On the lists, a new member asked a question about working with pets in ritual, and in how the members responded, I could see that my mindset was completely different, and potentially misunderstood. In fact, I considered some of the responses decidedly odd.
One person went on a rant about a pet bird that would never be included in ritual due to lack of safety for the bird; I tend to agree – after all, I certainly would not wish to harm any of my human or non-human family members. However, that’s what tailoring a ritual to accommodate the participants is all about. One of my human friends as a back injury and walks with two canes, and when he participates, I would tailor the ritual for his safety and ability. It’s no different. Another member seemed to see this only as ‘using’ an animal as some sort of stand-in for a nature spirit or something. Yikes! As if! Other animals are not animated material objects. And besides, All That Is, Is Alive.
My take on it is this: non-human animals are equal to the human ones in my family. My family also includes a being from the Otherworld, a Spirit-Mate, so my ‘family’ is very unconventional, indeed. I would no more bar them from attending ritual or not seek to include them as I would my sister, my niece, my other human friends or family. When they attend ritual, the humans and non-humans do so as equals. They are attendants. Some participate in ritual, others do not. But their energy and connection is still there. Humans are just another type of animal; we are also Divine beings that have access to the Otherworlds. Guess what – so do all other animals.
I was very unsettled by this thread, and I just wanted to record my reaction to it.
(((Nymph)))
I have to totally agree with you. Human and non-human alike, they are equal…as you say…All that is…is Alive! The main point is about tailoring a ritual and accomodation. Isn’t that what the Ancient Celts practiced? Accomodation and hospitality. My cats sometimes want to join me in ritual and I let them of course because they are my family. I have to make certain provisions for them, like ensuring that they don’t go near the candles but otherwise they are free to join or leave as they want. Mostly they stay and just watch but I feel strongly that they are their for a purpose, their intent and energy and to accompany me. I find it very strange when some people seem to think animals as some kind of ‘lesser’ entity compared with humans.
Love and blessings
Deep~Glade