Other common themes across the Pagan spectrum include a high reverence for the ancestors, a focus on a Goddess, the shunning of traditional religious dogma and avoidance of proselytism. Edred Thorsson talks about runic stadhas in his book on the Elder Futhark. Stadhas are similar to yoga positions. So whether you enjoy yoga or feel a connection to the runes, try physical positions like the runic stadhas or yoga on a daily basis. Even if you only do one or two in the morning to get your day started or in the evening to relax and connect. 6. Go for a Walk

Blessed Be”: Daily Wiccan Prayer – Spells8 ”Blessed Be”: Daily Wiccan Prayer – Spells8

You will usually be expected to present an offering of sorts to the deceased. This may be a small token to represent them, money or a libation of food and drink. But do not approach or interact with any kind of altar set-up unless invited to. Wiccan Funerals Just as you pray to the gods, pray to your ancestors as well. They enjoy hearing from you too. It doesn’t have to be a complicated prayer. Talk to them as if they’re right there with you. 26. Freshen Up Your Altar But there is value in simply being thankful, even if you aren’t offering thanks to anyone in particular. There’s value in expressing the desires of your heart, even if you aren’t sure who’s listening. Since Pagans do not have temples in the way that other religions do, most ceremonies take place outside. Secular buildings may be used if necessary, but other religious venues are generally seen as inappropriate.A perhaps controversial element of a natural burial is the shallow grave. While six feet is the usual depth, the less soil on top of the body, the easier it is for oxygen to reach it and hasten the microbial activity which begins the process of returning the body to the earth. Pagan Funeral prayers The purpose of prayer is not persuade the Gods to give us stuff, and it’s not reinforce fragile egos with constant praise. The Gods know They’re Gods – They don’t need us to remind Them of that. We, on the other hand, often need to remind ourselves that while we are sacred beings of inherent value and worth, the Gods are Gods and we are not.

Prayers for the Summer Solstice - Learn Religions Litha Prayers for the Summer Solstice - Learn Religions

Typically, a pagan prayer or rite may include calling on the four elements with appropriate representations at each respective cardinal point (North, South, East and West). There may also be an appeal to the ancestors, as well as a higher power: a God, Goddess, or an entire pantheon of deities. Keep a red candle in your kitchen. Light it in honor of the ancestors who came before you, who cooked hearthside to feed and nourish their families just as you do today! 14. Smoke-Cleanse Yourself Keep a record of your spiritual journey, traditions, and thoughts by writing them down in a spiritual journal or Book of Shadows. Take five minutes a day to write something down – even if its just your emotions or your thoughts in that moment. 17. Wear a Stone I grew up in a religious tradition where prayer was expected. We said prayers at night. We said prayers before meals. We went to church on Sunday, where there was organized prayer for adults and children alike. As a young adult I took confirmation classes where we learned meanings and techniques for prayer. I guess I took it for granted that people knew what prayer and contemplation were. A Heathen funeral may require you to bring your own drinking horn to toast the deceased (usually with mead). If a drinking horn is passed to you, it is often customary to deliver some words or a poem about the deceased before taking a sip (or kissing the horn) and passing it on. The WakeLitha is the season of the summer solstice, and the longest day of the year. This means that the very next day, the nights will begin getting longer incrementally as we move towards Yule, the winter solstice. Many ancient cultures honored the sun as significant, and the concept of sun worship is one nearly as old as mankind itself. In societies that were primarily agricultural, and depended on the sun for life and sustenance, it is no surprise that the sun became deified. Celebrate the sun while there's time, and let its warm energy and powerful rays envelope you. If you’re speaking to your Gods on behalf of a gathering, make your prayer as good as you can get it.

Pagan Prayers for the Beltane Sabbat - Learn Religions Pagan Prayers for the Beltane Sabbat - Learn Religions

Cremation is a popular choice, particularly for Druids and Heathens, but crematoriums contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and aren’t necessarily the best for the environment. However, since 2010 it has been legal to hold open air cremations with old-style funeral pyres. If you are invited to an open air cremation, you should be prepared that while it is an emotional and powerful process, it is one that many find distressing to witness. Natural burialSince the Pagan community understands that their traditions are varied and not necessarily known or understood by the general public, they’ll nearly always inform funeral attendees of the proper etiquette before the service. Chief of the gods, lord of truth; father of the gods, maker of men and beasts and herbs; maker of all things above and below;