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Wiccan Rituals
In Wicca, rituals are ceremonies which celebrate and strenthen our relationships with the Goddess, the God and the Earth.
These rituals don't need to be pre-planned, rehearsed or traditional, nor must they slavishly adhere to one particular pattern or form.
A Wiccan rite may consist of a lone celebrant lighting a fire, chanting sacred names, and watching the moonrise. Or it may involve ten or more people, some of whom assume various roles in mythic plays, or speak long passages in honor of the Gods. The rite may be ancient or newly-written. Its outer form isn't important as long as it is successful in achieving an awareness of the dieties within the Wiccan.
Wiccan rituals usually occur on the nights of the Full Moon and the 8 Days of Power, the old agricultural and seasonal festivals of Europe. Rituals are usually spiritual in nature but may also include magical workings.
The best way to learn Wicca is to practice it; over the course of time, by performing rituals such as those you can find in books or the ones you write yourself (such as I do now), you'll gain an understanding of the true nature of Wicca.
Many people say they want to practice Wicca, but sit back and tell themselves that they can't observe the Full Moon with ritual because they don't have a teacher, aren't initiated or don't know what to do. These are only excuses. If you truely are interested in practicing Wicca, just do it. You don't have to have someone "teach" you what to do. There are many well written books out there that will help you.
To the lone Wiccan, the creation of new rituals can be an exciting practise. You might spend nights with reference works, piecing together bits of ritual and invocation, or simply allow the spirit of the moment and the wisdom of the Deities to fill you with inspiration. No matter how they are created, all rituals should be done out of joy and because you want to, not because you feel obligated.
