The Magic of Ritual Baths

There’s nothing more soothing to me than melting into a tub of salty, steamy, scented water. Submerging shoulders, ears, feet, breasts & soul into the medicine waters of cleansing transformation. Bathed in magic water created with intention, salt, plants, essential oils, and crystals. Held in magic space created with candles, smudge, and music. With nothing to do but lay back, close eyes & drift into a surrendered state of pure presence.
This is the essence of divine self-care.

The sensualist in me finds everything about a ritual bath simultaneously arousing & relaxing. It’s actually medicinal. So much so that even my partner knows to run me a bath anytime I’m stressed, sick or depleted. Whether baths are already a regular part of your self-care toolkit or you are totally new to the idea of a bath as considered “magic” or “medicinal” – I am sharing with you a master recipe, as well as some of my favorite simple blends & practices, to create your own ritual bathing experience.

RITUAL BATH MASTER RECIPE
Ingredients:
– water (to your desired temperature)
– candles (can never have too many)
– music or guided meditation
– sustainably sourced or homemade smudge bundles
(garden sage, cedar, rosemary, lavender…)
– plant material & tea infusions (flower petals, fruit, leaves, bark…)
– salts (epsom or Himalayan)
– crystals (non-water corrosive)
– essential oils (safe for topical use)
– intention (relax, ground, release, invigorate, ease pain….)

**All ingredients are subject to your personal liking,
availability & intuitive amount**

Process:
1. Make a tea with chosen plant blend by simmering roots, petals, or leaves in hot water for 10-20 minutes. Best to breathe or sing your intention & gratitude into the brew as you stir.
2. Meanwhile, fill bathtub with warm to hot water. Energetically cleanse self & space with preferred smudge bundle or incense.
3. Light candles & place favorite crystals around the perimeter of tub & in the water. Add salt, elixir tea, oils, and raw plant material to water & swirl with hands as you speak your intention again.
4. Apply a charcoal or clay facial mask and/or massage your body temple with coconut, sesame, or castor oil.
5. Play gentle music or a guided meditation & submerge your body into the healing water for at least 20 minutes. Remain in this bliss as long as you can.
6. Dry off gently & lovingly wrap yourself up in your favorite robe.
7. Intentionally clean out tub & strain water before draining (careful not to let too many particles go down). You could offer the solids you collect & a little water back to the earth or to houseplants if you live in the city.

** if you do not have the luxury of a bathtub in your home, try this process with a foot soaking tub! **

Wild Altar Bath Blends

Rocky Mountain Floral Blend
– wild rose petals
– yarrow blossoms
– strawberry leaves
– raspberry leaves
– wild geranium flowers
– amethyst

Benefits :
– heightens feminine energy
– womb medicine
– peaceful inspiration
– connection to goddess

** This also makes for a beautifully refreshing wildflower bath in nature – just mix with cold creek water, intention & pour over entire body.!**

Sacred Tree Blend
– cedar & palo santo tea
– 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
– black obsidian

Benefits :
– soothes inflammation
– grounding & clarifying
– tune into ancient wisdom & inner knowing

Melt Away Blend
– calendula petals
– 6 drops lavender essential oil
– couple handfuls epsom salt
– clear quartz crystal

Benefits :
– reduces tension, pain & soreness
– relaxing & calming
– encourages subtle out of body experience

Deep Cleansing Meditation Practice:
Lay back & sink head under water just over the ears, close eyes & repeat the sacred universal sound “OM” several times aloud. Then rest in silence, ears submerged, listen to your heartbeat and feel the water take on this healing vibration.
Be still & bathe in this magic as long as it lasts.

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“You already have all the tools you need to be your own healer. Crystals, herbs, and even your bathtub are only external reminders of the consciousness you are putting into the work you do. My work is focused on empowering you to step into that place within you so that you may meet your own inner healer, your inner wisdom keeper. Ritual baths are an amazing way to understand how much you possess the power to heal yourself. Listen to your inner guide — the love within you — and improvise, mix, match, and combine baths.”

— Deborah Hanekamp