In many cultures and religions, rituals are used to symbolize life transitions, commitment and to honor and remember the dead. For instance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are similar to the Jewish Bar or Bat Mitzvah in symbolizing religious transition from childhood to adulthood. Weddings are a ritual that symbolize commitment to another and a new chapter in life. Funerals are a form of ritual used to provide closure and healing for the living. Performing a ritual such as planting a tree or visiting a special place on the anniversary or birthday of a departed loved one can aid in the healing process. In Wiccan and Pagan religions, Samhain is observed annually to honor the dead and as a Pagan New Year. Almost all cultures acknowledge the anniversary of a person's birth, although celebration rituals vary. a href=https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art20627.asp>Memorial Day is celebrated annually in our country for similar reasons and particularly honors our military. Unfortunately, the long weekend has become a commercialized reason for vacations and barbecues and has lost its true significance.

The type of ritual will provide clues to its meaning in your dream. Was it a common ritual such as a wedding or an uninhibited tribal dance? Carl Jung believed that fertility rituals in dreams symbolized an unconscious attempt to merge the unconscious and conscious minds. Individuals practicing shamanism might see this type of dream as containing spiritual guidance or prophecy. What personal significance does the ritual have for you? Don't forget that attending Mass or a church service, lighting a candle or dressing up to go out are also rituals. Be sure to document this dream in your journal to refer to in the future. Compare what happens in the next few weeks to the events taking place in your dream.

Additional articles:

Dream Symbols - Death and Dying
Dream Symbols - Wedding
Dream Symbols - Tomb

This article is dedicated to all those who have touched our lives before passing on and to all those who so willingly and courageously sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom: past, present and future.

May all your dreams come true!

Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com