In the delicate moments following a death, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of allowing the departed soul to move on, free from guilt or any lingering attachments that may tether it to this world. Our love for those who have passed is deep and true, but it is equally important to understand that our grief should not become a chain that keeps the soul bound here. The soul must be allowed to journey onward in peace, and part of our healing as the living is releasing them with love, not with sorrow that holds them in place.
Here is a rite that beautifully honours both the departed and the living, offering a space for grief, comfort, and a loving farewell.
The Rite of Peaceful Passage and Loving Release
Preparation:
Begin by creating a quiet, sacred space where both the living and the departed can be honoured. You may choose to gather in a space that holds personal significance—whether it’s in nature, within your home, or near the departed’s resting place. Gather a few sacred tools: a candle (white, blue, or purple), incense (such as Lavender or Sandalwood), a bowl of water, and a cloth or small blanket. If you wish, you may also include any items that the deceased loved—photos, mementos, or meaningful symbols.
Step 1: Opening the Space
Light the candle, allowing its flame to symbolize the light of the soul—ever-present, even as the body fades. Light the incense and allow its scent to fill the air, purifying the space and setting the tone for the sacredness of the ritual. Take a moment of stillness to centre yourself and call upon the Divine, ancestors, and guides to be present with you in this rite.
Step 2: Honouring the Deceased with Words of Love
Place your hands over your heart and speak aloud words of love and respect to the departed. Acknowledge their life, their uniqueness, and the gifts they brought to this world. Here is an example of what you might say:
"We honour your life, the beauty you brought to this world, and the love that you shared. You will forever be remembered in our hearts. As you step into the next journey, know that you are loved and that you will always be a part of us, though our bodies may be separated. We release you with grace, and we trust that your soul will find peace and healing as you move onward. You are free."
Speak from your heart, knowing that this moment is sacred. Allow your words to flow naturally, offering comfort and peace to the soul of the departed.
Step 3: Releasing the Soul with Compassion
Gently take the bowl of water and place it before you, symbolizing the fluidity of life and the transition between worlds. This water represents the journey the soul is about to take—a journey into peace, rest, and healing. You may choose to gently sprinkle a few drops of water upon the earth, or, if you are indoors, place a few drops upon the cloth or blanket to symbolize the soul’s peaceful release.
With empathy and love, say these words:
"Beloved soul, we honour your path. We release you from the burdens of this world, from any feelings of guilt or unfinished business. We offer you our forgiveness, our love, and our understanding. Know that you are free, and you do not need to remain bound to us through grief or sorrow. You have done your part in this life, and now you are called to move into the light of peace. May your journey be gentle and filled with love. Go in peace, knowing you are forever in our hearts, but now, you are free to be with the Divine."
As you speak, let go of any lingering attachments to the departed. Trust that they are at peace and that your love for them does not need to keep them bound to this world. Your grief can be a beautiful act of compassion, but it must not become a chain that tethers their spirit here. Allow the soul to pass in peace.
Step 4: Comforting the Bereaved and Offering Healing
Now, turn to those present, especially those who are grieving the loss. Offer them the opportunity to speak their love aloud, to share memories, or to simply sit in silence. If the ritual is taking place alone, you may choose to light a second candle for the living, symbolizing the light of their heart and the healing that will come in time.
Say:
"To those of us still in this world, may we find peace in knowing that our loved one is free. Let us honour our grief, for it is the expression of our love, but let us not cling to sorrow. We trust that, in time, our hearts will heal, and we will find peace in our memories and in our love. May the soul of our beloved journey to where there is no pain, only rest, and may we find strength in our love and connection to them."
As you speak, offer comfort to those around you—hold their hands, place a hand upon their hearts, or simply offer your presence. Let the grief flow, but remind them that it is not about holding on to the departed but about allowing them to rest and move forward.
Step 5: Closing the Rite
To close the rite, extinguish the candle and incense, symbolizing the completion of the journey. Take a moment to reflect upon the beautiful soul that has passed and offer one final prayer or blessing. Here is an example:
"May you find peace, beloved, in the arms of the Divine. May your journey be filled with light, and may you rest in the eternal love of the universe. Though we miss you, we send you forward with love, knowing you are free. Until we meet again, you will live in our hearts forever."
End with a moment of silence or song, allowing the energy of the rite to settle and the space to be filled with love, peace, and healing.
The Gift of Peaceful Release
As you perform this rite, remember that grief is natural, but it should not become a barrier that prevents the soul from moving onward. Allow the soul to pass in peace, without the burden of guilt or sorrow that may be imposed by those left behind. In releasing the departed with love, we also release ourselves from the chains of grief that can weigh heavily on our hearts.
Grief, though painful, is a part of the human experience, and it’s important to honour it fully. But the ultimate gift we can give to those we love is the freedom to journey on without being held back. This beautiful death rite honours the deceased with love and empathy, while also providing comfort to the bereaved, reminding them that the soul's journey is not over but continues in peace.
In time, the living will find healing, and the departed will rest in the peace they deserve.
