Are Rituals Useless to Non-Theists?
At first glance, the scientifically minded may see any kind of ritualization as humbug. It is easy to write off any variation of sacred spaces or magic symbols as absolute tomfoolery. In actuality, one only needs to look as far as the currency in their wallet for proof of the power of collective thought. Money has power only because we have all agreed to treat it as such. You accept it in exchange for your labor and goods as do the citizens of your town or country.
To take it a step further, research the multitude of trials and experiments ran with placebo or sugar pills. Research the positive effects of meditation on the brain and body. Gaze deeper into Eastern disciplines and how often their arts delve into the simple focus of the mind’s power. The reason that these “spiritual” arts and ideas have propagated throughout history cannot only be attributed to tradition, although that does play a part.
Let us now mention symbology as a general idea. Depending on your personal knowledge and experience, this word brings forth all manner of concepts. Runes for divination, corporate branding, religious amulets, biker patches, and perhaps even the imagery used within churches for their communions and other ceremonies. These are all valid examples of how symbols can be utilized and they all share a common goal, or they are utilized to accomplish similar ends.
We know that the human mind loves to form conclusions. This amazing organ loves learning from past experiences and connecting the dots to be better prepared for the future. The evolution of the species would likely not have been possible without the ability to learn in this way and take quick action based upon previously gained knowledge.
Biologically speaking, the “civilized” community of the Western world alongside social interaction are new concepts for us. This is especially true when considering high-level thinking, philosophy, and intellectual analysis. Whenever possible, the brain would like to organize, categorize, and put its thoughts into the proper place so that these ideas can be used effectively at a later time. There are many shades of grey in this world but it is not the opinion of this author that the brain perceives these gradients by default.
The default functions of the mind can be controlled with practice; In fact, there are several simple ways to do this which various faiths have made use of since the dawn of time. To understand this, think back through your favorite memories from childhood or even a few years ago. What stands out to you in each scene? What seems most striking?
Your brain needs something to grasp at, some connection that brings forth the appropriate data. A certain smell, a feeling of joy, or even the crushing weight of sadness and depression. Anyone who has experienced deep trauma will immediately understand this concept. The memory can flood back in with such an overwhelmingly intense force (when given the correct trigger).
In relation to the recall of a memory, in many practices involving meditation or deep relaxation, you will often recreate the same pose or environment each time. One guided meditation course I am familiar with instructs the participant to touch their thumb and index fingers to the opposite digits on the opposite hand. With many repetitions, this creates an association in the mind which can then fire the appropriate synapses and recall the feeling of calm and relaxation you created during your sessions. It may not be magic, but it can greatly improve your meditation.
A symbol or archetype can be imbued with this same power. Those of the heathen or pagan inclination often use runes in this way. Multiple runes may be combined into a bindrune. These combinations do not require an easily read or obvious meaning, only a personal meaning to the creator. The more often this symbol is meditated upon, the easier the associated feelings can be once again brought forth.
In a practical application, one might associate the Tîwaz rune, named for the god Týr, with many meanings. I always associate this rune with the story of Týr losing his hand. I have regularly thought of this sacrifice and the level of dedication frequently required of us in life. On days requiring increased fortitude, I often inscribe this symbol in a visible place such as the underside of my wrist. When this catches my eye, it serves as a reminder of my dedication to the task at hand. This assists in bringing forth that extra push of strength and resilience, especially on my days of fasting or personal sacrifice. In a related way, think of the hard-working parent who pins their children’s pictures to the cubicle wall. They are reminded at a glance of their smiling faces and the ultimate reasons to strive forward.
A ritual or ceremony can also have a wide range of utility and is often encompassing many symbols or images. An example of a Christian ritual would be the communion. The participants may be well aware that their wine and bread are not the literal blood and body of Christ. It reaffirms their belief and dedication to their god. They are sharing a bonding moment with their deity. Every faith or practice uses symbols and representations of amazing things that transcend this reality.
A ritualized chanting or singing is often used at community gatherings of faith. The blóts I’ve attended are similar in this way. There are few feelings in this world akin to synchronized shouting, singing, or chants around a fire. It simultaneously releases pent-up energy whilst sharing and receiving “energy” from those around you. You can feel it in the air. This can awaken the primal in almost anyone who gives it an honest try. The effect is quite amazing and for those who are completely solo in their practices, I still recommend finding a community hosting a similar ritual even if you only attend once.
There are those who will not see any benefit of a religiously orchestrated ritual although they may acknowledge their own habits and daily ritualization. This may be representative of the “different strokes for different folks”. In my eyes, they all accomplish similar things. I’ve not met a highly productive and successful person who didn’t keep a schedule. My guess is that reviewing or checking this schedule is quite ritualized in some fashion or else it would fall to the wayside along with their efficiency and success.
My last thought on these practices is that each individual will perceive this type of event differently. LaVeyan Satanists as an example may use a “Destruction Ritual” to release all unproductive rage and anger in their meditative space. This decompression of such emotions will then allow them to approach the object of their hate the next day in a calm and collected manner. This allows thoughtful strategy and logical interaction in regards to the problem individual.
You may not find a use for such things, but I bet that you already participate in several rituals that do produce practical effects in your life, although you are likely not consciously aware.
Habit Vs. Ritual
Many would rightly reject the idea that every habit or compulsion they have is a “ritual”. Indeed it is not my intention to equate the two definitions or types of action. Rather, we would simply like to point out the similarities and relationships between the two concepts.
While a habit is not a ritual per se, it must have taken a relatively large number of conscious actions before it became a sub-conscious habit and recurring action. At one point you made the decision to start performing the action, there was intention present.
The main difference as stated within the introduction is the intention of said action. We all have compulsions and habits that may lack logic and reason. There is no overwhelming conclusion or epiphany to be had here. The main takeaway is this:
Rituals contain intention rather than compulsion and automation. We believe these to be superior to uncontrolled habitual action (although these have their place in a productive life as well). The greater the number of mindless habits that could be removed from one’s life and replaced with intentional action, the greater that person’s life, health, and happiness could be.
Continue on to the Principles of Expanding Ecompassment.