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Book ClubsWomen's Rites, Women's Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation by Ruth Barrett | Chapter 4: Developing The Theme
Hello Goddesses, I hope you had a good week and have had a chance to read a bit more of Ruth Barrett's Women's Rites, Women's Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation.
This week we are discussing:
Chapter 4: Developing The Theme
In this chapter Barrett invites us, for one or more of the ritual purposes identified in Chapter Three, to build a corresponding theme that resonates with the ritual's purpose. This means choosing meaningful sensory stimulations -- movements, activities, colours, objects -- that relate to our ritual and bring it into literal being. Barrett guides you, step-by-step, on how to do this.
She argues that sensory elements and thematic components engage the deeper subconscious mind more profoundly than words can do, and this in turn allows us to access "our deepest healing and transformation". This, essentially, is what Dianic ritual is for.
Barrett offers a loosely structured sensory practice to help build your theme. She calls this "Going Wide" and it's basically a series of guided meditations/visualisations that are written out in the chapter in easy-to-follow steps.
She next provides categories for different types of ritual, with examples of thematic elements that could be employed. I've picked out a few examples but there are more in the book:
Finally, Barrett encourages us to bring this process of sensory "brainstorming" into an outline structure with a clear sequence of events/actions. She stresses the importance of planning and preparation. Once you enter the ritual itself, you do not want to have to interrupt the flow or disrupt the journey to the subconscious mind by having to wrench yourself into logical "left-brain" state to sort out some logistical issue or decide what to do next. So she helps you think through the practical work of facilitation.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and, if you feel comfortable doing so, share the outcome of some of this work. As always please be aware this is a public forum and be aware of any personal information you might be divulging.
Lastly, I want to thank @CompassionateGoddess for recommending this book and having the idea of a book club. I have taken on creating the posts but it was her idea. Thank you to the aptly named @CompassionateGoddess !! And thank you all for joining in.
@TSTat1400 @PickettyWitch @Committing_Tervery @Yarrowheart @Itzpapalotl @Amareldys @Hollyhock @a_shrub @Jehane @CompassionateGoddess @Unicorn @ActualWendy @TervenRainbows @DonnaFemina @salty-tomorrow @Lilith @DonnaFemina @TheChaliceIsMightier @sealwomyn @WhiteSowBlackMoon @LunarWolf @WitchPlease @proudcatlady @BerehyniasEggs
Thank you once again for the lovely chapter summary. I'm feeling inspired as I read each post and explore the book, though I have been very slow and I am only on the first chapter now.
This book sounds like something to be read and re-read carefully as one grows and develops a deep body of ritual for reference. As such, I'd love to see all these posts linked together in a megapost someday, so I can go back to them as well.
Ritual used to be a big part of my life, but I had found material on pagan ritual almost entirely devoted either to seasonal celebration or practical magic/spells. The personal ritual with its intimate relationship to the divine and self was missing, and my practice fell into decline when I lost contact with other pagans for celebration purposes and lost interest in simple spells. I might speak to my goddess - pray to her, but that was the extent of my practice for many years and to this day, even though the ritual space itself was often a time of deep connection that was profoundly enriching all on its own. This is probably due to the simple fact that there was a consistent pre-ritual of entering a relaxed state, calling of the divine and the energetic work of preparing the space. In that space, I would feel the release of much heaviness and I would feel a sort of tranquility within and around me as the space itself became transformed into something sacred and protected.
I suppose my life became too busy and hectic to afford the chance to slow down and focus on such things. The fond memory of the connection and peace I felt in those times compels me to contemplate how I might renew my practice in a way that resonates with who I have become. But I feel some kind of block when I consider what purpose it would serve. Do I even know what I want?
When I was in a busy time of life, I only had time for one ritual, but it helped me enormously. I had a little goddess statue on my desk. On my way to work, I picked off some little plant: a flower, or a leaf, anything related to then season. I put it in front of the little statue for the rest of the day, then buried it at the end of the day.
This is beautiful. What was the significance and meaning of burying the offering at the end of the day? Returning it to the Goddess's womb, the earth? If you had to distil this ritual into a statement of purpose, what would it be?
