Khernips

dodekatheismresources:

So, I realize that not everyone knows what khernips are or how to make them, so I’m here to talk about it.

What are khernips?

Khernips is, essentially, lustral water. We use khernips to clean ourselves and an area before proceeding with the ritual. Khernips is also a part of the process of katharmos and is very important in Hellenic polytheism.

Why use khernips?

We use khernips and cleansing procedures to be rid of miasma, or ‘impurity’. Miasma is something we acquire naturally, and is typically something that distracts us from focusing on the Theoi. 

What do you do with khernips?

We wash our hands (and sometimes faces) with khernips. One can also cleanse an area with them.

How do you make khernips?

You can create khernips by putting smoldering incense, herbs, or even a match in water. As you are throwing those in, you can exclaim the words “Be purified!” You would then wash your hands and face, and can cleanse the area that you’ll be worshiping in.