Are ward spells rituals? I'm asking from a time perspective: If the level is under 50 (thus not an automatic ritual), can you just cast the spell in the amount of time it takes you to trace the circle?
No, wards aren't rituals they're just a bit weird.
If you have HoH: S, the columbae section explains that there are essentially two types of wards: MR types like the Parma Magica and Aegis of the Hearth and circular wards based on the magic of the columbae.
Aegis of the Heart and Parma Magica are, of course, rituals. Circular Wards, however, are usually not. Circle wards are unusual in that they take extra time to cast (you have to trace out a circle as part of the casting, even if one already exists), and because the guidelines are phrased oddly in the main book (Touch, Ring, Circle are treated as the default parameters).
In addition, some players don't think wards should have to penetrate...
Hope this helps,
Gremlin44
Double post....
Parma is not a "ritual" ritual. It is more of a ceremony. It only takes two minutes and does not require vis.