Epic of Evolution rituals take modern science as their basis, unlike many pagan and other nature-centered rituals that promote ecological consciousness. And because they aren't tied to a particular heritage or landscape, Epic of Evolution-based rituals can have global relevance, blending into a wide range of cultures and secular or religious worldviews. An Epic ritual may embody just a portion of the story of the cosmos or the story of life or culture, chronicling, for example, just the creation of the elements, the growth of living diversity on earth, or the gift of human creativity. The most potent forms of Epic ritual boldly enter the mythic realm, where poetic language, music, visual arts, drama, and movement are as crucial as the foundational science.
Some Epic rituals introduce heroic features, even personifications.
The new field of evolutionary psychology teaches that mythic thinking is probably deeply ingrained in the evolved predispositions of the human mind. Those of us who follow the way of science can therefore wholeheartedly participate in mythic re-creation of our story, permitting the flame of a candle or the beauty of metaphor to move us deeply, as a dry recitation of facts could not. The following Epic rituals can be conducted in a wide variety of ways, with more or less preparation, spontaneity, and group participation. The Epic of Evolution movement is so new, after all, that rituals are still in the formative stage. The Cosmic Walk, first performed in Catholic communities, more recently has also found its way into Quaker circles and been performed at ecological and earth-centered gatherings of an ecumenical or secular cast.