A Comprehensive Guide to Performing a Banishing Spell: Cleansing Your Life from Negativity

Banishing spells are a cornerstone of many magical practices, used to remove unwanted energies, influences, or even people from your life. They are not inherently malevolent; instead, they are tools for self-protection, setting boundaries, and creating a more positive and harmonious environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of performing a banishing spell, providing detailed steps, considerations, and safety precautions.

**Understanding Banishing Spells**

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what banishing spells are and what they are not.

* **What they are:** Banishing spells are rituals designed to remove negative energies, unwanted entities, harmful influences, or detrimental situations from your life. They are acts of cleansing and purification.
* **What they are not:** Banishing spells are not typically intended to harm others. While they can remove a person from your life, the intention is usually to protect yourself from their negative influence, not to inflict pain or suffering. If your intention is to cause harm, you’re venturing into dark magic, which carries significant ethical and karmic consequences.

**Ethical Considerations**

Magic is a powerful tool, and with power comes responsibility. Before performing any banishing spell, carefully consider the ethical implications.

* **Is it truly necessary?** Ask yourself if there are other, less drastic ways to resolve the situation. Communication, setting boundaries, or seeking professional help might be more appropriate.
* **What are your intentions?** Be honest with yourself about your motivations. Are you acting out of fear, anger, or a genuine need for protection? Pure intentions are essential for successful and ethical magic.
* **The Rule of Three:** A common Wiccan belief is the Rule of Three, which states that whatever energy you put out into the world will return to you threefold. Consider the potential consequences of your actions.
* **Consider alternatives:** Could a cleansing ritual or a protection spell be more suitable than a banishing? Sometimes, simply strengthening your own defenses is enough to ward off negativity.

**Preparing for the Spell**

Preparation is key to any successful magical working. This involves both mental and physical preparation.

1. **Define Your Intention:**

* Clearly articulate what you want to banish. Be specific. Instead of saying “I want to banish negativity,” try “I want to banish the feelings of anxiety and self-doubt that are holding me back.” Write it down.
* Visualize the desired outcome. Imagine your life free from the unwanted influence. Feel the relief and empowerment.
2. **Choose the Right Time:**

* **Lunar Phase:** The waning moon (the period between the full moon and the new moon) is traditionally associated with banishing and releasing. The dark moon (the night before the new moon) is particularly potent for this purpose.
* **Day of the Week:** Saturday, ruled by Saturn, is often associated with banishing and restriction.
* **Time of Day:** Evening or night is generally considered more suitable for banishing rituals.
3. **Gather Your Tools:**

The tools you’ll need will vary depending on the specific spell you choose, but some common items include:

* **Candles:** Black candles are traditionally used for banishing, representing the absorption of negativity. White candles can be used as a substitute, symbolizing purity and cleansing. Other colors may be used based on your intention; for example, purple for banishing psychic attacks or blue for banishing communication problems.
* **Herbs:** Many herbs are associated with banishing and protection, such as:
* **Sage:** For cleansing and purification. White sage is especially powerful.
* **Rosemary:** For protection and purification.
* **Rue:** For protection and banishing negative energy.
* **Black pepper:** To ward off evil and break hexes.
* **Garlic:** To repel negative entities.
* **Salt:** For purification and grounding. Black salt (made with charcoal, ash, and sea salt) is particularly potent for banishing.
* **Crystals:** Certain crystals can aid in banishing spells, such as:
* **Black Tourmaline:** For protection and grounding.
* **Obsidian:** For absorbing negative energy.
* **Amethyst:** For spiritual protection and cleansing.
* **Selenite:** For purifying energy and creating a protective barrier.
* **Incense:** Choose an incense with cleansing and protective properties, such as:
* **Sage:** For cleansing and purification.
* **Frankincense:** For purification and spiritual connection.
* **Myrrh:** For grounding and protection.
* **Athame (Optional):** A ceremonial knife used to direct energy. It is not used for physical cutting.
* **Paper and Pen:** To write down what you want to banish.
* **A Fireproof Bowl or Cauldron:** For burning the paper.
4. **Cleanse Your Space:**

* Physically clean the area where you will be performing the spell. Remove clutter and dust.
* Smudge the space with sage or another cleansing incense. Start in one corner of the room and move clockwise, allowing the smoke to fill the space. Visualize the smoke carrying away any negative energy.
* Cast a circle (optional). This creates a sacred space for your working and helps to contain the energy. You can cast a circle by visualizing a ring of light around you, or by using salt, crystals, or other tools to mark the boundaries.
5. **Meditate and Ground Yourself:**

* Take a few minutes to meditate and center yourself. Focus on your breath and release any anxieties or distractions.
* Ground yourself by visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth, connecting you to the earth’s energy. This will help you stay grounded and balanced during the spell.

