How to take a Spiritual Bath
Some pertinent information before you take your bath...
Traditionally we pray over our bath salts for a certain number of days but no less than 3. This work has already been done for you, so you can omit this step if you like. Otherwise if you have the time, add your magic and intentions on top of what I have done for at least 3 days for an even stronger spiritual experience.
You must fast at least 12 hours before doing a Spiritual Bath. Fasting is how you activate and heal the Crown Chakra. I often take my Spiritual Baths in the morning when my home is quiet after fasting all night.
Bathe in 3s. You will repeat the bath 3 days in a row. There is 15 oz. of bath salt in your container. I typically use about 5 oz. per bath and save a little to add to my floor wash for my home.
Wear white or light colored clothing for 7 days after your spiritual bath ritual is complete.
If you choose to use a mesh bag or tea bag in the bath tub, you can sleep with the herbs on top of your head for an enhanced experience.
If you are on your cycle only do a CleanseHer or ProtectHer bath.
STEP 1. Prepare your sacred space
a. Gather all your ritual materials:
- Candle
- Smudge Stick
- Bath Salt
- Crystals
- Music
- Anything else you would like to add to help you relax and create a healing space in your bathroom
STEP 2. Cleanse both physically and energetically
a. Physically
It is essential that you clean your tub and clear clutter from your bathroom first. After cleaning your tub, rinse your tub thoroughly with fresh water.
It is traditional practice to cleanse your physical body before taking a spiritual bath. This step is referred to as Ablutions in Islam. You can do this by taking a shower or washing up in the sink first.
b. Energetically
Energetically cleanse your bathroom and your body by smudging. You will need a firesafe bowl, a lighter, or matches for this step. Select the smudge stick or incense of your choice. White sage, Palo Santo, or incense sticks are commonly used for this step.
Light your smudge stick with a lighter. Let it catch fire for a couple seconds, before extinguishing the flame with your breath. When working with Palo Santo or incense, wave the smoke around your room and your body. If using white sage or another plant bundle, you may use a feather to waft the smoke into the corners of the room.
STEP 3. Running your bath
- Run your bath water at the temperature of your choosing.
- Add a little Florida Water to your bath. You don't need much.
- Add 1/3 of the bath salt to your water, about 5 oz. You can use as little as a half cup of salt and save some for your floor wash. I like to do this step while the water is running, to help dissolve the salt faster. {For easier clean up, you may choose to put them in a mesh bag or a muslin tea bag, prior to submerging them into the bath. To do this, tie the bag to the tub filler and allow the water to rush over them as you fill the tub. Alternatively, you can make a tea from dried plants and flowers ahead of time and pour the tea into the bath. Prepare at least one cup of tea for this method.
- Gently swirl the water to dissolve the salt granules into the water.
- Add your additional ingredients, plants or flowers by sprinkling them across the water. You can also add these to the mesh bag in advance. This is just a matter of preference.
- If you choose to incorporate crystals or gemstones into your spiritual bath you can arrange your stones around the edge of your bathtub, arrange a crystal grid, or submerge them directly into your bath. Note: some crystals or gemstones can be damaged by water and or salt water. Be sure to check your gemstone hardness on the Mohs scale.
- At this time, you may also choose to create an intimate space by dimming the lights, lighting candles or playing some relaxing or devotional music.
STEP 4. Submerge
- Take a few deep breaths and set your intention or recite a personal prayer over the water before you step into your bath.
- Slip into the water and notice what your mind, body, and spirit is telling you. Note: Some people find that immersing themselves in a completely dark room can bring a heightened psychic or spiritual awareness. If you choose to immerse yourself in darkness, be extremely careful not to misstep and fall.
- Relax your body into the water. Bring your attention to the here and now and quiet the mind. Begin your personal devotion through meditation, prayer, reciting affirmations, personal mantra, singing, simply listening to devotional music.
- Recommended soak time is no longer than 20 minutes. You may choose to use a dipper or cup to pour water over your head or body during your bath.
- Close out your spiritual bath by giving thanks for the gifts you have received. Give thanks for the acknowledgment of your intention whether it be Spiritual Cleansing, Ancestral Protection, Drawing in Love or Money etc.
STEP 5. Emerge Anew
- Emerge from your bath.
- Traditionally you would air-dry rather than towel off but we understand sometimes it isn't warm enough. By doing so, you will gain the greatest possible benefit from the herbs. If it's too cold, pat dry with the towel and then cover up.
- You may choose to use this time for a light oil massage before getting dressed.