Sacred Texts  Index  Previous  Next 

sacred-texts |  Web | Powered by Google


Internet Book of Shadows, (Various Authors), [1999], at sacred-texts.com


 
 
      A Circle Purification that doesn't use Incense: 
      for asthmatics, those with allergies, and those with other pulmonary 
      disorders 
      by Matrika, co-sysop of 
      PAN- the Psychic Awareness Network, 300/1200/2400 baud at 1-703-362-1139 
       
      This ritual was inspired when someone in our circle back in Central 
      Massachusetts started dating a young woman who was a great herbalist, 
      knowledgeable about crystal healing, a competent tarot-reader and a 
      beginning astrologer.  She had read "Spiral Dance" by Starhawk on the Craft
      of the Wise (Wicca) and wore a pentagram around her neck, but couldn't try 
      circle work because she was allergic to smoke and had a serious asthma 
      problem. 
       
      So, heres the rite.  You prepare your altar as usual, with the exception of
      the incense and incense burner.  5 non-electric pot-pouri burners filled 
      with water and an appropriately scented pot-pouri should be on or near the 
      altar with 5 candles.  Be sure that you use the correct type of candles for
      your pot-pouri burners, as other types can destroy the burners.  Put these 
      on the altar, which should be at the center of the circle and facing North 
      or East according to your custom.  If they do not fit without obstructing 
      the work, place them in a semi-circle at the foot of the altar.  Have 
      matches there to light the candles under them at the proper time. 
       
      The rite 
      (Leader 1 should be a male, if possible.  Leader 2 should be a female, if 
      possible.) 
       
      Leader 1 - blessing the water and herbal mixture in each pot-pouri burner 
      with the wand.  a long-stem rose with the thorns removed can be used for a 
      wand if you do not yet have one.  Of course, this must be replaced each 
      time you do a ritual - 
      "By Fire and By Air 
      By Water and by Earth 
      by the Lady and the Lord 
      I conjure thee to purify our circle this night" 
       
      all- " So mote it be" 
       
      He takes one of the burners and the matches to the North where he lights 
      it.  Leader 2 accompanies him with her wand, after he lights it she raises 
      her wand and says 
       
      Leader 2 - "By fire and air 
      By water and by earth 
      Let us purify the 
      Northern Quarter of our circle" 
       
 
 
                                                                              782
 
      There is a pause during which everyone visualizes (vividly imagining in 
      every detail from a relaxed, meditative state) an arc of rainbow light 
      forming that quarter of the circle then, when she lowers the wand, everyone
      responds. 
      all - "So Mote It Be" 
       
      Leader 1 returns to the central altar and gets the next  burner, placing it
      in the East and  lighting it.  Leader 2 continues in the same way as above.
      This procedure is then repeated in the South and then in the West.  Each 
      time the invocation is changed to reflect the direction they are in.   Each
      time the group visualizes the rainbow arc of light.  And after each 
      direction,  Leader 1 returns to the center to get the burner for the next 
      direction ready.  By constantly returning to the center each time, the 
      emphasis is placed there.  After the Western quarter is lit, Leader 1 
      places the final burner on the altar, between the candles, where the 
      incense burner would be if there was one and lights it.  Leader 2 stands 
      before the altar, raises her wand and says 
      Leader 2 - "By Fire and by air 
      By water and by earth 
      Let us purify the sacred center of our circle 
      where Heaven and Earth Unite 
      and 
      Where the Lord and Lady are joined in love." 
       
      While her wand is raised, everyone visualizes the rainbow light from the 
      outer circles flooding in to the center and filling the circle with 
      harmonious vibrations and energies.  After a few moments, she lowers her 
      wand and everyone responds. 
      all- "SO mote it be" 
       
      The circle casting is continued as usual with the invocations of the 
      elements at the 4 corners, according to your tradition.  Then the actual 
      circle-casting is done as usual.  After this do whatever rite and/or magick
      you would usually do and close in the usual manner.  Be sure to snuff the 
      candles and not to blow them out.  Use a silver teaspoon to do this, if you
      don't have a snuffer.  This ceremony ONLY replaces the part of the rite 
      where you sprinkle with salt-water and then cense the circle to purify it 
      in PREPARATION for the actual circle casting.  It is NOT the full casting 
      of the circle.  (Some traditions purify with all 4 elements separately, 
      sprinkling salt on the floor for earth, water on the floor for itself, 
      censing the circle for air, and carrying a candle around for fire.   Either
      way this rite replaces the elemental purification, as the burners embody 
      all 4 elements - the water for itself, the candle for fire, the herbs for 
      earth, and the scent the steam gives off for air.) 
       
      OF course the pot-pouri burners used for this should only be used in your 
      psychic work and should have been consecrated or smudged (by someone who 
      can deal with the smoke) in preparation for this ritual. 
       
 
 
                                                                              783
 
      To prepare appropriate pot-pouri scents for the  purpose of your rites, use
      the directions for making the various home-made herbal incenses traditional
      in Witchcraft and in Magick; however,  don't grind them with a mortar and 
      pestle as you would in making incense.  If you do not know the  recipes for
      these, any of the Scott Cuningham books on making incenses would provide 
      them for you.  They are available from Llewelyn Publishing, box 64383 St. 
      Paul Minnesota. (They will send you a free catalogue on request) 
       
      Despite the initial cost involved in obtaining the 5 burners,  it is highly
      suggested you do it that way for two reasons" 
      1.  In anything but a very small and enclosed space, you will not get 
      enough scent to represent the air element sufficiently for magickal and 
      ritual working. 
      and 
      2.  To represent all 4 elements in EACH of the quarters and in the center 
      of the circle is very important in establishing the traditional boundaries 
      between the worlds (the ordinary and non-ordinary or shamanic realities) 
      that is the purpose of casting the circle and creating sacred space. 
       
      ALSO IF YOU TRY TO CARRY A POT-POURI BURNER THAT IS LIT AND HOT ENOUGH TO 
      BE GIVING OFF THE SCENTED STEAM AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE CIRCLE, YOU 
      WILL CERTAINLY BURN YOUR FINGERS BADLY.  (It  is not appropriate to bring a
      pot holder into circle to carry it either! PLEASE!) 
       
      I hope this is helpful to those who have breathing problems and wish to 
      perform magick. 
       
      (submitted to Harvest newsletter, under JUKNO) 
 
 
                                                                              784
 


Next: Astral Projection (Monroe Technique)