Ritual Words & Music

When I began my Pagan journey I found that written items were easier to come by than Pagan music.  Slowly more and more CDs and song books are available.  I like to think of Pagan ritual as sacred artistic expressions, and just as with any art, preferences can vary dramatically.  Take what you like and disregard the rest. 

Remember that your ritual preferences may change over the years.  That book that doesn't seem appealing now may be just the item you are looking for later.  At the moment, my preference for ritual wording that is modern (i.e., not written in King James English).  In some cases I have, out of respect for tradition and the author of the piece, used items with "thee" and "thou" in it.  When I first began searching for poetry and prose to use in my personal practice I thought that rhyming pieces sounded childish.  Over the years I have come to use more and more rhyming items -- the rhyme is a great memory tool and there is often a beat or rhythm with rhymes that works well with dancing, drumming, or clapping. 

Poetry and Prose

Many introductory books have sample rituals which contain poetry and prose.  As you search through various books you'll find certain authors seem to meet your needs more than others.  When I'm looking for poetry that paints a vivid, sensual picture I first check my books by Vivianne Crowley.  Her works are sprinkled with a great deal of her own poetry and historical pieces.  When I want something that is playful or dramatic, and particularly if I want something that rhymes, I first look at my books by Dorothy Morrison.

In your research, whether in books or on-line, you will come across the Wiccan Rede and The Charge of the Goddess.  These are probably the two most well known pieces of literature in Wicca and Witchcraft.  Many authors have taken the liberty to rewrite both of these pieces, so you are likely to find them in slightly different forms.

In addition to the other poetry and prose you will come across in your exploration, I recommend the following:

Earth Prayers From Around the World, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.

Earth and All the Stars: Reconnection with Nature through Hymns, Stories, Poems, and Prayers from the World's Great Religions and Cultures, edited by Anne Rowthorn.

Celtic Devotional: Daily Prayers & Blessings, by Caitlin Matthews.

Chants and Music

As a solitary Pagan I find music in ritual to be very uplifting.  I don't sing all that well, but in a private ritual space that doesn't matter.  Be sure to use the Research Tools for Pagan Chants and Pagan Music -- there are many helpful sites, like Pagan/Wiccan Religion-Music at about.com or Yahoo! Music-Devotional-Pagan.  On-line superstores also have a good selection of Pagan titles to browse.

If you are searching for ritual chants, I would recommend the two CDs by Reclaiming & Friends titled Chants: Ritual Music and Second Chants.  These are available through Amazon.com and other on-line stores.  Also, there are several music books available with chants and songs.  Two that I've found to be useful are Circle of Song: Chants & Songs for Ritual Celebrations (which comes in book form and as a CD) and Songs for Earthlings (songs, chants, and short readings).

Over the last few years numerous Pagan musicians have emerged with CDs available through various internet stores.  Some of the musicians and singers I find recommended often are: 

Emerald Rose
Gaia Consort
Laura Powers
Libana
Lisa Thiel
Robert Gass & Wings of Song
T. Thorn Coyle

The Witches Voice maintains a list of Pagan Musicians that is very helpful.  Also, keep in mind that there may be local Pagan musicians with CDs available through metaphysical stores in your area.

You might also consider adding some kind of meditation music to your spiritual practice.  There are many recordings designed for yoga, meditation and centering.  You will find numerous choices by searching a database like Amazon.com.  Some of my friends prefer light acoustic guitar while others prefer primitive drumming recordings during their rituals.  Whatever your preference, I encourage you to include music.  It has brought much joy to my solitary practice.

Just an additional note for those of you who came out of a Christian background -- do you miss singing Christian hymns?  Once in a while I find myself humming a favorite Christian hymn from my past, but the words seem foreign to me now.  When I'm in the mood for more traditional hymns I use the Unitarian Universalist Association hymnal titled Singing the Living Tradition.  It includes some great readings too.  One of my favorites is a reading about the Seven of Pentacles tarot card.

Don't forget to include any instruments you play in your rituals.  Whether you can play a difficult instrument, or whether you are like me and work with instruments that require less training like simple drums, bells, and shakers, you can incorporate these items into your meditation and ritual exercises.

Ritual or Magickal Names

In your studies you will read a great deal about magical names.  I have come across several situations where people choose a special name.  Sometimes in covens a member chooses or is given a special name.  Some Pagans choose a magical name to use only for themselves in ritual work.  Along with special clothing and tools their name adds in creating an identity reserved only for ritual.

Another case in which Pagans choose a special name is for use with other Pagans.  These names are often descriptive of something about the individual, but also they serve as a privacy protector for their real name.  "Coming out" as a Pagan or Witch or Wiccan is a serious matter that should be considered carefully (See Public Paganism).  

As you may have noticed, the name I use is Lavender-Moon.  Lavender reveals my love of herbal lavender and Moon serves as a Goddess symbol.  I chose that name several years ago and have considered changing it -- but it's hard to change a public identity once it's established.