RETURN TO THE WOMB. AN AT-HOME WATER CEREMONY FOR SIRENS.

PHYSICALLY

From the blood that carries nutrients through our body, to the rivers and oceans that feed the animal and plant kingdoms, water is crucial for the existence of life. It inhabits all areas of our lives. Our bodies are 55 to 75 percent water. We drink it. We bathe in it. The entire planet’s surface is over 70 percent covered by this essential element. The versatility of water allows it to move through land and sky. We find it solidified in glaciers, running freely through rivers, and floating in clouds before its molecules coalesce and fall as sacred rain.

SPIRITUALLY

Water symbolizes regeneration, fertility, purification, and transformation. Across the globe, spiritual traditions revere water and use it in rituals of purification, blessing, and connection into divine paths.

MENTALLY

The theory of “water memory” postulates that water can hold the imprint or “memory” of a substance once diluted in it. This idea is further explored by Japanese author Masaru Emoto who suggests that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. In his view, blessings and prayers can change the molecular structure of water and give it more vitality. Though theories of water memory have yet to be inexorably proven, this theory exists in spiritual traditions as well.

EMOTIONALLY

Water is the element that carries our feelings. From tears we cry to sweat droplets we release, water's ability to flow mimics the behavior of emotions (AKA "energy in motion")

As a Siren feeling confined to my home lately, I give myself an hour soak about 5 days a week just to decompress, soothe anxiety, and help me detoxify/cleanse. I've found doing a soak right before bedtime helps me wind down and doze off into sleep easier. I like to soak in hot water as the heat helps lower my blood pressure, open my pores, and relaxes aching muscles.

I typically do Ocean rituals every full moon, and have been unable to do so in the past few cycles given the Pandemic. Therefore, I thought I'd share what I've been resorting to, helping ease the feeling of being a "fish out of water."

Siren Soak

This ritual is a more in-depth water purifying and self-rejuvenating ceremony than your regular "bath" would be. It combines elements of Ayurvedic practices with sacred rituals. This practice can be used to support our hearts, soothe our minds, and purify our spirit.

Preparation: What you need

A bathtub
Offerings: Collect offerings for your bath that will infuse it with soothing elements for your heart, body, and mind. Examples may include essential oils, flowers, herbs, stones, shells, milk, oats, and any other supportive natural ingredients
Incense: Incense, Sage, or Palo Santo serve as an effective way to set and cleanse the space
Candles: Candles serve to create a tranquil atmosphere and bring in the fire element if you'd like
Natural massage oil
Music: Chanting or prayer songs may serve as an effective way to clear the mind. I've been particularly obsessed with this sound on YouTube:

Ceremony

Fill your bathtub with warm water
Place offerings near the tub
Light incense and candles
Turn on music as desired
Close your eyes and offer a short prayer or mantra.
Add your offerings, one by one, into the bath. Infuse each offering with intentions of gratitude and blessing
Slowly enter the bathtub, be mindful of every sensation in your body as you immerse
Once in the tub, take your time washing and blessing each part of your body. For an invigoration exfoliation you could also add in the Siren Scrub here
Lay back in the tub and take time for meditation. You may choose to observe your breath, listen to the chanting music, or repeat prayer or mantra
When you are complete, get out of the bath and towel off
Massage your entire body with natural oil and bless each body part as you do so
Take a moment of stillness and gratitude for the water that cleanses you, and for taking this time of self-care
You may choose to watch the water go down the drain and know that it takes the impurities back into the water system to be transformed