The art of spiritual bathing is a part of life that has been an integral piece of many cultures since the time of the ancients. From the Jewish mikvah to the Turkish hammam~ to the sacrament of Christian baptism to the holy waters of the Celtic ‘sacred well’~ the essence of water around the world has been celebrated for its life giving, purifying, and nourishing properties.
Rituals were and are often a part of many of these traditions. Very often it was communal experience, a gathering to cleanse the physical and spiritual body.
In honor of these traditions, and to creating new ones~ here is a moon bath ritual to inspire your next bath…!
Be it on a full, new, waning or waxing half moon, it is a good idea to consider the current lunar cycle and where you are in connection to your own rhythm before you begin.
Most importantly it is essential to begin with a clean bathroom and tub. Create a sanctuary for yourself in your bathroom… You may choose to use candles, burn incense, or put a beautiful image of the ocean on your wall or countertop. Prepare to do what inspires you…!
Also, it is nice to have a kimono, or bath robe and slippers that you use especially for bathing.
When you begin your ritual, always begin with intention. Imagine in your mind’s eye what you would like to receive from this time. You may choose to journal or write about it later.
Draw the bath, and give thanks for the healing water as it flows out of the faucet and fills your tub. Take time to pay attention to your breath, and notice and nurture your thoughts as they arise.
As the bath is filling you may take this time to tend to your body in the way you feel you need to. Perhaps you can do this by looking in the mirror while embracing your nakedness, anointing your body, and taking time to care for and love your body with affirmations and self loving thoughts through adoring your own uniqueness.
You may wish to sprinkle some essential oils, bath salts, and/or herbs into the tub.
After you do so~ take a minute or so to ‘charge’ the water with your hands, and say aloud (or to yourself) your prayer of intention before you enter.
Immerse yourself in your sacred well.
Take this time to release emotions and/or to enter your sacred space of dreams. Singing is also a great way to connect with the most passionate parts of your being.
Lunar bathing guide:
On a full moon:
This is a time of harvest and a time for gratitude. Gather your forces and give thanks
for all you are, and all that you have brought to the world.
On a new moon:
This is a time for creating vision and dreaming into the world of possibilities.
On a waning moon:
This is a time for surrendering and letting go.
On a waxing moon:
This is a time for bringing to you that which you desire.
Prayer offering:
‘May these waters of life nourish and heal the most tender parts of my soul. I give thanks for all of my experiences, and may I draw from them the strength that I need so I may grow from them. I now let go of that which no longer serves me and my life in the highest way.’
As you let the water drain from the bath~ again~ give thanks as you imagine all that is leaving you going down the drain, being transformed and purified by the water.
You may choose to do a body scrub, skin brushing, or a body splash anointing ritual afterward.
Remember to be gentle, and to nourish yourself….
(and please make sure to cleanse the tub for the next guest)!
~Enjoy!
*If you like this article, you will love ‘Aphrodite’s Bliss’ Love Your Inner Goddess bath ritual! Come visit us at the Shakti Shoppe!