PREPARATION

Before any ritual work is done, practicioners of the Craft undergo short but effective rituals of purification. The first of these is a fast. Once a Witch has retired for the night the evening before the ritual, he or she may not co nsumme any food or beverages other than water. Some Witches are not as strict about what constitutes a fast as some others. but a general guideline would be to exclude ALL foods and liquids with the exception of water. Pregnant women may of course be excused; medical conditions should be the only valid excuse as well, although the truly dedicated may make the attempt nonetheless.

Secondly, prior to ritual, a sacred bath is taken by each member of the coven to purify the physical body as the mental and spiritual ones have been. The procedure is as follows:

A bath is drawn at a comfortable temperature. A candle will provide the only source of light in the room, and incense (preferably a joss stick) should be burning. Let the Witch disrobe and take some sea salt into the left hand, saying:

"Blessings be upon this creature of salt; let all malignancy and hinderance be cast forth thencefrom and let all good enter herein. Wherefore I do bless thee thou thou mayest aid me in the names of (the God) and (the Goddess)."

This being accomplished, let the Witch now sprinkle the salt into the bath water, saying:

"I exorcise thee O creature of water, that thou cast out from thee all the impurities and uncleanliness of the spirits of the world of Phantasm, in the names of (the God) and (the Goddess)."

At this point, let the Witch bath and meditate, seeking a peaceful state of mind and contemplating the upcoming ritual. This is the proper time to perform meditations such as 'grounding and centering' exercises and the accumulation of personal energy for the ritual.