Housekeeping For Ritual
Altars and ritual items need special care and attention. I find that I have less trouble keeping my altars neat and tended than the rest of my home, but there are still tasks that tend to pile up. Also, in ritual, accidents happen. How do you keep your tools looking well-loved, but not neglected?
Wax
Was is probably the biggest challenge. To get wax off of candlesticks, I take an aluminum roasting pan, put the candlestick in it, and pour boiling water over it. I wear rubber golves when I do this, and then, as the wax melts, I can rub it off with the glove. Remove the candle holder from submersion as soon as the wax starts to melt, or the entire candleholder will have a waxy glaze. When the wax is off, run the candleholder under cool water, dry thoroughly, and then polish as usual. Wait until the water is completely cool, and then, preferably, get rid of it outside. Don't pour hot, waxy water down your drain or you will clog it up. When the wax dries, it can be peeled off the gloves and the pan, and both gloves and pan can be stored to use again. For materials that could be hurt with boiling water, I generally scrape off as much wax as I can, then take a scouring pad and gently remove the rest with a little warm water.
Wax can be removed from clothing with a hot iron. Place several layers of paper towels underneath the waxed spot. Place the waxed spot on top. Place a layer of paper towels over the spot. Press with the hot iron. Use the iron somewhat like a blotter. Move to a clean spot or change paper towels frequently, so that you do not get wax buildup on your iron. To get rid of the leftover ring, rub the fabric gentley with a baby wipe, let it soak in gentle detergent and warm water for a few minutes, and then wash as you normally would.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes, in general, will get most stains out, especially cosmetics and food. They can be used on most fabrics. Be careful on very delicate silks and rayons with a silk feel. When in doubt, test the baby wipe on an inside seam first. Jewerly cleaner will take off most stains on non-fabric items, but always read the directions first.
Ritual Tools
Statues and figures can usually be cleasned with mild soap and a little warm water (baby soap is good). Be careful about using soaps containing essential oils. If the oil is strong, it can damage the statue, especially if it's painted.
Tarot cards, runes, etc. should be cleaned every time they are used. In addition, I also try to cleanse them a couple of times a year and then leave them out in the light of the Full Moon to recharge. Stones should be cleaned in salt water once or twice a year and also left under the Full Moon or Sun to recharge.
Wooden wands can be cleansed with the appropriate oil massaged into them, and any crystals with a mild salt solution. Crystal wands can be washed in a mild soap and water solution, dried, then wiped in a mild salt soluton, rinsed, and dried.
The care of clothing depends on the type of fabric used. Hand or machine wash when able, but , in the case of delicate silks or velvets, send them to the dry cleaner. When the items return, smudge them with your favorite incense to get rid of the smell of the fluid.
Crystal balls can be washed in a mild soap and water solution, cleaned with a mild salt solution, rinsed off, and rubbed with mugwort.
Athames, cauldrons, chalices, etc. can be cleaned and polished with mild solutions approproate to the material of which they are made. When in doubt, mild soap and water, gentle rinsing, and thorough drying with a soft, clean cloth rarely go wrong.
When the coven or clients come over, I usually vacuum and then use a floor wash, light a few candles, and either burn incense, or have a pot of something like apples and cinnamon gently simmering on the stove. I wipe down surfaces with warm water and a few drops of the same oil I used in the floor wash. I also check and spot clean all the items to be used in the ritual.
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