Description

Origin & Traditional Use

Holy water is water blessed by a priest, usually with exorcised salt added, and is used in Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches for baptism, blessing homes and objects, and exorcism. In folk magic it has been used for centuries to cleanse, protect and consecrate.

Uses in the Work

Use it to consecrate new tools before first use: sprinkle the athame, chalice and pentacle and state their purpose. Asperse the four quarters when casting the circle, and wash the altar between workings with different spirits. In left-hand path practice it is used in rites of renunciation and inversion, where the water of the old faith is deliberately reclaimed, poured out or blasphemed as an act of will. In uncrossing it is added to a ritual bath to break the hold of a curse before protective work begins.

Pairs Well With

Hyssop – 1 oz; Pentagram Stainless Steel Chalice 4.75″; Vervain – 1 oz

Lore

The Church blessed water with exorcised salt, which is why the grimoires of the Solomonic tradition demand it for preparing the circle and the operator. The Key of Solomon gives its own formula for blessing the water of art, and the conjuror’s use of it predates any division between “holy” and “infernal” magic. For centuries the same water was stolen from church fonts for love charms and curses.