Ostara 1998 Newsletter Purification - Purification of Objects by Adrianne

After we have cleaned our house, and our mind, the next level of purification could be the purification, cleansing and dedication of our ritual objects. The nature of the object for some, will determine the method of cleaning. I have made a brief list of some objects, and ideas for starting points as to how you might think about cleansing them. These are only meant to be starting points to get you thinking, and are based on some of the ways I cleanse my objects. Any other ideas or suggestions would be warmly welcomed.

Tarot: There are many ways to purify tarot cards, from the amazingly simple, to the extremely complex and time consuming. My own ritual to cleanse my cards can take up to a week, and incorporates the four elements into the process. Other methods can include burying the cards in the earth, passing them through water, smoke (for air), and through flames. Tarot cards can be hung in the sun to be cleansed, or wiped with oils. Think about the elements invoked when using the cards and perhaps draw up a cleansing program from there. I like to cleanse my cards at least every couple of years as I find I need to release the energy that has built up in them over time. Other people would not dare to do this to their cards as they see this as being valuable energy and integral to their relationship with their cards.

Altar Items: You might like to cleanse your altar items (after a physical dusting or wiping), using the four elements, or you could draw upon the individual element to cleanse particular objects. For example, you might cleanse your water bowl by taking it to the beach, or to a stream and immersing it in the natural waters. Your bowl or representation of earth might need to be buried, or placed under a tree to be cleansed.

Crystals: There are as many ways to cleanse crystals as there are crystals in the world. Some methods for cleansing include: laying out in the sun, immersing in a stream or running water, salt wipes, passing through flames or smoke, wrapping and burying in the earth, or bathing them in the moonlight. If you are interested in crystal cleansing I suggest that you meditate with your crystals and see what they say to you.