When you bathe in the “water of seven flowers,” you become dominated by yin energy, and so set the stage for what the sages refer to as the zenith of yin. This is achieved by immersing one’s entire body in water that has been activated by seven different types of auspicious flowers. This ritual bath is accompanied by a sense of increased calm and mental detachment to the surroundings.
In this wonderful bathing ritual the mind focuses on each different flower, using the petals of the flowers to frame the single, pointed thought that enables you to switch off all else. This is a powerful visualization, carried out before bathing, which allows the mind to relax, to tune into itself, and to slowly overcome all aspects of routine behavior. When you are at this stage of the process, you should cover yourself with a light robe and sit in the lotus posture, with your back straight yet calm and relaxed. Close your eyes lightly, but do not allow yourself to doze off. The idea to is to slow down your thought processes, and let the physical body unwind and settle down. So stay tuned and focused. Never force yourself. Simply let go of unrelated thoughts and feel a sense of real and genuine freedom each time you prepare yourself for your ritualistic bath.
Magical bathing is one of the best ways of causing the celestial yang energy to rise forth, surrounding you with the essence of success. When activated in this way, the mind becomes your ally and Feng Shui ritual practice becomes a tool for attaining great heights of spiritual awakening.
Selecting the Flowers
Flowers for the ritual bath should be fresh, beautiful, and if possible fragrant. Jasmine and rose are intoxicating favorites, as are the lily, peony, chrysanthemum, orchid, lotus, and magnolia. On the colder months use the pink blossoms of the cherry, the peach, and the plum. — which signify so many good things. Select flowers according to the seasons and where you live. There are no hard and fast rules, as long as they are freshly opened, all flowers are said to possess the yang energy required to activate the bath. You can incorporate Bach flower remedies into this bathing ritual.
Try to include in your choice of seven the colors of the five elements: white, blue or violet, red, yellow, and also deep reds to signify wood energy. This will ensure a balance of chi with no single element dominating.
The water should be made soft with bath salts, and is quite wonderful if it has been energized in sunlight for three hours. In the old days well water or natural spring water was used for ritual baths. If you can arrange for this all the better, otherwise allow tap water to stand overnight. The flowers can be put into the water whole or as petals.
Do this at least once a month, preferably followed by a spiritual purification practice. You can do any kind of practice which will make you feel cleansed and energized, but the regular calming of the mind and the cleansing of body and mind enhances your Feng Shui practices over time.
