Moon Bath: Bathing Rituals and Recipes for Relaxation and Vitality 9781452184777, 9781797200378, 1452184771

Table of contents :
Cover
Title
Copyright
Dedication
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE MODERN BATHING RENAISSANCE
Our Story
The Modern Bathing Renaissance
Water Is Life
How to Use This Book
Preparing for Your Moon Bath
Thoughtfully Source Your Supplies
Create Space
Brew Your Botanical Bath Tea
Set the Mood
Dial in the Water Temperature
Immerse Yourself
No Bathtub? No Problem!
Enjoy the Journey
NEW MOON: ETHER + AIR
New Moon Essence
Embodying Your Moon Bath
Winter New Moon: I embody awakened presence.
Intention
Benefits
WINTER NEW MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Spring New Moon: I am connected to my deepest wisdom.
Intention
Benefits
SPRING NEW MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Summer New Moon: I am grounded in my vision.
Intention
Benefits
SUMMER NEW MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Fall New Moon: I breathe life into my ideas.
Intention
Benefits
FALL NEW MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
WAXING MOON: EARTH
Waxing Moon Essence
Embodying Your Moon Bath
Winter Waxing Moon: I cultivate authentic connection.
Intention
Benefits
WINTER WAXING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Spring Waxing Moon: I am resilient.
Intention
Benefits
SPRING WAXING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Summer Waxing Moon: I act from a place of love.
Intention
Benefits
SUMMER WAXING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Fall Waxing Moon: I am filled with gratitude.
Intention
Benefits
FALL WAXING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
FULL MOON: FIRE
Full Moon Essence
Embodying Your Moon Bath
Winter Full Moon: I attract abundance.
Intention
Benefits
WINTER FULL MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Spring Full Moon: I am vibrant and juicy.
Intention
Benefits
SPRING FULL MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Summer Full Moon: I am surrounded by beauty.
Intention
Benefits
SUMMER FULL MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Fall Full Moon: I celebrate my journey.
Intention
Benefits
FALL FULL MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
WANING MOON: WATER
Waning Moon Essence
Embodying Your Moon Bath
Winter Waning Moon: I release negativity.
Intention
Benefits
WINTER WANING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Spring Waning Moon: I let go of expectation.
Intention
Benefits
SPRING WANING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Summer Waning Moon: I am uninhibited.
Intention
Benefits
SUMMER WANING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Fall Waning Moon: I surrender to create space.
Intention
Benefits
FALL WANING MOON
Self-Care Practice
Reflect
Embrace the Practice
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chronicle Ebooks

Citation preview

MOON BATH

BATHING RITUALS + RECIPES FOR

RELAXATION + VITALITY

Dakota Hills + Sierra Brashear

Text copyright © 2020 by Dakota Hills + Sierra Brashear. Photographs copyright © 2020 by Emily Nathan. Photographs pages 13, 23, 27, 117, 130 copyright © 2020 by Erica Thompson. Illustrations copyright © 2020 by Real Fun, Wow! All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available. ISBN 978-1-4521-8477-7 (hc) ISBN 978-1-7972-0037-8 (epub, mobi) Design by Lizzie Vaughan. Prop styling by Stephanie Eburah. Photography assisting by Daniel Dent. Ceramics in recipe photography by Beau Rush. Typeset in Europa and Lulo. Chronicle books and gifts are available at special quantity discounts to corporations, professional associations, literacy programs, and other organizations. For details and discount information, please contact our premiums department at [email protected] or at 1-800-759-0190. Chronicle Books LLC 680 Second Street San Francisco, CA 94107 www.chroniclebooks.com

For you, wild moon child.

Contents WELCOME TO THE M O D E R N B AT H I N G R E N A I S SA N C E

Our Story

14

New Moon ETHER

+

Winter New Moon

15

36

I embody awakened presence.

The Modern Bathing Renaissance 16

Spring New Moon

Water Is Life

Summer New Moon

17

42

I am connected to my deepest wisdom. 48

I am grounded in my vision.

How to Use This Book 19

Fall New Moon

Preparing for Your Moon Bath No Bathtub? No Problem!

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AIR

54

I breathe life into my ideas. 20

Waxing Moon

26

Enjoy the Journey

EARTH

26

Winter Waxing Moon

68

I cultivate authentic connection.

Spring Waxing Moon

74

I am resilient.

Summer Waxing Moon I act from a place of love.

Fall Waxing Moon I am filled with gratitude.

86

80

62

Full Moon

Embrace the Practice

94

FIRE

Winter Full Moon

100

I attract abundance.

Spring Full Moon

106

I am vibrant and juicy.

Summer Full Moon

112

I am surrounded by beauty.

Fall Full Moon

118

I celebrate my journey.

Waning Moon WAT E R

Winter Waning Moon

132

I release negativity.

Spring Waning Moon

140

I let go of expectation.

Summer Waning Moon I am uninhibited.

Fall Waning Moon

152

I surrender to create space.

146

126

160

Acknowledgments

164

About the Authors

166

WELCOME TO THE

Modern Bathing

MOON BATH

Renaissance

Consider this an open invitation to mindfully connect with yourself and the Earth. Whether you enjoy a bath every day or consider it an occasional luxury, we hope to inspire you to carve out time in your life for you—because who couldn’t use a little more of that? When you create space to immerse yourself in a Moon Bath, you engage in a radical act of love—love for your divine self and for the natural world. Think of this book as a map that offers guidance and inspiration, but ultimately it is your journey—there is no wrong way to spend time with yourself. There’s a lot of juicy wisdom packed into these pages, and our desire is that you slowly savor each ritual, allowing them to gently permeate your being. But before we dive in, let us share a little about ourselves and how we came to discover moon bathing.

Our Story We weren’t always such believers in the power of ritual bathing. We were first inspired by a friend whose ornate baths seemed to transport her to other realms, and she came back glowing. We needed to know everything—we wondered, Can bathing actually connect us to the cosmos? Then we tried it. And who knew?! Turns out that tuning in to the guiding force of the moon, setting an aligned intention, and immersing ourselves in warm, herbaceous waters was the medicine we never knew we needed. Dakota was on her yoga mat during the height of a Scorpio Full Moon when it struck her—for her next mission, she would inspire others to create space for these epic bathing rituals, and the name Moon Bath was beamed in from the stars. Meanwhile, Sierra was on a weekend getaway at her childhood home in the Rocky Mountains, having a bath, and blissing out. She recalled an Ayurvedic teaching that hailed the benefits of immersing yourself in

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water, salt, and intention, and she thought, The modern world needs to know about this ancient magic! Our company, Moon Bath, was created out of a desire to connect more deeply with ourselves and the planet, and we set out on a shared mission to help ignite the modern bathing renaissance. With our desire to absorb the vast healing benefits of plants through our skin, we loved the idea of turning our bathtub into a warm tea, adding a little milk and honey, and then steeping ourselves to drink in the earthly goodness. Combining the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern intuitive alchemy, we created Earth-integrated bathing rituals that inspire us to tune inward and reconnect.

MOON BATH

The Modern Bathing Renaissance Despite the allure of the modern world, with all its shiny toys and digital distractions, we are collectively craving a reconnection with the divine influence of the natural world. When we take a moment to pause, we recognize that magic is alive in the places we sometimes forget to look—in the rhythms and elements of nature. The rising and setting of the sun each day, the waxing and waning of the moon each month, and the yearly cycle of the seasons are all an invitation to remember the cosmic clock that guides our existence. The qualities of the five elements—ether, air, fire, water, and earth—are present both within us and in the cycles of the natural world around us. Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing science, reminds us that when we harmonize our internal rhythms and elements with the cycles of the Earth, our intrinsic wellness arises. With this awareness, the rhythms of the lunar and seasonal cycles become a powerful road map for our well-being, helping to guide us on our journey. The four phases of the lunar cycle—New, Waxing, Full, and Waning—correlate to each of the Earth’s four seasons

WELCOME

and the elements that influence them. The seasons are a palpable shift we witness as the planet cycles through the process of life and death. Often we feel the effects of the change in moon cycle and season in our energy level, desire to be social, or instinct to go inward. Remember that time you were out and the vibe was a little low? You might be able to blame it on the introspective new moon—next time, stay home and get cozy! Our bodies and minds are affected by the cycles of the moon, and when we listen, we live our best lives. The collective desire to heal and reconnect with the planet has catalyzed the arrival of the modern bathing renaissance. In our pursuit, we are invited to explore our intuition as a connection to nature’s guidance through moon bathing: the concept of bathing with botanicals in alignment with the Earth’s rhythms, using the lunar cycle as a guide.

Water Is Life Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can create a beautiful Moon Bath ritual, let’s first go back in time and honor the water element. Revisiting the age-old wisdom that has guided our ancestors for centuries empowers us to return to our roots and journey onward with reverence. Sacred bathing rituals are nothing new. The presence of water has long signified a blessing, and immersing oneself in it, a spiritual act. Pursuits of good health and ritual purification inspired ancient peoples around the world to worship water for its soothing, healing, and regenerating properties. The element of water, recognized as the giver of life, conduit for awareness, and keeper of prayer, serves to purify energy, renew the body, and nourish the soul. One of the famed beauty secrets of the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra, bathing in warm water infused with botanicals

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WELCOME

and salts, became revered for enhancing sensuality and revealing one’s inner glow. As cultures throughout history recognized the importance of bathing, not only for hygiene but also to open pathways to the soul’s inner guidance, ritual bathing became a vital part of life. Our bodies are made up of 85 percent water, which means that when we immerse ourselves in water, its resonance has a profound impact on our own. Because of its unique molecular structure, water responds to the intentions we place within it, and those intentions are powerfully transmuted into our bodies when we bathe. On a more physical level, bathing in warm water increases circulation of blood and lymph, promotes detoxification, relieves muscle and joint pain, boosts the immune system, and encourages relaxation. Furthermore, given that our skin is our body’s largest organ, bathing also provides an intelligent way to nourish the cells that give us life. Thus, immersing in water infused with the healing powers of salts and botanicals is an opportunity to take in natural medicine that transforms our well-being.

How to Use This Book This book invites you on a journey through sixteen affirmations, each of which guides a unique bathing ritual. Affirmations are positive, present-tense statements used to set our intentions into motion. We’ve organized this book into four sections: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon, and each section has four baths, one for each season. The bathing rituals and affirmations within each section are designed to help you tune in to the energy of the current moon phase and season. Think of this like a cookbook—every ritual includes a bath recipe that utilizes botanicals, salts, essential oils, and other thoughtful ingredients aligned with the ritual’s unique

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intention. The practices and recipes are designed to balance our bodies with the physical and energetic qualities of the four phases of the moon during each of the Earth’s seasons. With each bath ritual, you dive more deeply into what makes you you, as you cultivate clarity, vitality, and balance for your whole being. Included with the bath recipes, you will find journal prompts, ritual supplies, and complementary self-care practices, such as breathing exercises, movements, and meditations. The prompts will encourage you to explore the effect of the moon’s energy during every season of the year, and each self-care practice will align you with the affirmation offered for each bath. These options are there to create an immersive moon bathing experience and are an opportunity to get witchy by incorporating ritual into your daily life. If you are an ambitious bather, you may feel inspired to try all sixteen recipes and fully align yourself throughout the year. That said, having a dedicated bathing practice takes commitment—you may want to schedule a regular bath date with yourself. It is equally beneficial to spontaneously drop into the wisdom of this book whenever it calls to you, enjoying the bath ritual that corresponds with the current moon phase and season.

MOON BATH

Preparing for Your Moon Bath When preparing for your Moon Bath, first gather the necessary supplies to create ease in transitioning through the different practices. Focus on the affirmation as you move through each aspect of the ritual, and infuse your intention into the water. Fully immersing in the practices we offer will help ensure you deeply integrate your Moon Bath ritual.

