Spiritual Cleansing Baths

What is a Spiritual Cleansing Bath?

Unlike a traditional bath where the purpose or aim is to cleanse the physical body, a spiritual cleansing bath is used to cleanse the energetic bodies on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Spiritual cleansing baths are traditionally used by energy healers and those working with the spiritual realms, in order to keep their energy fresh and clear of negative or intrusive energy. However, the history of spiritual baths dates back to ancient times and there are even references to spiritual baths in the bible. In recent times, spiritual cleansing baths are becoming ever more popular amongst those that have awakened to their spiritual nature and also for energetically sensitive people who wish to maintain a cleansed and balanced energy system.

Spiritual baths are common in different religions.

Do Spiritual Baths Work?

Spiritual baths are indeed very effective and using regular spiritual baths to remove negativity is a practical and powerful way to maintain spiritual hygiene, so to speak. If in doubt as to their efficacy, the best way to find out if spiritual baths work is to try them.

How to Make a Spiritual Cleansing Bath

There are many traditions and recommendations as to the best method for creating a spiritual cleanse bath. Some of the instructions are very ritualistic and must be strictly followed; other directions are intended more as guidelines and certain elements can be used as desired. When preparing for a spiritual bath cleansing, use the method that feels right and most importantly follow intuitive prompts.

Preparing the room and the bath is the first step. Ensure the bathroom is clean, warm and welcoming. Clean the bathing tub with natural products such as bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and water rather than using bleach or other harsh chemicals. Some chemical residue will remain on the surface of the bath after washing it with bleach or other such detergents and they will contaminate the bath. After cleaning the bath, prepare the space by lighting one or more spiritual cleansing candles and if desired burn some incense prior to bathing. If taking a spiritual bath in the evening when dark, use the candlelight to create an ambient atmosphere and turn off any electrical lighting before entering the bath.

When running the bath water, add to it the spiritual bath salts and any other spiritual bath ingredients that are desired. See below for more on what to include in a spiritual cleansing bath recipe.

Spiritual Cleansing Bath Ingredients

The basic spiritual bath ingredients include fresh clean warm water and Epsom salts. In this sense, soap and shampoo are not used as with traditional bathing. While the water is running, add to the bath additional ingredients as desired from the spiritual cleansing bath recipes below.

Epsom salt is a popular spiritual cleansing bath ingredient

Spiritual Bath Recipes:

Energetic Clearance

One cup Epsom salts
One cup bicarbonate of soda
3 – 5 Sage leaves

Calming Bedtime Bath

One cup Epsom salts
One cup bicarbonate of soda
4 – 8 drops of Lavender essential oil

Nurturing Bath

One cup Epsom salts
4 – 8 drops of Rose oil or 5 – 10 Rose Petals

Mood Enhancing Bath

One cup Epsom salts
6 – 8 dried Jasmine Flowers

How to Take a Spiritual Cleansing Bath

Once the bath is prepared and the water temperature feels right, get ready to enter the bath by removing all clothing. If desired, a spiritual bath prayer, affirmation or invocation of the angels or spirit guides can be recited before stepping into the water. Otherwise, it is important to simply state intentions prior to bathing such as “it is my intention that I will be cleansed of all heavy and negative energy and my energy system will be clarified and renewed” or “I intend to attract a meaningful and purposeful career into my life now for my highest divine benefit.” The intention can be anything from energetic clearance to attracting something or someone or letting go of a negative situation or relationship. The purpose is to set a clear and positive intention before enjoying the spiritual bath. The approach of how to take a spiritual bath is an important part of the preparation process.

Preparing a spiritual cleansing bath with candle lights.

After stepping into the bath, lie in the water, immersing the whole body. Dip the head under the water frequently or using a container, pour the water over the top of the head at regular intervals. Some people choose to meditate while they are immersed in the spiritual bath, others pray or repeat affirmations. Practice whatever feels right and is enjoyable. The purpose of the bath is to relax and cleanse the system, not to get caught up with the process or become anxious about the method used. Spend at least fifteen minutes in the spiritual bath but no longer than twenty minutes. As spiritual cleansing baths are quite powerful, it is not advised to spend a prolonged period in the water, especially if using additional spiritual bath ingredients such as essential oils and herbs that can be quite potent. Also if energetically sensitive, it is advisable to spend a shorter time in the spiritual bath at first, until familiar with its effects. Some find that afterwards they feel very energized and awake, while others find its affects to be calming and prefer to go to bed following the spiritual bath. It is best to bath in the morning if energized by the spiritual cleansing bath or in the evening if the effects are found to be calming.

Once the immersion period is complete, step out of the bath, wipe away any excess moisture with the hands (towel drying is not advised) and apply natural oils or lotions to the skin. Stay away from cosmetics that contain synthetic and toxic ingredients such as mineral oil, parabens and fragrance amongst others. If in doubt, stick to products that you can also eat such as olive oil or coconut oil which make excellent moisturizers!

Finish by draining the bath water and cleaning the bathtub, again with natural products in preparation for the next use and so as not to leave any negative energetic residue.

Alternatives to Spiritual Cleansing Baths

If it is not possible to bath due to recent surgery, an injury or pregnancy, there are alternatives to a spiritual cleansing bath. Many people also live in apartments or studios that do not have bathtubs and showering is the only option!

1. Spiritual Cleansing Showers

Fill a cup with half Epsom salts and half bicarbonate of soda. Undress and step into the shower. Run the water briefly so as to dampen the head and skin before turning the shower off again. Rub the salts into the skin, making sure to cover every part of the body (except the groin area). Avoid any cuts, as the salts will sting! Once the salts have been rubbed into the skin, turn the shower back on and rinse off without using any soaps or shampoos. Add any rituals to the spiritual cleansing shower as mentioned above such as affirmations or prayers as desired. Once rinsed, proceed in the same way as described, rubbing natural oils into the skin. Not only is this a great way to cleanse energetically, the skin will also feel super soft afterwards!

Spiritual cleansing showers is an alternative if you don’t have a bathtub.

2. Spiritual Cleansing Dips

This method is useful if in need of a quick spiritual cleanse, for example after giving a healing treatment or massage. Half fill a basin with warm water and Epsom salts. Add to the water any other ingredients from the spiritual bath recipes detailed above. Place the hands into the water, again reciting prayers or affirmations and bathe the hands for fifteen minutes. Alternatively, this can also be done by placing the feet into the basin.

3. Spiritual Cleansing Visualizations

Visualize a large pool of clear water such as an infinity pool or a naturally occurring pool in nature. Imagine walking into the pool and being completely immersed in the cleansing water. As this is a visualization, it is possible to breath under the water so the body can remain fully immersed in the cleansing pool for the duration of the visualization. Feel any heaviness or negativity being washed away by the spiritual cleansing pool. Remain under the water for as long as desired, stating positive intentions, reciting prayers or simply relaxing in meditation. When ready, step out of the pool and return to the present moment feeling refreshed and revitalized.