Rituals

Separation

With all the chaos and pressures of our world, more relationships are suffering, some to the point of separation and divorce. From a Wiccan perspective, this need not be a time of anger and retribution. As the old saying goes, "It takes two." Instead, in Wiccan traditions people often try to find positive ways to release each other from a failed relationship in the safety of a magickal circle, either alone or joined by supportive friends. Consider holding this ritual during the time of a waning moon, to represent the dissolution of ties. The themes of this ritual are healing and releasing the past.

Preparations

Gather a long piece of ribbon (about five yards), a pair of scissors, three candles, a picture of the couple, and single photographs of each of them.
The single photographs are place in the eastern and western quarters, along with any other ritual tools desired.
Before the ritual begins the couple is bound together with the ribbon, and they stand or sit before the altar.

The Altar

Cover the altar in a two-toned cloth, one half dark and the other light, to represent both endings and beginnings.
Place the three candles evenly in the center of the altar, with the middle one lit before the picture of the couple.
The scissors need to be near the front, easily accessible to the couple.

Invocation

This invocation begins in the west, the traditional region of death, to represent the ending of this cycle in the participants lives.

West

"Powers of the West,
we call you to bear witness to this parting.
Let your gentle waters gegin to heal these two hearts."

South

"Powers of the South,
we call you to bear witness to this parting.
let your fires burn away and residual anger,
and replace it with gentle warmth and understanding."

East

"Powers of the East,
we call you to bear witness to this parting.
Let your winds of change blow freely here,
bringing cool headedness and smooth transformations."

North

"Powers of the North,
we call you to bear witness to this parting.
Let your nurturing soils give these two souls
a new plot of land in which to put down roots."

Center

"Powers of Magick;
Spirit of Beginnings and Endings,
we call you to witness this parting.
Bless these two as they close one door of their lives,
and open another."

Meditation and Visualization

This meditation is speciafically designed for the couple.

"Close your eyes and relax.
Release your fears,
your sadness,
your worries...
let them go.
You don't need them anymore,
for the Wheel is turning.
When you feel relaxed,
visualize the two of you as you stand right now.
See how your auras intertwine;
how they have mingled together.
Slowly...
gently...
pull back the stands of energy that hold the two of you together...
Bring back your essence into your heart chakra...
until both of you stand as individuals,
without any binds tying you together."

The Ritual

The leader begins with a charge to the couple:

"You have come into the circle of perfect love and trust, with intentions of peace.
Is it still your wish to dissolve this relationship?"

The couple respond,

"It is."

The leader continues,

"Then cut loose the ribbons that bind you.
As you cut, release your anger,
release your bad memories,
and hold dear those things that made you friends;
it is as friends that you part."

The couple together take the scissors and cut the ribbon, handing it to the leader of the ritual who says,

"It is done."

He or she then hands each person a long match with which to light the single candles on each side of the altar.
When these are ignited, the leader continues:

"You came into this coupling as individuals;
the sacred We is dissolved by your choosing,
but two individuals remain."

The leader blows out the central candle and takes down the couple's picture so it cannot be seen.

"Your lives will never be the same,
having been touched by the other,
yet today you return to apartness.
Turn and walk away from this altar,
carrying peace as your guide."

The two people turn their backs to each other, walk to their singular pictures, and pick them up.

Other Activities

Purely personal.
Ask the couple what would be most significant for them
For example, if the couple is getting a divorce, a glass goblet from their wedding might be broken during the ritual to represent the dissolution, or flowers from the bridal bouquet be burned.

Closing the Circle

This circle closes with a prayer.
As the leader prays, the couple can remove the elemental tokens or blow out any candles, as desired.

"Earth and Air;
Fire and Sea;
Powers of Eternity.
Thank you for being with us in this place.
Go now with _________ and _________ as they live apart.
The path of the solitary is often long and hard,
but it is also one filled with tremendous potential for personal growth.
Let not their paths be filled with sadness or regrets.
Let them not be bitter.
Instead, let healing have its way,
for today is a new day,
and a new beginning for both of them.
As it is witnessed in this sacred space,
So it be done!
Farewell."