The realm of the name specific light colognes that are called “Spiritual Waters”, or in French “Eau Spirituelle” and in Spanish “Agua Espiritual”, are light distillations of essential oils and essences of botanicals traditionally known for enhancing spiritual properties, along with grain alcohol or the grade-specific alcohol that perfumers use. Many spiritual waters contain essences of rose, orange, bay leaf, tobacco, and other botanicals, in accordance with the historical recipes from Europe, mainly Italy, Spain, and France. These recipes, passed down from generation to generation, made their way to America and specifically, New Orleans, where cultural belief systems came together through the shipping and the slave trades.
Spiritual waters have been blended with certain waters from sacred or natural-occuring sources such as waterfalls, the ocean, the river, and other blessed places. They are then enhanced in their “power” with herbs, essences, tinctures, minerals and roots, steeped to make a unique item for blessings, washings, bathings, spritzing on specific persons or in specific areas of the home, office, and business. The purpose of these “sprinklings” is to bless and cleanse with the power of belief of what the contents possess.
Spiritual waters can be home-made, or can be obtained in any local botanica, candle shop, or yerberia, depending on which area of the country you reside. Many online spiritual shops carry these waters, and can be ordered off the Internet. Spiritual waters are inexpensive to make, and rightly so, as they may be needed in liberal amounts for custom cleansings of a whole family or an entire house! Spiritual waters are not necessarily hard to create, but you do need to possess a knowledge of the spiritual properties of the herbs, plants, and essences that you put into the water.
In certain traditions, spiritual waters are offered in tiny cups or other vessels to the Saints and Spirits. It has been said that certain fragrances invite the Spirit to the altar or area of the spiritual work being done, to appease them and encourage them to work with the practitioner.
Undoubtedly, the most popular form of spiritual water used is named Florida Water, and one specific company, the Lanman & Kemp Barclay Co., is the proprietor of this fragrant cologne water. In the early days of this country, it was used as a cologne by both men and women, since deodorants were not in use, but later the continued use of Florida Water took on a more spiritual meaning for folks. Florida Water has a spicy, citrusy scent that is not overpowering and is pleasant for most people’s olfactory senses.
In the 1880’s and 1890’s, the Murray & Lanman recipe of Florida Water was touted as “The Richest of all Perfumes” and was considered the most popular perfume at that time. Currently, it is a favorite amongst the African-American population, as well as a strong favorite of Caribbean and South American cultures as well. It is a staple in magical and ritual traditions from the islands and the Americas, including the belief systems of Santeria, Hoodoo, and Conjure. In these traditions, Florida Water is used in spiritual cleansings and home blessings for protection and peace. It is worn on the body for these same reasons with and by direct application, as an addition for water to be poured over you, or in a bath, or misted in the air and surroundings.
There are many ways you can use Florida Water that a list has been constructed with ideas and tips on how to use Florida Water for yourself and your environment for peace, sanctity, and to enhance positive surroundings for an enjoyable life!
* After Shower Rubdown: Use after showering for an exhilarating rubdown and toner.
* As an Astringent: Use as an astringent and skin lotion to tone the skin, leaving it with a feeling of freshness.
* Rubdown for the Infirm: As a rubdown for the sick, Florida Water has a beneficial, stimulating effect similar to alcohol rubs but much more pleasant due to its aromatherapeutic qualities.
* Relief from Insect Bites: Applied to insect bites it provides some relief.
* For a Foot Bath: Use in foot washings by adding to a tub of water, washing the feet with the Florida water enhanced foot bath, then anointing the feet with rose oil while praying the 23rd Psalm.
* As a Hair Rinse: Add to rinse water after shampooing to clear the head of heavy thoughts.
* As a Face or Body Spritz: Keep in a spray bottle in the refrigerator for a rejuvenating face spritz during the hot days of summer.
* Anti-anxiety Relief: For high anxiety it can be applied to the forehead and used as a rubdown, providing some relief for nervous tension.
* To Create a Peaceful Space: Sprinkle on bedding before sleeping or mist into the air where rest is taken for a deeper slumber.
* To Cleanse and Bless Candles: Use to cleanse and bless candles prior to use (be sure the candles are completely dry before lighting). *CAUTION: Florida Water is highly flammable. Use extreme caution when working with it.
* To Cleanse Ritual Tools: Use to wipe down altars and altar items to keep free from negative energy.
* To Wash Lodestones: Use to wash a pair of lodestones in preparation for use.
* To Boost Spiritual Cleansings: Add to spiritual baths to enhance spiritual cleansings.
* Add to Floor Washes: Add to floor washes for its cleansing and blessing properties.
* As a Protection Cologne: Wear as a cologne for a protective shield that leaves a delicate scent.
* To Repel Negativity: Mist in the environment to repel negative energy and negative spirits.
* As a Laundry rinse: Add a quarter cup to your laundry rinse water to both cleanse and bless your clothes.
* To Attract Good Spirits: Mist in the environment to attract good spirits.
* Use as an Offering: Place a bottle on your altar as an offering to the Spirits, or designate one specific cup, shot glass, or aperitif glass for use with Florida Water offerings.
* As an Ancestral Offering: Add a few drops to a bowl of water and place on your ancestral altar as an offering to your ancestors.
* For Spirit Communication: Pour a little in a cast iron pot or cauldron and light it to aid in spirit communication through fire. BE VERY CAUTIOUS WHEN PERFORMING THIS RITUAL!
* To Energize Money Works: Pour a little in a cast iron pot or cauldron and light it, then place your hands over the flames warming them before engaging in money drawing activities like working and gambling. BE VERY CAUTIOUS WHEN PERFORMING THIS RITUAL!
* Holy Water: Pray the 23rd Psalm over it and use in place of Holy Water.
* For Spirit Receptivity: Periodically spray a little on your altar to keep it receptive to the spirits.
* For Dream Work: Place some in a crystal bowl with spring water next to your bed for prophetic dreams.
* As an Attraction Spray: Combine basil and patchouli essential oils, Florida water and a lodestone to a spray bottle for a wonderful attraction spray.
* Poppet Doll Baby Baptism: Use to baptize doll babies by sprinkling on the doll’s head.
* In a Water Scrying Jar: Pour 1/2 Florida Water into a jar half filled with river water and use for divination.
* Divining Pendulum Rinse: Use to rinse pendulums after readings to clear and prepare them for subsequent readings.
* Blessing of Animal Companions: Anoint your furry friend’s foreheads with just a dab to bless them.
* To Cleanse and Bless a Religious Medal or Spiritual Amulet: Spritz with Florida Water before wearing item around neck or carrying in a pocket or purse/billfold for protection and spiritual intervention.
The products featured in the photos contained within the article are of Lucky 13 Clover Rose Water and Lucky 13 Clover Orange Flower Water, both can be ordered through the website at www.lucky13clover.com
