Set, Setting, & Cleansing the Mind and Body
In the context of a psychedelic experience, the term set and setting (coined by Timothy Leary) is a concise way of referring to one’s mindset and the physical environment and social aspects surrounding a person. These are among the most important factors of a successful session. This also fully applies to magical experiences. This aspect of my practice was passed down by seasoned hippy pros, what can I say?
We interface with the source of creation when we have psychedelic experiences, because that same force resides inside us all. We also interface with this same creative force when we practice magic. In both circumstances we try to let our ego fall away in the search for something great that exists deep within and transcends us. For the best results we should always make sure our selected place to practice ritual is good and clean and has a nice feeling about it. The same can be said for your mind. We are most effective manipulating the energies when we are feeling both at peace and mightily powerful.
Cleansing my body and anointing myself with oil is part of my preparation for ritual. Dragon’s Blood soap and body oil is my favorite for raising up my power as I center myself for spellwork. I have a special shawl I wear only for ritual that helps store and focus my power. I have specific rings and necklaces that I wear for special magical purposes. The process of putting them on readies my mind for the work ahead.
As I’ve previously said, music is excellent for bringing about the proper emotions for performing magic. For pre-ritual mind clearing and creating a thaumaturgical (old school magical word that means wonder or miracle working) atmosphere, personally I like to play Arrive Without Leaving. It’s a minimal and meditative collaboration between LARAAJI, OceAnanda, and Dallas Acid. Hearing it every time I am about to begin is akin to muscle memory for my mind. The first track is about 10 minutes long, which is the perfect amount of time to clear and sharpen my mind before I begin. The four short tracks that follow continue the same feeling, and I rarely need more time than this little release covers. Try out what feels intuitively correct for you; go with your instincts. Your practice should be personal to you and you should always listen to your intuition. Whatever works best for you is the best choice, truly. Every witch’s practice is beautifully unique.
Before ritual, always cleanse your space, whether it’s burning some incense or herbs, by ringing a bell a certain number of times, flinging salt water, or whatever feels best to you. I like to use flat cedar for clearing out and un-twisting stagnant energy or errant entities that might be hanging around. Before you begin, crack a door or window so that anything that wants to leave has a way to do so. I like to add lavender to the cedar to pull in divine Venusian energy and elevate psychic awareness. It also smells lovely. I light a charcoal briquette (the same kind they use for hookah) and once it’s smoldering just sprinkle a little on top. Don’t smother it, not all of it will burn and you don’t want to waste your sacred ingredients. You can choose whichever cleansing herbs work best for you. Also, you can make offerings this same way. Benzoin removes blockages, use it for pre-manifestation cleansing in your home and business spaces at the very end of the waning crescent moon, the day before it becomes new.
Mixing a little of the ash left over after cleansing your space with salt creates black salt, which is wonderful for adding to mop water for house cleansing. I’ve known witches to add more herbs, activated charcoal, crushed black tourmaline, and other additives. You can add more ingredients if you like but the salt and ash alone will work just fine.