At the time of life when I was doing this ritual, I was working in a male-dominated field where my male co-workers were envious of my skills and actively sabotaged my work. Throughout the day I was constantly reading emails that upset me, attending meetings where my contributions were ignored or belittled. You probably know the situation.
So the purpose of the ritual was to begin each day with gratitude for my life and the day ahead. To acknowledge my power and leadership as a goddess. The figurine was “permanent” but the living thing existed for that day only. I’ve found this balance acknowledging that life is both fleeting and lasting helps keep my emotions strong, but not overwhelming. At the end of the day, I buried the living thing which by then was wilted; a tiny piece of the vast web of life that surrounded that insignificant cube farm of men’s domination.
Hi Lilith,
I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to create these posts as it gives me a great way to read and re-read with focus.
You are absolutely right that the nature of the book invites re-reading several times. I've read some chapters a handful of times now, and with each reading I get more out of it and understand it better, and the chapters interlink really nicely. At first it's a lot to take it, but when you read further on and then go back, things slot into place.
I enacted my first ritual last week, based on the creation method in the book. It was a profound and transformative experience. I relate very much to your description:
there was a consistent pre-ritual of entering a relaxed state, calling of the divine and the energetic work of preparing the space. In that space, I would feel the release of much heaviness and I would feel a sort of tranquility within and around me as the space itself became transformed into something sacred and protected.
After my ritual my strongest sensation was one of heaviness having lifted. And yes, that sense of being at peace.
how [might] I renew my practice in a way that resonates with who I have become [?] But I feel some kind of block when I consider what purpose it would serve. Do I even know what I want?
When you reach Chapter 3, Ruth will help you with this. You need to think of one or more events from your past, or in your present, that were important or significant in some way and that either were not fully recognised, or that you feel are unresolved, or were given significance by others that you feel does not fit. Write it out as though you are telling a story: what happened, where, how? How did you feel? What did you need? What needs were unfulfilled?
Ruth places a very big emphasis on the importance of clear purpose so it's fitting that you are asking that question directly: What purpose would it serve? Identify the purpose first, and the rest will follow.
Let me know what you think when you get to Chapter 3!
You need to think of one or more events from your past, or in your present, that were important or significant in some way and that either were not fully recognised, or that you feel are unresolved, or were given significance by others that you feel does not fit. Write it out as though you are telling a story: what happened, where, how? How did you feel? What did you need? What needs were unfulfilled?
I appreciate this summary. I don't think I thought of it in this way when doing my brainstorming on my ritual purpose last week, but I would like to incorporate these questions into my next brainstorm.
The personal ritual with its intimate relationship to the divine and self was missing [from my previous practice]
This is a great insight! Although I had this book prior this book club and had read a few chapters of it, I put it aside because it all seemed like so much work. I did want some formulaic rituals that I could just copy/do. But as I've actually started doing the practices in the chapters, combined with this comment, I now understand the power of what we're learning about here, and how what I thought I wanted (formulaic rituals) would ultimately still leave me wanting.
there was a consistent pre-ritual of entering a relaxed state, calling of the divine and the energetic work of preparing the space. In that space, I would feel the release of much heaviness and I would feel a sort of tranquility within and around me as the space itself became transformed into something sacred and protected.
That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing what I experience when I perform my ritual.
I hope that you are able to carve out some time and space for yourself, when ready, to reconnect with your goddess in a way that is meaningful to you <3
Thank you for the kind comment!
I now understand the power of what we're learning about here, and how what I thought I wanted (formulaic rituals) would ultimately still leave me wanting.
Have you done any rituals before? If you don't design them yourself, then it'lll be hit-or-miss. Some things will resonate with you, some won't. Though I still would not discount entirely 'formula' rituals made by other people. They may well connect with you and ultimately inspire you.
That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing what I experience when I perform my ritual.
I hope you find a practice and ritual that is most meaningful and fulfilling for you.
I have to admit I fell a little behind on my reading. In the previous chapter I started making some notes for myself, then I got busy over the last couple of weeks, then I started feeling a little overwhelmed.
In the Facilitating Yourself in Solitary Ritual part Barrett writes:
You may find that more time than you had expected passes between the planning phase and actually doing your ritual. This may not necessarily be avoidance of doing the ritual but time for your unconscious mind to integrate and process the ritual purpose.