WELCOME

Thoughtfully Source Your Supplies Anytime we utilize resources from the Earth, we must do so consciously. To create your bath tea, use dried botanicals, or feel free to add fresh ones when they are available to you. If possible, when sourcing the ingredients for your bath, consider purchasing from your local apothecary rather than buying online, and always buy organic. Purchase from a supplier that sources sustainably and is conscious of the impact that cultivating the botanicals has on the people and region from which they come. If you have the opportunity to gather your botanicals in the wild, please do so with reverence. Gather with intention, perhaps even asking the plant for its permission to be harvested before collecting it—yes, people really do that! Ensure that the plants you collect have not been sprayed with chemicals and that they are thriving in abundance. Never take too much from one spot to ensure that there is plenty left for the bees and future generations. At times throughout this book, we suggest calling upon the energy of crystals. If you already have access to the crystals, you can of course use them! However, if you do not, given the social and environmental impact of sourcing crystals, we invite you to consider tapping into their collective energy through visualization or through a crystals deck featuring images of each stone.

Create Space As you prepare for your ritual, make sure you have a cozy setup—a warm robe, dry towel, and house slippers are a great place to start. Also, make sure your bathtub is clean. We suggest using gentle, nontoxic cleaning products— consider a blend of baking soda and vinegar. Time your bath to make sure you haven’t eaten within a couple of hours before immersing, as the warm water can disrupt the

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digestive process. That said, drinking a cup of herbal tea is a lovely way to hydrate and soothe your mind as you soak. Plan on giving yourself 1 to 2 hours for the full experience, with nothing demanding planned immediately after—you’ll want to simply slip into your cozy robe so you can journal and relax.

Brew Your Botanical Bath Tea Anytime you see botanical ingredients in the recipe, you will brew them like a tea before adding the infusion to your bathwater. Steeping the botanicals, using hot water in a French press or teapot, is essential for extracting the medicinal properties from the herbs, because your bathwater is not hot enough. Allow the tea to steep in about 34 oz of hot water for at least 15 minutes before straining it into your warm bath. This also allows for easy cleanup because you are not adding the flowers directly to your tub—unless of course you want to! The brewing process invites you to watch the dried botanicals come back to life as they expand in the hot water, and to focus on offering your intention to the herbal infusion you’re creating. As you offer the infusion to your tub, take a moment to breathe in the scent and observe the dance as the tea mixes with your bathwater.

MOON BATH

Set the Mood As with many things, you’ll get the most out of your Moon Bath if the vibe is right. Lighting has a big impact on our experience, so make sure it’s set to your liking before you begin your soak. Consider bathing by candlelight or the warm glow of a salt lamp. Music has the ability to take us on a journey, so choose something that speaks to the energy you’re cultivating in each of the different baths. In a few places, we’ve included instrument suggestions to guide your selections. We highly recommend not using your

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WELCOME

phone while bathing, so adjusting the lighting and music before you immerse is key.

Dial in the Water Temperature When you fill your tub, pay special attention to the temperature of the water. For a more stimulating bath, you’ll want the water to be on the warmer side. You’ll notice that hotter water will cause an increase in circulation and a flushing of the system. If it’s too hot, however, your heart will race and you’ll want to get out—if this is the case, add cold water. For a more calming bath, fill your tub with water that is closer to your body temperature. In the heat of summer, you might even consider creating a refreshing dip for yourself by drawing a cool bath. The temperature should always feel very comfortable and soothing.

Immerse Yourself While your bathtub is filling, take a few minutes to engage in the complementary self-care practice included in each ritual. Once your tub is full, the vibe is set, and you have added each of the ingredients in your bath recipe, gently step into your Moon Bath. Notice how your energy shifts as you submerge in the healing water. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. As you do, close your eyes and allow your senses to awaken as your physical body softens. Let the medicinal waters remind you of the healing power of plants and the value of creating space to reconnect with yourself. Meditate on the affirmation and allow its essence to gently wash over you. When you feel your bath is complete, carefully step out of the tub. If the room is warm enough, consider air-drying so that you fully absorb all of the plant medicine, healing salt, and nourishing oils into your skin. Now that you’re in a serene state of mind, curl up with your journal and reflect on the guiding questions we have offered.

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No Bathtub? No Problem! Water therapy is accessible whether or not you have a bathtub. Hand and foot baths have been a part of ritual bathing throughout history and are offered at modern spas, but you can create this luxury for yourself at home! Our hands and feet are the parts of our bodies that connect most frequently with the world around us. They are full of powerful nerve endings and receptors and, although the skin can be tough and calloused, they have the gentle ability to absorb what they come in contact with, both physically and energetically. To do a hand or foot bath, fill a large bowl with warm water and add approximately half the bath recipe. Slip your hands or feet into the water, close your eyes, and focus on your affirmation. Another great way to connect with the powerful plant medicine in this book is by anointing or splashing yourself with medicinal waters during or before your shower. Instead of adding salt to a bath, consider using it as an exfoliating body scrub in the shower. The warm water opens your pores and allows your body to receive the healing benefits of the salt.

MOON BATH

Enjoy the Journey Now that you know a little about us, our journey with Moon Bath, and the history of ritual bathing, let’s get into the really juicy part, where we share exactly how you can create a beautiful bathing ritual for yourself, in the comfort of your own home. To begin, determine the current moon phase using a lunar calendar and flip to that section of this book. Next, look for the bath that is aligned with the current season in your part of the world—that way, you’ll create a powerful ritual that draws on the energy available to you during that exact time of year. Create space, immerse yourself, and

WELCOME

enjoy the journey as you rediscover the profound influence of nature’s subtle rhythms.

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New Moon e t h e r

+

a i r

New Moon Essence The New Moon resonates most with the season of winter, a time of clarity influenced by the elements ether and air. The qualities of this phase are cool and dark, and are present for the week surrounding the New Moon, when there is little to no moonlight in the night sky and the stars are brightest. Because the elements of ether and air are light, active, and clear, we have enhanced access to the dream realm, which means that during the New Moon, we are instinctually called to go inward. It’s a time when we may feel less inclined to be social or in community, and more drawn to stay home and envision the life we’re creating. The few days before and after the New Moon are particularly open for making time to reflect. When we ground our bodies and calm our minds, we tap into the elements of ether and air to discern which seeds of intention we wish to plant for the month to come. To operate from our intuitive center, we must create a stillness in our being that allows this soft voice to be heard. Often, it is in this void and the absence of distraction that our greatest moments of clarity arise. The void can feel empty and dark, which can elicit a feeling of discomfort, but when we step into the unknown and embrace that uncertainty, we can gain clarity and confidence around our visions.

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NEW MOON

The New Moon cultivates in us a quiet, receptive energy that opens us up to receive wisdom from our intuitive center of knowing. Ancient cultures referred to the dark days of the New Moon as the “sleeping moon” or the “resting moon,” as this is a time for deep restoration and renewal. If we listen to our bodies during this time, we may feel called to sleep more and exert ourselves less. This is a natural part of our body’s rhythmic cycles that mirror the Earth’s rhythms. The energies associated with the New Moon phase are felt during the week surrounding the day of the New Moon, so it’s best to take your New Moon bath during this time. The energetic qualities of the New Moon vary subtly during each of the Earth’s seasons, and have a meaningful impact on our bodies and minds. In this section, we offer you four New Moon bathing rituals, one for each season. When you tune in to the subtle differences of the New Moon energy throughout the year, you align yourself with the Earth’s seasonal rhythms unfolding around you.

MOON BATH

Embodying Your Moon Bath Your body position and movement while immersing in a Moon Bath is part of embodying the experience. As the New Moon is a time of quiet stillness, unnecessary movement is not encouraged during this lunar phase. Because the New Moon calls for inward reflection, sitting in a traditional, relaxed soaking position with your back supported is most beneficial. Much like when the water is completely still and the reflection on it is crisp and clear, when we sit in quiet mediation, we find clarity in our visions. Sometimes the absence of movement is the embodiment. Move in and out of your soak with particularly slow movements, allowing your highly sensitive being to transition through the varying sensations with a gentle awareness.

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WINTER NEW MOON

I embody awakened

MOON BATH

presence.

Intention The long, cold, and dark nights of the winter New Moon are our opportunity to generate our own light and heat from within. We turn our attention inward and stoke our internal fire—the energy behind our personal transformation. This internal fire clears the way for new ideas and inspirations that will guide our journey through the rhythms of life. It is in the void of the winter New Moon that we awaken to our own presence and all that we have to offer the world. This is the time to drop in most deeply with ourselves, focusing our inner flame toward our minds and hearts.

Benefits In this New Moon bath ritual, we use warming botanicals that generate heat to help sustain us through the cold, dark, winter nights. As we do, we balance the ether and air elements of the New Moon, and awaken to the transformational energy within. The warming and soothing botanical tulsi, also known as holy basil, is considered an incarnation of the Goddess in Vedic mythology, and we call upon her to support us in our connection to the divine. With its bright orange and yellow petals, safflower embodies the fire element as it heals and soothes the skin, reflecting our inner glow. Ginger essential oil and sea salt, both activating to the fire element, ensure that the space is clear for new intentions to emerge. The practice of self oil massage is intended to calm the ether and air elements, grounding us into full presence with ourselves so that we may truly take comfort in the void. This is a time of new beginnings—focus within, and enjoy the reprieve.

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Winter New Moon G AT H E R

Candle and/or salt lamp 1 oz sunflower oil Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup tulsi leaf ½ cup safflower petals 1 cup coarse sea salt 5 to 10 drops ginger essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a comfortably hot bath. Strain your botanical bath tea into the bathtub, then add the sea salt and essential oil. 38

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NEW MOON

Self-Care Practice WA R M O I L M A S S A G E

Self-massage with warm oil is perhaps one of the most nourishing and grounding ways we can honor our bodies and minds. During the New Moon and the winter season, the ether and air elements within our bodies are longing to be soothed with touch. The practice of oil massage lubricates the joints, softens the skin, improves digestion, relaxes the nervous system, and supports us to be in awakened presence. Traditionally, oil massage is done before bathing and on an empty stomach, as this is best for

detoxification. We invite you to try it this way. Before your bath, warm approximately 1 oz of sunflower oil by pouring it into a glass jar and placing it in 2 oz of boiling water for 5 minutes. You may add a drop of your ginger essential oil if you’d like a little extra heat. Once the oil is warmed, anoint yourself head to toe in a light layer. After you are fully covered, massage your joints in circular motions and use long strokes on your limbs to soothe your skin and muscles, always moving the blood toward your heart. Take this opportunity to adore every curve and line of your

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

As the winter New Moon is all about awakening to embodied experience and stoking your internal fire, consider taking your Moon Bath by candlelight or the glow of a salt lamp. During your bath, as you lie in stillness, focus your attention on the flame of a candle burning in front of you. Repeat the affirmation I embody awakened presence out loud or silently in your mind several times while you allow your eyes to soften around the flame as the rest of the background fades away. Connect the visual image of the flame in front of you to your heart center—the place of deep knowing that stokes the fire of personal transformation. The energy of the fire helps awaken our inspiration and visions that we will bring to fruition.

