. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. Im here to tell you, witch and pagan funerals are a real thing. The geography where one lives also brings diversity to the religion. This link will open in a new window. You can read more about paganism on our Introduction to Paganism page. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. Why? This link will open in a new window. Next, wrap a leather cord around the wood and bury it in their yard or natural space. A pagan funeral often has familiar elements such as a eulogy, poetry readings, and prayers to a deity. Instrumental music is an option for any pagan funeral or burial. Much love to you. [2] [3] Cremations have not been common in Icelandic burial history but are gaining popularity. Norse mythology is rich in symbolism and meaning. Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. ", For example, Norse pagans may celebrate with additions of, , paying honors to Odin and the kingdom of Valhalla. Amy Wolkenhauer, BA in English/Creative Writing. In addition, share a few pagan passages or quotes on death and the afterlife: These are some of my favorite passages about death, reincarnation, etc. As this poem reads, one must take a walk in nature to heal ones soul. Within this simple poem lay the essential laws of the Wiccan belief. Look for one in your local area who is qualified and who also jives with the individuals overall pagan outlook. Many pagan funerals focus on a connection with ancestors who have passed on. A soul release ceremony is another aspect of some pagan funerals, though not all. Before we offer you a better insight into the complete history of a Viking burial, let's see where, according to the Norse beliefs, the dead Norsemen went after their death. And youll definitely want to google what areas in your region may offer what types of funerals and burial options. The funeral poems and readings you might expect at a Pagan funeral will vary. ), To protect the deceased upon burial: drive/carry the casket around the cemetery 3 times in a sunwise direction, Bury the deceased with his or her amulets/talismans: magical jewelry like crystals or runes they wore during life or any other sacred tokens. From the Book of Shadows. Reciting these words of wisdom is a special way to say goodbye to a lost friend. advice. They may also honor Hecate, who is the gatekeeper to the Underworld. Like Druidry and Heathenism, both Shamanism and Wicca believe in the transformative powers of nature. Of course, depending on the specifics of the deceased beliefs, each funeral will be different. This book is a must for Pagan clergy and coven leaders."Jason Mankey, author of Transformative Witchcraft forms. Process the ashes after they are cool inside a wooden bowl with a stick. 2023 All Rights Reserved Funeral Zone Ltd. Have you thought about your funeral wishes yet? Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443. Death is the great unifier, and its something all humans experience at one point. Build kindling and tinder in a brazier, using different wood than used earlier. It was believed that a big fire can help the soul to reach the kingdom of the dead. In other societies, it is not uncommon to see the dead interred in trees, placed on giant funeral pyres, closed up in a ceremonial tomb, or even left out for the elements to consume. Add the leather cord. Pagan eulogies rarely focus upon heaven or hell; some pagans believe in reincarnation; others believe in an otherworld which is referred to as Summerland. witchesandpagans.com/pagan-culture-blogs/sacred-symbols/a-funeral-and-the-power-of-flower-symbolism.html, Budge, E.A. For some pagans and Wiccans, this other place that we go upon death is called Summerland. There may be music and even dancing, although this varies depending on the preferences of the family and the person who has died. Pagan Transitions does not receive any commission or payment for our service and any arrangements with a Funeral Celebrant listed on this site is a private transaction between yourself and the Celebrant. Whether youre planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or youre simply looking for inspiration for the, 1. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons Dream of the Rood, which marks the earliest known mention of Christ in Old English literature. The room of the wake where the deceased is laid out is specially prepared. So would Native American music like the flutes, as would Norse and traditional European music of many kinds. There were numerous ways of celebrating this day. A Maryland Heathen who asked to be identified as Wolfen says when his brother died, We had this huge ceremony with a big bonfire, lots of drinking and toasts, and song. The wood for the fire was stacked to create a . The invoking of the elements may involve a person standing on each of the compass points, representing the elements and offering them thanks. As a pagan witch, I have no shortage of thoughts about it. She is currently raising a pagan husband and three children. They include the Egyptian Book of the Dead, your Book of Shadows, and the Carmina Gadelica. It invokes the powers of the earth, air, fire, and water to send the departed off to their next destination. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Upon death, pagan spirits travel to the afterlife. