One of the most spiritual and intense rituals I ever participated in was a Samhain ritual that was performed in complete silence.  We performed it with our full coven and did everything we would normally do, but with out any words.  I am usually a pagan of many words and never thought such a simple ritual would be so powerful.  While this can be done solitary, the power of a large group of people in silence can be a very magical experience, and can transcend many pagan paths.

Preparation

I highly recommend doing this ritual sky clad or with everyone wearing similar color robes such as black, and minimal jewelry.  Having many different fancy colored robes can be a distraction in complete silence, and keep everyone from focusing on the common goals or energy direction.  If everyone is dressed plainly, there is less room to lose concentration on the ritual itself.  Also if a person is wearing many pieces of jewelry it can also catch peoples eyes and lead them off focus.

Have your group get ready for ritual with minimal chatter, which can rile people up and may lead to a case of the giggles when it is time to get started.  Letting the group know that it is a silent ritual before hand will help to keep people in track for the ritual ahead.  You will also want to have your altar ready to go so that minimal conversations are held before hand.

Ritual

Start your ritual off in complete darkness and give your guests time to center and focus.  Starting off the actual ritual with a ringing bell will also help to get everyone in the same place.  It will really help your guests to know the ritual format that you plan to use before you start so that they can focus their energy correctly for each step.  Once the bell has rung, light your candles and proceed with your ritual as normal.  Each step should be taken slowly and done with no words and a high focused energy.  As Samhain has roots in the concepts of death, focusing on the silence being a reminder of death itself can also the help ritual itself be more powerful.  Once you have gotten past the cakes and ale part of ritual, the group can write down names on pieces of paper of those that have passed on and then burn them in a cauldron and remember them in their own silence.  Closing the circle Widdershins can be a great way to keep everyone focused on the closing as well as ringing another bell, or having the group reach their hands to the sky and then slapping them down on the floor.

The After Party

Once the circle is closed, people should be allowed to chat and discuss.  A great way to do this is to plan a pot luck feast.  Energy will be very high and everyone will want to discuss their experience of the ritual.  Plan for a long evening.

~Jasmine~

2* Gardnerian HPS

Enchanted Fire Dance Grove