A Pluralist View of Spells and Ritual

Over the last fifteen years, I have heard many philosophies on spellwork and ritual. Wiccan traditions, reconstructionist Pagan groups and eclectics all see spiritual work from a different perspective. I began with a foundation of Native American teachings. Over the years, I built upon the values I'd learned through the study of various forms of Paganism and Eastern beliefs. My thoughts on ritual changed as I evolved. At this point in my life, I feel that I have a pluralist, agnostic view that makes spellwork available to anyone.

Many practitioners perform spells as a form of prayer. These individuals petition a higher power to influence their lives. For others, the practice is an exercise in positive thought during which the practitioner draws on inner strength and energy to bring a result. I don't believe that either approach is incorrect. Each person determines the method that is most effective in his or her life and validates that path as a tool for spiritual stability.

I believe in a hierarchy, of sorts, in outward religious expression. The mainstream concept of prayer is very simple. It requires no tools or preparation, can be performed at any time or place, and is unscripted. Charms, chants and meditations are a bit more involved because they call for carefully chosen words or a prepared area. Simple spells utilize a bit of scripting and some tools. The complexity of spellwork varies. Ritual is the high end of spellwork; a very complex rite that requires prior planning, tools, a dedicated space and, often, other followers' participation. Simple prayers and spells are often used for more mundane purposes while rituals are employed for rites of passage and weighty subjects. None of the varieties of expression is better or worse than another. Each functions perfectly for its own niche.

Prayer and ritual is a part of every major religion. Tradition and dogma dictate the kind of rites that are performed. However, from a pluralist standpoint there is no reason to segregate the many forms of expression. Because I am intellectually agnostic - humbled by the potential of the universe and unwilling to grant any spiritual path a supreme understanding of the higher power - I have chosen beliefs that are a positive force in my life. However, I must acknowledge that religion is an institution. It is a tool with which we form our lives. Therefore, I must conclude that all spiritual expressions are equally valid, individually and socially valuable, and interchangeable.

There is, in my opinion, no reason for an individual to abstain from spellwork or ritual if he or she is drawn toward it. The practice is a positive one, regardless of the religion or spirituality that the practitioner has chosen. While the framework may be proscribed, the content belongs solely to the author. Although a religious faction may not encourage individual spellwork, I am not aware of any that prohibit the use of written prayer with accompanying tools. In fact, many rituals are "hidden" in the mainstream: the rosary, baptism, fasting and bris celebrations to name a few.

I urge people from all corners of the philosophical world to learn about spells in the general sense. An open mind is essential for personal growth. Ritual may be a stepping stone along your path. If, after reading reputable information or speaking with an experienced practitioner, you find that ritual is not a positive addition to your spirituality, you will still have learned from the experience. And it is learning that moves us toward an ever more stable and peaceful inner life.