First, what is a spiritual bath? A spiritual bath simply put is a bath that is used to cleanse the energy surrounding you, which some people call aura. Without getting real technical, I like to think of a spiritual bath as bath that is taken to wipe your spiritual slate clean by aligning all of your consciousness with your soul’s intention.

It is not that complex as some make it seem. I remember the first time I saw a person taking a spiritual bath it was in the Steven Segal film Marked for Death, which had this alleged priestess soaking in floral bath with lit candles all over the place.  I learned the hard and quick way that that was all drama because spiritual baths are not that complex. They can be made into an elaborate ritual but it is not necessary. Let me give you an example.

Those of you who have read my books will recall that when I first got serious about my spiritual journey I was in a real mentally and emotionally abusive relationship. The lady I was with alleged to have more “spiritual wisdom” than I had, so she was able to manipulate me like a Sith master because I was young, stupid and spiritually naïve.  I was only able to break from her spell by taking a spiritual bath, which helped me to connect with a real spiritual elder.  Sometime afterwards, I was able to finally gain all of my senses and eventually I left her but I still felt a need to keep in touch with her even though she had done me seriously wrong. It was like I was torn on the inside because part of me wanted the nonsense with her to be over, while the other part wanted to stay in that foolishness.

Finally, the idea came to me to take a walnut bath to cut the ties once and for all. So, I boiled a bunch of walnuts in their shells for a while to make a dark brew. Then, I poured the brew in a bathtub full of water and prayed my petition for the relationship to end. I repeated the petition as many times as I could while making sure that I got the bath over my head.   I soaked in the bath until the water got cold and when I got out. I washed the tub and went about my business.

Shortly after taking the bath I received a phone call from her and she asked if I had done anything. To which I replied I hadn’t. Then, she asked again but specifically asked if I had taken a spiritual bath. To which I responded boldly and said, “Yes.” She was pissed and before she could start in on the name calling, I simply hung up the phone and that was the last time I heard from her.

That was the first time I had ever used a spiritual bath and I have used that same bath a couple of times with similar results. So, from my experience, the spiritual bath basically aligned my spirit with my soul’s intention.

Now I have heard of people taking spiritual baths every time they do something and at least taking a spiritual bath once a week, month, etc. I think that if that’s what these people need to do, so be it, but I don’t require all of that because I am a pretty optimistic individual and I believe my guards (spirit guardians) are always watching my back and my front, so that I do not get into a lot of mess, but sometimes it is unavoidable. It is like walking in the park on the grass, no matter how cautious you are you still may end up stepping in dog poo. So when you do, no worries, just take a spiritual bath.

I am a big on using ingredients that you can get around your house or from your local grocery store. Note that it is not that I do not believe in the efficacy of baths sold at spiritual supply stores. It is just that when I need it, I need it now and I don’t have a lot of time to waste. If I have time I will use already prepared baths, which are also effective.  I just make sure that I always say my prayer/petition over the bath before using it.

The basic ingredients for a spiritual bath (meaning you should have these in your house) are as follows (Note that the following items can be used separately or combined in a single bath as a fresh herb or powder):  

• Basil – is a cleansing herb when brewed into a bath will give you a protective feeling by removing heavy negative energies.
• Cinnamon – a couple of sticks of cinnamon steeped in hot water will make a bath that can quell household arguments. In fact, if you sense an argument about to begin, it can be boiled in some water and the vapors will calm tempers. Cinnamon can be added to parsley to make a money drawing bath as well.
• Coffee – 3 cups of strongly brewed coffee from scratch (not the decaffeinated or packaged stuff) can be used to revitalize you after an illness.
• Epsom salt – is a basic ingredient used to cleanse your body of unwanted psychic energies and influences. It also has a health benefits. Sea salt works in a similar fashion. 
• Nutmeg – is a good bath for removing negative thought patterns that tend to make you unlucky in communication.
• Rose petals  (fresh) – are good all types of relationship. Use color symbolism for specific goals, e.g. red for passion, pink for love, yellow for attraction, etc.
• Walnut – is for breaking the ties of a relationship. Caution if you have an allergy to nuts.

You can use additional herbs and  spices like Rompe Zaraguey (Wall Breaker in Spanish) or Ruda (Spanish for Rue), two very powerful herbs used for removing negative energies and sold at 1 SoL Alliance.  But, this usually requires a little bit of experimentation and experience.  These seem to work regardless if you have used them or not because you have a rapport with their essences already.  

Typically I do not add other ingredients (e.g. colognes, Florida Water, ammonia, vinegar, etc.) to my baths. If I do this is for spiritual cleansing a home or place of business and not the body, which can be irritated by such ingredients.  I usually take a cup of the herbs or powder seasoning and let it steep in hot water to make a strong tea. If it is a root, has a bark or shell like walnuts, then I will boil it for a couple of hours to make a strong tea.

As far as how much herbs, spice, etc. do I add to make a strong tea. I typically use a 1 to 2 cups of herb per one gallon of water. If I need more or less, I simply follow my intuition.

Once the tea is made and has cooled (and is receptive), then using my power hand, I will pray over it my intentions.  Then, I add it to the bathwater.  At this point, you can use candles but it is not necessary. You just need to make sure that you immerse your entire body in the bath especially your head. You need to stay in the bath at least for 15 minutes, while praying your petition/request.  

In regards to how many times should you dunk your head under the water or pour the bath over your head (if you do not have a tub), I say follow your intuition. If you need a specific number then I would recommend doing so either 3, 9 or whatever feels comfortable. You can’t make a mistake, so trust your Spirit.  

What do you do if you do not have a bathtub? Make enough of the spiritual bath to make a 5 gallon bucket. Then after you take your shower, take cups of the spiritual bath and pour it over your head so that it runs down your body and into the drain.

Now, one thing I have noticed that will make spiritual bath takes longer is trying to figure out why and how it works. This is a typical issue that many of us raised in the west have because we are taught to only believe in what we can assess with our five physical senses. But, for a spiritual bath to work quickly, you have to suspend your logical mind and trust your intuition. This is why if you are not comfortable with praying or have difficulty doing so I would recommend getting a Book of Psalms. Contrary to what you might have heard about the Book of Psalms, it was written by ancient Kabbalist (ancient esoteric Hebrews) who understood the nature of the human spirit and that God is within.  Therefore each psalm is written to speak to all your consciousness (Superconscious, conscious, subconscious). Don’t get hung up on the fact that it is Christian. As a shaman, we use whatever is effective because we are focused more on the result.