The Rites of Paganism

"Ritual n. - 1. The prescribed form or order of conducting a religious or solemn ceremony. 2. A body of ceremonies or rites, as those used in a church or fraternal organization. 3. A book of rites or ceremonial forms. 4. rituals. a. A ceremonial act or series of such acts. b. The performance of such acts. 5. A detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed. [Lat. ritualis, of rites < ritus, rite.]"
- from The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition

As children, we are exposed to a variety of rituals, regardless of our religious background or upbringing. Our parents, throughout our childhood, perform certain rituals and customs which we in turn pass on to our children. We see the magic in such things as Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. Maybe you hunted Easter Eggs at some point or said Grace at the dinner table before devouring more of mom's meatloaf. All of these are rituals or customs your parents (or perhaps others) felt necessary to include you in.

Since Paganism is an umbrella term for many paths, each one has its own set of rituals and customs which are passed down from parent to child. These rituals include religious observations, rites of passage and even celebrations of the changing seasons. Some rituals may be very elaborate productions equal to some Broadway shows, while others are simple little prayers said sitting under a huge Oak Tree during a moment of enlightenment.
Whatever the reason or however it is performed it is generally meant to be a memorable mark in one's life. A time of transformation or recognition. The following is a collection of rituals and rites of passage, passed on to us from members of the church or friends of the church. We share with you now those rituals that mean the most to us and mark the passing of our life from Birth, Death and Rebirth.

Sabbats    

• Samhain/All Hallows Eve
• Yule/Winter Solstice
• Candlemas/Imbolc
• Ostara/Spring Equinox
• Mayday/Beltaine
• Litha/Summer Solstice
• Lammas/Lughnasadh
• Mabon/Autumnal Equinox

Rites of Passage    

• Paganing/Wiccaning
• Coming of Age
• Initiation
• Handfasting (Marriage)
• Passage of Mother/Fatherhood
• Handparting (Divorce)
• Passage of the Crone/Sage
• Passing Over (Funeral)

Esbats

• Full Moon
• Dark Moon
• New Moon
• Esbat
• Cakes and Ale
• Casting the Circle
• Quarter Calls

Customs and Prayers

• Looney Tunes Ritual
• Charge of the Goddess
• Drawing Down the Moon
• Charge of the God
• Calling up the Sun
• Consecrating Items