What's the chicken for?

Our ancestors and people today have been conducting sacrifice since time immemorial. The English translation of sacrifice comes down to give something up for the greater good. Though, the origin of the word is derived from Latin, meaning, to make sacred. The literary and historical evidence of animal sacrifice are extensive except where the actual ritual is concerned. The ritual aspect is mentioned in several Norse sagas, the Heimskringla, and portions of the Poetic Edda. Many observers mention sacrifice in their manuscripts as well. 

The word and idea if sacrifice has gained a negative connotation in today's world. This is because of modern media, Hollywood, the Christian ideas of good and evil, ignorance, and an extreme disconnection with our food. Even though farmers and people in rural communities do this everyday without spiritual significance.

The truth is, the art of sacrifice is a very solemn, intimate, and respectful affair. The animal in question before the ritual is pampered and made comfortable as possible. This includes being calm around the animal as not to stress it out. During the ritual, the animal is thanked for its sacrifice and it can be asked to deliver messages to the Gods during this time. Then the animal is offered water and sometimes baptized by the water before its life is ended. The ending of the animals life is done is the most humane and respectful way possible. Then, the animal is prepared and cooked for the feast, and thus consumed by all. 

It is truly amazing to me that even when presented with the truth about sacrifice people still repel against it and harsh judgements are made. It is sad that some of these judgements come from people that run in similar spiritual circles that have never experienced sacrifice themselves. 

This situation has caused people who honor this practice to come up with a different term other then sacrifice. The most common alternate term is "Sacred Slaughter", which has led to a schism between it and the definition of sacrifice. Both words still mean to make sacred, but sacrifice is now considered the act when you do not feast on the animal after the ritual.

"Why did the chicken cross the road?" Is the wrong question that we have been asking for to long. What we should be asking instead is, "What's the chicken for?". 

The chicken is for reconnecting with nature.

The chicken is for connecting with your kin.

The chicken is for connecting with your Gods.

The chicken is for connecting with the universe. 

The chicken is for becoming part of the cycle of life.

The chicken is to truly understand sacred. 

The chicken is to connect with your inner self.

The chicken is for becoming the focal point for vibrations and energy and feeling it channeled through you.

That is what the chicken is for.