Ritual is a holographic intention

Ritual is a Holographic Intention

                Physics has brought some new startling discoveries, most of them are intuitively understandable, the experiments which the scientists have used to ‘prove’ their theories often seem complicated and incomprehensible. All of the wisdom which these experiences and research bring us have been ‘discovered’ before by direct knowledge and experience. I will not try to reiterate their research using photons and acceleration chambers, but what I have comprehended from their  conclusions. Especially at the beginning of experiments or in the formation of new systems, the beginning elements are essential and vulnerable to how the system will develop. So each day, can be considered as is a new system, a new universe, mythology, mind and wisdom. With the potential of new actions, behaviours, and compassion and insights we can create a new something better. At the beginning of any event, so much is in potential, so much is possible, hopeful and exciting. As we enter spring, lets remember the vulnerability of systems at the beginning of their formation.

                Physics has also re-described the universe as holographic. This agrees with the ancient pagan wisdom of ‘as above, so below’. Each day of an individual's life can be liken to the beginning of a new galaxy, world and direction. If the universe started in the folds of the void, so too, we emerge each day from the darkness of the night, with vague intentions, dreams and memories. This is why developing a practice of inviting intentions into our minds and daily life is so beneficial. Some call these practices meditation, mindfulness (misnomer, it is really mind-lessness), prayer, worship, often new potential is found in ritual, in repetitive behaviour which distracts the mind away from its habitual prejudices and discernments.     

                Ritual is based on a holographic understanding of the universe. If I can create something intentional in ritual, then in some way, I am also creating the intention and outcome in other larger or smaller worlds. For example, if I perform a ritual for my health, then I am creating the possibility for healing in the smaller worlds of my cells, organs and body systems, balancing, changing minute but essential difference in ion potentials, magnetic fields, hormones and energetic, electronic nervous systems. I am also creating and changing outcomes in larger fields, in the way the trees outside my balcony grow, the way the birds thrive in my area, winds blow and rain falls.

                Holding the stands of the Great Net of Being, I can change small and great worlds, with my intentions. This is the greater intention of all ritual. Don’t get caught up in tribal manipulations, cultural frame or dogmas of rituals. My rituals tend to look more Celtic because I was a Druid in my past lives, and my ancestors were also Druids in Ireland. But I can appreciate the rituals of other cultures. Not all rituals have to look the same. The way to evaluate their integrity is this; do they incorporate intentions of right action, combined with compassion and a vision of the Whole Great Net of Being?

                I sat down this morning and drew a sea snail shell, a favorite object which I found at low tide on a local beach. I noticed in its centre was a black hole, like a galaxy.

Try This!

1.       For the next week, develop and then carry out a daily ritual at the beginning of each new day. If you are not doing this now- commit to this practice for one week to see what changes it makes for you.

2.       Developing a ritual can bring in all those aspects of your life that you cherish most. We can think about the holy trinity of work, relationsips and spirituality.

3.       Choose one favorite object, or it can be a new object to represent each one of these aspects. For example, I have a smooth black stone that I hold when I want to set intentions about work because I associate work with the earthy qualities that seem to be embodied by this stone. Now choose an object for relationships, compassion and love and then one for spirituality or whatever you sense is greater than yourself.

4.       Choose a time and place where you want to carry out this daily ritual, this can only take three minutes, do you have three minutes each day to set up everything that could happen to you today in a positive way? I think so! For example, I lit incense , three stick to represent each of these essentially aspects of my being, work, relationships and spirituality, and go outside. Then I walk to each of the four directions and notice what the world gives me in each direction. Then I interpret that in the moment. For example, this morning when I faced east, I saw bamboo and immediately thought about how strong and resilient bamboo is. The world was reminding me that I too must be strong and resilient to weather the challenges of my life.

5.       After the week, record how practicing this ritual changed your days. Then decide if you want to do more or less of this. You decide- at least you have tried something which is part of all spiritual paths, the use of daily reminders about who we are as spiritual, interconnected and sacred beings.