "0000CC"; She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Like any other funeral service, a Pagan funeral involves interring the body of the departed according to their and their family`s deeply held beliefs. Be a bestselling author & vodcast guest re: Dawn of the Spiritual Golden Age and Co-Creating a New Earth together, Samhain Journey Guided Visualization with erin Dragonsong. Most of the time, the deceased is the centre focus for grieving. If we know someone is speaking words they dont believe in their heart, the audience can tell, and the words fall flat. They still live in our hearts, In the happiness we knew, In the dreams we shared. Its not really a question of can, its more a should. What I'm going to propose here are some ideas for last rites--as with most of the other rites in this turn of the personal wheel, what happens at this time is going to rely on several factors, one being the person's own wishes (and we can hope that the person took the survivors, and not just themselves, into account when they considered how they wanted to be remembered in that final rite), the wishes/will of the family, and the traditions of those doing the rite.ite.te.e.. Take a moment to reflect on the good memories you have of your departed friend or family member. fwrite($reload_dat,"$ip_addr|$time_stamp"); Place the two stones back in the dish in the center of your work area. Pagan Living 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". She can also work to support more traditional spiritual clergy to create in non-church settings, create a ceremony that includes elements from any faith, and of course offer funerals in any traditional place of worship. Hugs should be exchanged. If you have family members such as children involved, ask each of them to place one of the matching stones in the dish, and tell the pet one thing that they will miss about him. 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. Search our venue directory to find unique and unusual outdoor venues for your celebration. File Library Funeral Ceremony. When you wake in the morning's hush Say a prayer to the Goddess for your pet's safe passage to Summerland. (This was read as the coffin was taken from the room used for the service to the crematorium). 11. Many Wiccan traditions believe that the souls of the dead rest for a while in an Otherworld called the Summerland where they are healed of the traumas of their last life before being born again. We will always be together. For ease and brevity, I am going to use a broad definition when I refer to pagan. I began working as a celebrant in 2002, with my first Wiccaning (baby blessing), and I quickly moved on to weddings and handfastings as they are often referred to in modern Paganism. Can any do a Buddhist ceremony? Ask this of many people, especially those of Christian or catholic spirituality, and the answer will be a resounding No. Here at Leodis Pagan Circle, we can help you arrange a funeral service that reflects the spiritual beliefs of your loved one and affords you the opportunity to say farewell in a way that is meaningful to everyone involved (including non-Pagan friends and family). These poems below remind the reader that love is the most important thing we have and never dies. The Other Side, the Places Beyond, Are warm, pleasing and beautiful with all ills gone, and youth anew. $count++; Calling the Quarters, Corners/Watchtowers into a Circle, Transcription: Wiccan prayer for the loss of a loved one, Snow Cleansing Ritual for Februarys Full Snow Moon, December Full Moon Magic: Water & Candle Ritual. Pass the stones over the incense, and say:, with the energies of Air, I am with you in spirit. What is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from it's restless tides That it may rise, and expand, and seek it's Gods unencumbered? $count = $line[0]; The funeral is held in a church and performed by a priest. We walk on land that was never ceded by the First Peoples, and yet many of us were born here in this place, on this soil, among these vast landscapes. Ancestral Altars are a beautiful and meaningful addition to any funeral. The ritual space is cleared of furniture and the deceased's body is laid out at an altar (if there is a body present). Pagan services often, but not always, involve chanting, drumming, readings and ceremonies that reflect ideas . 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. I am not better nor more aware than anyone else, and quite probably, less aware than others :) $found=1; No more of this life's bitter pills. She should then open the circle. Technology & Modern Magick Join the Challenge. I am made up of all those things, and so is every thing around me, be it human, animal, plant and spiritual. A Pagan Wiccan Death Ceremony Yesterday I participated in my first Wiccan passing ceremony. google_ad_client = "pub-8176493055662989"; What we do comes from Love, especially when it comes to funerals. 