Faeawyn
May 11th, 2004, 08:13 PM
Ritual bathing can be used to cleanse your body and spirit, and raise your energy level before beginning your spell work. In this day and age…some people don’t take the time for a ritual bath, and instead prefer a ritual shower. That’s fine if you’d like…just use a natural based soap….a ritual/magick soap if you can get it…and wash yourself thoroughly…imagining all the negativity of the day running down the drain. If you do have time for a bath, here is a suggestion on how to go about it :)
Shower first, cleaning yourself well, and shampoo and towel dry your hair.
Gather together:
soothing music
candles
herbs and oils
bath salts or foams
Preparing for your bath:
Light your candles, incense, whatever you are using.
Fill your tub with hot water, adding your salts, bubbles, oil, and incense. Whichever correspond with the attributes of the spellwork you are about to perform.
wrap your hair in a towel, or bathing cap. *now is a great time to deep condition your hair* :)
Now slip into the tub. Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths. Feel your mind ease and your muscles loosen as the water warms your body. Meditate. Study the flame of a candle. Feel the stresses of the day just drifting out of your body. Inhale the fragrance of the oils.
Wash all negativity down the drain.
When you feel the bathing time has ended, release the plug and step out of the tub. As you pat yourself, take note of the water passing through the drain. Tell yourself the water is carrying with it all the negative thoughts and feelings that are a hinderance to your peace and pleasure.
Annoint your body with a scented oil with the proper attributes which correspond with the spellwork you are about to do. CAUTION Some oils will burn your skin! Make sure you have actual body oil!
Ritual bathing is not just dropping some scented bath salts into the water. Set aside the time, make the environment beautiful and tranquil. When you are through you will find yourself stronger, refreshed, and ready to begin.
Making Ritual Soap
Cut a four-ounce bar of Castile soap into very small pieces, no larger than 1/4 inch square - the smaller (as long as they're in cube form) the better. Place these in a heat-proof, non-metal container.
Heat slightly less than 1/3 cup of water until almost boiling. Pour the still hot water over the soap chips. Let it sit until it is cool enough for you to handle comfortably. Mix the soap and water with your hands. This should moisten the soap chips, but they should not be floating on the water. If they are floating, add a bit more soap.
Let the soap and water sit for about 9 minutes until mushy. If the soap cubes are still hard, set the bowl in a pan of water and reheat it gently until the soap is soft.
While the soap is melting, mix together the oils, and empower them with your magickal need. Then add 20-50 drops of the combined oils to the soap-water mixture. Very warm water evaporates the oils, so wait until the water has cooled. Mix them in thoroughly. The scent should be strong; if not, add more oils until you can smell them rather than the soap.
Divide the scented soap mass into 3 or 4 parts. Form these into spheres with your hands. Place each on a 9 inch square piece of cotton cheesecloth. Pull the ends tightly around the sphere, gather them at the top, and twist together. Tie the ends closed with a strong string. Repeat with each sphere.
Hang the soap spheres in a warm place for 3 days, or until the soap is completely hard. When the sphere's won't give to finger pressure, remove the cloth wraps. The soaps are ready to be used in ritual baths, or they may be wrapped in clean cheesecloth, labled and given to friends who would appreciate them.
Making Bath Sachets
Choose to follow one of the recipes included in this section, or create your own. Each bath mixture may be prepared in advance and saved until needed if kept in an airtight jar.
Once you've assembled all ingredients, add them to your mixing bowl. Mingle the herbs with your fingers, pouring your power into them and visualizing your magical goal. When mixed, place about a handful or so in the center of a large square of cheesecloth. Tie up the ends and add this to the bath. If you don't have any cheesecloth, simply use an old washcloth.
To save time in the future, make up several bath sachets. Place them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store.
Using the Sachets
This is simple. Fill the clean tub with warm water. Place the sachet in the tub and let it steep until the water is colored and scented.
