Altar Devotion

Altar Devotion
(adapted from a ritual by Silver Ravenwolf)

To be held prior to circle casting
Breathe deeply, ground and center.
Raise hands in Goddess position,  spread in a V above your head, then slowly
lower them and cross them in the God position, feeling the power coursing down
your arms throughout your body.
Light an illuminator candle
Light the incense at the East, clap hands over the flame to extinguish
"Creature of Air
I cleanse and consecrate thee
to remove all negativity in this world
So mote it be"
Pass your hand over the incense three times to banish all negativity, imagine a
sparkling light around the incense
Light the candle at the South
"O creature of Fire
I cleanse and consecrate thee
to remove all negativity in this world
So mote it be"
Pass your hand over the flame three times, same as above.
Do the same for West and North, with water and a bowl of salt respectively
Hold the bowl of water and raise it before you, move it to the center.
Put three pinches of salt in the water, using either your fingers or the athame
Stir with athame
"As the rod is the God
So is the chalice to the Goddess"
Lower the knife into the water
"And together they are one"
Imagine the water exploding with Divine energy as you place the knife into it.
Feel the energy coursing around your altar.
Remove the knife.
Beginning  North, move your hands over the altar five times, mixing the powers
of the elementals. Tap the hilt of the knife on the altar at your right five
times to seal.
Your altar is prepared. You are now ready to cast the circle and begin workings
of magick.