Spiritual Washes 2: Hyssop & Psalm 51

Hyssop in bloom

One of my favorite cleansing baths is extremely simple, but very potent! It is all based around the use of the herb hyssop.

Hyssop: Biblical Cleansing Herb

Possessing a wonderful aromatic and slightly minty scent, hyssop is one of several herbs mentioned in the Scripture. Mentioned for its cleansing power, hyssop has been used for generations to accomplish just that. Medicinally, it is an expectorant and antiseptic with cough suppressant properties when used properly. Note that the hyssop essential oil can cause seizures, and so should be handled with care.

In conjure, we frequently use the plant itself in cleansing Work. Probably the most common use is in brewing up a "tea" with it, boiling a handful of the dried, woody herb in water until it darkens to a pleasant-smelling infusion. Then, this water is either added to mopping water for cleansing the home, or added to Spiritual Baths intended on atoning for sins, cleansing away bad habits or removing jinxes, curses and crossed conditions.

It is frequently employed in this way along with Psalm 51, below.



Psalm 51
51:1 Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin.

51:3 For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.

51:4 Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge.

51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me.

51:6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

51:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

51:8 Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

51:9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities.

51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.

51:11 Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your holy Spirit from me.

51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.

51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you.

51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

51:15 Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.

51:16 For you don’t delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.

51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

51:18 Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.

51:19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.