I appreciate that a lot. Can't do it just to get it done. I'm going to have to read the chapter again when I'm more focused, hopefully within the next few days. Then I'll be able to put some more thought in the process.
Thanks for your response WitchPlease. I think you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and falling behind, I am feeling a bit like that myself, and I'm creating the posts !?!
We are all busy but I think it's deeper than that. It's very difficult, particularly as women, to believe we deserve to devote time and thought to ourselves, to our own experiences and ideas, in this way. I think we can feel we aren't important enough to nourish and honour our own experiences and life journeys. There is a sense in which we struggle to water and nurture our own gardens.
Ritual work is also deeply personal, and maybe we don't feel others will want to hear about it, or maybe we feel it is an indulgence to write about it on a forum.
I believe all these barriers are precisely the obstacles that Dianic ritual can serve to overcome, so please don't give up. At the end of the next chapter (Chapter 5), I think it is time to actually carry out a ritual, so I will be encouraging everyone to do that next. The book gives A LOT of detail and process, but actually you can create a simple intuitive ritual without going into anything more than what is covered in the first 4 to 5 chapters (even then, there's so much it is a bit overwhelming)....
I think you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and falling behind, I am feeling a bit like that myself, and I'm creating the posts !?!
Lol lol!
I appreciate both you and WitchPlease expressing this sentiment, and I share it too. I think it's great that you're delving into the origin of these feelings, and it may provide others inspiration to do similarly.
For me, I have a perfectionist streak (although I'm incredibly far from perfect :-D ), and when I think of all the things I think I need to do first (e.g. further brainstorming, cleaning, acquiring/making any objects to be used in the ritual, planning the flow, etc) it makes we want to just sit stunned on the couch, procrastinating by scrolling mindlessly through websites.
In the past I have successfully stopped procrastination-by-internet for weeks at a time and I've felt better for it, but it gradually slips back into my life. And in the past week or so I've been aware that I'm doing it, but I am still choosing to continue rather than nipping it in the bud.
I had a therapist once tell me that "Done is better than perfect" and I think of that sometimes, but it doesn't necessarily help me get things done. I'm also physically tired a lot, which also contributes to my sense of stagnation.
I agree that it would be great to put into practice what we've learned so far, and I appreciate the gentle encouragement you've communicated to participants in this book club, along with meeting us where we're at. Thank you so much! <3
Yeah, I'm not giving up. I have my notes, I can go through the chapters as many times as I need, it just might be slow. I kinda flooded my mind with so much, that I guess I'll have to reflect on it a bit to choose where to begin. I've been journaling about it and it might help me sort out my priorities.
Have you been able to write down any purpose(s) for ritual(s)? Do you feel able to share a purpose for a potential ritual you'd like to perform?
I liked how in Chapter 4 Ruth explains that each woman can react differently to the same stimuli, and that is okay. I like how the author reminds the reader to allow those who are participating to go at their own pace. The lists of suggestions for the different categories of rituals were nice to reference as well.
Hello sisters,
I appreciate the information on the various brain wave/states. In the past, I have felt a "raising energy" through music/chanting, but I don't think I've ever felt/experienced a true trance.
The information regarding the different ways that people remain present/conscious was also informative. During a leadership training I attended, there was commentary on "fidgeting" while listening, with the majority consensus being that one should not rock/fidget while listening. But this chapter explains that that is literally how some people remain focused while actively listening.
The "Going Wide" practice seems like a great way to brainstorm. Although I plan to do my first ritual solo (and probably many others, as I don't know any "real life" women interested in this), I would like to better understand what Barrett means when she describes "going wide" as a group, and "com[ing] into resonance together [page 91]." What does that mean, and how does one do that? What are some examples? Some things I was thinking were perhaps synchronized breathing, a small group meditation, going around the circle and having a brief "check-in" with each woman, etc. But what does this mean to you all? [Post chapter completion: I was checking out the upcoming chapters, and I think this may be addressed in Chapter 6]
The aspecting discussion (page 103-104) was interesting. I don't understand what it would be like to "[invite] a goddess to join with you for a specific duration of time" and hold "what feels like dual consciousness" where I would be "aware of my separate self but intimately joined with Her unique presence." That would definitely have to be experiential, as no matter how much I read about it I wouldn't truly understand unless/until it happened to me. But has anyone with ritual experience ever had this happen?
