Water in Cleansing Ceremonies
Creating a Cleansing Ritual for Yourself
It is the perfect time of year to dip into a river or lake and find some relief from the heat of the days. It has been so hot and humid here in Virginia.
Summer is the time of year that symbolizes freedom of growth, basking in the light, and adolescence. The heat of the sun encourages plant growth, and people of the past would have had an easier time in summer, with an abundance of wild foods, animals, and crops. That is only half of the equation though, as the other bringer of life is equally as necessary for growth. Water.
Cultures all over the world hold similar views on the importance of water, both physically and spiritually. Water symbolizes cleansing or purification and is often hailed as a source of life. From the Iroquois tribes to the Babylonian people, many cultures claim that before earth was created, there was nothing but a sort of primordial ocean.
The Vedic creation myth holds, ““There was not the non-existent nor the existent then. A Darkness was in the beginning hidden by darkness. This was all water.”
The Ancient Egyptians believed that in the beginning “there was nothing but endless dark water without form or purpose.”
Ancient Norse mythology says that the Fire from the land of Muspelheim melted the Ice from the land of Niflheim, and from the water that trickled into the void between the two, called Ginnungagap, was born the first Giants.
The human need for water led to settlements near and sometimes on water, as well as a deep reverence for it. Often, local bodies of water are honored and used for ceremonies. Sometimes they are embodied by a god or spirit who must be appeased to ensure the sacred place remains. One of the most famous rivers in the world, the Ganges in India, is the focus of thousands of cleansing rituals and ceremonies.
Possibly the most well known water myths are those related to cleansing floods or deluges that appear all over the world.
The Sumerian text the “Atrahasis” and it’s less intact predecessor, describe the oldest record of a cleansing deluge. After the gods had created mankind and animals, they ordered the establishment of cities. The humans became too loud and overcrowded and it began to annoy the gods. Enlil, all powerful and patron deity of one of the cities, sent drought, then plague, then famine, to reduce the humans for disturbing his sleep. When these tactics didn’t work, due to the interference of Enki- god of wisdom, he sent a flood. Enki warns Ziudsura, king-priest of the city of Suruppak, and he is able to make a large boat on which he stores the “seed of mankind”, preserving humans and animals. The god Enil eventually changes his mind, stops the flood, and thanks Ziudsura for saving their original creations by granting him eternal life in paradise. This accounting is thought to be the basis for the Egyptian flood myths, the flood in the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the biblical tale of Noah in Genesis.
Water has also long been associated with death, sometimes as a final cleansing to prepare for the afterlife, sometimes as a gateway to the afterlife. The river Styx in Greek Mythology is both a deity and a border between the living world and the underworld. The Goddess inhabiting the river was said to be the first to rush to Zeus’ aid in the battle against the Titans, and after became the body on which every god must swear oaths. The river itself was said to be the only way into and out of the underworld, and was full of the souls of those who couldn’t find their way to Hades. It also offered protection to Achilles whose mother was said to have dipped him in up to his ankle, in hopes of making him nearly immortal.
Mayan, and possibly earlier Mesoamerican civilizations, mythology notes the use of Cenotes not only as sources of fresh water but as portals to the underworld. In caves and on land, they would offer sacrifices and tributes to their gods as well as communicate with them.
All of this historical ranting to say, water has long been associated with cleansing, growth, and prosperity. As modern people we are sometimes disconnected from the nature based rituals of our ancestors and take water for granted. So how can we incorporate our own water based rituals into our lives, to renew this connection to the earth and also honor those who came before us.
Natural water sources:
If you are lucky enough to live near a swimmable lake, river, pond, ocean, or other body of water, this will be easy for you.
Find somewhere you can be safe, mostly alone, and feel peaceful. Sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the area. Is the water moving? Listen to it’s rhythm. If it’s still listen to the animals nearby.
If it is safe to do so, touch the water. Put a hand in, your feet, or if your comfortable, your whole body. If you are connected to your cultural heritage, try to imagine what your distant ancestors would have felt about this water. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who’s life relies on the existence of this water. Imagine the importance of it, and if your culture holds water as sacred, perhaps look into how they honor the water or utilize it in rituals.
Look within and recognize anything within you that you’d like to wash away. Frustration, stress, worry, tension, and anger are all good places to start. If you are holding onto things you know you should let go of, consider them here. Bring your mind fully to these things. Feel the emotions that they elicit.
With these things in mind, begin to “wash” them away. Cup your hands and let the water run over your arms or legs, wash your feet, dip your head in, or wipe a wet hand over your forehead. Visualize the water cleansing you, and carrying away all you are letting go of as it runs off of you.
Sit quietly for a moment when you are finished and breathe deeply.
When you are ready, “wash” again, but this time with the intention of watering yourself and your soul. Envision areas of your life that you’d like to grow, or enhance. Apply the water this time to encourage growth. If the visual is easier here, you could simply stand in the water, as if your feet are roots drinking in the water that is needed to grow. Embrace the sunshine. Visualize the concepts, needs, or traits you want to enhance growing toward the sun, revitalized by the water.
When you are done, again, sit and breathe deeply. Feel the cleansing that made room for new growth.
Non- Natural water sources-
If you are a city dweller, or otherwise don’t have access to natural sources of water, do not fear. The symbolism still applies to any water. The same can be done, rather effectively, in a bath, shower, or even with a sink. If you like the outdoor element but don’t have a safe public space, consider a container of water for your feet, near an open and sunny window. Or maybe the same on a balcony if you have one. Be creative, it is the symbolism that matters.
If you have no way to accommodate, consider stepping out in the rain just for a few moments. It can be so nice.
Make your ritual your own-
Rituals and ceremonies can be completely you, new and customized. There is no right way to do it and what I’ve listed here is a suggestion and maybe just a beginning. Spirituality is individual. It is also inclusive, so if you belong to a faith already, look at how you could incorporate your deity/beliefs. Here are some other suggestions to make your practice unique to you.
You could choose a day that is special to you or a location
Incorporate elements of your heritage if you like to feel an ancestor connection
If you aren’t connected to a heritage or specific culture, look for inspiration in others. Be respectful and do not simply copy if you don’t understand the symbolism behind the ritual. It only works if it carries weight for you.
Invite a close friend or family member
Wear clothing that makes you feel good
Finish by rubbing in an herbal infused oil to “seal” your intentions
Begin the ritual with a cleansing smoke, like mugwort or pine
Carry crystals with you and cleanse them as well
Use a bundle of herbs (maybe yarrow, mugwort, or whatever grows around you) to brush yourself with the water
Use a container that is reserved only for cleansing rituals, like a special cup, bowl, etc.
Bring an instrument or have some music play
Find what fits your personal view of the world and puts you at peace.
If you try any of these, let me know!
If you are the type of person who doesn’t do well in silence, or you’d like a little further guidance on this, I’ve created a recorded walkthrough for you. Click below to check out the Summer Cleansing Guided Meditation video!
Mythology and historical information gathered from:
Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/.
