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In a world that often seems to demand constant connectivity and engagement, the practice of solitude can be a transformative and empowering experience. Many people come to the Irish Pagan School for community and connection but even here it can be difficult to find other people on a shared pagan path in our local areas. When there is so much emphasis in some pagan practices on working in groups and energetic gatherings for seasonal sacred cycles, what then can be said for those who have no safe local groups in which to gather? In this blog post, we delve into the concept of embracing solitude and explore some personally powerful solitary rituals that can enrich your spiritual journey.
The Essence of Solitude: Nurturing the Self
Solitude is not about isolation; rather, it is a deliberate choice to spend time in one’s own presence, away from the distractions of the external world. It’s a conscious act of self investment that enables us to listen to our thoughts, connect with our emotions, and explore our journey towards inner wisdom. All pagan paths include some aspect of introspection or meditation. For many of us the only way to engage in deep moments of Journeying practice or meditation is in a space of solitude.
Now it is important to take a moment to acknowledge that solitude can look different for each of us. Every individual has their own process based on their neuro spiciness, personal preferences, or even past trauma. For some the idea of solitude is an uncluttered space of absolute stillness and silence, for others that space might be deeply discomforting. Others might find it alone in nature away from the sounds of humanity, yet here again some might find that upsetting. It is worth taking a moment to define the essence of solitude for ourselves. Even if that space is a physical location or simply a state of mind. Not everyone might envision a glacial kryptonian fortress as our place of solitude, but then again some of us just canât help our upbringing and inspirations.
1. Morning Rituals:
Each of us have our own morning habits, practices, or processes. From the first moment we set foot out of the bed, to taking meds, brushing teeth, cleansing our bodies, donning our attire, to that first cup of tea or coffee we are engaging in a series of actions that prepare us for the rest of our day. Much of what we do in the morning could be considered as a âneurological autopilotâ of habit, but with the simple addition of intention we can go beyond our habits and find a place of ritual.
Our morning routines might be linked to some responsibility or shared obligation, be it as a parent, or employee. Though these needs might dictate things like, time frames, or attire, or some list of specific activities, they do not rule out the mindâs ability to provide personal intention to any moment. From me I use my time in the shower each morning as a solitary ritual. To not just physically cleanse myself but to also focus my intention inwards assessing my state of mind, the condition of my emotions, the levels of my energy. As I wash away the sleep of the night before I also let go and âwash awayâ anything which does not serve me positively as I move from the past into a new day.
Many sources recommend that we start our day by engaging in a morning meditation and affirmation ritual. Itâs not always easy to find a remote space of quiet to breath in the first rays of sunlight each day, but again solitary ritual does not need to be bound by the physical. Closing our eyes we can focus on our breath, centering ourselves in any given moment. Taking the time in the morning to be intentional, to recite affirmations that resonate with your goals and aspirations, to engage in our Journey meditations, or even to simply just accept who we are in that moment can set a harmonious tone for the day ahead. My solitary ritual for this is as I brush my teeth. I have not always found it easy to look at myself in a mirror, but when I take these few minutes of intent each morning I try to see myself simply as I am in that moment and tell myself something I would like to hear to get me centred for the day to come.
2. Nature Immersion Ritual:
Nature offers a profound space for solitude and connection. All pagan paths include some reverence for nature, the natural world and its season and cycles. There are many fascinating studies about the relationship between humans and our natural flora and fauna and the impact intentionally surrounding or spending time engaging in nature can have.
Yet many folk consider nature as some remote or distant thing, away from urban areas or nearly devoid of any signs of humanity, but that is not wholly true. Nature exists everywhere around us and we can engage with it wherever we happen to find ourselves in the world. Solitary rituals in nature can be as complex as selecting a remote location for deep breathing and meditations, or taking an intentional walk in a local park, or even just a street with trees along it. The tree hugger in me would almost always suggest the older the trees the better.
Be in that space mindfully, absorbing the sights, sounds, and scents around you. Engaging our senses fully as we experience the natural world. My solitary ritual for nature is getting my bare feet on the grass of the back garden each day. Also a personal favourite is when Iâm fortunate enough to have a good rain or storm. I grab a towel and step out into it to take an intentional rain shower, engaging all the practices of my morning solitary ritual.
3. Candlelit Contemplation:
The Irish Pagan path gives a lot of significance to the main seasonal fire festivals of Imbolg, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain, but though these usually involve large gatherings, it is not uncommon for some to hold their own solitary rituals with fire around these events. Fire, be it bonfire, hearth fire, or even candle fire has always had a place in Irish Paganism.
Many scientists believe that early manâs discovery and mastery of fire was directly linked, not just to longer life spans, but also to the cognitive growth of our species. If you have ever sat at a fire you might have felt more than just its heat. Fire has an ability to capture our gaze, ensnaring our minds in its flickering dancing luminescence. As much as we almost always see shapes in the clouds, our minds canât help but gaze upon a blaze.
Taking time with the element of fire can yield quite a lot in our solitary rituals. For some it is a great way to release us from our past by burning items which no longer hold healthy significance for us. Candle light can be used in connection to a meditation or introspection to help focus the mind on something if we are uncomfortable closing our eyes.
My solitary rituals with fire and candles involve making space for my connection to the deity I work with. I take time at a space I have designated as his altar and with the strike of a match I intentionally create fire with the focus on light and warmth in the bond I share. That match lights a small candle which is left to safely burn itself out through the day or night so that even though my focus might move on from the moment, there is still some part of my intention building on the bond I choose to share with the Dagda.
4. Nighttime Ritual of Release:
We are all bound to one very significant and prominent cycle in our lives and this is the rotation of the world on which we live. As the globe spins the sunâs light brings us day and of course night. As it is with solitary rituals as we start the day, so can it be as we end.
In the same way we can fall into our night time routines driven by habit or with the application of some simple intention we can make each process a personal ritual. Shedding our clothes can include letting go of the outside world. Cleansing our body can include washing away the challenges of the day, taking our meds can be an intentional investment in self care and longevity.
As we start the day with moments of recognition or affirmations, we can finish it with personal acceptance and gratitude. By offering ourselves a few moments of intent to reflect on the day’s experiences and challenges, we can settle one day and let it finish without carrying anything unnecessary into our sleep and over into the next day.
My solitary ritual for this involves the bathroom mirror and my toothbrush. For the duration of the brushing I try to focus on what the day has brought and shown me and as I finish up I (try to) meet my own gaze in the mirror and tell myself something Iâm grateful for from that day. Its not always easy to find something to be grateful for in a day that may have had struggles and challenges, but with an intention set towards personal ritual, eventually it becomes easier. Even if the thing to be grateful for is the challenge, or the continued ability to struggle on regardless.
In embracing solitude through these powerful rituals, we honour our own company and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Solitary practices provide the space to connect with our inner thoughts and feelings, and cultivate a deeper relationship with the most important person in each of our lives, ourselves. As we journey through life, these solitary rituals can become a guiding structure, within which we don’t just exist, but we will live and thrive.
Where To Now?
If you think that Irish Paganism as we teach sounds interesting, and might even be something youâd like to explore further, you can always:
Visit the Irish Pagan School YouTube Channel
Or⊠Take a Free Class to Learn More about Irish Paganism
Powerful stuff and important to remember. Spiritual practices can grow immensely in the little, everyday moments and rituals.
Very interesting , very well said. Siting examples of your own practices enables others to realize they do not have to go to extremes to achieve solitude and rituals. Thank you !
[…] If you’d like to adapt this for soitary working and celebration, there is a useful guide here! […]