Settle into an autumn state of mind with this wonderfully scented herbal stick used to cleanse and calm the energy after a long and active summer. You will need:

• 4 to 10 fresh sprigs of herbs, 6 to 8 inches long, including wood betony, rosemary, and lavender
• Natural twine

Lay out your sprigs with the stems together. Wrap twine several times around the stems and tie off. Working at an angle, wind the twine upward around your bundle. Wrap around the top of the bundle and continue wrapping back down the stems. Wrap around the bottom twice and tie off. Hang to dry in a dark place or in a paper bag for at least two weeks before use.

Thoroughly clean your home. Then light the stick and cleanse every nook and cranny, starting at your front door and working in a sunwise (clockwise) direction. As you do so, say something like this:

Summer wanes and I prepare my nest
To settle into autumn's rest.

Blessed be the weakening light
As I settle into the season's lengthening night.