This ritual may apply to any life form that has left its physical body, its physical life and expression. It’s a simple ritual and we encourage you to adapt it to your own beliefs, your own sensibilities, and to the possibilities inherent in any given situation.
• Find a candle that you can use specifically for the purpose of remembering someone, of honoring the time they spent in physical form.
• Take a few moments to recall the person or other being whose life has ended. You may want to include pictures and music in your ritual, and any other additional elements that add richness to your expression of honor and remembrance.
• As you light the candle, say something that reflects your understanding of the sacred nature of the transition from physical life—the second “birth” of every physical life form: the birth into non-physical realms.
• If possible, and if it is safe, allow the candle to burn itself out. Tea lights take about three hours, so you might want to begin this ritual when you know you’ll have enough time to be present to the candle without leaving it lit when you’re not present to keep an eye on it.
If you can’t allow the candle to burn itself out, each time you relight it, offer some words of blessing and remembrance for the being it honors.
• Once the candle has burned itself out, if you have part of it you need to throw away, do so mindfully, with a sense of gratitude and respect for the candle’s service.
Leave a Reply