A ritual for Lent: lighting candles in a bowl holding ashes, tulsi *, soil, and salt

This might be incorporated into weekly worship or used for personal devotions.

Elemental.

Death mingling with life.

The remnants of fire, holding the beeswax that becomes flame.

Holy basil, cleansing and healing.

Soil, where life begins and ends.

Salt of the earth. Salt of our tears.

Salt that keeps our glorious, aching hearts beating.

*Tulsi tea consists mainly of basil.  A different healing herb might be used.

Photo: Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral — Ana Gobledale