E.2 - The River

Intentions: identity, protection, beauty

This is intended to be a morning face-washing ritual, but it really can be performed whenever you bathe. The purpose of this ritual is to cleanse your energy, affirm your sense of self, and prepare you for your day. In so doing, you might like to consider your identity, and the face you are showing to the world. Does it match who you want to be? Does the person in the mirror look and feel like yourself?

• Mirror

Wash your face with whatever soap or cleanser you normally use, then use water to rinse it off. As you splash water over your face, say aloud:

Clear Water of the River,
Teach me to flow
through my community
with honesty, humanity, and humility.

As I move through this day,
Bring to me that which is mine to receive,
and take from me that which is not mine to carry.

Dry your face.

Gaze into your mirror. If you are comfortable doing so, make eye contact with yourself.

Mirror, show me my true self.
Teach me to shine forth my inner light,
Bright and true, courageous and strong.

Stay here a moment if you like, keeping your gaze fixed in the mirror. Visualize yourself setting up a feedback loop with your eyes, sending forth a strengthening energy that you receive back from the mirror. If you like, you can visualize this as orange light which bounces back and forth between you and the mirror. When you feel you are charged enough with this energy, go on about your day.

• For a more intense experience and effect, use a whole bath instead of just washing your face. Spend some time in the bath visualizing your body absorbing bright blue cleansing energy from the water. You can also add salts to the water for protection if you like.

• Make your own herbal face wash with herbs selected for both their cosmetic & magical influences, or use an anointing oil after you have washed your face.

• Dress it up by getting a pitcher and basin so that you can do the ritual at your altar with a cottage core vibe. Get a nice mirror for your altar.

• Use an anointing oil, a special facial washcloth, or other items here which add to your sense of ritual.

• Combine this ritual with glamor spell-work.

• Call upon specific deities associated with water and beauty to assist with these intentions.