First...

If this is your first ritual please see Creating the Altar for the list of required supplies. There is also the issue of dress. For some it is sky-clad or nude. The theory behind nude being that nothing interferes with the energy generated or received by the practitioner. This lacks some credibility since the kind of energies we deal with cannot be stopped by mere fabric intervention. At the same time, the psychological set of the practitioner is absolutely vital, so if you feel more powerful when sky-clad, then practice your magick sky-clad.

For a great many practitioners costuming is as much a part of ritual as the implements and words. The most common garment worn is the simple full-length, long-sleeved hooded robe, much like the monk's robes seen in movies. The robe can be of any fabric from sheer nylon to thick velvet though cotton is favored. There is a saying that cotton "breathes", meaning it is not a tightly woven fabric. It is also a natural fabric. The lines and construction of a basic robe are very simple and whenever possible you should make the robe yourself. The process of creating invests it with energy, positive energy which is your own.

There is an important rule regarding both your ceremonial robe and your implements. They must never be used for the mundane. In other words, all that is used in magick must be used only for magick and should be safely locked away when not in use. The more you use an item for ritual, whether it be your robe or a tool, the more energy you invest in it. Think of this as stored power. You want the power to build up not be drained away or stripped by negative or unfocused mundane energies.

This said, we proceed with the ritual...

Purification Ritual

Bring all your tools to your chosen altar including two white candles, salt, water, and sandalwood or frankincense incense. Drape the altar with a white cloth and position your tools upon it. Also be sure there are matches on the altar and charcoal if you are using powdered incense.

The altar is now set but do not light the candles or incense. Turn out the lights in the room and leave the darkened altar while you take your ritual bath.

The ritual bath is but a purification bath and standard before any ritual. You may add oils to the bath water, bathe or shower by candlelight, but while you bathe you must think of the altar that awaits you. Imagine yourself coming to it pure in body and mind. Dress sky-clad or in your robe.

Approach your altar but if possible do not turn on the lights. There are many methods of circle casting but for this ritual the symbolic casting will do. Pick up your athame, turn from the altar, and with athame touching the ground "draw" a circle around the altar and you. Return to the altar.

Light the altar candles (first left, then right) as you say:

Hail thee Lord and Lady of Light and Life,
Hail thee now forces that be,
Guide me, teach me, be one with me.

Light some incense and say:

Light and Life bring unto me,
The wisdom of all eternity.

Begin with your athame. Lift it high then consecrate it by passing it through each of the four elements (the flame of the candle, the smoke of the incense, the salt, and the water). Do this slowly and with reverence, saying:

By elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Sea,
I do now consecrate thee,
All negative vibrations be gone from this tool,
That my desires be within is now the rule.

Repeat for every tool on the altar then stand back from the altar and say:

As I will, so mote it be.

Let the altar remain untouched for at least an hour, do not interfere. If you step out of your circle do not return until the hour is up. You may then snuff out the candles and pack all away. Dismantling the altar banishes the circle.

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