Blessing the Self By Zella Bardsley It is vital that we learn to bless ourselves and our individual manifestations of spiritual force in order that we learn self-approval and nurture the ability to realize our grandest aspirations. For work in meditation and ritual it is crucial to have a space wholly yours in which to carry out these tasks. This place should have items meaningful in your work. I like to inscribe candles with runes signifying what I am after. I have made my candlesticks and embellished them with ancient symbols of the Goddess. I have seen people use pentagrams or other items which they have constructed themselves. If you have made an item, it carries a special magick that aids in your work. The symbols inscribed on these items must carry meaning for you. For your ritual, you should have some item representing the Goddess. Incense also helps (for instance, mugwort, which aids in vision, and sage, frankincense, myrrh, and rose petals are also suitable.) In your sacred space you should have articles which represent you and that which you seek. There should also be an offering signifying that which you seek. Take great care in your selections; your intuition is a good guide. It is important to take care in preparing oneself for a ritual, or for a deep meditation in search of wisdom. For cleansing, you can use a bath with sea salt or an herbal mixture in it. Herbs used in bathing are powerful and can be used by making a tea mixture (pour boiling water over the herb and let it steep until the tea cools to room temperature) and pouring it into the bath water. Ideal herbs are Basil (fresh or dried), for removing negativity; Cinnamon (in stick form), for resolution; Nutmeg, for communication; Parsley, for the willingness to receive; and Sage for gaining wisdom. Another wonderful bath uses carnation flowers and rose petals in the water, which absorb and wash away negativity. Equally powerful is bathing in the rain or in a stream or lake. These sources are from the Mother, and are very sacred. Once cleansed, dry in the open air rather than rubbing with a towel. Then center yourself meditatively, and prepare for the ritual or deep meditation. Light your candles or incense, and begin by thanking the Goddess for your wisdom. Sprinkle some salt before your place of ritual and stand on it. This symbolizes your wisdom, a gift from the Goddess, hence the Earth. Bring a chalice, and fill it half with wine (symbolizing joy) and half with water (symbolizing temperance). Dip into the chalice with your fingers and bring them to the top of your head, saying Blessed is my head to think the thoughts of love and truth. Dip into the chalice again; bring your fingers to your eyes, saying, Blessed are my eyes to see love and truth. Again, dip into the chalice and bring your fingers to your lips, saying, Blessed are my lips to speak only of love and truth. Now ask for that which you seek. After a few moments of meditating on the answer, dip into the chalice. Bring your fingers to your heart, saying Blessed is my heart to know only love and truth. Again dip, and bring fingers to your pelvis, saying, Blessed is my womb that it is capable of bringing new life, as you have born me. If there are still questions, this is the time to meditate upon them by looking into the flame or deep within yourself. We know the answers to all our questions; we simply must be open to receive the answers. Blessed Be! | 
