Cleansing
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
Cleansing is a technique used not only for creating sacred space but also with objects one intends to use during magick. All objects have some history, going back to as far as when they were created from raw materials. Many objects witches use are crafted from natural materials, this helps to minimize the number of experiences they have undergone and thus memorized. Although all matter is as old as the Universe itself, when an object is shaped into a specific pattern, the energy of it is solidified to a great extent. This matrix of energy can be cleared of the emotional overtones and undertones imbued into it by conscious beings.
The focused work of witchcraft is executed at the highest level when the clearest conduit of connection exists between all the powers present during the magick. Having an object therefore cleansed of all previous experience patterns is a wise step in this process. Of the several ways to accomplish this, the two most often used are smudging by smoke and cleansing by water.
To perform a cleansing get to a spot in which you will not be disturbed, with the object, and a sense of clear purpose. Begin to burn incense if you plan to use smoke. If you choose water it is often preferable to add salt and or essential oils to the water, or any other herbs you feel are appropriate. The cleansing by both smoke and water is actually able to be an “all element” clearing if one understands that air and fire are present in the smoke and water and Earth (salt) are within the water. This is a particularly potent method.
Simply bathe the object in smudge smoke moving it all around completely in the stream of the smoke. Change grips several times so that the area beneath your fingers is thoroughly cleared too. Any words that you have prepared, or what comes to you and is appropriate, would be best vocalized now. Clearly state your intent to clear this object and leave it cleansed and renewed. If the object can be immersed in water without harm do so next; if not, sprinkle some non-harmful amount of water onto and around it. You may ask the water to aid in your purpose with its unique qualities of cleaning. Be grateful for the help that you are and will receive in this work. Use as much time, smoke and water as feels necessary to complete the cleansing. End by proclaiming this object cleared of its past, cleansed, and renewed.
Cleansing is not only an act of cleaning the body, but also ones spirit. Spiritual cleansing often involves the use of many different types of herbs. Use an herb handbook as a guide to deciding which should be used for an aura cleansing. Ethereal crystal offers protection to ones aura and provide a natural psychic sparkling charka.