Liturgical atmosphere

Liturgical atmosphere is a subject of concern relating to the perception of a place and time as being set aside for something sacred, a moment and location of absolute reality wherein we can have direct contact with the Devine. We will, in this essay, be exploring the basic concepts and techniques for establishing and maintaining appropriate liturgical atmosphere. The student will examine how to better assist people in reaching a spiritually focused state of mind and perception in which the people can more easily experience the act of worship as a dynamic spiritual event.
Perception of time and space as sacred or set aside is the primary principle on which liturgical atmosphere management rests. Though our theology teaches us that the Devine is constantly present and pervades all that exists we still recognize that a specific time and space may be set aside and made different for the purpose of direct communication with the Devine through worship. It is true that an act of worship or contacting the sacred can take place at any moment and anywhere, that moment of direct contact can be an intentional act of the person involved or it can be a spontaneous spiritual experience. Though we recognize the truth in the preceding statement, we also recognize the truth that the perception of the designated time and place as special or set aside is important as are techniques for assisting  people in reaching that state of perception, especially where scheduled group spiritual activities are concerned. As spiritual leaders the Druidh assist people in moving to a state of mind where the moment and location are perceived as being especially sacred or dedicated to a sacred function.
Awareness of any particular place or time as having been designated for spiritual as opposed to secular purposes is important to establishing a frame of mind oriented toward the sacred. When the participant shows up at a designated place for a scheduled rite of worship, he or she has already begun to take the first mental steps toward the desired state of awareness. By simply being aware that any given point-event is intended as a sacred or spiritual exercise, state of mind is altered. This means that at anytime and anywhere a rite of worship or spiritual activity can take place with the mental changes being facilitated simply by the participants deciding to engage in the act of worship. No other detail or accoutrement is required for a rite of worship though many things may be employed to assist in creating an atmosphere conducive to any rite.   
Introduction of otherness to the ritual surroundings helps to change the way in which that place is perceived by altering the environment so that it is not seen or felt to be usual or normal. An environment may be altered through sights, sounds, smells, symbols, accoutrements and actions in order to enhance the atmosphere of otherness. A living room can become a temple simply by moving the furniture, lowering the light level, lighting a candle and incense placing sacred items and an altar in the room, hanging a tapestry and putting on some background music. A permanent ritual site may be established and maintained by adding statues, standing stones or poles, a hearth, a permanent altar and dedicating it only for sacred uses. Music, chanting and incense are all easy and effective methods that can be employed to bring in perceptions of otherness.
Designated sacred furniture or equipment can serve as a catalyst to push participants into the proper state of mind. A particular set of items dedicated to sacred uses and restricted from secular uses can become a constant presence in ritual after ritual and so become closely associated with spiritual activities in the minds of the participants. Special items only seen, touched or used during rites or in the context of worship take on a special exclusivity which can aid in the entering of the desired mental state by the participants.
Ceremonial clothing is another area where we can influence the perception of a point-event as sacred. Participants may be asked to wear special clothing or the officiating Clergy may wear special clothing. By assuming ritual attire the person assumes a ritual state of mind and signals to others that this special state of mind has been assumed.
Liturgical atmosphere may be carefully planned according to the needs of the group and the rite. Some rites call for a somber, quiet or contemplative atmosphere while other rites are happy energetic celebrations. Some groups wish to have minimal extras at rites while other groups revel in props and items. Some rites are designed to change in atmosphere at a particular point and so music and lighting may be changed to suit the new direction. It is important for the officiant of a rite to know what atmosphere is called for during a rite or during the various sections of a rite.
There will always be some who decry anything other than plain speech, plain surroundings and simple acts of worship that involve only the person or group worshiping and that being worshipped. People who feel that ritual things, smells and sounds actually detract from the focus of worship. Certainly there is a beauty to be found in an intense but focused simplicity. But, just as assuredly there will always be those who feel that ritual sights, sounds and smells enhance the spiritual experience. People who feel the more the better when it comes to enhancing the experience through the use of props and environmental manipulation. Beauty is also to be found in the depths of a rite that immerses the participant in a multilayered ritual environment.
The host, celebrant or officiant of a rite should strive to be aware of the needs of the participants and decide based on that awareness exactly what kinds of effort should go into creating a liturgical atmosphere. What do the participants want and how are they spiritually fed and supported? The five gates of knowledge are the five senses and each sense should be considered when designing a rite of worship. How may the five senses be engaged to contribute to a ceremony? How may we assist participants in feeling the otherness or sacredness of this particular time and space?
We have seen that the desires and needs of people concerning liturgical atmosphere can vary from the simple to the complex and that a skilled Drui or Bandrui meets these needs and desires when designing a rite of worship. The goal of liturgical atmosphere is to enhance the experience of a rite of worship by helping the participants to become more aware of the time and space as being other or set aside for sacred purposes. Many things may contribute to the creation of an effective liturgical atmosphere by communicating on multiple levels and through multiple senses. With conscious practice, skill grows and the liturgist becomes better at his or here art. Liturgical atmosphere is an important area in the art of the liturgist.