09-05-2012, 04:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-05-2012, 04:15 PM by godwide_void.)
I would suppose we're using the word "ritual" to convey to each other the notion of taking certain steps both with certain intents in order to create a set of circumstances or an atmosphere to achieve a particular result based on said intent, and what would characterize it as a "ritual" would be the peculiarity and particularity of the steps involved in that ritual, considering that to an outside perspective the actions performed if the ritual were to be observed would appear disconnected or "pointless", nevertheless it is only to the perception of the individual performing the ritual that awareness of the deeper symbolic meaning behind each step in the ritual and how they come together in one flow to result in conditions that wouldn't arise by any other means, and the routine execution and specificity of performing each step holds extreme significance towards achieving the ultimate purpose of the "ritual" or particular steps performed.
If we were to witness the ceremonial dancing of certain cultures, be it Aztec or Mayan, to us their opting for certain movements and chants in conjunction with the clothes they wear would simply register as a simple dance routine. To them, however, it is entirely possible that the reason they perform certain movements with certain vocalizations together might be that it is their particular way of invoking some force or transmitting their intents or empowering their energy in the ritual, the clothes might be worn to honor their specific higher force, and each following step in the dance works to get them into a trance, and this all culminates into some end goal such as controlling the weather by evoking rainfall or something of the sort.
My "ritual" would be much the same in that to an outsider, I just appear to enjoy rubbing oil under my nose and listening to music while I type, and this would appear slightly odd or pointless. Again, what characterizes it as a "ritual" is simply the fact that particular steps are taken with certain intentions to create specific conditions where a unique result arises, and this is all in a ceremonial, magical or sacramental context.
If we were to witness the ceremonial dancing of certain cultures, be it Aztec or Mayan, to us their opting for certain movements and chants in conjunction with the clothes they wear would simply register as a simple dance routine. To them, however, it is entirely possible that the reason they perform certain movements with certain vocalizations together might be that it is their particular way of invoking some force or transmitting their intents or empowering their energy in the ritual, the clothes might be worn to honor their specific higher force, and each following step in the dance works to get them into a trance, and this all culminates into some end goal such as controlling the weather by evoking rainfall or something of the sort.
My "ritual" would be much the same in that to an outsider, I just appear to enjoy rubbing oil under my nose and listening to music while I type, and this would appear slightly odd or pointless. Again, what characterizes it as a "ritual" is simply the fact that particular steps are taken with certain intentions to create specific conditions where a unique result arises, and this is all in a ceremonial, magical or sacramental context.