One-Year Healing Timeline (Scroll down for Self-Marriage Ceremony)
Materials:
Some black, green, and any other colored yarn
Markers
Glue
Pen and Pencil
Large poster board
Writing pad
Creating the Atmosphere:
As with any ritual, you should set the atmosphere for its sacredness. Light some candles, perhaps burn some sage to cleanse the area where you will work, play some soft music, and prepare a work table where you will not be disturbed. Start by centering yourself with a healing prayer or meditation something like this:
"Dear God( All That Is, Universe, etc.) use this ritual of healing to release my grief,open my heart,and breathe new life into my soul. Bless my work. Bless my memories And bless my growth. Thank you for your Presence."
Beginning the Ritual:
Then take your writing pen and beginning with a year ago from today, list the month and write whatever memories, thoughts, and insights that come to mind about that month. Write as long as you need to. Then go on to the next month and do the same until you have traveled back through the year up until this very day. When you get to the last month. Re-read all the months one by one and one by one condense them into one defining sentence that captures the essence of that month’s learning. When you finish all the months, begin to write about today and this present moment. Then write a summary of all you have learned throughout this year.
Cut out the condensed sentences of each month. Cut a piece of black yarn as long as the poster board. You will be dividing it into the twelve-month section, so spread it out as long as you can. Glue this down on the cardboard. Use a pencil to mark spots along the yarn that would divide it into the twelve segments. Then cut up the other colored yarn and make diagonal strips to mark the twelve month like this:
_____/_______/______/______/______/
Make sure you leave enough space between the diagonal yarn pieces to paste in your month’s condensed sentence. When you have finished creating your time line, paste the sentences in the appropriate space so you can view the entire year. At the top of the time line create the title: January 1, 2005 – January 1, 2006. At the bottom of the time line, paste in your summary paragraph.
Now, make the same time line again using the green yarn. Entitle this from today’s date to one year hence.
Finishing the Ritual:
When you are done, thank God for seeing you through this year and teaching you so much and ask that your next year be blessed with greater abundance, love, healing or whatever it is you want to manifest. Save this time line in a safe place for one year and then do the same next year to see how much more you have grown.
A varied version of this can be done for a 6-month period as well.
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Self-Marriage Ceremony
Materials:
A new, special ring that you have bought for yourself
A white candle
A bouquet of your favorite flowers
Some tasty savories and a drink you like.
A copy of your Self-Marriage Vows
A special outfit
Creating the Atmosphere:
Dress yourself in something symbolic of joy. It can just be a special hat, jacket, or dress. Just something that makes you feel special. Find your special place to perform this ritual and set up an altar. You can use a table, rock, whatever feels right to you. Place the candle, bouquet and your Self-Marriage Vows on it. Now take a moment to center yourself in prayer or meditation with a healing prayer like this or make up your own:
"God (Source, Universe, All-That-There-Is) It is a sacred day when one realizes one’s true value This is such a day. Today I accept my self exactly as I am. Today I rejoice in all the gifts you have given me both inward and outward. Today I take the time to accept the responsibility of honoring and cherishing myself…always."
Light the candle.
Beginning the Ceremony:
Take your vows and begin to read them out loud. Here is a sample:
"I’ve brought myself to this place today to unify and make myself whole and healed. I enter into a new relationship with myself during which I will continually learn to cherish, love and honor myself in all ways. I will bear with my strengths and weaknesses; I will be there to comfort myself in sickness, trouble, and sorrow. I will live remembering that I am heir to all the Graces of life that God continues to bestow upon me. (Take a breath.) I ponder carefully and ask myself fully, will I, _____(your name)_________________, take myself to love and honor with faith and tenderness, to live with myself, and cherish myself, in this new commitment to myself?
(Let these words sink in then answer.)
I do! Yes, I take myself to be my own special person and I promise to be loving, faithful and self-forgiving in good times and bad, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and health until I lovingly enter the eternal Arms of God.
(Now, take the ring.) This ring I place upon my own finger in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love. (Put the ring on your finger.) It will remind me to love myself so much that I seek my highest good and happiness from moment to moment. May the love, peace, and joy that I feel today continue forever and may I forever remember my own specialness and right to be loved fully.
I now proclaim this ceremony to be completed and I go forward into my new life with joy, love, peace, gratitude and great expectations!"
Finishing the Ceremony:
Now relax and have your savories and drink! When you are done, close with a prayer of gratitude something like this:
"Thank you God That you have made me blessed indeed. Today, I have realized this truth! Today, I have celebrated this truth! And today I am grateful for this truth! I am wondrously made. I appreciate myself. I open now to receive all your blessings, all your love and all your wonderful surprises!"
