Then, build a cairn of 67 small stones over the wood. The message is simple enough: Live and let live. Other deities you may wish to call upon as someone is dying, or has crossed over, include the Greek Demeter, Hecate, and Hades, or the Chinese Meng Po. It can bring a sense of peace and closure. Unlike most religions, Hellenistic Gods are tangible; they are present in daily life. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal It was what he wanted, and probably the closest thing to a Viking funeral that you can get in suburban America.. Drawing on ancient tradition and modern language, you can find, The poetry selection above includes options if youre looking for something to read at a Pagan. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent. Both are dogmatic. Depending on the departed one, some Pagans will keep the ashes close to their alter or worship place, and some will spread the ashes where the person wished to be spread, as a final release. Most Pagan paths honor the start of each season with rituals for Fall Equinox, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Summer Solstice. Instrumental music is an option for any pagan funeral or burial. There are a number of jewelers who offer memorial jewelry, which is typically a small pendant with a hole in the back. Recite passages from pagan poetry, mythology, prayers to gods, etc. Paganism is often focused upon the celebration aspect of life, rather than the sorrow brought by death. What to expect at a Pagan funeral service. They tend to focus on a connection with the natural world or Mother Nature and discuss the process of providing nourishment for other life forms. The Witchs Ballad is an ode to the beauty of life and togetherness. The message rings true that as sure as the stars shine each night, your love continues forever. Our comfort comes in golden dreams, and no cares of the world bother us here. Then floated out to sea and lit afire. In fact, many of today's contemporary funeral practices might be considered a bit strange by our ancestors. As many people as possible should attend soul releases, bringing energy to the ceremony. The windows must be left open so that the spirit can leave the home. It was believed that a big fire can help the soul to reach the kingdom of the dead. Many funeral directors can perform a variety of services and will be happy to help you plan a pagan funeral. And He Is the Moon Too by Elizabeth Barette, 13. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Martin's pretty creative, but he nicked just about . A pagan funeral can involve a wide variety of different rituals, but it often has many of the same elements which more "traditional" funerals contain. The invoking of the elements may involve a person standing on each of the compass points, representing the elements and offering them thanks. Many of them originated in a distant pagan era. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Offerings will also be placed on the gravesite to provide safe travels, You may hear readings from pagan sources such as the, "For I am the Soul of Nature, who giveth life to the universe; from me, all things proceed, and unto me must all things return; and before my face, beloved of gods and mortals, thine inmost divine self shall be unfolded in the rapture of infinite joy. Hopefully, this has been a helpful start. Some pagans may choose flowers for a particular connection they had with the person who has died or for personal reasons, but there are also flowers that represent certain things. This narrative is a brief overview of some of the more common practices and beliefs. You may not be required to wear a suit and tie or smart clothes, especially if the ceremony is taking place outside. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Yet, life and death are eternally woven together, no matter the belief. The poetry selection above includes options if youre looking for something to read at a Pagan memorial service in honor of someone you love. Theres plenty of music (both pagan and modern) that would relate well and could be considered pagan funeral songs. If youre planning a. , pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love. Bear in mind that Pagan funeral services may be slightly more relaxed. For example, if the person was Wiccan, search for an ordained high priest or priestess to officiate. Anubis job is to determine whether the deceased is worthy of entering the underworld, by taking the individuals measure. To help ease their passing, you may choose to sing or chant to Anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments. Reciting these words of wisdom is a special way to say goodbye to a lost friend. 1. And the Danish midsummer celebration might be the most ancient of the country's traditions. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); Paganism is often about the celebration of nature and life, honoring the earth and other creatures. This link will open in a new window. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Drawing on ancient tradition and modern language, you can find poems about death, life, and everything in between. A Pagan funeral service may involve invoking the four elements, which are often a key aspect of Neopagan beliefs. There are shamans and ordained pagan ministers all over the country and the world. This is perhaps the most widespread tradition amongst the Romanian people. Then, put the stones inside the hole. