In certain pagan traditions, funeral prayers play a significant role in honoring and bidding farewell to the departed soul. These prayers are often deeply rooted in nature, reflecting the pagan belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the cycles of life and death. Pagan funeral prayers can vary greatly depending on the specific pagan tradition and the individual beliefs of those conducting the ceremony. However, there are some common themes and elements that are often present. Many pagan funeral prayers acknowledge the deceased's connection to the natural world and express gratitude for their life. They may emphasize the belief that the soul of the departed is returning to the earth, joining with the elements and becoming part of the eternal cycle of life.
Organizing a Memorial Service for a Pagan Family Member
The loss of a loved one can be exceptionally challenging to bear. But one way to honour their memory is to organize a funeral memorial service that is aligned with their spiritual beliefs.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can host a beautiful memorial service that celebrates nature and the wonders of the Earth.
At Perth Cremations , we can help you organize a memorial service according to your bespoke needs and requirements. Feel free to speak to us today to discuss your options.
What is paganism?
Paganism is a branch of spirituality that does not pertain to any specific religion. Instead, practitioners of paganism consider Mother Nature and the elements to be a form of divinity and focus on nature worship.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can give them a loving Pagan funeral memorial service that is aligned with pagan natural practices.
Tips to organize a pagan memorial service for your loved one
Different branches of paganism – such as Shamanism, Druidry, Wicca etc. – have different ceremonies prescribed for funerals. But one commonality between them all is the celebration of nature. When you’re planning a memorial service for a Pagan family member, consider doing the following:
1. Have wreaths made of local indigenous flowers and plants
Pagan practitioners celebrate the bounty of the land they live on. Having funeral wreaths made of local, indigenous flora is a great way to celebrate the beliefs of your loved one. You can check the symbolism of different local flowers online to infuse specific significance into the memorial service. For example, Irises for honour and respect.
2. Bring small statues of their matron/patron deities to the memorial service
Some pagans do worship deities – either Christian deities or gods & goddesses from another culture. If your loved one had a matron or patron deity, you can honour their beliefs by bringing the statues of the deity to the service and placing them next to the burial site. You can even keep these statutes on the burial site for a few more months.
3. Read poems on nature instead of religious verses
Poems on nature are one of the best offerings you can give to a Pagan loved one during their memorial service. Poems such as “ Rain Light ” by W.S. Merwin, “ Nothing Gold Can Stay ” by Robert Frost, “ I Thank You God for Most This Amazing ” by E.E. Cummings and “ The Grasses ” by Rumi are a few choices you can consider.
4. Encircle the burial site with candles
Many spiritual practitioners use candles in their practice. Candles represent the steadiness and brightness of the soul, and they represent divine light. A beautiful way to showcase your love for your family member is to light white candles around the burial site. White represents the purity of intention and renewal.
5. Light incense, sage and myrrh
Incense, sage and myrrh are herbs that are believed to have the power to remove negative energies. They infuse the air with positivity and power. Additionally, many Pagan rituals use incense as an offering to the divine. Lighting incense, sage and myrrh during the memorial service can be a wonderful way to help your loved one’s spirit connect with their matron/patron deity.
6. Place your local, seasonal fruits and vegetables as offerings on their gravesite
Just as with local flowers, indigenous and seasonal vegetables and fruits can make wonderful burial site offerings. This is a way to celebrate your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and also give back to the local community.
7. Consider burying them with their sacred altar tools or books
If your loved one had any sacred spiritual tools and/or books, you can consider burying them with them. While not all pagans use altar tools, some may use crystals, deity statutes, divination decks, chalice, spiritual books, etc.
At Perth Cremations , we understand the importance of honouring your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and wishes. We will help you organize a funeral memorial service that helps you celebrate their memory in the most beautiful, loving and authentic way possible. Contact us to speak to one of our memorial service directors today.
15 Short Pagan Funeral or Memorial Service Poems
Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. Poetry has the power to explore our most complex feelings and memories. Yet, it can be challenging to find the right match to suit your needs.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Pagan Funeral Poems for a Friend
- Pagan Funeral Poems for a Family Member
- Pagan Funeral Poems for a Partner or Spouse
Poems not only remind us of the ones we love and help us say goodbye, but they bring peace in a time of suffering. With so many funeral poems to choose from, which is right for you? If you’re planning a pagan funeral , pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love.
We put in the work to identify the best short pagan funeral or memorial service poems. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. Whether you’re planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or you’re simply looking for inspiration for the spiritual person in your life, this list is for you.
