Now that you have completed Lesson I and learned how to safely ignite your charcoal and smoulder incenses, it is time to apply this
knowledge. Purifying one's self before
ritual work is nearly universal in all traditions; only the outward method may differ. While a salt water purification
is common to most pagan practices, incense purification--smudging--is also well known. Purification helps
to cleanse away worries, preoccupations, or extraneous thoughts and helps to begin the process of entering ritual
awareness by neutralizing worldly attachments. I have felt and witnessed the remarkable transformations of my companions
who have arrived for ceremony frazzled, tense and weary and emerged from a simple smudge serene, relaxed and energized.
It is a powerful tool for centering.
There are many herbs which are considered good for purification ranging from anise
to vervain. Sometimes a single herb is all that is needed...for an extremely effective formula, try Herb Majicks'
Supreme Purification. Some purification herbs are strong smelling or a little irritating for eyes
and/or sinuses. Be mindful of this and keep adequate ventilation in mind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To begin, have your
ignited charcoal and incense ready. I like to use a feather fan to disperse the smoke in a directed fashion.
Feathers have a nice affinity for the Air element incense represents. Of course you may use any other object suitable
for this purpose; even your hand will do nicely.
- When
smudging yourself, place your censor on your altar or other safe surface conveniently within easy reach. Stand before
your censor, both feet firmly planted and "open" to Earth energy. If you are seated, reach down into
Earth with your grounding cord for a firm connection. Sprinkle a little incense onto the charcoal and greet the first
tendrils of smoke rising up: Blessed Be, Thou creature of Air! Reach out with a slightly cupped hand
or fan and gently waft some of the smoke towards you. Imagine the smoke washing over your body like water as you continue
to waft, covering every part of your body, head to toe. Continue to add small amounts of incense as needed. The
whole process need only take a few moments. You should feel relaxed, calm and energized.
- When smudging another
person, you may wish to hold the censer in one hand if possible. Begin facing each other, taking a deep breath
together to harmonize and ground. Start wafting at the crown, working down the body in a methodical fashion, being
sure to cover every area right to the tops of the feet. Ask the person to turn and lift each foot, one at a time and
waft under the soles. Now work up the back of the body with the same attention until you reach the crown
again. At any point in this process you may feel the need to give special attention to a particular spot--this usually
indicates a special need for cleansing. Follow your guidance. Once you are finished, acknowlegde the person
with a simple: Blessed Be! or some other affirmation to complete the transformation.
There are many variations indeed
on this basic templete, and I am sure you will find your own to suit. Salt water
purification will be examined in a later Practicum.
As
for cleansing a space to ready it for ritual, the process is much the same...More
to come!
