The License to Depart is a standard part of the Grimoire tradition, releasing any summoned spiritual creatures to return to their own realm. However, more than this, it is important as it also releases any spiritual creatures which have, whether intentionally or unintentionally, been drawn to your magickal work. It is important to note that the License is a command rather than an instruction. You are not asking the spiritual creature to leave – you are telling it to leave. This may be a challenge for people who want everything to be sweetness and light, but it is a necessary and practical state, emphasising the fact that life and nature are not sweetness and life, being often filled with conflict and chaos!
You need to be sure that the temple or magick circle is secure for you to leave and not encounter any negative or adverse effects from mischievous or malicious beings. Sadly the License has often been neglected by modern magickal traditions, which is something that hopefully will change.
(Inspired by one of the appendixes in Practical Elemental Magick)