Many years ago I followed a guru who would hold meetings, and one of the "special events" that could occur was a water blessing. Her followers believed that she "became" the goddess by parting the veil between worlds. During the few times I witnessed the water blessing I never noticed any difference in her during the blessing, but if anything was happening I wonder if it was similar to the aspecting described here.
I prepared one ritual purpose during the reading of Chapter 3, and it is dealing with transition. Since the new moon is coming up, I would like to take what I know so far and actually do a ritual on or before that new moon on 7 May. I have a pattern of reading a lot but not actually doing anything with what I've read, so even if what I know is incomplete, I will aim to do some sort of ritual by that time. I can also do the ritual again if I feel there is still more to complete or more things come up in future chapters which I think would be beneficial to do.
The aspecting discussion (page 103-104) was interesting. I don't understand what it would be like to "[invite] a goddess to join with you for a specific duration of time" and hold "what feels like dual consciousness" where I would be "aware of my separate self but intimately joined with Her unique presence."
I have never done aspecting. I’ve seen it performed at Pantheacon rituals, and it creeped me out. I’m skeptical of people who claim personal relationships with deities so intimate that they claim to speak with their voices. No thank you. In my experience, the people doing the aspecting are held up as some kind of rock stars of paganhood.
That said, none of the aspecting I witness was Dianic. Perhaps if I experienced in a Dianic context, I would understand it differently.
Since the new moon is coming up, I would like to take what I know so far and actually do a ritual on or before that new moon on 7 May.
You reminded me of a song I’ve sung in covens for New Moon ritual. Below is a link to Libana singing it. It was written by Karen Beth. In the video, the song is beautiful, but visually, not very compelling. I’ve found this to be true when anything wiccan is filmed. It looks dull or ridiculous.
When we sang the song, each woman sang all three parts, in a round, rather than three groups singing the same part over and over. If there are five or so women in the group, you can sort of let loose of where you are in the song, and sing one part over and over a few times, then drop into another as you feel moved. The effect is beautiful and powerful.
While we were singing, we were doing something. I remember clearly one ritual where four altars were set up in the four directions, and we gathered items from each altar: little pots, seeds, water, soil, then planted the seeds in the pots in the center.
I’ve also done this ritual with minimal objects, just chanting it while imagining what I envisioned. In the coming days, I watched the moon grow larger each night, singing the song to myself, imagining my intent.
https://youtu.be/I1-N-TY2YyQ?si=8rYiauBAQiruOgYT
If you want to learn it, I encourage you to play it over and over again and learn it aurally.
Her followers believed that she "became" the goddess by parting the veil between worlds. During the few times I witnessed the water blessing I never noticed any difference in her during the blessing, but if anything was happening I wonder if it was similar to the aspecting described here.
You just didn’t believe hard enough! 🤨
This sort of ritual is a test by the leader to get people to believe absurdities so that you will commit atrocities. (a paraphrase of Voltaire).
This is another reason why I found Aspecting rituals creepy. I probably sensed I was being asked to go along with something that bound me to the group in a shared delusion.
I appreciate now how chapter 3 was about intent, and chapter 4 is about themes. It does make sense to separate them, and also to understand how themes will influence intent.
I also appreciate her categories of rituals, and to separate rituals of transition from rituals of celebration and honor.
A type of ritual that I haven’t done is reenactment. These kind of rituals are probably how the art of theatre was invented. I’ve heard that many of the early modern pagans pagans did lots of reenactment rituals, and I never could understand why they would be anything but Bad Theatre. Maybe I need to experience a good one.
What an interesting observation. I bet you are right that theatre grew from ritual. If you think about the earliest forms of Western theatre, in Ancient Greece, a pagan culture, they are enactments of the lives of deities, archetypes, psychological journeys. The line between ritual and theatre in that age must have been quite blurred.
"Bad Theatre" :-D :-D Even "good theatre" is usually bad...!