I define a ritual as an action one does purpose, that holds specific intent. Rituals can be simple or complex. Drinking a cup of tea with awareness every morning is an example of a simple ritual. Taking part in a ceremony where there are lots of different steps is an example of a complex one. Ritual as a healing tool is as effective as the amount of energy one is able to put into it. Provided you are able to remain focussed and attentive while performing a ritual, benefits will be gained.
Devising rituals of your own can be a good way to get in touch with a deeper part of yourself. It can also help you to get in touch with nature, which in turn will help you to be more in touch with your own natural cycles. Nature is a great aid in the creation of ritual. A lot of ancient cultures were well aware of this and practised rituals to remain in harmony with the world around them. Living closer to the earth without the aid of modern technologies, those from ancient times were much more aware of nature. They had to be for their survival.
The sad thing is that many people in the modern world, do not see the connection between the resources that they consume and the earth that provides them. These resources are derived from the earth, and yet how many people consciously think about it as they roam through the super market isles. Just how did this food appear on these shelves? How many different forms of life played a part in getting that food where it is today? What did I have to do, to be able to purchase this food? And who played a part in assisting me to gain the money that is needed in the exchange?
It is important to entertain these ideas. If we use our intelligence we will see that the earth provides us with what we need to survive (hence why many refer to her as a ¡°mother). So we should try our uttermost to receive what we are given gratefully. We should also perform actions that don't destroy or damage the resources that are needed for survival. Already a lot of damage has been done, but there are ways that one can help right that damage. The physically active way is to be involved in activist activities. It is also to make the right choices as a consumer, to purchase those things less likely to damage the precious earth.
On a subtle level of action we can also perform rituals that can help heal the wounds that have been afflicted upon our earth. I say that rituals are a subtle level of action, because their effects may be difficult to perceive. Even if one does not believe that thoughts and intent help to shape the reality around them, one can still see ritual as beneficial in that it puts one in the right state of mind in which to physically act. I will give an example of a ritual that can be done to show how the ritual also fosters a positive state of mind.
We will make the beach the location of this example r
itual. Our intent for the ritual is to help clean and purify the water in an energetic sense. We can also think of it as purifying ourselves and the water (blood) within us. As is without so is within. Draw a circle within the sand that is big enough for you to sit within, make sure you are close to the waters edge. This circle represents a state of wholeness and unity, and it is also a protective sphere. Before you step into the circle you can smudge yourself with some sage or some other sort of incense. This helps to purify your energy. When you step into the circle feel as if you are stepping into a sacred space and maintain a sense of mindfulness. Sit down facing the ocean. Smile towards the water and generate a feeling of care towards the waves lapping against the shore. Imagine that within your heart centre there is an ocean. Radiate well wishes towards this ocean within. Attempt to open yourself to wide advances of sea, feel yourself expanding until you feel there is no separation between you and the ocean. Offer prayers and well wishes to the ocean and all forms of life that exist within it. Affirm to yourself and the ocean that you will do all in your power to avoid committing acts that lead to harm. You understand that just as you want your blood to be pure and clean, so does the great mother want her waters to be non-polluted. If you wish you can charge an item from the shore such as a pebble or a shell with your loving intent and well wishes, then cast it into the ocean. Sea water is naturally a cleaner and purifier - but if too much harmful things are put in it, it is unable to perform its function properly. When you swim within the water, remember that the mother gives a great gift of nurturance and revitalisation. To end this ritual you can say words of gratitude to all of life, and pray for all those who will come in contact with the ocean. If each person could be touched by the oceans beauty they would naturally seek to stay away from those things that harm her. Step out of the circle and with your feet smudge the sand to remove all physical evidence of their being a circle. Make sure you state your intent that the ritual space be closed. This is done to remind oneself of the nature of impermanence and to ensure the space remains sacred. Once the physical boundary is removed it can not be abused by any passers by as there is no link to the individual who performed the ritual.
The above ritual is just a simple example of what can be done. Depending on one's spiritual or religious inclinations, there are many different ways to perform a ritual. For instance I did not mention any deities within this ritual so I could keep it non-specific. But deities can be a great aid especially if you have a connection with one. Well wishes and intents are good as starting points, and can help an individual to open their heart, which eventually leads to a more kinder and loving disposition. Such a disposition can aid one in contentment, peace and positive mind states. This will in turn radiate out towards all things. All forms of life benefit from developing such mind states.
