Asperging means sprinkling with liquid in order to effect spiritual and magical cleansing. This is an ancient rite, just like burning loose incense. Asperging rituals direct the elemental power of Water - the number one Energy that can be used for cleansing and purification. (One can also scatter water as a drawing agent for positive energy - just work in the opposite direction)
As a testament to the power of asperging, one only need look to the Catholic Church. In Catholic Masses, on Holy Days, Priests commonly walk up the aisles of the church throwing tiny droplets of holy water on the congregation.
A reference to asperging may be found in the Latin translation of the Bible (Psalm 51:9):
"Asparges me hysopo et mundabor/ lavabis me et super nivem dealbabor ."
"Sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall become whiter than snow."
Tools for Asperging
You only need three things to perform an asperging ritual:
1. An Asperger - or an object to sprinkle the liquid with.
2. A container to hold the fluid
3. The liquid mixture you will be scattering
The Asperger
An asperger as seen in the Catholic Church is a long brass implement (similar to a wand) - usually with a round, hollow head that is drilled with numerous holes. As the priest dips the asperger into a bucket of water, the asperger takes water into the head. Using a quick flick of the wrist the priest throws the water onto the congregation.
These brass, commercially produced aspergers are cost prohibitive for most, running upwards to one hundred dollars. Thankfully, ancient Spiritualists, Indians and Witches developed some cheaper, more natural and ingenious methods of asperging. You might consider the following ideas for an asperger substitution:
* A bouquet of white flowers
* Cut a large handful of natural broom corm off of a new, cheap broom
* A bunch of fresh herbs like : sage, lavender, vervain, hyssop, pine branches, rue or rosemary
* Use you hand!
Container for Fluid
You can use a bucket, reserved specifically for magical workings or any glass bowl or ceramic container.
Fluid for Asperging
Once you have a container to put your cleansing formula into and something to scatter it with, you only need to develop a recipe to cleanse your area. Most people mix a few ingredients to make their own formula.
You might try a combination (3 ingredients) of an herbal tea (like 13 Uncrossing Herbs) , a cologne (like Florida water) or perfume, and a manufactured floor wash (like Cast off Evil) . Or, replace the floor wash with Holy water, Sea Salt, Saltpeter or non-iodized cooking salt. You are only limited by your knowledge and imagination when developing a strong cleansing concoction. Mix up a strong liquid and start asperging!