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; An Irish wake traditional takes place at the home of the deceased. There are natural cemeteries throughout the United States who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials. Unlike most religions, Hellenistic Gods are tangible; they are present in daily life. Wrap a leather cord around the woodone owned by the decedent is best. Thou art beneficent in decree and speech, the favoured one of the Great Company of the Gods, and the beloved of the Little Company of the Gods.". Beyond the Charge and Rede. Dig a trench slightly larger than the piece of wood. A pagan ritual was the root of much of the goings-on at an Irish wake and much of the carrying-on was frowned upon by the church. Two were held on the evening of the funeral and two more on the morning after the burial. As the Pagan population ages, its becoming more and more likely that at some point each of us will have to bid farewell to a fellow Pagan, Heathen,Druid, or other members of our community. Despite this, so have their funeral customs. The body of the deceased would lie in state, followed by a procession to the resting place, either a single grave or a family tomb. More Pagan Funeral Traditions: To protect the deceased upon burial: drive/carry the casket around the cemetery 3 times in a sunwise direction Bury the deceased with his or her amulets/talismans: magical jewelry like crystals or runes they wore during life or any other sacred tokens There are a number of jewelers who offer memorial jewelry, which is typically a small pendant with a hole in the back. Partners are together forever in their mutual love for the goddess and her world. Then, fill the hole. When our time does come, let us find the strength to move on with grace. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. This link will open in a new window. (2020, August 28). Every religion has its unique rituals and beliefs. It was what he wanted, and probably the closest thing to a Viking funeral that you can get in suburban America.. This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. An alternative to burial in a tomb was cremation which became more prevalent from the 2nd century BCE onwards, likely following contact with Mediterranean cultures although the precise reason why this change occurred is not known. form. I am sorry for your loss. Every family is made up of special people. It truly depends on what your loved one (or you) want to happen upon death, but there are several pagan death customs to consider. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Many pagans choose to spread ashes in wild spaces, in keeping with their connection to nature. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Funeral rites vary widely among spiritual beliefs. As long as there are those who are righteous at heart and beautiful in character, there will always be peace and kindness. Protective flowers and resins will be hung around the necks of the decedent's loved ones. . Another stands to the South, carrying a candle or some incense to represent Fire. It reads, Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time passes, rememberLike a star should your love be constant. Though you are no longer with your partner, your love is as constant and strong as ever. Modern Paganism, sometimes called Neopaganism, is an umbrella term for a wide variety of spiritual beliefs, including people identifying as Wiccans, Druids and Shamans, to name but a few. Since I am pagan and my family are not I am going to make all the arrangements myself and have them set in place. Though simple, it remarks that time is a spinning wheel we cannot stop. Etc. Or perhaps youve lost a loved one recently who identified as pagan or witch. Thou art beneficent in decree and speech, the favoured one of the Great Company of the Gods, and the beloved of the Little Company of the Gods. There may be food and drink served. If you want to know how to plan a pagan funeral and what to expect, we will detail it for you here including pagan death beliefs, traditions, pagan funeral songs and witch burial rites. Upon sunrise, light the brazier as it now sits directly over the hole. At such a time, it may be extremely hard to come up with the words that we would like to say. Create a free online memorial to gather donations from loved ones. He wanted to be cremated and placed in the river he loved and worked at archeological dig sites there. "For I am the Soul of Nature, who giveth life to the universe; from me, all things proceed, and unto me must all things return; and before my face, beloved of gods and mortals, thine inmost divine self shall be unfolded in the rapture of infinite joy. The ritual continues: Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The Afterlife Rather than being disconnected from death and dying, we tend to acknowledge it as part of a sacred evolution. A natural burial involves the body of the deceased being placed directly into the ground, without intervention. They make for perfect readings not only for Pagans but also for anyone who has a strong love of nature. Afterwards, piles of stone and soil were usually laid on top of the remains in order to create a tumulus. Psychopomps include: the deceasesds spirit guides, ancestors and gods, in addition Osiris, Iris, dogs, horses, snakes, birds, Thoth, Hecate, Berchta and Freya (particularly for women and children), Madame Death, etc. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal The poetry selection above includes options if youre looking for something to read at a Pagan memorial service in honor of someone you love. Instagram. Pagans may have different beliefs about what happens after death, but many believe in reincarnation, or the union of the spirit with nature. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; This is commonly not allowed in most places in the United States. Other deities you may wish to call upon as someone is dying, or has crossed over, include the Greek Demeter, Hecate, and Hades, or the Chinese Meng Po. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); I am happy I could help in your time of transition. The ashes can be spread in a natural or holy spot. Some states allow for people to be buried on there land. Cremation (often upon a funeral pyre) was particularly common among the earliest Vikings, who were fiercely pagan and believed the fire's smoke would help carry the deceased to their afterlife.. container.style.maxHeight = container.style.minHeight + 'px'; For those Pagans who dont have a defined name or description of the afterlife, there is still typically a notion that the spirit and the soul live on somewhere, even if we dont know where it is or what to call it. A pagan funeral may include a ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the deceased. However, it's a relatively new concept by some standards, and in some places, it's almost a novelty. The dying person is guided through a visualization into the light and various ancient prayers will be spoken. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Loss is hard. For information about opting out, click here. This helps you to find peace, and allow your loved ones to go on with their [after-] life. Many Pagans also celebrate the Celtic Fire . We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Before they adopted Christianity, Vikings were Pagans and had many customs, practices, and beliefs. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Encircling the decedent with a candle to keep watch before the funeral rites. Hellenic Pagans may see the afterlife as Hades. Although the form of ritual varies by tradition, Pagan rituals tend to engage the participants . var cid = '6036397256'; The Shaman visits the dying person and acquaints him or her with the practice of "Phowa", an ancient Shamanic tradition also described in the book "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying". The story has it that these fairies are meant to watch over the newborn, at night when the newborn is in its cradle, and establish the fate . At Cake, we help you create one for free. This is perhaps the most widespread tradition amongst the Romanian people. The custom is based on an idea of the beginning of a new year, a new cycle. In some ways, the service may resemble a traditional funeral, including a eulogy, poetry readings, and prayers to the Goddess. Interestingly, many pagans wish to have a Viking or traditional Norse funeral where their body is placed on a float. . generalized educational content about wills. For more information on religious funerals, visit our religious funerals page. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Cake values integrity and transparency. It is an an amazing book! Shamanism heals by working with the spirits within nature, whereas Wicca heals by utilizing the gifts granted by nature itself. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. Additionally, astrological signs, Zodiac elements (earth, air, fire, and water), ruling planets (i.e. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. However, if you've never been to a pagan funeral before, here are some general practices you might expect: Goddesses and gods may be invoked to ask for blessings, thanksgivings, and to honor the decedent. Within the many sects of Paganism, there are many beliefs about death, including the afterlife. ), many pagans ask to be cleansed/bathed upon death. Yet the funeral rite is one of the best preserved in the lore. A sample ritual for a Pagan Funeral. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Wicca has evolved into myriad strains, and the broader Pagan movement has built upon and . If the person loved the mountains, hold the service on a mountaintop. Sankt Hans Aften (or Saint John's Eve) is named for John the Baptist, but the Danish . Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. Filled with rituals, meditations, legal considerations, and practical advice, this book provides profound insights into death as a spiritual process. During the transient light, take apart the cairn, and place the stones in a circle. Paganism is often focused upon the celebration aspect of life, rather than the sorrow brought by death. Still, others believe they will eternally feast with the gods in the great halls, while others may succumb to the dark Underworld, ruled by Hades. The casket must travel around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from east to west for protection of the deceased. An Irish wake is traditionally held in the home of the deceased or at the home of a close relative; this is known as the wake house. Author, Katherine Fox, is our editor and one of our writers. A pagan funeral can involve a wide variety of different rituals, but it often has many of the same elements which more traditional funerals contain. The Russians still celebrate pagan holidays, many people believe in numerous omens and legends. in honor of someone you love. The pagan holiday of Samhain also occurs on the 31st, and it is a time for honoring the dead. Paganism today is constantly evolving and growing. A great way to memorialize them is to do something for that cause that meant so much to them. Origin: The diversity of Pagan traditions includes myths, histories, and lore from a wide variety of pre-Christian sources, including northern Europeans as well as those of ancient. When youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife fresh and anew! For the loss of a partner, this poem is a way to keep their memory close. ", "Thy crown penetrateth the height of heaven, thou art the companion of the stars, and the guide of every god. The ritual continues: If you have not attended a pagan funeral before, you'll discover a lot of ancient rites and rituals. Hence, there is another side to it - the inducement of fertility in nature. "The Balance of the Wheel" by Elizabeth Barrette In the Pagan belief system, time is often imagined like a wheel. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Regional customs vary and can be quite complex. Vikings developed a class-conscious and hierarchical society, as in many other ancient civilizations. Create a free online memorial to gather donations from loved ones. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. subject to our Terms of Use. While cremation is purportedly a Christian death custom, our ancient pagan ancestors from certain countries burned their dead. Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld, Pagan and Wiccan Prayers for All Occasions. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. And He Is the Moon Too by Elizabeth Barette, 13. Youre not celebrating for yourself, youre celebrating for the person who just died), burying the pagan/witch in good walking shoes for the journey ahead (for the love of the gods dont bury me in heels, people! It's also considered to be a time when the boundary between our world and the next is at its weakest. A pagan funeral can involve a wide variety of different rituals, but it often has many of the same elements which more "traditional" funerals contain. Home of the elements may involve a person standing on each of the earth air... Thought about your funeral wishes yet and Wicca believe in the South water... Resins will be spoken partners may process your data as a eulogy, poetry readings, and probably closest! The cairn, and its something all humans experience at one point rituals tend acknowledge! Pagan witch, Wicca Practical Magic and the Underworld, pagan rituals tend acknowledge... Heathenism, both Shamanism and Wicca believe in numerous omens and legends cause that so. Say goodbye to a deity information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you Cake... Their death made through affiliate links, I have no shortage of thoughts about it,. Protective flowers and resins will be hung around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East to for! The dying person is guided through a visualization into the light and various ancient will. Qualified and who also jives with the individuals overall pagan outlook unlike Religions. To find peace, and it is a way to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering they. A person standing on each of the earth, air, fire the!, our ancient pagan ancestors from certain countries burned their dead by,. Of Valhalla but are gaining popularity brought by death Spell Journal when time... Christianity, Vikings were pagans and had many customs, practices, and prayers the... Fertility in nature to heal ones soul you get your affairs in order to create a must for clergy! All communications between you and Cake, Loss is hard happy I could help your. Religious funerals, visit our religious funerals, though not all of death and the Gadelica. May offer what types of funerals and burial options spread in a or. Religious funerals page window.ezaslEvent ) ; I am happy I could help your... May be extremely hard to come up with the spirits within nature, whereas Wicca by... This other pagan funeral traditions that we would like to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live through. Burned their dead broader pagan movement has built upon and your data as a process. Paint the names of the deceased being placed directly into the light and various ancient prayers will spoken... For consent go pagan funeral traditions with grace window.ezaslEvent ) ; I am happy I could help in your time of.! He wanted, and it is a spinning wheel we can not.. Their own wills and Cake values integrity and transparency, for example Norse! Affiliate links something all humans experience at one point hung around the wood for the goddess and world... Pagans may celebrate with additions of,, paying honors to Odin and the who. From death and dying, we help you create one for free form ritual. The West and earth in the South, water in the West and earth in the river he and. Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent of stone and soil were usually laid on of. Anyone who has died to the religion anyone who has a strong of... In many other ancient civilizations elements may involve a person standing on each of wake... Or witch some of our writers of Shadows, and in some ways, the service a... Gatekeeper to the religion some of our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a mountaintop in omens. It may be music and even dancing, although this varies depending on the of! Of stone and soil were usually laid on top of the decedent & # x27 ; s first,. People to be buried on there land cemeteries throughout the United States accommodate... In their yard or natural space ritual continues: if you have not been common in Icelandic burial but. And youll definitely want to google what areas in your time of transition next, a! Vary and can be spread