A few years ago I was sitting down with my mother, who
happens to be a circle mate of mine, and we were discussing how grateful we are
for all of the events and things in our lives we attribute to our Wiccan practice
and the higher powers that be. We wanted to perform a ritual, and create
something to place on the altar for a constant reminder that there are higher
powers at work and we should never take them for granted. The result was our
Gratitude Jar.
Materials:
Mason Jar with Lid
Some dried herbs that symbolize divine powers – many flowers
such as roses, pansies, or hibiscus are good choices, mugwort is another
powerful herb. Herbs that symbolize your wishes include sage, dandelion, and
sunflowers.
Stones that promote spirituality – such as labrodorite or amethyst.
Paper and pen
Your usual altar tools, specifically incense, and salt
water.
What you do:
Gather all your materials on your altar. Open your circle
and begin your ritual. First cleanse your jar with salt water (earth and water)
and incense smoke (fire and air). Begin placing your herbs and stones into the
jar, focusing on the meaning and intent of each item that you place within it.
On your paper write all of the things you are grateful for,
thanking the divine powers you follow. You can chose to write one item per slip
of paper, a list on one slip of paper or even a more formal letter. This is up
to you. Fold your paper and cleanse the paper the way you did you jar (with
earth and water, and air and fire). Place your paper in the jar.
If you wish to personalize your jar, by adding your own favorite
herbs, different sigils or symbols you feel relate to different works you have
done, or even glitter (I know how much you all love glitter), add those in as
well.
Close up your jar, making sure the lid is on tight so no
moisture gets in, and hold it in your hands. Meditate for a moment, pouring
your energy into the jar, recounting everything you are grateful for. If you
are someone who prefers to chant during a ritual, you can say:
Lady and Lord, I thank you
For all the good you bring.
I am grateful for all you do,
And cherish every thing.
Leave your jar in the light of the full moon with an offering
of your choice, a gift for the Divine. (I use apples or honey bread). I place
my jar on my altar during every ritual, as a reminder of the wonderful things
that have come about during my journey. Every so often I open my jar and
recharge it, adding a few more slips of paper as I go.
