Cleansing is the practice of removing unnecessary or unwanted energy from a person, place or thing.

Cleansing rituals are often as a maintenance practice or as a precursor to charging. It is similar, but perhaps a lighter touch to banishing.

Cleansing with Water

Cleansing with water often involves physically washing the item or area by submerging it in water, running water over it or spraying it with water. Salt may be added to the water to absorb unwanted energies or the water may be infused with various herbs. A magical floor wash or magical wash water is an example of this as is the practice of asperging.

Cleansing with Smoke

Cleansing with smoke may also be referred to as fumigation or smudging. Herbs or incense is burned and the item is passed through the smoke to cleanse it or the smoke is wafted around an area.

Energetic Cleansing

Energetic cleansing is often done with sound or light. The sun is a particularly potent purifying force. Sound may be produced by a bell or a rattle or a singing bowl. Generally it should be quite loud and produce chesty vibrations.

Cleansing with Salt

Salt is believed to absorb the energy it comes in contact with, at least temporarily. Thus, scattering salt around an area or sprinkling an item with salt can absorb unwanted energy. The salt should then be gathered up and discarded, taking the energy with it.

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