If you don't have a bathtub, or if you simply prefer showers, make up a sachet in a washcloth and scrub your body with this after your normal shower, just before toweling.
A third method of utilizing the sachets is a bit more complicated. Heat two cups water until boiling. Pour this over one or two sachets in a heat-proof container. Cover and let the herbs steep for ten to thirteen minutes. Remove the sachets, squeeze out the last drops of scented water from them, and pour the infusion into the bath.
Some natural magicians prefer to add the flowers, herbs and barks directly to the water without first enclosing them in cloth. This is almost certain to leave you with petal-covered skin and clogged plumping if you don't spend ten minutes or so picking herbs out of the water after your bath.
As you step into the tub, feel the herb's energies mixing with your own. Visualize your magical goal. Don't make the herbs do all the work - invite their energies inside you and send them out to the universe (through your visualization) to bring your need into manifestation. Repeat the bath for as many days as you feel is necessary.
If you wish, burn an appropriate incense and perhaps some candles in the bathroom while you soak.
The Recipes
ANTI-HEX BATH
4 parts Rosemary
3 parts Juniper
2 parts Bay
1 part Mugwort
Soak in this mixture at night to purify you of all ills.
APHRODISIAC BATH
3 parts Rose petals
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Thyme
1 part Myrtle
1 part Jasmine flowers
1 part Acacia flowers
Add three drops of musk oil to the tub. Bath before meeting a lover, or bathe with a friend!
BEAUTY BATH
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Rosemary
2 parts Spearmint
1 part Comfrey root
1 part Thyme
Place a hand mirror next to the tub. Lie back, smell the scented water, and close your eyes. Relax. Be at peace. Visualize yourself as you wish to appear, then open your eyes. Hold the mirror before your face and see the new you.
"BREAK THE HABIT" BATH
2 parts Rosemary
1 part Lavender
1 part Lemongrass
1 part Lemon Verbena
1 part Sage
To rid yourself of negative, baneful habits as well as their root causes: Place the sachet in the tub. After it has colored the water, step into it. Lie back in the water and visualize yourself happily avoiding the habit or other negative condition - smoking, drinking, drugs, depressions, obsessions and so on. Visualize the water absorbing your desire and need for the habit. See in your mind's eye all the energy you've been giving to this negative condition seeping out into the water. When you've visualized all that you can, pull the plug and sit in the tub until the water has drained out. Splash fresh water onto your body, washing away all traces of the taint. Repeat daily.
DIETER'S MAGICAL BATH
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Fennel
1 part Lavender
1 pinch Kelp
For the best results, repeat this bath morning and night. While in the tub, visualize yourself as possessing complete control over your eating habits. See yourself eating sensible foods in sensible quantities. For symbolic associations, begin t his bath regime two days after the Full moon and continue until the New Moon. On the last day of the two-week period, visualize yourself as you wish to be - slim, fit, healthy.
DIVINATION BATH
3 parts Thyme
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Rose
1 part Patchouli
1 part Nutmeg
Bathe in this mixture directly before practicing any form of divination, to relax the conscious mind and to stimulate psychic awareness.
ENERGY BATH
3 parts Carnation
2 parts Lavender
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Basil
Use when fatigued or depressed, Gives a lift, especially if you let the water cool slightly before bathing. Visualize the water sparkling with fiery droplets of energy that melt into your body, lending your vitality and power.
HEALING BATH
3 parts Rosemary
2 parts Lavender
2 parts Rose
1 part Peppermint
1 part Cinnamon
To be used, of course, in conjunction with conventional medical attention. This bath speeds the healing process. To help shake off a cold, add two parts eucalyptus to this formula. (Avoid bathing if your doctor so informs you.)
LOVE BATH
3 parts Rose Petals
2 parts Lovage
1 part Dill
Bathe in this mixture daily to bring a love into your life. Visualize yourself as a loving, caring person seeking another of like mind.
LOVE BATH #2
3 parts Rose petals
2 parts Rose Geranium
1 part Rosemary
Another like the above.