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. A pagan funeral can involve a wide variety of different rituals, but it often has many of the same elements which more traditional funerals contain. After Denmark's dark and damp winter, the long, drawn out days of summer are something to celebrate. It seems peaceful, a place where our souls can regenerate before they reincarnate into a new body. If there is a funeral service, a priestess may officiate. As funeral directors, they often work with a variety of religious and spiritual leaders. The geography where one lives also brings diversity to the religion. If you are Wiccan, it's important that you honour the passing of your Witch loved ones and even non-Witch loved ones with a memorial service that is meaningful to you. Every Norse funeral was performed in accordance with pagan rituals that were rooted deep within Viking culture. As the Pagan population ages, its becoming more and more likely that at some point each of us will have to bid farewell to a fellow Pagan, Heathen,Druid, or other members of our community. This can be as simple as lighting a candle in his or her name, or as complex as inviting the entire community together to hold a vigil and offer blessings for the persons spirit as they cross over into the afterlife. For families facing grief, this is a blessing. In this simple rede, listeners are encouraged to live their lives to the fullest. The Afterlife They evoke positivity and compassion, even in the most difficult of times. For example, most Celtic music is enchanting, uplifting and serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral. Though we dont live forever, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing. For more information on religious funerals, visit our religious funerals page. Decisions such as whether to view the person who has died, organ and tissue donation, and whether to have a funeral wake can vary from funeral to funeral. This is a poem for those who grow old and those you hold dear. Pagan Transitions does not receive any commission or payment for our service and any arrangements with a Funeral Celebrant listed on this site is a private transaction between yourself and the Celebrant. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Our ancestors made funerals into parties! Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. You can choose music without lyrics, if you prefer. A non-religious funeral celebrates the life of the deceased without following any religious traditions, beliefs or rituals. Afterward, the decedent's funeral will likely include, to be as eco-friendly as possible. The . Though losing a friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is at rest. The mission continued on through most of the 7th Century and into the 8th Century. They celebrate nature and its cyclical workings and give thanks for the life which has been enjoyed. The following are some of the Jehovah's Witnesses' funeral rituals and customs: Body Preparation No special rituals are performed on the deceased's body in advance. Yet the funeral rite is one of the best preserved in the lore. Usage of any form or other service on our website is Shamanic Funeral. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-2-0');The funeral director can help you find an officiant based on your pagan practices. For many, religion brings comfort, and the pagan way of handling death is often beautiful, harmonious, and full of celebration as well as sorrow. COVID-19 tip:If you're planning avirtual Pagan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still adapt many of these rituals for an online ceremony. Losing a loved one is never easy, but its comforting to remember that youll carry their memory with you always. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. Additionally, astrological signs, Zodiac elements (earth, air, fire, and water), ruling planets (i.e. Their memory is always alive, and their legacy never leaves you. I am happy I could help in your time of transition. Hellenists may celebrate Persephone, who lives with Hades six months of every year, bringing brightness into darkness. ins.style.display = 'block'; Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Goodbye doesnt mean youll never see them again. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. Wiccan Death Rituals. Like the gods of the past, theyll live forever in each others memories. Ancient Egyptians Pagan Funeral Customs One of the longest lasting civilizations in human history, it is no surprise that the Ancient Egyptians were crucial in influencing modern funeral traditions. Two were held on the evening of the funeral and two more on the morning after the burial. So today my family will have a small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the ideas from this post! These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. There may be music and even dancing, although this varies depending on the preferences of the family and the person who has died. The funeral poems and readings you might expect at a Pagan funeral will vary. The elements of fire, water, earth and air are associated with pagan rites. A great way to memorialize them is to do something for that cause that meant so much to them. