A couple months ago I lost one of my guinea pigs, Niemae. They don’t live to be very old and I knew that both my pigs were reaching the end of their life. Her death still hit very hard, and I knew I needed to write and perform a ritual for her so that she could pass on with ease and I could begin to heal.

I decided to post this because losing a pet is difficult and this ritual really helped me. Feel free to use for your own lost loved ones. Certain things in this ritual are guinea pig specific so if you’re using this for one of your pets that’s not a pig feel free to alter whatever that doesn’t fit.

Niemae Death Ritual

Intent: To allow Niemae’s consciousness to rejoin the universal energy while being protected and reminded of our love for her.

Needs:

Salt

Herbs: rosemary, rose petals, cinnamon

Cut veggies

Incense and holder

One black candle, one white candle, and holders

Death tarot card

Altar decorations

Lighter

Wand

Altar decorations: photos, crystals, etc.

Steps:

Meditate Arrange the altar together Cast circle Read the poem:

The Rainbow Bridge inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.