**A Simple Banishing Spell**

This is a basic banishing spell that you can adapt to your specific needs. It focuses on releasing negative energy and creating a sense of closure.

1. **Prepare the Space:**

* Gather your tools: black candle, sage incense, paper, pen, and a fireproof bowl.
* Cleanse the space as described above.
* Cast a circle (optional).
2. **Light the Candle and Incense:**

* Light the black candle and focus on its flame. Visualize the flame consuming any negative energy in the area.
* Light the sage incense and allow the smoke to fill the space. Visualize the smoke cleansing and purifying everything it touches.
3. **Write Down What You Want to Banish:**

* On the piece of paper, clearly and specifically write down what you want to banish from your life. Be honest and detailed. For example, “I banish the fear of failure that prevents me from pursuing my dreams.” Or, “I banish the toxic relationship with [Name] that is draining my energy.” If you’re banishing an entity, you may want to include a description of its influence on your life.
4. **Visualize the Energy:**

* Hold the paper in your hands and close your eyes.
* Visualize the negative energy, person, or situation you are banishing. See it as a dark cloud, a tangled mess, or whatever imagery comes to mind.
* Feel the emotions associated with this negativity – fear, anger, sadness, etc. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment.
5. **Speak Your Intention:**

* Say the following words (or a variation that resonates with you) with conviction and power:

“I banish you from my life.
I release you from my energy.
You no longer have power over me.
Go now, and be gone.”

* Repeat these words three times, each time with increasing intensity.
6. **Burn the Paper:**

* Carefully light the paper with the candle flame.
* Drop the burning paper into the fireproof bowl.
* Watch the paper burn, visualizing the negativity being consumed by the flames. See it turning to ash and disappearing from your life.
7. **Visualize the Void Being Filled:**

* As the paper burns, visualize the space that was occupied by the negativity being filled with positive energy. Imagine light, love, peace, and abundance flowing into your life.
* Feel the shift in energy within you. Feel lighter, freer, and more empowered.
8. **Ground Yourself Again:**

* Take a few deep breaths and reconnect with the earth’s energy. Feel your feet firmly planted on the ground.
* Visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth, grounding you and stabilizing your energy.
9. **Thank the Elements and Spirits (Optional):**

* If you invoked any elements or spirits during the spell, thank them for their assistance.
10. **Close the Circle (If You Cast One):**

* Thank the elements and spirits who guarded the circle. Visualize the circle dissolving and the energy returning to its source.
11. **Dispose of the Ashes:**

* Once the ashes have cooled, dispose of them properly. You can bury them in the earth, scatter them in the wind, or flush them down the toilet (if appropriate).

**Variations and Adaptations**

This is just one example of a banishing spell. You can adapt it to suit your specific needs and preferences. Here are some variations and adaptations:

* **Using Different Herbs and Crystals:** Experiment with different herbs and crystals that resonate with you and your intention. Research their properties and choose those that will best support your spell.
* **Incorporating Sigils:** Create a sigil (a symbolic representation of your intention) and draw it on the paper before burning it. Charge the sigil with your energy by focusing on your intention while drawing it.
* **Using a Banishing Oil:** Anoint the candle with a banishing oil before lighting it. You can find commercially available banishing oils or make your own using essential oils like black pepper, rosemary, and clove.
* **Chanting or Singing:** Incorporate a chant or song into the spell to raise energy and focus your intention. You can find pre-written chants or create your own.
* **Using a Mirror:** Place a mirror in front of you during the spell. Visualize the negativity being reflected back to its source.
* **Banishing a Specific Person:** If you’re banishing a specific person, you can use a poppet (a doll representing the person) in your spell. Write the person’s name on the poppet and then burn or bury it.

