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Treat Yourself to a Sea Priestess Bath
CAUTION: Do not use if you have heart troubles, high blood pressure, or an allergy to iodine.
Even when we are far from the ocean, the rhythms of the sea influence our lives. Many people who are drawn to the worship of the ancient gods and goddesses feel a particular call from the sea. If landlocked, it can be hard to get to the ocean and feel the pulse of the great waves. In summer, when tourists crowd the beaches late into the night, it can be unpleasant to visit the ocean, but by avoiding it because of the tourists we neglect sensing the great heart of the world.
It's especially fortunate that there is a relaxing, spiritually refreshing way of attuning with the sea. In these time-starved days, it's also a powerful way of reclaiming spiritual time for oneself. While I've called this the "Sea Priestess Bath," please note: would-be Poseidon's can also benefit from this wonderful soak.
If you live in a non-polluted area by the sea, gather some of the seaweed from the shore yourself, if possible. For others, however, a trip to the local health food store or herb shop will provide some of the ingredients. While this bath is designed as a method of meditation, be aware that seaweed tends to remove toxins from the body, and this may manifest itself as increased sweating during or after the bath.
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How To Take A Sea Priestess Bath
To release the healing properties of the seaweed, very hot water is needed. Run hot water for a few minutes, add the seaweed, wait for a few minutes, and then bring the temperature down by adding cold water. Slip into the water and soak, meditating on the little sea that you have created around you.
Some commercial "sea bath" packages include watercress, which can be a problem for plumbing. At the end of your bath, take a moment to "gather ye seaweed while ye may" and prevent it from clogging your drain. The used seaweed can be left to dry and added to another bath, though most of the therapeutic benefits will have been removed in the first soak. This is similar to re-using a teabag. Some people prefer to make an actual tea of the seaweeds and then add that to the bath. While most of the therapeutic benefits will remain, the psychological ones will not be so strong. Part of the pleasure of the bath is playing with the seaweed. It's a very strange feeling to climb into a tub of gently floating weeds. Simply watching their motion induces a calm, meditative state perfect for a temporary visit with the divine kings and queens of the sea.
The effect of this bath is not entirely psychological. Seaweeds will help to draw toxins from the body, and do so very effectively. Some people experience dizziness or lightheadedness from the combination of the seaweed and the warm bath water. Keep a sponge moistened with cold water within reach. Be careful getting out of the tub, and let yourself relax afterward. If you stay in the water too long, dehydration, ironically enough, can occur, so drink some water or keep a plastic bottle with you in the bath.
Breath slowly and relax in the warm waters so like the inner sea that held us all before birth.
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Types of Seaweed
DULSE: This delicate maroon seaweed expands in water to resemble waving swatches of frayed silk. Slightly grainy when rubbed between the fingertips, it's beautiful to watch.
BLADDERWRACK: This seaweed takes its name from the small air-holding vesicles found in its fronds. Under water, they keep the plant upright. To provide yourself with a bathtub forest of bladderwrack, nip off pieces by breaking the lowest bladder. This will make the piece stand in the water, with the heavier broken vesicle at the bottom.
KELP: Possibly the most beneficial sea weed, the broadleaf forms of kelp release a purifying gel into the water from between their leaves. To maximize this release, make sure the water is very hot initially. You don't have to enter the tub until it has begun to cool a little. Bits of kelp can be placed against the body to enhance the healing effect. Kelp is very rich in iodine.
SEA PALM: The long, buoyant, ribbed fronds of the sea palm resemble their counterpart on land. Stringy, long pieces can be tied loosely around the body and playfully woven through fingers and toes.
ALARIA: This edible seaweed can be used in sea baths and is similar to Japanese wakame. It's a soft, broad-leafed seaweed with a strong central mid-rib. It works very well for plastering against the moist skin, laying over shoulders, or just using it as a seaweed washcloth. |
Salts
What salt you use is a personal choice that enhances the total bath experience. You can use a scented mix - I like "green tea" bath salts, which also impart a lovely color to the water. Use whatever you prefer, including Epsom salts or plain or iodized table salt.
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Oil
Any energizing, purifying bath oil will be useful in giving a wonderful feel to the water and helping the sea minerals contained in the seaweed to coat your skin. It should be a scent that is compatible with the ocean. At present, I'm enjoying using ginseng oil or flax seed oil.
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Source: Llewellyn's 2000 Magickal Almanac by de Traci Regula
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