With a new month coming up, I plan to do this on the first of every month in 2020.
You will need
Bay Leaf (or several)
Cauldron or fire proof dish
Lighter/Matches
Marker
I like to cast a circle. Casting a circle is not necessary, but I prefer to use one. It just feels right to me.
This is how I do it.
I use either a sage smudge stick or a Palo Santo stick and extend my dominant arm in front of me, while the sage/Palo Santo is lit, walk in a circle clockwise and say, “I cast this circle for my protection. Keep all negativity out and let only love come in. Blessed be.”
I also say as I light palo santo*, “I ask that the plant spirit of palo santo please infuse this space with blessings”*
When you are done your spells or rituals – walk counterclockwise and say,
“The circle now fades. It is done. Thank you palo santo for the blessing, blessed be.”
You can begin now.
Cast your circle
Bay leaf & marker to left. Cauldron to right.
On the first of every month write your goals, intentions, wishes on a bay leaf.
Make sure they are realistic things! No wishing for unicorns.
Light the bay leaf on fire and place in your cauldron or fireproof bowl.
While it burns, meditate on them. Really Visualize your goals and what their outcomes would feel like once you have obtained them.
Once you are done release your circle, then throw the ashes out the front door and ask the universe to bring these things to you. Make sure to be thankful & grateful.
You can also do this exact same thing with things you wish to release.
Examples: Fear, negative self-talk, judgement, procrastination, anger, guilt, anxiety, etc.,
Write the things you wish to release on your bay leaf.
Repeat: “I write on this bay leaf to start anew. Let the smoke lift these words up and out to brew; away from me so I can be free. Welcome a new month, a fresh start. Only peace, love and happiness will dwell in my heart. So, it is said, so shall it be!”
Once done light your bay leaf on fire and place it in your cauldron. Watch it burn. Visualize feeling lighter and freer as those negative words float away with the smoke.
Repeat: “I release my attachments to (whatever you wrote on the leaf; see examples) So, it is said, so it shall be!"
Sit quietly for a few moments. When the leaf is done burning take the ashes and throw them outside to truly release them. Make sure they are cool first before disposing. Don’t cause a fire!