Crossing the Bridge

Crossing the Bridge

The Wiccan Rite of Passage ritual performed at death. In a sense, Witches see the spirit of the deceased crossing a bridge from the physical plane to the spiritual. The ritual is performed to help the departed make that transition.

With the Wiccan belief in reincarnation, this is a celebration of the completion of another lifetime, with its attendant lessons and experiences.

The format of the ritual varies from one tradition to another. Some include a spiral dance connected to the palingenesis, or rebirth, theme. Others perform a ritual play, re-enacting (for example) the descent of the Goddess into the Underworld and her safe return.

The deceased is honored and survivors comforted, and as a celebration, there is feasting, singing and dancing.