The dried leaves of the henna plant have been used for centuries as a tool in
rituals. The deep red stains that are left on the skin by a paste of henna
powder and a variety of acidic liquids are most commonly associated with
Indian weddings and bridal celebration. The bride's hands and feet are
liberally embellished with lacy and intricate designs that fade over the
weeks following the wedding. Traditionally, this practice is intended to draw
the attention and the blessings of the gods to the bride and groom.
In the United States today, most people also associate henna with pop stars
such as Madonna and Gwen Stefani. These performers and others wore henna
designs on their hands, feet and faces at many public appearances in the late
1990s and popularized the practice for a few short years. Unfortunately many
people have once again lost the idea of henna as a beautiful and rich
adornment technique as the fad passed and American trends moved in different
directions.
Henna art (also called Mehndi) is a very useful and easily integrated tool to
modern ritual. The ingredients of the paste used to make your designs each
have ritual meanings of their own and can be further modified to fit your
particular ritual needs. For example, a basic mehndi paste consists of
sifted henna powder, some liquid and a small amount of essential oil. The
henna powder itself is a healing agent. The oils added to it to accelerate
the staining process are also healing and protective in nature. Among these
are tea tree, eucalyptus and clove oils. By using citrus juices like lemon
and lime as your liquid, you not only activate the dye in the paste, but you
also add the associative element of creative energy to your blend.
Other ingredients can be used to emphasize the specific focus of your ritual
as well as manipulating the effectiveness of the mehndi paste. Adding
pomegranate juice will darken the reddish color of the stain on your skin,
but it is also associated with fertility. A drop or two of cinnamon oil will
help your skin set the stain, but it also useful in prosperity spells. A
little rose water will help attract love while it imparts a pleasant scent to
your paste. (Reminder: before you add anything to your mehndi paste, please
consult your herbalist to insure your health and safety).
A ritual using mehndi art is a two-step process. First you blend your paste
and allow the ink (and the intention) to develop and then the next day you
apply it to your skin. Begin as you would with any ritual: cleanse yourself
and your environment and prepare your mind through breathing exercises and
meditation. While you blend your paste ingredients, focus on your intention
or need. Stir clockwise or counter-clockwise as is suggested by the type of
ritual you are performing. Once you have a very smooth, thick paste, cover
it and leave it alone overnight. The next day put your paste in a Jacquard
batik dye bottle - the ideal tool for application.
When you are ready to apply your paste, you will want to have your ritual
design in mind. A small amount of research will reveal many traditional
designs for protection, attraction and repulsion, but you may find that these
designs are challenging to replicate on your skin. Remember that, as in all
ritual, your focus and intention are what is most important, so create a
design of your own which you are comfortable replicating, or ask a friend to
help you apply your design. Simple swirls and geometric patterns are easy
and beautiful designs and carry as much magickal power as you invest in them.
Just remember to concentrate on your goal while applying the paste just as
you did while mixing it.
Should you experience any burning or discomfort, remove the mehndi paste at
once.
After applying the paste you will need to apply some heat and allow it to
dry. This is an excellent time to meditate and concentrate on your goal.
Light a candle, place some appropriate incense on a hot charcoal and hold
your design near enough to allow the heat to penetrate but not close enough
to burn yourself. Visualize your intention, imagining that as the henna
dries it carries your focus into your being, and as the design eventually
fades your intention is carried out again into the universe for use.
After 30-45 mintues you should be ready to go about your business. Close the
ritual as you would close any ritual and trust that your intention has been
expressed. The henna paste will dry and flake off, but try to keep it on as
long as possible. The longer the paste is allowed to remain, the darker your
stain will be. After the paste has flaked away, keep the area well
moisturized and the design should last for at least 7-10 days.
By adding mehndi art to your rituals you make an already deeply personal
experience that much more individual to you. You also integrate thousands of
years of tradition and spiritual expression into your private ceremonies as
women have done in many cultures over many continents. Don't be afraid to
try it: the experience is fulfilling and effective!
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