Performing a cleansing spell will help to cleanse your sick friends of their illness and of any problems that might interfere with their recovery, such as feelings of vulnerability and depression.

Before beginning, be mindful of your intentions; a person may need to go through a period of illness before s/he can be well again. Say "for the highest good" or "by divine will" before performing healing spells to show that you are honoring the process of the illness, as well as wishing for your friends' recovery.

PERFORMING YOUR RITUAL

You will need:

~1 Pale blue pillar candle
~2 Flowers
~3 A memento of your sick friend--such as a picture or a piece of their jewelry
~4 Natural sea salt
You may perform this ritual up to 3 times a day.

~1. NO DISTURBANCES--Find a quiet place to perform your ritual.
~2 HEALING FLOWERS--Place the flowers in a vase and set them down beside the candle.
~3 REMEMBERING THE SICK--Place the memento of your friend that you have chosen beside the candle.
~4 BIND YOUR SPELL--Sprinkle a loose circle of natural sea salt around the group of items you have set up in order to define your magical area.
~5 CANDLE MAGIC--Light your candle and watch it slowly burn.
~6 THINKING OF YOU--Sit quietly for 15 minutes and imagine your friends' pain or sickness dissolving into the salt.
~7 GROUND THE SPELL--Blow out your candle, sweep up the salt, and dispose of it into some earth (away from plants as salt can damage them).

CANDLES FOR CHANGE
Candles represent fire which gives out the heat and light necessary for life. Candles also symbolize transformation--our problems dissolving along with the wax.
~Use a pale blue candle, as in the above spell, to bring serenity, happiness and protection.
~Use a wide or pillar candle so that it can be lit and relit throughout your friends' illness. A slow burning candle is best, as recovery takes time.
~If your friend is undergoing surgery, use a violet candle, as this represents success and victory over the challenge.
~Use a black candle if your friend has been emotionally hurt, or is depressed.

A PERSONAL ITEM
The personal item you use will focus your thoughts on your friend, and clear any other concerns from your mind. By placing it at the center of the spell, you are showing that your friends' well-being is your primary concern.

~If you don't have a recent photo of your friend, use an item of his/her jewelry instead. Something you gave as a present will help strengthen the bond between you.
~If you don't have a recent photo or jewelry to use, write his or her name by hand on unbleached paper.
~Wish for the outcome that is best for your friend--not just for you. People need time to recover slowly more than you need your social life back!

FLOWERS FOR LIFE
Flowers are filled with the Suns' golden energy, making them an ideal ingredient in healing spells and a perfect gift for a sick friend even when you aren't casting a spell. Good flowers to include are:

~Marigolds, which represent and remind us of the life-giving Sun, promote rest, recovery and renewal.
~Red geraniums, the flower associated with strong and courageous Mars, the god of war, aid a speedy recovery.
~Cyclamen offers protection from setbacks during sleep and convalescence.
~Give a sick friend a potted plant instead of cut flowers. Those who watch the living, breathing plant will gain strength as they recover and their health blossoms.
~White roses promote peace of mind and tranquility. White is the color of purity, washing away our worries and ills.

CRYSTALS FOR FOCUS
Crystals send out subtle vibrations that affect the atmosphere. If you use an items of your friends' jewelry in your spell, the crystal set into it can help the spell to work.

~Amethyst clears headaches, stress and anxiety.
~Citrine eases emotional states such as depression.
~Turquoise is a master healing stone that strengthens and protects during an illness.
~Quartz harmonizes the environment.

As well as using crystals in spells, you can give your sick friend a small crystal touchstone to keep under his or her pillow.