The first time I used this ritual, I was doing it for my grandmother who I had just learned was terminally ill. I didn’t just ask for salvation… nature had marked its course and the Norns had etched their fate, I can’t change that. What I asked was peace and comfort for my grandmother, for aid, and true, even intervention, if the cards were so delt.

Materials:

• three candles (white works, or you can use green for physical or blue for mental healing)
• a natural container for the libation
• the libation (beer, in my case, but liquor, wine, or even juice will do)
• lavender, or other healing herbs/flowers

Place the three candles around the container, or if you are doing this on your altar, simply light your altar’s candles.

Now with the container, preferably one of glass or wood, or any natural material will do, place it on your altar, or burry it half way into the earth if you don’t have an altar, and place the candles about it. Prepare a libation of alcohol or juice. This can be one of similar ancestral origins to those who you wish heal, though this is not necessarily required (I like to think my Irish ancestors appreciated a nice Irish stout over an American).

Meditate for a moment on the intention of this libation: on to whom you are sending these requests: your ancestors, the gods, the world; and for whom is it given. Recall their face, memories you have of them, their voice, the way they make you feel, their presence.

Then, pour the libation and make your request. It’s best you make your request outloud.

Once the container is full, take the lavender and carefully remove the flowers and buds onto the top of the libation. You may dispose of the stem after.

Pause a moment, then give gratitude and extinguish the candles. Leave in silence.

Ideally, allow the offering to stay on your altar overnight, then dispose of it, giving thanks again. If you did this outside, you may dispose of it in nature after a few moments of meditation following the ritual.