Wiccan Funeral Customs

While common stereotypes link Wiccan beliefs to magic potions and fairy dust, there are some surprising elements to be found in Wiccan culture – if you do a little research. One of those elements is the Wiccan funeral, which emphasizes respect for the earth and for the natural life and death cycle. According to traditional Wiccan beliefs, those who pass on move to the Summerlands, a resting place for spirits transitioning from one vessel to the next. Based on a belief in reincarnation, the Summerlands is described as a beautiful, abundantly green place where loved ones who’ve passed can reconnect before moving on. In this natural setting, their souls have a chance to rest.

“Oftentimes, a Wiccan funeral will be held in a forest, garden, or seaside location in order to ensure a peaceful transition.”

Wiccans form a circle during a funeral ceremony.

Likewise, Wiccan funerals are typically held in an open, natural setting so that the departed loved one can feel at peace. Only family, Wiccan friends, and fellow coven members are invited to attend the funeral ceremony. Oftentimes, a Wiccan funeral will be held in a forest, garden or seaside location in order to ensure a peaceful transition. Attendees form a circle around the loved one, sometimes using white candles and flowers since the color white symbolizes both death and rebirth. If modern circumstances don’t allow for the actual body to be present, Wiccans might use the loved one’s ashes, a picture, or a personal item to place in the center of the circle. Once the circle has been cast, mourners step inside and call upon the god and goddess. With a High Priest or Priestess leading the ceremony, each mourner will speak about or speak directly to the loved one who’s passed away. Finally, the leading Priest or Priestess gives a concluding speech that usually includes a few lines about the Wheel of Life and good wishes for the loved one going into their next life.

At the core of Wiccan beliefs is a deep respect for the earth and all of its elements–and consequentially, the funerals are environmentally conscious. The body of a loved one is wrapped in a biodegradable cloth and left to decompose as quickly as possible with the primary goal of returning the soul’s vessel directly to the earth. And in this way, the body can nourish other natural elements the Wiccans value so much. While going green has been gaining popularity among funeral ceremonies, the Wiccan culture has always regarded this method as an innate part of living in unison with the earth.

You may also be interested in:

A previous SevenPonds post on having a Green Burial

Finding out more about having a Wiccan Funeral