Ritual for the Loss of An Animal Companion

It’s inevitable that, for those of us who chose to share our lives with animal companions, we will have to face losing them far before we’re ready. I wrote this ritual on request, but my own beloved familiar, Thorin, is aging, and so I also wrote this ritual in mind for my future self to use when it is time for me to say goodbye to Thorin.

The goal for this ritual is to help you memorialize your friend, accept and acknowledge your loss and sadness, and to make sure that your companion has traveled on to the next world. When the time is right you can reach out to them and see if they will actively work with you on the astral plane. If you had a strong spiritual connection to your companion, they may likely continue to work with you energetically. This work is best done during the waning moon.

Feel free to modify this ritual as appropriate for your own use.

For the altar:
The altar should be in the West, if possible – west was the direction of the Lands of the Dead in ancient Egypt.  
Pictures of Anubis and Sekhmet (can be printed from online sources; I use little photo stands/holders to hold my various printed deity images) 
Pictures of and objects belonging to your animal companion (collar, fur, etc.), 
A small white candle (tealight or small ritual candle – something that can burn in a relatively short period of time)
Incense; frankincense is used for rites of passage and is a good choice if you have it available
A printed or drawn picture of the rune Dagaz (see below)
Any of the following, if you have them at hand: Death tarot card; clear quartz crystal; moonstone, pomegranate.

Cast a circle in your usual manner, substituting the invocations to Anubis and Sekhmet for the Lord and Lady.

Call to Anubis
Oh you who are Guardian of the Secrets,
hear my voice.
Oh you whose ears pierce the Wall of Noise,
hear my voice.
Oh you who walk unheeding through the Doors of Death,
hear my voice.
Anubis, you are the Opener of the Ways.
Join me in this rite to honor my [canine/feline/other] companion, [name] as they travel from this world to the next.

Invocation to Sekhmet
Hear me Sekhmet, O Powerful One.
Mother in the Horizon of Heaven,
In the boat of a Million Years,
Thou art the Great Defender!
Join me in this rite to honor my [canine/feline/other] companion, [name] as they travel from this world to the next.

Take time now to deeply recall your companion – touching the object(s) that came from them will help. Allow any emotions that come up to flow through you; welcome them, knowing that they will flow back out and you will not be overwhelmed; they bring you closer to your companion.

When you are ready, read this poem out loud to your friend:

Run the fields of Summerland,
And frolic in the sun.
You’re free from physical boundaries,
Your work on Earth is done. 
Though tears for you may fall like rain,
They are tears of joy mixed with pain.
My love for you will never end,
And someday we’ll be together again.
Apart but never separate, 
My beautiful, faithful and loving friend.

Candle & Rune Work
The rune Dagaz is the last letter in the Futhark (Viking rune alphabet), and represents both endings and beginnings. Its shape is reminiscent of the infinity symbol, and is a good focus point for dealing with death. It reminds us that all endings bring new beginnings – life comes from life. Separation from loved ones on the physical plane is only a temporary parting. You will find each other again when the time is right.

Carve the rune Dagaz into the small white candle. Contemplate its shape and meaning as your carve, taking your time. When you are ready, light the candle, and let it burn out completely as you finish your ritual (only do this if you can be present while the candle is lit – it is never safe to leave a candle burning unattended!). Spend a few minutes meditating on your companion as you gaze at the flame. 

When ready, face altar and say:

Anubis, you are the Dark Pupil of the Sun,
You are the Seeing Darkness. 
Guide [companion’s name] safely through the gates of becoming and into the next life.

O Thou who art Sekhmet, Life Giver of the Gods,
Sekhmet, Lady of Flame,
Sekhmet, Great One of Magic,
See that [companion’s name] is transformed by the fire of your being, so that they may go on to a fruitful life in the Summerland.

Cakes and Wine
Bless and serve cakes and wine in your usual manner (there’s a cakes and wine blessing in my Esbat script if you need one), including a portion for your companion.

Circle Closing
Close your Circle in your usual manner, adding thanks to your companion if you’d like.  

Ritual Notes:
Poem for an Animal Companion’s Crossing Over is a modified version of a poem by Monika Wsise; original can be found at: https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/pet-life-celebration-ritual