WINTER

body with loving touch. Allow your skin to fully absorb the oil before stepping into your warm bath. Be sure to stay cozy and warm, not allowing yourself to get chilled at any time during your ritual. Consider practicing this ritual in the morning to set yourself up for a warm and activated day.

insight and transformation. Practice bringing awareness to your body as you move through your day. This allows you to connect with your experience in a more tangible way and awaken to what you are asking your internal fire to transform.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

Reflect After your bath, take a moment to close your eyes and follow a few deep, slow breaths to recenter. Tune in to your heart and visualize a gentle flame burning within. This is a center of transformation in your body, generating the life that pulses out to your limbs. Now bring that awareness to your feet, noticing any sensations you feel. Wiggle your toes as you bring your attention to them. Are they warm or cold? Guide your awareness to slowly travel up your body, lingering on each part, allowing it to come alive to your senses, as you work your way back toward your heart. As you scan your body, feel the warmth your heart center generates flowing through your being. When we are embodied in the moment, we can focus on our internal flame and open ourselves up to

What does being present in my body mean to me? When are the times that I feel most embodied or in my body? What about those experiences helps me to be present in my body? What is a mundane activity I do regularly in which I can practice embodying awakened presence?

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SPRING NEW MOON

I am connected to my deepest

MOON BATH

wisdom.

Intention On the dark nights of the spring New Moon, we find ourselves feeling replenished, as if we’ve been reborn after a long, cold winter. Spring is a time of renewal, and you can feel the life force blooming in every cell of your body, yet the New Moon encourages us to remain inward. We are called to nourish ourselves and to connect with our deepest wisdom. As spring emerges from the winter void, we are invited to focus on our inner landscape, and in doing so, we discover our truths and deepest desires. Being in this connected space offers us a time to discern how we want to show up in the world moving forward. It is in the fertile ground of spring that we plant the seeds of new intentions, so take the time to listen and hone your vision before setting things into motion.

Benefits In this ritual bath, we use soothing blossoms of lavender and chamomile to stay calm, grounded, and introspective as springtime vitality emerges. Chamomile is also helpful for supporting the flow of life force, and folklore believes it to be helpful in attracting abundance. Bergamot essential oil and honey provide cleansing for the body, as we have the potential to accumulate congestion in our cells and channels during this robust time of year. The So Hum meditation is a practice that symbolizes our connection to the universal energy, which supports and nourishes us in all the ways that we need and desire. It is a gentle reminder that when we truly listen, we discover ourselves to be the ultimate wellsprings of wisdom.

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Spring New Moon G AT H E R

Quartz crystal (or refresh your mind on its image) Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup lavender flower ½ cup chamomile flower ¼ cup honey 5 to 10 drops bergamot essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a comfortably hot bath, as it is still important to stay warm during the springtime. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub, then add the honey and essential oil directly to the water. 44

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NEW MOON

Self-Care Practice

MOON BATH

S O H U M M E D I TAT I O N

The So Hum meditation is a practice that reconnects us to the wisdom of the Universe. In Vedic traditions, so refers to the divine and hum refers to the individual ego. The translation of So Hum is “I am that,” reminding us that we are in fact one with all that is. This means that all the wisdom, love, and support we need lies within us . . . all we have to do is tune in. To practice the So Hum meditation, sit comfortably in a peaceful place and bring your awareness to your breath. As you inhale slowly, visualize the breath originating at the base of your spine and flowing up the front of your body to the center of your head, allowing the sound sooo to reverberate silently in your mind. Once you have inhaled fully, pause at the top of your breath. On the exhale, follow the breath down the back line of your body, down your spinal cord, as you allow the sound hummm to reverberate silently in your mind. Pause at the bottom of the exhale. When we inhale so, we are filling ourselves with divine consciousness, and when we exhale hum, we let go of the ego self, which often dictates our most limiting beliefs.

Continue the practice for a few more minutes before you gently open your eyes and step slowly into your bath.

SPRING

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

Crystals are powerful talismans for tuning in to specific energies and creating rituals. Clear quartz, known as the master healer, is a versatile stone that is known for amplifying energy and one’s intention while working with it. One of the most abundant crystals in the world and found on every continent, clear quartz connects us with our highest vibration. During your Moon Bath ritual, close your eyes and take a moment to conjure up the image of a beautiful clear quartz crystal. Allow the image to linger in your mind’s eye while you repeat the intention I am connected to my deepest wisdom out loud or silently in your mind.

Reflect When you are in a place of awakened presence, you can connect to your deepest wisdom: your intuition. The spring New Moon is a time to maintain internal focus and provides clarity around the things you wish to call forth into your life. This introspective period of lucidity is an ideal time to tune in to your truths and desires. The So Hum meditation is a practice in letting go of our limiting ego self and creates an opening to ask ourselves what our hearts are yearning for. Take a chance to really dream big— go ahead, be a hopeful romantic!

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What activities do I engage in that feel life giving? What about these experiences feels nourishing to me? When I tune in to my deepest wisdom, what do I want? What can I do to cultivate balance and allow my desires to take root?

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SUMMER NEW MOON

I am grounded

MOON BATH

in my vision.

Intention On the summer New Moon, we are invited to take reprieve from the heat and intensity of the most active season of the year. This New Moon offers us the opportunity to ground the joyful, exciting energy of summer, channeling it to serve our creativity. Inspiration abounds, and we have a unique ability to be flexible and adapt to new ideas or changing circumstances during this particular New Moon. By gently cooling the fire energy of summer, we exhale and find ourselves having a moment to reflect, clarify, and communicate our visions.

Benefits The ancient texts of Ayurveda tout the benefits of bathing with white flowers during the summertime, as the blossoms are believed to offer their sweet nectars to help us stay calm and cool. Jasmine is a dreamy white flower known for enhancing beauty, sensuality, purity, and love. Honey-scented elderflowers blossom during summer, bringing with them a cooling rejuvenation. Ylang ylang essential oil contributes its intoxicating aroma, reminding us that our delicious sensuality is integral to our creative intelligence. Milk offers a cooling, grounding, and nourishing effect to this bath, encouraging us to return home to ourselves so that we may channel our energy toward cultivating the seeds of our intention. Summer is a time of activation and expression, yet the New Moon draws us inward. Mandukasana, or Floor Frog Pose, is a physical practice to move stuck energy while simultaneously remaining grounded. It is a deep and powerful hip opener that balances your root, the energy center in your body, located at the base of the spine. The root is said to be our foundation, responsible for our sense of safety and security. During Floor Frog Pose, your attention is focused down or inward and creates space in your lungs for deep, centering, rhythmic inhales and exhales. While in this pose, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions as the energy you store in your body is released. This is an opportunity to embrace your full experience.

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Summer New Moon G AT H E R

Happy houseplant Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup jasmine blossoms ½ cup elderflower 1 qt milk (cow or coconut) 5 to 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a bath that is near body temperature, so on the cooler side. Strain your botanical bath tea into the water, then add the milk and essential oil directly to the tub. 50

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NEW MOON

Self-Care Practice P R AC T I C I N G M A N D U K ASA N A

It will be most comfortable to do this on a rug or padded surface. Start on your hands and knees and drop into the pose by slowly widening your knees apart, making sure to keep your feet in line with your knees so your legs maintain a 90-degree angle. Pivot your toes to face out as your knees move away from your center, resting your body weight on the inside line of your knees and ankles. To ensure your feet stay flexed, practice Floor Frog next to a wall so you can prop the bottoms of your feet

against it. You may be tempted to tilt your hips forward and arch your back, as if the bowl of your pelvis is spilling onto the floor. Instead, try tucking your pelvis up and in, while exhaling a breath into your low back—this will help maintain a healthy curve in your spine without dumping weight into this area of your body. Gaze gently down on the floor in front of you and focus your energy inward as you take several deep and cooling breaths. Gently rock your torso back and forth to get deeper into the hip opening and grounding. Hold this pose for 1 to 5 minutes and come out very slowly.

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

Houseplants are a simple way we can bring beautiful reminders of nature’s grounding magic into our home. Having plants in the bathroom is an easy way to transform the space into a healing bathing oasis. Not only do they oxygenate and purify the air quality, but they also emanate healing energy and positively impact our mood and energy level. During your bathing ritual, allow your plant friend to be a reminder of the powerful wisdom we can all connect to by turning off the noise from our overstimulated lives and grounding into nature’s guidance.

SUMMER

Reflect The summer season brings a heightened sense of joy, creativity, and celebration into our being, and allowing ourselves to express this energy is integral to living in alignment with the Earth’s rhythms. In the heat of the summer, the New Moon is an opportunity to take a cooling exhale and ground the creative energy we feel. During this moment of reflection, we can collect our thoughts to clearly communicate our visions.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What does being grounded feel like for me? What activities in my daily or weekly life help me feel grounded? What steps am I taking toward bringing one of my visions to life? What habits and practices can I foster to allow my vision to take root?

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FALL NEW MOON

I breathe life into

MOON BATH

my ideas.

Intention Fall brings with it the manifestation of the intention we have cultivated through the other seasons of the year. The New Moon is always an inward time, and during the fall New Moon we begin to turn our attention ever so slightly outward. Remaining rooted and reflective, we utilize the energy of the harvest and witness our passions being set into motion. On the fall New Moon, we are invited to retreat once more to gather the energy we need to breathe life into our ideas.

Benefits In this bathing ritual, we utilize passion flower for its unique ability to ground the ether and air energies, effectively rooting and centering us, while supporting respiratory health. Raspberry leaf lends its sweet, astringent, and cooling qualities to soothe the excess fire element that tends to become overactive in the fall from building up over the summer months. Orange peel encourages clear airways as we practice utilizing the breath with intention, and melissa (lemon balm) essential oil provides a sense of calm while uplifting the soul. Nadi Shodhana (also known as alternate nostril breathing) is a simple pranayama, or breathing exercise, that deeply relaxes the mind and body. It is one of the best ways to rejuvenate the subtle energies of our being by way of the flow of breath. Use this technique to focus the mind as you bring your ideas to life.

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Fall New Moon G AT H E R

Music: wood flute Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup raspberry leaf ¼ cup passion flower ¼ cup orange peel, removed from fruit and chopped into fine pieces 5 to 10 drops melissa (lemon balm) essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. If it is early fall and still hot out, draw a bath that is near body temperature, so on the cooler side. If it is late fall and a chill has set in, draw a warmer bath. Strain your botanical bath tea into the water, then add the essential oil directly to the tub.

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NEW MOON

Self-Care Practice NADI SHODHANA P R A N AYA M A

Start by holding your right thumb over your right nostril and inhaling deeply through your left nostril. At the peak of your inhalation, close off your left nostril with the middle finger of your right hand, release your thumb, then exhale slowly through your right nostril. After a full exhalation, inhale through the right nostril this time, maintaining gentle pressure on your left nostril. At the peak of your inhalation, close off your right nostril with your thumb again, release your

middle finger, and exhale through your left nostril. Follow this same pattern of alternate nostril breathing for 5 minutes before or during your bath. Your breathing should be effortless, with your mind gently observing the inflow and outflow of breath. If closing one nostril causes fear or anxiety, or if one nostril is blocked, try doing the practice without blocking either nostril, and simply visualize the alternating flow of breath.

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

The fall New Moon is influenced by the energy of ether and air, so during this moon cycle, we breathe life into our visions through the ebb and flow of the breath. The gentle movement of air through an inhale and exhale can also create music that inspires and uplifts us. For this bathing ritual, consider listening to music that features the meditative tones of a wood flute.

FALL

Reflect Being embodied helps us connect to our deepest wisdom and feel grounded in our vision. Operating from this place of calm and clarity allows us to step forward on our path with confidence in our direction and breathe life into our ideas. The inward-facing energy of the fall New Moon cultivates within us a reflective space of awareness as we witness our intentions coming to fruition.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What was an intention or goal I set for myself this year? What benefits am I now enjoying from this intention or goal? What can I do to maintain my energy while my ideas come to life? What kind of support do I need from my community to sustain my momentum?

