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Writer's pictureAriel Gatoga

Purifying a Space: Utilizing Time-Honored Rituals of Cleansing


smudge stick with candles
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The ritual purification of space is a time-honored practice rooted in magic, passed down through generations. It encompasses various rituals and techniques to purify and harmonize the astral vibrations within a physical space. From the gentle waft of incense to the melodic chime of bells, from the delicate sprinkle of sacred waters to the recitation of holy incantations, ritual purification is conducted with profound reverence, unwavering focus, and utmost respect.


Purifying a space offers two significant advantages. Firstly, it eliminates unhealthy, disharmonious, and hostile energies that may linger. Secondly, it actively summons and cultivates peaceful, powerful, and protective vibrations, promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being within the space. By cleansing, you can create a harmonious sanctuary that emanates sacred forces and fosters a serene atmosphere for all occupants.


In a chaotic world, space purification provides a serene sanctuary and an escape from stress and tension. It serves as a reminder of our deep connection to Spirit and our ability to create consecrated environments. Through these sacred rituals, we cleanse the vibrations of our physical spaces and nourish our souls, finding serenity in traditions passed down through generations.



incense burning on a charcoal


Purifying a Space with Smoke


In modern times, when it comes to purifying a space and creating a harmonious environment, people think of a practice known as smudging. The term "smudging" originated in the 18th century and referred to the traditional method of fumigating a building with smoke to eliminate pests and insects, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.


During the 1980s, the New Age movement witnessed a surge in fascination with various Native American traditions. Among these traditions was the ceremonial burning of sacred sage, a practice employed for purification and healing. As the New Age movement adopted this practice, it became commonly known as "smudging," a term that has endured to the present day.


Burning incense creates a sacred ambiance and carries profound historical significance. Traditional witches have honed the art of burning incense for centuries, often using a blend of frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin known as "church incense." These fragrant resins are carefully placed on hot incense charcoals, releasing a cleansing smoke that imbues the space with a reverent aura.


As you move the burning incense throughout the area, gently wafting it with your hand, a feather, or a sprig of herbs, you engage in a powerful transformative ritual. Whether silently or vocally, as you pray, the rhythmic movement of the smoke infuses every nook and cranny with intention and reverence.


It is worth noting that incense is best burned outdoors or with open windows. This is because inhaling concentrated smoke from incense poses potential health risks like any other smoke. Opening the windows or burning incense in well-ventilated areas allows for better air circulation, minimizing the chances of prolonged exposure to the smoke.



Cleansing With Eau de Cologne


In the 18th century, Eau de Cologne, a fragrant concoction, was believed to have supernatural qualities. It was thought to bring good fortune, purity, and sound health. People started sprinkling the air and themselves with this enchanting elixir. They used it to ward off diseases and dispel negative influences around them. The aromatic beauty of Eau de Cologne became a delightful and cherished practice, filling the air with vitality and well-being. Magical practitioners were captivated by using Eau de Cologne for spiritual purposes.


In the 19th century, a variant of Eau de Cologne known as Florida Water gained immense popularity among spiritual practitioners in America, particularly in the South. While various colognes were used then, Florida Water garnered legendary status and widespread recognition. It is worth noting that magical practitioners of that era utilized various traditional Eaux de Cologne, not solely Florida Water. Nevertheless, Florida Water ascended to the pinnacle of fame and continues to captivate the hearts and minds of many contemporary practitioners.


It is essential to understand that Eau de Cologne refers to traditional formulas that exude a refreshing aroma but are not long-lasting. Many modern perfumes are labeled "eau de cologne" but differ from the traditional concept. Some examples of traditional Eau de Cologne available today include 4711, Roger and Gallet Extra Vielle, Guerlain Eau de Coq, and Florida Water.


Verbena-scented colognes and waters have a rich magical tradition dating back to the 19th century. Various esoteric traditions have treasured verbena's refreshing and invigorating scent (aka"van-van"). While natural verbena cologne can be expensive, practitioners have cleverly found substitutes using a blend of lemon grass, citronella, and vetiver, among other formulas, to recreate the captivating essence of verbena. These blends offer an affordable yet delightful alternative. In modern times, synthetic verbena scents have also emerged as effective options, providing a wide range of choices for those who enjoy verbena's uplifting and purifying aroma.


