By Z. Sharon Glantz aka HOST WRTR Play aka Playleft
(she hosts Writing on the Edge
Friday nights, 10-11 pm ET in The Den)
There are no holidays in site, yet the soul and spirit crave a sacred moment. Other tools, such as the Tarot, the I Ching or even running until the body reaches that endorphin high aren't particularly appealing. And then there's the computer. Forget the games - they invoke a spark that is too fleeting. Some days the Internet unfolds many a mystery, but traipsing through the morass of directors of directories, contentless content, banner ads and pop-up screens is simply unsatisfying.
Cyberites can help turn web surfing into a series of sacred moments that feed the spirit. The web surfer can apply the elements of ritual. This requires more than clicking the mouse, but can result in more meaningful surfing. This article outlines one of many techniques designed to enhance the online experience.
A cyberite requires a clarity of intention and commitment to the process of making the separation between daily life and sacred time. Determining a purpose for the cyberite is the first step. The purpose can be concrete or abstract or a combination. It can be about solving a problem, overcoming an obstacle or making a decision. For example: "I want to perform a cyberite to help me decide if I really want to study massage therapy and potentially turn it into a business."
PREPARATION
The Script
Every ritual needs a script. The script can be general, inviting improvisation and a unique interaction among participants, or it can be very specific - perhaps requiring rehearsal(s). A cyberite is no exception, although given its solitary nature, invites structure that fits the performer.
The necessary tools and environmental conditions can be better determined after the content of the script is designed. Therefore, at least two drafts of the script will be written before the actual performance of the cyberite. For the example, consider the following first draft of a script:
1. Choose three keywords relating massage.
2. Use a search engine and click onto a listing.
3. Search five pages into the website and print that page. If there are not five pages, backup to search and try another listing.
4. Perform the same search with three other search engines.
5. Highlight the content halfway from the top of the printed page.
6. Send an email to someone on the website, thanking them for participating in this cyberite.
Any number of activities can be used in designing the cyberite script, depending on the performer's comfort zone with the Net. In the example, quantities related to actions have been chosen - number that are significant and meaningful to the performer of the cyberite. These choices reinforce the power of the actions to be taken.
Tools
Cidgels, swords, goblets, candelabras, incense holders, wants - these are some of the many personal ritual items used in traditional ceremonial magick. Cyberites encourage their inclusion, along with any other items of traditional or personal meaning that lend themselves to the chosen cyberite. The act of choosing and gathering these tools adds potency to the cyberite. For the example, the following tools were selected:
* Two brass candle holders with white candles
* Spiced massage oil
* Sandalwood incense
* Handmade wine glass with white wine
* Hunting knife from Dad
* Ornate metal wand made by a friend
* Large cloisonnΘ ashtray from Mom
Environment
Some prefer performing rituals in silence, others use musical instruments, still others play recordings of music or sound effects. In a ritual, sound or the lack thereof raises the energy of a ritual and generates a sense of connection among participants. The same can be said about a cyberite, although the connection is more to something that is less tangible. For this example, a CD of sounds of water were selected.
Invocation
Rituals require a spoken invocation. This can come in the form of opening and closing the circle by calling upon the four directions, blessing the candles, reading a poem, singing a song, or any number of possibilities. For the example, a poem written while reflecting on whether or not to seriously study massage was selected.
Script Rewrite
When this step is overlooked, the cohesiveness of a ritual becomes precarious. The purpose of a specific set of tasks to perform during a ritual as outlined by a script allows the performer to think less about what they will do next, and more about what they are actually doing. The more one can avoid thinking, the greater the surrender to the power of the ritual. Elements of ritual to consider include:
Orientation The lighting of incense and candles, setting up other items for use, playing music/sound effects and other similar activities contribute to creating a sense of sacred space.
Invocation Spoken or sung, this declaration of purpose separates ordinary time from sacred time.
Exploration This series of activities sets the foundation of possibility from which answers or meaning can be derived.
Inspiration Allowing for something resembling an oracle can deepen the meaning of a ritual.
Contribution Devise a way to give something to someone else.
Reorientation An act of closure encourages completion and satisfaction. Allowing for an end to a ritual better opens the door for integrating its meaning and value into daily life.
With these elements in mine, along with the purpose of a particular cyberite, and the tools chosen for use, the script is rewritten. The example resulted in this script::
Orientation 1. Light incense.
2. Rub my arms with massage oil.
3. Choose three keywords relating to how I feel when giving a massage and write them on a piece of paper.
4. Log on and put on CD of water sounds.
5. Light candles.
6. Sip wine.
Invocation 7. Read poem out loud.
Exploration 8. Use a search engine to find listings for first word.
9. Click onto the 12th listing. Make a note of an email address for website.
10. Go five pages into the website and print the page.
11. Repeat 8-11 using two different search engines.
12. Sip wine.
13. Measure 5 1/2" from the top of the page and 5 1/2" from the bottom.
14. Use the knife to cut away and set aside the 1/2" remaining.
15. Sip wine.
16. Repeat 8-15 for the two other words.
17. In no particular order, tape the 9 pieces of 1/2" paper together to form one piece of paper.
Inspiration 18. Read the result out loud, describing graphics when they are shown.
Contribution 19. Write and send an email thanking them for participating in the cyberite - as much or as little as feels right.
Reorientation 20. With the help of the wand, burn the paper with the three words written on it.
21. Read the poem again.
This will complete your cyberite. Feel free to change the cyberite as it goes, but consider how this may or may not diminish accomplishing the purpose.