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Waxing Moon e a rt h

Waxing Moon Essence The Waxing Moon resonates most with the season of spring, a time of expansion supported by the earth element. As the sliver of moonlight begins to grow in the night sky, the nourishment of the earth element cultivates and sustains life. Because this grounding element embodies structure and stability, this phase of the month is focused on regeneration, strength, and resiliency. In concert with the earth element, the Waxing Moon calls upon us to replenish our immunity, sensuality, and vitality. When we open ourselves and allow the potent, juicy essence of the Waxing Moon to pulse through our being, our senses come alive. With this awakening, we are moved by the power of love and connect to primal energy as it becomes more available to us during this lunar phase. Nurturing relationships, with ourselves and with others, is important at this time so we may fully blossom with the coming of the Full Moon. The Waxing Moon calls us to replenish and revitalize our being by taking extra time for routine and self-care. We tend to our internal source of stability, energy, and strength by engaging in activities that nourish our being. Spending time cultivating love and compassion, strengthening our bodies with an invigorating workout, or taking a brisk walk that gets the blood flowing helps us restore ourselves. This restoration fortifies the soil into which we plant our seeds of intention.

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WAXING MOON

The energies associated with the Waxing Moon phase are felt most during the week between the New and Full Moon phases, as the moon’s light builds in the night sky, so it’s best to do your Waxing Full Moon bath ritual during this time. The energetic qualities of the Waxing Moon vary subtly during each of the Earth’s seasons, and have a powerful impact on our bodies and minds. In this section, we offer you four Waxing Moon bathing rituals, one for each season. When you tune in to the subtle differences of the Waxing Moon energy throughout the year, you align yourself with the Earth’s seasonal rhythms unfolding around you.

Embodying Your Moon Bath

MOON BATH

As the Waxing Moon is a time of building strength, use each of these bath rituals as an opportunity to bring life and restoration into your limbs. While in a traditional, relaxed soaking position, take some time to gently massage your muscles. Start with your feet and work your way up your legs, taking care to firmly squeeze and release the various muscles. Give a little extra love to anywhere that needs it. Then move to your hands and work your way up each arm, again squeezing and releasing the muscles to encourage blood flow and oxygenation to the cells in your tissues. Use your hands to massage the tops of your shoulders and back of your neck to release tension and find deeper relaxation. While you give yourself some love, experience the strength and vitality awakening and extending out to the limbs of your body.

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W I N T E R WA X I N G M O O N

I cultivate authentic

MOON BATH

connection.

Intention As the winter moon waxes, we encourage the gentle warmth of our inner flame to spread outward, nourishing the most important relationships in our life. This is a time to stoke our hearth of love and connection, with a focus on building the relationships that most uplift and enrich us. Whether these relationships are with friends, family, or lovers, replenishing these connections is vital to our well-being. In nurturing these relationships, we restore our own energy, strength, and vitality. On a long winter night of this Waxing Moon, spend some time appreciating the ones you hold dear.

Benefits In this Waxing Moon bath ritual, we call upon botanicals that are believed in folklore to inspire love and connection. Honeysuckle induces dreams of passion and has been said to be “a living symbol of love,” as the flower looks like two lovers intertwined. Comfrey is famous for its unique ability to mend, and in this ritual we use it to mend and restore not only our bodies but also our hearts. Arnica flower, another famous healer, is here to warm us through the cold winter night, keeping our flame burning bright as we unite with our loved ones. Cardamom essential oil relaxes the body, clarifies the mind, and inspires deeper connection. It is also said to inspire eloquence when relating. A foot massage is a grounding practice that roots us into our place in this world, the place from which we can cultivate and maintain meaningful connections. It is a gentle and sweet way to connect not only with yourself but also perhaps with a loved one . . . if you can inspire a trade. Incorporating this practice into your ritual will encourage deeper sleep, better immunity, and a stronger foundation for love and trust.

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Winter Waxing Moon G AT H E R

Massage oil: sunflower, jojoba, or sesame Rose quartz crystal Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup honeysuckle flower ¼ cup arnica flower ¼ cup comfrey leaf 6 drops cardamom essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a comfortably hot bath. Strain your botanical bath tea into the bathtub, then add the essential oil. Slip into the aromatic waters solo or with a loved one.

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WAXING MOON

Self-Care Practice F O O T M AS SAG E

While you’re cozy in your robe after bathing and journaling, sit comfortably on a towel. Place two or three pumps of oil in the palm of your hand—you might consider using sunflower or jojoba oil for gentle nourishment, or sesame oil for its added warming quality in the winter. If you’re inspired, you might even add a drop of cypress essential oil to the carrier oil to encourage deep relaxation of your body and mind. Rub the oil between your palms to warm it gently, and then smooth the oil

onto the soles of both feet, or the feet of your lucky partner. As the oil penetrates, allow the focus of the massage to be on one foot at a time. Press your thumbs firmly into the bottom center of each foot, making outward circles on the arches. Use long strokes up and down the bones, making sure to extend the soothing pressure to the tips of the toes by pulling gently on each one. Tune in, and do what feels good, lingering on the areas that call for extra love. Continue for a few minutes, then move to the other foot. As you do, focus on enhancing your connection to yourself, to each other,

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

To encourage deeper connection, we call upon the energy of rose quartz. This humble yet powerful crystal is said to dissolve boundaries of isolation and mistrust. By focusing on this crystal, we open ourselves up to authentic relationships that are centered around love, compassion, and kindness. To access the power of rose quartz, simply call an image of the crystal into your mind’s eye as you bathe. If you have a rose quartz in your home, place it on the edge of your tub or over your heart while you bathe, or you might consider using it during your foot massage, gently pressing its smooth edges into the soles of the feet.

WINTER

and to the Earth. Stay seated or lie down after you’ve given some good lovin’ to both feet, allowing the oil to absorb fully into your skin. If you’re doing this with a friend or lover, switch roles and allow the other to receive. Once you’re finished, crawl into bed and allow yourself to drift into a state of deep, supported rest.

Reflect

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

When do I feel seen? When do I feel loved and supported? In what ways do I love and support the people closest to me? What can I do to invite more love and support into my life?

Take a moment to close your eyes and follow a few slow breaths as you drop into your heart center. Feel the warm energy that vibrates from this place. Consider the people and areas in your life where you feel this loving energy most present and allow your thoughts to linger there. Radiate warmth from the center of your being outward, directing the love you are cultivating toward the ones who reflect it back. Feel the mutual exchange of loving, supportive energy. If you are doing this ritual with a partner, consider sharing your journal responses with one another.

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S P R I N G WA X I N G M O O N

I am

MOON BATH

resilient.

Intention The spring Waxing Moon is the time of year most influenced by the earth element. This is an extra luscious time of regeneration, providing us with an opportunity to experience our own powerful energy and strength. It is during this time that we are reminded that we are strong and wildly resilient. Like seeds sprouting after a long winter, we have the potential for expansion stored within us. May this vibrant season be a reminder that, even when life feels dark or the going gets tough, you have the ability to bounce back.

Benefits This spring Waxing Moon ritual is intended to awaken us after the darkness of winter and the New Moon. A bath infused with fenugreek and mustard seed is traditional in parts of India, and is especially useful when the weight of the earth element arrives alongside the rains of springtime. Use this bath to invigorate your body and mind when you’re feeling cloudy or heavy, or when you need a reminder of the resiliency within you. Dry brushing, the act of rubbing a soft bristle brush over the body, is a traditional Ayurvedic practice used to activate circulation, detoxify the body, reveal glowing skin, and encourage the flow of lymph, which supports the immune system. Utilize this ancient practice to awaken and invigorate your being, activating your body and mind to move through any challenge that stands in your way. This bathing ritual is ideal to enjoy in the morning.

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Spring Waxing Moon G AT H E R

Dry brush Frankincense resin Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

3 Tbsp ground fenugreek 1 Tbsp ground brown mustard seed 1 cup sea salt Steep the fenugreek and mustard seed in 16 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 20 minutes. Draw a warm bath. Be careful not to make the bath too hot, as the ingredients will be warming to your body on their own. Strain your infusion into the tub, then add the sea salt directly to the water.

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WAXING MOON

Self-Care Practice D RY B R U S H I N G

For dry brushing, you’ll need to acquire a soft natural bristle brush. As your tub fills, take the brush in one hand, and sweep the bristles along each part of your body using short, rapid strokes. Begin at your feet or hands, and always stroke upward, or toward the center of your body, to encourage proper flow of blood and lymph. The more

vigor with which you brush, the more energized and alive you’ll feel! As soon as you’re done, you may step into your awaiting bath. Enjoy the surge of life force that circulates through your cells.

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

When burned, frankincense is said to cleanse and protect the soul, ease depression, and promote clairvoyance, and the smoke is said to clear bacteria and viruses from the air. During your spring Waxing Moon ritual, burn frankincense resin to clear out bad vibes and connect with your resilient spirit. Offer a small piece of the resin over a lit charcoal cinder placed in a ceramic bowl or on a thick stone. Be sure to leave it on a fire-safe surface near the tub.

MOON BATH

Pro Tip: Light your cinder in a well-ventilated area and set aside for 1 minute to allow it to fully ignite before adding the resin.

SPRING

Reflect Allow the invigorating energy of your spring Waxing Moon bath ritual and dry brushing to awaken your body. Experience the energy expanding into your mind and spirit, and bringing a renewed sense of strength and vitality to each aspect of you.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What feels most life giving to me when I’m feeling low energy? What are the qualities of those activities that bring vitality to my being? In what other areas of my life do I experience those qualities? How can I bring more of those qualities into my life?

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S U M M E R WA X I N G M O O N

I act from a place

MOON BATH

of love.

Intention The summer Waxing Moon is a truly luscious time—one that carries with it an abundant surge of sensuality and connection. As the darkness of the night fills with the light from the moon, we are invited to find ways in which we can be moved less by fear and more by the power of love. We tune in to our hearts, our center of emotional intelligence, and find ourselves guided by courage and acceptance for ourselves and others. Allow this ritual to soften and open your heart so that you may act with more empathy, compassion, and care for the world around you.

Benefits This summer Waxing Moon bath ritual is intended to be deeply nourishing and heart expanding, while cooling and grounding us during the hottest time of the year. Cacao is known for its ability to connect us to our heart space, imbue clarity, and expand our sense of love out toward others and the planet. Shatavari, a species of asparagus plant, promotes healthy energy levels and strength, while calming the mind and promoting a sense of love and devotion. Roses have one of the highest vibrational frequencies of all botanicals, and immersing ourselves in their healing waters can alter our own frequency such that we emanate pure love. The yoga posture known as Setu Bandhasana, or Bridge Pose, is energizing and opens the heart while calming the mind. Opening the heart inspires personal development, expands the sense of connectedness you feel to yourself and those around you, and invites you to engage in the world with a greater sense of love.

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Summer Waxing Moon G AT H E R

Rose essential oil Dark chocolate Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup rose petals 2 Tbsp cacao shells 2 Tbsp shatavari root, cut into fine pieces ¼ cup rose water (optional) Steep the rose petals, cacao, and shatavari in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. If it’s a hot day, draw a bath that is just barely above body temperature, as this will serve to cool you down. Strain your botanical bath tea into the bathtub, then add the rose water, if using, immediately before stepping in to immerse yourself.

