Consecration of Ritual Bath

by Lyssa

Draw a bath and add herbs and oils as desired for your purpose. Starting with the earth for North or air for East as is your tradition, consecrate the water in the following way:

Take up the dish of salt (earth) and, sprinkling three pinches of the salt into the water say the
following.

"By Earth do I purify this ritual bath that I may know the security that comes from being in the arms of our Mother Earth and be nurtured by her"

Set the dish of salt aside and pick up the incense or censer (air) and make three passes over the water as you say the following evocation.

"By  Air do I purify this ritual bath, that my mind may  be open to the  wisdom of the Goddess and  that my thoughts may be carried upon the wind to Her."

Set the incense aside and take the candle (fire) and make three slow passes over the water as you say the following evocation.

"By Fire do I purify this ritual bath, that I may be cleansed of impurities of thought and action,  that my passions and strengths may clearly guide me"

(set the candle down so that it is out of the way, but sheds light on your work).

Pick up a container or water (spring water, rose water, salt water, or rain water are all appropriate) Pour the water into the bath. You may form patterns that appeal to you if you like. Say the following.

"By Water do I purify this ritual bath that I may be healed and soothed by  the love of the Goddess and that my heart may be open to recieve Her blessings "

Bathe as you would, soaking until you feel calm and focused. When you release the water from the tub, visualize it carrying away any negative energy that you had harbored.