I got a new drum in the mail yesterday. It’s always exciting to get a new tool for my Vitki work. This drum has a beautiful ring of runes on the head in red ochre. I plan to use it to assist me in seidr work. But I can’t just jump in and use it. It must go through some preparations.
First I have to use incense to make it sacred. Passing it through the smoke a few times helps to set this drum aside for special purposes. It says to the multiverse exactly what I plan to use the drum for. Sacred work. Setting it aside this way makes sure that whenever I use the drum it’s for a distinct reason. This act also puts me in the mindset of what this drum is truly for. Seidr work and calling upon the gods.
Next I need to spend some time getting to know the drum better. I sit and meditate with it. I stroke it to add my personal energy to it. I ask it it’s gender. I ask it if it has a name. All of these things help build a link with the drum. In essence I become one with it. It’s never good to trust a stranger with your intimate ritual work. Same thing goes with your tools. Don’t let them be a stranger. Get to know them a bit before using them in a ritual setting.
Once I feel confident I’ve gotten to know the new tool I can do some dry runs with it. Testing it out as it were. Giving the tool a chance to show off its abilities. Let the tool have this opportunity to show you what it’s got. This process can take several sessions. Don’t rush things. Really give the tool a chance to become acclimated to what you intend to use it for. Not good to just jump in and then expect positive results. These things take time.
Now that I’m sure the tool is accustomed to its use and I know it and have set it aside for Vitki use it’s time to use the tool in a full blown ritual setting. Let all of your previous work carry you through. Enjoy the new tool in its proper use. Exciting stuff to be sure!
i do this routine for all my tools. Drums. Gands. Whatever. Proper planning makes for positive results in ritual use. A little time beforehand gives a wealth of rewards.
How do you prepare new tools for ritual use?
