Yesterday, I participated in my first Wicca Passing Ceremony and Ritual.
It was for Ellen, my beloved eldest sister—the first born of eight children and the first to die.
She was our coven's High Priestess.
Born into a Scottish Catholic family, Ellen had been a Wiccan and witch for the past fourteen years.
When a family funeral ceremony was being planned Ellen’s eldest daughter, also a coven member, said it was only proper that her mom have a Wiccan funeral.
It’s not the norm for Wiccans/pagans/witches to openly celebrate such events such as weddings, new child, or deaths in our way with the blessings or acceptance of family, society or other religions,
We usually keep them private because of the misunderstanding or non-acceptance from those with different religious and spiritual practices.
But I agreed because recently before her death Ellen had told me that she no longer would hide her Wiccan witch life and practices. It was decided our "send off to Ellen" would take place before the memorial celebration. I undertook the task of preparing a ceremony while keeping in mind that after our Wiccan Ritual and Ceremony, there’d be a Rosary in respect for our Catholic mother and relatives.
The entire Scottish clan was invited. Ellen’s sisters and brothers, her children, grandchildren and a few select friends. Our mother, brothers and their families did not attend for their religious beliefs could not be crossed over.
As grieving family began to arrive at the Wiccan ritual each person was smudged before entering the chapel. Her coven, donned in capes, gowns, witch hats or flowed wreaths and the few grandchildren participating gathered around the casket while in the pews, guests sat.
Ellen laid quietly (she always was a quiet, watchful person in a crowd) in a forest-green cape and gown with a beautiful mother-of-peal shelled necklace.
An altar was set in front of her. It held a vase of white lilies (new life), chalice, salt, athame and various colored candles - including three image (people) candles: black for transition, white symbolizing her spirit transcending, and red for rebirth.
Frankincense and myrrh incense wafted lightly throughout the chapel. The four corners were called in and the circle was cast, the spell made fast and only good could enter therein.
Three of her grandchildren drummed and another rang a bell before a blessing of Ellen was said by one of her coven. Hallowed words were spoken over her as she was cleansed with a special incense, ocean water and oils.
A granddaughter dropped rose petals around the coffin. A sacred guided meditation was delivered followed by several Oms that vibrated throughout the room. The group sang the song, We All Come From the Goddess (Linda Lila) three times.
The circle was closed. All held hands singing The circle is opened not unbroken, may the peace of the goddess be ever in your heart. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet.
It was truly magical holy ceremony fitting for a most respected High Priestess. So Mote it be.
She is greatly missed, her gentle guidance, her irreverent humor and her great, undying love! She inspired me in life and continues to commune in this world's death. Her spirit lives on.
Learn more about me, my books, and work at june ahern dot com and sf coaching
