One of the things I’ve always liked is the idea of creating purified water for purification of self and space in ritual. While water, on its own, is obviously cleansing, it’s nice to have “extra” purified water. This comes out of the Hellenic tradition of creating Khernips – Lustral Water – which had specific uses in Greek polytheism.
Most recipes for traditional Khernips involves quenching a burning stick/twig/herb in water that may or may not have salt added. I like having the “land, sea, sky” representation of salt, water, and a burning herb, so this is the formula I’ve come up for making my own purification water.
You will need:
- A bowl of clean water
- Sea salt
- A bay leaf, a sprig of laurel, or other dry herb
- A source of flame
Then say and do the following:
I charge thee, o creature of water, by the moon which draws thy tides, cast out all imperfections and be purified.
I charge thee, o creature of salt, by the sun which draws thee forth, cast out all imperfections and be purified. (put a pinch of salt in water)
I charge thee, o creature of fire, by the smoke which rises to the sky, cast out all imperfections and be purified. (light a bay leaf, and extinguish it in the water)
Use any time you are cleansing something for ritual, or in combination with other magic. I find it to have been especially effective.
Little Druid on the Prairie 