Liturgy

Within the past couple of weeks, I've begun writing a personal liturgy book.  I need it in two senses, one in that it's on my 3rd Degree (which, if I didn't say it, I'll say it now!  I finished my 2nd Degree, haha!) which I didn't know until after I started it, but mainly I wanted to make one because of my Clergy position within the community.

If someone comes to me and says "I NEED this ritual done in 3 days, can you do it?" I can have something ready to go.  I'm trying to cover all my bases, so to speak - and in the process of it, have been having some interesting thoughts.

For one, I've discovered I think differently than a lot of people do on Coming of Age rituals.  I think that there are two parts to them - one with family and friends present, which is what I personally call a Coming of Age - an acknowledgement and recognition of the new adult presence in the family, and the young adult's acceptance of greater responsibility within the family.  The second part would be initiation into the mysteries of their specific sex.  So much of what I've seen is specifically about the initiation into the mysteries, but I think that really misses a large part of the equation.  Not only for the new young adult, but for their family - being able to acknowledge that the child is no longer simply a child, but a complex human with his/her own experiences that will help direct them on their path.

I've also been asking around a little bit, getting opinions on what the most important ritual is and why.  I've gotten a lot of different answers, but now I want yours!  So here is the question of the day:  What, to you, is the most important ritual, and why?  Handfasting?  Initiation?  Coming of Age?  Eldering?  Something else entirely?  

I'm looking forward to the answers!

Goddess Bless,

Stacy