Liturgy Practicum 1: Domestic Cult Practice in ADF, Question 1

What three factors ("subcategories") does Bonewits identify as determining the impact of "familiarity" on the success of a ritual? Briefly discuss the ways in which personal or family-only ritual is aided or hindered by these factors when compared to public group ritual. (Minimum 100 words)

Bonewits identifies three sources of "familiarity" in ritual: Knowledge, Affection, and Group Identity. (Bonewits, 104)

"Knowledge" involves knowing the liturgical and ritual strengths and weaknesses of those performing the ritual with you. (Bonewits, 104) It is helpful to know, for instance, who can chant well, who has particularly strong relationships with various Kindred and can invoke them well, and who can drum a steady rhythm.

"Affection" is the general love and trust that build deeper bonds and cause stronger holds between members. (Bonewits, 105) It reduces fear of screwups (because of the general closeness of the group, a missed cue is easier to forgive and doesn't hurt the flow of the ritual as much as it might if the Grove doesn't know and love it's members well).

"Group Identity" brings people a common paradigm of worship and ritual work, solidifying the basics so that the group can work in a common direction. (Bonewits, 105)

Solitaries, because these factors are about focus, will find that knowledge, affection, and group identity are easier to come by than groups of people. It's easier to know your own strengths and weaknesses (and not rely on others' strengths), having affection for the self is easier for many people (especially those who have been hurt by others), and group identity is simple when there is only one paradigm one needs to focus on.

Bibliography

Bonewits, Isaac. Rites of Worship: A Neopagan Approach. Dubsar House, 2003.

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