As a children’s librarian, I currently have summer reading on the brain. (It’s never too early to plan for warmer weather when you live in Indiana, right?) The theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities, and I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time looking to hire some poor unfortunate soul to dress as Ariel. With mermaids on the brain, I thought I’d dedicate this Fae Friday to an overlooked mythological creature: the merman. Specifically, the Dinny Mara who reside off the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Mermen may have been sexualized in current media, but the Dinny Mara are considered ugly creatures with pig-like eyes, breath like raw fish, and crimson noses from drinking all the brandy found in sunken ships (Bane, 2013). Despite their odd appearance, the Dinny Mara are considered very affable sea creatures who are usually in the mood to help sailors by warning them of impending storms or by providing fish when food supplies are running short on ships (Mer-Gyver, 2013). The Dinny Mara do have a bit of a bad side, though. If you want to avoid making them upset, be sure to never whistle while sailing in their waters. They absolutely detest whistling, and they are known to conjure up strong winds that will blow your boat off its course (Bane, 2013).
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MermenLubok.jpg
Activity
A beautiful way to connect to water and the spirits it holds is by taking a ritual bath. Though bodies of water hold danger and must be respected, they are also places of tremendous healing. In a chaotic world that fuels our stress, anxiety, and depression, slipping into the warm embrace of a relaxing bath can help ease the tensions we hold within our bodies on a daily basis.
I would suggest doing this during a new or full moon to help increase the bath’s potency. Just as the moon controls the tides of the Earth, it can also influence the water within your tub and within your body. Before drawing the bath, be thinking of your intentions. Do you want the water to heal your body? Your soul? Do you wish it to form a protective barrier around you? Whatever you desire, be thinking about that throughout your day as you gather the ingredients to add to your bath. These can be anything you feel drawn too (though to be safe, I would Google what you select to ensure it’s safe for human skin). To bring a bit of the ocean into this bath, I suggest Epsom or sea salt (these are also great for aches and pains). Rose petals would be a nice addition for femininity and beauty. Perhaps you are growing an herb garden and have some peppermint leaves or fresh rosemary to add. Essential oils are also a nice addition.
Before your bath, be sure to clean your ritual space. I know that cleaning your bathroom isn’t the most exciting task, but you are worthy of a clean environment. You deserve a peaceful bath free of impurities, and you will feel much more relaxed soaking in a freshly cleaned tub. It is also suggested that you take a short shower before the bath begins so you can rinse your skin of any unwanted sweat, grit, or negativity.
While you draw your bath and add your ingredients, set up the space to be most comfortable for you. Start a playlist of soothing music that feeds your soul. Light some candles to fill the room with soft light. You can surround your tub with your favorite crystals or bring your journal to write down your intentions. Incense would also be a pleasant addition to the atmosphere. Focus on making this time your own.
Next, enjoy your soak! You deserve it. Stay for as long as wish, releasing all your stress and anxiety into the water. Be sure to take note of your entire body as it is submerged; think of all the beautiful things those different body parts do for you in a day. All of you is powerful and beautiful. Focus on the intentions you set before entering the bath and enjoy a quiet meditation.
When you are finished, drain your tub and gather all the leftover ingredients in a bowl. After you are dry and feeling relaxed from your ritual bath, take those ingredients outside and return them to the Earth they were borrowed from. I hope this ritual gives you a restful night’s sleep and a wonderful start to your following day!
References
Bane, T. (2013). Encyclopedia of fairies in world folklore and mythology. McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers.
Mer-Gyver, M. (2013, June 12). Mermen in lore and history. http://mermaidminerals.com/mermaids/2013/mermen-in-lore-and-history