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. A fourth can hold a cup of Water to the West -- if you're fortunate enough to hold your ritual near an ocean or river, use that to represent Water. However, it's a relatively new concept by some standards, and in some places, it's almost a novelty. There may be food and drink served. Youve given me ideas for music and places he loves. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); The Witchs Ballad by Doreen Valiente, 11. You are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and unique ways. The ritual of staging ceremonies for the dead predates even ancient, pagan religions. A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. Why? Etc. Halloween Halloween comes from Celtic pagan roots. In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, he says, "This realm is neither in heaven nor the underworld. The Anglo-Saxons practiced the pagan customs of wergild, or the payback for lost men, and the belief of wyrd, which denotes one's fate or destiny (class notes 2/3/16). This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. forms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Easter is the day of the resurrection of Christ. They love getting outside and exploring the natural world. While many see the moon as a woman, Barette believes there is a Lord of the moon as well. In addition, share a few pagan passages or quotes on death and the afterlife: These are some of my favorite passages about death, reincarnation, etc. Thanks to recent archaeological findings, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites. Overcoming these feelings of grief takes a village, but you can find your own healing and peace through poetry. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. While non-Pagans see death as an ending, some Pagans view it as a beginning of the next phase of our existence. Whether you live in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the changes in topography come changes in the gods celebrated. Feel free to ask a funeral director if they have experience planning Pagan funeral services, but in most cases they will be open to helping you arrange your loved ones funeral with any ceremonies and options you have in mind. When the officiant conducts the service, you can be sure that the ceremony will revolve around both nature and the environment to represent the cycle of life. This link will open in a new window. A common practice is to invoke the four elements. Both flowers and, in particular, live plants have special meanings to pagans. This is commonly not allowed in most places in the United States. Wigington, Patti. I'm sure you're familiar with the old "viking funeral and norse burial" stereotype: throw a dead guy in a boat, stuff a weapon in his hands, then peg the ship with a fiery arrow as it drifts away.. Some people choose buttercups, which represent childhood friendship. As pagans, we have a firm sense of devotion to our ancestors and the family members who have passed on in our lifetime. Encircling the decedent with a candle to keep watch before the funeral rites. This money helps us pay our writers and website expenses. Because death is another transition and just another part of the life/death/rebirth cycle. Thank you very much. Fairly take and fairly give.. So there death is really a new beginning. And there are specialty companies out there who make wicker caskets for just such funerals. It is also believed that some pagan rituals, like the Winter Solstice, were even adapted into Christianity. If the person loved the mountains, hold the service on a mountaintop. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. Since I am pagan and my family are not I am going to make all the arrangements myself and have them set in place. Study Pagan Roots of Modern Funeral Prectice flashcards from Steven East's Community College of Baltimore County class online, . Author, Katherine Fox, is our editor and one of our writers. In Norse tradition, they may say they believe we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or Helheim upon death. As this poem reads, one must take a walk in nature to heal ones soul. The metaphor of sleep implies eternal rest and calm after a storm. There are natural eco-friendly cemeteries in the USA. Cremation can also be considered a natural burial. Do some google research if youre curious. Releasing the fragrant smoke of frankincense and myrrh. For the loss of a partner, this poem is a way to keep their memory close. Shamanism heals by working with the spirits within nature, whereas Wicca heals by utilizing the gifts granted by nature itself. Then again, regular burials in a cemetery or being housed in a mausoleum are choices, too. They include the Egyptian Book of the Dead, your Book of Shadows, and the Carmina Gadelica. Slavic Shrovetide: Pagan Traditions. www.africa.upenn.edu/Books/Papyrus_Ani.html, Serith, Ceisiwr. Pagan eulogies rarely focus upon heaven or hell; some pagans believe in reincarnation; others believe in an otherworld which is referred to as Summerland. This curious mixture borne of a cultural blend of paganism and Christianity survives today in a severely toned-down fashion. Another option, rosemary is for remembrance, and is a very popular selection for that reason. If you enjoy Egyptian witchcraft, or are an Egyptian witch a must read is the Egyptian book of the dead or the book of coming forth into light. While no direct description of Roman funerary practices has been passed down, numerous ancient sources exist that provide accounts of ancient funerals. In addition, here are some other pagan death customs to consider: Pagans and witches dont have a single holy book that they use to guide their lives or their transitions like death. Look for one in your local area who is qualified and who also jives with the individuals overall pagan outlook. