Rituals and spells are two ways we express our religion. The words are often interchanged however they are two different ways we experience paganism.
What is a Ritual?
Rituals are a set of actions often used in religious experiences. They may be gestures, chants, actions, or using objects in an established way.
Rituals are actions or tasks done in an established order. For example, tarot card readers may use a specific spread. We cast a circle by doing the steps in a certain order.
Rituals Become Patterns
I went to Catholic school as a child and was required to go to Mass. Mass is full of traditional rituals that have been passed down since Paul was in a Roman prison.
Rituals can become part of our pattern of worship. I graduated high school in 1983 but I can still enter a Catholic church and understand and perform all the rituals.
Are Rituals Always Religious?
No. We often attribute ritual to religion however may day to day actions can be considered rituals. Handshaking, greetings, and obsessive-compulsive actions are rituals.
You may have a morning ritual where you get up great the day and have a cup of coffee. There is an argument that is actually a routine but if you do it with intention it becomes a ritual.
Photo by Antonin Danek
What Rituals Do Pagans Have?
Rituals often are part of our ceremonies and celebrations.
Rites of Passage celebrate us moving from one stage of life to another. Birth, puberty, funerals and weddings.
Pagan celebrations follow the cycle of the moon, sun, and stars. Holidays are planed around their movements.
Divination
Divination is a form of pagan ritual. Tarot cards, runes, and oracles all have a set pattern.
What is the Purpose of a Ritual?
Keep us present and aware.
Connection with a deity.
Gain a greater consciousness.
Connection with self or community.
To have intention.
What is a Spell?
A spell is an incantation or charm meant to have a definite outcome. They may be spoken verbally or as a thought.
When we put these powerful, emotional words into intentional phrases they influence the desired outcome.
We can preform a spell on ourselves, on others, or on an object.
Do I Need To Have Objects to Make The Spell Work?
You may have an object of focus when you are casting a spell such as a talisman or lighted candle.
Many spells have a list of ingredients of things you need to perform the spell.
Attitude
The proper casting of spells takes attitude. Positive energy being sent out into your space or the universe.
Pagans know that waving a wand around willy nilly is not magic. A spell takes focus and needs concentration.
Photo by Dan Farrell
How are Rituals and Spells Different?
Rituals are much more structured and reaped in tradition
Rituals are more formal then spells
Rituals are based on events and spells address a very specific need
Rituals happen on a regular schedule and spells are used when needed
Rituals are broader and can include spells as part of the tasks
How Are Rituals and Spells Similar?
Both focus and release energy
Both have intent
Both may have steps to follow
Both may use physical objects
Both can be done alone or with a group
Author, Katherine Fox is our editor and one of our writers. She is currently raising a pagan husband and three children. They love getting outside and exploring the natural world. Katherine’s heritage is Native American (Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho) and Irish and she writes about family fun pagan activities, Native American and Celtic traditions.