LOVE BATH #3
3 parts Orange flowers
2 parts Lavender
1 part Gardenia petals
1 part Cardamom
1 part Ginger
1 part Rosemary
1 part Rose petals
A third like the above.
MONEY BATH
3 parts Patchouly
2 parts Basil
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Cedar
Bathe in this mixture to increase your finances.
MONEY BATH #2
3 parts Clove
2 parts Cinnamon
1 part Galangal
Another like the above.
PEACE BATH
2 parts Catnip
2 parts Hops
1 part Jasmine
1 part Elder flowers
Bathe the stem anger and to relieve stress. Visualize yourself releasing the anger or stress into the water as you sit in it. Feel it floating out and the water absorbing the hurt, pain, nerves and wrathful feelings. Splash fresh water onto your body after the bath.
PROTECTION BATH
4 parts Rosemary
3 parts Bay
2 parts Basil
2 parts Fennel
1 part Dill
RITUAL PURIFICATION BATH
4 parts Lavender
2 parts Hyssop
4 parts Rosemary
1 part Mint
3 parts Thyme
1 part Vervain
3 parts Basil
1 pinch Valerian root
2 parts Fennel
This recipe, adapted from The Key of Solomon, is ideal for use before all types of magical rituals, or when you wish to feel clean and free of impurities. If you add more than a pinch of valerian, you'll be sorry. It smells.
SUMMER MAGICAL CLEANSING BATH
3 parts Marjoram
3 parts Thyme
Use this mixture during the spring and summer to wash away the chills of winter and to "spring clean" yourself.
WINTER MAGICAL CLEANSING BATH
3 parts Pine needles
2 parts Bay
1 part Rosemary
Bathe in this blend during the winter months to refresh and revitalize your magical energies.
WITCH'S BATH
3 parts Rosemary
3 parts Carnation petals
2 parts Galangal
2 parts Cinnamon
1 part Ginger
While bathing in this mixture, visualize yourself possessing perfected abilities to rouse, direct and release personal power. Use prior to all types of positive magical rituals for extra potency.
You should also check out the Celtic Witchcraft thread by LadyWillowHawk. She has additional information on Ritual baths there :)
http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=52008
Shower first, cleaning yourself well, and shampoo and towel dry your hair.
Gather together:
soothing music
candles
herbs and oils
bath salts or foams
Preparing for your bath:
Light your candles, incense, whatever you are using.
Fill your tub with hot water, adding your salts, bubbles, oil, and incense. Whichever correspond with the attributes of the spellwork you are about to perform.
wrap your hair in a towel, or bathing cap. *now is a great time to deep condition your hair* :)
Now slip into the tub. Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths. Feel your mind ease and your muscles loosen as the water warms your body. Meditate. Study the flame of a candle. Feel the stresses of the day just drifting out of your body. Inhale the fragrance of the oils.
Wash all negativity down the drain.
When you feel the bathing time has ended, release the plug and step out of the tub. As you pat yourself, take note of the water passing through the drain. Tell yourself the water is carrying with it all the negative thoughts and feelings that are a hinderance to your peace and pleasure.
Annoint your body with a scented oil with the proper attributes which correspond with the spellwork you are about to do. CAUTION Some oils will burn your skin! Make sure you have actual body oil!
Ritual bathing is not just dropping some scented bath salts into the water. Set aside the time, make the environment beautiful and tranquil. When you are through you will find yourself stronger, refreshed, and ready to begin.
Making Ritual Soap
Cut a four-ounce bar of Castile soap into very small pieces, no larger than 1/4 inch square - the smaller (as long as they're in cube form) the better. Place these in a heat-proof, non-metal container.
Heat slightly less than 1/3 cup of water until almost boiling. Pour the still hot water over the soap chips. Let it sit until it is cool enough for you to handle comfortably. Mix the soap and water with your hands. This should moisten the soap chips, but they should not be floating on the water. If they are floating, add a bit more soap.