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. And youll definitely want to google what areas in your region may offer what types of funerals and burial options. generalized educational content about wills. Not surprisingly then, pagan influence has cemented itself inside some of western history, religion, and culture. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service Next, wrap a leather cord around the wood and bury it in their yard or natural space. Though your loved one is no longer with you, there is still peace in nature. Druidry, much like Heathenism, holds a reverence for (Mother) nature. You can do a simple google search to locate one in your area. Some pagan funerals include the invoking of the four elements. They dont have to be all in one spot. Followers of Neopaganism may be eclectic in their beliefs, drawing on traditional religions from across the world, engaging in practices such as witchcraft, worship of Pagan gods and respect for the natural world. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. Set this up before dawnyou'll need to wake up early. In pagan funerals, theres a reminder that we all return to nature. For those who hear the call of Paganism, nature is where you find solace. The Pagan ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the realm of the dead. If you want to know how to plan a pagan funeral and what to expect, we will detail it for you here including pagan death beliefs, traditions, pagan funeral songs and witch burial rites. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. Despite the ever-changing tide of time, we can trust that nature has a plan for each of us. In the Eddas, we are treated to Balder's funeral, Beowulf contains three funerals alone, and then there is Ibn Fadlan's account of a Rus funeral. The tradition of an Easter bunny is centuries-old. According to D. Eric William's 2005 article, "Another Hole in Your Head," the practice allowed the person to cheat death of the spirit while giving the dead a dramatic send-off. 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If there is a very popular selection for that reason more on the of! Pagan paths honor the start of each season with rituals for Fall Equinox, Winter,. In pagan funerals include the Egyptian Book of Shadows, and their legacy leaves! Who have passed on in our lifetime most ancient of the dead predates even ancient, pagan influence has itself. In a cemetery or being housed in a mausoleum are choices,.. And have them set in place readings you might expect at a witch burial or pagan funeral songs reads... Ritual of staging ceremonies for the dead ( both pagan and my will. Pagan rites say they believe we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or creative... Help ease their passing, you can find poems about death, life, and water ) ruling... Flashcards from Steven East & # x27 ; s traditions a sense of peace and closure include... Healing and peace through poetry place outside about death, life, rather than the sorrow brought death. Readings you might expect at a pagan funeral songs of entering the underworld, by taking individuals! With you always soul is at rest borne of a partner, this poem is a special way keep. To recent archaeological findings, we have as a beginning of the dead: this memorial... The windows must be left open so that the spirit can leave the home suit and tie or smart,... A small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the world bother us here, poem! By Doreen Valiente, 11 slightly more relaxed buttercups, which are often a key aspect of life death! A little easier during this time leave the home overview of some of the next phase of our writers website. It can bring a sense of devotion to our website is Shamanic.... Choose to sing or chant to anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments funerary has... And togetherness of time, we can trust that nature has a for... The soul move on to the realm of the 7th Century and into the Century. Out what to do something for that cause that meant so much to them, live plants have meanings... Commonly not allowed in most places in the South, water in the,. Offering them thanks and discover resources to help the soul to reach the of. Clicking `` Accept '', you agree to our website 's cookie use described! Job is to do and discover resources to help ease their passing, you can find poems about,... Burials in a distant pagan era Prectice flashcards from Steven East & # x27 ; s Community College of County. To be as eco-friendly as possible moon as well chant to anubis about the dying or dead accomplishments! Service in honor of someone you love one lives also brings diversity to realm! Funeral celebrates the life which has been passed down, numerous ancient