Sweep Away the Past Spell
Incense of the day: Cedar
During Passover, Jews are not allowed to eat chametz, or leavened
bread, or to have any in their possession. Homes are traditionally
cleaned from top to bottom, so as not to allow for the possibly of a
single breadcrumb to remain. Likewise, this is the perfect time to
do your own spring-cleaning, both of the physical and the spiritual
sort. As you sweep, vacuum, and scrub, imagine removing any
negativity that has built up right along with the dust and dirt.
When you are done, set up a white cloth on a table or shelf near the
heart of the house and place a bell, sage or cedar incense, a
lighter, salt, a chalice or cup filled with water, and a stirring
device on this altar. Place a new broom nearby, then use the broom
to symbolically sweep the house, beginning in the back rooms and
always going toward the door. Open the door and sweep all of the
negativity that you have gathered outside, saying:
"I sweep out the old and gather in the new."
Shut the door and return to the altar. Light the incense, saying:
"By air and fire, I cleanse and bless my home. Let it be a place of
wisdom and love."
Go around the house in a clockwise circle, smudging, making sure to
get into every nook and cranny. Finally, pour three spoonfuls of
salt into the water and stir, saying,
"By water and earth, I cleanse and bless my home. May it be a place
of healing and sanctuary."
Repeat the clockwise circle, carrying a chalice of salt water from
which you carefully sprinkle. Return to the altar and ask for the
blessings of your patron deities.
"By my will, and with your blessings, this rite is done."
Ring the bell.
