A Self-Purification and Consecration Ritual for Pagans
Attract the Attention of the God and Goddess
 By ACCER

The rituals involved for self-purification and consecration are both simple yet complex, plain but beautiful. This is a solitary ritual. It should be performed during the new moon but it is not limited to that time. Need, not moon phase determines this rite.

To start with self-purification, draw a warm bath. Extinguish all artificial light. Any herb scented candle would cast the appropriate glow and scent. Into the tub throw a handful of sea salt, a cup of milk, a handful of rose petals and a handful of mint. Fully immerse yourself into the water, even covering your head. Then sit and soak. While soaking it helps to meditate on your path, your goals and who you are as a person. Remain in the bath until it begins to cool. Then dry yourself off with a large clean towel.
At this point you may either put on your ceremonial robes or simply remain naked. This is a personal choice entirely. I do recommend that every Witch have one set of plain white robes, even if they normally wear something more elaborate at rituals and ceremonies. The white ones would be more appropriate for a purification and dedication ritual. But use what makes you comfortable.

I will assume that you have already set up and purified your altar and tools.

The purpose of this ritual is to become closer to the God and/or Goddess. It can also be used as a form of self-initiation. It can also be used to banish any evil influences that may have formed around you and it can even be used to help you break bad habits. Any person can perform it at any time. The result of this ritual is a feeling of peacefulness and calmness. In its ideal form, the Witch will remain within the ritual area and meditate on what has transpired. The knowledge that he or she has called the attention of the God or Goddess is something that should not be treated lightly. It's a good time to focus on the deities and your attempt to grow closer to them in both wisdom and direction.

Perform this ritual in a quiet place, free from distractions. You will need a small amount of salt, wine, water and a candle.
Move to the area you have chosen for this ritual. When you are ready to begin, sprinkle salt on the floor and stand on it. Light the candle. Let the warmth of the candle flame and glow of the light flow through you and be absorbed by every cell. Mix about 1/2 ounce of water into about 1 ounce of wine focusing on your reasons for performing this self-dedication.

State the following aloud:

Bless me (you may add the name of a particular God/Goddess if you wish) for I am your child, created in your divine image.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your head: Blessed by my mind that I use my thoughts and intellect for the greater good of all.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your eyes: Blessed be my eyes so that I may see the path that you wish for me to walk.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your nose: Blessed be my nose so that I may breathe the essence of your divinity.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your mouth: Blessed be my mouth that I may speak of you and worship you.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your breast: Blessed be my breast that I may always be faithful in all my works.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your loins: Blessed be my loins that bring forth the new life of humanity as you have brought forth all of creation.

Dip your fingers of the right hand into the bowl of water mixed wine and anoint your feet: Blessed be my feet that I will always walk in your ways.

Remain and meditate on what you have said and done. When you are finished, thank you God/Goddess for all that you have and clean your area well. Even in Paganism, Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Altars need regular cleaning and dusting, just like everything else.

It's not unusual after such a ritual for the Witch to feel emotionally tired. This is normal and should be taken as a sign that you need to rest now. However if you feel energized and want to party, that's ok too. Rituals are highly personal and people react to them in very different ways. There is no right or wrong way. If you are tired, go to bed. If you want to dance, turn on some music.

Some people have reported being extremely hungry after such a ritual. I've even been asked if it was ok if they ate something that evening. Umm. ..yes. Eating is one of the basic rules of life. So if you are hungry, eat. There are many foods attributed to certain Gods or Goddesses, so if you would like to dine on any of those foods before or after the ritual, you can consider it a form of internal dedication.

Many people also notice that their pets seem to want to be present. This is of course an individual choice, but animals seem to be in closer contact with the divine and usually behave very well during rituals. Oddly enough, the most outspoken and troublesome cat suddenly becomes quite silent and docile during rituals. So if you with to all them to join you during a purification and dedication ritual, that is certainly fine. I don't want anyone to think that it was "messed up" because their Nocticula or Urs happened to join them!

More resources
The Book of Ceremonial Magic by Arthur Edward Waite