A House Blessing
Preparations
A special besom should be bought or made by the home owners or by the participants as a gift. It can be decorated if you desire. Small tokens or house-warming gifts can be brought by the guests. The altar is set up in a central location within the home. Upon the altar should be candles for Goddess, God, and the Source, beautiful flowers or seasonal fruits, small pitcher of water and a small bowl of salt, several smaller bowls, several sticks of incense, and a bowl of sand or rice to hold the incense sticks. If there is to be cakes and wine in circle, the chalice of wine and plate of cakes can be placed on the altar as well. The besom should lean against the altar. Gifts from the guests can go beneath or around the foot of the altar.
Ground and Center
All participants should gather around altar, hold hands and chant “blessings to this home…blessings to this home…blessings to this home…” (chant can be either spoken or sung) until all are centered, voices meld into one, and group mind has begun to form.
Statement of Intent
“We are here tonight to bless the home of (HOMEOWNERS’ NAMES), to cast out from its boundaries any influence of previous inhabitants and all malignant energies, and to bring in all that is of love and goodness. We will conjure this a living space that will nurture the spirits of (HOMEOWNERS’ NAMES) and support their personal and spiritual growth as long as they shall live within it’s walls.”
Create Sacred Space
The circle should be cast to encompass entire house or property.
“I cast this sacred circle of power, on this night, at this hour, to divide the worlds we walk between, the world of man and the realm unseen. A sacred vessel to be filled, with all the power we can build. So mote it be!”
Call Quarters
“Guardians of the Eastern Face,
We call you to our sacred space.
Spirits of Air, aid our spell,
Bring wisdom here where loved ones dwell.
Hail and welcome. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Southern Face,
We call you to our sacred space.
Spirits of Fire, aid our spell,
Bring passion here where loved ones dwell.
Hail and welcome. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Western Face,
We call you to our sacred space.
Spirits of Water, aid our spell,
Bring healing here where loved ones dwell.
Hail and welcome. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Northern Face,
We call you to our sacred space.
Spirits of Earth, aid our spell,
Bring power here where loved ones dwell.
Hail and welcome. Blessed be.”
Invocations
“We invoke the Lord and Lady to join us here tonight and aid us in our work and as we gather here to cleanse and bless this home, we ask that the spirits of this place, this land, this unique and individual spot upon Mother Earth, smile upon our endeavor and grant us help and blessings.”
Charging of the Tools
Add salt to pitcher of water and stir with wand or athame. Light incense from altar candle. Hold hands or athame over saltwater and incense and charge saying:
“I charge you, Oh powerful spirits of the elements,
To cleanse this home of all ill and bane.
And to allow in only that which supports and nourishes,
The future growth of all who reside within.
So Mote it Be!”
Chant: The Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water.
Purification and Blessing of Home
Pour saltwater into enough bowls for half the participants. The elements are taken through the house, half the people with saltwater and half with incense. Every room and closet should be entered and smudged with incense and sprinkled with saltwater. While sprinkling or censing say: “By the powers of Earth and Water (or Air and Fire) I cleanse and bless this home.” If there is a yard, it should be cleansed and blessed as well.
Home owners use besom and ritually sweep each room of the house saying: “We banish all negativity and invite in only that which is for our highest good.”
It is nice to play some meditative music during this process.
When finished all should return to the circle for guided visualization of purification and protection.
Guided Meditation
When meditation is finished, each guest can share their vision, offer personal wishes and blessings to the homeowners and present their house-warming gift.
When all have offered good wishes say this final blessing:
(HOMEOWNER 1) and (HOMEOWNER 2),
Here within your newly blessed space,
May your guardians always be near.
Let Earth’s strength, grace your home,
And let the passion of Fire be here.
May the wisdom of air, keep your mind clear
And healing waters keep you well.
And all around you, throughout this place,
May the Lord and Lady dwell.
Hanging of the Besom
Everyone should gather and help or watch as besom is hung above or near the door for protection. Once again chant: “blessings to this home…blessings to this home…blessings to this home…” allowing the cone of power to build and release.
Cakes and Wine
Cakes and wine can be blessed and shared here, or a meal or refreshments can be served. Since the circle was cast to the edge of the property, you are free to move around. When the feasting is finished, all should return to the circle to close.
Open Circle
Thank the Lord and Lady.
Release the quarters.
“Guardians of the Eastern Face,
You’ve blessed this home and brought it grace.
Your gift of wisdom we now know,
We give you thanks and bid you go.
Hail and farewell. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Southern Face,
You’ve blessed this home and brought it grace.
Your gift of passion we now know,
We give you thanks and bid you go.
Hail and farewell. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Western Face,
You’ve blessed this home and brought it grace.
Your gift of healing we now know,
We give you thanks and bid you go.
Hail and farewell. Blessed be.”
“Guardians of the Northern Face,
You’ve blessed this home and brought it grace.
Your gift of healing we now know,
We give you thanks and bid you go.
Hail and farewell. Blessed be.”
Take up circle, retracing with athame and say:
“This , mystic boundary I withdraw,
By witch’s blade and magick’s law.
Mundane as it was before,
Our sacred circle is no more.”
Hold hands and sing: “The Circle is Open”
