POWER OF RITUAL

A PLACE FOR THE SACRED

Ritual comes in many forms, not always in a clearly religious context. Certain apparently routine activities can take on a ritual nature without our realizing it, and in the process take on levels of power over the participants.

Not all rituals are sacred, but all true ritual performances influence our lives. In order for a ritual to be “true”, i.e. authentic, a certain mental attitude is necessary. There must be commitment, belief, need and respect.

The movie “Rainman” nicely illustrated unconscious ritual that was powerful for the participant in keeping his life in order. Remember his requirement to watch certain TV shows without fail else he fall out of balance and incur difficulties.

When the psychic/spiritual world manifests in a particular environment, it tends to respond to rituals performed by believing members of that environment.

Effective ritual usually, but not always, requires the participation of more than one person. Occasionally, certain gifted individuals (Medicine Men, Shamen, Priests, etc.) can perform effective ritual on their own. They have the Spirit as their companion.

Voodoo and Hoodoo in the Caribbean, Native American Medicine Men, etc. commonly have effective rituals, for good or ill.

When belief is real, the Catholic Church has had effective rituals. This is true with all mystically based religions. Christianity began as a mystical religion, as did all established religions…