Purification

[ns_kumiho]

Do you believe it necessary to clean or ritually purify yourself in anyway before you perform a ritual?

Comments

short answer

[witchchild]

At minimum, I think it is a show of respect to the spirits or deities in question. I know in the US it's become less popular to neaten up before nice events where one was once expected to at least have a sports coat. To me it's a similar mindset for being at least physically clean before ritual.

My main tradition is Kemetic Orthodoxy, and while one does not need to purify simply to pray, part of doing the daily rite includes purification. For certain rituals, you're required to have that level of purity as well. It's a show of respect, a way to wash off the physical and psychic grime of life, and also makes you less vulnerable to potentially malicious spirits.

[athenagrey]

Necessary? No. But I do think it is a mark of respect for the ritual and another of the ways that we prepare our minds, bodies and spirits to be present in ritual. Smudging, anointing or ritual bathing aren't separate from ritual. They are the beginnings of it. I guess ritual begins with the first thought or action that contains the intent to begin ritual.

The reason that I don't consider purification a necessity is my belief in the immanence of the Goddess means that we are sacred containers at all times.

And that, as opposed to the fear of being in an accident, is why we should wear nice undies whenever we leave the house. ;-)

[hexeengel]

Yes, in several stages; First, physically clean, before arriving/beginning ritual set-up, i.e. a shower or bath. Second, a self-blessing as immediately before entering ritual space as possible. Third, as a part of ritual proceedings, witnessed by others in attendance.

[nightshade_oak]

Nope. I would if I were honouring Greek deities, to remove miasma, but it's not an element of my Heathen practice or my religious Hedgecraft. I don't really understand the concept of being "impure" or acquiring some sort of impurity during my daily life. However, there are religions and traditions that require it, and were I to participate in those traditions or honour gods of those religions I would certainly do it.

[trip_tych]

I don't see it as necessary but I usually do it for full rituals - as opposed to short devotions - because it helps set my mind for the task at hand.