Purpose:
To sever fear, reclaim will, and anchor courage within oneself. Guided and witnessed by the Mother of Mourning, She‑Who‑Walks‑Between.
TOOLS
- A black cord (string, yarn, or thread)
- A small iron object (nail, key, pendant — symbol of courage)
- A bowl of salted water
- One black candle
- One white candle
- Optional: a veil or shawl to invoke the Mother of Mourning’s presence
RITUAL SETUP
- Place the black candle on your left — the realm of fear.
- Place the white candle on your right — the realm of courage.
- Lay the iron object between them.
- Coil the black cord in a circle around the iron tool.
- Sit facing the setup and drape the veil if using it.
OPENING
Light the black candle first and say:
“Mother of Mourning, Keeper of the Gates,
you who braid grief into wisdom,
walk with me now.”
Pause.
Feel the heaviness of her presence… a steadying, ancient quiet.
Now light the white candle:
“Mother, show me where my courage sleeps
and where my fear has taken root.”
THE WORK
Step 1: Name the Fear
Take the black cord into your hands.
Speak aloud one fear you are ready to release today.
(If more than one comes, choose the one that shakes your breath the most.)
Wrap the cord once around your dominant hand.
Say slowly:
“This fear has claimed enough of me.”
Step 2: Purify the Cord
Dip your fingers into the salted water.
Let droplets fall along the cord, cleansing it.
Say:
“By salt and sorrow, I wash away its claim.”
Step 3: Call in Courage
Pick up the iron object.
Hold it tightly. Feel its weight.
Iron is the metal of boundaries, blood, and bravery.
Say:
“Mother of Mourning,
forge my spine anew.
Temper me in your fire.
Sharpen my will.”
Loop the cord once around the iron object, like tying fear to what now strengthens you.
THE SEVERING
When you are ready, pull the cord firmly until it snaps, breaks, or slips free.
(If your cord doesn’t snap easily, use scissors… but only after attempting the pull to feel the energetic break.)
As it breaks, speak:
“Fear, your tether is cut.
Courage steps forward in your place.”
Place the broken piece of cord beside the black candle.
Place the iron object beside the white candle.
THE SEALING
Say:
“Mother of Mourning,
witness this courage rising.
Walk with me
as I walk unshaken.”
Let the candles burn down at least halfway, or snuff them respectfully.
CLOSING
Touch the iron object once more and whisper:
“Courage in my marrow.
Courage in my breath.
Courage in my path.”
Keep this iron object as a talisman.
Carry it when fear tries to return.
With Absolute Love, Mother of Mourning