Spiritual Hygiene essentials by Anika Cazenave
When we think of hygiene, we usually think of cleansing our physical spaces and
maintaining good physical health. However, our spiritual hygiene is key to leading a
balanced life that brings us joy and meaning. There are many facets to maintaining
good spiritual hygiene including spiritual cleansing, maintaining communication with
our spirit team, spiritual protection and defense, and shadow work and healing.
Spiritual cleansing is probably the most discussed facet of spiritual hygiene. We
know that cleansing and purifying our space and our bodies helps us to rid ourselves of
adverse energies. Smoke cleansing techniques using resins like camphor and amber
help clear out undesirable energies and bring in energies that are advantageous to our
lives. Many people are familiar with smoke cleansing with botanical ingredients like
White Sage and Palo Santo, however, the popularity of these plants has caused them to
be endangered and decreasingly available to the indigenous populations who use them
for their religious ceremonies. To be culturally sensitive, I recommend the use of
juniper, lavender, European sage, cedar, rosemary, and a variety of resins including
benzoin, frankincense, myrrh, and styrax.
Spiritual Cleansing also involves the cleansing of the body. Taking regular
spiritual baths helps remove the spiritual “gunk” we accumulate through the course of
our daily interactions. A simple spiritual bath is sea salt in warm water. Salt is
cleansing and no worries if you do not have sea salt. Regular iodized salt like you have
in your kitchen will do in a pinch (pun intended). A more involved spiritual bath like a
white bath is definitely a good choice. For the white bath traditionally used in Latin
American Espiritismo, you need water, Holy Water (like from a church or your Boveda if
you have one), cascarilla, Florida water, Kolonia 1800 (the last three are available at
your local botanica or any number of online botanicas), white flower petals, coconut
water or milk or goat’s milk. These ingredients should be mixed in a basin and poured
over you from the neck down after your regular shower or bath. The water should be a
little bit chilly for optimal cleansing effects. You should air dry if possible. It is
refreshing in the summer and bracing in the winter. Yes, you can moisturize! Coconut