Paganism is a beautiful faith which honors life and nature as Mother and Father with a show of polarity in the Gods. Within Paganism is a strong connection to the cycles of life (ie: the changing moons and seasons and the cycles of life themselves, death and rebirth). Pagans feel the connection with these cycles, in fact, they celebrate them. Especially as they relate to their own lives and deaths and subsequent rebirth.
Within the Pagan faith and all of its traditions, there is a need for support to those Pagans who are nearing the end of this life cycle and/or dealing with the death of someone close to them. We need to express in rituals of passing the healing of the Pagan spirit - both the spirits of those still living and of those beginning the rebirth cycle.
Living and Dying
Until now, there has been very little guidance regarding death and preparation for dying. (Though much of these ideas came from my own teacher they can also be seen in some of StarHawks work in her books like Spiral Dance for instance). There have been few Pagan resources for caregivers to receive direction and for this sacred time of a Pagan's life. There has been little in the way of an outline of practices, rituals/meditations to prepare the spirit for this sacred rebirth journey.
As a Pagan, I believe (of course) in reincarnation, so death is just the the return of the body to its beginnings and has no barring on what truly is the point, the spirit. The spirit is the one thing that Pagans hold as most sacred, a gift, if you will, from the Gods. It is that which is reborn again.
In the Pagan faith, we believe we go through our many lives with those we have lived other lives with before. Each life is a lesson set forth by the Gods, things we must learn in order to attain Their presence in Paradise (Eternal Vault, Eternity, Heaven). Each life is divine and those that we meet along the way, we are sent to, to learn from. Spouses, have often been so before. Though there is no promise that if you are female now, you always were.
When a person passes on, they are doing just that, passing on to the next life or incarnation. It is most assurd that you will see them again.
Below is one summary (there are many variations) of the things I have done, for myself and others during a time of temporary loss, through death:
As the Priest/ess
Always remember when supporting the transition and rebirth to:
1. Learn to sense the energy level in each person involved.
2. Allow the dying person to lead.
3. Do not be hurt if they should tell you to go.
4. Be willing to do whatever they desire.
5. Stay centered and grounded.
Always remember when supporting the living:
1. Take the living away from their dying loved one for short breaks reminding them that they are alive.
2. Take on some of their day to day tasks, allowing them time with their
dying loved one.
3. Use the healing power of touch, to help restore spiritual balance.
4. Use meditation to balance their energy, much of which has
gone to the dying loved one.
4. Hang an amulet to reinforce their energy.
5. Continue to share your love & support with the bereaved for a period following
the death of their loved one.
Grieving
When you have experienced the loss of a loved one, you must continue to care for your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional parts. Interact with your friends, family - join a support group. Express your feelings. Cry. Allow those that knew the loved one to celebrate his/her life by having a funeral or memorial ritual depending on their tradition or faith. I have often sat with Non-Pagan persons as they pass beyond the veil ... respect each faith's way of 'celebrating' their loved ones life. Highest on the Pagans list of things to do is to remember them the Samhain following their passing.
Go forward with your life. That is how you continue to honor this life your loved one has finished.
Final NOTE: Keep in mind that the passing experience is, of course, a worldwide and belief wide thing. Offering your services to a Christian, Jew, Muslim etc... family would help to heal the fear of our Pagan faith and perhaps brings us one step closer to peace.
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© 1997 Silver Phoenix
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