Spraying a room with traditional Eau de Cologne or verbena instantly revitalizes the atmosphere and fills the space with a refreshing and invigorating scent. This practice offers a beautiful alternative to burning incense or sage indoors, providing an efficient, safe, and enjoyable way to purify the space.



Purification with Water


Using water to cleanse a space is an ancient and captivating tradition, deeply intertwined with history and veiled in intrigue. Across diverse cultures, people have long sought protection against negative energies and evil spirits, harnessing the purifying power of water. Whether through holy water, salt water, or a meticulously crafted mixture of salt, water, and hyssop, water purification creates a sacred and tranquil atmosphere with profound transformative qualities.


This sacred act, known as asperging, involves sprinkling water to cleanse. The water can be sprinkled using your fingers, an aspergillum, a sprig of herbs, or a specifically crafted wand. As the water is scattered, it carries away impurities, leaving a pervasive sense of purity and tranquility permeating every corner of the space. This ancient ritual is a testament to humanity's enduring quest for spiritual harmony and serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connection between nature, purification, and the sacred.


Flame in a lamp

Purifying a Space with Fire


For centuries, magical and spiritual practitioners have embraced and revered the ancient practice of purifying with fire. These timeless rituals continue to hold great power and significance today. One traditional method involves using candles for cleansing.

To begin, light a white seven-day jar candle symbolizing purity and divine energy. Carefully move through the space, allowing the candle's ethereal glow to envelop and sanctify every nook and cranny. Set the candle in a safe place and keep it burning until it naturally extinguishes, ensuring the purifying energy permeates the surroundings thoroughly.


Another ritual involves tossing purifying herbs, such as fragrant rosemary, onto burning logs in a fireplace or hearth. As the herbs blend with the dancing flames, their essence infuses the air, creating an atmosphere of purification and spiritual rejuvenation. During this sacred practice, many recite prayers, chants, or incantations, invoking the blessings of higher powers to amplify the transformative energy of the ritual.


Remember, when engaging in rituals with candles or flames, prioritize fire safety to ensure a peaceful and harmonious experience. May these age-old purification practices with fire bring physical cleansing, spiritual renewal, and a profound connection with the divine.


Cleansing with Sound


Using sound for cleansing is a transformative ritual practiced for ages. The ancient art of sound healing utilizes various spiritual tools such as bells, gongs, tuning forks, and singing bowls. These sacred instruments harness the power of vibrations in ceremonies, creating profound energetic shifts and promoting spiritual well-being.


During sound purification rituals, the resonant tones produced by ringing bells, shaking rattles, drums, or tuning forks disperse evil forces and harmonize the energy within a space. These sacred sounds' soothing and harmonizing effects bring forth a sense of purity, upliftment, and balance, allowing sacred energies to flow freely.


Engaging in the ancient art of sound cleansing can experience a deeper connection to oneself, the environment, and the spiritual realm. It is a powerful tool that purifies the energy around us and enhances our overall well-being, promoting inner peace and harmony.


Chanting is a powerful form of sound cleansing that can transform the energy of any space. It involves the repetition of mantras, holy names, prayers, or affirmations and is practiced by diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. Through this magical practice, we can connect with the divine and harmonize our energies with the universe. The harmonious vibrations create a sense of peace and balance and purify the space, infusing it with tranquility and serenity.


Purifying with Salt


Cleansing with salt is a simple and compelling method to purify the energy of a space. Since ancient times, humans have recognized the incredible potential of salt in neutralizing negative energies and promoting purification.


The versatility of salt as a protective and purifying agent is genuinely remarkable. For instance, you can sprinkle salt crystals or sea salt over your home or office floors, allowing the salt to absorb negative energy and sweep or vacuum it up. Another option is to place bowls filled with salt in each room, allowing the salt to absorb and dispel any lingering negativity gradually.


For an extra touch of protection, you can even create a customized salt mix by incorporating herbs and essential oils that further enhance the purifying properties. Regardless of the chosen method, there is no denying the effectiveness of salt in purifying and rejuvenating the energy of a space.


