Just like other forms of worship, there is usually an order in which everything is done. Because Paganism is a broad term encompassing many different religions, this is just a broad, generalization and may not be true for every tradition. In my experience, the sections with the asterisks next to them are included in just about every ritual. This can be done alone or in a group. Advanced practioners can simply sit there and accomplish this all energetically without moving or speaking, but that’s pretty rare. Most people tend to use movements or words aloud to symbolize what they mean to do. While there are formal ways to be trained in some traditions of Paganism, some people will also just call themselves a Priest or Priestess without any training, so you have to be wary. Some traditions have a specific High Priest and High Priestess to lead all rituals, some traditions take turns leading, and yet others have different people do different parts of the ritual. I know this is very vague, but it’s difficult to make broad generalizations on such a vast array of practices!
Smudging
The participants wave a cleansing incense at each other in turn, often white sage. If this is done by a solitary practioner, the person smudges themselves.
Grounding
This is a whole other topic unto itself, but it’s the act of taking unnecessary energy and putting it into the ground. Advanced practioners can do this on their own, but less experienced people may need guided visualization, actually touching the earth, or a grounding tool such as hematite to help them.
Casting the Circle*
This can be done in many ways, but it’s usually done by walking in a circle counter clockwise, either by one person around all of the participants or the whole group (if there is a group). Sometimes an athame or wand is used (see ritual tools).
Calling the Elements*
All of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are called to join the circle. They can be called by different people or just one. The wording varies.
Calling the Deities*
Whatever deities are appropriate can be called now. The wording varies.
The Purpose of the Ritual*
Whatever the purpose of this ritual is completed now. It could be to celebrate the full moon or a sabbat (holiday). It could be to get wisdom and guidance for a purpose. It could be to do energy work or a spell (focused prayer). There are many many reasons to have a ritual.
Cakes and Ale
Food and drink are consumed for a sacred purpose, which varies depending on the purpose of the ritual.
Releasing of the Deities*
Whatever deities that were called are thanked for attending the ritual (often called Circle) and for helping with the purpose of the ritual. A common phrase at this point is, “Go if you must, stay if you will. Hail and farewell.”
Releasing the Elements*
The elements are thanked for attending the ritual and for helping with the purpose of this ritual.
Taking Down the Circle*
Whatever was done to cast the Circle is undone, usually in reverse.