Tuesday 14 October 2014 Ritual Of Self Blessing

This ritual of self-blessing has been around for many years -originally published by the Pagan Way. This version is taken fromAmber Wolfe's "In the Shadow of the Shaman" because it is not asGoddess oriented.This version can be used by anyone, regardless ofreligious principle, because it is easily adapted with the name ofyour own diety. The important thing is that you are calling on yourhighest spiritual force to witness your life/problems, and in callingattention to yourself, you are begining to take charge and deal withthe problems. There is a very real, very deep power in this ritual,no matter how simply or elaborately it is performed, and it shouldnever be performed in fun or for show. Use it whenever the need isgreat - any moon phase is permissible, although it was originallyintended to be used at the waxing moon. It will embue the celebrantwith a sense of calm connectedness and peace.What follows is the text as Amber Wolfe has written it. Balance andblessings. -=Satinka Ritual of Self-BlessingYou will need a small votive candle and holder (white is always good, but use color if you feel called to do that) an incense stick, cone, or herbs (such as sage or thyme) to burn a small container of water a small container of saltI find that a sugar and creamer set works very well for this. Thesecan be purchased quite reasonably and set aside just for this use.This is a ritual which connects you to the deepest levels of healing.It also connects you to the four elements and their energies. In thisway it is most helpful for dealing with the shamanic elementalenergies of Nature.The candle represents the element of FireThe incense or herbs represent AirThe container of water is WaterThe container of salt is Earth.Beyond that, these elements reflect your own needs.The element of Fire reflects your relationships, protection, ideas andachievements.The element of Air reflects your creativity, spirituality, inspirationand philosophies.The element of Water reflects your emotions, intuition, dream states,psychic gifts, and healing balance.The element of Earth reflects your practicality, knowledge, sacredwisdom, and growth.Find a quiet time and place where you will not be disturbed. You maymake this as ceremonial or as informal as you choose.Light the incense and take a few moments to consider the element ofAir. Consider the gifts that Air reflects in you.Light the candle and take a few moments to consider the element ofFire. Consider the gifts that Fire reflects in you.Take a few moments to consider the element of water and how itreflects in you.Take a few moments to consider the element of Earth and how itreflects in you.Very gently, pour the water into the container of salt. If you areusing herbs as an incense, you may sprinkle a few in the water andsalt mixture.Stir the salt and water with your fingers. Consider the blending ofelements that creates life itself. Consider the balance of elementsand their attributes in your life. Take a few moments to do this.Facing the candle, dip your fingers in the water mixture and touchyour forehead (3rd eye area).Say: "Bless me Mother, for I am your child." (The original waswritten for the Goddess as Mother. Another diety name can besubstituted here, or simply say "Spirit.")Now dip your fingers in the water mixture and touch the area aroundyour eyes carefully.Say: "Bless my eyes that I may see you."Dip again and touch your nose.Say: "Bless my nose that I may breathe your essence."Dip again and touch your ears.Say: "Bless my ears that I may hear your wisdom."Dip again and touch your mouth.Say: "Bless my mouth that I may speak your name."Dip again and touch your heart.Say: "Bless my heart that I may feel your love."Dip again and touch your lower abdomen.Say: "Bless my cauldron center that I may create harmony."Dip again and touch your feet.Say: "Bless my feet that I may walk in balance."Dip again and rub your hands together.Say: "Bless my hands that I may share your healing in my work."Take all the time you need to concentrate on the elements before you.Focus your attention on the candle and visualize healing light flowinginto you. Feel strength emerging from deep inside yourself. Breathedeeply and capture that moment. Connect with the source of strengthand healing.When you feel you are finished, blow out the candle. I often savethese candles just for this ritual of self-blessing. If I amextremely pressed for time, I simply light the candle and take a fewmoments to connect with the energy of the ritual.It is good to leave the incense burning if you can. Air is acommunicating element, and smoke is transformation. The incensecarries the messages of healing and strength to Spirit. If you haveused herbs, it is good to return the ashes to Nature. In this way, youare grounding the energy, bringing the message and the transformationto earth. Make sure the ashes are cold; then place them at the rootsof a tree or bush if possible. If not, place them in soil or sand.The salt and water mixture can be used very effectively in severalways. You may wash your gemstones or other stones in this. Crystalslove this, since their energy is so personally connected to yours.You may save the mixture and dab a little on your third-eye area everyday for a few days, as a reminder. You may pour the mixture into yourbath for a gentle energizer. When the bathwater drains, visualize aconnection between yourself and the energies of Mother Ocean. You mayreturn the mixture to earth by pouring it on soil or sand. Remember,plants don't thrive in salt; so keep the mixture clear of plants. Youmay sprinkle the mixture throughout your house to seal in positiveenergies and protection.