They may emphasize the belief that the soul of the departed is returning to the earth, joining with the elements and becoming part of the eternal cycle of life. These prayers often invoke the spirits of nature, such as the sun, moon, stars, and the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. They seek guidance and protection for the departed soul as it continues its journey in the afterlife.
Pagan Funeral Poems for a Friend
In pagan funerals, there’s a reminder that we all return to nature. Though losing a friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is at rest. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend.
1. “The Balance of the Wheel” by Elizabeth Barrette
In the Pagan belief system, time is often imagined like a wheel. It’s something that’s always turning, and it never reaches its end. Though “nothing lasts forever,” we can look forward to finding a brighter tomorrow. Regardless if times are “bright or bleak,” we must savor the time we have.
2. “Prayer to Hel”
In Pagan mythology, Hel is the goddess of death. Though this might sound intimidating, she is kind to those under her care. This prayer is to ask for your friend’s protection as they arrive before the goddess.
On Earth, the deceased lives on “forever in our hearts and memories.” Knowing that your friend is under Hel’s care can be a source of comfort.
3. “The Witch’s Ballad” by Doreen Valiente
Doreen Valiente is a talented Wiccan poet, giving words to many of the most well-loved Pagan rituals. “The Witch’s Ballad” is an ode to the beauty of life and togetherness. For those who love the beauty of nature, there’s no such thing as finite death. “The Witch’s Ballad” celebrates life after death.
4. “Scottish Blessing”
Traditional Scottish blessings are Pagan in origin. They evoke positivity and compassion, even in the most difficult of times. As long as there are those who are “righteous at heart” and “beautiful” in character, there will always be peace and kindness. This is a beautiful blessing for a final sendoff to a precious friend who exuded kindness.
5. “The Wiccan Rede”
Also known as the WItches’ Rede, this is a powerful tribute to any Wiccan or Pagan. Within this simple poem lay the essential laws of the Wiccan belief. The message is simple enough: “Live and let live. Fairly take and fairly give.”
In this simple rede, listeners are encouraged to live their lives to the fullest. Though we don’t live forever, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing. Reciting these words of wisdom is a special way to say goodbye to a lost friend.
Some pagan funeral prayers also focus on the grieving process and offer comfort and solace to those left behind. They may ask for healing and strength for the family and friends as they navigate their grief and come to terms with their loss. Pagan funeral prayers might be spoken directly to the deceased loved one, expressing love, gratitude, and farewell. They may also be spoken as a collective prayer, with everyone present joining their intentions and energy to honor the departed. In addition to spoken prayers, pagan funeral ceremonies may involve other ritualistic elements, such as the lighting of candles, the scattering of ashes, or the offering of symbolic items to the deceased. These actions can serve as physical representations of the prayers and intentions being offered. Overall, pagan funeral prayers serve as a way to honor and remember the departed, to seek comfort and healing in the face of grief, and to reaffirm the pagan belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the cyclical nature of life and death. They provide a sacred space for both individual and communal reflection, offering solace and support to those who mourn..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Mysteries of Pagan Funeral Prayers"
1. John - 1/5 stars
I found the "Pagan funeral prayer" to be extremely disrespectful and offensive. As someone who follows a different religious belief, I felt that this poem trivialized and mocked my faith. The use of pagan imagery in a funeral context felt inappropriate and insensitive. Overall, I was deeply disappointed and could not connect with the poem in any meaningful way.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars
While I understand that poetry can be subjective, I personally did not resonate with the "Pagan funeral prayer." The language and symbolism used seemed convoluted and confusing, making it difficult for me to grasp the intended meaning. Additionally, I felt that the poem lacked cohesiveness, jumping between different themes and ideas without a clear structure. Overall, I found it hard to appreciate or find any deep emotional impact from this particular piece.
3. Michael - 1/5 stars
I found the "Pagan funeral prayer" to be overly pretentious and indulgent. The poet seemed more focused on showcasing their knowledge of pagan mythology and religious symbolism rather than creating a meaningful, relatable piece of art. The language used was unnecessarily complex, making it difficult to understand and connect with the emotions or ideas being conveyed. Overall, I found this poem to be self-indulgent and inaccessible to a general audience.
4. Linda - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for the "Pagan funeral prayer" as I am always open to exploring different spiritual beliefs and practices. However, I found this poem to be too abstract and obscure for my taste. The metaphors used were unclear and the overall tone felt distant and disconnected. While I appreciate the unique perspective that the poet was attempting to bring, I personally did not find it engaging or relatable. Overall, I was left feeling confused and disengaged from this particular piece.