Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book II: Rites & Rituals 149
5. Rites of Passage
Introduction: Rites of Passage
By Luke Moonoak & Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
Rituals of transition and life changes, called “rites of passage,” mark significant periods
in life, movement between life stages, and personal transformations. These are rituals of
honoring and empowerment. They are a public acknowledgment and recognition of growth.
Just as the seasons pass in order, so do the stages of life. The inner and outer worlds mirror
each other, so rites of passage provide a further link with the Earth and the cosmos. Rites of
passage include coming of age, marriage or handfasting, pregnancy and birth, passage into
elderhood, handpartings, and death and rebirth.
Birth When a child is born it is a remarkable event, and when a child who is loved by many and
nurtured by a whole community is born, it is a miracle. When we gather to name and honor
a new baby, we honor life itself. Other terms for this rite are seining, or baby blessing. At this
time those who will nurture the child are identified: goddessmothers, godfathers, parents,
siblings, and other loved ones who may have a part in the baby’s life are recognized before
all. We pass the new baby around the Circle, with magickal gifts and blessings for long life,
health, and happiness: “Live long and prosper…”
Puberty
Centuries ago, the phrase “coming of age” meant “of age to marry,” but these days we
no longer expect people to marry so young. Normally held between the ages of 11-13, modern
puberty ceremonies celebrate the onset of adolescence in one’s body and mind. From this
point begins the exploration of our new and changing bodies. Adolescents must learn their
own boundaries, likes and dislikes, and about their right to say yes or no when it comes to
their bodies. Usually this rite is performed by adult members of the child’s own sex, and may
involve an initiatory ordeal and the giving of a magickal name.
Adulthood
This rite can occur anytime between the ages of 16-21, depending on the person and
local laws concerning “legal maturity.” This ceremony heralds the beginning of the journey
into adulthood, and entails adding adult attitudes, abilities, responsibilities, and maturity to
our best youthful attributes. The rite usually involves a sacred/special place, a “vision quest,”
and a “rebirth” into the community of adult men and women. A symbol is gifted to the new
adult and he/she is honored before all—often with a new magickal name.
Handfasting (Marriage)
Choosing to live with a mate or partner is a commitment to that person, a joining of two
independent beings because they are greater together than they are apart. Handfastings are
made “for as long as love shall last” because a couple may stay together for the rest of their
lives or they may not, and both choices are honorable. This rite sends them off on a joint
adventure, with as much joy and passion as possible! And if they should someday decide to
part, a ceremony of handparting will allow them to do so with honor and goodwill. (This will
be covered more in depth in the following chapter.)
Parenthood
While birth rites are centered on the baby, parenthood is a ceremony for the new parents.
It is a time for honoring the mother and father whose life journey has brought them to
this place. We bless the new parents with a “baby shower” and a Circle of love and support.