Lesson 3: Personal & Legal Aspects to Consider
Personal & Family
Something
very important to consider is whether or not your family, or the person
who will be handling your final arrangements, is Pagan or willing to
give you a Pagan Passing Over ceremony.
If
they are, then no problem. However, if they are not, then you have a
big problem. For this reason, specifically, is why you must have all
your wishes written out, documented, and placed where others will find
them and know what it is you want.
Another
scenario is when a Pagan friend has passed. You are not legally able to
make any decisions. Hopefully, that person’s family will know, and
respect, their beliefs. Especially regarding the funerary ceremony. But
let’s be honest here. If they’re not Pagan, and most likely Christian,
then it is highly unlikely that any sort of Pagan ceremony will be
permitted.
Your
only option is to conduct one of your own. If your friend belonged to a
coven or other Pagan group, then perhaps they could put together and
conduct a Passing Over Ritual at a later time or even a little earlier,
if at all possible.
There are ways around it, you just have to be creative and think outside the box!
Location
Will
the ceremony be held inside a building, if so who will acquire it? Or
will it be outside in someone’s backyard? Or maybe a park?
If its held in a public place consider the “looky-loo’s” who will be curious and may stop to take a peak and a listen.
Who’s Coming?
Will
you have a large, “anybody & everybody you ever knew” kind of
blow-out farewell? Or a private family affair? Granted this may end up
being something that those who are doing the actual planning of the
event decide upon, but if your wish is one and they want the other, then
have it stated some place (in writing) that you would prefer that your
wishes be upheld first, and what ever they choose to do afterward, is up
to them.
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Legal
As
with anything major in life, there are legal aspects to consider for
those who have passed. Newspaper notifications in the Obituaries. Burial
or cremation requirements. Who’s responsible, or chooses to be
responsible, for the costs. And of course who needs the Death
Certificate copies, such as banks, credit card companies, mortgage/lease
companies, etc..
Pagan Officiate’s Pledge
The
following pledge should be kept by both the person for whom it is
intended and the officiate who has agreed to oversee the ceremony and
other necessary needs. A copy of this pledge and other information,
should also be given to family members so they know what your final
wishes include.
If
you think there will be conflict, then place the pledge and other
pertinent information in a sealed envelope that is not to be opened
until the time of your passing. By notarizing the pledge (and any other
papers) this becomes a legal document and cannot be disputed. The family
will have to abide by your requests, provided they are viable and legal
requests.
Modify the pledge for your own use as appropriate.
********************
Pagan Officiate’s Pledge
I _______ (name) pledge to assist you, _________ (name) in the final rite of passage, by:
being with you in your final days, to ease your journey into the beyond
ensuring you get a Pagan funeral
ensuring you get a woodland burial/cremation/other funeral of choice
preparing your body for burial
(delete/add as appropriate)
Date:___________________ Signature:_________________________
Date:___________________ Notary:___________________________
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