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WAXING MOON

Self-Care Practice

MOON BATH

S E T U BA N D H ASA N A

To practice Setu Bandhasana, or Bridge Pose, first lie down flat on your back. Next, bend your knees, directing them up toward the sky, with your feet flat on the ground. With your arms down by your sides, position your feet so that the tips of your fingers barely graze your heels. Now tilt your hips up, drawing the front of your pelvis toward your navel as you begin to round your low back. As your back rounds, your tailbone will begin to lift from the Earth. Gently engage your buttocks as you lift your hips high, allowing your weight to be in your feet, shoulders, and the back of your head. If you are able, clasp your hands behind your back and gently shimmy your shoulders underneath you, inviting your chest to fully open. Imagine there is a small grapefruit under your chin, reminding you to elongate the back of your neck. Hold the posture for about 30 seconds, taking a few deep, slow breaths, gazing directly upward the entire time, before slowly lowering your hips. Begin at your shoulders and lower one vertebra at a time until your hips reconnect to the Earth. Rest with your knees together,

with your feet placed slightly wider than your hips, before beginning again. Repeat three times. This pose should be done on an empty stomach while your tub is filling with water.

Reflect Once you find yourself in a comfortable place after your bath ritual, close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths. Soften into your heart and begin to gently call to mind people, places, or things in your life that elicit a sense of avoidance or fear. Notice what sensations arise for you, and invite yourself to sit with them. Consider the ways in which these feelings may have guided choices and actions for you throughout your life.

SUMMER

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

The fragrance of the rose—heralded through the ages as the “queen of the flowers”—arouses sensuality, boosts libido, fights depression, and elicits feelings of love. Using an oil diffuser during your bathing ritual is a lovely way to further drop into the magic of this botanical. If you don’t have a diffuser, offer a couple drops on the palm of your hand during your bathing ritual and rub your hands together. Bring them up to hover over your face and enjoy a few deep breaths to take in the scent, allowing it to gently permeate your being. Feel free to repeat this as desired throughout your bathing ritual. To further indulge, nibble on dark chocolate throughout your bath.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What areas or relationships in my life have I held back on out of fear? What areas or relationships in my life have I acted on from a place of love, even when it was hard? What does it feel like when I make decisions from a place of love, rather than fear? How does the world around me respond when I act from a place of love?

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FA L L WA X I N G M O O N

I am filled with

MOON BATH

gratitude.

Intention The fall Waxing Moon is a time to take stock and reflect on what we have been given in this exquisite life. As we take a look at all that comforts, supports, and elevates us, we relish in a profound sense of gratitude. From the mundane to the extravagant, so much of what we have deserves a nod of appreciation. By hitching a ride on the expanding energy of the Waxing Moon, our gratitude amplifies what we already have, and we attract even more of it. So whether it’s health, wealth, love, creativity, or adventure, be grateful for what you have. In doing so, you will build on what you have and encourage more of what you want into your life.

Benefits Chrysanthemums, or “mums” as they’re often called, are late-season bloomers that can be found in gardens from late summer to early fall— if you have access to fresh mums, consider adding them to your bath instead of dried! This flower, which is cooling in nature, reduces inflammation, improves skin health, slows aging, and boosts the immune system. Marshmallow, also cooling, works to heal, repair, and moisturize the skin. This is especially beneficial through the transition from the heat of summer into the dryness of winter. Both chrysanthemum and marshmallow are nourishing and lubricating, helping to build the cellular integrity of our bodies, reflecting how the act of gratitude builds in our minds and hearts. Vetiver calms anger, irritability, and frustration, while promoting reassurance and self-awareness. Not only is this oil recommended for the autumn season in ancient Ayurvedic texts, but it also beautifully aligns with this bath because it encourages us to drop more deeply into our sense of gratitude for all that is. Dirga Pranayama, the Three-Part Breath, is an ancient breathing technique that improves life force and oxygen concentration, calms the mind and body, and provides a pathway for intentionality. It is a powerful tool for appreciating the magnificence that surrounds us while calling in more of what we desire.

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Fall Waxing Moon G AT H E R

Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal (licorice) tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup chrysanthemum flower ½ cup marshmallow root 1 cup sea salt 6 drops vetiver essential oil Fresh whole chrysanthemums (optional) Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. If bathing in early fall, draw a cool bath, making your baths warmer as the season transitions to winter. Strain your botanical bath tea into the bathtub, then add the salt and essential oil. If you have access to fresh chrysanthemums, you might add them whole to your tub, so that they impart their beauty and vibrational essence to the water.

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WAXING MOON

Self-Care Practice D I R G A P R A N AYA M A

While your bathtub is filling with water, sit in a comfortable position with a pillow or folded blanket supporting your hips, with your spine extended upright toward the sky. Relax your shoulders and forehead as you arrive in this posture. To do the Three-Part Breath, you will fill each of three chambers separately with air, starting from the bottom up, and then release the air from each chamber separately again. First, exhale fully. Then, as you inhale, focus on all that you are grateful for in your life. For the first

part of the breath, draw air into the lowest part of your abdomen, allowing your belly to expand outward with the incoming air. Continue inhaling to fill your chest, allowing your rib cage to expand and your heart to lift upward. Finally, complete your inhale by filling your lower throat with breath to complete the three parts. At the top of the breath, consider any thoughts or feelings that feel like doubt, and release them as you exhale. Begin by releasing the air from your lower throat, then your chest and rib cage, and finally exhale the air from your low belly, allowing your navel to draw back

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

Make yourself a mug of soothing herbal tea, and sip the brew as you journal or soak. A licorice spice tea would be an excellent choice for this particular ritual, but you can brew any herbal tea available to you in your home. Feel the warmth of each sip, allowing the warming sensation to support you in fully taking in the gratitude you’re cultivating throughout this ritual. Inhale the soothing, nourishing scent of the botanicals and allow yourself to be completely immersed in your appreciation for this wonderful life.

FALL

toward your spine. Begin again, and repeat for 10 rounds. Be sure to focus on each of the three parts separately, moving the breath slowly with intention.

Reflect When we are in a place of appreciation for all that we have been blessed with, we are better able to offer our gifts to the world. We all have blessings and gifts—large and small—and practicing awareness of them calls more of what we want into our lives.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What are the simple (sometimes overlooked) pleasures in my life that bring me joy? What small gestures of kindness have I recently experienced? What are some ways I can be more present while doing things that bring me happiness? What small gesture of appreciation can I offer in my daily life to those around me?

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Full Moon f i r e

Full Moon Essence The Full Moon resonates most with summer, a season of activation influenced by the fire element. Fire is responsible for transformation, inspiring passion, courage, and willpower during the Full Moon. The presence of the fire element during this phase brightens our charisma, sharpens our intellect, and enhances our perception, making it the perfect time to engage with the world. While the moon is lighting up the night sky, we are called to go out, be in community, celebrate abundance, and dance in the beauty of the lunar glow. The week surrounding the Full Moon is a time of outward expression, which makes engaging in social gatherings and meeting new people more enjoyable. Making plans with friends and family around the Full Moon is ideal, providing us the opportunity to harness the festive energy available to us at this time. During this lunar phase, when bliss and romance are bountiful, we find pleasure in spending time in communion with others, indulging in life’s blessings. The Full Moon speaks to the extrovert in all of us, so take a chance to strike up that conversation you’ve been meaning to have or put yourself out there and meet someone new. As the Full Moon is a time of activation and outward expression, we tend to experience a surge of energy in our bodies during the week surrounding it. Expressing

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movement to expel excess heat and energy can help us feel grounded, and is encouraged to counter the intensity of the Full Moon. Whether it’s a long walk, a hike through the forest, or a heart-opening yoga class, take the time to be present in your body to celebrate the life flowing through your veins. The energies associated with the Full Moon phase are felt during the week surrounding the day of the Full Moon, so it’s best to do your Full Moon bath ritual during this time. The energetic qualities of the Full Moon vary subtly during each of the Earth’s seasons, and have a powerful impact on our bodies and minds. In this section, we offer you four Full Moon bathing rituals, one for each season. When you tune in to the subtle differences of the Full Moon energy throughout the year, you align yourself with the Earth’s seasonal rhythms unfolding around you.

MOON BATH

Embodying Your Moon Bath To further harness the vitality available to us during the Full Moon, we invite you to bring gentle movement into your bath ritual. As the Full Moon is a time of expansion and celebration, we can bring this intention into our bathing posture. Traditionally, we soak lying face up with our back supported. During your Full Moon bath, try turning onto your belly, propping your arms up on one end of the tub, with your hands placed on top of each other, creating a comfortable place to rest your chin or cheek. Your legs will naturally bend and your feet will rest on the opposite end of the tub, bringing you into a supported Bow Pose. Take a few deep, grounding breaths to arrive fully in this position, allowing the front of your body to gently open and your heart to expand. This is a lovely time to reflect on the intention given for your bath. Come in and out of this position slowly, with great care, listening to your body’s needs and

making sure you don’t experience any concerning discomfort. Feeling an excited buzz is normal during a Full Moon bath, so feel free to move in whatever way your body calls to you. Allow yourself to be entranced by observing the reflection of light dancing on the swirling bathwater while you move. Make your movements graceful and intentional, mirroring the feminine spirit of the moon.

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WINTER FULL MOON

I attract

MOON BATH

abundance.

Intention The bright light of the Full Moon is a lighthouse on our journey through the long, dark nights of winter. The fire element is present as the moon illuminates the night sky, connecting us to our internal flame, and giving rise to our fundamental needs and unique desires. In this, we have an opportunity to transform our relationship with money—a resource for living a full and generous life. With fire burning bright within you as well as in the cosmos, now is the perfect time to focus on burning through any negative beliefs about money, and to attract more abundance into your life. Whether it’s for educating yourself, supporting important causes, or nurturing the ones you love, a little extra money gives you more freedom to pursue your passions.

Benefits This warming winter Full Moon bath ritual calls upon a folkloric recipe for growing your fortune. The word alfalfa translates to “father of all foods” in Arabic because of the wealth of nourishment it provides. People throughout the ages have superstitiously added a pinch of the herb to their wallets to make sure they never spend their last dollar. Chamomile and cinnamon are also revered as abundance-generating herbs, and are often used in spells to bring prosperity. Alfalfa combined with chamomile and cinnamon is an age-old secret for improving luck, especially when hands are washed in their infusion. In China, oranges are believed to symbolize good fortune. Their essential oil awakens the spirit to joy, ensuring that we are motivated by a sense of purpose and service, rather than emptiness and greed. Kubera Mudra is an ancient hand posture that is believed to enhance one’s sense of purpose and encourage more rapid achievement of goals, especially with regard to wealth and prosperity. This mudra is also thought to sharpen the intellect and bring clarity to the mind, especially if your intentions relate to serving the good of the world.

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Winter Full Moon G AT H E R

Citrine crystal Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup alfalfa leaf ½ cup chamomile flower 1 Tbsp cinnamon chips (or 1 stick) 10 drops orange peel essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for at least 20 minutes. (The longer the better for this recipe, in order to draw out the cinnamon bark.) Draw a comfortably hot bath. Strain your infusion into the tub, then add the essential oil to the water. As you soak, the cinnamon may cause a slight tingle on your skin—enjoy it!

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Self-Care Practice KUBERA MUDRA

MOON BATH

To practice Kubera Mudra, sit comfortably on the floor with a pillow or folded blanket underneath you to support your hips. Allow your tailbone to feel heavy as the crown of your head reaches toward the sky. With your legs crossed, rest one hand on each knee, with your palms facing upward. Next, bring the thumb of each hand to the tips of the index and middle fingers on the same hand to form a circle. Fold the remaining two fingers into the palm. Press the thumbs firmly into the tips of the fingers, but remain relaxed without clenching. Sit this way for 5 to 10 minutes as you set your intention on prosperity that serves not only you but also the world. Breathe deeply and evenly as you remain focused on your boundless potential for abundance. Once complete, take a final deep breath of gratitude and release your hands.

