The Ritual of Living

So many people today wear many hats. I work full time, write full time, have an herbal business, two children, and a huge house to keep up with while my husband is disabled. In looking at all this, I suddenly wondered where I would find time for God/dess. Three-hour rituals with an hour of prep time are nearly impossible with a two-year-old and a bunny beneath your feet. What's a modern Super Witch to do?

This year has been full of lessons for me, not the least of which is making my life itself the act of worship. Our daily routines are very ritualistic in nature. We get out of bed the same way, get coffee at the same time, feed the pets, go to work, and so on in a predictable manner. Transforming this process from the mundane to the esoteric simply requires a slight shift in our focus and awareness.

While I cannot tell you exactly "how" to accomplish this yourself since I do not walk in your shoes, I can share snippets of my day to give you ideas with which to begin. After waking up, as I brush my teeth, I metaphorically consider how Light filled my words are. If they haven't been as gentle or kind as they should, then I visualize white light in the toothpaste! Afterward, I go to my altar, light incense and candles, and say my morning prayers while I iron. This is a good time to also figuratively iron out any tensions and problems from the previous day that might leave lingering negativity on the "now."

Next, I wake my children. Seeing their faces smile in the morning is a magical miracle in itself! As I make breakfast or have coffee, everything gets stirred clockwise for positive energy that can fill the day. If birds are outside, I give them some breadcrumbs and wish them a good day to honor the Earth. Likewise, we carpool to our office to decrease pollution - something Gaia appreciates!

While at the office if things get a little tense, I might have a piece of yellow gum for creative insight. Chiclets also make a great divination system, using their colors for interpretive value! Beyond this, I study interesting metaphysical books on my lunch hour (you can always put a different cover on them), meditate in the lady's room, and just generally try to smile at people. You'd be amazed the power in that gesture to change your whole day or whole life for that matter.

Finally, while driving home I try to turn my back on any residual anger or negativity. My family doesn't need that, nor do I. If it's nice out when I get home, the whole family goes for a walk together, picking up pretty stones and leaves, thanking Nature for Her beautiful gifts. Dinner, homework, dishes, etc. all pass normally, but even these can take on magical flairs. Use the soap bubbles in your dishwater for scrying sometime, or make thematic magical meals. This is followed by bedtime magical stories, and mom's writing and research time, which has resulted in more books than I'd ever imagined. Thank the Powers that I type quickly!

While all this may not sound overly esoteric, the God/dess knows our hearts. The Ancient Ones appreciate honest gestures from a good-hearted soul as much as the flash and fanfare. After all, these potent beings know us better than anyone on this earth -- and that includes all our responsibilities. Unless you're independently wealthy, you probably can't always participate in ritual the way you'd like. When those times occur, consider allowing your day to manifest in personally meaningful ritual that will bless you, your loved ones, and everyone your life touches during those hours.