Let the soap and water sit for about 9 minutes until mushy. If the soap cubes are still hard, set the bowl in a pan of water and reheat it gently until the soap is soft.
While the soap is melting, mix together the oils, and empower them with your magickal need. Then add 20-50 drops of the combined oils to the soap-water mixture. Very warm water evaporates the oils, so wait until the water has cooled. Mix them in thoroughly. The scent should be strong; if not, add more oils until you can smell them rather than the soap.
Divide the scented soap mass into 3 or 4 parts. Form these into spheres with your hands. Place each on a 9 inch square piece of cotton cheesecloth. Pull the ends tightly around the sphere, gather them at the top, and twist together. Tie the ends closed with a strong string. Repeat with each sphere.
Hang the soap spheres in a warm place for 3 days, or until the soap is completely hard. When the sphere's won't give to finger pressure, remove the cloth wraps. The soaps are ready to be used in ritual baths, or they may be wrapped in clean cheesecloth, labled and given to friends who would appreciate them.
Making Bath Sachets
Choose to follow one of the recipes included in this section, or create your own. Each bath mixture may be prepared in advance and saved until needed if kept in an airtight jar.
Once you've assembled all ingredients, add them to your mixing bowl. Mingle the herbs with your fingers, pouring your power into them and visualizing your magical goal. When mixed, place about a handful or so in the center of a large square of cheesecloth. Tie up the ends and add this to the bath. If you don't have any cheesecloth, simply use an old washcloth.
To save time in the future, make up several bath sachets. Place them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store.
Using the Sachets
This is simple. Fill the clean tub with warm water. Place the sachet in the tub and let it steep until the water is colored and scented.
If you don't have a bathtub, or if you simply prefer showers, make up a sachet in a washcloth and scrub your body with this after your normal shower, just before toweling.
A third method of utilizing the sachets is a bit more complicated. Heat two cups water until boiling. Pour this over one or two sachets in a heat-proof container. Cover and let the herbs steep for ten to thirteen minutes. Remove the sachets, squeeze out the last drops of scented water from them, and pour the infusion into the bath.
Some natural magicians prefer to add the flowers, herbs and barks directly to the water without first enclosing them in cloth. This is almost certain to leave you with petal-covered skin and clogged plumping if you don't spend ten minutes or so picking herbs out of the water after your bath.
As you step into the tub, feel the herb's energies mixing with your own. Visualize your magical goal. Don't make the herbs do all the work - invite their energies inside you and send them out to the universe (through your visualization) to bring your need into manifestation. Repeat the bath for as many days as you feel is necessary.
If you wish, burn an appropriate incense and perhaps some candles in the bathroom while you soak.
The Recipes
ANTI-HEX BATH
4 parts Rosemary
3 parts Juniper
2 parts Bay
1 part Mugwort
Soak in this mixture at night to purify you of all ills.
APHRODISIAC BATH
3 parts Rose petals
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Thyme
1 part Myrtle
1 part Jasmine flowers
1 part Acacia flowers
Add three drops of musk oil to the tub. Bath before meeting a lover, or bathe with a friend!
BEAUTY BATH
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Rosemary
2 parts Spearmint
1 part Comfrey root
1 part Thyme
Place a hand mirror next to the tub. Lie back, smell the scented water, and close your eyes. Relax. Be at peace. Visualize yourself as you wish to appear, then open your eyes. Hold the mirror before your face and see the new you.
"BREAK THE HABIT" BATH
2 parts Rosemary
1 part Lavender
1 part Lemongrass
1 part Lemon Verbena
1 part Sage
To rid yourself of negative, baneful habits as well as their root causes: Place the sachet in the tub. After it has colored the water, step into it. Lie back in the water and visualize yourself happily avoiding the habit or other negative condition - smoking, drinking, drugs, depressions, obsessions and so on. Visualize the water absorbing your desire and need for the habit. See in your mind's eye all the energy you've been giving to this negative condition seeping out into the water. When you've visualized all that you can, pull the plug and sit in the tub until the water has drained out. Splash fresh water onto your body, washing away all traces of the taint. Repeat daily.
