I love a good bath.

I love the way it relaxes my muscles. I also love the way it helps me to get into the right mindset for the things I plan to do after.

The bath I’m sharing here is my current favorite way to feel uplifted and improve my mental focus when I know I have a busy day ahead. It invigorates both the body and mind, and with regular practice, helps keep me from falling into uninspired slumps.

Good mental health requires maintenance, and bath time is one of my necessary self care rituals.

What You Need:

This is super simple, with easily obtainable items.

In addition to the following ingredients, you should use a drain screen so the orange peel doesn’t clog your pipes when you empty the tub.

I also suggest playing some music. Preferably through wireless headphones. The environment you create is important.

And I personally like to burn a candle as well. Preferably a jar candle in this case. Lately I’ve been loving the Witches’ Brew Yankee Candle. It smells like patchouli, and burning patchouli is thought to bring business growth. (Yes, I know a candle is not the same as burning the herb. It’s symbolic. Work with me here.)

Jade roller is optional, depends on your preference. I like to feel its coolness on my face while I’m in the warm water. I find the contrast invigorating. Plus jade is considered lucky, and I can use all the luck I can get.

NOTE:

** If you have an allergy to any of these items, DO NOT USE THEM.

** If you have sensitive skin, go easy on the essential oils. They are highly concentrated and can irritate skin if not diluted enough.

Salt

I used regular table salt, aka common salt. Kosher salt is also acceptable.

Try to avoid salts with added iodine or anti-caking compounds.

What it does:
Salt has natural antiseptic properties that may help heal minor wounds, skin infections, etc. (Speak with your doctor before using it as a treatment/cure for an ailment though. It may be something that requires actual medication.) It can also be used as an exfoliant.

Magickal use:
Salt is commonly used for purification and protection.

NOTE: If you are sensitive to iodine, do not use iodized salt.

Orange Peel

I used dried orange peel in this bath. If you have oranges at home, the fresh peel is great too.

What it does:
Orange peel has antibacterial properties and can help with inflammation. It can also help with acne, and possibly wrinkles (the efficacy is debatable).

Magickal use:
Orange peel is often used in spells for love, prosperity and mental clarity.

Orange Oil

I used ArtNaturals Sweet Orange essential oil.

What it does:
Orange oil is pressed from the rind of an orange, so all of the above applies. The smell is also uplifting and may help calm anxiety.

Magickal use:
See above.

Rosemary Oil

I used ArtNaturals Rosemary essential oil.

What it does:
In folk medicine, rosemary is often used as a mild pain reliever. It may also increase circulation. Inhaling the rosemary scent tends to help with concentration and memory, and may help ease stress and anxiety.

Magickal use:
Rosemary is used in spells for memory, invigoration, strength, cleansing and protection.

Eucalyptus Oil

I used ArtNaturals Eucalyptus essential oil.

What it does:
Used topically, it can help relieve joint and muscle pain. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. When inhaled, it helps clear the sinuses and combats grogginess.

Magickal use:
Eucalyptus is used to bring fresh energy to a situation, for healing, and for mental clarity.

** Do not add any kind of soap to this bath. It could undo the physical effects of the orange peel.

What To Do:

There are no set amounts here- add as much or as little as you like. Just keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin if not diluted enough.

I have a sort-of ritual I do to get myself into the right mindset. In this case, the goal is focus and productivity.

There are no fancy words involved in this. I prefer being completely silent and listening to music that inspires me. If speaking something into existence is more your style, feel free to use words that mean something to you.

Start with a clean tub. Clean your bathtub and allow enough time for any harsh odors to dissipate.

Light the candle. This is how I start every bath ritual.

Salt the tub. Standard purification practice.

Add orange peel.

Begin filling the tub with hot water. The hotter, the better. You’re going to wait for it to steep, like tea.

Add the orange oil. I generally use 8-10 drops, depending on the depth of the bath.

Add the rosemary oil. As with the orange oil, I use 8-10 drops.

Add the eucalyptus oil. This stuff is super potent, so go easy with it. Keep it to 3-5 drops.

Wait. Sit, listen to music, breathe deeply, and relax while you wait for the water to cool to a comfortable temperature.

Climb in and continue the relaxation/rejuvenation process in the water. Feel those uplifting vibes. Revel in them. This is that feeling you want to carry you throughout the rest of the day.

Hang out for 20+ minutes, focusing only on the good feelings of the present. Push out all distractions and anxieties. You’ll deal with them later when you’re feeling energized and better equipped to do so. The only thing that matters is the right here, right now, good feels.

It’s not uncommon for me to soak for an hour or more. I get into this meditative state where I feel calm, my mind is clear, and I have this overall feeling of pure bliss.

Once I’ve achieved the mental state I was looking for, I blow out the candle, feeling gratitude for the ability to change my mind, change my mood, in order to accomplish my goals. Mindset is everything.

Then I dry myself with a towel and get dressed in clean clothes that make me feel good, and get on with the rest of my day.