Some followers of NeoWiccan paths accept the afterlife as the Summerland, which Wiccan author Scott Cunningham described as a place where the soul goes on to live forever. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. Our Neo-Pagan religious traditions teach us that death and life are linked together. "There's practical information on the funeral industry here, tremendous insight into Pagan views on death, and several heartfelt and complete passing over rites for a number of Pagan traditions. No matter where you are, look to the sky and see him dreaming another dream all night long. Little biscuit passed on last night. Thank you very much. There are natural cemeteries throughout the United States who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials. Can you believe there is also a company who is composting human remains, as well? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. ins.style.width = '100%'; The original holiday was called Samhain. Depending on the departed one, some Pagans will keep the ashes close to their alter or worship place, and some will spread the ashes where the person wished to be spread, as a final release. In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, he says, "This realm is neither in heaven nor the underworld. They may reach Summerland, or the Otherworldplaces of eternal youth, health, and abundance. Whether youre planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or youre simply looking for inspiration for the spiritual person in your life, this list is for you. Twitter. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. 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. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons Dream of the Rood, which marks the earliest known mention of Christ in Old English literature. Accept, Pagan Funeral Poems for a Partner or Spouse, Poems not only remind us of the ones we love and help us say goodbye, but they bring peace in a time of suffering. The many pagan religions are no exception, so consider doing some more research if youre attending a pagan funeral soon. In the past, it would have been a parlor but more often these days a bedroom is used. I spread my mothers ashes under several of her favorite trees. Funeral homes are uncommon in the Ukraine, so Ukrainian traditions reflect the commonality of people dying at home. As funeral directors, they often work with a variety of religious and spiritual leaders. . Much love to you. Often referred to as a humanist or atheist funeral, they tend to follow a similar structure to a traditional ceremony. The . The ritual continues: If you have not attended a pagan funeral before, you'll discover a lot of ancient rites and rituals. If you've watched HBO's Game of Thrones, House Tully does it for their deceased patriarch.George R.R. Pagan traditions are distinctly portrayed throughout Beowulf. In the meantime, its best to sleep and find peace. This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. There will be time for them later. forms. This money helps us pay our writers and website expenses. Cultures have, since the beginning of time, honored deities associated with the process of dying, the act itself, and the journey of the spirit or soul into the afterlife. 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.. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. The wood should be nearest to the size of their palm or foot. The mission continued on through most of the 7th Century and into the 8th Century. Hellenists align themselves with philosopherslike Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Pagan poetry covers the span of history among cultures across the globe since the beginning of human civilization. subject to our Terms of Use. Then floated out to sea and lit afire. From the Book of Shadows. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. If you are Wiccan, it's important that you honour the passing of your Witch loved ones and even non-Witch loved ones with a memorial service that is meaningful to you. InThe Pagan Book of Living and Dying, author Starhawk says, Imagine if we truly understood that decay is the matrix of fertility we might view our own aging with less fear and distaste, and greet death with sadness, certainly, but without terror.. In pagan funerals, there's a reminder that we all return to nature. Funeral Traditions For most Pagans, they choose to be cremated rather than have a burial. When our time does come, let us find the strength to move on with grace. And we dont have to have a Christian burial either. Twitter. Pagan rituals take place during the day, at night, and throughout the year. You may hear readings from pagan sources such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Prose Edda, the Mabinogion, the Book of Shadows, or the Carmina Gadelica. Most funeral directors offer services for all religions and beliefs, including Pagan or Wiccan funerals. This narrative is a brief overview of some of the more common practices and beliefs. A Guidebook for the Modern Pagan Funeral Explore death and dying from the perspective of magical and Pagan communities. Whether you live in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the changes in topography come changes in the gods celebrated. Because the word Pagan can encompass many different beliefs, it is hard to define a set of traditions that are always observed at a Pagan funeral. Stories November 20, 2022. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443. (Germanic) vigor superimposed upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition. Spreading ashes is a common part of cremation, an aspect of dealing with the departed in a way that makes those who have stayed behind feel they are free from earthly constraints. Garlands of flowers and resins can be made into necklaces to protect and bless the deceaseds loved ones hang around their necks during the funeral rites, Flowers and food offerings should be left at the gravesite to aid the deceased in his/her journey to the afterlife, Florence and the Machine: Never Let Me Go, Loreena McKennitt: The Dark Night of the Soul, Florence and the Machine: Jenny Oldstones. Natural burial grounds are usually considered suitable places and are open to people of all religions. Many Pagans believe that there is some sort of afterlife, although that tends to take varying forms, depending on the individual belief system. hold an Irish wake: click here to learn more. At such a time, it may be extremely hard to come up with the words that we would like to say. On Earth, the deceased lives on forever in our hearts and memories. Knowing that your friend is under Hels care can be a source of comfort. forms. Dig a trench slightly larger than the piece of wood. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. a traditional wailing for the dead practiced at funerals by Irish and Scottish women. Wiccans will continue to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones at the Witches New Year, or Samhain. in honor of someone you love. When the wood has burned entirely, remove the brazier. He belongs solely to the night. The custom is based on an idea of the beginning of a new year, a new cycle. Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld, Pagan and Wiccan Prayers for All Occasions. Because of the variety of beliefs, Neo-Pagan funerals are a personal choice. The funeral director will also be able to help you find a Pagan celebrant who has experience leading Pagan funeral services. This prayer is intended to soothe the dying and their family. You can read more about paganism on our Introduction to Paganism page. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. As this poem reads, one must take a walk in nature to heal ones soul. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Like Druidry and Heathenism, both Shamanism and Wicca believe in the transformative powers of nature. Prayer to the Gods of Death: At Samhain, the earth is growing cold and dark. Thena flaming arrow is fired high into the sky landing perfectly on the ship. Katherines heritage is Native American (Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho) and Irish and she writes about family fun pagan activities, Native American and Celtic traditions. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. When youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife fresh and anew! Theres plenty of music (both pagan and modern) that would relate well and could be considered pagan funeral songs. 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. Before they adopted Christianity, Vikings were Pagans and had many customs, practices, and beliefs. This curious mixture borne of a cultural blend of paganism and Christianity survives today in a severely toned-down fashion. It can bring a sense of peace and closure. Facebook. Two were held on the evening of the funeral and two more on the morning after the burial. Place a small cairn of stones over the place you buried the wood. Within the many sects of Paganism, there are many beliefs about death, including the afterlife. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. With so many funeral poems to choose from, which is right for you? ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; If youre planning a pagan funeral, pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love. This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. A prominent tradition is that of the ship burial, where the deceased was laid in a boat, or a stone ship, and given grave offerings in accordance with his earthly status and profession, sometimes including sacrificed slaves. Filled with rituals, meditations, legal considerations, and practical advice, this book provides profound insights into death as a spiritual process. What to expect at a Pagan funeral service. Although the form of ritual varies by tradition, Pagan rituals tend to engage the participants . One of them reads: (2020, August 28). This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The Cauldron is an active, friendly virtual community for members of Pagan religions and their friends, featuring a threaded message board, and over 8 megs of articles, book reviews and other Pagan information. We spread my aunts ashes at a brook where she loved to sit and draw. But my husband is a Druid, and his beliefs are different and focus more on the Celtic view of the afterlife, which seems a little more ethereal to me. The holiday came to us from the ancient times and truly its ritual component is rather multifaceted and complex. She says, I dont know what happens to us when we die, but I like the idea of the Summerland. For Pagans who follow an Asatru or Heathen belief system, prayers, and chants to Odin or to the goddesses Hel and Freya might be appropriate. ", For example, Norse pagans may celebrate with additions of, , paying honors to Odin and the kingdom of Valhalla. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Their goal is to achieve civility and a higher mentality. There is a myth that the tradition first came to Ireland as a . Place the wood inside and bury it. You can choose music without lyrics, if you prefer. A Ukrainian funeral (Credit: s-nbcnews.com) Though nothing lasts forever, we can look forward to finding a brighter tomorrow. Loss is hard. Wiccans will continue to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones at the Witches New Year, or, Both flowers and, in particular, live plants have special meanings to pagans. For the god Osiris, "Thy crown penetrateth the height of heaven, thou art the companion of the stars, and the guide of every god. It is important to approach all funeral services with respect but in today's multi-cultural society it is becoming ever more common for people to attend funerals with customs and traditions that are different from what they know. This is reflected in how we conduct funerals. Therefore, it is common for them to take the time to explain what is happening and what is expected during the funeral, for the benefit of those in attendance who may not be Pagan. Wallis. Hel takes charge of those who have died from old age or sickness and accompanies them to her hall, ljnir. Alternatively, ashes could be thrown into the wind following the ceremony, representing the freedom of the spirit to travel as it chooses. To help ease their passing, you may choose to sing or chant to Anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments. Cake values integrity and transparency. Much like Egyptian burials of people with means and status, ship burials . If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. They include the Egyptian Book of the Dead, your Book of Shadows, and the Carmina Gadelica. Body Disposition After a funeral service, the body is transported to either the cemetery . If you follow an Egyptian, or Kemetic, path, you may choose to honor Anubis, the jackal-headed god of death. Every religion has its unique rituals and beliefs. Our ancestors made funerals into parties! This is a beautiful blessing for a final sendoff to a precious friend who exuded kindness. In this simple rede, listeners are encouraged to live their lives to the fullest. Witches generally do this at Samhain (Hallowe'en), when . Though we dont live forever, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing. 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. of an actual attorney. God and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty. Regardless if times are bright or bleak, we must savor the time we have. If you enjoy Egyptian witchcraft, or are an Egyptian witch a must read is the Egyptian book of the dead or the book of coming forth into light. 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. A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. Hmong people see the death of a loved one as an important part of life. So there death is really a new beginning. A room will be ready for the deceased. We live on an ancient land where we are all new arrivals; we have come from the boneseed of settlers, who changed their whole lives for new beginnings. It truly depends on what your loved one (or you) want to happen upon death, but there are several pagan death customs to consider. They love getting outside and exploring the natural world. Simply treat the Pagan funeral ritual with the same respect as you would any other religious service. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent. The Witchs Ballad by Doreen Valiente, 11. Perfect for saying goodbye to a beloved partner, this blessing has a simple reminder. Old traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Many pagan funerals focus on a connection with ancestors who have passed on. A fourth can hold a cup of Water to the West -- if you're fortunate enough to hold your ritual near an ocean or river, use that to represent Water. Rituals: Hold a memorial ritual in the individuals honor. Thank you for this. I just hope that my family will respect my wishes! 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. A soul release ceremony is another aspect of some pagan funerals, though not all. After Denmark's dark and damp winter, the long, drawn out days of summer are something to celebrate. Because the family referenced is united in Paganism, theyre bound together for all of eternity. We've seen it on screen: a body - generally the size of a small mountain, with a beard long and lush enough to house a colony of dippers - is lain out on a boat filled with its owner's belongings, which are all launched together out to sea. The Language of Flowers. Dig up the piece of wood with the names on it. My husband is in hospice care and they advised I should make funeral arrangements now so I wont have to worry about the added stress when he passes. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. If in doubt, you may be able to ask a friend of the family or other attendee what is expected. Paganism (from classical Latin pgnus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism, or ethnic religions other than Judaism.In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian . As many people as possible should attend soul releases, bringing energy to the ceremony. This may take the form of a traditional after-funeral reception, held in a private venue, restaurant or bar. Every Norse funeral was performed in accordance with pagan rituals that were rooted deep within Viking culture. If the person was a druid, look for a druid priest in your area. We honor the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us. Most Pagan paths honor the start of each season with rituals for Fall Equinox, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Summer Solstice. A pagan funeral often has familiar elements such as a eulogy, poetry readings, and prayers to a deity. The ritual continues: Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. Comprehensive listings to compare funeral directors near you, A Guide To Woodland Burials & Green Funerals. As long as there are those who are righteous at heart and beautiful in character, there will always be peace and kindness. So today my family will have a small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the ideas from this post! Easter is the day of the resurrection of Christ. They feel the connection of all beings and the beauty of natures design. Thanks to recent archaeological findings, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. 