DIETER'S MAGICAL BATH
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Fennel
1 part Lavender
1 pinch Kelp
For the best results, repeat this bath morning and night. While in the tub, visualize yourself as possessing complete control over your eating habits. See yourself eating sensible foods in sensible quantities. For symbolic associations, begin t his bath regime two days after the Full moon and continue until the New Moon. On the last day of the two-week period, visualize yourself as you wish to be - slim, fit, healthy.
DIVINATION BATH
3 parts Thyme
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Rose
1 part Patchouli
1 part Nutmeg
Bathe in this mixture directly before practicing any form of divination, to relax the conscious mind and to stimulate psychic awareness.
ENERGY BATH
3 parts Carnation
2 parts Lavender
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Basil
Use when fatigued or depressed, Gives a lift, especially if you let the water cool slightly before bathing. Visualize the water sparkling with fiery droplets of energy that melt into your body, lending your vitality and power.
HEALING BATH
3 parts Rosemary
2 parts Lavender
2 parts Rose
1 part Peppermint
1 part Cinnamon
To be used, of course, in conjunction with conventional medical attention. This bath speeds the healing process. To help shake off a cold, add two parts eucalyptus to this formula. (Avoid bathing if your doctor so informs you.)
LOVE BATH
3 parts Rose Petals
2 parts Lovage
1 part Dill
Bathe in this mixture daily to bring a love into your life. Visualize yourself as a loving, caring person seeking another of like mind.
LOVE BATH #2
3 parts Rose petals
2 parts Rose Geranium
1 part Rosemary
Another like the above.
LOVE BATH #3
3 parts Orange flowers
2 parts Lavender
1 part Gardenia petals
1 part Cardamom
1 part Ginger
1 part Rosemary
1 part Rose petals
A third like the above.
MONEY BATH
3 parts Patchouly
2 parts Basil
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Cedar
Bathe in this mixture to increase your finances.
MONEY BATH #2
3 parts Clove
2 parts Cinnamon
1 part Galangal
Another like the above.
PEACE BATH
2 parts Catnip
2 parts Hops
1 part Jasmine
1 part Elder flowers
Bathe the stem anger and to relieve stress. Visualize yourself releasing the anger or stress into the water as you sit in it. Feel it floating out and the water absorbing the hurt, pain, nerves and wrathful feelings. Splash fresh water onto your body after the bath.
PROTECTION BATH
4 parts Rosemary
3 parts Bay
2 parts Basil
2 parts Fennel
1 part Dill
RITUAL PURIFICATION BATH
4 parts Lavender
2 parts Hyssop
4 parts Rosemary
1 part Mint
3 parts Thyme
1 part Vervain
3 parts Basil
1 pinch Valerian root
2 parts Fennel
This recipe, adapted from The Key of Solomon, is ideal for use before all types of magical rituals, or when you wish to feel clean and free of impurities. If you add more than a pinch of valerian, you'll be sorry. It smells.
SUMMER MAGICAL CLEANSING BATH
3 parts Marjoram
3 parts Thyme
Use this mixture during the spring and summer to wash away the chills of winter and to "spring clean" yourself.
WINTER MAGICAL CLEANSING BATH
3 parts Pine needles
2 parts Bay
1 part Rosemary
Bathe in this blend during the winter months to refresh and revitalize your magical energies.
WITCH'S BATH
3 parts Rosemary
3 parts Carnation petals
2 parts Galangal
2 parts Cinnamon
1 part Ginger
While bathing in this mixture, visualize yourself possessing perfected abilities to rouse, direct and release personal power. Use prior to all types of positive magical rituals for extra potency.
You should also check out the Celtic Witchcraft thread by LadyWillowHawk. She has additional information on Ritual baths there :)
http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=52008