General information about rituals
Ritual behavior is characteristic of humans and rituals have a profound and important meaning for human well-being. Throughout history, rituals have been both communal and private, serving different needs. Semiphoras products can be used for both personal and group rituals.
The purpose of rituals is to achieve a focused state of consciousness. To have significant effects, the ritual and its participation must be sincere and arise from within the person. Personal connection to the ritual is created through the giving of meaning. Therefore, it is necessary to give personal emotional meaning to the ritual, its ceremonies, and the objects and elements used in the ritual (salt, smoke, oil, etc.).
The success of giving emotional meaning is indicated by the fact that the object or element becomes important or meaningful to the individual and is seen with new eyes. When the mind associates meaning and emotion with an object or element, it becomes a living symbol. Symbols, in turn, operate subconsciously and thus, from the perspective of the conscious mind, in a mystical way.
The symbolic meanings described in Semiphoras' product texts are inherited from different cultures and traditions. However, they are only indicative and it is essential that everyone also attaches their own personal meaning to them.
The use of objects and different elements in rituals is based on symbolism, sensory stimulation, experiential experience and personal meaning. When objects are carefully chosen, they increase the depth and effectiveness of the ritual. Objects and elements can be used in rituals, for example:
- to calm down
- to let go
- for focusing thoughts and being present
- to establish a personal connection
- for creating and demarcating a sacred space or altar
- for directing emotional energy and aspiration
- to feel and show gratitude