In the Russian magical tradition, lead casting is also a fairly widespread method of ritual cleansing. It is generally considered to be more powerful than wax casting for the removal of negative influences.
Historically, lead casting was especially common in Muslim folk magical traditions. Owing to its perceived effectiveness and relative simplicity, however, it spread far beyond its original cultural context. Today, numerous practitioners have developed their own ritual systems and methods incorporating molten lead.
1. Preparation for the Ritual
Successful performance of the ritual requires careful preparation. The practitioner must first determine the purpose of the working and, most importantly, clearly identify the type of negative influence that is to be removed. It is also necessary to assess both the practitioner's capabilities and the client's readiness, since the ritual is considered energetically demanding for everyone involved.
The location and timing of the ritual should be selected in advance. Prepare the altar, magical implements and tools, as well as the lead, a vessel for melting the lead, a container for pouring it into, a source of heat, and an appropriate incantation.
2. Preparing the Lead
A single casting usually requires approximately 60–70 grams of lead, although some practitioners use only 15–20 grams for smaller castings.
Lead can be obtained from fishing sinkers, lead shot sold in hunting supply stores, or discarded wheel-balancing weights from tire repair shops.
Immediately before the ritual, the practitioner seeks to establish a connection with the material. The client may hold the lead in their hands or place small pieces of lead on areas of physical discomfort. The practitioner, in turn, prepares mentally for the magical operation, intending that the molten lead will absorb the negative influence and, once solidified, seal it within itself.
3. Melting the Lead
Lead is a soft, malleable metal and can be melted relatively easily under controlled conditions. A suitable metal container is used to hold the lead while it is heated.
The lead is heated over a strong flame with great care, observing all necessary safety precautions to prevent burns from accidental splashes of molten metal. If the ritual is performed indoors, adequate ventilation is considered essential, although many practitioners prefer conducting lead castings outdoors.
4. The Incantation
The spoken incantation is regarded as an essential component of the ritual. It serves as the verbal magical instrument through which the practitioner's intention is defined, articulated, and strengthened, much like the spoken formula accompanying a runic working.
The incantation should be selected and memorized beforehand, or at the very least read confidently from a written text. It is traditionally recited during both the melting and the pouring of the lead. Many practitioners also employ additional formulas before beginning the ritual, upon its completion, during the disposal of the castings, and for the water used in the working.
5. Pouring the Lead
The molten lead is carefully poured into a container of water, where it cools rapidly and solidifies. Some practitioners instead pour it into sand or salt.
The exact technique varies according to the individual practitioner's style and method. Once the lead has hardened, it is removed, examined, and interpreted. It is generally recommended not to handle the casting with bare hands, but instead to wear gloves or use suitable tools.
The number of castings performed during a single session depends upon the practitioner's experience and endurance, the condition of the client, and the outcome of previous castings.
6. Interpretation of the Castings
Interpreting lead castings requires considerable experience. Familiarity with different forms of magical affliction and the traditional methods by which they are believed to be inflicted, combined with symbolic and associative perception, enables the practitioner to derive meaning from the shapes, figures, signs, and patterns formed by the solidified lead.
7. Closing the Ritual and Disposal of the Lead Casting
The conclusion of the ritual includes disposing of the lead casting, cleansing the tools and ritual objects that were used, and, when necessary, purifying and restoring the balance of the space in which the ritual was performed.
If either the practitioner or the client experiences physical exhaustion, emotional distress, or a perceived depletion of energy after the ritual, appropriate restorative measures are traditionally undertaken.
Various methods of disposing of lead castings exist. The most common include casting them into running water, burying them beneath a dead or dried tree, or discarding them with household refuse.
Many contemporary practitioners advocate minimizing unnecessary environmental impact and discourage leaving ritual materials associated with destructive intentions in natural settings. It is also widely believed that if a practitioner respectfully cleanses and prepares the ritual site before beginning the work, the overall effectiveness of the ritual is significantly enhanced.
