Preparation of the ritual flowering bath. Photo © El Mundo Magico
Baño de limpieza means literally “cleansing bath” and is a purifying herbal bath aimed at the dissipation of negative energies/thoughts that may have penetrated the auric field and/or the body of a person, creating a situation of unhealthy emotional imbalance. During each type of retreat, regardless of their length and type, pilgrims will have three cleansing ritual baths per week (usually with Ayahuasca, Chacruna, Ajos sacha, Sara masho, or Rosa sisa leaves), as part of their treatment.
Baño de florecimiento means exactly “flourishing bath”, or “flowering bath”, and has the purpose of attracting good-luck, love, friendship, wealth and prosperity into one’s life.
There will be three ritual flowering bath towards the end of each retreat (regardless of their length and type). The baños de limpieza are always done first, and the baños de florecimiento always towards the end of one’s staying.
“Labio de novia” plant. Photo © El Mundo Magico
The main ingredients of the shamanic flourishing bath – in the Ayahuma centre – are usually the flowers of the Rosa sisa (Tagetes erecta), Labio de novia (Psychotria poeppigiania), Chiric sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora) and Piri-piri teacher plants.
Piri-piri dry extract, ready to be mixed with water for the ritual flowering bath. Photo © El Mundo Magico
Through these ritual baths, the spirits of the plantas maestras are believed to enter more easily in contact with the person.
The shamans recommend that it is important not to shed off the flowers from one’s body, after having done a baño de florecimiento. The flowers should be left on your person for as long as possible (to retain good luck), and you should simply wait for them to fell down, with the natural movements of your body.