Welcome to the beginning of your path,

If the ritual felt right then you did it right. There are generally no right and wrong ways to do dedication rituals. To start off your path with thanks and rememberance for those on the other side is a lovely addition to your ritual. It shows you have a link with those in the next world and that you remember them as if they were still on this side.

Rainbows are great signs to see, as they mean hope, luck and happiness. Which from the sounds of things you felt anyway. :) I'm pleased you had the wonderful dream of your husband, it might well be him in contact as a lot of spirits find it easier to contact us while we are sleeping and also while we are in a meditative state. But no one can be sure as obviously you are the one who experienced it. Go with your instincts on this one, did it feel real?

The connection is probably there, as coincidences don't really happen without reason behind them. It is the new year and with everything you are now doing and practising I'm sure it was all linked, and it certainly seems to have had a very positive effect on you so it's a good thing to happen either way.
I hope this has been a help and hasn't confused you even more.

Blessings and may your new path be a bright and happy one.
Dusty Angel x

Thanks for the advice Dusty Angel

Yes, the dream was very real. I am very happy that my first ritual has had such a positive effect. I guess I think it reinforces that I have chosen the right path for me and although I have such a lot to learn, am eager to gain as much knowledge as possible. I have also started my own bos and have already written quite a bit in it. I initially wondered how I was going to set it up and what to write in it, but it just seems to have come from nowhere. Someone somewhere is definitely guiding me.

Once again thanks for the advise. Karen