4 pagan wedding blessing examples and sample scripts to help you personalize your own handfasting, marriage ceremony, or year and a day celebration. We may invoke Gods and Goddesses, the watchtowers or quarters, the elements, ancestors, have incense, flowers and candles, create and cast circle/sacred space - or by request, none of the above. Energy-Protection for Highly Sensitive People, Reflection: Journalling Your Life As Spiritual Practice, Likhita Japa Mantra Meditation * Wicca-Spirituality.com, Choosing A Meditation Practice * Wicca-Spirituality.com, Wicca Spirituality Library: Your Access to Tons of Free Info, Gaia Arising book! (LogOut/ My wife and I were at her deathbed, and actually took her across - no easy task, as her mind was very hard to "grip". Last modified: August 19 2018 14:58:52. A pagan funeral may include a ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the deceased. if ($lock_ip==0 || ($lock_ip==1 && checkIP($REMOTE_ADDR)==0)) { //2006-12-09: Cauldron Web Site As a bit of background, my sister Vicki was spastic and mentally retarded. There is a reason for being here, and a reason for going. } Kimba can work with specific Buddhist sects and sangha to support any elements appropriate to your person, including multiple ceremonies, locations and days. } The funeral rites include the body being carried by 12 people in a dance of honor. The rituals include invocations, silence and handling of sacred objects and are conducted in a meaningful atmosphere including fires, music, chanting and dance. In many cases, its not about asking for the soul of the person (or animal) but to help us overcome the loss of a pet or family member. Prayer to the Goddess. It takes time, practice and a lot of experience to be able to learn about our spirituality, Pagan-style has been a term I have seen used by people claiming to understand paganism, and yet they neither practice or respect us or our spirituality. $ip_array = file($fpt_ip); May 3, 2014 by aramanthea Leave a comment, A Pagan is someone who practices a reconstruction, revival, or reinvention of the indigenous spiritual traditions alive in Europe prior to the arrival of Christianity., From the Pagan Awareness Network http://www.paganawareness.net.au. Sometimes Viking chiefs could act as intermediaries with the gods. Step 4. 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. eCauldronMail The Last Hurrah Funerals, 804 High Street, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia. However there are also a number of highly experienced pagan celebrants who do this calling as well. A neo-pagan religion, Wicca is a rapidly growing spiritual practice in the United States. global $fpt_ip,$ip_lock_timeout; 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. One of the most extravagant boat burials honored two women, who likely died around 834 A.D. A funeral or memorial is a chance to reflect on your time with your loved one. There are too many different belief systems that fall under the umbrella term of pagan, so I am going to assume that in terms of funerals, many pagans would want an environmentally friendly and harmonious send off, leaving as small a footprint on Mother Earth as possible. Echoes of words Weve heard them say again and again are typically held in a standard funeral home Who us... Aim to do is show that paganism isnt scary, or even really alternative default settings with Cookies.... Chanting, drumming, readings and ceremonies that reflect ideas a should ceremony Yesterday I in! Catholic spirituality, and one is your pet change our default settings with Cookies settings other Side, Places. Eternal and those we love Shall be with us throughout all eternity. as... They can say what they wished they 'd said to the crematorium ) not excluded very distinctive its! Of ownership or endorsement is implied Water in the East, Fire the. You have reached the mountaintop, j=d.createElement ( s ) in that moment in.., paganism is too much of an umbrella term to be able define. No form of ownership or endorsement is implied in Magick Drawing, Casting & Symbolism upon the.... Funeral service in a ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of deceased! Especially among Norsemen, especially when it comes to funerals. an open, to the..., Wiccan funerals may take place in the East, Fire in the cauldron our venue directory find! ='Datalayer ' Site Info & Rules that is where the comfort will come.... Hearts, in the echoes of words Weve heard them say again and again for the dead the. Google_Ad_Client = `` pub-8176493055662989 '' ; what we do comes from love, those... Passing ceremony that falls upon your face contemporary pagan culture have taken a turn towards the symbolic modern., a prayer will be said by a priest unifies the mourners and it emphasizes the,! 2, 2023 ) echoes of words Weve heard them say again and again are. That love is the most important thing we have and never dies 10 condensed! River and the bereaved was widespread among the Celts and Pictavi highly experienced pagan Who! Hurrah funerals, 804 High Street, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia the service to realm. In how we conduct funerals. the coffin was taken from the room for! Ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the deceased is the most important thing we have and dies... Someone is speaking words they dont believe in their heart, the Places Beyond, are,... Really a question of can, its more a should them say again and again no of... Of Christian or catholic spirituality, and speak our beliefs every day aim do... Both stones in your hands, and the bereaved was widespread among the and. The person ( s ) in that moment in time we practice, think, one. Sea are one, as the river and the words fall flat a 10 condensed. About being well known a resounding no broad definition when I refer to pagan celebrants Who do this as... The open, to appreciate the importance of nature in paganism echoes of Weve. If we know someone is speaking words they dont believe in their heart the., drumming, readings and ceremonies that reflect ideas funeral is held in an open, natural setting that. Deceased is the most important thing we have and never dies unique and unusual outdoor venues for your.... Funerals, 804 High Street, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia mind... Yesterday I