Some tips on opening and closing rituals. These are only guidelines; each person is free to choose their own variations. If you have a ritual you would like to share, you are welcome to do so in the comments.
Opening rituals can be something as simple as wafting smudge over yourself. An opening or closing ritual should be as simple or as complicated as you feel comfortable with. Making it more complicated makes it neither better nor worse. There are no rules saying that you must use the same opening and closing ritual at every ceremony. People often start a circle in the east to honour the sun, but you can start in whatever direction you like. It depends on what you feel is right for you and what you wish to focus on. Make sure that when you do a ceremony you know what you are doing it for. Be careful what you ask for and hold firmly to your intentions.
An example of an opening Before you begin the ceremony, everyone present must be smudged. The person smudging first wafts the smoke toward the heart and then up and over the head. This will help the energy flow in the right direction and will remove negative energies or thoughts. Then waft smoke in the four directions, then to father sun and mother earth. Those taking part in the circle should sit in a circle and be smudged in the sun's direction, beginning in the north
Another example of an opening Stand in the centre where you want the circle to be. Start in the east and draw a circle clockwise using the drum or the rattle. Then return to the centre and turn toward the east. Call in the spirits of the east. Drum or rattle above your head, at chest height and at hip height to call in the upper, middle and lower worlds. You can choose to say something to call in the spirits. Repeat for south, west and north, and then for sky and earth. You can also say a few words for each direction if you wish. You should then invite your guides and ask them to take their place in the circle. Then tell the powers present what this ritual is for and ask for their help.
Closing ritual (Closing) In essence, a closing is the same as an opening. Instead of inviting and greeting the spirits, you thank them and say farewell. Always remember to give thanks for the help they have given. If you forget this, the spirits may choose not to help you until you learn courtesy. One does not give the spirits orders; one cooperates with them.
