Capitalist Culture is Nearly Devoid of Soulfully Nourishing Ceremonies

A culture is only as well as its ceremonies are plentiful. 

It is a striking truth that Capitalist Culture is nearly devoid of soulfully nourishing, culturally recognized ceremonies. Ceremonies that are meaningful and relevant mark the essential transitions from one stage of our lives to another, and they remind us of our immutable relationship between, and reliance upon, the rest of the natural world. They provide both an opportunity to celebrate a transition and a necessary ‘calling in’. 

In healthy human cultures, ones that are rich in ceremonial activity, we are reminded over and over, of the particular and unique place we alone occupy in the larger Web of Life. 

In the absence of these critical, culturally supported, ceremonial opportunities, and without the guidance of mentors and elders, we will resort to creating our own. Fraternity hazing nights designed to select those most powerful individuals from the herd, by creating deathly drinking opportunities – that frequently devolve into secondary tragedies including assault and other violations – are one example of the attempts to fill an essential void created by the absence of ceremony in our lives. The ever-increasing high-dollar wedding culture is yet another. A ceremony culture in which the accoutrements are the memorable take-aways – from the fancy food chosen and the price of the bride’s gown (worn once then discarded) to the elaborate destinations selected for their impressive, elite price tag. 


These culturally sanctioned ceremonies are not only insufficient, they are measurably harmful. They occupy the place where soulfully meaningful, community-based ceremony once was, commemorating a rite of passage with superficial practices that undermine our sense of belonging. They are painful reminders that our hard-won space within the dominant culture is based on the money we spend and the amount we can consume.

In response to this great lack, many of us have learned how to create self-designed ceremonies that nourish and embolden. Often, to the overt eye-rolling (and secret relief and excitement) of our school age children, we have introduced ceremonies into our family and community life. And yet, we might still feel alone in the daunting task of holding on to the importance of a ceremonial life to the wellness of humanity. 

It is a daunting task! And it can feel lonely. Ceremony is not meant to be a solitary task. In fact, the power of it is that it creates bridges between the human and other-than human worlds, between our ancestors and the other beings of the natural world. Ceremony nourishes the entire community within the Web of Life. And even more nourishing if we are well-held within our human community, where our longings and laments might be witnessed and reflected back to us.

On January 22, 23 and 24 we are offering a weekend online immersion, Eros, Ceremony & Belonging – an experience specifically designed to support each of us through a ceremonial experience, within our own homes, surrounded by the details of our daily contexts. If you are new to ceremony, this is a powerful opportunity to learn by immersion, as you will hear how each of us uniquely relates to this thing that was, at one time, a ubiquitous practice for all our ancestral people. 

If you are a veteran ceremonialist, this is an opportunity to feel the nourishment of community as we weave ourselves in and out of circle throughout our weekend dance. No previous experience necessary. No vision too advanced. If what you are reading here is stirring something within you, you are likely meant to join us. And we’d love to have you!