As always, no one can tell you the one and only *perfect* way to hold a ritual. It's going to take a little bit of experimenting to find out what works for you. But here are some suggestions on creating and organizing your ritual. I have personal chants or sayings that I use for each step...I suggest you write your own (or you can find some in books, but I think it's better to adapt those to suit your own needs) so it is *your* ritual. Also, I admit this is Wicca-centric--I'm Wiccan and these are methods I've used in my own rituals. If you wish to follow another Pagan path, you can probably use the information here, but don't forget to do some research on what makes your path specific.

Cleansing: Usually the first step in your ritual is a process of cleansing and consecrating your area. This is done in the mundane sense first by cleaning your area, setting up your altar, and putting away things that will distract you. That means picking up your dirty laundry, turning off the computer, and focusing your mind on the ritual at hand as you set up. Don't forget to unplug the phone and lock the door! Now setting up your "altar" can be as simple as setting out a candle, a few stones, and preparing a pillow for a good meditation period. It can also be as ornate as setting every tool you own onto a trunk that is covered with a large silk altar cloth. Whatever makes you feel like you have a sacred space is what works.

But we're not yet done. Usually people begin a ritual by reverantly entering the ritual area, cleansed and robed, and focused on what they are about to do. Some people have their ritual written down in a book, some have pages like a script, some have it memorized, and some wing it as they go along. Upon entering, they begin to spiritually cleanse their sacred space. I carry a lit candle into my area, and set it down on the altar. I exorcise and bless my water and salt first. I then mix some salt into my water bowl, and sprinkle it around my area in a deosil (clockwise) motion to cleanse and charge the area with those two elements. I repeat the exorcism and blessing of my incense and candle. Then I light my incense and smudge the area, again in a deosil motion to cleanse and charge with fire and air. I do this before every ritual to cleanse my area. On occasion, depending on whether or not I've taken a purifying bath/shower, I will sprinkle some of the consecrated water on myself, and then smudge myself with the incense. If your tools are not cleansed and consecrated (you usually do that in a ritual and then keep them for no other purpose) such as if you're using a tool that you do not normally use, now is a good time to give it a good zap by doing the same as above.

Casting: After my area is ready, I cast a circle to put my area into "a time that is not a time, a place that is not a place." In other words, you separate yourself from the mundane world. Some people think the circle is for protection from any "little nasties" out there. Some just use it to get away from the rest of the world. This is one area where you will have to decide for yourself on the final purpose of your circle and how strong it can be.

You can use your finger, your athame, your wand, your sword, a feather, a long-stemmed flower, etc. Whatever works for you! The general process is to walk around your circle, pointing your finger or tool, and visualizing a beam of light (often people visualize white, silver, "electric" blue, or "electric" purple) marking your area. If you have a small space, you can still sit, turn in place, and cast your circle. If needs be, cast your "circle" around the perimeter of your room. It does not have to actually be a circle, and in truth you want to form a three-dimensional shell around your space. Use an affirmative saying like, "I cast this circle to separate this area from the area of man and make it become one with the realm of the Mighty Ones. So mote it be." (Note: This is not what I say when casting my circle, but the gist of the idea. Tailor it to your beliefs and needs.)

Invoking: Here's where you have a LOT of lee-way in your ritual. You don't have to call the corners in any specific way, but I like to do it for balance. Also many people begin with either the East or the North, though they may change if they have a specifc need. You can choose anything from the Watchtowers, Angels, Elements, Elementals, Animals (both real and mythical), Natural Phenomena (Weather, for example), Deities, etc. There are numerous correspondences to choose from, and it's fun to do some research on what you can find. I do a mix of different correspondences. An example (that I *actually* use) is this:

Then return to the middle to your altar and invoke Deity. You can call upon the God and the Goddess, the One, a specific deity, or however you choose to view the Divine. Many Wiccans invoke the God and the Goddess, and light candles in their honor.

