sacred ritual

You can welcome more peace and tranquility in your life by practicing sacred rituals to connect with your beautiful soul and higher power. 
The practice of sacred ritual is an anchor of many spiritual traditions. Rituals help us honor, heal, and work with our personal energy.

A ritual is defined as an intentional activity performed at a specific time and/or in a specific place. What makes the ritual “sacred” is the purpose, activity, and location where you practice.

We all experience cycles of life rituals, seasonal rituals, and personal rituals. Some examples include the following:

  • Life-cycle rituals: Menarche, Weddings, Funerals, Bat Mitzvahs.
  • Seasonal rituals: Christmas, Passover, Samhain and Ramadan.
  • Personal rituals:  Smudging, Altar Creation, Prayer, and Meditation.

Here are a Few of my Favorite Personal Sacred Rituals…

Smudging is a holy act that is a part of many rituals. Sacred herbs like white sage, cedar, or sweetgrass are burned in a shell or bowl. You brush the smoke over your whole body (being), cleansing away bad feelings, negative thoughts or bad Ju-Ju. The cleansing smoke from smudging can be used to purify and honor people and places, Smudging is often done before an important event such as a women’s circle, wedding, powwow, or healing ceremony. I like to smudge my body every day. and clear my home several times each year. Smudging supports me to remain aware of how I carry my energy and to remain in the flow of life.

Altar Creation is another favorite personal ritual. I enjoy claiming spaces and adorning them with special treasures that make me smile, pause, and reflect. A divine space infusing the ordinary with the sacred. Creating altars in your home is an acknowledgment of your home as a spiritual personal oasis. When I experience any of my altars, I remember to honor my higher power (the universe, god, goddess) and my unique spiritual presence with gratitude.

Create your sacred altar

1. Choose a special location inside or outside of your home (or both).
2. Choose the surface area or structure of your altar.
(bookshelves, window sills, small tables, large rocks, tree stumps etc.)
3. Choose special items you wish to display on your altar.


Prayer
is unique and personal for every religious and/or spiritual person who chooses to pray. I am a spiritual being, but don’t consider myself religious, even though I was raised in the Catholic Faith. I like to mix things up in my spiritual practice. I love to relax with a guided meditation. I enjoy my Carnelian Mala beads and practice devotional mantras. I also practice Metta meditation. I enjoy reading The Tao de Ching and Bhagavad Gita. Occasionally I still pray the Hail Mary or Lord’s prayer which was part of my upbringing. You may prefer praying at church or with a rosary. You might enjoy reading the Bible, Torah or Quran. Enjoy what works for you and brings you peace.


Meditation
is a supportive way to clear your mind while opening to your inner-voice. Sit. Breathe. Empty your mind.

Being quiet for just a few minutes each day will make a positive impact on your life. Carve out some time to sit in silence and notice what comes up for you. You may find candle gazing a supportive stillness practice. Another way to relax and clear your mind is through the use of guided relaxations. Meditation is one of the most beneficial supportive practices for your wellbeing. Whether you sit in silence or relax with a guided journey. The best way to calm an active mind is to develop a habit that supports being still.

 

  • What’s on your altar?
  • How do you infuse more peace and tranquility in your life?
  • What are some of your favorite sacred rituals?

 

About Shann Vander Leek

Shann Vander Leek

Shann is a Transformational Leader, Award-Winning Podcaster, Best-Selling Author, Voice Over Talent, Podcast Coach, and Producer. She lives in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan with her beloved husband and mouthy old cat. This Goddess Shines!

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  • Kayleen May 2, 2017, 10:01 pm

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