Blood Moon Ritual Bath Salts

On Sunday, Jan 20th 2019 we will celebrate a full blood moon in Leo and a total lunar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse only occurs during a full moon and though it happens 1-2 times per year, it is only visible in one hemisphere. The last total lunar eclipse occurred on July 27th 2018 and could be seen in most of the Southern Hemisphere, whereas the eclipse this weekend can be seen throughout much the Northern Hemisphere, an event that will not re-occur until 2021. During the eclipse, the moon will not disappear but it will turn a rusty red colour, which is why it is called a blood moon. Due to the close proximity of the moon to the earth at this time this moon will also be a supermoon. In other words, this weekend’s moon will be a potent one.

Personally, I find eclipse seasons to be very activating, meaning whatever is happening in my life becomes amplified, for better or for worse. Since the new moon and partial solar eclipse of Jan 5th I have been doing some vision work around my personal aim and focus for the year to come and I look forward to the extra dose of power that this Leo full moon may offer my inner work, especially as we shift towards the quickening time of early spring.

I love to mark both full and new moons with simple personal rituals that may include journal writing, meditation, yogic practice, altar building, divination, and a ritual bath. A ritual bath is just like a normal bath- but more intentional. One of my favorite kitchen witch practices includes the creation of magical bath blends that invoke the energy of the moon at that specific time. I then plan to take my ritual bath prior to any other practices I am making space for that night. You can be sure that I will be taking some extra time this weekend to indulge in a personal ritual that includes all of the above practices because a moon like this will not happen again any time soon.

My ritual bath blend for this  January blood moon in Leo is warming and uplifting and I had some fun with colour by adding red clay and some golden mica (for sparkle!). I’ve shared the recipe below so you can try it on your own or use it as inspiration for your own blend. If you are planning to watch the eclipse on Sunday this bath blend will warm you up from the inside out before you head out into the January night. Enjoy!

Blood Moon Bath Salts

• 2 cups epsom salts
• 1 -2 tsps red or pink clay
• 1 tsp golden mica powder (optional)
• 23 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 23 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 9 drops clove essential oil
• 9 drops cardamom essential oil
• 9 drops ginger essential oil
• 9 drops cinnamon bark essential oil

Blend all ingredients together in a large bowl and break up any clumps from the essential oils. Store in a glass jar and use a generous amount for your ritual bath. The clay will leave a slight pink ring in your tub that you can wash off easily afterwards.