In the Craft, tools used to cast spells, perform ritual or ceremonies,
healing and cleansing work, are thought of as a prop useful for drawing
energy, then directing the energy toward its intended goal. These props
range from athames, wands, chalices to censers. From cauldrons to brooms (called a besom in the craft) and many more Craft items. Because these
tools are used symbolically, the user should bear in mind that unless
they are made by the user themselves, items are usually store-bought and
have passed through many hands.
Therefore, your Craft tools must be cleansed then charged! Cleansing the
item assures that all the vibrations of those who handled the item are
stripped away. If the item is not cleansed before its charged, then there
is a real likelihood that any magick, healing, ritual, etc done with the
item may not be as effective.
CLEANSING THE ITEM:
One fast and easy way to cleanse an item before charging it is to take some fresh lemon juice and wipe the item with it, then rinsing it with spring
water (bottled water). If using lemon and bottled water is not possible,
then placing the object in direct sunlight or moonlight for at least 24 hrs
is also sufficient.
Some who work extensively with crystals have a single cleansing stone which
has been dedicated for this purpose. Usually they are Amethysts or clear
quartz crystals. The crystal is placed inside a glass of regular tap water
and left there for several hours. The crystal is then removed and the item
to be cleansed in placed inside the glass and left to soak up the energies
of the cleansing crystal.
I have a box that is called a 'Cleansing Box'. Made out of wood. Most witches' who use a cleansing box store their crystals and Magick Stones in it. I even have some Amulets & Talismans in mine. I add herbs like mugwort, anise, chamomille and sometimes even the petals of flowers. The box is kept closed
at all times except when an item needs used or you have an item to be cleansed and purified. It it then placed inside the cleansing box for at least 24 hrs and then removed from the box. These various methods can all be employed to cleanse an object before you charge it.
CHARGING - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
What do we mean when we say, 'This object needs to be charged'? Some old time practitioners of the craft call charging waking the spirit. In crystals the spirit of the stone needs to be awakened so that the witch can work with
this spirit in making the best use of the crystal and its properties.
In a very real sense, all items used in the craft need to be awakened and told what it is they are to do. Consider that they are either metal, wood or stone, these are all part of the Elements of the earth and as such we must endow the item with the properties of its element, or what we call charge it with its mission and what we, the witch, want it to do and represent.
Therefore, we must be very clear before we charge an object as to what we are going to charge it with. Obviously, we are going to charge it with magickal power -- but what else after that? Is it an object to be used as a protective talisman, a ritual object (such as a chalice, wand or athame?), will it be an item to attract things to you, and if so, what things? So, before you charge the object, know what you'll be charging it with and for what purpose. Once you awaken the object, be very specific about the service it is to render.
HOW TO CHARGE - METHODS:
There are many methods to charge an item. The most popular involves
symbolically using the 4 Elements, water, air, earth and fire.
FIRE, WATER, AIR AND EARTH METHOD:
If you wish to charge the item using the 4 elements, you'll need to obtain
a representation of each. For example, fire can be a lit candle; water can
be a glass of water or water in your cauldron. For air you can have a feather or some incense burning. For earth you can use a stone, a crystal, some salt or actual dirt from the earth.
Before you proceed determine the best time for you to do this. Best time of
the month for charging is during the New Moon! Consult your newspaper, or a calender to find out when the New Moon is. If you're unable to wait until the New Moon, do it on a Sunday!
Write out a simple sentence or rhymed spell if you are proficient at that, which should clearly and specifically state what the item is going to be used for. Don't forget to add that its to be used for good or for bad.
SAMPLE:
"In this moment and in this hour,
I call upon the Old Ones' power.
I charge and awaken you, hear this call.
To (heal/protect/attract/defend/serve) as charged.
For the good of all.
By water, fire, air and earth blessed be,
Three times passed, three times three...."
Now pass the object over the flame of the fire 3 times (making sure its
a fast pass so as not to burn the object), pass it 3 times over the incense,
or fan it 3 times with the feather. Sprinkle 3 little pinches of salt or
dirt over it and dunk it 3 times in the water. This ritual of three is symbolic of the blessed triads....'Maiden-Mother-Crone' of the Goddess and of Youth-Father-Elder of the God.
You have now completed charging and blessing your item.
SUN AND MOON METHOD:
Another method used to charge an item is during the Full Moon. At this time
the item is left outside from sun up to moon rise so that the rays of the sun and moon charge and empower the object.
You'll still need to state what the item will be charged with and for. You
can say a small chant once you place it outside: SAMPLE:
"By sunlight and moonlight empowered be
To (heal/protect/attract/defend/serve) as charged by me.
To serve for good and with harm to none.
When moon is gone, the spell is done..."
Leave the object outside to be exposed to direct sunlight and moon light
and retrieve it the following day. Some witches actually leave the object exposed to the sun & moon for an entire lunar cycle which is about 28 days (from Full Moon to Full Moon) This is up to you and of course depends on
when and how quickly you need the item.
WATER METHOD:
Witches who work with water magick will tell you this element is very
powerful for not only cleansing, but for charging as well. Remember that
water is a natural conductor of electricity. Obtain some spring water or
bottled water. Pour it into your cauldron, or a nice deep bowl. You can add some 'Star Anise' (known for its powers to magickally charge items) and
place the item inside the water. Leave it there for at least 24 hours!
No less! The longer the better. Call the water to charge the item and call
the item to tell it its mission and job: SAMPLE:
"By blessed water may you empowered be.
To (heal/protect/attract/defend/serve) as charged by me.
For pure intentions will you heed a call,
To serve me well and for the good of all..."
Allow the item to sit inside the water for at least 24 hours. When this is done, remove the item and pour the water outside for plants or flowers.
HERB METHOD:
Some like to rub herbs or burn herbs in order to charge an item. I've done
this on occassion and find that the best herbs for my intentions is
'Star Anise' or 'Mugwort'. However, the choice of herb is up to you. Select
an herb that is known for its empowering properties. You can rub the herb
over the item then leave on your altar for a selected period of time. I personally do this on a New Moon and allow the item to be charged with the
herb until the following New Moon. (about 28 days). If time is of the essence,
then not less than 24 hours. I also burn a bit of the same herb in my censer and pass the item over the smoke. Remember to state what the item is to be used for: SAMPLE:
"By purest herb from the Mother's breast
Serve me well and do your best.
To (heal/protect/attract/defend/serve) is your charge.
In all workings, small or large.
To serve me well and for the good of all.
Heed me now and hear my call..."
