The basic structure, or outline, of a Wiccan ritual is actually pretty simple. It can include, but not be limited to, purifying your area, creating sacred space through casting a circle, calling the Elemental Quarters, calling the Gods, celebrating a holiday, raising energy for spell work, sharing Cakes and Ale, dismantling your circle, and releasing the powers called. I know that sounds a little complicated, and many of you may not be familiar with the terms. We'll take it step-by-step in the order I normally use when I write ritual. Be aware that some folks will do things slightly differently. That's the beauty of a lot of Wiccan practice: the freedom to experiment and individualize.
Step 1: Purifying your Space.
A fancy title that means you get out the Endust and the vacuum and clean up the area you intend you use. If you have a permanent altar set up in your home, it makes this step a little easier, though you still may have to dust. You can also burn sage or another sort of purifying incense to clean the energies of the area. I prefer Dragon's Blood incense to sage, as sage has a woody smell when it burns. If you can't find an incense blend that is specifically for purifying a space, any scent you enjoy will do.
Why do we take the time to clean? It helps clear out the "mundane" energies of the area, for starters. If you're using your dining room table as an altar, how magical will you feel if the other end of the table has dirty dinner plates and stacks of mail? Cleaning the area and burning the incense will help shift your mindset towards ritual.
Many people also take time to purify themselves, too, by showering or soaking in an herb-filled bath. It isn't necessary, but it might help you to turn your focus away from the ordinary. This is the same reason folks wear special clothing in ritual. It's all to get you into the ritual mindset.