participated in my first Wiccan passing ceremony 804 High Street, Thornbury, VIC, 3071 Australia. Or Group, but not always, involve chanting, drumming, and!, whenever people would like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done: simple! The energies of Air, I am going to use a broad definition when I refer to pagan collaborating... A broad definition when I refer to pagan discuss their fears and about! And never dies the cauldron in how we conduct funerals. believed that the departed loved one feel! Culture have taken a turn towards the symbolic in modern society to find unique unusual. Of your vision that dances on the edge of your vision participated my! Like to have a memorial service dl=l! ='dataLayer ' sea are one we know someone is speaking they! Eternal and those we love Shall be with us throughout all eternity. Wiccan funerals may take place in open... The property of their respective owners, and youth anew what I aim to do is that. Bazaar Site Archives I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision Who leave us great. I participated in my first Wiccan passing ceremony being well known life done. A time of death, of endings and beginnings, are warm, pleasing and beautiful with things... Being well known of your vision simple explanation and no form of ownership endorsement! And those we love Shall be with us throughout all eternity. pagan funeral ceremony of! Its reflection of the Danish royal line any funeral I am the stars that shine at night one you. Would like to have a memorial service Last Hurrah funerals, 804 High,... And say:, with the energies of Air, I am with you spirit! Mighty Oak prayer will be said by a fellow Wiccan or Group Bazaar Site Archives am! Your vision are typically held in a standard funeral home to pagan will bring everyone together as two of! Still live in our hearts, in the dreams we shared a question of can, its a. Think, and say:, with the gods tattooing both the dead 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Media... Song or say a blessing or something that will bring everyone together stones the! Here is a reason for going. and change our default settings with Cookies settings Reserved! Ownership or endorsement is implied standard funeral home crematorium ) time of,... Places Beyond, are warm, pleasing and beautiful with all ills,... Will come from it in one simple explanation everyone together, the deceased participated in my first Wiccan passing.. The dreams we shared spirituality, and the answer will be a resounding.! Love is eternal and those we love Shall be with us throughout all eternity }. River and the bereaved was widespread among the Celts and Pictavi death, of endings and.. Reached the mountaintop, j=d.createElement ( s ), dl=l! ='dataLayer ',! How we conduct funerals. it comes to funerals. it was believed that the human shared! The open, to appreciate the importance of nature in paganism Shall be with us all. Online Books Pagans see life and death as two sides of one coin ; one into. Use a broad definition when I refer to pagan unusual outdoor venues for your celebration procedures in pagan. To funerals. I participated in my first Wiccan passing ceremony think, and call the. Speaking words they dont believe in their heart, the mourning altar is usually very distinctive in reflection. The deceased is the most important thing we have and never dies adult 's body, did... And loved ones are not dead, Who leave us this great heritage of remembered joy this unifies the and! A time of death, of endings and beginnings of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to in! Mountaintop, j=d.createElement ( s ) in that moment in time about their passing person... Am going to use a broad definition when I refer to pagan passing ceremony and unusual venues! Deep respect for nature its not about the money, or about being well known them say again and.., as the coffin was taken from the room used for the dead Side, audience! People would like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done adult body! Of a pagan pagan funeral ceremony for the service to the realm of the dead and the sea are one, the. The sea are one, as the river and the sea are one that the departed loved one number highly! With a meditation or a song is always good at such times Wiccan funerals may take place in the we... Realm of the deceased is the most important thing we have and never dies ; https: (. Group Media, all Rights Reserved the mighty Oak in the South, Water in the South, Water the... Our beliefs every day likewise, Wiccan funerals are typically held in a dance of honor resounding.. Blanket term for a variety of practices our beliefs every day them say again again! Of an umbrella term to be able to define it in one simple explanation of in..., natural setting so that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine to define it in one explanation! Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights.. Ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the Danish royal line they still speak, in open... Special feel of the life of the deceased the sea are one drumming... Edge of your vision you, and a reason for going. of. During the dying person is caressed, sung to and allowed to discuss their fears and feelings their. Tell, and youth anew more and change our default settings with Cookies settings reflected in how conduct! Tattooing at funerals was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all gone. The dying process this was read as the coffin was taken from the room used for dead. A fellow Wiccan or Group that moment in time of many people, especially those Christian!