6 replies to this topic

[Cautious-Psychic13]

I do not practice any religion but have a variety of spiritual beliefs I pull from. I do not pray or preform any rituals in my daily life but have wondered if they could concentrate powers or strengthen abilities. I some times do a form of self hypnosis to help my concentration and perhaps that is a form of ritual to some people but it seems to me a ritual goes beyond ones self. My sister who is a strict Baptist is very clear that the power of prayer and communion are neccesary for her spiritual well being. For Wiccans or Druids do feel they must preform rituals for success or is the thought or intent enough? Why does burning incense or candles of a specific colours increase the strength of the intent more then just personal will?

I don't intend to argue anyones point. I really am interested. Also in paranormal investagation do you use ritual? Please share.

Sharon

[CaveRat2]

Ritual in and of itself I believe adds nothing. Saying certain defined prayers, burning incense, sprinkling salt, holy water, all these are meaningless by themselves.

What does work in all cases is the faith the participant has in the power behind the ritual. This can definitely affect the outcome. If going through a ritual enhances one's belief, that is if it has meaning to them then in that regard it does work. It is not the saying of a certain defined prayer that causes results; it is your belief that the prayer will be answered.

And to answer the second part, no I use no ritual or specific prayers just for an investigation. I rely on my faith in general to protect me whether investigating or simply driving across town.

[Cautious-Psychic13]

I agree, The power or desire comes from the using the ritual. If that is the way you use to focas your power I see no problem with doing it that way but it is not needed for most psychics. Do Wiccans summon spirits with a ritual or are able to free style it. If someone thinks you ger a better outcome with a ritual please say so. I would like to learn what and how to use a ritual. DO you think these rituals make you stronger or does it incrwase everyone's power better? I am looking to learn. If you use rituals what ones have been successful for yor you,

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Edited by Cautious-Psychic13, 24 October 2008 - 02:59 AM.

[aloha_spirit]

CaveRat explained it as well as I ever could.

Rituals can only add power if you believe they can. Without faith, you could recite what (to me) is the most powerful incantation and have zero results. It is your faith / belief / strength of will you use to battle entities from the unseen world.

[MoonChild]

More than having belief, the INTENTION is what gives power to rituals and words

[aloha_spirit]

I am an Elder in my Christian sect. I believe that my faith and priesthood combine with ordinances to strengthen my connection with the Divine. When I bless or cleanse, I invoke my faith and priesthood. If I lacked faith, this would be in vain. If someone without the priesthood were to say the same words, it wouldn't be as powerful.

Since joining Ghost Village so many years ago, I've had to mesh my beliefs that the priesthood is necessary to drive away evil spirits with stories of people of other faiths - or even Atheists - have successfully driven away an unwanted spirit. I've come to the conclusion that being focused, believing in oneself, and will power can amplify the ability to have spirits / ghosts obey. Rituals put you in the right mind set and fortify your resolve.

[Stormeye]

Just a word of caution . . . while faith/intent certainly is a powerful force in ritual, it is not necessarily the case that a ritual will not work without it. Certain rituals seem to have a power of their own, perhaps molded into them as a result of much use. For example, there is a story in esoteric circles of a group of academics who got together and put on a full on invocation to Mars, as described in a certain grimoire. These men had no belief in what they were doing; the whole exercise was simply a matter of curiosity to them (sort of an anthropological study, if you will). Long story short, they nearly burned down the building in which they were working - at a peak point in the ritual, the fireplace nearby went out of control (Mars is a very "fiery" energy).

Call me paranoid, but I am not in favor of "free style" calling of spirits. In my mind, it is like walking out into the street and inviting a random group of people into your home. You might be lucky and end up with a good group of nice folks . . . or you might not. This is why ceremonialist work from a protected space and know exactly what it is they are trying to summon. Old occult adage: never summon what you can not put back.

Stormeye
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