The Magick & Science of Sacrifice

Rituals are moving prayers that include intention, emotion, action, and often, repetition.

If you have been reading the last few newsletters, you may have already identified what you’d like to experience more of in your life. (If not – do so now!)

You may have also identified what sacrifice you will make.

The word “sacrifice” often conjures thoughts of “suffering” or “giving up” – but it doesn’t have to represent those things.

The Power of Words

Think of your “sacrifice” as an “offering.” I prefer the word “offering” because I feel like I am “adding to” – as opposed to “taking away.”

All desires require “sacrifice.” Not necessarily the killing of animals – just the ending (killing) of what you “used to” do.

For some, it may mean getting up earlier to make time for your “new” – for others, carving out time in your day for yourself, you usually dedicated to a “habit” – something, someone, or an activity.

Sometimes “change” feels …inconvenient. But to make a change, WE must change.

For example, my sacrifice is that I now wake up 2 hours earlier than my body wants. I also go to bed earlier so that I don’t feel like my new “rise and shine” time requires that I “suffer” less sleep.

In quantum terms, our “sacrifices” make space for our desires. In Magickal terms, our offerings serve the Spirits that support us – even if that Spirit is our own.

When it comes to making your sacrifice, wrap your head around the ripple effect. If others are affected, ask yourself if the risk of disappointing them is worth the reward of satisfying your Soul.

Disappointing others is part of life, but disappointing yourself doesn’t have to be. The longer you spare someone else’s feelings, the longer you will not experience that which you desire. Life is too short to waste time on anything or anyone that does not feed your Soul.

A Release Ritual

Materials Needed:

• Bay Leaves
• A Red Marker or pen
• Paper

Step 1. Write down what you would like more of in your life.

Example: I would like to have more “X” in my life.

Step 2. What keeps me from experiencing “X” is time spent (Fill in the blank. It may be an activity – like drinking; it can be a person, your child’s pet that you are now responsible for, etc.). List as many things as you can identify.

Step 3. Cross of what you can’t do anything about. Let’s face it; sometimes, the problem is your own kids! What can you do to mitigate your frustration or provide more time for yourself if that is the case? Can you hire a babysitter? Lock the door and take a bath?

Step 4: Once you have identified what (or who) needs to go, imagine doing it and what you will feel like when it’s done. If you need to change a habit, what other better habit can you initially replace it with? This can help you create a diversion for yourself. Write what needs to go on your bay leaves and burn them.

Step 5: Have the talk/throw out what needs to go/or make whatever sacrifice needed to make space for your desire. Keep in mind that you will go through withdrawal if you relieve yourself of a person or thing. That part of the grieving process is your initiation and the birthplace for your desire – Congratulations!

Step 6: Celebrate by treating yourself to a taste of what you felt like you were lacking. For example – if it was time you were lacking, take some time for yourself – be it a bath or a day away. If more time with friends was what you were missing – invite friends out for fun.