During the Winter Solstice, we often place emphasis on celebrating and sharing this joyous, but often difficult, holiday. For Witches, however, now may also serve as a time to atune to a quiet, internal spirituality. To begin to do so (with the solstice less than ten days away now), prepare a ritual bath with oils of rosemary, pine, and orange. Add a touch of patchouli for grounding. Light gold and green candles, and immerse yourself in watery solitude to refresh your weary holiday spirit. Meditate on the winter goddess and her lesson of stillness. Find the cool and clean space she offers, free of clutter and activity. It is the season for centering and grounding ourselves, and for defining who we really are. After the bath, take your journal and write down your goals by candlelight. Contemplate the coming rebirth, and identify which direction you wish to channel your energy and focus your intentions.
Winter Bath Salts
2 cups Epsom salts
2 drops Fir Needle essential oil
2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
Mix well and store in an airtight container. Allow time to blend (10-14 days) before putting into decorative containers for gift giving. Use 1/4- 1/2 cup per bath.
WINTER WINDS BATH SALTS
Place 2 cups Epsom salts in a medium bowl. Add 1 or 2 drops each of pine, cedar and eucalyptus essential oils (available in craft stores or aromatherapy shops), or choose a single scent. Add a few small pine sprigs. Mix well. Transfer the salts to one or more tightly closed jars or well-tied cellophane bags and let stand for at least 2 weeks to allow time for the oils to scent the salts. Include a tag instructing the recipient to place a few tablespoons of the bath salts under the faucet when the bath is drawn.