Witches Corner: Cleansing Sprays

By Claire Keen, Hedge Witchery UK

Welcome to this issue’s witches corner. It is now the time of year when the earth is waking up, plants are coming to life, showing off their spring blooms, the birds are singing and mother earth is brimming with positive energy. It is this time that I feel a burst of energy myself and usually the time I make another batch of my cleansing spray. Cleansing sprays are a great way to bottle up all those positive energies into a spray that can be used throughout the year when you need that extra magical plant support. So, I thought in this issue I would share with you all how I make my own spray so you could have a go yourself.

As always the views, opinions, and magical workings in this article are my own. Some, all, or none of this may apply to your own path and individual beliefs. With that in mind, let's begin.

My cleansing spray has lots of qualities taken from what you may know as Florida water. Florida water is an alcohol-based cologne first used in the early 1800s as a perfume made by the company Murray & Lanman; it has a lovely fresh citrusy, floral scent. Florida water was named so because it is said the Fountain of Youth is somewhere in Florida. Florida water can be used in many ways such as an offering, cleansing, and more. Florida water is commonly used by those who practice Hoodoo, rootwork, and folk magic. For me though, I use all the magical herbs, plants and flowers that I believe have correspondences with cleansing and bringing in positive energies, which is how I incorporate it into my craft. 

My cleansing spray has an alcohol base, but if using alcohol is not something you wish to do it can be replaced with distilled water and witch hazel. You can find witch hazel in most local pharmacies. Before adding the alcohol I select and gather all my herbs, plants, and flowers. I prefer to use fresh herbs where I can and since I'm using alcohol this will prevent any unwanted bacterial growth. If using water and witch hazel, I would dry out my herbs before making the spray. The herbs, plants, and flowers I have chosen for my spray are as follows.

Lemon - Lemons I associate with purification, cleansing, and protection due to their acidic nature and I believe they have an ability to absorb negative energy.

Mint - For me mint amplifies intentions, manifests desires, and purifies spaces.

Rosemary - Rosemary is spiritually associated with protection. It's often used in rituals for protection from negative energies.

Rose - I include rose for its magical properties of protection and happiness.

Calendula - With its stunning yellow and orange colours, it beams with radiant energies of power and healing.

Lavender - A mood boosting herb that I incorporate because of its correspondence with clarity, protection, joy, happiness, and healing.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon can be added to help it manifest its intentions more quickly. It increases spirituality and attracts power, and success.

Cloves - Clove when used in magical workings is believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the mind and environment. It is also believed that clove chases away bad energies. 

Thyme - Thyme is associated with protection and purification. It is also believed to be helpful in promoting strength.

Clove flowers - The clove flower and its three lobed leaves have correspondences with the triple goddes. The druids believed the blossoms could ward off nasty spells and evil spirits.

To make my spray I firstly choose a glass container that has a tight fitting lid. I half fill the glass container with my alcohol. I'm using vodka. Next, I add all of the plants, herbs, and flowers. I then add the remaining liquid over the top until the container is full. When full, I give the bottle a shake to fill any gaps before adding any final liquid and a few drops of an intuitively chosen essential oil, and shake again. The container should be full with no air gaps. I leave this mixture over two moon cycles to infuse. I shake it weekly to ensure the liquid infuses evenly. After the two moon cycles, I drain and filter through a thin cotton cloth. I then bottle it up into spray bottles.

There are a few ways I use my sprays. I spray it in a space where I feel the energy is poor, or onto new items I'm incorporating into my craft. This spray is so useful for the times where burning herbs is not possible. It's also useful to carry around with you for the times where you need to give yourself a quick burst of cleansing energy. 

I hope you have enjoyed this issue's witches corner. If you make your own sprays we would love to see them, so feel free to send them over. Until next time, Claire - Hedge Witchery UK