Negativity Clearing
Homes can absorb negative energies, in the same way that clothes absorb smells, especially if there has been a lot of worry, tension or fighting. It is lovely to have a 'psychic' spring clean every so often, to freshen the atmosphere and allow peace and harmony to reign again.
One of the simplest ways to do this is by using smoke, either from Smudge sticks or from grain incense. Smudge sticks are bundles of dried herbs tied with thread into a thick cigar shape. Sage usually forms the base, as it is a very purifying herb, and it is sometimes combined with other herbs such as Lavender to promote peace, making it duel-purpose.
Grain incenses are blends of resins, flowers and herbs used for their specific magical properties. This types of incense is burned by using purpose designed charcoal discs which are widely available from most Pagan shops. The charcoal disc is placed on a heat-proof dish or placed in a brass censor. They take a little bit of lighting an I find it better to light three points around the edge, and then blow gently until the whole rim is glowing red. Once the edge has turned grey, it is ready to use. A small amount of the grain incense is then placed in the centre of the charcoal disc and very quickly it is producing aromatic smoke.
The smoke is the key ingredient, as the negative energy binds with the purifying smoke and is dispersed with it. Leaving windows slightly ajar helps with the process.
Taking each room in turn, start at the centre, a nd using a feather, cupped hand or piece of stiff card, direct the smoke towards the outer edges of the room. As you do this imagine all the negative energy being sucked out of the walls, furniture, curtains etc and see it mix with the smoke from your smudge stick or incense. Working in a spiral, move slowly outwards repeating the words:
'With this smoke I cleanse this room, make it pure and safe from harm'
or use your own words
Remember to waft the smoke into every nook and cranny which may mean getting on your knees in corners! You may find that your smudge stick or incense needs a little persuading to produce sufficient smoke. Avoid the impulse to blow on it, as you are contaminating the smoke - instead, use your feather or cupped hand to fan it back to life or if all else fails, resort to a lighter or taper to get it going again.
Once you have completed a room, move on to the next, closing the door behind you.
Recipe for Negativity clearing incense
2 Spoons of Frankincense (resin)
2 Spoons of Copal (resin)
2 Spoons of Myrrh (resin)
1 Spoon Sandalwood
2 Spoons Lavender
1 Spoon Basil
* If you only want to make a small amount - use teaspoons. For larger amounts use dessert spoons or tablespoons and store the excess incense in an airtight jar.
Place all of the resins in a Mortar and by applying very firm pressure, grind them with a pestle until they are the size of fine breadcrumbs. This does require a fair bit of effort I'm afraid! Once you have done that, add the herbs and grind again to crush the herbs slightly, mix well - it is now ready to use.
Other purifying herbs
Here are some other purifying herbs you might like to try: