Protection Bath Recipe with Lemon, Aloe & Rosemary
The goal of a protection bath is to remove all that is not you from your energetic field and subconscious space
When I first came to stay with my grandma, the only plants growing in her backyard were the ones who could survive the dry California summers without being watered. Three plants in particular were thriving - a Meyer Lemon tree, a creeping Rosemary bush and potted Aloe Vera plants. True masters of the cycles, they each have their own unique strategies for channeling and harnessing water through periods of draught. While working to turn the neglected backyard into a garden, these three plants have become my favorite combination for a highly effective protection bath.
Lemon and Aloe have similar actions, but accomplished in completely opposite ways. They are both powerful drawing agents (highly astringent), pulling out and absorbing. Lemon is heating, acidic and associated with Venus, while Aloe Vera is cooling, alkaline and associated with Mars. Together they are energetic lubricants, generating movement and release. Integrating these two opposites together, Rosemary is an aromatic herb associated with the Sun that cleanses just like sunlight itself disinfects.
I’ve used this recipe for full-body baths, foot baths, head/hair rinses and floor washes, all with powerful results.
What is a protection bath?
A protection bath is a simple, essential tool for spiritual cleansing. The goal is to remove everything that does not belong from your energetic field and subconscious space by enlisting the assistance of the plants, water and the Earth.
When we ask for protection, we usually point to the bad things we want to remove - negative experiences, toxic situations or enemies. But the principle of protection does not fit within definitions of bad vs. good. These definitions are value judgements, situational and changeable. Everything in existence has a good and a bad side, a negative and positive impact. Something that was beneficial in the past may be harmful in the present. Something that is positive for someone else may be negative for you.
In protection magic, avoid trying to define the “good” from “evil” influences in your life. Instead focus on creating separation between you/yours and everything else.
Protection means separation, sovereignty and clear open space. The goal of spiritual protection is to make way for your soul’s unique presence and individual perspective to exist within the world - methods for occupying your space and piloting your vessel.
When making a protection bath, approach with an open-ended definition of what needs to be removed. I leave the definition as open as possible, a few of my favorite phrases are “I release everything that is not mine to carry” or “I shed all that has expired” or “I remove anything/anyone standing in the way of my purpose” or “I occupy this vessel fully, from left to right, top to bottom, front to back - it is mine and mine alone.”
The key to a protection bath is enlisting the assistance of spiritual allies - in this case, the plants, the water and the earth. When approaching spiritual allies, it’s best to be yourself and communicate with them as you communicate with close friends and family. You do not need fancy language or props to be effective - your presence, gratitude and clear intentions is what powers this collaboration.
I use protection baths to:
support major life transitions
sever ties and cut chords
assist breakthroughs and initiations
release expired attachments
break out of mental/behavioral loops
activate intuition and clear up vision
remove unwarranted energies or entities
There is never a wrong time for a protection bath, they can facilitate any kind of transition or part of a regular routine.
Instructions:
Prepare:
Begin by approaching the plants, thank them and give them some appreciation - admire their colors, smells and textures. Any plants can be used for a protection bath, but for this recipe I use one Lemon, one Aloe Vera leaf and a large bunch of fresh Rosemary. You can substitute with any citrus fruit like Lime or Orange and any other aromatic herbs like Mint, Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Sage etc. Combine the plants in a large bowl, rinse in cold water and then fill the bowl with warm water. Work over the plant material with your hands, breaking them apart and crushing the leaves, while setting your intention. Use this time to speak to the plants out loud, making your intention clear and asking for their assistance. For example: “I am releasing all that is not mine. Please assist me.” The preparation of the bath is a key part of the ritual, take your time and get into it - set the scene with music, candles etc. - anything to help you get in the groove and feel at home. After the plant material is all crushed up, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, giving the plants time to interact and mix together before taking the bath. You can even let it soak in the fridge overnight (24 hours max).
Take the bath:
While the bath is brewing, prepare the bath space - clear any clutter and clean the area, decorate with candles, incense, flowers, music etc. - make the space special, beautiful and pleasing to the senses. When you’re ready to take the bath, begin by speaking out loud to the Water as you fill the tub. Thank the spirit of Water for her continued protection and nourishment. Speak to her out loud in the same way you spoke to the plants: “I am releasing all that is not mine. Please assist me.” Meditate over the water with this intention. Once the bath is full, add the plant mixture to the bath water and submerge your body/feet. If you’re doing a floor wash, strain the plant material first and wash the floors from the back of the house towards the front. Spend as much time bathing as you want or keep it quick. Approach this time as meditative, but don’t over think it - your only job here is to allow the plants and the water to do what you asked of them.
Release:
After bathing, take the the left-over plant material outside and offer it to the Earth. If you’re in a bathtub, allow the water to drain fully and then collect the plant material. If you’re doing a foot bath, you can just take the whole thing outside. You want to do this as soon as you finish the bath - don’t leave it for later. Ideally, offer the water at the feet of a tree but any patch of soil or even the street gutter will work. When you pour the plants/water into the ground, thank the Earth for her continued protection and support, speak to her out loud in the same way you spoke to the plants and the Water: “I am releasing all that is not mine. Please assist me.” After completing the process, it’s important to allow time to absorb and adjust. Immediately after the bath, avoid screen time, socializing or mental stimulation if possible. Best if the bath is done before bed, rest or a creative/meditative activity. Effects are being made in your subconscious, your state of being.
This recipe can be modified to fit your circumstances and tailored to your personal preferences. Always work rituals in a way that feels authentic and natural to you!