This is a post from a couple of years back, but I want to share it again because I received a similar one this week:
I got an email from a reader who says, "My wife recently passed away. She has been a solitary practitioner for many years and has acquired a fairly large amount of various ritual items. I am not a practitioner, although I respect everyone's right to their beliefs. The problem is, I have no idea what to do with this material. I do not want to disrespect or dishonor, much less accidentally desecrate any of these items."
First, I offer my condolences on your loss. It's a hard thing to lose the person you had planned on spending your life with, and it must be very difficult to go through her possessions and try to figure out what to do with them.
I'd recommend a couple of different options. First, you mention that she was a solitary practitioner. Many people who are solitaries do have other Pagan and Wiccan acquaintances. Is it possible that any of her friends might have use for these items? If not, you might contact a local Pagan group and ask if they'd be interested in using them. A further option would be to contact a group such as Operation Circle Care, which collects ritual items for military personnel stationed overseas, and see if they'd like to use them.
Natural items, such as feathers, rocks, wood, and so on, you could return to the outdoors if you think that's something your wife would have wanted you to do. You may want to read Disposal of Ritual Tools for some ideas on how to get rid of things in a respectful manner.
I think the fact that you want to do this in an honorable way speaks volumes about you, and I don't think you have to worry about desecrating or disrespecting any of your wife's belongings. Again, my condolences, and my her journey be a peaceful one.
Readers, this gentleman has told me I could share this story with you here, and if you have any other suggestions for him, feel free to post them in the Comments section.
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I got an email from a reader who says, "My wife recently passed away. She has been a solitary practitioner for many years and has acquired a fairly large amount of various ritual items. I am not a practitioner, although I respect everyone's right to their beliefs. The problem is, I have no idea what to do with this material. I do not want to disrespect or dishonor, much less accidentally desecrate any of these items."
First, I offer my condolences on your loss. It's a hard thing to lose the person you had planned on spending your life with, and it must be very difficult to go through her possessions and try to figure out what to do with them.
I'd recommend a couple of different options. First, you mention that she was a solitary practitioner. Many people who are solitaries do have other Pagan and Wiccan acquaintances. Is it possible that any of her friends might have use for these items? If not, you might contact a local Pagan group and ask if they'd be interested in using them. A further option would be to contact a group such as Operation Circle Care, which collects ritual items for military personnel stationed overseas, and see if they'd like to use them.
Natural items, such as feathers, rocks, wood, and so on, you could return to the outdoors if you think that's something your wife would have wanted you to do. You may want to read Disposal of Ritual Tools for some ideas on how to get rid of things in a respectful manner.
I think the fact that you want to do this in an honorable way speaks volumes about you, and I don't think you have to worry about desecrating or disrespecting any of your wife's belongings. Again, my condolences, and my her journey be a peaceful one.
Readers, this gentleman has told me I could share this story with you here, and if you have any other suggestions for him, feel free to post them in the Comments section.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
What a true gentleman you are to have such a deep amount of respect for yr late wife’s items. She was a lucky gal. I’m sure they will find their way to other loving hands. My deepest sympathies.
May your wife walk the pathway of the stars and find total peace.
I have always found that Ritual items come as we need them, so rest assured that no matter how you decide to give them away they will find good homes.
Be sure you keep one or two for yourself, you already know which ones. They will not suffer from not being used and will bring their own comfort over the rough times.