In ancient times, pagan funeral rituals were deeply rooted in religious beliefs and practices. These ceremonies celebrated the life and mourned the passing of individuals within the pagan community. One significant aspect of pagan funerals was the use of poetry to honor and remember the deceased. These pagan funeral poems served as a way to pay tribute to the person's life and to help guide their journey into the afterlife. Pagan funeral poems often depicted themes related to nature, cycles of life and death, and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. These poems acknowledged the transient nature of life and the belief that death was not an end but a transition into a different realm.

A Pagan Requiem

I have been thinking for a while that we need more liturgical poetry in Pagan traditions. I have been thinking for a while about the beautiful pieces of music composed for the Requiem Mass, and thinking how great it would be to have a Pagan Requiem – something life-affirming, but acknowledging grief and death. So I wrote one. Feel free to use it – please credit me if you do. If anyone feels like composing some music for it, that would be awesome.

These poems acknowledged the transient nature of life and the belief that death was not an end but a transition into a different realm. They emphasized the importance of honoring and respecting the person's spirit and ensuring a peaceful passage into the next life. The language and imagery used in pagan funeral poems were often metaphorical and symbolic, reflecting the mystical and spiritual beliefs of the pagan community.

A Pagan Requiem

Elemental

The earth that moved
The air that filled
The fire that flashed
The water that flowed
The body that loved
Are gone, all gone.
We consign
Flesh to Earth,
Breath to the winds,
The fire to ashes,
The water to the deep places.
But the spirit remains,
Enfolded in the embrace
Of the gods.

Mysterium

Benediction

A life well lived
Is a fit offering to the gods.
Living with honour,
Loving well,
Treading gently,
Weeping with those who mourn,
Lifting up the oppressed.
And creating laughter, joy, and meaning,
This is the blessing of virtue,
The garden of the well-kept spirit,
The strength of the oak,
And the grace of the willow.
Blessed are the mourners,
And a blessing on the one who goes forth
Into the unknown.

Lamentation

The heavens and the Earth weep for them,
And humanity is diminished at their loss.
We who are left behind weep for them,
And they sail across the ocean of our tears.
The season of grief is needful
For the soul’s healing.
And so we weep, and so we weep,
For all that is lost,
For all that we left unsaid,
For the beloved dead.

Sequence

See the soul-boat’s guiding light
On the oceans of the night
Let the pilgrim soul take flight
Across the river of forgetting
To the place where souls are waiting
For their moment of rebirth.

Requiem

May they rest in the arms of the Star Goddess,
In the eternal twilight of the summerlands,
The valley of yews, the hall of heroes,
The islands of the blest,
The unknown regions.

Return

Mysterium

Love is the mystery,
The ecstasy,
The mystic marriage
Of matter and spirit,
The hidden fire
That moves the world. Yvonne Aburrow
23 November 2016

Rite of Passing

The following rite was written by Emma Restall Orr, much of it taken from the rite written with Philip Shallcrass (published as a short leaflet) for The British Druid Order.

These poems invoked the beauty and power of nature, using elements such as trees, rivers, and clouds to represent the journey of the deceased's soul. The poems sought to provide comfort and solace to the grieving loved ones, reminding them of the eternal connection between the physical and spiritual world. Pagan funeral poems were not only recited during the funeral itself but were also often included in memorial ceremonies and rituals that took place in the days and weeks following the funeral. These poems served as a way to keep the memory of the deceased alive, to honor their legacy, and to continue the bond between the living and the dead. Today, pagan funeral poems continue to be used in modern pagan funerals and memorial services. They provide a unique and spiritual perspective on death and the afterlife, inviting individuals to reflect on the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. These poems offer a way for pagans to express their grief and pay homage to their loved ones in a manner that reflects their spiritual beliefs and traditions..

Reviews for "Writing Your Own Pagan Funeral Poem: A Step-by-Step Guide"

1. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Pagan funeral poem" to be quite confusing and disjointed. The imagery was scattered and difficult to connect with, making it hard to follow the overall message of the poem. Additionally, the rhyme scheme felt forced and unnatural, further detracting from my enjoyment of the piece. Overall, I was disappointed with this poem and did not find it to be a fitting tribute for a funeral.

2. Michael - 1 star - I could not connect with "Pagan funeral poem" at all. The language used was too abstract and esoteric for my taste, making it difficult to grasp the underlying meaning. The flow of the poem was also disrupted by awkward line breaks and inconsistent meter. It felt like the poet was trying too hard to be profound without actually conveying any clear emotions or thoughts. I would not recommend this poem to anyone looking for a meaningful funeral tribute.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Pagan funeral poem" left me feeling unsatisfied and disconnected. The language was full of obscure references and symbolism that didn't seem to serve a purpose. The overall tone was far too somber and morose for my liking, and I didn't find any comfort or solace in the words. The lack of clarity and structure made it difficult to find a deeper meaning within the poem, and I was left feeling confused and unfulfilled. I would not choose this poem for a funeral reading.

4. John - 1 star - I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in "Pagan funeral poem". The language was convoluted and pretentious, making it hard to understand the poet's intentions. The overall tone was gloomy and depressing, which is not what I would want for a funeral tribute. The disjointed nature of the lines and lack of a clear structure further detracted from my enjoyment of the poem. I would not recommend this poem to others, especially for a funeral setting where comfort and solace are sought after.

Finding Peace through Pagan Funeral Poems