Rose…are you there? Where did everybody go? It’s me Art…the 3X99 guy:). I had written you recently to get your opinion on something and I received a response inviting me to purchase the Home Academy, which I’ve had for about 2-3 months. Anyways, I wrote you an account of my dedication ritual. I am not privy to too much privacy or peace at home so I took some time at work because it allows me solitude and privacy. Problem was that the evening was blustery…the beautiful full moon was obscured by the clouds, the wind kept blowing the candles out and knocking items over. I was not happy with it. I did not hear or see anything nor did I have any visions…but when I went back to my truck I took out some stones which I had cleansed and put in a plastic bag. The stones were cool as expected with exception of my snowflake obsidian pendant. When I put it on it was VERY warm against my skin..I’d say almost 90 degrees warm. I ask you..my teacher…do I need to redeux or is my pendant telling me something? Please RSVP as soon as possible…thanks. Art Ledezma Fresno, California

Hello there Art my dear,

I am very sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you about this. Things have been more than a little hectic and busy around here – and as the site gets more busy, it gets harder and harder for me to be able to respond in a very timely manner (as I try to respond on something of a first come first served basis)….

Anyway, again, I think you have done fine with your dedication ritual… and I think that the response you got certainly indicates that you are on the right track. Thus, I don’t think there is any reason to feel the need to redo it again.

Setting up a Sacred Space

A quiet, peaceful place should be selected, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors %u2013 as long as it is somewhere that work can be done and spells can be cast undisturbed.

Once selected, the space needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Traditionally a besom is used for this and the task is performed three times %u2013 once for the physical world, once for emotional cleaning, and once to cleanse the spirit of the place.

When this has been done, it is usual to sprinkle water and salt around the area and to burn a bit of incense (I am partial to sandalwood).

Next, the work surface, or altar, is prepared. It can be a tray, a table, a dressing table, an ornately carved piece of furniture, or even a sturdy bit of wood. It does not particularly matter, as long as you feel some connection to the item in question.

You will want to gather some candles to place on the altar – a silver one to represent the Lady and the moon and a gold one to represent the Lord and the sun.

You will also likely want to have a pentagram, a censer, a bowl of water, and a bowl of salt. Other items you may wish to have would include an athame, a chalice, a bell, and a wand.

Have any crystals or other items that you will use regularly stored in close proximity to the altar for ready access.

Once everything is in place, the altar should then be dedicated to whichever power it is that you call on when you cast your spells or perform your rituals. As a wiccan, I dedicate my altar to the Lord and the Lady. Others will obviously dedicate their altars differently.

Traditionally each of the four elements is then addressed. One way to do so would be as such,

%u201COh element earth, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it.

Oh element air, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it.

Oh element fire, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it.

Oh element water, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it.%u201D

As earth is addressed, draw a banishing earth pentacle over the bowl of salt.

As air is addressed, draw a banishing air pentacle over the incense.

As fire is addressed, draw a banishing fire pentacle over the candles.

As water is addressed, draw a banishing water pentacle over the bowl of water.

Say a final prayer to the powers which you entreat and your sacred space is ready to go%u2026.