Template for a Pagan Memorial Ritual

Be sure to adapt to the people and situation you are working with!

1.         Create sacred space.

2.         Invoke Watchers and Deities as appropriate.

3.         Have group chant something calming and healing, e.g.

                                    Strong like the ocean, gentle like rain

                                    River wash my tears away, Aphrodite!

4.         Ask those who were particularly close to the deceased to step in and form inner Circle, others present to remain at perimeter of original Circle to support and bear witness.

5.         Use talking stick round or other technique to allow primary mourners to share memories and ventilate grief. They may talk about or to the deceased. Some may have songs or poetry to share. Let it go on as long as necessary.

6.         Raise power to send deceased on (a long ‘Om’ would do)

7.         Bless cup and plate. Allow all present, not just the primary mourners, to toast the deceased (or the Cycle) in their own words. (Some people may choose to use the deceased’s ritual goblet, then smash it when toasts are finished.)

8.         Brief quiet meditation.

9.         Conclude with high-arousal chant and dance with life-affirming words, e.g. Ian Corrigan’s chant:

                                    Hoof and horn, hoof and horn

                                    All that dies shall be reborn

                                    Corn and grain, corn and grain

                                    All that falls shall rise again

10.       Thank and dismiss Deities and Watchers.