When you slow down enough to listen to the weave of magick, you begin to realize that humankind leaves its mark everywhere we go. We clear-cut forests, dump chemicals, gouge quarries out of the landscape, and leave our garbage behind, even in the most pristine environments. Such poor stewardship effects the magickal energy of a place, similar to putting pressure on a vibrating guitar string. Even if the pressure is very light, the tone begins to suffer. As the pressure increases, it may cut off the sound altogether, even if the guitar is still being played.
Our harmful activities in the Wild have much the same effect on natural magickal vibrations. But the process is reversable with a little hard work and a lot of love.
As with all magick, it is important to speak your intent. But rather than letting your fellow practitioners know what your goals for the rite are, in an Earth Healing Ritual, you speak directly to the natural energy around you. Tell it that you realize the harm that has been done and, although you personally had no part in it, you are intending to help set things right again.
Although you can raise and circulate magickal energy through the area, its an exhausting procedure, not necessary, and possibly inappropriate at this time. The key isn't to force healing upon the magickal energy of the site, but rather to remove the obstructions that are currently there. This includes the intent of those that did the damage. Though they may not have realized the implications of their actions, the harm was still done carelessly. Show the site love and care and begin to compensate for what has been done. When this is done between the worlds, in a cast Circle that is equidistanct to all worlds the energy you share is extremely potent and very effective.
But the damage was also physical. Try to restore the area as much as possible. Before you close the rite, pick up the garbage of the area and remove any man-made debris if possible. Make the process part of the ritual. In the center of the rite, your connection with the magickal world is the most unhindered. Let the energy of the place totally experience your ritual, not just the intent, emotions and words, but also your actions.
When you are done, thank the site for allowing you to work with its energy. Should you come back to do additional rituals in such a place, you'll be amazed at the difference you have made.