Bathing By The Moon 

by Heyde Class-Garney From 2000 Moon Sign Book by Llewlleyn

There's no time like the present to pamper and spoil yourself, and bathing is a wonderful experience that can be designed to help with relaxation, healing, meditation, and even romance. You can, if you choose, use the Moon in achieving your desired bathing goals.

First off, you should know that the Moon rules over our emotions. The Moon is governed by Cancer, which is well known for its nurturing qualities and sensitivity, and by the element of water, which helps generate our natural healing powers and increase our recpetivity. So the Moon is a perfect tool to help intensify or temper our bathing experiences.

Furthermore, the quarters of the Moon are important to take into consideration when bathing. For example, from the beginning of the New Moon until the Full Moon, the Moon's energy is increasing. This, than, is the time to make fresh beginnings or to look for growth. On the other hand, when the Moon reaches its Full Moon stage in the middle of its cycle, energy will be at its height. This climax of energy is intense and could generate "waves," so any bath around the Full Moon will be an intense experience in one way or another. In the third and fourth quarters, the Moon shrinks back to its New stage and energy decreases. This is an excellent time for all matters that need to decline or rest.

There are also many tools available for us to use while bathing if you want to encourage the Moons's assistance. Aromatherapy is the art of using scent to transform or to renew our health and emotions. Certain scents, in the form of essential oils, complement the Moon's role in our bath. You should feel free to experimant until you find the ones that have the desired effects, though you should also note thatcaution is necessary when using essential or fragrance oils. Some oils should not be used in the bath at all. as they can burn ot irratate the skin, and pregnant women should avoid hem altogether. Below are listed some of the safer essential oils; be sure to check an aromatherapy book if you use different oils or are uncertain.

By taking these precautions, you will have a happy bathing experience. To begin, run your bath water and then use a dropper to add oil. Never add oil into running water, as the steam can evaporate the scent. Swish the water with your hands to help disperse the oil. Only when you are certain that the oil is safely dispersed, then you can get in the bath.

Herbs serve the same purpose as essentialoils but are used in plant form or as an infusion, which is the liquid remaing after coiling and straining the herbs. Herbs sometimes are taken internally or used only externally. You should use some caution and consult an expert before using unknown herbs. You canplace the herbs directly into the tub, but alwyas try using a cotten sachet to hold the herbs to avoid a huge mess. (An old sock works well too!)

Color is another factor that can affect your Moon bathing experience. Each color has specific atributes and produces different reactions. Such items as music,incense, and candles can enhance the mood of your bath. You canplace crystals in your bath water to transform the experience. You can experiment with all of these items to develop the perfect bathing atmosphere for you.

A final consideration in Moon bathing is determining the best Moon sign for certain bathing goals. As you must know, a Moon sign has its own energy and unique vibration and creates proper conditions for particular types of events. Planning your bath by the Moon sign can enhance and multiply the efftects you want. Keep in mind, however, that in any month the Moon [asses through all the astrological signs at a rate of about two-and-a-half days per sign. Each Moon sign creates a mood that has a direct impact on our emotions only for so long. So to get the right influences that you want, you have to pick the right day.

The list below explains the dominat features governing the Moon, and by extension your emotions, throught he month. It will be simple for you, then, to figure out the optimum times for certain types of baths.

Moon In Aries

Aries is a sign with all the vigor you can handle. The Aries Moon, therefore, is the best time to meet all your energy needs. For even more physical energy while bathing, add a few drops of patchouli essential oil to your bath water. For an added dose of gusto, try a little food coloring as well. Red will provide you with plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and courage. After twenty minutes or so, you should emerge revitalized.

Moon In Taurus

For a truly relaxing bath, the Taurus Moon is the best time. You can make it simple by adding 2 tablespoons epsom salts and a pinch of baking soda to your water. A light amount of gardenia fragrance oil will help you unwind and generate feelings of peace. Also, jasmine oil is excellent for relaxing the body but may make you sleepy. After your Moon in Taurus bath you should be ready to plant your feet back on the ground.

Moon In Gemini

If you are seeking mental alertness, then bathe under the Gemini Moon. During this bath yopu will jump from one thought to the next and be fully aware of yourself. To enhance this process, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to your bath water.

Moon In Cancer

If there was ever a time designed to increase your self-love, nurturing Cancer Moon would be it. Of course this Moon sign is excellent for increasing fertility and compassion, and promoting sleep. Add magnolia fragranc eoil to increase your ability to give and receive love, and plumeria oil to promote a peaceful and loving attitude. Add five drops of either oil to your bath and a rose quartz crystal for tuning you into loving feelings.

Moon In Leo

No other moon sign knows as much about pampering as Leo. Born to be a king, or queen for that matter, Leo knows how to live like royalty. For starters, the Leo Moon is a perfect time to take a sunshine bath and flood yourself with radiant light. You may also use six drops of vanilla oil to increase your sex life, love and energy levels. Rest assured, after this bath you will emerge fulll of life, joyously erotic, and brimming with love.

Moon In Virgo

Health matters take precedence during a Virgo Moon, so any ailments will benefit from bathing in this Moon sign. To help cure a cold, add eucalyptus or lemon oil to the bath water and breathe deeply. Use the lemon oil sparingly, just a drop or two, or it can irritate the skin. Visualize good health while allowing the healing water and aroma to calm your body and soothe your ills. You will be back to normal in no time.

Moon In Libra

Love and romance take a high priority today. So if you are planning a romantic evening, try indulging ina sensual bath beforehand to get in the mood. Ylang-Ylang or jasmine added to the bath will further ignite the flames of passion, and six drops of rose oil will help you see yourself in a good light. Rose oil is also effective as an aphrodisiac and helps to channel our thougts to the healing power of love. You may even throw in a handful of rose petals or light some incense for an added effect.

Moon In Scorpio

The Scorpio Moon is a perfect time for a meditation bath. With the intense and probing power of this Moon sign, you can quiet your mind and sharpen your focus. To help get yourself in the mood, light a white candle while you run your bath water, and add either frankincense ior sandlalwood essential oils. Both oils are superior for meditative purposes. And if you add some soft music, you can lean back and really enjoy yourself.

Moon In Sagittarius

If you are feeling depressed or overworked, then Sag Moon will come to your rescue. This Moon sign fosters optimisim and joy. Clary-sage essential oil will assist you in doing this trick, as it is great for alleviating depression and creating feelings of euphoria and peace. Just add four drops to your bath water, lie back, and revel in the rising good feelings.

Moon In Capricorn

Under the Capricorn Moon, a bath attracts success and porsperity. Bathing now can help you focus your attention on pressing financial matters. So break out the ginger and patchouli oil and sprinkle them into your bath water. You will achieve prosperity in no time.

Moon In Aquarius

Aquarius is known for its objective state of mind, so if you're seeking peace from chaotic life, the Aquarius Moon will bring matters back into focus. Lavender oil will aid in this too, so add four drops to your bath along with blue food coloring. The color blue promotes tranquility.

Moon In Pisces

To induce sleep and awaken your spirituality, bathe under a Pisces Moon. Chamomile essential oil facilitates meditation and acts as a sedative. A few drops of sandalwood essential oil will  draw you into a peaceful bliss. Keep in mind, however, that the dreamy nature of the Pisces Moon sign is suitable for any bathing purpose. So you may pick out a favorite oil and relax in the soothing warmth and intoxicating scent.