Purification and Consecration
By JeZeBeLe Moonchaser ©2001

Being Clean and Pure:
People shower and wash up to clean themselves of grime and dirt. They rid themselves of impurities that are on the body. The same concept goes with magic. Purifying and Consecrating sacred space, tools, others, and ones self. Creates a conscious clear point in which to begin a working.

Some people use incense to perfume the air. This causes a change in the environment by aesthetically having a fragrance change ones frame of mind in focus. It also spiritually symbolizes a cleaner air. So breathing the air would be blessed by the perfume and intent of the consecration.

Ritual Bath or Shower:
Some people bathe before doing an intense working. It is great for several reasons.
Taking a ritual bath or shower allows a person to free up their mind and expose him or herself to the feminine energy of water. Bathing allows a person to have some sacred time for one to meditate on the working as well. Washing away impurities on the body is symbolically a preparation for ones self to be
Purified.

Consecration:
Consecration comes from the latin word consecrre, which means to make sacred. Consecration comes from the masculine energies of the elements and from the affirmation of the person doing the consecrating.
It's good for initiations, dedications, meditations, ritual preparedness, and hygiene. Consecration can be done by fire and air (smoke), and oil (Natural oils).

"I consecrate you by the powers of air and fire"
"I consecrate you with oil to cleanse you of all impurities"

Purification:
Comes from the Latin word purificre which means to clean. Purification comes from the feminine energies of the elements and from the affirmation of the person doing the purification. Purification can be done with earth (salt, herbs, flowers, woods) and water. It is good for initiations, dedications, meditations, ritual preparedness, and hygiene.

"By the Mother, You are pure by water and earth."
"I purify thee to rid impurities"

Purification and Consecration of tools.
The essence of purifying and consecrating your tools allows you to feel that the tool spiritually radiates positive energy. If your tools are consecrated it gives that tool a new life.

Ethics:
This is just my insight to the topic. Ritual tools are there for focus. It's a physical extension of self.
Make your own ethical choices when it comes to making decisions about your ritual tools, space and workings.

Suggestive Reading:
Witches Bible Complete, by Janet and Stewart Ferrar - Llewllyn Press
Earth Power, by Scott Cunningham - Llewllyn Press