What's a Ritual?

What is a ritual exactly? Merriam Webster defined it  as, "something that is always done in a particular situation and in the same way each time." 

Rituals are everywhere in our daily lives. They are evident in everything from social customs such as handshakes and greetings to celebrations and what they entail, such as birthdays and holidays. Some have daily rituals to prepare for the day while others only partake for religious or social customs.

Some rituals are spiritual in nature like lighting candles for prayers or spells, ceremonies such as honoring our dead, honoring the cycles of nature and seasons or cyclical events like solstices, stellar events, and lunar cycles.
 

 Some rituals are more religious like baptisms, sacrament, certain holidays and feasts, and some weddings.
                            

Some rituals are more common, life events - learned behaviors such as how one gardens, sets a table for holiday guests, shares stories around a camp fire, interacts in certain social settings like graduations, weddings or memorials, etc.

 

Whatever the intent or purpose, rituals are a part of everyone's life to one degree or another. They are not to be afraid of or ashamed of. They are how we interact with the world we are in and how we relate to the events of our lives. Rituals are both personal and social aspects of our existence and help us put meaning in the things that we do.

For me rituals grant me a means to make changes and affect growth in my life. They provide me a way to celebrate the simple things and allow a spiritual aspect to the mundane. Rituals give me a way to daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly - take stock in the life I am living and allow me to continually work toward being a better version of myself. 

Next time someone mentions a ritual they need to do or have done, understand that it one way or another is an important part of who they are. Feel honored that they shared this information with you. If it is not something you understand, perhaps you can ask them to explain it to you.(Keep an open mind if you do.) There might just be something that you yourself can find useful and implement it into your own routines to add quality and depth to your own life. 

If you are still unsure what rituals can do to help you and would like to learn more there are many websites that list different types of rituals and even give examples of how to carry them out. Do some research, find what suits you in your present situation. Decide for yourself if you need to implement them into your life. Either way, I wish you a blessed, enriched life.
 

 
Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Stones That Work Well With the Lunar Energies of the Waning Moon

Here are some of the best stones to use during this time in the Lunar Cycles. They are all known as love stones. Rhodochrosite, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Ruby in Fuchsite, Kunzite and Danburite work well with self love and healing, exactly what is needed during the Waning Moon. 

Ruby in Fuchsite

Ruby in Fuchsite combines the qualities of Ruby and Fuchsite creating synergy for a beautiful heart stone. This stone is best known to help clear blockages within the heart, replacing negativity with pure loving energy. Use it to help clear destructive patterns and encourage new, loving ones.

           

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is known to bring a sense of balance to life. It allows grace to deal with life's annoyances, bringing a sense of peace and freedom. This can bring a deep sense of happiness and relief from ongoing stress and inner conflicts.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love. It has been used to open the heart to all forms of love. Its high frequency is believed to give this stone the property of enhancing love in any situation. Bringing love into our daily life brings a balance that helps keep stress levels down. Rose Quartz has been known to bring a sense of peace to all around it. Because of the happiness and love associated with this stone it is known as a love stone.

Danburite

Danburite is known to facilitate deep change and the ability to release what no longer serves one well. Use Danborite to bring about peaceful sleep, to stimulate the heart chakra, and to gain a closer connection to the Divine. It is believed that working with this stone can bring about spiritual and emotional healing and a generally positive outlook on life.

 Kunzite

Kunzite is known as a calming, relaxation stone. Kunzite opens the heart to all forms of love. It has been used to relieve tension and bring about a peaceful disposition. Kunzite has subtle peaceful vibrations. The gentle energy of Kunzite helps to release blockages allowing one to be more receptive. Use Kunzite to release daily stress, calm nerves, anger and fear.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a stone known for compassion, forgiveness, and release. Rhodonite has been known to bring peace to troubled relationships and bring peace in troubled times. Use Rhodonite to help discover innate talents, in meditation, and general healing work.

These wonderful Heart stones can bring much needed healing and strength. As we go through our sloughing off stages in releasing, coming to find and love  ourselves, finding forgiveness in our hearts, and learning to love unconditionally may we find peace and growth. 

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!