Ritual: Reshaping the Heart

I have recently found myself thinking and talking a lot about the idea of removing obstacles. Kali-Ma and Persephone have been making themselves well known to me and I guess I don’t consider this a coincidence. Someone is telling me that change needs to happen. Since I figure the only real change I am in control of is the changing of me, I have designed a little ritual and exercise to help me do this.

From my perspective change begins from within. Everything I am is a complicated mash up of memories, feelings, and instincts that subsequently determine how I react to my life and the people within it. With this little ritual it is my hope that I will be able to edit these feelings. Well, except the instincts. I don’t think there’s much we can do about those besides control the ones we don’t want to be dominant.

I call this ritual, as you can see above, Reshaping the Heart. Obviously the heart is a metaphor for the soul; for who we are and why. For ages it has been seen as the place where we keep our goodness and our not-so-goodness. In Jungian terms this will be an exercise that fits in the category of shadow work. As with many good spiritual exercises this ritual begins with some meditation.

Spend some time reflecting on the traits that make up your personality. Really think about it and be honest with yourself. Make two separate lists; one for your “good” traits and one for your “not-so-good” traits. Which traits fit into which category is all up to you. This is a mindful meditation that may take some time to complete. It isn’t necessary to sit at your altar this whole time. Carry a notebook with you throughout your day if need be.

Once you feel you have two complete lists cut your traits up into individual slips of paper so that each slip only has one trait on it. Place the slips into a vessel of your choosing. You could use a plain box, a jar, etc. You might even want to get very symbolic and use a vessel that is heart-shaped. You can paint your name on it and decorate it any way you wish. Get as creative as you like or keep it simple. It’s your symbolic heart.

Once your “heart” is full of traits, set aside some time to consecrate the vessel at your altar. I find the dark moon is good for this sort of ritual, but you might find another phase to be more appropriate. Light candles, incense, or whatever you normally do in ritual. Call upon the Goddess in your own words and ask her to bless the vessel, you, and your workings. Ask for guidance, strength, or anything else you feel you may need during this process. Once you’re ready choose a trait that you want to remove from yourself and set it aside in another container or somewhere else that will keep it from getting lost.

Now it’s time to spread some intent. For the sake of example let’s say you chose to remove anger from your heart. Fully visualize yourself being a less angry person. Imagine you are extremely patient and more likely to react with compassion then anger. See a situation in your mind where you were in a rage and change it. Imagine how the situation would’ve played out if you had chosen not to become so angry.

Close your ritual and give your thanks to the Goddess. Over the course of the next moon cycle be mindful of your choice to remove anger (or the trait you chose) from your life. Be conscious of your reactions and choices and allow yourself the room to grow and change. Be patient with yourself and remember that this is not about judging yourself or not accepting yourself for who you are. It’s about loving yourself enough to the best person you can be; for yourself and for everyone you care about.

If you feel you have conquered the trait you chose to remove then burn it at the next turning of the moon. If you don’t feel you have beaten the undesirable trait then begin the process again for another cycle.

This ritual can also be performed in the opposite direction by adding traits to your symbolic heart. Some people may find this a more positive approach. Make lists of your current traits and traits you wish to possess. Instead of burning the new trait at the end of the moon cycle you can finally add it into your “heart”.

Again, this is not about judging yourself. You are already good enough, but everyone could use a tune up every now and then. Life can sometimes take a toll on our spirits and it never hurts to take some mental inventory to reassess who we have become and what sort of baggage our experiences have left us with.

I will personally be using this ritual and will hopefully have some really great success stories to share with all of you. If you give it or shot or have some insights into this process I would love to hear from you.