Autumnal Cleansing

We often associate cleansing our space with Spring. I remember going to my maternal Grandmother’s house every March and breaking out the bleach, mops, polish, and rags and scrubbing every shelf and baseboard until they shined. But my Grandmother was not satisfied with a deep once a year cleaning. Every September we repeated the ritual. She said, When the snow and the dark come we will be glad for a warm, clean place to rest. Here is a simple spell as we draw the light half of the year to a close and enter the quiet dark.

You Will Need

• One (1) white candle in a safe holder

• A bowl of saltwater

• A cinnamon broom or hand whisk

Preparation

If it is part of your practice, cast a circle. As you sit with your ingredients before you, centre yourself. Ground yourself in the present moment by focusing on your breath, the sensations of your body, and your connection to the earth.

Casting

Light the white candle in your living room or another central location in your living space. Hold the bowl of salt water in your left hand and cinnamon broom in your right hand.

Recite the following:

Holy fire pierces dark

By salt water now depart

Swept away by blessed bark

Cleansing through the witch’s art

Sprinkle the salt water about your rooms or living space starting from the back (backdoor or window) and moving toward the front (entry way or main door). Hum or whistle as you do so, driving the negative energy forward and out the main entry. Be sure to sprinkle at each window, divider, and door, as boundaries are thin places that need extra care.

Now, moving in reversed direction from front to back, sweep the cinnamon broom across your floor. Continue to hum while you work your way about your home space creating a pleasant atmosphere.

When finished, repeat the charm and extinguish the candle.

Notes

White candle: purity, protection

Salt water: cleansing, dissolution

Cinnamon: associated with fire; used for protection, cleaning, and purifying

Substitutions

• An electric tea light or votive candle can be used in spaces where you cannot light fire.

• Cinnamon incense or potpourri can replace the broom.