RELIGIO Rituals GUIDELINES

WIP Design in a Partnership with Timothée Brès

• Deep Respect for Cultural Roots and Traditions: Honor the origins, meanings, and sacredness of each ritual, whether it's from an established religion or a shamanic tradition. Understand the cultural and spiritual significance of these practices.

• Intuitive and Sensitive Approach: Use language and practices that are inclusive, respectful, and sensitive to the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of all participants.

• Creating a Sacred and Harmonious Space: Focus on setting up an environment that is peaceful, respectful, and in tune with natural elements, appropriate for both religious and shamanic practices.

• Ethical and Informed Use of Materials: Ensure all materials used in rituals, such as herbs, symbols, or icons, are ethically sourced and utilized with a clear understanding of their significance in both religious and shamanic contexts.

• Preparation and Purification: Include elements of purification and preparation common in both traditions, like meditation, smudging, chanting, or drumming, to prepare the space and participants for the ritual.

• Consent and Comfort of Participants: Ensure all participants are comfortable with each aspect of the ritual, providing clear information and obtaining consent for any intense or interactive elements.

• Flexibility and Intuitive Facilitation: Lead the rituals with an adaptable approach, being sensitive to the energy and emotional states of participants, and ready to modify the flow as needed.

• Integration of Practices: Seamlessly blend elements from different traditions in a way that allows for a natural flow and a cohesive experience, honoring the essence of each practice.

• Debriefing and Integration Post-Ritual: After the ritual, offer a space for participants to share experiences, reflect, and integrate what they have experienced, considering the intensity of both religious and shamanic practices.

• Continuous Learning and Collaboration: Encourage feedback, engage in ongoing education about the spiritual practices involved, and, where possible, collaborate with or learn from practitioners and leaders from the respective traditions.

RELIGIO 3 Hours RITUAL example

1. Opening (15 minutes)
   Setting the Sacred Space (5 minutes): Begin by smudging the area with sage or another purifying herb, acknowledging and inviting the four directions, elements, or any other significant entities from various traditions.( fr
   Welcome and Intent Setting (10 minutes): Briefly explain the purpose and flow of the ritual. Allow participants to set personal intentions or share them if they feel comfortable.

2. Grounding and Centering (15 minutes)
   Guided Meditation (15 minutes): Lead a meditation focusing on grounding and connecting with the earth. This can involve visualization techniques, encouraging participants to feel rooted and present.

3. Invocation and Alignment (30 minutes)
   Chanting and Mantras (15 minutes): Use chants from different traditions (e.g., Sanskrit mantras, Sufi dhikr) to harmonize the group's energy.
   Prayer and Blessing (15 minutes): Offer prayers or blessings from various religious backgrounds, respecting each tradition's practices.

4. Main Ritual Practice (1 hour)
   Guided Shamanic Journey (30 minutes): Lead a shamanic drumming session, guiding participants on a journey for personal discovery or healing.
   Deity Yoga or Visualization Practice (30 minutes): Engage in a guided visualization from Vajrayana Buddhism, where participants embody qualities of a specific deity or enlightened being.

5. Interactive Segment (30 minutes)
   Partner or Group Work (30 minutes): In pairs or small groups, participants engage in a reflective exercise, such as sharing insights from the journey or practicing a compassion-focused activity.

6. Integration and Reflection (25 minutes)
   Group Sharing (15 minutes): Allow participants to share their experiences and insights from the journey and visualization.
   Silent Contemplation (10 minutes): Provide a period of silence for personal reflection and absorption of the experiences.

7. Closing Ceremony (15 minutes)
   Gratitude and Acknowledgment (10 minutes): Express gratitude to the participants, the traditions represented, and any spiritual entities invoked.
   Closing the Space (5 minutes): Formally close the ritual by thanking and releasing any called directions, elements, or spirits, ensuring the space is energetically sealed and grounded.

Execution Details

• Facilitation: As the facilitator, lead each part with clear guidance, ensuring smooth transitions between segments. Be attentive to the group's energy and individual responses, ready to offer support or adapt as needed.
• Materials: Prepare all necessary materials in advance, such as drums, meditation cushions, and items for the altar representing different traditions.
• Environment: The space should be arranged to promote a sense of safety, sacredness, and community. Consider the layout for group activities and individual reflections.
• Participant Preparation: Encourage participants to come with an open mind and heart, dressed comfortably, and, if possible, to have a personal intention or question in mind for the ritual.