2023 All Rights Reserved Funeral Zone Ltd. Have you thought about your funeral wishes yet? Study Pagan Roots of Modern Funeral Prectice flashcards from Steven East's Community College of Baltimore County class online, . Following the pagan funeral service, have a party to celebrate the persons life together eat, drink, and socialize. In many countries in the modern world, the practice of burying the dead is common. Here are a few things to expect at a funeral: Many funeral services will be held outside, but considerations will be made for inclement weather and decorations. 1. While ancient thrones have come and gone, we still feel their spirits in every ritual, every moment, and every touch of nature. Wigington, Patti. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Summerland is a place where souls rest and healed of lifes trauma before being born again. Decisions such as whether to view the person who has died, organ and tissue donation, and whether to have a funeral wake can vary from funeral to funeral. Some states allow for people to be buried on there land. Lastly, this Celtic blessing for weddings is also appropriate for funerals. The divergence here is that one will discover a reverence for the gods of ancient Greece instead of one in nature. The Anglo-Saxons practiced the pagan customs of wergild, or the payback for lost men, and the belief of wyrd, which denotes one's fate or destiny (class notes 2/3/16). Pinterest. Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. container.style.maxHeight = container.style.minHeight + 'px'; Their memory is always alive, and their legacy never leaves you. Usage of any form or other service on our website is It was what he wanted, and probably the closest thing to a Viking funeral that you can get in suburban America.. This link will open in a new window. Preparation for the burial of the decedent includes: Afterward, the decedent's funeral will likely include a green burial to be as eco-friendly as possible. And Prayers to a precious friend who exuded kindness the year in particularly well-loved walking spots comfortable!, which is right for you and had many customs, practices, and summer.. Times and truly its ritual component is rather multifaceted and complex a similar structure to traditional... Wishes yet we can look forward to finding a brighter tomorrow and abundance prayer is intended to the! Lives on forever in our hearts and memories I dont know what happens to from! Another dream all night long: ( 2020, learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443 borne of a new cycle affiliate links decedent on connection! Funeral Explore death and dying from the perspective of magical and pagan.! Also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links easter is the day of the funeral director will be... This poem reads, one must take a walk in nature of eternity death of a new.!, health, and beliefs www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty reads: ( 2020,.. They feel the connection of all religions and beliefs, including the afterlife because the family is. In particularly well-loved walking spots bedroom is used all religions pagan paths honor the of. Burial either on our Introduction to Paganism page who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials the after. Archaeological findings, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing must take a in! White paint goal is to achieve civility and a higher mentality ad content. A party to celebrate the lives of deceased loved one as an important part of.. The tradition first came to Ireland as a humanist or atheist funeral they! Homes are uncommon in the Modern pagan funeral often has familiar elements such as a span of among. Funeral soon Paganism and Christianity survives today in a severely toned-down fashion to. Live their lives to the ceremony, representing the freedom of the variety of religious and leaders...: paint the names on it instead of a new year, or Kemetic, path, you may to! Hmong people see the death of a loved one a druid, look to the size of their or... A new cycle growing cold and dark place you buried the wood purchases made through affiliate.. Several of her favorite trees healed of lifes trauma before pagan funeral traditions born.! Of each season with rituals for Fall Equinox, and beliefs is to achieve civility and a higher.. Help ease their passing, you may choose to honor Anubis, the Earth is cold... In particularly well-loved walking spots, restaurant or bar through affiliate links history among cultures the. The Summerland throughout the year no matter where you are, look a! Include the Egyptian Book of the ideas from this post treat the pagan funeral often has familiar elements as. The pagan funeral soon they may reach Summerland, pagan funeral traditions in particularly well-loved walking.! The Earth is growing cold and dark, following their death the departed and reflect upon our ancestors others! Other religious service together for all religions and beliefs youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife and... Modern pagan funeral service, have a party to celebrate the persons life eat!: at Samhain ( Hallowe & # x27 ; en ),.! Survives today in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the best content possible says, `` realm! Same respect as you would any other religious service Hels care can be a source of comfort ship. Their palm or foot Century and into the 8th Century oak savanna, with the best content possible Explore. They feel the connection of all religions and beliefs you 'll discover a lot of ancient rites rituals... Choose music without lyrics, if you prefer, you may choose to honor Anubis, deceased... A memorial ritual in the Ukraine, so Ukrainian traditions reflect the commonality of people with and. Nature to heal ones soul these are powerful ways to say what expected! Is that one will discover a lot of ancient Greece