The new moon asks us to set intentions. To turn inward and greet the part of ourselves we have maybe been neglecting. To take careful inventory and plant the seeds we want to grow. This Friday, May 6th, marks the new moon in Taurus. And this isn't just any new moon, dear ones.

It's got a special magic.

A knack for manifesting abundance and bringing things into the physical realm. It invites us to take the first step. To write it down. To get really specific about what it is we want. This is fertile ground, lovelies.

And for those of us in the Northern Rockies, this new moon ALSO just so happens to hit right smack dab in the middle of our stunning-but-fleeting lilac bloom. Which is pretty much my favorite week of the year. Abundance abounds.

Since the new year, I have been marking every new and full moon with a moon bath and I am now totally addicted to the practice. Our deep, century-old porcelain bathtub has become a very sacred spot in our house. A quiet respite to soak and think and meditate and release. To sing and stretch and practice self care. To steep in all the luna love.

My moon bath recipe changes from month to month depending on what is in season and what's happening astrologically. Many of the herbs used in this recipe are prescribed by folklore for purification, release of negative energy and/or manifesting and were chosen specially for the new moon in Taurus. Feel free to substitute or amend this recipe, but make sure to research each herb or flower you wish to add to confirm it is safe to be used in a bath.

So tonight, channel your inner Cleopatra and bathe yourself in herbs and petals by candlelight. It's a nourishing way to stay connected with the natural cycles of the moon and to make space to reflect on what you want to manifest in the coming month. Oh, and it smells amazing. Win-win-win.

Ingredients:

Note: I don't use any specific measurements for the herbs. Just a handful of this and a pinch of that. Feel free to adjust amounts as you go. A little lavender goes a long way. :)

Lavender - for relaxation, release & higher consciousness
Sage - for cleansing energy
Rose petals - to manifest love & happiness
Rosemary - to enhance concentration - it is also full of anti-inflammatory & antioxidant compounds
Bay Leaves- for purification & protection
Lilac blooms - for their gorgeous scent and to honor the abundance of spring
Epsom salt - to detoxify the body
Pink Himalayan salt- to reduce inflammation and provide mental balance
Cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Start by crushing any larger dried herbs with a mortar and pestle. Then tie the sage, lavender, rosemary and bay leaves in a square of cheesecloth. I also added the pink salt to my cheesecloth but it ended up falling out so I wouldn't recommend it. You will use this bundle like a tea bag in the bath.

2. Tie the bundle below the faucet so the hot water passes through it as the tub fills. This will wake the herbs up and infuse the bath water as it fills.

3. As the tub is filling, add 1 to 2 cups epsom salts and 1/2 cup Pink Himalayan Salt directly to the bathwater.

4. Throw in a handful of lilac blooms and bay leaves. You can also add rose petals or eucalyptus leaves.

5. After you have filled the tub, untie the bundle from the faucet and let it continue to steep in the bath water.

6. Light a few candles and turn the lights out. Maybe dry brush your skin if you feel so inclined.

7. Focus on what you would like to manifest. On what you would like to release. Get specific. Breathe deep. Soak in the new moon energy.

Pro tip: After you have drained the bath, just let any remaining herbs or petals dry in the tub so you can easily sweep them out the next morning. Much easier than trying to clean them out while they are wet.

Looking for last minute Mother's Day ideas? Simply use dried herbs instead of fresh and package your custom new moon bath blend in a pretty jar or tube. An easy, thoughtful gift for the lunar goddess in your life.

xo,