We each have a Spirit Guide. Some refer to it as a "Guardian Angel" or "Gate Keeper." When we try to make contact with departed spirits it is our spirit guide who makes the connection for us, keeping out those we don't wish to communicate with, and assisting those we do. For some people it is relatively easy to make contact with their Guide, but for others it is not. This ritual will help in clearing the way; will assist in drawing back the veil, so that you may  peer into the light.

Any time, though early moring or late evening hours seem to be best.

Any day

Mercury

Day candle as appropriate; Offertory: Violet (3) inscribed "Spirit," White (3) inscribed "Truth"

Anise, cardamom, and coriander, or fleawort, hemp seed, parsley and violet root

Acacia, anise and cassia, or gardenia, jasmine and lotus or jasmine, lemon, rose, and sandalwood

"Merge"

Crystal Ball

Almond, anise, lavendar, mint and orange bergamot, or cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood

Breathe deeply and build your ball of protective light. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your Spirit Guide when you make contact. Enter the circle in the hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the Oil, dress the Altar Candles and the Day Candle, while concentrating on the purpose of your ritual. Light your taper; then from that, light the Altar Candles and the Day Candle. State your intent:

I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her.

With the Awl, inscribe the Violet # 1 Candle with the word "Spirit." Dress it with Oil. Light the Violet #1 Candle, direct your energies into it and say:

Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will all eventually enter.

Take up the Censer and swing it, censing the whole area around the altar, while rhythmically repeating the Key Word "Merge," and building up energy to that focus. Replace the Censer and take up the Violet #2 Candle. Inscribe it with the word "Spirit," and dress it with the oil. Put it back in its place and light it, directing your energies into it. Say:

Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.