In Ozark folk magic, the new moon is associated with new beginnings and cleansing. For this traditional bath you will need:

• A plastic water pitcher or small bucket
• Hot water
• A pinch of salt, any kind
• Optional herbs: hyssop, juniper, peppermint (leaves and/or berries)
• A sieve

Traditionally, this cleansing ritual is performed before sunrise. Fill your pitcher (or bucket) with hot (not boiling) water. Ozarkers will use spring water, but water from a tap is fine as well. Add your salt and optional herbs to the water and let this stand for fifteen minutes. Pour the water into a pitcher or bucket, using the sieve to strain out the herbs.

Take the pitcher to your shower or bathtub. While facing west, repeat this charm:

What is washed away is cleansed away.

Pour some of the water over your head. Repeat the charm and water pouring a total of three times. By the end of the third pour, all the water should be gone. You can finish with a regular bath or shower. This ritual can also be performed outside.