Category Archives: Cultural Traditions
CHUPPAHS, ARCHANGELS, ASTROLOGY, AND THE FOUR ROYAL STARS OF PERSIA
I’m often asked to create a ceremony for a couple who come from two different spiritual paths or follow no particular path but want spiritual elements to make the ceremony comfortable for their parents. Such was the case in a … Continue reading
Handfasting: Tie the Knot
You don’t have to be Celtic to include a handfasting ritual in your wedding ceremony. Tying the knot is something any couple can do. For the guests, my adaptation adds surprise and a little humor. For the couple, a handfasting … Continue reading
Game of Thrones and the Wedding Ritual of Circling
He calls her his “Moon.” She calls him her “Sun and Stars.” He is Khal Drogo, the testosterone heavy, alpha male leader of the Dothraki warrior tribe – proud, fearless, and ruthless, at least in the beginning. Very Mars. She … Continue reading
Ritual: GARDEN GIFTS by Zita Christian
Many believe that eating basil will protect you and give you courage. And eating orange peel will make you fertile. True. My daughter Laurie Neronha and I love to cook. Despite the aggression implied in the language of the kitchen … Continue reading
Ritual: DESTINY AND THE RED CORD by Zita Christian
Ei-ling was delighted that so many members of her family were coming from Taiwan to attend her wedding to Jason. She wanted her mother to have a role in the ceremony but was sensitive to her mother’s concern about speaking … Continue reading
Ritual: GIFTS FROM THE DRAGONS by Zita Christian
To create meaningful rituals for Couples who don’t want a religious ceremony, I often incorporate their cultural heritage. For Jason and Ei-ling, I explored Polish wedding customs and Chinese mythology. I created several rituals for them. You’ll find one of … Continue reading
Ritual: WIND HORSE by Zita Christian
Chris and Jennifer had come to Buddhism as adults. They wanted their wedding to give their guests a glimpse into the beauty and serenity they’d found on the spiritual path they’d chosen. With that in mind, I created the ritual … Continue reading
Maiden, Mother & Crone: Celebrating 3 Generations
Every Maiden isn’t young. Every Mother doesn’t have a child. Every Crone isn’t old. What’s important is the energy each embodies and how it makes itself known. Which Goddess are you? The Maiden embodies the creative force. Like one of … Continue reading
My First Public Ritual: The Making of a Medicine Woman
To Little Elk, schooled in the healing ways of the Pueblo, she was his destiny. He knew from a childhood vision that before he died he was to anoint a Medicine Woman, but not Pueblo. Cherokee. To Lothar, she … Continue reading