I am new to the craft, I have studied for two years so I have lots of questions. I will start with this one.
I have never been to a Wiccan/Pagan funeral and I was wondering if anyone could share their experience. I respect your privacy and the sacredness of all such events regaurdless of religion and I am now asking that courious others who view this question do the same.
Simply put
"If you can't say something nice, please don't say anything at all."
Thank you and Blessed Be.
2007-10-31 06:21:27 · 12 answers · asked by Sasi 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That would depend on a lot of things. I don't recall ever having seen an actual funeral ritual, although there might be one in a Raymond Buckland book (The Complete Book of Witchcraft maybe?). I would write my own, personally, or do some research. My friend is going to make sure that the song "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" gets played at her funeral (LOL). Another friend of mine wanted to have a Native American funeral, but the laws prohibit some of the things they would have done...so they had a regular burial, and then had the funeral without the body on their own out in the desert (I think they just wanted to bury the body out in nature instead of in a graveyard, and the law wouldn't allow it). That's all I've got for ya! Sorry I wasn't more helpful!
Endora - Thank you for that info! I'm going to look into it, too!
2007-10-31 06:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the Pagan path.I am a Celtic Pagan so my ancestors tended to cremate the dead.I would prefer that.I would like my ashes scattered in the sea or a river but that bit is just my own choice.
If for some reason it's impossible I want to be buried in a cardboard coffin,unembalmed,so that my body will decompose and go back to the earth as soon as possible.
2007-10-31 22:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Different Pagan religions and traditions have different funerals, the Vikings for instance would cremate their dead while the dead lay in a boat. I'm not really sure about modern Pagan and Neo-Pagan funeral practices, though.
Oh, and "4HIM" and "matz129"... That's all good and great, but you didn't even make an actual attempt to answer the question, all you did was preach where your preaching wasn't needed or asked for... so bugger off.
2007-10-31 13:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
You may want to read The Pagan Book of Living & Dying by Starhawk. I haven't been to any yet because all of my witchy friends are still alive. However, several years ago I had written my own memorial/funeral service as an assignment. It was quite an interesting thing to do even though it may sound morbid.
2007-10-31 13:26:35 · answer #4 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
If you want to go really all out. You can have an open cremation on a pyre. I want that for my funeral to honor my Scandanvian roots.
But this will require special persmission from the state, fire marshall etc.
I imagine if you want a military style funeral, you can have some of your ashes interred in the traditional way afterwards.
2007-10-31 13:28:29 · answer #5 · answered by pixie_pagan 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I really hope Hilduf answers this. He did a beautiful Asatru one for his brother that he posted on his 360.
It depends on the path really. Some have no funeral "rights" some are solely dependant on the persons wishes. Personally I will be creamated, but I wanted to be before being called to Asatru. Just happens to jive with my beliefs. It will be Heathen though. :) I've given it thought but not put much to paper. Much of it will depend on which god or goddess I become the closest to over my life. If I died today, it would be geared more toward Freyja. Who knows in 50 years.
2007-10-31 13:28:53 · answer #6 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The Passing Over ceremonies I have been to have all been different. Much depends on the tradition of the Witch or Pagan whose passing it is and who ever is doing the Rite.
Personally I plan on both Reverence AND Mirth at my Passing Over, I'm still working out the details.
2007-10-31 13:40:47 · answer #7 · answered by Black Dragon 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I saw the most wonderful programme on PBS about "Home burial"--it's legal in 48 states and very wiccan/pagan--I'm currently working on setting it up for myself
2007-10-31 13:26:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I'm interested myself. You could contact Ray Buckland through his website.
2007-10-31 13:30:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would be interested to know also. i wonder how they do military funerals for wiccans and pagans
2007-10-31 13:25:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