#asperging spells

Hyssop and vervain are particularly ancient practice space cleansers. Hyssop is cited in biblical accounts of Temple cleansings, although there is some doubt as to whether the botanical species now identified as hyssop is actually the same as the one in the Bible. Regardless, what we know today as hyssop has been used as a potent spiritual cleanser for centuries.

Vervain was used to cleanse the temples and altars of ancient Greece and Rome. Effective separately, the two botanicals share an affinity and combine well together.

Make a strong infusion from the botanicals.

Add this to a bucket of salted floorwash water together with white vinegar.

Make a single use broom, particularly from vervain and/or hyssop. Use it to asperge and scrub with the infusion.

When you’ve completed the cleansing spell, dispose of the used water outside your home. Take the broom apart and scatter the parts outside.

[Ti plant is a sacred and integral component of Hawaiian magical and spiritual traditions. Using a leaf as an asperging tool adds elements of protection to purification rituals. (Ti plant is not the same as either the Australian or New Zealand tea tree but a completely distinct botanical species, despite the similar names.)]

Blend spring water with sandalwood hydrosol.

Dissolve both turmeric and alaea in the liquid.

Asperge as needed using a ti leaf.

Soak pine needles in warm water and asperge as needed.

Make a strong infusion by pouring boiling water over peony roots. Asperge as desired.

Asperging means sprinkling with liquid in order to effect spiritual and magical cleansing. These are ancient rites: just like burning loose incense, these are techniques known to our earliest ancestors. Asperging spells direct the elemental cleansing power of water and other liquids toward a specific area. Depending upon what is used to direct the water, the elemental cleansing power of Earth may also be incorporated, through the use of botanicals.

Use ritual tools or botanicals to asperge

Use your fingers to flick the water where it’s needed

Weave an asperging wand of cleansing plants: vervain, lavender, hyssop, and rosemary are favorites. This technique can also incorporate knot magic

Asperging is the most popular method of liquid-based space cleansing. It is more discreet than smudging or any sort of smoke-based method. Burning botanicals inevitably leaves a lingering fragrance. By definition, it is the aroma of the burning botanicals that provides the cleansing: the inclination of the cleanser is inevitably to strengthen the aroma. This provides the confidence in the effectiveness of the cleansing and its long-term effects. However, aromas tend to evoke highly personal reactions: fragrances favored in cleansings may or may not meet with your neighbors’ or housemates’ approval.

The issue of fire safety always looms too. Because something is done for positive spiritual purposes does not guarantee that accidents and tragedies will not occur. With water-based cleansings, you are able to maintain tighter control over safety and fragrance. However, different methods resonate for different people: for an intensive cleansing ritual, you may wish to combine several methods.

The most basic cleansing liquid is sea salt dissolved into spring or rainwater. Any of the following formulas also will provide space cleansing.

Check the Formulary for recipes:

Holy Water

Florida Water

Indigo Water

Marie Laveau Water

Notre Dame Water

Pollution Water

Rose of Jericho Water

Tar Water

War Water

Disperse them through an area. You can intensify the power by combining formulas. Florida Water, in particular, empowers any other formula to which it’s added. For instance, combine Florida Water and Indigo Water. Sprinkle through the home or area daily as maintenance cleansing.

Unless you live by the sea, this spell may involve more work and preparation than sprinkling with salted fresh water, however the potential power is also greater.

Carry ocean water to the area to be cleansed in a glass or metal flask. (For maximum effect, request permission and offer thanks to the Spirits of the Sea.)

Asperge as needed, ideally with a rosemary or sea lavender wand.

Juniper berry hydrosol

Yarrow hydrosol

Dried juniper berries

Yarrow flower remedies

Blend equal parts of the two hydrosols.

Add a small handful of slightly bruised juniper berries and a few drops of the flower remedy.

This formula is especially recommended for altar cleansing. However, in addition to space cleansing it may also be used for aura cleansing and to cleans crystals.

Blend ocean water with Indigo Water. Sprinkle as needed using fresh rue as the asperging tool.