Featured Image: Diana and Her Nymphs Bathing (1778-87), by Angelica Kauffmann. Wikimedia Commo

Is there anything more glorious than a bath? It’s sheer delight that beckons.

As you slowly sink down into silken, warm waters that caress your heavenly body in heady scent, with full immersion into the delights of sacred sensuality, the body and spirit become one. The ritual bath is, of course, a witch’s rite to cleanse, prepare, and receive visions … but let’s take it a step further, shall we? Much as the boudoir can be a place for inviting in more than just sleep and carnal adventures, so can the bath be a place that is elevated above mere function (magical though it may be) to an unequalled yet often untapped area of your home: a chamber of escape.

Oh yes. This, mes amies, is a blank canvas for you! Set out a springtime design to create your bath area as a refuge for one of your most private pleasures—reading, of course! What better excuse for a long, languorous soak than to disappear for a spell into a book from your cherished library?

Now you could, I suppose, be reading something of a nonfiction variety. Perhaps a biographical account of someone truly great or inspiringly fabulous. A self-help sort of thing?

Maybe. Romantic poetry? Getting warmer. Though a clothing-optional romp with Byron is always a good idea, my money is on the gold standard of bathtub browsing: the novel. Mmm … can’t you just feel it? The suggestion alone is intoxicating. Preferably one written forever ago that sweeps you away into vignettes of impossible beauty, with a story that transforms your entire being on a deep cellular level. The kind that you carry with you, always—sometimes literally! Of course, there are many gorgeous modern tales to be told, and if you are a serial soaker I would suggest a lively blend of both new and classic. Though reading is mentally stimulating, I cannot think of anything more relaxing on an energetic level. Besides, the brain is sexy. Feeding your mind ensures clever conversation as surely as it opens your creative and existential worlds. And again, let’s push the boundaries a bit. Let us elevate this quiet time to goddess level by entwining inner and outer vision, with potion infusions for coming alive in this season of new beginnings. Let’s take our refuge straight up with a twist by combining a timeless ritual of indulgence with that of tending our beauty.

One of my all-time favorite rituals is to luxuriate in a scented bath while employing a facial potion and sipping a beauty cocktail. It’s not only a head-to-toe glamorizer, but it’s actually (gasp!) rather practical, no? Who says a bombshell can’t multitask. Now add in a mesmerizing read, and you just got in the fast lane of the feminine divine.

As an offering to the season of renewal, I’ve conjured the Triple Goddess of brainy beauty for you, with three pleasurable potions to soothe and feed your body, infuse your face with radiance, and boost your mental acumen … all while whisking you away to a lush and lyrical oasis.

A little dose of healing magic is added with thyme for any seasonal congestion, also excellent for revving circulation to the skin and treating acne or inflammations.

Begin with making a rose hip and thyme tea infusion. Bring one cup of water to a near boil on the stove. When it is hot, combine one tablespoon each of rosehips and thyme (fresh is preferred) in a glass jar, and allow the blend to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and reserve for potions.

Beauty Witch Secret: Make this brew in a large batch for drinking throughout the day cold, warmed as an evening sip, and for adding to beauty cocktails—just multiply the ingredients according to what size vessel you have. Store in a lidded glass container and refrigerate.

Let’s first craft our beauty cocktail, as we employ a little sorceress secret: Most elixirs, brews, and tonics can be used as a facial masque by reserving a bit of the blended potion prior to adding sweetener. It’s a fabulous little trick and connects you more deeply with beauty magic. My offering this season beguiles and refreshes with the piquant-sweet pairing of the fresh, juicy first strawberries of spring with the herbal earthiness of thyme. Along with a few fabulous friends, a gorgeous,

high-vibration libation is yours! It feeds your beauty and your brain, cleanses, fortifies, and protects, all while enjoying a decadent soak with your most cherished tome. Yes, you can add a splash of spirits if you like—a good gin, dry white wine, or your favorite cordial (I adore St-Germain or Génépy) will complement the flavors nicely. Alternatively, you can add a few tablespoons of cooked quinoa or chia seed gel before blending for a more substantial sip, and add it to your rotation of smoothies. Just be sure to blend very well … no one wants to attempt a glamorous soak while navigating a chunky mess of a drink!

DARE TO DREAM

Beauty Cocktail
Conjures one cocktail

½ cup rosehip and thyme tea
½ cup strawberries
3 white grapes
½ teaspoon lion’s mane powder
Low or non-glycemic sweetener to taste (pure stevia or monk fruit work well, just check the ingredients for erythritol or other chemical additives)

In a bullet-style blender, combine tea with strawberries and pulse until completely smooth. Reserve two tablespoons for your facial and set aside. To the remaining mixture, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse again. Pour into a gorgeous cocktail glass, garnish with fresh strawberries, grapes, or a sprig of thyme, and drink in the magic!

Rose Hips These Venusian treasures are empowered with age-well benefits galore. They contain high levels of vitamin C, stimulating new collagen and repairing skin while protecting against UV damage, making them a fabulous choice for elixirs as well as skin care. They possess all the magic of the rose itself but have a little extra charge of sexuality.

Thyme A revered Venusian witches’ herb, thyme possesses the magic of love, psychic awareness, purification, healing

powers, and courage. These scented sprigs are potent both in their energy and their health benefits. Believe it or not, their tiny leaves hold an enormous amount of nutrients, including a saucy measure of iron! A bit of this will fortify the beautifying power of your potions and delay the signs of aging.

Strawberry This gorgeous gift of Venus conjures formidable love and beauty magic while bringing you glowing skin, removing excess oil, and nourishing with abundant vitamin C—well known for its collagen-production prowess.

Grape Grapes are water fruits that hold the magic of both fertility and prosperity, making them fabulous consorts when it comes to creative endeavors. What’s more, they have beauty benefits to spare: rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, they promote new cellular growth, reduce fine lines, increase elasticity, restore collagen, impart sheen, and provide UV protection. Red grapes are ruled by the sun, white by the moon.

Lion’s Mane This proud puff of a mushroom is a rock star adaptogen you need to know: It combats fatigue, lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, and protects your liver and kidneys. It also has been proven to slow the aging process by boosting cellular and cognitive functions, and is excellent for sharpening the memory. Also, it contains a bit of big cat magic!

LE GRAND ÉVASION

Exfoliant and Bath Soak
Conjures 1 to 2 treatments

1 cup Himalayan pink salt, finely ground
¼ cup rosehip and thyme tea blend
¼ cup grapeseed oil
6 drops lavender essential oil

In another fetching bowl, combine all ingredients. You can adjust the oil as you like it, as some prefer more of a granita-esque texture, and some prefer a more liquid feel—either way it works beautifully. Massage into damp skin in circular

motions, then raking with your fingers from your limbs toward your heart. This creates an energetic awakening as you boost your circulation, slough away dead skin, and hydrate your skin all over. Don’t forget your sweet feet and as much of your back as you can safely reach. Then sink down into the bath and allow the potion to dissolve into the water. Now relax as you soak, savoring every minute of a delightful bath and a delicious tale …

Himalayan Pink Salt A highly effective exfoliant, this salt contains high levels of vital trace minerals that soothe and fortify. Seek the more costly versions, though, as the levels of purity and efficacy are far greater.

Lavender Lunar-ruled lavender soothes, calms anxiety, and brings peace. It makes a fantastic skin treatment thanks to its gentle but potent antibacterial powers.

PEAU DE PRINTEMPS

Facial Exfoliant and Masque
Conjures 1 to 2 treatments

2 tablespoons strawberry-tea blend
2 tablespoons almond flour
3 drops lavender essential oil
¼ cup grapeseed oil

Mix all ingredients together in a small, beautiful bowl until fully blended and smooth. You can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding additional oil or even a bit of spring water. Apply to a cleansed face, neck, and décolleté, massaging in circular motions to gently but effectively exfoliate. Apply a second layer of masque if you like, and allow it to

Leave it on for at least 10 minutes, though it can sit longer if you wish. Remove by first submerging a washcloth into warm water and pressing the cloth onto your face. Then carefully remove the masque with the warm cloth, followed by a good rinse. Pat dry, then apply your favorite mist and serum. Your face will positively glow with radiance!

Almond This magical treat boasts broad-spectrum beauty benefits, most notably repairing collagen, preventing moisture loss, and lightening troublesome dark spots and circles. It gives the magic of healing while attracting money and abundance. The finely ground flour acts as a velvety soft masque base with surprising powers of exfoliation!