Book of the Month May 2021 - Crafting Secular Ritual

Crafting Secular Ritual: A Practical Guide by Jeltje Gordon-Lennox. Foreword by Isabel Russo.

This book is an incredibly helpful resource for practising celebrants.  Although the author suggests readers leading ceremonies and rituals could easily skip Part 1, which provides a holistic appreciation of the history and meaning behind human rituals, I thoroughly recommend reading the book in its entirety before utilising the practical aspects as Part 1 really helps to understand how religion is not necessary as the framework for rituals and symbolic acts.  Whilst mysticism and "spiritual" elements have always been important aspects of human ritual, it is very helpful to be able to strip rituals and ceremonies to mark life events of their religious overtones, and explain to potential clients the ancient use of such and the benefit to our psyche of undertaking such rituals and how a secular ritual can be just as meaningful, impactful and creative as a religious ceremony.

The practical sections of the book are written in the same interesting and accessible way and really tie together the abstract and practical aspects of crafting rituals and ceremonies.  The inclusion of logical planning steps, safekeeping considerations, physical space logistics, checklists and practical examples relating to all the major life events is incredibly valuable for a practising celebrant and help break down the crafting of a ceremony into the various elements involved which makes the process less overwhelming for celebrant and client alike.  Similarly, if a client is put off by the idea of a complex ceremony, the book has helped me to introduce small and simple ritualistic elements and how to incorporate them into a more "traditional" event.  

Now I've read the whole book, I dip into the practical sections as I carry out my role - as well as the ideas for symbolism and ritual suggested by the author I've found my own creativity is stimulated, helping me to come up with fitting and personalised rituals for my clients, depending on the circumstances.  Crafting Secular Ritual has become a vital part of the toolbox I use as a practising funeral celebrant to help people move through the pain of losing a loved one in a way which is helpful for their long-term emotional and mental wellbeing.             
Jodie McCombie
Civil Funeral Celebrant

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