These are notes I use when I teach about ritual. I also turn to the questions at the end when I design my own self-generated rituals and when I help others in designing rituals.

1. Symbol (from the root "to connect, unite" - thanks to Elizabeth Roberts)
2. Enactment
3. Structure/container (living/opening or dead/constricting/defensive)
4. Balance of intention and surrender
5. Integrating, e.g., conscious & unconscious, mind & body, disciplined & wild, human & nature.

1. Rites of passage, life transitions. A marker for one (or more) of the 3 phases of transition, Confirmation of a life change
2. Rites of intensification, renewal, connection/reconnection, Renewing interpersonal, intrapersonal, and/or transpersonal connections

1. Sign or marker for important transition, step, direction
2. Significance or deeper/expanded meaning; "Completing the dialogue with the Unconscious;" ascribing intention to an action, paying deep attention. Cf, Symbol, to connect and unite.
3. Social reality, confirmation and reinforcement of group commitment
4. Sanctuary, safe space for exploration, release, celebration

1. Traditional forms from your family, community, culture, or religious background.
2. Creation of new forms which may be used only once or repeatedly.
3. "Old ways," earth-centered rituals either reclaimed or rediscovered.

Most people in our culture experience some discomfort, awkwardness, embarrassment, vulnerability, or resistance to engaging in ritual. Understanding the sources of this discomfort can help to recognize the wisdom in this resistance and to overcome its restrictions.

1. For most people, ritual is unfamiliar. We live in a largely de-ritualized society.
2. Most of us have emotional wounds from experiencing empty ritual. We may have felt strong feelings, but seeing those around us just going through the motions may leave wounds or dissonance.
3. Deep ritual removes some defenses and brings vulnerability. This is part of the gift and power of ritual, but it can also be scary.

1. What are we ritualizing (what severance, what transition, what return, what initiation, what accomplishment, what connection)?
2. What is the primary function (severance, transition, incorporation, all three)?
3. How much do we want to choreograph or plan the ritual? What parts do we want to plan, and what parts do we want to allow to unfold?
4. How do we want to begin and end the ritual?
5. What symbolic actions would express the ritual's purpose most meaningfully?
6. What symbols or objects do we want to use?
7. What ritual components do we want to use?
8. What, if anything, do we want to say and who will say it?
9. What order do we want to give to these components?
10. Who takes part, what parts, what roles? Do we want anyone else there who is not taking part in the ritual?
11. Where and when do we want to do this ritual? How does the time and place reflect its purpose?
12. How and how much do we want to debrief the ritual? (Not to analyze or critique it as much as digesting and learning from it.)

Achterberg, J. (1992). Ritual: The foundation of transpersonal medicine. Revision, 14 (3), 158-164.

Cooper, G. (1993-1994). Beyond ordinary time. In Context, No. 37, 48-51.

Hine, V., and Foster, S. (nd). Rites of passage for our time: A guide for creating ritual.(unpublished manuscript).

Imber-Black, E. and Roberts, J. (1992). Rituals for our times. New York: Harper Perennial.

Some, M. P. (1993). Ritual: Power, Healing, and Community. Lower Lake, CA: Atrium Pub.