RitualA ritual ias a form of a religious or magical ceremony, followed by a traditional structure.
Issac Bonewites stated that "the word 'ritual' comes from the Latin root related to 'number' or 'counting', the way things are to be done...In all rituals the crucial point is to do things in the proper order in the proper way, usually as prescribed by custom or tradition"
Van Gennep divides a ritual into three parts. They are separation, transition, and incorporation. Separation involves withdrawal from the world. In transition you are "between the worlds."In incorporation, change is integrated into life.
Rosemary Ellen Guiley has said that effective rituals engage the senses, alter consciousness, and open the gateway to visionary thinking. Most effective rituals include things such as altar, special dress, chants, prayers, mystery dramas, dance, and song.
