"We must get back into relation, vivid and nourishing relation to the cosmos. The way is through daily ritual and the reawakening. We must once more practice the ritual of dawn and noon and sunset, the ritual of kindling fire and pouring water, the ritual of the first breath, and the last." --D.H. Lawrence

Some ideas concerning the meaning and realization of faerie ritual by Merlin

Each faerie Gathering is constituted through its rituals. It is in the ritual experience where the faerie meetings concentrates the most. In spite of all the relevance of the casual and silly-like context the rituals signify the solemn and serious meaning of being together.
In the following some ideas for a deeper understanding and conceptualization of a ritual experience are suggested.

Structural and qualitative components of Rituals

Ritual experience is built around an episodic string of events at a given time. For example a faerie ritual might commence with a procession, followed by an invocation, hymn singing, a sermon, an offering, and a recessional. A given ritual-behavior string may be relatively short and simple or more elaborate, but to understand any particular ritual requires an appreciation of the multiple behavioral events that comprise it. Before realizing a faerie ritual the question should be discussed whether there can be direct linkages of the episodic event strings in exact, precise sequences or more flexible shaping.

In other words the status of the prescribed script in relation to a strict or more casual following and interpretation should be clarified. As faerie rituals are principally free, an open framework should be organized. But for getting into more intense experiences, a certain sense of "order" might be helpful. Ritual scripts typically have distinct beginnings, middles and ends that are acted out by participants who assume particular dramatic identities. Ritual experiences may be performed ceremoniously, with elaborate formality and numerous theatrical trappings. We conjure up images of a faerie decorated room, candles, faerie-like music, invocations and commemorations, (drag) costumes and contents, and parades, pomp and further circumstances.
Another characteristic of ritual behavior is the repetition of the event sequence over time. A a ritual tends to be performed in the same way each time, so ritual events function as mnemonic devices that elicit specific thoughts and sentiments from each (individual) faerie. Thus, appropriate feelings are generated each time a ritual is dramatised. But of cause variations in content or sequence may arise. And there should be time, space and energy for modifications and improvisations.
Faerie rituals stimulate a great deal of psychological involvement. This could mean also anxiety, fear and sorrow. Facilitators should take this into conscious consideration. Rituals trigger an immediate complex response and stimulate intense emotions among participants. They serve to include individuals to kinship and faerie community membership. The effect of rituals - like a body language - functions similar to natural symbols, facilitating interpersonal interactions.

Ritual elements

Faerie ritual experience relies on various tangible and intangible components. Important are ritual artifacts, a rituals scripts, ritual performance role(s) and a ritual audience or participants. When used in a ritual context physical artifacts and the physical setting (like decoration, ceremonial garments, gifts for the alter, food and drink, etc.) communicate symbolic messages that are integral to the meaning of the experience. Expressed in icons, logos, or significant colours symbols represent or serve as mythological characters. Through a specific language, ritualized behavior a performance ambiguity emerges, leading towards boundary open processes. The ritual script identifies and guides the use of the various artifactual materials and processes according to its roles in the ritual. An individuals ritual-role enactment can be extensive or limited, active or passive.
Another element of rituals will be the building up of group energy. During group embedded Faerie-Rituals, a trustful, hence deep involvement and informal "conversion" experiences can occur. Such "conversions" is likened to the experience of homecoming, a re-affirmation or a remembering of an old, forgotten knowledge. But the ritual can only induce or initiative but never impose any content!

The deeper meaning of Rituals

Rituals can be understood as re-enactments of sacred dimensions. Rites of integration achieve a sense of closeness among all who participate. They include aesthetic experiences as spiritually elevating processes. Besides the contribution for the social cohesion and sharing of meaning during a faerie gathering, rituals provide positive benefits by contributing to a person-s individuation towards what could be called higher, divine self.

with faerie hugs from Merlin