**A More Complex Banishing Ritual: The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)**

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) is a widely used and highly effective banishing ritual derived from Hermetic Qabalah. It’s a more complex ritual than the simple banishing spell described above, but it’s also more powerful and comprehensive. It’s used to cleanse a space of negative energies, invoke divine protection, and create a sacred atmosphere for magical work.

**Important Note:** The LBRP involves visualization, chanting, and the use of specific symbols. It requires practice and dedication to master. It is recommended to study and practice each step individually before attempting to perform the full ritual.

**Tools Required:**

* None. The LBRP relies on visualization, intention, and the power of the Divine Names.

**Steps of the LBRP:**

1. **The Qabalistic Cross:**

* **Stand facing East.** Visualize a brilliant sphere of white light above your head.
* **Draw the light down:** With your right hand (or a dagger, if you have one), draw the light down from the sphere above your head to your forehead. As you do so, vibrate the Hebrew word **Ateh** (Ah-tah), meaning “Thou Art.”
* **Bring the light down further:** Continue drawing the light down to your solar plexus (the area between your ribs). As you do so, vibrate the Hebrew word **Malkuth** (Mal-koot), meaning “The Kingdom.”
* **Draw the light across your right shoulder:** Touch your right shoulder and vibrate the Hebrew word **Ve-Geburah** (Veh-Gheb-oo-rah), meaning “And the Power.”
* **Draw the light across your left shoulder:** Touch your left shoulder and vibrate the Hebrew word **Ve-Gedulah** (Veh-Gheh-doo-lah), meaning “And the Glory.”
* **Clasp your hands together in front of your chest.** Vibrate the Hebrew phrase **Le-Olahm, Amen** (Lay-O-lahm, Ah-men), meaning “Unto the Ages, Amen.”
* **Visualization:** Throughout this step, visualize a cross of light forming within you, extending from above your head to below your feet, and from shoulder to shoulder. This cross represents the integration of divine energy within yourself.
2. **Forming the Pentagrams:**

* **Facing East:** Extend your right arm (or hold your dagger) forward. Visualize a large, blue pentagram in front of you. Start at the lower left point, draw upwards to the top point, then down to the lower right point, across to the left point, up to the right point, and back down to the lower left point. As you complete the pentagram, thrust your hand (or dagger) forward into the center of the pentagram and vibrate the Divine Name **YHVH** (Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh), also known as the Tetragrammaton. This name represents the unpronounceable name of God and is a powerful force for creation and banishing.
* **Turn to the South:** Keeping your arm extended, carry the visualized pentagram with you as you turn to the South. Visualize a line of light connecting the pentagram you just drew to the space where you will draw the next pentagram. Draw another banishing pentagram in the South, thrust forward, and vibrate the Divine Name **Adonai** (Ah-doe-nye), meaning “Lord.”
* **Turn to the West:** Repeat the process, carrying the visualized pentagram with you as you turn to the West. Draw another banishing pentagram, thrust forward, and vibrate the Divine Name **Eheieh** (Eh-heh-yay), meaning “I Am.”
* **Turn to the North:** Repeat the process, carrying the visualized pentagram with you as you turn to the North. Draw another banishing pentagram, thrust forward, and vibrate the Divine Name **Aglai** (Ah-gah-lah-ee). This is a notariqon (a word formed from the initial letters of a phrase) representing “Ateh Gibor Le-Olahm Adonai,” meaning “Thou art mighty forever, O Lord.”
* **Return to the East:** Complete the circle by returning to the East. Visualize the circle of pentagrams surrounding you, protecting you from all negative influences. The room is now sealed within a protective barrier.
3. **Invocation of the Archangels:**

* **Extend your arms out to the sides, forming a cross.** Say:

* “Before me, Raphael” (Rah-fah-el). Visualize the Archangel Raphael, associated with the element of Air, standing before you, radiating a golden light. He is the angel of healing, communication, and knowledge.
* “Behind me, Gabriel” (Gah-bree-el). Visualize the Archangel Gabriel, associated with the element of Water, standing behind you, radiating a silver light. He is the angel of intuition, emotions, and purification.
* “On my right hand, Michael” (Mee-kah-el). Visualize the Archangel Michael, associated with the element of Fire, standing on your right side, radiating a fiery red light. He is the angel of protection, courage, and strength.
* “On my left hand, Auriel” (Or-ee-el). Visualize the Archangel Auriel, associated with the element of Earth, standing on your left side, radiating an earthy green light. He is the angel of stability, abundance, and grounding.
* **Say:** “For about me flames the Pentagrams, And in the Column shines the Six-rayed Star.”
* Visualize the circle of pentagrams surrounding you, burning with a protective blue flame. Visualize the hexagram (the six-rayed star) shining brightly above you, representing the union of masculine and feminine energies and the balance of the elements.
4. **Repeat the Qabalistic Cross:**

* Perform the Qabalistic Cross again, as described in step 1. This seals the ritual and grounds the energy you have invoked.

