Winter Magick Rituals & Spells for Purification, Cleansing and Letting Go

In nature, winter is a time for slowing down and hibernating.  We are all part of nature, so when the temperatures dip way down, we slow down. To the outside world it may seem like we are in a slumber like state, but really this “slow” time a period of reflection and soul searching.  A period where we let go of the things that are no longer benefiting us like old ideas, unhealthy relationships and harmful situations. Winter is a time where we must come to terms with the end of important life cycles in order to prepare ourselves for new opportunities that will arise in the spring. 

Even though you slow down in the cold winter months, your magical rituals do not need to come to a standstill. Winter offers a number of advantageous circumstances that align with the power of elemental magick, particularly those of Air and Water.  Using the the forces of air and water, a profound shift, for your benefit, can happen.

Winter Air Magick

Wind is a driving force of winter; Wind is ruled by the element of Air; and, Air is driven by the power of movement. Air magick is a great avenue for creating change as it stimulates the mind and encourages new ideas. Just like life, Air is not stagnant.  Just like life, Air continuously moves, and often changes direction. And, just like we want to do in life, Air magick can blow away negativity while breezing in fresh new ideas and possibilities.

Winter Water Magick

Snow and icy cold rain are the other driving forces of winter. Snow and rain are ruled by the element of Water. Water magick drives emotions, subconscious thought, and imagination. Water magick channels our creative force and creates a pathway to our sense of self which, like water, is constantly flowing and ebbing.  Water magick helps bring our multi-dimensional inner worlds out into the physical world. All of the water we encounter in winter, whether in the form of snow, ice, or rain, helps us to tune into our authentic self. This self-knowledge helps us to discover new opportunities and navigates our life path toward directions that better serve us.

Winter Magick Rituals

Rituals that lend themselves to the power of winter tend to be those that focus on letting go, purification, and or banishing. Also, winter is great for rituals that focus on tapping into one’s intuition and creativity. These two ritual ideals work together beautifully.  

We like to use perennial herbs in our winter magick rituals.  Why? Because, during the winter perennials are buried in the snow and dormant.  But they are not dead. No, they simply are using the insulating effects of the snow to recharge so they can come back bigger and better the next year.  Doesn't this sound like something we all would like to do?

How To Perform A Winter Magick Ritual:

Below is an herbal winter ritual using an herbal blend that reflects the elemental forces of Air and Water. This ritual is simple and effective:

1. This is a 3 night ritual.  You may prepare the herbal blend and wash on day one of the ritual or on the day before the ritual.
2. In equal parts, gather lemongrass, sage, dandelion, chamomile, thyme and mint. Keep in mind you will need enough for a spiritual bath as well as some to place under your bed.
3. Begin by taking a handful of your winter blend and simmer it in purified water for about 5 to 6 minutes.  (We want to use about 4 cups of water and make sure the herbs are well covered). After the herbs have been simmering for 5 to 6 minutes, strain and separate the herbs.  At this point the life force has been simmered out of the hers so the simmered herbs may be discarded.
4. Set aside about 1/3 of the water for the first night. The remaining 2/3 will be divided over the following two nights.
5. On the first night, after the sun has set, prepare a bath. Take two white votive candles and place one towards your head and place the other toward your feet. Enter the bath and remain standing. Take 1/3 of the cooled herb infused water and gently pour over the top of your head. As you do this, visualize all things you wish to let go of, and say the following,“I now release all the things that no longer serve me in a positive way”. You may also simply recite Psalm 23 or say a prayer of your choice. (If you wish to rinse the herb infused water off your head, that is certainly OK. However, do not take a bath in the blend. You will do this on the 2nd and 3rd nights of the ritual).
6. Now let's focus on the herbs that were not simmered.  On the first night of your bath ritual, take the non simmered herbs and place them in a bowl. Cover the herbs with purified water and a sprinkling of kosher salt. Place this directly under your bed where you sleep.  You should keep it under your bed for all 3 nights of the bath ritual. After the 3rd night, discard the contents of the bowl off your property.
7. On nights two and three, you will add 1/3 of your water blend directly into a warm bath. On these nights, you will perform a bath soak. Remember to visualize and say your intention each night.  Soaking in the tub, with the herbal infused water is to be used as a time of reflection and letting go.

I suggest doing this ritual once a month during the winter season.