9. Coneflower

Strengthening power, protection, defensive magick.

Draw strength from within and protect yourself fiercely: it's time to reclaim your power.

Be mindful of your energy at this time, darling. You have not taken proper steps to protect your spiritual body and, as a result, you are losing power, strength, purpose and protection. You may even notice these effects spilling over into your physical existence in the form of loss, frustration and confusion. Failure to tend to your well-being will make it easier for destructive energies to chip away at your defenses. Receiving this card is encouragement from your guides and ancestors to take better care of your mind, body, heart and soul. Proper rest, connecting with your spiritual support team, setting healthy boundaries and taking steps to heal past traumas are advised in the coming days and weeks to restore your spirit. As you begin to raise your power you might notice some people or interests start to pull away. Take notice of what is ending in your life, as these are the people and things that have been feeding off your strength. If you have inquired about a specific person or path to take, receiving this card is your sign that this is not a healthy course of action and you should immediately distance yourself.

Protection baths are a powerful ritual to help you feel grounded, empowered and safe. A protection bath will give you the opportunity to create a sacred space in which you can focus on your intention for more safety, guidance and peace within yourself and in your surroundings. Focusing on these intentions during the bath allows the healing energy of water to work its magick.

The process begins by adding special herbs or essential oils into a warm bath of water. Commonly used protective herbs include lavender, eucalyptus, sage and thyme, plants that have long been recognized for their purifying and shielding properties. Essential oils to consider for a protection bath ritual include frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, geranium, vetiver, rosemary and bergamot.

As you relax in the warm water, focus on your intention for safety and protection. This is a time to slow down and release any fear or negative energy that may be held in your body or aura. With each breath, imagine the warmth of the water washing away these worries and leaving only love and light in its place. Visualize yourself surrounded by a shimmering bubble of white light that radiates outward from your heart center, and feel this protective shield protecting you from all forms of negativity and harm. Take some time to connect with gratitude for the blessing of protection that has been gifted to you through this beautiful ritual.