My Favorite Self Care Practice: The Sacred Art of Bathing

At the end of a long day, there is nothing more relaxing than a long soak in the tub — and the sacred art of bathing is one super juicy self-care practice! Light some candles, grab a good book or a glass of wine (or both!) and settle into a warm bath of essential oils or a fizzy bath bomb. It’s the perfect way to unwind and let go of the day.

However, bathing is more than just that, it’s been symbolic of cleansing and purifying in spiritual rituals for centuries. But even if you don’t believe in a higher power, it’s a great way to metaphorically slough away stress, negative thoughts and patterns. 

We have discussed how to detox your environment with palo santo or sage (if you need a refresher, click here) and detox your body with a healthy diet and the occasional cleanse. But your emotional and mental space can become just as crowded with negative energy — from uncooperative co-workers, bad relationships, unsupportive family members, even perfect strangers. 

As author Emily Maroutian said, “What you tune in to ends up tuning you.”

While exercise is one excellent way to shake off negative juju, I am all about the chill right now! We’re on day 67,524 of a global shutdown, and we deserve it 🙂

Plus, a bath is a real twofer — clearing both your physical and spiritual grime, “thus purifying both your body and your aura”. It opens your spirit up to transformation, and that is a powerful mental health elixir and serious self-care practice, my friends.

So if you’ve been drooling over those colorful Instagram images of inviting baths, this is your go-to starter guide for this luscious self-care practice. 

Before You Begin

This may seem obvious, but you always want to begin with a clean tub. I mean, you don’t want to indulge in this serious self-care practice in a dirty tub! You can purchase remade bath mixes, like these ones sold by Plantfolk Apothecary, or you can mix your own minerals, herb and flower choices to make your own. 

If you want to add flowers to your bath, there are a few ways you can do this. 

1) Simply add them to the water. (This looks gorgeous but it’s also kinda messy.)

2) Place the flowers in a muslin pouch or teabag, and steep them in your bath. (A loose-leaf tea infuser would also work in a pinch!)

3) Brew the flowers in hot water ahead of time and pour the strained infusion into the bath water. 

Here are some good flowers and herbs to start with: Rose petals, Chamomile, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Dandelion, and Jasmine. If you have sensitive skin, just be careful you won’t have an allergic reaction.

For salts, Epsom and Himalyan are your best bets. 

You’ll want to set the mood with candles and supercharge your soak with powerful crystals around the tub edge.  Pick your favorite one or two: Amethyst relieves stress, Citrine helps bring balance, Carnelian for love, Smoky Quartz for grounding, Rose Quartz keeps the heart open. (P.S. Some crystals are porous, so don’t put them in the tub.)  

The ambiance is up to you, but I don’t recommend watching Netflix during a ritual soak. Technology is just another vibrational distraction, and the purpose of this experience is to center yourself, not catch up on Ozark.  

Reading a book is fine, because it can be a deeply personal and interactive activity, but personally, I like to put on some soft music and bliss out with a washcloth over my eyes. 

Finally, sync up your intentions for your ritual bath with the spiritual phases of the moon. 

Take at least the first 5 minutes of your bath to meditate on your intention and open your heart and spirit up so the universe can send more love, compassion, peace, and abundance your way. For me, this is the root of a self-care practice — allowing yourself to reconnect and receive.

Creating Your Perfect Mix

Deborah Hanekamp, better-known as Mama Medicine, is possibly the supreme authority right now on ritual baths. In her book Ritual Baths: Be Your Own Healer, she recommends using a cinnamon stick during your soak for smudging, like you would palo santo and sage. The spice’s anti-inflammatory properties transfer to the metaphysical too: “It clears toxic energy and calms you down,” says Hanekamp. 

Here are a few of her ritual bath suggestions:

To call in love, try a soaking blend of Epsom salt, dragon fruit powder, coconut milk, rose absolute essential oil, along with a rose quartz crystal. For greater strength and fortitude, try rosemary and rose. 

Spiritual Bath for Money from Otherworldly Oracle

INGREDIENTS

A green candle

Handful of mint leaves

Moss agate (4 pieces)

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Run a hot bath.

2) Light your green candle and set it near the bathtub. Turn down the lights and get into a relaxed state of mind.

3) Add a handful of mint leaves to the tub.

4) Place your moss agate pieces in the north, east, south and west positions around the tub.

5) Get into the tub and visualize the mint leaves as dollar bills. The moss agate pieces are glowing bright green like money.

6) Visualize yourself bathing in a tub of free cash. If you wash yourself, wash from your feet and up to your head – this draws money towards you instead of washing it away.

7) When you’re finished bathing, stand up out of the water and let yourself drip-dry. This allows the magical effects of the spiritual bath for money to seep into your skin and aura.

8) Thank the universe/the gods and snuff out the candle.

9) Gather the mint leaves and moss agate in a small bag/sachet. Carry this with you in your purse or wallet.
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Salt Water Bath from Gaia.com

There are very specific directions to follow in order to maximize the effect of this bath. This first bath is to be used only once a month, as it is very strong. It’s recommended to try it on a Friday close to a full moon for best results. 

Energy therapist Lidia Frederico also advises, “Do NOT prepare or have the bath around 6am, 12 noon, 6pm, 12 midnight – this includes half an hour before & afterwards (so NOT btw 5.30-6.30 or 11.30-12.30 both am & pm)!”

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Make sure you won’t be disturbed for at least an hour. Take a shower before taking the ritual bath. Wash yourself thoroughly.

Optional: light candles or incense or play relaxing music. Utilize what makes your aura lighter.

2) Fill your bath with warm water. The level is up to you. Don’t make it too hot.

3) Add 2-3 good handfuls of salt. Use a good quality unprocessed salt, such as unrefined sea salt or Himalayan crystal salt. Do not use regular table salt, as this has added anti-caking agents and has been refined, which removes beneficial minerals.

Optional: add a few drops of pure essential oils for aromatherapy purposes. Lavender is a good choice, as it will also help you to relax and unwind, and is generally very safe.

4) Soak for about 20-30 minutes. While you do so, make it your intention to let go of all negativity. You can pray for the release of any energy that you no longer wish to carry, or that is not for your highest good. You can also ask for spiritual support to raise your spiritual vibration.

5) For the best results, air dry when you get out of the bath. You may use a towel for your head and put a robe on, but do not towel dry. If possible, don’t take another shower or bath for 24 hours.

Take a salt water bath no more than once a week. As noted, once a month may be the perfect amount of time in between.
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If you’re not into baths, or you don’t have a tub, don’t think you’re off the hook! You can still bring your potions into the shower with you, or even turn them into a relaxing foot soak instead. There are plenty of options for everyone to experience and enjoy this self-care practice of ritual bathing. It’s more about the intention rather than the perfection of the process. 

Your challenge this week is to take a ritual bath of your choosing — and then let me know how you felt in The Badass Beauty Club on Facebook!

LOVE + blissful bathtime!