In uncertain times, many of us are looking for ways to stay grounded, calm, and connected—especially those of us who are queer, neurodivergent, pagan, or otherwise marginalized. The Iron Stillness Ritual was born from a deep need within our community for a spiritual practice that can help us stay centered and safe during moments of fear or high stress.
It is simple. It is sacred. And it works.
🛑 What is it?
The Iron Stillness Ritual is a short, repeatable grounding exercise designed to be used in crisis situations—especially those where remaining calm, visible, and non-threatening may be crucial.
It’s based on box breathing, a technique used by therapists, military personnel, and athletes to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” side of the nervous system), slowing the heart rate and reducing panic.
Combined with a gentle hand posture and a sacred chant, this ritual allows us to hold space—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—even in the most difficult moments.
✋ How to Practice
Posture:
- Sit or stand with your feet or seat firmly planted on the ground.
- Hold your hands at waist or chest height, palms open and facing up, as if cupping the light of the Goddess. Let your hands float gently with the rhythm of your breath.
Breathing:
- Use a 4-4-4-4 box breathing rhythm (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4).
Guiding Lines (spoken internally or aloud):
- Inhale: “Breathe in calm and steady strength.”
- Hold: “Lengthen your spine deep in the earth.”
- Exhale: “Release your cares down into the ground.”
- Hold: “Rest in the knowledge of your right to exist.”
Repeat for at least 3 cycles. Continue as long as needed.
This ritual can be done alone or as a group, in a ritual circle or in a crowded hallway. It is quiet, non-disruptive, and safe to use in any setting.
🎓 Leading the Ritual for a Group
If you are leading others, speak slowly and rhythmically—around 84 beats per minute, the pace of a resting heartbeat while sitting.
You might begin with:
“It’s time for stillness.
Hold the light of the Goddess before you, to receive and protect within your hands.
Breathe in with me now—2, 3, 4…
Hold, 2, 3, 4.
Release, 2, 3, 4.
Rest, 2, 3, 4.”
Then shift into the chant lines, repeating as needed. The ritual can last for a few minutes or continue as long as the group needs to center.
📺 Watch the Ritual in Action
Want to see what this looks like?
We’ve recorded a demonstration video you can use to learn and share the Iron Stillness Ritual:
👉 Watch now on YouTube
🔁 Practice It. Share It. Teach It.
We encourage you to practice this regularly so that it becomes second nature.
Teach it to your friends, your students, your covenmates.
Repeat it until it lives in your bones.
We are stronger when we stand together … even when we must stand with Iron Stillness.
💜 Support Our Work
This ritual is offered freely as part of our mission to build a safe and inclusive spiritual community. If you find it meaningful, consider supporting us.
We are Weavers of the Web, a queer-led, pagan church in Lansing, Michigan. Your support helps us keep doing this work—for you, for our community, and for the generations to come.
👉 Join our community or make a donation today.