Ritual for Rape Victims: A Spiritual Approach to Healing

I wrote this ritual for a victim of sexual assault. She wisely chose to see a counselor. However, her spiritual circle was not prepared to offer the support she needed. Although she felt the need to repeat this ritual several times, she reported an increase in spiritual strength. For that reason, I'd like to share it with you. If you or someone you love has been affected by sexual assault, please seek emotional support from a qualified health care professional. This rite is only intended to supplement other care.

During this rite, you are instructed to burn a piece of ribbon. Be sure to do this safely, using a controlled flame and a fire-safe bowl or ashtray. Consider this when choosing your clothing for the ritual. Long, flowing sleeves or billowing skirts may pose a safety risk. If your hair is long, consider braiding it or tying it in a bun.

This ritual calls for a large piece of cloth. Choose a color or print that represents your personality. You may need to take some time making your choice.

Perform this ritual in a place that makes you feel safe. Ensure your privacy. This experience is an emotional one and you deserve to take the time you need without interruption. You may choose to play soft music to make you feel more comfortable. Before beginning, practice relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and positive visualization. If at any time you feel uncomfortable anxiety, fear or deep sadness, stop the ritual. Place your hand in the bowl of salt or earth and envision those negative feelings dispersing into the bowl.

Supplies:

A bowl of salt or earth

A large piece of cloth or a cloth bag

One or two rose petals

Pinch each of catnip, lavender, motherwort, caraway and coriander

A few fresh mint leaves or a pinch of dried mint

A length of white ribbon, wide enough to write on

A fine-point black marker

A bowl of hot water

A towel

A fire-safe bowl

Matches or a lighter

Cleanse each item by resting it in a bowl of salt or earth. Hold your hands above the item and visualize a white light filling it, pushing all negativity into the salt to be dispersed. When you feel that the item has been completely cleansed of all energies that may interfere with the rite's effectiveness, remove it from the bowl.

Lay out the cloth, saying:

This is my body.

On it, place the catnip, rose, lavender and motherwort, in that order, saying:

I am beautiful.

I am beautiful.

I am happy.

I am a woman.

Mix and close, saying:

I am all of these and more.

Write the word "rape" down the length of the ribbon, as many times as will fit. Bind the poppet sachet with the ribbon, tightly. Say aloud how the rape makes or made you feel.

For example:

I feel worthless.

I feel like I don't deserve good things.

I feel like I can't trust anyone.

Lay the poppet down and take time to ground. Place your hand in the bowl of salt or earth. Take deep breaths to calm yourself.

Steep the coriander in water to make a healing tea. Wash your hands in the tea and drink some, if desired.

Return to the poppet. Slowly unwind the ribbon, replacing your feelings with facts. Speak them out loud. For example:

I have value.

I deserve good things.

I can trust others.

Burn the ribbon. Talk to the rape experience (not the rapist) as it burns. Be assertive, but not hostile. For example:

You were wrong about me.

You have no power over me.

I don't believe your lies.

Open the poppet sachet. Add the caraway, saying:

I am not broken or damaged.

I am not tainted.

My body and mind are mine to share as I see fit.

Add the mint leaf. Say:

I am safe.

I am protected and watched over.

Close and seal the poppet. Ground again.

Bury the poppet or keep it in a hidden place, such as under a porch. Sprinkle the ashes of the ribbon into the wind or running water.

Source: Personal grimoire.