For these invokations, you are *not* invoking the elements or the Divine into yourself! You are asking that they join you in your circle to keep you company, give you guidance, and help your working. This is a good time to be reverant and respectful. You are *asking* that they join you (and they usually will) not *demanding* for them to be there. Sure, I'm sure you can call them with, "I invoke you to do my every bidding! MUAHAHAHAHA!" but really...a puny human versus the Divine force of the universe and beyond? No contest!

Chant: Here's a good time to include a chant that will get you back together and focused on the *purpose* of the ritual. If you're with a group, it will get everyone on the same foot. (In a Christian service, now is about the time when a hymn is sung before the sermon.) The Witches' Rune, The Charge of the Goddess, or any simple chant (like We Are A Circle) is good to stick in here. Try to find or write a chant that is specific to your purpose. While you were concentrating on your ritual before, you were focused on the cleansing and casting part. Now you want to focus on the actual meat of the ritual, and a chant is a good way to ease you into it.

The Purpose of the Ritual: In my Book of Shadows, I have a basic ritual (cleansing, consecrating, etc.) written down, but at this step I have a page that just says "Insert Ritual Here." This is the part I re-write for Sabbats, Esbats, special occasions (naming rituals, etc.), and even spells. This is like the "sermon" of a Christian ritual. You may use this time to teach a myth, tell the purpose of a holiday, do any activity involved with the ritual, or whatever you feel is right. Generally I like to have the "teaching" part first (state the purpose of the Sabbat, for example), then an activity (like writing down my goals for the year and casting them into a fire), and then include time to either write it down in my BOS, meditate, dance, etc. Sometimes this whole section is nothing but a simple chat with Deity. This part is wholly up to you. You can use it for a dedication ceremony, a Handfasting, or to declare to Deity your new magickal name. You can also dance if you choose...you can make it serious or fun. This is the most flexible part of the ritual.

The Simple Feast: Generally people bring in some food and drink and hold a "Simple Feast" to ground themselves after the serious part of the ritual. First you want to bless and consecrate the food and drink, showing that you give thanks for what is provided and to acknowledge how it will nourish your body. Some people say take a sip and a small bite before making the libation (an amount you give to the Divine) as a way of showing it is not "poisoned." (Think of when a king would have an official taster so make sure his food wasn't poisoned.) It is simply a gesture of good faith. Others pour out/break off the libation first to let the Divine have first picks. Determine what you think is best, but please don't forget the libation...you have called in some spiritual guests, after all!

Even though blessing the food is serious, this is also a time to enjoy yourself. In my college group, we would often tell jokes and stories and enjoy the moment. At our Beltane ritual in 1999, the Simple Feast followed a wild and fun May"pole" dance (we used a cable hanging from the tree we held the ritual under to wrap the ribbons around), and we spent this time laughing about it. A ritual is not *entirely* serious, and this is a good time to unwind and ground.

Chant (Again!): Since people get slightly disjointed during the Simple Feast, it's generally best to use a chant to switch gears again before closing circle. It brings people back down to earth, and if you're solitary it helps you reflect on the ritual while giving it a feel of closure. You can do the same chant as before or something different. Again, it's up to you.

Thanking Deity/Elements: Now's the time to thank the Divine for joining you. You generally want to go backwards, so if you did the elements first (East, South, West, North) and then the Divine (Goddess, God), this time you will thank them in reverse order: God, Goddess, North, West, South, East. This is not grovelling time but a, "Your presence was an honor." Again, be respectful...they didn't have to join you, and they don't have to next time.

Opening Circle: You return the area back to the mundane world. You may cut a "door" in the circle, then absorb it again through your tool or finger. Whatever method you used to cast it you will repeat, but backwards (widdershins or counter-clockwise).

Closing Statement: It's a good idea to make a closing statement to say, "Here ends my ritual." It finalizes the end better than simply erasing the circle. Now you are saying that the ritual you just held is a part of history and it can't be re-opened. That's okay...there are plenty of times to hold rituals in the future!