Holy Water
Water has been used for thousands of years to bless people. In religious contexts, water is frequently thought of as a substance that can carry the energy of a person, place or even a thought. There have been several recent studies by quantum physicists which have documented water molecules re-arranging themselves according to the energy and thoughts that surround them; this gives some credence to the borderline supernatural properties some belief systems assign to water.
Any water can be turned into holy water. However, out of respect for the sanctity of the process, it is best to use only clean, purified water in a blessing ceremony. Holy water is structurally similar to regular water, but it nonetheless supposedly hold the blessings with which it has been imbued.
Different cultures designate different individuals to bless and sanctify water. In the Catholic Church priests bless the water used in baptismal ceremonies. While the water itself is blessed by the intention of the priest, the invocation of the grace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is also an integral part to the blessing. In Hindu traditions, a highly-developed spiritual teacher or master would hold the honorary place of blessing the water used in religious ceremonies. In such a ceremony, the water is blessed by both the intention of the teacher and their physical touch.
Holy water is used to purify an individual, like in a baptism ceremony, or to mark the entrance into a sacred space. This is the reason that Catholics pause to make the sign of the cross with holy water when entering a church. Drinking or bathing in holy water can also be used to promote healing and well-being. Sprinkling holy water around the perimeter of a room or building is reputed to prevent evil spirits from entering that space.
If you are looking to acquire blessed water, the ULC Monastery's ministerial products storehouse has exactly what you're looking for - click here to see!
