From: mkkuhner@evolution.genetics.washington.edu (Mary K. Kuhner)
Newsgroups: alt.pagan
Subject: Re: purifying atmosphere in a tainted room
Date: 17 Dec 1994 19:19:50 GMT

We had this problem when a housemate moved out--we didn't dislike her
exactly, but our styles were very different, and for six months we had
a room in our house that didn't belong to us.

Removing all mundane traces of the person is important.  Take down
their clippings, throw out the phone book with their notes scribbled
in it, sweep the place thoroughly.  Wipe down desktops and telephones
and other grubby bits of furniture, maybe with a clean scent like pine
in the wash water.

Sprinkling with salt water is a good idea--as far as I'm concerned any
kind of salt will work.  Incense or perfume can also work, but are
more likely to annoy co-workers.  For me, even better than sprinkling
is walking the boundaries of the space and dabbing water by hand onto
walls, doors, windows, etc.

Then put up something of your own to claim the place.  It doesn't have
to be explicitly pagan--photographs, perhaps a calendar with nature
scenes, a cartoon clipping, whatever will help mark it as yours.
Perhaps ask for a blessing on the room, if you are comfortable doing
so, or make a dedication of it to your working purposes.

Good luck!

Mary Kuhner mkkuhner@genetics.washington.edu