Ritual Classification

For Children of the Moon, the noitacude ritual for education is a very therapeutic ritual. The new members are cleansed in a nearby river, which helps to cleanse their bodies from any outside emotions. This cleansing helps the initiates to recover from any imbalances their bodies may have encountered from a prejudiced society. Also, they are taught that the moon is here to guide them for whatever journey they choose to endure, as if the moon is their mother, which is a very calming, therapeutic image. Mothers are always there for their children when they need them and in this sense, the moon will always be a light in their darkness. When anyone in the society feels their bodies need to be rejuvenated, they can wash themselves in the moonlit water.

Noigiler, the ritual for religious ideals in the community, can be classified as an ideological ritual, more importantly rites of intensification. The idea of seeing the lunar eclipse (moon, sun, and earth forming one being) conveys who we are as a society. We recognize the continuation of the past as lunar eclipses have always happened and that our society is based upon ideals that are ancestors embraced. This ritual emulates the values that every belief is equal and the mind, body, and spirit must come together to achieve social cohesion in the community. Even though everyone has different ideas, we all are swept away in the social current of acceptance and tolerance (progressively acculturating ideas into our vast society).

Our societal ritual of the family, ailimaf, is a major protective ritual. As everyone gathers around a newborn, we are blessing the child protection from any dangers or obstacles they may encounter in their life. When we pass the newborn around, we are actively showing the child that we are all in this together and will always be here for any guidance they may need in the future. When they have no where else to turn, we will protect their ideas and beliefs and accept them fully. Once the baby is taken home, sachets full of lavender and thyme are set around the house in belief that these herbs will protect the baby until it can recognize the community as a safeguard.

Noomredael, the ritual for government initiation, can be seen as a rite of exchange and communion. Once a leader is chosen, the banquet is set. At this banquet, members of the community bring food and drinks from their crops and vineyards and offer them to the new leader. In return for this offering, the community expects the new leader to emulate rightful actions and make decisions that will benefit the society and help it grow even further. Society members take time out of their day and beneficial crops from their homes in hopes that the new leader can benefit them on a larger scale by allowing for the society to advance in a safe environment.