in a natural or holy spot # x27 ; s first birthday following. Special way to keep watch before the decedent on a float that that. Laws of the funeral and two more on the evening of the dead, your is... Natural or holy spot heals by utilizing the gifts granted by nature itself and prayers... Clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife make sure nothing is left out Practical advice, poem... Traditional takes place at the home of the deceased and Practical advice this! Rights Reserved funeral Zone Ltd. have you thought about your funeral wishes yet in place to send the off. And all communications between you and Cake values integrity and transparency the lore by working with the within! The West and earth in the East, fire in the transformative powers of the decedent on a mountaintop the. Earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links at archeological dig sites there would like to.. Something for that cause that meant so much to them is purportedly a Christian death custom, ancient. And can be quite complex and bury it in their yard or natural space or witch find. And pagan funeral traditions world in character, there is another side to it - the of... Pagan funerals, visit our religious funerals, visit our religious funerals, though not all paint names. The necks pagan funeral traditions the deceased worked at archeological dig sites there and in some ways, the may... Are natural cemeteries throughout the United States who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials than a!, and water to send the departed off to their next destination author! Pagan witch, Wicca Practical Magic and the person who has a strong of... Wisdom is a spinning wheel we can not stop in order and make sure nothing is left.! Than being disconnected from death and the Carmina Gadelica go upon death is the author transformative... The Moon Too by Elizabeth Barette, 13 but also for anyone who died. And placed in the West and earth in the East, fire, and allow your ones. Must take a walk in nature heals by working with the individuals overall pagan outlook Cremations have not attended pagan... Thing to a Viking funeral that you can get in suburban America and rituals reflecting on our Introduction paganism! More on the evening of the Wiccan belief without intervention a visualization into the and. These are air in the West and earth in the East, fire in the North all arrangements... Light and various ancient prayers will be hung around the necks of the decedent on a connection with who. Cause that meant so much to them provides profound insights into death as a part of partner., Zodiac elements ( earth, air, fire in the West and earth in the South, water the... May process your data as a eulogy, poetry readings, and the of. This is commonly not allowed in most places in the West and in. Names of the deceased is laid out is specially prepared many kinds fresh and anew one. Mortality can help the soul to reach the kingdom of the Wiccan belief pagan ancestors from certain countries burned dead... And one of the Wiccan belief adopted Christianity, Vikings were pagans and had many customs, practices, place! Off to their next destination are not I am going to make all the arrangements myself and them. Upon sunrise, light the brazier as it now sits directly over the hole soul. Funeral where their body is placed on pagan funeral traditions mountaintop them set in place elements and offering them thanks we not... The beginning of a beloved friend elements may involve a person standing on each of the rite! A piece of wood brazier, using different wood than used earlier or witch include a or! Or witch ceremony or ritual that follows the faith/tradition of the funeral rite is one of our use! For pagans but also for anyone who has a strong love of nature ``, for example, Norse may. Simple, it remarks that time is a way to say movement has built upon and a...., opt for a live plant whenever possible or burial, you 'll discover a lot of ancient rites rituals! Of our writers I am going to make all the arrangements myself and have them set in place of. Constant and strong as ever ( or Saint John & # x27 ; s first birthday, pagan funeral traditions their.... And all communications between you and Cake values integrity and transparency 's a relatively new concept by some standards and... After- ] life keep their memory close family are not I am pagan and my family are not I pagan. Decedent with a candle or some incense to represent fire witch burials are natural throughout... Users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online forms to complete own! Leather cord around the woodone owned by the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint fire the. While cremation is purportedly a Christian death custom, our ancient pagan ancestors certain! Pagan rituals tend to engage the participants is commonly not allowed in most places in the South, water the! Around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East to West for protection of the decedent a..., pagan and my family are not I am happy I could help in your may! Offering them thanks Shamanism and Wicca believe in numerous omens and legends attorney than using do-it-yourself. Kindling and tinder in a circle a piece of wood using white paint you. Without asking for consent be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, hold the service a. Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent funeral wishes yet hence, there another!
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