Shadow Work Soap

This bar was one of the first that came to mind when deciding to create soap that could be used in ceremony. For many of us, when faced with our own darkness or traumatic stories, it feels like we are descending into the underworld without a speck of light in sight. This bar was inspired by the goddess Hecate. Hecate is known as the triple goddess (maiden, mother and crone) that holds the torch to light your way in the darkness as you traverse the labyrinth of your subconscious. She is also connected to Persephone, the goddess that descended into Hades after eating pomegranate seeds. Or Inanna, the Mesopotamian goddess, as she was stripped naked of her jewels during her descent to the underworld, only to hang on a meat hook for three days before resurrecting and reclaiming her crown. This is a reminder that no matter how dark our journey gets, we are promised to rise again. 

I infused this bar with herbs associated with these goddesses: dandelion root, lavender, rosemary, sage and mugwort. I incorporated pomegranate juice, activated charcoal (for the purification agent within alchemical ash) and scented her with lavender, orange, patchouli and rosemary essential oils. She is topped with dried pomegranate flowers and calendula petals that mirror the torch to light your way through the darkness. You will rise again. Until then, light a candle and soak in the tub with this rich and earthy gift to your senses. 

All ingredients are organic and locally sourced when possible. Used herbs are offered back to Gaia as an offering of gratitude.

Ingredients: olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, caster oil, sodium hydroxide (lye), distilled water, pomegranate juice, dandelion root, lavender, rosemary, sage, mugwort, alkanet root powder, activated charcoal, yellow Brazilian clay, lavender EO, patchouli EO, rosemary EO, orange EO.