by James Kambos
Candles and herbs, a vase of flowers, or a strategically placed houseplant. These and many other everyday items, when used with magical intent prior to entertaining, can create a peaceful environment in any home. With some magical tricks and by planning ahead, you can become the perfect magical host/hostess. By using a few of the magical tips I’m going to share with you, your guests will be ensured of a pleasant visit. As an example, last year a severe storm knocked out electrical power to a wide area near where I live. As a result I had two houseguests stay three days until their power was restored. By using some magical tactics I turned what could have been a stressful situation into an enjoyable time. When my guests were ready to leave they remarked, “We feel like we’ve been on vacation.” I guess my magic must have worked!
As magical folk, many of us may have spaces in our homes devoted to the tools of magic or the Craft—statues of deities, pentagrams, or a cauldron—are just a few. We must remember some of our guests aren’t magically inclined and may misunderstand the symbols of our faith. Or perhaps you live in an area where Pagans aren’t tolerated. Considering this to be a fact of life, I’ve found that when practicing magic while entertaining it’s best to keep your magic subtle and low-key. With the magical advice I’m going to give you, nobody will realize your magical intentions. But everyone will benefit from it.
Cleansing Your Home
What I’m primarily talking about here is giving your home a psychic cleansing. This is especially important to perform before a party or before house guests arrive. If you do this on a regular basis, your home shouldn’t need more than a light smudging with an herbal wand or incense of your choice. But if you haven’t cleared the energy recently, or if you’ve had some discord in your home, I suggest a more thorough cleaning.
Here are two methods. Open all windows and doors, then, using a white sage smudge stick, walk through each room, and let the smoke penetrate all nooks and crannies. Or simmer some dried white sage leaves in a small pan, then carry it through each room. You may use a white feather to fan the steam into all corners. End by anointing each threshold and windowsill with a drop of lavender oil. Once the negative energy is removed, lavender will invite soothing energy into your home.
To assure your environment is cleared, take a broom and vigorously sweep your front steps/walk away from your home toward the street. If you have any throw rugs, roll them up tightly, then give them a good shaking outside. Visualize that you’re shaking out any trapped negative energy. According to magical tradition, this sweeping or rug cleaning should be done before sunset to attract good luck.
Now that your space is cleansed, scenting the air with a suitable fragrance is a good way to maintain the positive energy you’ve created. Before company arrives, use an herbal fragrance mist. Warm scents such as vanilla or cinnamon are good because they impart a sense of well-being.
Candles
Almost everyone likes candles. Candles are a discreet way to practice your magic while entertaining. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.
First of all, when in doubt about which color to use, I suggest white. To charge your candles, magically “dress” your them with a drop of olive oil. To do this, as you think of your magical intent, rub each candle with the oil. If you wish to use other colored candles, here are some choices:
Cream: A cream candle will have a calming effect.
Light blue: Promotes peace.
Orange: Helps create a warm environment.
Violet: Excellent to use to balance emotions. Use violet if one or your guests is known to be a gossip.
Yellow: This color will help create lively conversation.
I try to avoid red candles because they may cause some heated conversations, which is something you don’t want. If using pillar candles, try carving a peace sign in the bottom prior to use. Before your guests arrive light the candles. Around at least one candle, artfully arrange some fresh bay leaves—this will stop any negativity before it even starts. And you’ll notice wherever you place the candles is probably where guests will sit first. And one last candle tip: to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the bathroom, you can’t go wrong with a lavender-scented candle.
Using Plants and Flowers
To use plants for magical purposes while entertaining, use only living plants or fresh-cut flowers—no dried arrangements. This is especially true for centerpieces.
First let’s take a look at houseplants. For magical entertaining a few of the best plants I’ve used are English ivy, ferns, and African violets. Peace lilies are also highly recommended, but I’ve never had one myself. English ivy is very protective, and its trailing habit makes it a good choice for mantels, or a dining room sideboard. Ferns are used to trap and hold negative energy, preventing it from entering the home. For these reasons, place a fern near a door or window. To send out spiritual vibrations, place an African violet wherever you think guests will have conversations. On an end table or on a coffee table are good locations.
Fresh-cut flowers in a vase aren’t only attractive, they’re magical. To get your home ready magically for company, one of the best all-purpose healing flowers to use is the carnation. Place them in a vase with some fern foliage to create some powerful magic. To banish any evil influences in the home chrysanthemums are an excellent choice. And if you’re entertaining for a romantic occasion, asters are a strong love-attracting flower.
Crystals and Stones
Like plants, crystals and stones can help create a soothing environment for your guests without anyone realizing their magical purpose. In fact, you can combine some of your crystals with your plants to increase their magical power. Simply arrange some of your crystals around a potted plant. The plant will grow even better and emit more magical energy.
Stones, beads, or crystals are a beautiful way to magically influence your entertaining. Here are some top choices to use to promote peace, stability, and friendship.
To keep your guests in a good mood, set out a wooden bowl filled with polished amber pieces. The amber will help improve anyone’s disposition. If you’re concerned about keeping things peaceful, place blue lace agate beads in a bowl and sprinkle with some dried lavender. To strengthen friendships it’s not a bad idea to have a piece of tumbled garnet in the room where you’ll be entertaining the most.
So, the next time your doorbell rings, you can relax, smile and greet your guests with confidence. Your home is now filled with positive energy, which will put you and your guests at ease.