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E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

To amplify the intention of this ritual, we call upon citrine crystal. This beautiful yellow crystal embodies the fire element and inspires our creative energy and will to manifest prosperity. In addition, it assists in overcoming limiting beliefs and feelings of being undeserving of abundance. To call upon its powers, simply conjure an image of the crystal in your mind’s eye. Or, if you have the crystal in your home, you can hold it in your hand or place it in the water next to you as you repeat the affirmation I attract abundance.

Reflect After your stimulating Moon Bath, sit in a comfortable upright position as you settle back into your body to continue the cultivation of your visions and desires. Whether the prosperity you seek is material or energetic, allow yourself three deep breaths, inviting space into your being to welcome the spirit of abundance. Take a moment to craft your vision for abundance in an area of scarcity in your life by writing about it in the present tense as if it’s already true. By doing this, you cause subtle shifts in your reality that support the manifestation of your vision.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What does abundance mean to me? What areas of my life feel abundant? In what areas of my life am I feeling lack or scarcity? How does this area of my life look and feel when I experience abundance?

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SPRING FULL MOON

I am vibrant

MOON BATH

and juicy.

Intention On the spring Full Moon, we blossom into the most fertile and juicy version of ourselves. As life flows from the slumber of winter and the moon swells to its fullest, we become ripe and ready for our luscious sensuality to emerge. With the earth element present, this is the time to explore our own garden of earthly delights, taking extra care to appreciate the beauty of our own precious flowers. Romance and renewal are one, so allow yourself to give in to your most primal urges, and let the juices flow.

Benefits This splendid ritual Moon Bath combines some of our brightest and most sensual allies. Rose is an ancient symbol of love and romance, and it has one of the highest vibrational frequencies on Earth—which means it has a powerful, positive influence on our health and well-being. Calendula, a bright and healing flower, is said to bring light to dark places. Damiana reconnects us with our sensuality and desires, and eases the mind to go with the flow so that we can fold into our most luscious encounters. Ylang ylang essential oil enhances desire and makes us more desirable. This fragrant blend will awaken even the most elusive sensual desires within you, so enjoy the ride. Chakravakasana, or Cat-Cow Pose, brings fluidity and mobility to the spine and midsection of the body. It’s an opportunity to allow the juicy energy in your body to flow freely as you incorporate any organic movement that calls to you. The cow posture opens the heart, upper chest, and throat, allowing your heart’s true intentions to be spoken freely. The cat posture releases tensions in your low back and activates the sacral area.

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Spring Full Moon G AT H E R

Candles Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

¼ cup rose petals ¼ cup calendula flower ¼ cup damiana leaf Fresh lilac sprigs (optional) 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a comfortably hot bath. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub. Right before you step in, offer the fresh lilac sprigs, if using, and then add the essential oil.

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Self-Care Practice C H A K R AVA K A S A N A YO G A P O S E

To get into Cat-Cow Pose, start on your hands and knees on a padded surface, bringing your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees below your hips. On the inhale, release your rib cage to arch your back, lift your gaze upward, and draw your shoulders into your back, opening your chest. Allow your sit bones to open wide, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers. On the exhale, push into your palms, bringing your gaze back toward your belly, and round

your rib cage and low back upward, drawing your tailbone down. Do a few slow rounds of these movements, bringing intention into the articulation of each vertebra of your spine. Explore transitioning between the two postures through inhaling while you barrel roll your midsection out to one side and up into cat posture and then exhale as your midsection moves to the other side and barrel rolls down into cow posture. The key here is to lubricate the joints in your body and not get hung up on doing it right. Next, experiment with making slow circles with your shoulders and hips over your hands and knees as they

MOON BATH

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

Enhance the sensual mood by lighting candles and placing them around the edge of your tub. As you soften your gaze, allow the gentle, warm light of the flames to enliven the passions and desires within you. Witness the gentle flicker of the candlelight on the surface of the water and as it dances across your skin, deepening your connection to your own juicy existence.

SPRING

remain firmly planted on the ground. Move in any way that your body calls you, activating a flush of blood flow. Do a few more rounds of this practive as your bathtub fills.

Reflect After your luscious spring Full Moon bath, with your senses heightened, consider slipping into bed naked, feeling the soft fibers of your sheets against your dewy skin. Try journaling on your belly with your arms propped up underneath you to continue the heart-opening activation you cultivated throughout the ritual.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

In what ways do I feel vibrant life and love pulsing through me? When do I feel the most receptive to the life-force energy available in the world around me? How do I currently fill my own juicy love bank? In what areas of my life can I awaken my senses to cultivate more sensuality?

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SUMMER FULL MOON

I am surrounded

MOON BATH

by beauty.

Intention The summer Full Moon invites us to gaze out across the landscape of our lives, in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. No matter what our circumstances, we can find beauty in our surroundings—in a flower, in the eyes of a loved one, or perhaps simply in the way the sunlight moves across a room. The artistry of the natural world is truly astonishing when we pause and appreciate its bountiful gifts. Take a moment to inhale a deep breath filled with admiration for the truly exquisite details of your life.

Benefits This colorful ritual Moon Bath will inspire you with alluring shades of pink and gold, and enhance your awareness of the beauty inside and around you. Sunflowers, with all their radiance, were used to crown Aztec priestesses and are used here to adorn your gorgeous self. Hibiscus is a sacred flower commonly used in devotional ceremonies, as it helps purify the body both physically and spiritually. Aloe vera, known by the Egyptians as “the plant of immortality,” is essential for nourishing, soothing, and enhancing the skin’s glow. Sandalwood, one of the most cherished oils of India, has been used to support meditation for thousands of years and encourages us to discover realms of beauty beyond our sight. Hibiscus, aloe, and sandalwood all help cool the mind and body during the heat of a summer Full Moon. Lunar water provides a splash of immortal nectar that clears and calms us, inviting us to receive and reflect upon the beauty that abounds. When we spend time under the light of the moon, she gently bestows her radiant, feminine essence upon us. The rays of our cosmic companion have a special calming and relaxing effect on our minds, and basking in her rays supports us in becoming peaceful and centered.

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Summer Full Moon G AT H E R

Bouquet of flowers Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup sunflower petals ¼ cup hibiscus petals 1 cup pure aloe vera juice 4 drops sandalwood essential oil Lunar water (optional) Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 10 minutes. Draw a cool bath to calm the heat of summer and the intensity of the Full Moon. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub and watch the water turn a beautiful pink. Pour in the aloe vera juice and add the essential oil right before you immerse yourself. For a bonus, you can add lunar water, or water supercharged with the cooling energy of the moon, by leaving a jar of water out in the moonlight overnight, and then pouring this water into your tub as well.

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Self-Care Practice M O O N B AT H E

Before or after your bath, spend 15 to 20 minutes outside, taking in the moonlight. Gaze at this magical, illuminated presence in the night sky that guides our monthly rhythms. Allow your eyes to take in the beauty of the moonlight on the landscape and on your own skin.

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

Treat yourself to a lovely bouquet of flowers and set it near your tub as you soak. Bonus points if you create your own arrangement using flowers that you thoughtfully harvested in the wild or from your garden! Adorn the medicinal waters with a few petals to imbue your bath with their essence, adding bursts of color to the magical dreamscape of your tub. Allow the bright colors and aroma to elicit a connection to yourself and the magnificent world around you, as you repeat the affirmation I am surrounded by beauty.

MOON BATH

Reflect After enjoying a beauty-enhancing bath ritual and basking in the calming rays of the moonlight, find a comfortable space to curl up with your journal. Begin by closing your eyes and allowing your bath ritual to continue to permeate your being, lighting up your inner radiance. Beauty is found around us more readily when we recognize the profound beauty that lies within.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

In what parts of my physical body do I find beauty? Where in my emotional body do I experience beauty? What beauty in the natural world speaks most clearly to me? In what ways can I connect more often to the beauty around me?

FALL FULL MOON

I celebrate my

MOON BATH

journey.

Intention The fall Full Moon invites us to celebrate our seeds of intention having come to fruition, as we reap the harvest of our endeavors. We take this time to recognize that where we are, here and now, is a result of choices and commitments we made along the way. As you indulge in the fruits of your labor, you are invited to celebrate your journey—with all its joys and challenges.

Benefits In this Moon Bath ritual, the bright, celebratory scent of lemon balm will lighten your heart and invite you to revel in all the ups and downs that your journey entails. Calendula, also known as marigold, was collected on the Full Moon and used by the Aztecs to celebrate all that was coming to fruition in their world. It also supports lustrous health by healing and revitalizing the skin. Frankincense is a rich and sensuous ally that reminds us to stay connected to our heart’s true purpose as we navigate our unique paths. Sea salt cleanses our physical and energetic bodies, washing away any doubts that prevent us from appreciating the magic of where we are here and now. Breath of Joy is an energizing breathing exercise that elicits happiness, elevates mood, and releases negativity. Practicing this in the morning will inspire momentum for your day.

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fall Full Moon G AT H E R

Glass of Champagne or sparkling water Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

1 cup calendula flower ½ cup lemon balm leaf Fresh whole calendula (optional) 6 drops frankincense essential oil 1 cup sea salt Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have fresh calendula, consider adding a few flowers directly to your bath. If it is early fall and still hot out, draw a bath that is near body temperature. If it is late fall and a chill has set in, draw a warmer bath. Strain your botanical bath tea into the water, then add the essential oil and sea salt directly to the tub.

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Self-Care Practice

MOON BATH

B R E AT H O F J OY

Breath of Joy is done in three parts: The first is an inhale into the bottom third of the lungs, the second is an inhale into the middle section of the lungs, and finally the third part is completing the inhale into the top part of the lungs, or the upper chest. The three-part inhale is done through the nose and the exhale is released through the mouth with a ha sound. The practice is done standing and with accompanying arm and torso movements to energize the body. Find a comfortable standing position, with your feet firmly planted slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with a gentle bend to the knees. On the first part of the inhale, into the lower lungs, swing your arms out in front of you, palms turned upward. On the second part of the inhale, into the middle section of lungs, swing your arms out to your sides, palms facing forward. On the third, final part of the inhale into your upper lungs, swing your arms in front of you and up over your head, palms facing each other. The exhale is a full release of breath with the ha sound while your arms swing

down by your sides and your midsection bends fully forward with the momentum, allowing your chest to fall to your bent knees and your arms to swing up behind you. This movement encourages a light compression in your lungs and a complete exhale. Then lift your torso to standing and repeat the inhale cycle again. Cycle through this three-part inhale and exhale series for as long as feels good to you. Keep in mind, this is an energizing practice that is best done right before your morning or afternoon bath.

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E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

When was the last time you made a toast to your own damn self? Here’s to YOU, and the epic journey of life you’re on. Pour yourself a glass of Champagne or sparkling water, and raise it in celebration of all your wildest successes, failures, and every moment in between. Enjoy this celebratory libation as you soak.

