NEW MOON LAVENDER & CLARY SAGE BODY WASH
In honor of the new moon, we’re whipping up a simple body wash filled with gentle castile soap and nourishing oils–and magic, of course. Our own magic, the magic of the new moon, and that of the earth, in the carefully selected essential oils we’ll be adding.
The new moon is associated with the maiden aspect of the goddess. It’s a time of new beginnings. Often, at this time, we can feel restless and stir-crazy. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, this is especially true during this month’s full moon, as it occurs on March 4. My cabin fever has been driving me up a wall lately, and I’ve cherished the few warmer days we’ve had recently.
This body wash is best made during the new moon, when we can charge it with all the potential the new moon and the maiden hold. Both the new moon and the maiden are the promise of things to come–a new beginning, a new cycle, a fresh start.
I am a big fan of keeping recipes simple. Our time, energy, and money are precious resources, and if we can keep something healthy and affordable and yet somehow luxurious and magical, well, that’s the true heart of simple, joyful living!
I’ve selected clary sage and lavender for their associations with the new moon. Clary sage helps us with washing away the old and clarifying our intentions. Lavender is calming during times of restlessness and associated the element of air and communication, helping us find the right words to express those intentions.
The Ingredients:
Lavender essential oil
Clary sage essential oil
Dr. Bronner’s castile soap (unscented, or you can skip the separate lavender essential oil and use the lavender scented castile soap, if you prefer)
Apricot oil (optional–see below)
Rose water
Container of your choosing
Notes:
If you have sensitive skin, I find it’s best to start with a smaller container so you’re not wasting ingredients if any of them cause a breakout or other reaction. Of course, it’s always best to test on a small patch of skin before using. Even though the ingredients are natural, essential oils are concentrated, and sensitivities do occur.
Some essential oils are contraindicated for certain medical conditions or stages of pregnancy. If you are uncertain about the safety of a particular EO for a medical condition, please consult an expert before using that oil.
New Moon Lavender & Clary Sage Body Wash Recipe
1: Fill your container 1/3 cup castile soap and 1/2 cup of distilled or filtered water.
2: Add 5 drops of the clary sage and 15 drops of the lavender essential oil. (Note that I’ve skipped the lavender EO since I’m using lavender castile soap.) You may need more if you’re using a large container, but you can always add more at the end if you want a stronger scent. Be sure any EOs you add mix thoroughly with the soap base, as they won’t dilute in water.
3: Add 1 teaspoon of apricot oil and 1 teaspoon rose water. You can skip this if you have oily skin and are concerned about a breakout.
4: Add the magic! Under the darkness of the first night of the new moon, stand at a window or outdoors, if possible, and hold the container in your hands. Then say:
New Moon, Maiden Goddess, bringer of new beginnings, tonight you cast your veil of shadow over the world. You are the yet-to-come, the promise of what has not yet come to pass. As you continue your journey towards fullness, bless this creation with clarity on my own journey. As you continue to wax, bring this clarity to my intentions.
5: Allow the container to sit under the new moon for one night. On the second night, thank the maiden goddess and the moon for blessing the creation, then use the body wash. Be sure to shake well before each use, as it will separate. Try to relax and clear your mind, making space to reflect on your journey in the coming month, in this new cycle of the moon.
6: Afterward, it might help to write down any reflections, intentions, insights, or goals that came to you. If you keep a magical journal, for example, you might want to have it nearby, safe from water but close enough that you can write down anything after you’ve toweled off.
As we honor the new moon, as her restlessness and quickening stirs inside us, we too are progressing through our own cycles of change, setting new intentions and releasing the old. I hope this witchy recipe helps you on your magickal journey.