SPELL OF THE MONTH
RITUAL BATH
From our earliest beginnings as a species, we have recognized the healing and purifying qualities of water.
Immersion in water has always been a sacred act, as cleansing to the soul as to the body. In ancient times wells, lakes, and rivers were considered sacred, and people would immerse themselves to release negative energy, help heal spiritual blockages or imbalances, and prepare for ceremonies. Even today Hindus immerse themselves in the sacred Ganges river as an act of both spiritual and physical cleansing.
This spell is in the form of a ritual bath. A ritual bath is not for physical washing, but for meditation and to effect changes using the energy of the water and whatever may be added to it. This particular bath is for cleansing and blessing.
For this spell you will need:
*a bath tub
*a handful of salt
*a handful of dried Rosemary
*a handful of dried Sage
*white candles, as many as you wish
*a mirror -your bathroom mirror is fine
*oil
Sea salt is preferred, but any kind of salt may be used. The herbs may be added loose to the water, or you may tie them up in a square of cheese cloth for easier clean-up afterward.
It is not necessary to use candles, but are beneficial and will help to create a conducive atmosphere.
If you have access to it, a fragrant anointing oil is preferred. Aromatic oils may be purchased at metaphysical stores, but also at bath shops or stores that carry aromatherapy products. A good oil to use would be Sandalwood. If you do not have access to an anointing oil, any oil can be used, especially Olive oil which has a long history of use in sacred rituals.
Pick a time when you will not be disturbed. Have all of your materials together.
Run a tub full of warm water. The water should be comfortable, so adjust it to taste.
While the water is running, add the salt, Rosemary, and Sage.
If you are using candles, light them and turn off the electric lights.
When the bath is ready, take a moment to ground and release, as you have learned how to do in the Exercises section of this lesson.
Now make a prayer, both to ask the help of Goddess, and to help set your intent. You can use words like these:
“O Mother Goddess, help me to cleanse myself now of all that holds me back or blocks my growth and progress. Help me as I embrace my fullest potential and I open my heart to growth.”
Now get into the water.
Rinse yourself thoroughly, so that every part of your body gets wet, including your face and hair.
Now lay back.
Get comfortable.
Let the warmth of the water soak into you.
Take a few moments just to appreciate the sensation.
Now reflect upon your life.
Think about every part of your life that has ever held you back in any way. Every pain, sorrow, and anxiety. Every fear, hesitation, or self-imposed limitation. Review every painful memory, every event that ever hurt you. Be as thorough as you can.
And as you think of each thing, make an affirmation to yourself and to the Universe;
“I release this. It leaves me now.”
You can say these words, or words to this effect, out loud, or concentrate on them silently.
Release each and every issue that holds you back. When you cannot think of any others, augment your efforts with a prayer like this;
“O Mother Goddess, look within my soul and help me to release whatever remains that I have not seen.”
Now clear your mind. When thoughts come, do not respond to them, but let them drift right back out of your mind.
Meditate this way for a few minutes. Let the Goddess look inside you. Remain this way as long as you are comfortable.
Now rise. Stand up. Think of all the things which you have released. Affirm;
“All that I have released, I leave behind me. May their energy return to the Mother to be reused.”
So saying, step out of the tub.
Do not dry off -let the air dry you, as you continue the spell.
Look into the mirror. Examine the face that stares back at you. Remind yourself;
“This is a good person.”
Mean it. Tell yourself;
“I love this person. This is the child of the Goddess, whom She loves.”
Now take up the oil. Open it, and dab out a little onto your fingers.
Reach down and anoint the top of each foot with the oil. Affirm;
“Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in sacred paths.”
Now dab a little more oil onto your fingertips. Anoint both knees. Affirm;
“Blessed be my knees, that I may kneel at the altar of the Ancient Ones.”
Now get a bit more oil for your fingertips. Anoint your pelvic region (just above your pubic area, or where you please). Affirm;
“Blessed be my Second Chakra, that I may bring forth life, and art, and joy.”
Place a bit more oil on your fingers. Anoint the center of your chest. Affirm;
“Blessed be my heart, which is formed in beauty, that I may love and receive love.”
Now take a bit more oil. Anoint your lips, and affirm;
“Blessed be my lips, that I may speak the Words of Power in time to come.”
Finally, take a little more oil, and anoint the very center of your forehead. Affirm;
“Blessed be my Mind’s Eye, that I may see the unseen, and receive the messages of Spirit.”
Now look into the mirror, and speak words to the effect of;
“In the name of the Goddess, I am blessed. Like a flower I shall open and grow. May all that I have released be replaced with the love and blessings of the Mother. So mote it be.”
You have now finished. Clear and release all excess energy, as you have learned to do.
You may feel an immediate difference from this spell. You may not. It can sometimes take
days for the effects of the spell to become manifest. They deepen with time.
Not every aspect which you have released will necessarily disappear completely. You may have to go back and do additional healing for some. This is normal. Sometimes releasing works in layers, with each successive ritual releasing a little bit more.
And above all remember, practice makes perfect. If at first you have trouble with some aspects of the spell, such as the meditation or the concentration, do not be discouraged -practice! Skill is built through use.