Reflect After your celebratory and revitalizing ritual, find a comfortable place to settle in with your journal. Taking time to give ourselves praise for all that we have accomplished brings us into the present moment and creates fertile ground for us to cultivate more of what we seek to experience and manifest.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What am I most proud of accomplishing in the recent past? What intention did I set that I brought to fruition? What commitment did I make that I fulfilled? What challenge did I experience in the journey that created space for growth? 122

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Waning Moon wat e r

Waning Moon Essence The Waning Moon resonates most with the season of fall, a time of harvest and release, and is influenced by the water element. The light from the moon begins to wane in the night sky and, much like the leaves fall from the trees, we are drawn to let go and surrender as we prepare once again for our journey inward for the New Moon. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity of water, we become fluid by deconstructing our understanding of our ever-changing selves in relation to the world around us. As the light of the moon fades, the soft, cleansing blessings of water help us wash away everything we are ready to release. The week during the Waning Moon phase is a time to unwind and reflect. Recognizing that which no longer serves us—even if it once did!—is the work of the Waning Moon. To create space energetically and emotionally, we have to let go of expectations, and anything we’re gripping onto, to create a vacuum effect for drawing new opportunities into our lives. Sometimes, during the spring season in particular, we find ourselves feeling stagnant. We may be clinging to our narratives, or our perceived identity, and it isn’t until we take the leap and let go that we awaken to a new reality with infinite possibilities. Because the Waning Moon is a time of detoxification, we may experience challenges both physical and emotional as our body works to reconfigure and accept a new,

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sometimes uncomfortable, understanding. Opening ourselves up to the joy found in the mystery of the unknown is the key to our freedom. When we embrace uncertainty, we become channels for experiences to move through us instead of getting stuck. Engaging in detoxifying self-care practices such as bathing, yoga, and breathwork creates ease in our transition from the bright expression of the Full Moon to the dark quietude of the New Moon. To go inward and reflect, we must let go of that which isn’t serving our highest Self, and the Waning Moon is the perfect time to set this intention. The energies associated with the Waning Moon phase are felt during the week between the Full and New Moon phases, as the moon’s light wanes in the night sky, so it’s best to do your Waning Moon bath ritual during this time. The energetic qualities of the Waning Moon vary subtly during each of the Earth’s seasons, and have a profound impact on our bodies and minds. In this section, we offer you four Waning Moon bathing rituals, one for each season. When you tune in to the subtle differences of the Waning Moon energy throughout the year, you align yourself with the Earth’s seasonal rhythms unfolding around you.

MOON BATH

Embodying Your Moon Bath Because the Waning Moon is a time of detox and release, use these bath rituals as an opportunity to further encourage that energy in your body. Incorporating twist poses into your bathing practice is a physical way to support the detoxification process. While in a traditional, relaxed soaking position, keep your knees together and take turns bringing them to either side of you while your shoulders remain in place or turn softly in the opposite direction. This gentle twist will create compression and release in your internal organs and bring fresh blood flow. While your

knees are to one side, bring your hand from that side to the top of your knees and use it as a slight traction to turn your upper body further in the opposite direction. With your eyes closed, take several deep breaths in this position. Release the twist very slowly to allow your energy to unwind and your intention to permeate your being.

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W I N T E R WA N I N G M O O N

I release

MOON BATH

negativity.

Intention During the winter Waning Moon, we are offered a space of reprieve to unwind and reflect. In the unraveling that is the Waning Moon phase, we have the opportunity to notice where any negative thoughts or beliefs have arisen about our past, present, or future. Negativity has an insidious way of creeping into our minds little by little, ultimately accumulating into thought patterns that can lead us to feel stuck, confused, or insecure. As the moon allows its accumulated energy to wane, you have an opportunity to identify and consciously release any negativity that has built up within you.

Benefits In this Waning Moon bath ritual, we use eucalyptus leaf because it opens the mind and senses so that we may tune in to the depths of our thoughts and emotions. It also helps any heavy, stuck energy get moving in preparation for release. Mugwort warms the body and helps remove toxic energy and waste, while opening psychic channels and dismissing unsupportive spirits. Sea salt draws toxins from the body and bentonite clay binds to them, effectively washing away anything that is not supporting us to thrive. Ardha Matsyendrasana, or Seated Spinal Twist, is a yoga pose that aids in digestion and detoxification by massaging the lower organs through compression and release. In addition, it lengthens the side bodies, strengthens the low back, and increases spinal mobility. This is the ideal pose to do during the Waning Moon, as it aids in letting go of negative energy that no longer serves us while regaining strength in our intention and visions.

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Winter waning moon G AT H E R

Sage bundle Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup eucalyptus leaf ½ cup mugwort leaf ½ cup bentonite clay 1 cup sea salt Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a comfortably hot bath. Place the bentonite clay in a ceramic dish and add about 1 cup of warm water. Stir vigorously with a wooden or plastic spoon until the clumps dissolve. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub, then add the bentonite clay mix and the sea salt.

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Self-Care Practice

MOON BATH

S E AT E D S P I N A L T W I S T

Practice Ardha Matsyendrasana while you’re waiting for your bathtub to fill with water. To get into this spinal twist, start seated with your spine upright and your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your left knee and bring your left foot to the outside of your right thigh, with your knee pointed toward the sky. Bend your right knee and bring your right foot outside of your left hip, with the outside of your right leg flat on the ground. Bring your fingertips to the ground on either side of your hips and inhale a deep breath to elongate your spine. On your next inhale, bring your arms out and up over your head. As you exhale, twist to the left and bring your right elbow to the outside of your left knee, with your left fingertips planted on the ground and supporting you from behind. On your next inhale, again elongate the spine, and on the exhale, use the pressure of your right elbow on your left knee to get you deeper into the twist. As you inhale, come gently out of the pose by twisting back to the right and bringing your legs out in front of you once again.

To do the other side, bend your right knee and bring your right foot to the outside of your left thigh, with your knee pointed toward the sky. Bend your left knee and bring your left foot outside of your right hip, with the outside of your left leg flat on the ground. Bring your fingertips to the ground on either side of your hips and inhale a deep breath to elongate your spine. On your next inhale, bring your arms out and up over your head. As you exhale, twist to the right and bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee, with your right fingertips planted on the ground and supporting you from behind. On your next inhale, again elongate the spine, and on the exhale, use the pressure of your left elbow on your right knee to get you deeper into the twist. As you inhale, come gently out of the pose by twisting back to the left and bringing your legs out in front of you once again. Take a moment to let these gentle yet powerful twists integrate before you stand and prepare to step into your bath.

WINTER

E N H A N C E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E

The sacred smoke of white sage has long been used in Native American ceremonies to bless, cleanse, and heal. With a nod of reverence for this tradition, burn a sage bundle to clear away any lingering negativity from your energetic body, and create space to tune in to your ritual. Light the end of the sage bundle, so the tips of the leaves take on an ember glow. As it burns, slowly wave the wand with intentionality around the perimeter of your body. As you do, take long, deep breaths, being sure to release tension on the exhale. Once you’ve cleared your own body, consider walking throughout your house with the sage bundle to clear any negativity that might be hiding in the far corners of the spaces you don’t often inhabit. The smoke of the sage clears invaders like viruses and bacteria, in addition to clearing any bad vibes. As you return to your bathroom, this sacred smoke sets the stage for the intentional space you’re creating during your ritual.

Reflect Our minds and bodies are profoundly connected. Negative thoughts and emotions can become imprinted in our bodies and, if not properly addressed, can manifest in discomfort or disease (dis-ease). Releasing this negativity through physical and mental exercises helps free us from the self-limiting constraints we subconsciously place upon ourselves. Take a few deep breaths to come into your body and connect to the physical and emotional sensations you’re experiencing in this moment.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

In what ways do I limit myself and my experience out of fear? How can I practice releasing limiting thoughts or feelings during these moments? What does it feel like to not have a negative response to this experience? What is one small commitment I can make to change a negative thought pattern I notice in myself?

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S P R I N G WA N I N G M O O N

I let go of

MOON BATH

expectation.

Intention During springtime, the water and earth elements abound, and with them can sometimes come heavy emotions, such as lethargy, attachment, and expectation. The spring Waning Moon offers us an opportunity to balance these energies by becoming aware of our expectations and choosing instead to lean into the mysteries of the journey. When we consciously embrace the unknown, we are able to exist in the realm of wide-open possibility, which bountiful springtime so perfectly captures with buds and blossoms. As you immerse in this activating and detoxifying bath, ask yourself where you may have misplaced expectations in your life and gently encourage those expectations to shift toward the delight in the undiscovered.

Benefits This classic Ayurvedic detoxification bath recipe is perfect for releasing anything that isn’t lifegiving during the spring Waning Moon. Ginger and baking soda combine to encourage sweating, and toxins are purged by way of the open pores. This bath is also excellent for soothing sore muscles and achy joints. Lemon essential oil is cleansing, uplifting, and energizing, which helps prevent stagnation during this earthy time of year. Cleansing breathwork is one of the most effective ways to oxygenate your cells, calm your nervous system, and settle into your body. The act of fully inhaling and releasing breath, with accompanying sound, creates a resonance within your body and mind that attunes you to the Earth’s vibration.

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Spring Waning Moon G AT H E R

Piano music selection Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

¼ cup powdered ginger ¼ cup baking soda 10 drops lemon essential oil Fill your bathtub with comfortably warm water, avoiding excessive heat, as the ginger itself is very warming to the body. Add the powdered ginger, baking soda, and essential oil directly to the water, without steeping first. Immerse yourself for about 15 minutes, then step out and wrap yourself in a cozy robe or towel. Stay warm as you transition to journaling, relaxation, or the rest of your day.

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Self-Care Practice

MOON BATH

C L E A N S I N G B R E AT H

Breathwork practice is something we can all use more of in our lives. Oftentimes in the busy, overstimulated world in which we live, we get into a shallow breath pattern, only allowing the top area of our lungs or upper chest to expand with air. This type of shallow breathing causes a buildup of energy that can manifest as anxiety, fear, pain, or other discomforts in our physical and emotional bodies. Drawing a full breath deep into our low belly, and allowing that area to expand and fill up before we exhale fully, flushes out any stale air and stored energy. When we add a long, slow haaaaaaa sound to our exhale, we invite ourselves to further release and let go of anything we’re unconsciously hanging on to. Doing this cleansing breath before and during a bath (and at anytime, really!) clears the physical and emotional cobwebs and creates space to revel in the great mystery of life. If you ever have trouble sleeping, try doing a few of these cleansing breaths to calm your nervous system and relax your body.

SPRING

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Cue up music that features relaxing piano to play throughout your ritual. The gentle melody of dancing piano notes is soothing and uplifting, and the sound can inspire you to let go and surrender to the flow.

Reflect After your bathing ritual, settle into a comfortable space and take a few cleansing breaths to drop back into the relaxed and grounded state you experienced during your bath. Take this opportunity to recognize self-limiting thought patterns or expectations you’re consciously or unconsciously attached to, and practice releasing them.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

In what areas of my life do I let expectations guide me? What would it feel like to let go of those expectations and be open to a new reality? What are ways that uncertainty has limited me? In what way does uncertainty excite or inspire me? 144

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I am

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uninhibited.

Intention The summertime sun brings with it the energy of activation, and we are invited to become the most vibrant versions of ourselves. Be it wild, spontaneous, sensual, or passionate, the summertime version of ourselves is a celebration of an aspect of who we truly are. Yet showing up as our most authentic selves sometimes requires us to throw off some chains, freeing ourselves from fear and inhibition. On the Waning Moon, feel how refreshing it is to release that which holds you back from being exactly who you want to be.

Benefits In this Waning Moon bath ritual, we use peppermint to inspire the refreshing tingle of release and to cool our bodies and minds in the heat of summer. Rosemary is traditionally used in baths for ritual cleansing, blessing, and purification. Legend has it that rosemary enhances your memory and also makes you more memorable to those you meet, ensuring that your most authentic self leaves a lasting impression in the world. Helichrysum is called the “everlasting flower” because of its rejuvenating benefits for the skin and ability to improve your complexion, revealing youthful radiance that is as vibrant as you are on the inside. Cypress is a grounding oil that calms the mind, instilling clarity and confidence. Dancing is a powerful way to create vibrational resonance in the body that releases inhibitions and connects us to primal energy that flows through the cosmos. Allowing our bodies to organically move with music without self-judgment has the power to heal and soothe our souls.

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Summer Waning Moon G AT H E R

Dance music Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal (peppermint) tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup helichrysum flower ¼ cup peppermint leaf ¼ cup rosemary leaf 6 drops cypress essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a bath with water on the slightly cooler side. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub. Right before you immerse yourself, add the essential oil.