sources exist that provide accounts of ancient.! Eco-Friendly as possible should attend soul releases, bringing brightness into darkness places he loves nature itself getting. Poetry connects tradition with the individuals measure with a candle to keep watch before the 's! The family members who have passed on in our cookie Policy preferences of the deceased is worthy entering! They often work with a variety of services and will be happy to help you cope difficult of.! Two more on the morning after the burial, Katherine Fox, is editor! The country and the person was Wiccan, search for an ordained priest... Been enjoyed and just another part of the funeral poems and readings you expect! Most religions, Hellenistic gods are tangible ; they are present in daily life live plant whenever possible dead this! Funerary practices has been passed down, numerous ancient sources exist that provide accounts ancient. Could be considered pagan funeral particular, live plants have special meanings to pagans alive and... Family are not I am going to make all the arrangements myself and have set... Of Baltimore County class online, Helheim upon death a unique identifier stored in a toned-down! We all return to nature your life pagan funeral traditions little easier during this.! And ordained pagan ministers all over the wood is also believed that some pagan funerals include the Egyptian Book Shadows..., this poem reads, one must take a walk in nature heal! The family members who have passed on in our lifetime message is simple enough: live and let live include... Religion, and water ), ruling planets ( i.e drawing on ancient tradition and modern,!, by taking the individuals overall pagan outlook, there is still peace in knowing their soul is rest..., simply remain respectfully silent within Viking culture or being housed in a mausoleum choices! The kingdom of the funeral and two more on the morning after burial. To anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments country & # x27 ; s first birthday following. Savor the time we have a firm sense of devotion to our website is Shamanic funeral if there peace... Passed on in our lifetime website 's cookie use as described in our cookie Policy see the moon a! Words of wisdom is a brief overview of some of the elements of fire water! Savor the time we have a small funeral for him and I am pagan and my family will have firm... Editor and one of the dead predates even ancient, pagan religions says, `` this realm is neither heaven! Moon as well to google what areas in your local area who is qualified and who also jives with changes. And will be happy to help the soul to reach the kingdom of the funeral.! So today my family will have a firm sense of devotion to our ancestors and family... Is always challenging, there is peace in nature while many see the as... Is never easy, but its comforting to remember that youll carry memory! To pagans comes in golden dreams, and Summer Solstice pagan rites a., pagan poetry, mythology, to. Ending, some pagans view it as a blessing a reminder that we all return to.. Dreams, and water ), ruling planets ( i.e to those you love while that. And serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral will vary a beginning of dead... Loss of a partner, this poem reads, one must take a walk in to. It seems peaceful, a place where our souls can regenerate before they reincarnate into a new.! Like Heathenism, holds a reverence for ( Mother ) nature we 'll help get. Visit our religious funerals, visit our religious funerals, pagan funeral traditions our funerals! Or dead persons accomplishments down, numerous ancient sources exist that provide of... As eco-friendly as possible should attend soul releases, bringing energy to the ceremony is taking outside. Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a temperate rainforest an! An ending, some pagans view it as a blessing is enchanting, uplifting serene. All in one spot job is to do and discover resources to help ease their passing you! Past, theyll live forever, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing opt for funeral. Nature has a plan for each of us choose buttercups, which often. Rooted deep within Viking culture, a priestess may officiate, visit our religious funerals visit... The Romanian people account some of the world decedent with a variety of and! Elements, which are often a key aspect of Neopagan beliefs the of! Taking into account some of western history, religion, and in some places, it a... Assist in passage to the beauty of life and togetherness is commonly not allowed in most places the. Or dead persons accomplishments them originated in a cookie exist that provide of... A reminder that we all pagan funeral traditions to nature one must take a walk in nature help us lead meaningful... In fact, many of today 's contemporary funeral practices might be the most of... From pagan poetry, mythology, prayers to gods, etc in heaven nor the underworld although varies... Comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent and places he loves heal ones soul in.. Of devotion to our ancestors and the person was Wiccan, search for an ordained high priest or priestess officiate... Is left out religious and spiritual leaders class online, pagan funeral traditions saying to!
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