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The Rainbow Bath - An Excerpt
By Denise Alvarado
The following is an excerpt from the book that is
slated for completion some time in 2008.
Chapter 1
Ritual Bathing- The Basics
Ritual bathing is a good way to
cleanse not only your body, but your spiritual body as well. Ritual bathing is
recommended whenever you expect to encounter negativity, fight fatigue,
depression, anxiety, and fear of any kind. It can also be done following a
negative experience to fortify your spirit.
Ritual bathing is done with any
number of washes and bath salts made with special herbs and colors specific to
the purpose at hand. There are a couple of things that are important to do when
preparing a ritual bath. Some of these are necessary; others are optional.
Guidelines for ritual bathing are as follows:
1. Always
bless the water before getting into the tub. Invoke the loas, goddesses and
orishas of the healing waters in a manner that is meaningful to you. You may use
the following as a guide if you are not comfortable with blessings and
incantations.
In the names of Yemaya, Oshun, and Oya (any
goddess that you feel a connection to is appropriate here), You who come to us
from the oceans’ womb, from the river’s arm, and from the rain clouds. I call on
you to bless this water and make it holy that I may be blessed and made holy. Oh
Most Holy Mother, hear my concerns. (Now talk to the Mother about your
problems). I ask that you wash away my concerns with this, the essence of the
most pure water. Thank you, Most Holy Mother, for taking my concerns and washing
them away.
2.
As you get into the tub, soak yourself from head to toe while naming your
problems.
3.
Spend at least 15 minutes soaking in the healing water for a ritual bath. You
may meditate, visualize a resolution of your problem, sing, or sit in silence.
Do whatever feels comforting to you.
4.
As you let the water go down the drain, visualize your problems washing away.
With the last drop of water say “Let it be so”.
5.
Always clean your tub with saltwater afterwards. Sea salt is best, though
regular salt will also do. Also, be sure to clean any objects used in the tub
with saltwater.
6.
As part of preparing your ritual bath, you may light your favorite incense and
light a candle to make the experience especially comforting and enjoyable.
Always take
a soap bath prior to a ritual bath. Never use soap, oils, or anything else.
Never stay in a ritual bath longer than 30 minutes and allow your body to air
dry to achieve the full effect.
Preparing the Ingredients
There are a few rules of thumb
to follow when preparing herbs and other ingredients for ritual bathing. First,
herbs are never boiled. Rather, they are placed in a bowl and hot water is
poured over them. They are allowed to steep for 15 minutes and the water is then
strained and then allowed to cool. The cooling down period is when the water
becomes “charged” with their respective medicinal powers.
Secondly, roots, nuts, barks and
beans are boiled for about 30 minutes in a cast iron pot. Be sure not to use
aluminum or metallic pots for this purpose. The wash should be brownish in
color.
To prepare flowers and fresh
herbs, gently tear, rub in the palms, and place in cool water. While doing this,
you should be praying for the desired effect. The herbs and flowers are then
strained from the water, which should have a green tint. This wash is referred
to as the Green Blood of the Earth, which refreshes and revitalizes all
that comes in contact with it.
Sample Baths
White Bath for
Purification
This is good for when you feel spiritually dirty, feel the need to cleanse your
aura, need spiritual revitalization, or for cold and flu symptoms.
First, light a white or blue candle and burn
either coconut or blessings incense.
Add the following to your bath water:
2
to 4 cups of evaporated milk or powdered milk
2
to 4 tablespoons of anise
Wash with sea salt.
All Purpose Healing Bath
All-purpose
healing bath (not to be used by those who are pregnant or who suspect they may
be pregnant)
Fill the
tub with hot water and several handfuls of juniper leaves and soak. Drink 16
ounces of spring water afterwards.
Classic Goddess Bath Soak
Essential oils poured in the bath is one of the finest ways
to enjoy their therapeutic benefits. Add your favorite oil to a lighter oil
(such as sunflower, safflower, or almond) to help to disperse it throughout the
water and onto to your body.
Ingredients
Your favorite
essential oil
A light carrier oil
such as safflower or almond
Directions
Add two teaspoons
of oil to your water as you draw your bath.
Green Bath
for Health and Wealth
This is good for maintaining optimal health.
Light a green or brown candle and burn myrrh or bayberry incense.
Combine the following ingredients into your
bath water:
Green food coloring
Heal-all or comfrey herbs
Wash with white sage leaves or flowers.
About the Author:
Denise Alvarado is a mystical artist and freelance writer specializing in
wellness,
self-improvement, Native American issues, cultural psychology, and
metaphysical concepts. Visit her
website,
http://www.mysticvoodoo.com to view her gallery and for free articles on a
variety of topics.
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