**Performing the LBRP:**

* **Regular Practice:** The LBRP is most effective when performed regularly, ideally once in the morning and once in the evening. Consistent practice strengthens the protective barrier and keeps the space cleansed of negative energies.
* **Visualization:** The key to the LBRP is strong visualization. Spend time developing your ability to visualize the pentagrams, the Archangels, and the other symbols clearly and vividly. The more real they seem, the more powerful the ritual will be.
* **Vibration:** Vibrate the Divine Names with power and conviction. Feel the energy resonating within you as you speak the names.
* **Intention:** Perform the ritual with a clear intention to banish negativity and invoke divine protection. Focus on your intention throughout the entire ritual.

**When to Use the LBRP:**

* **Daily Cleansing:** To cleanse your personal space of negative energies and create a protective barrier around yourself.
* **Before Magical Work:** To prepare the space for other magical rituals by banishing any unwanted influences.
* **After Magical Work:** To ground the energy after performing other magical rituals and prevent any lingering negative energies from affecting you.
* **When Feeling Attacked:** When you feel psychically attacked or overwhelmed by negative energies.

**Safety Precautions**

* **Protect Yourself:** Before performing any banishing spell, make sure you are adequately protected. Visualize yourself surrounded by a shield of light, or wear protective jewelry, such as a black tourmaline pendant.
* **Ground Yourself:** Grounding is essential to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the energy of the spell. Visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth, or hold a grounding crystal, such as hematite.
* **Don’t Banish Lightly:** Only perform banishing spells when absolutely necessary. Overuse of banishing spells can weaken your own energy field.
* **Be Specific:** Be very specific about what you are banishing. If you are not clear in your intention, you may banish something you don’t intend to banish.
* **Be Prepared for Repercussions:** Banishing spells can sometimes have unexpected consequences. Be prepared to deal with any challenges that may arise as a result of your spell.
* **Seek Guidance:** If you are unsure about performing a banishing spell, seek guidance from an experienced practitioner.

**Signs That the Spell Worked**

It can be hard to measure the effects of a banishing spell definitively but you might observe some indicators that indicate successful working:

* **A Sense of Relief:** A feeling of lightness, freedom, and peace of mind.
* **Improved Mood:** A decrease in negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, or anger.
* **Increased Energy:** A boost in your energy levels and motivation.
* **Positive Changes in Your Life:** Improvements in your relationships, career, or overall well-being.
* **Reduced Negative Experiences:** Fewer negative events or interactions in your life.
* **Intuitive Confirmation:** A strong feeling that the spell has worked.

**What to Do if the Spell Doesn’t Work**

If you don’t see any immediate results from your banishing spell, don’t despair. Magic often works in subtle and unexpected ways. Here are some things you can do:

* **Repeat the Spell:** You may need to repeat the spell several times to achieve the desired results. Wait a few days or weeks between repetitions.
* **Refine Your Intention:** Make sure your intention is clear and specific. Re-evaluate what you are trying to banish and adjust your spell accordingly.
* **Strengthen Your Energy:** Work on strengthening your own energy field through meditation, grounding exercises, and other spiritual practices.
* **Seek Help from Others:** Consult with an experienced practitioner for guidance and support. They may be able to identify any obstacles that are preventing your spell from working.
* **Consider Other Options:** If banishing spells are not working, consider other magical techniques, such as cleansing rituals or protection spells.

**Conclusion**

Banishing spells are a powerful tool for cleansing your life from negativity and creating a more positive and harmonious environment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively perform banishing spells to remove unwanted energies, influences, or situations from your life. Remember to always act ethically and with pure intentions, and to take the necessary safety precautions. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of banishing and transform your life for the better.