Cleansing and consecrating are often performed for three main reasons: to remove any negative residue from an item or space, to blend your positive energy with that of the Universe, and to instill this energy for positive intentions.
When preparing to cleanse and consecrate a sacred space and tools, the following items are commonly used:
- Two illuminator candles
- Pre-blessed water (such as holy water)
- Four element candles (red, blue, brown, yellow)
- Incense (for example, sage) and a burner
- A large pentacle, approximately 14 inches in diameter
- A lighter
On the day chosen for the ritual, it is helpful to thoroughly clean the space—this might include dusting, vacuuming, or mopping. After ensuring all materials are ready, many practitioners choose to take a shower or bath with scented oil. Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is often preferred, though some may choose to work skyclad.
When nearly ready to begin, each element candle can be placed at its corresponding compass point: East with a yellow or gold candle, South with a red or orange candle, West with a blue or purple candle, and North with a green or brown candle. The silver candle is placed on the altar.
Lighting the illuminator candles with the lighter is the next step. Then, each element candle is lit, moving in a desoil (counterclockwise) direction. The incense is also lit at this time. As the incense burner is carried around the space in a desoil manner, the phrase, “With the elements fire and air I cleanse this space,” may be repeated.
It can be helpful to close your eyes and sense the energy of air and fire moving within the circle. Returning to the altar, the chalice of holy water is picked up. Sprinkling the holy water while walking desoil within the circle, the phrase, “With the elements water and earth I cleanse this space,” is often spoken.
As the elements are visualized flowing around the circle, standing in the center in the Goddess position, the following words may be said: “With the element of spirit and by the powers of the Divine I consecrate this space.” Many find it meaningful to feel the presence of the Goddess and God, allowing the energy to build and then release, merging with the Universe.
If the focus is solely on cleansing and consecrating the space, the ritual can be concluded by expressing gratitude to the God, Goddess, and the elements. Grounding and closing the circle is the final step. If there are items to be cleansed and consecrated, the process continues.
Standing or kneeling before the altar, the first item to be consecrated is picked up. Passing it over the incense, the phrase, “By the powers of air and fire I cleanse and consecrate this,” is spoken.
The intention here is to remove any negativity so the item may serve positive purposes in magical workings.
Next, the item is sprinkled with holy water, accompanied by the words, “By the powers of water and earth I cleanse and consecrate this.”
Again, the focus is on clearing negativity so the item can be used for positive means in magical practice.
The item is then placed on the pentacle. By cupping the hands together and visualizing a growing ball of bright white light, this energy is directed into the heart of the item. The words, “By the power of spirit I have empowered this item, may the Lord and Lady’s blessing shine upon and through it always,” are often spoken. The ritual is then closed by thanking the God and Goddess, the elements, and formally banishing the circle.