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Self-Care Practice DA N C E

Dance like no one’s watching, because no one is! As your tub fills, turn on music that moves you and allow your body to express itself to the fullest, without concern for what you look like to the outside world. Bonus points if you dance naked! Return to your roots, naked as the day you entered the world, and find the rhythm pulsing through your body. Explore fluid movement to unleash your creativity and imagination, stimulate your brain, and challenge yourself to look beyond what you’ve been told to do to fit

into pretty little boxes. The reality is, we are not square—we’re fluid, constantly taking on a new shape, and nothing expresses that reality more honestly than DANCE! Having a wild dance party for one while your tub fills is also an incredible way to create fresh blood flow, lubricate your joints, and stretch and engage your muscles. Allow your solo dance to build and then crescendo, beginning with slower movements to warm up the body, culminating with your most wild, energetic moves, and ending once again in a more grounded state that leaves you ready to immerse yourself in your bath.

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Peppermint tea cools and calms the body while removing stagnation from the mind. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea is the perfect complement to your summer Waning Moon bath ritual. While you’re brewing your botanical bath tea, prepare a warm mug of peppermint tea to drink. Allow it to cool to a tepid temperature to avoid becoming overheated on a warm summer’s eve. As you’re taking sips of tea during your bath, allow the stimulating aroma of peppermint to awaken your senses while you also drink it in through your skin.

SUMMER

Reflect After your dance party and bath ritual, stay naked to connect to the most uninhibited part of yourself as you find a comfortable place to relax with your journal. The detoxifying and releasing energy of the Waning Moon creates space for us to rewire our thought patterns and live our lives with more freedom.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What is an area of my life where I feel inhibited? When do I feel like my most uninhibited, authentic self? What about that experience makes me feel most free? How can I incorporate those qualities into other areas of my life where I feel less free?

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I surrender to

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create space.

Intention Just as trees surrender their leaves in autumn, we are invited to surrender to the ebb and flow of our own lives as the moon wanes. There comes a time when even things that served us well at one point are no longer necessary, or no longer supportive, to our evolution. We are reminded that we need not cling to these people, things, or ideas simply because they were once working. When it’s time to let something go, simply surrender to the natural processes at work, and you’re likely to find a renewed sense of clarity and lightness as you move forward.

Benefits To support us in surrendering, this Waning Moon bath ritual incorporates neem, which is revered in Ayurveda for calming the mind and heart while supporting the liver and detoxifying the blood. Red clover is a tonic for the heart and supports our bodies to remove metabolic waste from the system. Lavender is perhaps one of the most loved essential oils for relaxation, as it calms nerves and reduces anxiety and depression, which is beneficial as we surrender to the unknown. Rock salt offers soothing trace minerals while clarifying our energetic body. Meditation is one of the most profound and effective ways to practice surrendering. When we let go of our attachment to thoughts, ideas, and narratives that we have allowed to govern our lives, we welcome change and create space for life to flow in new directions.

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Fall Waning Moon G AT H E R

Aquamarine crystal Cozy setup: robe, towel, herbal tea, etc. Journal and writing implement Bath ingredients

B AT H R E C I P E

½ cup neem leaf ½ cup red clover blossom 1 cup sea salt 6 drops lavender essential oil Steep the botanicals in 34 oz of hot water in a French press or in a small pot on the stovetop for 15 to 20 minutes. Draw a bath with water on the slightly cooler side during early fall when it’s still hot out. Transition to bathing in warmer water as the season shifts to the colder months. Strain your botanical bath tea into the tub, then pour in the salt. Right before you immerse yourself, add the essential oil.

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WANING MOON

Self-Care Practice S U R R E N D E R M E D I TAT I O N

To relax into Savasana, or Corpse Pose, lie flat on your back with your arms and legs spread a comfortable distance from your body. Tuck your shoulders slightly under you, turning your palms toward the sky, bringing more space to your upper chest. Elongate the back of your neck by ever so slightly tucking your chin. Once you’ve arrived in this position, surrender completely by relaxing any area of your body where you are holding tension. Feel the weight of your body on the Earth and imagine

you’re being softly held in a bed of warm, golden mud. While you’re relaxing in this position you may find your mind wandering. Envision these thoughts slowly passing in front of the chamber of your mind like a roll of film. Create a little picture box you can place each thought in and allow it to continue scrolling past. Although thoughts will continue to arise, surrendering our attachment or judgment to these thoughts frees us from their ability to control us. Practicing mind mastery in this way prepares us to navigate the twists and turns of life with more ease.

MOON BATH

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To support us in the quest to surrender, we call upon the crystal known as aquamarine. This beautiful greenish-blue crystal helps us clear stagnant energy, release old thought patterns, and let go of emotional baggage. Embodying the water element, aquamarine encourages fluidity, especially for clear communication. To utilize the energy of this crystal, simply look at an image or visualize it in your mind, focusing on the subtle powers it carries within. If you have access to the crystal itself, you may hold it in your hand or place it in the water with you. Whether you’re visualizing the crystal or in the presence of it, repeat in your mind the affirmation I surrender to create space.

FALL

Reflect After your bath ritual and Savasana, find a comfortable place to lounge and reflect on the ways you might be able to surrender more in your life. When we release our grip, we become a fluid channel for things to come and go with ease. When we allow fluidity within our being, we create space for change and shift our perspective and experience.

R E F L E C T I N YO U R J O U R N A L

What in my life am I gripping on to that’s not serving me? How is this standing in the way of calling in what I truly desire? What emotions does the feeling of spaciousness elicit in me? What is something I desire that will only arrive once I create space?

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Embrace the practice

We are dynamic and magical creatures, connected to each other and the Earth in profound ways, and it is when we quiet the mind and drop into our heart space that we become receptive to nature’s guidance. Understanding the lunar cycle and its connection to the cycle of the seasons helps us become attuned to the Earth’s rhythms unfolding in synchronicity around us. When we observe and strive to live in harmony with these rhythms, we create space for the natural ebb and flow of the energetic tides within us. Listening to our bodies, being prepared for the waves, and having patience for the process is a way to find peace and balance within ourselves. This allows us to embrace the ups and downs and ride them with intention. The ethos of the modern bathing renaissance is to move beyond thinking of bathing as simply a way of cleansing ourselves and begin viewing it as an opportunity to realign, reconnect, and drink in nourishment through our skin. However, the practice of moon bathing goes far beyond the tub. Even if you never take a bath from this book, turning your attention to the wisdom of nature— and your connection to it—will change the way you see the world. Making decisions in your daily life with a better understanding of your connection to the natural world around you enables you to act from a place of clarity and intention. What if we all consulted a lunar calendar when planning our personal and professional lives? What if we granted ourselves permission to lay low and reflect during

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the quietude of the New Moon? What if we celebrated with community the heightened and sometimes charged energy of the activating Full Moon? Much like the Earth, we must cycle through this process of life and death within us to evolve and grow. Death to old narratives or viewpoints and rebirth of new understandings and acceptance. Without the darkness, there can be no light. It is our desire that by journeying through the bathing rituals in this book, you have indeed found more alignment and deeper connection. You’ve attuned your senses more keenly to the world around you, and discovered routines that invite your internal rhythms and elements to harmonize with those of the planet. You have found a meaningful connection to yourself, and through the space you created for these practices, you have found a touch more self-love, compassion, and calm. By dedicating yourself to this process, you’ve unearthed hidden secrets from within, discovered treasures of your being you didn’t yet know, and charted a new path forward. And hey, hopefully you’ve had a damn good time doing it! Why is all of this so important? Because it is from this rooted and connected place that we can show up as the best version of ourselves and our intrinsic wellness is given space to arise. In an increasingly chaotic and overstimulating culture, the more we can create space to align and connect, the more abundant energy we’ll have for our unique work and contributions in the world. Being part of the modern bathing renaissance is about living in alignment with nature and nourishing ourselves, so that we can be better stewards of our precious planet and its inhabitants. It’s about creating a community of avid bathers committed to self-care, reflection, and action. We consider moon bathing a practice, and we intend to remain curious and receptive to the journey of exploring these ancient truths throughout our lives.

EMBRACE THE PRACTICE

Come join the modern bathing renaissance at www.moonbath.com.

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Acknowledgments We express our deepest gratitude to the ancient cultures of the world for passing down their knowledge of nature’s rhythms, plant medicine, and ritual bathing. Woven throughout this book and our company is the wisdom of Ayurveda, a holistic healing science that was originally visioned over five thousand years ago by the sages of India. Ayurveda is believed to be one of the oldest systems of healing on Earth, yet the idea of aligning ourselves with the rhythms and elements of nature to heal and empower us is more relevant today than ever. We are grateful to have access to the ancient Sanskrit texts of Ayurveda, particularly the Charaka Samhita, from which we drew inspiration for this book. We give thanks to Alakananda Ma, Ayurvedic doctor and founder of Alandi Ashram, for passing on to her students a heart-centered dedication to this science of life. We also appreciate the visionary study, healing, and writing of Maya Tiwari and Rosita Arvigo, both of whose work has inspired our ethos. We are humbled by the commitment of our many teachers to preserve and share their wisdom of the ages. A special thanks to Julia Bond Guerico, our dear friend and inspiration for moon bathing. Her knowledge of classical five elements acupuncture and commitment to unlocking the medicine and healing from within led her to share with us her passion for receiving the magic of plant medicine through bathing. It was this spark we saw in her that led us on this journey of inquiry and personal discovery. Thank you, Julia, for your reverence for the Earth—you continue to inspire stewardship of the internal and external landscape in the lives you touch.

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About the Authors Dakota Hills Dakota is an artist and renegade entrepreneur with a flair for bringing ideas to life and storytelling through visual art and messaging. An eternal seeker of wisdom and a self-care enthusiast, Dakota enjoys discovering socially and environmentally sustainable solutions for bringing conscious brands to life. As Moon Bath co-creator, with a deeply ingrained commitment to the triple bottom line approach to business (people, planet, profit), Dakota seeks to partner with and empower others who share these values. Dakota is lit up by moving her body, adventuring in vintage vehicles, and spending time with her fur babies.

Sierra Brashear, MA Sierra is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner who believes that our reconnection to the rhythms and elements of nature is a wild reclamation of our ability to heal ourselves and transform the world around us. A graduate of Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula, Sierra infuses her ayurvedic knowledge into Moon Bath’s rituals, and provides personal consultations and online wellness courses that support people to show up as their best selves through her joint Ayurveda practice, Cultivate Balance. She is also the founder of Vibrant Souls, through which she provides women’s wellness resources, and is a doula, gardener, and lover of bass music.

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M O O N B A T H is a Colorado-based company founded by Sierra Brashear and Dakota Hills. Inspired by living in alignment with the lunar cycle, Moon Bath offers earth-integrated bathing rituals that support reconnecting with yourself through the rhythms of nature.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HEALING POWERS OF NATURE Discover the transformative practice of moon bathing­ bath and shower rituals aligned with lunar cycles. Organized by the four moon phases (New, Waxing, Waning, and Full), this book taps into the rhythms of the cosmos with 16 bath recipes, including: FOR DETOXIFICATION a bath of ginger and baking soda TO CULTIVATE LOVE a cacao and rose soak

TO RELEASE NEGATIVITY a bath of eucalyptus and bentonite clay TO CONNECT TO YOUR DEEPEST WISDOM a bath of chamomile and lavender Each bathing recipe is paired with meditations, journaling prompts, and self-care practices for relaxation and self-discovery. Brimming with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, plant-based medicine, and exercises for well-being, Moon Bath invites you to submerge yourself in the restorative powers of the natural world.

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