I designed this ritual to clarify and refocus my mind after a 2-day visit with my family. We have a complicated backstory involving how I've grown away from my family's cultural norms and we are all struggling to find healthy and nurturing ways to relate to each other. I am worried that the emotional tumult of a visit, even a relatively peaceful visit, might throw me out of my new witchy groove. So, I designed a ritual for myself.

I was not terribly happy with how it turned out, particularly because my toddler decided that bell-like tones required her to try to pitch-match by screeching. Not terribly conducive to a meditative state. I am open to thoughts and ideas for improvements even beyond "throw the whole toddler away".

I cribbed the tea recipe from Arin Murphy-Hiscock's Witch's Book of Self-Care.

A slice of fresh ginger for energy

A splash of lemon for happiness (I didn't have lemon juice or fresh lemon, so I used sweet n sour mixer 😆)

0.5 tsp lavender flowers for spiritual healing and purification

I poured boiling water over my herbs and placed the mug, a clear smooth glass, and a spoon on my altar (which is my fireplace hearth). When I type ring, I struck the clear glass lightly with the spoon to simulate a bell ringing. Also, toddler screeching, apparently.

"I call on water: wash away my anxiety"

Breathe in the vapor from my tea

Ring

"I call on water: soothe my hurt"

Breathe in vapor

Ring

"I call on water: cleanse my grief"

Breathe in vapor

Ring

"I call on air: I breathe in wakefulness"

Breathe in vapor

Ring

"I call on air: I breathe in clarity"

Breathe in vapor

Ring

"I call on air: I breathe in focus"

Breathe in vapor

Ring

Meditate and ground

"My will be done." Clap

As I finished getting ready for the day, I filtered and drank the tea/potion. It was quite delicious!