The Beginnings of Ritual

I've been hearing the yearning from many of you; a desire to connect and find community with others. At the root of this desire is for each one of you to find your own personal connection to the divine. As much as we hope to find this in community it can only be truly found with-in. 

Of course the quest to go with-in is often simplified with answers like yoga, personal reflection, meditation, energy work, contemplation, take a course, find a teacher or read this book. Yet as much as one may partake in these things the further along we go in our journey the question appears, "There must be more!" and yes there is always more. Often one of the pieces to the puzzle is working and integrating ritual into our lives. Our hearts yearn for ritual but often we ignore it thinking it's connected to the dogmatic aspect of religion, it is not! Ritual is one of the most powerful allies to align us back to centre. 

To begin working ritual and open yourself to awareness of the union of the spiritual and material realms and the elements with-in it start with the symbol for Earth. Working with this symbol and understanding it's mysteries is profound. This is the point of commencing the understanding the four directions. The whole structure of this reality is based on this. If you want to navigate the universe and your own life you must learn to work this.

North = Earth = Physical
East = Air = Mental
South = Fire = Spirit
West = Water = Emotion

Start your day off by taking time to recognize the four directions around you. Start in the centre of your heart then face the East direction, the rising sun and continue clockwise to the South then the West and the North finishing again in the centre of your heart. As you move through each direction verbalize and recognize the element and the power of that direction. Below I have written an example which you can use or change according to your needs.

Facing Inward
 In the name of the Father, the Creator in the heavens above and
the spirit of the Mother of the earth below
And the Spirit that lives with-in me

Facing East
 I call on the direction of the East
The power of Air to clear my mind so I may perceive truth

Facing South
I call on the direction of the South
The power of Fire to ignite my soul

Facing West
 I call on the direction of the West
The power of Water that I may be open to love

Facing North
I call on the direction of the North
The power of the Earth to make manifest all my physical needs

Facing Inward
​ I give thanks for this life
May I learn the lessons at hand and be granted access into your realms
Amen
​

Right now there is a renaissance taking place in the esoteric sciences. So much knowledge is available that it is often overwhelming. Many of us don't have the time to spend hours a day reading, researching and sifting through the hundreds of books on the market nor is everyone called to apply one's self to a full-time mystical, yogic, shamanic or magical practice. And after the mainstream propaganda of, "The Secret" you can have what you want meme what are we left with? Where do you start? We must bring it back down to the Earth and build a firm foundation, get grounded in this world and reality. This is why getting outside in mother nature is so profound. She will teach you the way and keep you in check. 

You can also work this simple ritual before meditation or contemplation. Eventually you will come to see in working the four directions you'll find all the answers are in this symbol for Earth. The mysteries will begin to unfold themselves to you. May you find the fire with-in and begin unravelling the mystery of your own path to the divine. Blessings - Ria-Mae Long