Household protection and cleansing brew

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Note: This article was originally published by @gritchenwitch on Instagram. To learn about me and my practice, including more info on folk witchcraft, mountain magic, knot work, and hearthcraft, please visit gritchenwitch.com or join my Patreon at patreon.com/gritchenwitch.

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Here’s how to make a simple cleansing brew for protecting your thresholds and banishing ghosts.🌿

Now is the perfect time to prep your hearth and home for the colder months (especially if you also have winters that are eight months long). I love this ritual’s combination of physically cleaning away any dirt and darkness that might have collected around your home’s entryways with the act of establishing a protective, magical boundary.

This solution uses bay leaves, which have a long tradition of purification and strength. Also known as bay laurel, you’ve probably seen the wreaths as symbols of Ancient Greece and the Olympics, where they were used to crown the champions in honor of Apollo (it is said that laurel wreaths were worn by rulers before the crown itself). Julius Caesar was a big fan. Napoleon also adopted the symbol as part of his image, as it signified triumph and success.

It also keeps ghosts and evil away and prevents poltergeists from causing mischief.

Directions:

Add three bay leaves to ½ cup of boiling water and remove from heat. Allow to steep for at least ten minutes. Remove the leaves.

Combine the liquid with a mix of ½ cup water and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar.

Wash your thresholds, especially the borders of your windows and doors. Try to make sure none of your lines are broken (i.e. form a complete rectangle).

While you’re washing, concentrate on mental messages of protection. Take charge of your home and let any spirits know that you rule your space. Repeat a prayer, charm, or affirmation. A traditional one I like: “All this be guarded, here in time, and there in eternity.”

When you’re finished, leave your doors and windows open for an hour or so. You can use this time to burn your favorite incense and enjoy your newly-cherished space.🖤