This month I think I feel like opening up a can of worms that I have have been thinking about for a while. (For those who may disagree as to what 'path' the below links are truly from, I did a search and the religions I named are what the site claimed to be... from what I've seen they seem to be true to their path's form).
In the Pagan religions there seem to be three varying views on performing rites with magickal beings;
1) to invite any magickal beings in the area to join you and to keep the energy area open. Many Native Americans seem to live by this theory that all objects and beings contain the devine... here's a link to a Mi'kmac Prayer; http://www.y-indianguides.com/pfm_st_sev...
2) to "bribe" potential trouble-makers or unwanted visitors, (as well as make an offering to all beings), from coming forth in ritual and have a sacred area as well. Here's a Celtic Reconstructionist ritual I found which is a nice example; http://thunderpaw.com/neocelt/rent.htm
and
3) to protect an area, (similar to a church being seen as 'holy ground'), and only invite helpful and friendly entities in. Here's a brief bit of info. on some Wiccan uses of circle and protection; http://members.aol.com/Janus59/esbat/cir...
Hypothetically let's pretend that the rite we're doing is in the woods on 'common' land, (ie, land you don't "own"). I, personally, find it to be a bit cocky to go into the woods to do ritual and tell things there to leave. I don't find giving offerings to be as rude, though some give offerings just to do so, not just to keep the nasties busy. As for inviting anything in the area to join, on the whole I don't feel like this is a bad thing, if one is in a good place and knows how to protect themself. I have found that most things are not harmful or mean, thought there are many who would disagree.
I have been in all three of these ritual situations now and have my own opinion. It seems ironic to me that the people that are so particular about protection against nasties are the ones who would most likely to draw them because of a bad attitude or disrespectfulness for the beings. Coincidence? I think not! ;)
I guess I am a bit more relaxed than some others because, just as I believe on doesn't have to go to church every Sunday to be a good Christian, I don't believe that an elaborate circle and ritual is needed if one has a good heart, strength and good intentions on the whole. If one is working serious magick then, I can see being a bit more careful but for everyday worship? Not me. I'll stick to the basics.
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