Purifying a Space by Washing


Ablution, the sacred act of purifying through cleansing and washing, has been revered for centuries. It serves to rid spaces of unwanted energy and foster a sense of spiritual strength. This ancient ritual practice encompasses the physical act of washing and the intention of purifying one's mind and soul.


Infusing your wash water with unique ingredients, like verbena perfume and a sprinkle of sugar or salt, is a beautiful way to enhance the purification process. The delicate scent of verbena creates a soothing atmosphere while adding sugar or salt symbolizes the removal of negativity and impurities.


Furthermore, consider adding a few coins to the wash water. This simple act invites vibrations of abundance and prosperity into your space, symbolizing the flow of wealth and good fortune. Incorporating these thoughtful details into your ablution practice can create a more profound and meaningful purification experience for your home or office. Embrace the power of this ancient ritual and let it bring purity, clarity, and energy into your life.


Witch's Athame

Cleansing with Pure Ritual


Across various magical traditions, cleansing rituals are performed using symbolic gestures, such as lighting candles, reciting prayers or mantras, and offering bows. These sacred rituals serve to sanctify spaces for spiritual practice, creating an atmosphere of purity and serenity. They are believed to rid the environment of malefic vibrations, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with their inner selves and the divine.


One widespread magical ritual practice from the nineteenth century comes from the Hermetic Golden Dawn, an esoteric society known for its profound knowledge and mystical teachings. This ritual, known as the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram, is a powerful tool for dispelling negative energies and entities while invoking angelic forces. It combines ancient wisdom with precise ceremonial actions to create a harmonious and protected space.


The lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram involves a series of steps that are both simple and intricate in their execution. It begins with a type of grounding and centering. Then, using a dagger or even a finger, the practitioner traces a pentagram in each cardinal direction, symbolizing the five elements and their interplay. As the pentagram is traced, sacred names are vibrated, invoking the power of divine energies associated with each direction.


The practitioner calls upon the archangels to be present, seeking their guidance and protection. Each archangel is associated with a specific direction and element, further enhancing the sacredness of the ritual. By invoking these celestial beings, the practitioner invites their presence and assistance in dispelling negativity and promoting spiritual growth.


Daily Purification

Spiritual purification is essential for revitalizing and purifying the energy in our living and working spaces. These ancient practices hold great significance in our fast-paced lives. Whether smudging with aromatic herbs, using traditional Eau de Cologne or verbena-infused perfume, or repeating sacred names, these methods uplift our spirits, attract prosperity, and fill our surroundings with abundant, blessed energy. We invite profound tranquility and abundance into our daily lives by embracing regular ritual purification. Let's take a moment to honor these sacred rituals and experience the transformative power they bring.



smudge sticks and crystals


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7 Comments


I was wondering if scented candles could work as purification too? Like a verbena scented one?

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kennburn88
Aug 16, 2023

Fascinating article Ariel, so much great information, greatly appreciated. While reading what you say about Eau De Cologne, I got flashbacks to the movie and book "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" if you have not seen it, it may be worth a watch. Blessed be.

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Ariel Gatoga
Ariel Gatoga
Aug 16, 2023
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The book is much better IMO! It has a lot of details about things like enfleurage that are very accurate. BB

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Michelle M
Michelle M
Aug 14, 2023

Another great article. I do have a preference for Palo Santo but I can't always come through my space with smoke so I rely heavily on Florida Water. I also use household ammonia a lot in my floor wash or sometimes even a spiritual bath, not particularly fond on the scent but it just depends on how heavy the energy feels. I love the water bowl with a little salt and herbal mix or essential oils is one of my favourite things, it's discreet, smells wonderful and it's nice to just blow any negative emotions etc into it throughout the day... but I live with a cat, so I try not to leave too much out for him to investig…

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Ariel Gatoga
Ariel Gatoga
Aug 14, 2023
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You are very welcome. Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment.

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Helen Struckmann
Aug 14, 2023

What a thoughtful exploration of a variety of cleansing methods!

Thank you for sharing this.

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Ariel Gatoga
Ariel Gatoga
Aug 14, 2023
Replying to

You are so welcome. Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely comment! Blessed be.

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