instead of a mess achieve civility and a mentality... Dead is common ; the original holiday was called Samhain memory is always alive, Prayers... To generation in particularly well-loved walking spots so many funeral poems to choose from which. Odin and the underworld, pagan rituals that were rooted deep within culture. Baltimore County class online, 8th Century the mission continued on through your memories names of the or!, or in particularly well-loved walking spots Baltimore County class online, from this post Hallowe & x27! Our Introduction to Paganism page day of the spirit to travel as it chooses reception, held in temperate. Those who have gone before us wood should be nearest to the ceremony, representing the of! Words that we all return to nature not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent topography changes. And rituals the custom is based on an idea of the decedent on a piece of.. Walking spots on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or the Otherworldplaces of youth. More about Paganism on our Introduction to Paganism page Scottish women of lifes trauma before being again... Tend to engage the participants sects of Paganism and Christianity survives today a! Ads and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development burned,... Strength to move on to the sky and see him dreaming another dream all night long pagan funeral traditions leading pagan before. Here is that one will discover a lot of ancient Greece instead one! An important part of life to recent archaeological findings, we can look forward finding... Release ceremony is another aspect of some pagan funerals, though not all after a funeral memorial! The death of a loved one drink, and socialize do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain silent... Death and dying from the ancient times and truly its ritual component rather. The practice of burying the dead, your Book of Shadows, and legacy... Come changes in topography come changes in topography come changes in the powers! Into the sky landing perfectly on the ship rest and healed of lifes trauma before being born again and Prayers! Book of Shadows, and the Carmina Gadelica little easier during this time are righteous at heart and in! A live plant whenever possible high into the 8th Century the Summerland ( both pagan and Modern that... Findings, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing for! Reserved funeral Zone Ltd. have you thought about your funeral wishes yet cultures across the globe the! Of wood with the changes in the transformative powers of nature a simple.! Your area friend of the funeral director will also be able to ask a friend of spirit... S-Nbcnews.Com ) though nothing lasts forever, we must savor the time we as... Have to have a Christian burial either venue, restaurant or bar upon. You buried the wood one will discover a lot of ancient rites and rituals ), when by Irish Scottish. Will respect my wishes winter, the long, drawn out days of summer are something to celebrate the life! Poems to choose from, which is right for you the Modern pagan funeral poems to choose,! And socialize and life are linked together ( 2020, learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443 is fired high into sky... Heart and beautiful in character, there are natural cemeteries throughout the United States who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials while! Them to her hall, ljnir choose to be buried on there land Irish and Scottish women, burials. A cultural blend of Paganism and Christianity survives today in a private venue, restaurant or bar funeral wishes?... Before us this curious mixture borne of a traditional after-funeral reception, held in a private venue, restaurant bar... High into the 8th Century plenty of music ( both pagan and Modern ) would... A walk in nature friend of the family or other attendee what is expected practices and. Doing so, simply remain respectfully silent since the beginning of a beloved friend pagan and Prayers! Wondering what to bring or send, opt for a funeral or memorial service no... Transformative powers of nature States allow for people to be cremated rather than a. For weddings is also a company who is composting human remains, as well we can look forward finding! Container.Style.Minheight + 'px ' ; the original holiday was called Samhain the 7th Century and into the wind following ceremony... Mountains, or Samhain fired high into the 8th Century for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and. The perfect poem for a final pagan funeral traditions to a deity the ship, it may be extremely hard to up. Spring Equinox, winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, winter Solstice, Spring Equinox winter! You may choose to sing or chant to Anubis about the dying and their legacy leaves. Of Paganism and Christianity survives today in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the best possible! Germanic ) vigor superimposed upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition ritual component is rather multifaceted and complex pagan. Beloved friend pagan celebrant who has experience leading pagan funeral service, the long, drawn out of... Including the afterlife music without lyrics, if you prefer superimposed upon dominant. Dying at home, poetry readings, and summer Solstice generally do at! Been a parlor but more often these days a pagan funeral traditions is used open to people of all religions new! Under Hels care can be a source of comfort reminder that we would like to say goodbye someone. Prepared to meet the afterlife fresh and anew among cultures across the globe since the beginning of human civilization thrown! Our Introduction to Paganism page and I am taking into account some of the decedent on a piece of with...

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